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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1251 ***
+
+Le Morte D’Arthur
+King Arthur and of his Noble Knights of the Round Table
+
+by Thomas Malory
+
+
+IN TWO VOLS.—VOL. I
+
+
+Contents
+
+ BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
+ PREFACE OF WILLIAM CAXTON
+
+ BOOK I.
+
+ CHAPTER I. First, How Uther Pendragon sent for the duke of Cornwall
+ and Igraine his wife, and of their departing suddenly again.
+
+ CHAPTER II. How Uther Pendragon made war on the duke of Cornwall, and
+ how by the mean of Merlin he lay by the duchess and gat Arthur.
+
+ CHAPTER III. Of the birth of King Arthur and of his nurture.
+
+ CHAPTER IV. Of the death of King Uther Pendragon.
+
+ CHAPTER V. How Arthur was chosen king, and of wonders and marvels of a
+ sword taken out of a stone by the said Arthur.
+
+ CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur pulled out the sword divers times.
+
+ CHAPTER VII. How King Arthur was crowned, and how he made officers.
+
+ CHAPTER VIII. How King Arthur held in Wales, at a Pentecost, a great
+ feast, and what kings and lords came to his feast.
+
+ CHAPTER IX. Of the first war that King Arthur had, and how he won the
+ field.
+
+ CHAPTER X. How Merlin counselled King Arthur to send for King Ban and
+ King Bors, and of their counsel taken for the war.
+
+ CHAPTER XI. Of a great tourney made by King Arthur and the two kings
+ Ban and Bors, and how they went over the sea.
+
+ CHAPTER XII. How eleven kings gathered a great host against King
+ Arthur.
+
+ CHAPTER XIII. Of a dream of the King with the Hundred Knights.
+
+ CHAPTER XIV. How the eleven kings with their host fought against
+ Arthur and his host, and many great feats of the war.
+
+ CHAPTER XV. Yet of the same battle.
+
+ CHAPTER XVI. Yet more of the same battle.
+
+ CHAPTER XVII. Yet more of the same battle, and how it was ended by
+ Merlin.
+
+ CHAPTER XVIII. How King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors rescued King
+ Leodegrance, and other incidents.
+
+ CHAPTER XIX. How King Arthur rode to Carlion, and of his dream, and
+ how he saw the questing beast.
+
+ CHAPTER XX. How King Pellinore took Arthur's horse and followed the
+ Questing Beast, and how Merlin met with Arthur.
+
+ CHAPTER XXI. How Ulfius impeached Queen Igraine, Arthur's mother, of
+ treason; and how a knight came and desired to have the death of his
+ master revenged.
+
+ CHAPTER XXII. How Griflet was made knight, and jousted with a knight
+
+ CHAPTER XXIII. How twelve knights came from Rome and asked truage for
+ this land of Arthur, and how Arthur fought with a knight.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIV. How Merlin saved Arthur's life, and threw an enchantment
+ on King Pellinore and made him to sleep.
+
+ CHAPTER XXV. How Arthur by the mean of Merlin gat Excalibur his sword
+ of the Lady of the Lake.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVI. How tidings came to Arthur that King Rience had overcome
+ eleven kings, and how he desired Arthur's beard to trim his mantle.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVII. How all the children were sent for that were born on
+ May-day, and how Mordred was saved.
+
+ BOOK II.
+
+ CHAPTER I. Of a damosel which came girt with a sword for to find a man
+ of such virtue to draw it out of the scabbard.
+
+ CHAPTER II. How Balin, arrayed like a poor knight, pulled out the
+ sword, which afterward was the cause of his death.
+
+ CHAPTER III. How the Lady of the Lake demanded the knight's head that
+ had won the sword, or the maiden's head.
+
+ CHAPTER IV. How Merlin told the adventure of this damosel.
+
+ CHAPTER V. How Balin was pursued by Sir Lanceor, knight of Ireland,
+ and how he jousted and slew him.
+
+ CHAPTER VI. How a damosel, which was love to Lanceor, slew herself for
+ love, and how Balin met with his brother Balan.
+
+ CHAPTER VII. How a dwarf reproved Balin for the death of Lanceor, and
+ how King Mark of Cornwall found them, and made a tomb over them.
+
+ CHAPTER VIII. How Merlin prophesied that two the best knights of the
+ world should fight there, which were Sir Lancelot and Sir Tristram.
+
+ CHAPTER IX. How Balin and his brother, by the counsel of Merlin, took
+ King Rience and brought him to King Arthur.
+
+ CHAPTER X. How King Arthur had a battle against Nero and King Lot of
+ Orkney, and how King Lot was deceived by Merlin, and how twelve kings
+ were slain.
+
+ CHAPTER XI. Of the interment of twelve kings, and of the prophecy of
+ Merlin, and how Balin should give the dolorous stroke.
+
+ CHAPTER XII. How a sorrowful knight came before Arthur, and how Balin
+ fetched him, and how that knight was slain by a knight invisible.
+
+ CHAPTER XIII. How Balin and the damosel met with a knight which was in
+ likewise slain, and how the damosel bled for the custom of a castle.
+
+ CHAPTER XIV. How Balin met with that knight named Garlon at a feast,
+ and there he slew him, to have his blood to heal therewith the son of
+ his host.
+
+ CHAPTER XV. How Balin fought with King Pellam, and how his sword
+ brake, and how he gat a spear wherewith he smote the dolorous stroke.
+
+ CHAPTER XVI. How Balin was delivered by Merlin, and saved a knight
+ that would have slain himself for love.
+
+ CHAPTER XVII. How that knight slew his love and a knight lying by her,
+ and after, how he slew himself with his own sword, and how Balin rode
+ toward a castle where he lost his life.
+
+ CHAPTER XVIII. How Balin met with his brother Balan, and how each of
+ them slew other unknown, till they were wounded to death.
+
+ CHAPTER XIX. How Merlin buried them both in one tomb, and of Balin's
+ sword.
+
+ BOOK III.
+
+ CHAPTER I. How King Arthur took a wife, and wedded Guenever, daughter
+ to Leodegrance, King of the Land of Cameliard, with whom he had the
+ Round Table.
+
+ CHAPTER II. How the Knights of the Round Table were ordained and their
+ sieges blessed by the Bishop of Canterbury.
+
+ CHAPTER III. How a poor man riding upon a lean mare desired King
+ Arthur to make his son knight.
+
+ CHAPTER IV. How Sir Tor was known for son of King Pellinore, and how
+ Gawaine was made knight.
+
+ CHAPTER V. How at feast of the wedding of King Arthur to Guenever, a
+ white hart came into the hall, and thirty couple hounds, and how a
+ brachet pinched the hart which was taken away.
+
+ CHAPTER VI. How Sir Gawaine rode for to fetch again the hart, and how
+ two brethren fought each against other for the hart.
+
+ CHAPTER VII How the hart was chased into a castle and there slain, and
+ how Sir Gawaine slew a lady.
+
+ CHAPTER VIII. How four knights fought against Gawaine and Gaheris, and
+ how they were overcome, and their lives saved at request of four
+ ladies.
+
+ CHAPTER IX. How Sir Tor rode after the knight with the brachet, and of
+ his adventure by the way.
+
+ CHAPTER X. How Sir Tor found the brachet with a lady, and how a knight
+ assailed him for the said brachet.
+
+ CHAPTER XI. How Sir Tor overcame the knight, and how he lost his head
+ at the request of a lady.
+
+ CHAPTER XII. How King Pellinore rode after the lady and the knight
+ that led her away, and how a lady desired help of him, and how he
+ fought with two knights for that lady, of whom he slew the one at the
+ first stroke.
+
+ CHAPTER XIII. How King Pellinore gat the lady and brought her to
+ Camelot to the court of King Arthur.
+
+ CHAPTER XIV. How on the way he heard two knights, as he lay by night
+ in a valley, and of their adventures.
+
+ CHAPTER XV. How when he was come to Camelot he was sworn upon a book
+ to tell the truth of his quest.
+
+ BOOK IV.
+
+ CHAPTER I. How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of the ladies of
+ the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone and there died.
+
+ CHAPTER II. How five kings came into this land to war against King
+ Arthur, and what counsel Arthur had against them.
+
+ CHAPTER III. How King Arthur had ado with them and overthrew them, and
+ slew the five kings and made the remnant to flee.
+
+ CHAPTER IV. How the battle was finished or he came, and how King
+ Arthur founded an abbey where the battle was.
+
+ CHAPTER V. How Sir Tor was made knight of the Round Table, and how
+ Bagdemagus was displeased.
+
+ CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur, King Uriens, and Sir Accolon of Gaul,
+ chased an hart, and of their marvellous adventures.
+
+ CHAPTER VII. How Arthur took upon him to fight to be delivered out of
+ prison, and also for to deliver twenty knights that were in prison.
+
+ CHAPTER VIII. How Accolon found himself by a well, and he took upon
+ him to do battle against Arthur.
+
+ CHAPTER IX. Of the battle between King Arthur and Accolon.
+
+ CHAPTER X. How King Arthur's sword that he fought with brake, and how
+ he recovered of Accolon his own sword Excalibur, and overcame his
+ enemy.
+
+ CHAPTER XI. How Accolon confessed the treason of Morgan le Fay, King
+ Arthur's sister, and how she would have done slay him.
+
+ CHAPTER XII. How Arthur accorded the two brethren, and delivered the
+ twenty knights, and how Sir Accolon died.
+
+ CHAPTER XIII. How Morgan would have slain Sir Uriens her husband, and
+ how Sir Uwaine her son saved him.
+
+ CHAPTER XIV. How Queen Morgan le Fay made great sorrow for the death
+ of Accolon, and how she stole away the scabbard from Arthur.
+
+ CHAPTER XV. How Morgan le Fay saved a knight that should have been
+ drowned, and how King Arthur returned home again.
+
+ CHAPTER XVI. How the Damosel of the Lake saved King Arthur from mantle
+ that should have burnt him.
+
+ CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine met with twelve fair
+ damosels, and how they complained on Sir Marhaus.
+
+ CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Marhaus jousted with Sir Gawaine and Sir
+ Uwaine, and overthrew them both.
+
+ CHAPTER XIX. How Sir Marhaus, Sir Gawaine, and Sir Uwaine met three
+ damosels, and each of them took one.
+
+ CHAPTER XX. How a knight and a dwarf strove for a lady.
+
+ CHAPTER XXI. How King Pelleas suffered himself to be taken prisoner
+ because he would have a sight of his lady, and how Sir Gawaine
+ promised him to get to him the love of his lady.
+
+ CHAPTER XXII. How Sir Gawaine came to the Lady Ettard, and how Sir
+ Pelleas found them sleeping.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Pelleas loved no more Ettard by means of the
+ Damosel of the Lake, whom he loved ever after.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Marhaus rode with the damosel, and how he came
+ to the Duke of the South Marches.
+
+ CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Marhaus fought with the duke and his four sons
+ and made them to yield them.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVI. How Sir Uwaine rode with the damosel of sixty year of
+ age, and how he gat the prize at tourneying.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Uwaine fought with two knights and overcame
+ them.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVIII. How at the year's end all three knights with their
+ three damosels met at the fountain.
+
+ BOOK V.
+
+ CHAPTER I. How twelve aged ambassadors of Rome came to King Arthur to
+ demand truage for Britain.
+
+ CHAPTER II. How the kings and lords promised to King Arthur aid and
+ help against the Romans.
+
+ CHAPTER III. How King Arthur held a parliament at York, and how he
+ ordained the realm should be governed in his absence.
+
+ CHAPTER IV. How King Arthur being shipped and lying in his cabin had a
+ marvellous dream and of the exposition thereof.
+
+ CHAPTER V. How a man of the country told to him of a marvellous giant,
+ and how he fought and conquered him.
+
+ CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur sent Sir Gawaine and other to Lucius, and
+ how they were assailed and escaped with worship.
+
+ CHAPTER VII. How Lucius sent certain spies in a bushment for to have
+ taken his knights being prisoners, and how they were letted.
+
+ CHAPTER VIII. How a senator told to Lucius of their discomfiture, and
+ also of the great battle between Arthur and Lucius.
+
+ CHAPTER IX How Arthur, after he had achieved the battle against the
+ Romans, entered into Almaine, and so into Italy.
+
+ CHAPTER X. Of a battle done by Sir Gawaine against a Saracen, which
+ after was yielden and became Christian.
+
+ CHAPTER XI. How the Saracens came out of a wood for to rescue their
+ beasts, and of a great battle.
+
+ CHAPTER XII. How Sir Gawaine returned to King Arthur with his
+ prisoners, and how the King won a city, and how he was crowned
+ Emperor.
+
+ BOOK VI.
+
+ CHAPTER I. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel departed from the court,
+ and how Sir Lionel left him sleeping and was taken.
+
+ CHAPTER II. How Sir Ector followed for to seek Sir Launcelot, and how
+ he was taken by Sir Turquine.
+
+ CHAPTER III How four queens found Launcelot sleeping, and how by
+ enchantment he was taken and led into a castle.
+
+ CHAPTER IV. How Sir Launcelot was delivered by the mean of a damosel.
+
+ CHAPTER V. How a knight found Sir Launcelot lying in his leman's bed,
+ and how Sir Launcelot fought with the knight.
+
+ CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot was received of King Bagdemagus'
+ daughter, and how he made his complaint to her father.
+
+ CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a tournament, and how he
+ met with Sir Turquine leading Sir Gaheris.
+
+ CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Turquine fought together.
+
+ CHAPTER IX. How Sir Turquine was slain, and how Sir Launcelot bade Sir
+ Gaheris deliver all the prisoners.
+
+ CHAPTER X. How Sir Launcelot rode with a damosel and slew a knight
+ that distressed all ladies and also a villain that kept a bridge.
+
+ CHAPTER XI. How Sir Launcelot slew two giants, and made a castle free.
+
+ CHAPTER XII. How Sir Launcelot rode disguised in Sir Kay's harness,
+ and how he smote down a knight.
+
+ CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Launcelot jousted against four knights of the
+ Round Table and overthrew them.
+
+ CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Launcelot followed a brachet into a castle, where
+ he found a dead knight, and how he after was required of a damosel to
+ heal her brother.
+
+ CHAPTER XV. How Sir Launcelot came into the Chapel Perilous and gat
+ there of a dead corpse a piece of the cloth and a sword.
+
+ CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Launcelot at the request of a lady recovered a
+ falcon, by which he was deceived.
+
+ CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Launcelot overtook a knight which chased his
+ wife to have slain her, and how he said to him.
+
+ CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Launcelot came to King Arthur's Court, and how
+ there were recounted all his noble feats and acts.
+
+ BOOK VII.
+
+ CHAPTER I. How Beaumains came to King Arthur's Court and demanded
+ three petitions of King Arthur.
+
+ CHAPTER II. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine were wroth because Sir
+ Kay mocked Beaumains, and of a damosel which desired a knight to fight
+ for a lady.
+
+ CHAPTER III. How Beaumains desired the battle, and how it was granted
+ to him, and how he desired to be made knight of Sir Launcelot.
+
+ CHAPTER IV. How Beaumains departed, and how he gat of Sir Kay a spear
+ and a shield, and how he jousted with Sir Launcelot.
+
+ CHAPTER V. How Beaumains told to Sir Launcelot his name, and how he
+ was dubbed knight of Sir Launcelot, and after overtook the damosel.
+
+ CHAPTER VI. How Beaumains fought and slew two knights at a passage.
+
+ CHAPTER VII. How Beaumains fought with the Knight of the Black Launds,
+ and fought with him till he fell down and died.
+
+ CHAPTER VIII. How the brother of the knight that was slain met with
+ Beaumains, and fought with Beaumains till he was yielden.
+
+ CHAPTER IX. How the damosel again rebuked Beaumains, and would not
+ suffer him to sit at her table, but called him kitchen boy.
+
+ CHAPTER X. How the third brother, called the Red Knight, jousted and
+ fought against Beaumains, and how Beaumains overcame him.
+
+ CHAPTER XI. How Sir Beaumains suffered great rebukes of the damosel,
+ and he suffered it patiently.
+
+ CHAPTER XII. How Beaumains fought with Sir Persant of Inde, and made
+ him to be yielden.
+
+ CHAPTER XIII. Of the goodly communication between Sir Persant and
+ Beaumains, and how he told him that his name was Sir Gareth.
+
+ CHAPTER XIV. How the lady that was besieged had word from her sister
+ how she had brought a knight to fight for her, and what battles he had
+ achieved.
+
+ CHAPTER XV. How the damosel and Beaumains came to the siege; and came
+ to a sycamore tree, and there Beaumains blew a horn, and then the
+ Knight of the Red Launds came to fight with him.
+
+ CHAPTER XVI. How the two knights met together, and of their talking,
+ and how they began their battle.
+
+ CHAPTER XVII. How after long fighting Beaumains overcame the knight
+ and would have slain him, but at the request of the lords he saved his
+ life, and made him to yield him to the lady.
+
+ CHAPTER XVIII. How the knight yielded him, and how Beaumains made him
+ to go unto King Arthur's court, and to cry Sir Launcelot mercy.
+
+ CHAPTER XIX How Beaumains came to the lady, and when he came to the
+ castle the gates were closed against him, and of the words that the
+ lady said to him.
+
+ CHAPTER XX. How Sir Beaumains rode after to rescue his dwarf, and came
+ into the castle where he was.
+
+ CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Gareth, otherwise called Beaumains, came to the
+ presence of his lady, and how they took acquaintance, and of their
+ love.
+
+ CHAPTER XXII. How at night came an armed knight, and fought with Sir
+ Gareth, and he, sore hurt in the thigh, smote off the knight's head.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIII. How the said knight came again the next night and was
+ beheaded again, and how at the feast of Pentecost all the knights that
+ Sir Gareth had overcome came and yielded them to King Arthur.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIV. How King Arthur pardoned them, and demanded of them
+ where Sir Gareth was.
+
+ CHAPTER XXV. How the Queen of Orkney came to this feast of Pentecost,
+ and Sir Gawaine and his brethren came to ask her blessing.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVI. How King Arthur sent for the Lady Lionesse, and how she
+ let cry a tourney at her castle, whereas came many knights.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVII. How King Arthur went to the tournament with his
+ knights, and how the lady received him worshipfully, and how the
+ knights encountered.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVIII. How the knights bare them in the battle.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIX. Yet of the said tournament.
+
+ CHAPTER XXX. How Sir Gareth was espied by the heralds, and how he
+ escaped out of the field.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Gareth came to a castle where he was well
+ lodged, and he jousted with a knight and slew him.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Gareth fought with a knight that held within
+ his castle thirty ladies, and how he slew him.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Gareth and Sir Gawaine fought each against
+ other, and how they knew each other by the damosel Linet.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXIV. How Sir Gareth acknowledged that they loved each other
+ to King Arthur, and of the appointment of their wedding.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXV. Of the Great Royalty, and what officers were made at the
+ feast of the wedding, and of the jousts at the feast.
+
+ BOOK VIII.
+
+ CHAPTER I. How Sir Tristram de Liones was born, and how his mother
+ died at his birth, wherefore she named him Tristram.
+
+ CHAPTER II. How the stepmother of Sir Tristram had ordained poison for
+ to have poisoned Sir Tristram.
+
+ CHAPTER III. How Sir Tristram was sent into France, and had one to
+ govern him named Gouvernail, and how he learned to harp, hawk, and
+ hunt.
+
+ CHAPTER IV. How Sir Marhaus came out of Ireland for to ask truage of
+ Cornwall, or else he would fight therefore.
+
+ CHAPTER V. How Tristram enterprized the battle to fight for the truage
+ of Cornwall, and how he was made knight.
+
+ CHAPTER VI. How Sir Tristram arrived into the Island for to furnish
+ the battle with Sir Marhaus.
+
+ CHAPTER VII. How Sir Tristram fought against Sir Marhaus and achieved
+ his battle, and how Sir Marhaus fled to his ship.
+
+ CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Marhaus after that he was arrived in Ireland
+ died of the stroke that Sir Tristram had given him, and how Tristram
+ was hurt.
+
+ CHAPTER IX. How Sir Tristram was put to the keeping of La Beale Isoud
+ first for to be healed of his wound.
+
+ CHAPTER X. How Sir Tristram won the degree at a tournament in Ireland,
+ and there made Palamides to bear no more harness in a year.
+
+ CHAPTER XI. How the queen espied that Sir Tristram had slain her
+ brother Sir Marhaus by his sword, and in what jeopardy he was.
+
+ CHAPTER XII. How Sir Tristram departed from the king and La Beale
+ Isoud out of Ireland for to come into Cornwall.
+
+ CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Tristram and King Mark hurted each other for the
+ love of a knight's wife.
+
+ CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Tristram lay with the lady, and how her husband
+ fought with Sir Tristram.
+
+ CHAPTER XV. How Sir Bleoberis demanded the fairest lady in King Mark's
+ court, whom he took away, and how he was fought with.
+
+ CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Tristram fought with two knights of the Round
+ Table.
+
+ CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Bleoberis for a lady,
+ and how the lady was put to choice to whom she would go.
+
+ CHAPTER XVIII. How the lady forsook Sir Tristram and abode with Sir
+ Bleoberis, and how she desired to go to her husband.
+
+ CHAPTER XIX. How King Mark sent Sir Tristram for La Beale Isoud toward
+ Ireland, and how by fortune he arrived into England.
+
+ CHAPTER XX. How King Anguish of Ireland was summoned to come to King
+ Arthur's court for treason.
+
+ CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Tristram rescued a child from a knight, and how
+ Gouvernail told him of King Anguish.
+
+ CHAPTER XXII. How Sir Tristram fought for Sir Anguish and overcame his
+ adversary, and how his adversary would never yield him.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Blamore desired Tristram to slay him, and how
+ Sir Tristram spared him, and how they took appointment.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Tristram demanded La Beale Isoud for King Mark,
+ and how Sir Tristram and Isoud drank the love drink.
+
+ CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Tristram and Isoud were in prison, and how he
+ fought for her beauty, and smote off another lady's head.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVI. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Breunor, and at the
+ last smote off his head.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Galahad fought with Sir Tristram, and how Sir
+ Tristram yielded him and promised to fellowship with Launcelot.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVIII. How Sir Launcelot met with Sir Carados bearing away
+ Sir Gawaine, and of the rescue of Sir Gawaine.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIX. Of the wedding of King Mark to La Beale Isoud, and of
+ Bragwaine her maid, and of Palamides.
+
+ CHAPTER XXX. How Palamides demanded Queen Isoud, and how Lambegus rode
+ after to rescue her, and of the escape of Isoud.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Tristram rode after Palamides, and how he found
+ him and fought with him, and by the means of Isoud the battle ceased.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Tristram brought Queen Isoud home, and of the
+ debate of King Mark and Sir Tristram.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Lamorak jousted with thirty knights, and Sir
+ Tristram at the request of King Mark smote his horse down.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXIV. How Sir Lamorak sent an horn to King Mark in despite of
+ Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram was driven into a chapel.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXV. How Sir Tristram was holpen by his men, and of Queen
+ Isoud which was put in a lazar-cote, and how Tristram was hurt.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXVI. How Sir Tristram served in war King Howel of Brittany,
+ and slew his adversary in the field.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXVII. How Sir Suppinabiles told Sir Tristram how he was
+ defamed in the court of King Arthur, and of Sir Lamorak.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXVIII. How Sir Tristram and his wife arrived in Wales, and
+ how he met there with Sir Lamorak.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXIX. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Nabon, and overcame
+ him, and made Sir Segwarides lord of the isle.
+
+ CHAPTER XL
+
+ CHAPTER XLI. How Sir Lamorak slew Sir Frol, and of the courteous
+ fighting with Sir Belliance his brother.
+
+ BOOK IX.
+
+ CHAPTER I. How a young man came into the court of King Arthur, and how
+ Sir Kay called him in scorn La Cote Male Taile.
+
+ CHAPTER II. How a damosel came into the court and desired a knight to
+ take on him an enquest, which La Cote Male Taile emprised.
+
+ CHAPTER III. How La Cote Male Taile overthrew Sir Dagonet the king's
+ fool, and of the rebuke that he had of the damosel.
+
+ CHAPTER IV. How La Cote Male Taile fought against an hundred knights,
+ and how he escaped by the mean of a lady.
+
+ CHAPTER V. How Sir Launcelot came to the court and heard of La Cote
+ Male Taile, and how he followed after him, and how La Cote Male Taile
+ was prisoner.
+
+ CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot fought with six knights, and after with
+ Sir Brian, and how he delivered the prisoners.
+
+ CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot met with the damosel named Male disant,
+ and named her the Damosel Bienpensant.
+
+ CHAPTER VIII. How La Cote Male Taile was taken prisoner, and after
+ rescued by Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot overcame four
+ brethren.
+
+ CHAPTER IX. How Sir Launcelot made La Cote Male Taile lord of the
+ Castle of Pendragon, and after was made knight of the Round Table.
+
+ CHAPTER X. How La Beale Isoud sent letters to Sir Tristram by her maid
+ Bragwaine, and of divers adventures of Sir Tristram.
+
+ CHAPTER XI. How Sir Tristram met with Sir Lamorak de Galis, and how
+ they fought, and after accorded never to fight together.
+
+ CHAPTER XII. How Sir Palomides followed the Questing Beast, and smote
+ down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one spear.
+
+ CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Lamorak met with Sir Meliagaunce, and fought
+ together for the beauty of Dame Guenever.
+
+ CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Kay met with Sir Tristram, and after of the shame
+ spoken of the knights of Cornwall, and how they jousted.
+
+ CHAPTER XV. How King Arthur was brought into the Forest Perilous, and
+ how Sir Tristram saved his life.
+
+ CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Tristram came to La Beale Isoud, and how Kehydius
+ began to love Beale Isoud, and of a letter that Tristram found.
+
+ CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Tristram departed from Tintagil, and how he
+ sorrowed and was so long in a forest till he was out of his mind.
+
+ CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Tristram soused Dagonet in a well, and how
+ Palomides sent a damosel to seek Tristram, and how Palomides met with
+ King Mark.
+
+ CHAPTER XIX. How it was noised how Sir Tristram was dead, and how La
+ Beale Isoud would have slain herself.
+
+ CHAPTER XX. How King Mark found Sir Tristram naked, and made him to be
+ borne home to Tintagil, and how he was there known by a brachet.
+
+ CHAPTER XXI. How King Mark, by the advice of his council, banished Sir
+ Tristram out of Cornwall the term of ten years.
+
+ CHAPTER XXII. How a damosel sought help to help Sir Launcelot against
+ thirty knights, and how Sir Tristram fought with them.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan came to a lodging
+ where they must joust with two knights.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Tristram jousted with Sir Kay and Sir Sagramore
+ le Desirous, and how Sir Gawaine turned Sir Tristram from Morgan le
+ Fay.
+
+ CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Tristram and Sir Gawaine rode to have foughten
+ with the thirty knights, but they durst not come out.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVI. How damosel Bragwaine found Tristram sleeping by a well,
+ and how she delivered letters to him from La Beale Isoud.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Tristram had a fall with Sir Palomides, and how
+ Launcelot overthrew two knights.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVIII. How Sir Launcelot jousted with Palomides and overthrew
+ him, and after he was assailed with twelve knights.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIX. How Sir Tristram behaved him the first day of the
+ tournament, and there he had the prize.
+
+ CHAPTER XXX. How Sir Tristram returned against King Arthur's party
+ because he saw Sir Palomides on that party.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Tristram found Palomides by a well, and brought
+ him with him to his lodging.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides, and how he
+ jousted with King Arthur, and other feats.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Launcelot hurt Sir Tristram, and how after Sir
+ Tristram smote down Sir Palomides.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXIV. How the prize of the third day was given to Sir
+ Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot gave it to Sir Tristram.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXV. How Palomides came to the castle where Sir Tristram was,
+ and of the quest that Sir Launcelot and ten knights made for Sir
+ Tristram.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXVI. How Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan were
+ taken and put in prison.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXVII. How King Mark was sorry for the good renown of Sir
+ Tristram. Some of King Arthur's knights jousted with knights of
+ Cornwall.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXVIII. Of the treason of King Mark, and how Sir Gaheris
+ smote him down and Andred his cousin.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXIX. How after that Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir
+ Dinadan had been long in prison they were delivered.
+
+ CHAPTER XL. How Sir Dinadan rescued a lady from Sir Breuse Saunce
+ Pité, and how Sir Tristram received a shield of Morgan le Fay.
+
+ CHAPTER XLI. How Sir Tristram took with him the shield, and also how
+ he slew the paramour of Morgan le Fay.
+
+ CHAPTER XLII. How Morgan le Fay buried her paramour, and how Sir
+ Tristram praised Sir Launcelot and his kin.
+
+ CHAPTER XLIII. How Sir Tristram at a tournament bare the shield that
+ Morgan le Fay delivered to him.
+
+GLOSSARY
+
+
+
+
+BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
+
+
+The Morte D’Arthur was finished, as the epilogue tells us, in the ninth
+year of Edward IV., i.e. between March 4, 1469 and the same date in
+1470. It is thus, fitly enough, the last important English book written
+before the introduction of printing into this country, and since no
+manuscript of it has come down to us it is also the first English
+classic for our knowledge of which we are entirely dependent on a
+printed text. Caxton’s story of how the book was brought to him and he
+was induced to print it may be read farther on in his own preface. From
+this we learn also that he was not only the printer of the book, but to
+some extent its editor also, dividing Malory’s work into twenty-one
+books, splitting up the books into chapters, by no means skilfully, and
+supplying the “Rubrish” or chapter-headings. It may be added that
+Caxton’s preface contains, moreover, a brief criticism which, on the
+points on which it touches, is still the soundest and most sympathetic
+that has been written.
+
+Caxton finished his edition the last day of July 1485, some fifteen or
+sixteen years after Malory wrote his epilogue. It is clear that the
+author was then dead, or the printer would not have acted as a clumsy
+editor to the book, and recent discoveries (if bibliography may, for
+the moment, enlarge its bounds to mention such matters) have revealed
+with tolerable certainty when Malory died and who he was. In letters to
+The Athenaeum in July 1896 Mr. T. Williams pointed out that the name of
+a Sir Thomas Malorie occurred among those of a number of other
+Lancastrians excluded from a general pardon granted by Edward IV. in
+1468, and that a William Mallerye was mentioned in the same year as
+taking part in a Lancastrian rising. In September 1897, again, in
+another letter to the same paper, Mr. A. T. Martin reported the finding
+of the will of a Thomas Malory of Papworth, a hundred partly in
+Cambridgeshire, partly in Hunts. This will was made on September 16,
+1469, and as it was proved the 27th of the next month the testator must
+have been in immediate expectation of death. It contains the most
+careful provision for the education and starting in life of a family of
+three daughters and seven sons, of whom the youngest seems to have been
+still an infant. We cannot say with certainty that this Thomas Malory,
+whose last thoughts were so busy for his children, was our author, or
+that the Lancastrian knight discovered by Mr. Williams was identical
+with either or both, but such evidence as the Morte D’Arthur offers
+favours such a belief. There is not only the epilogue with its
+petition, “pray for me while I am alive that God send me good
+deliverance and when I am dead pray you all for my soul,” but this very
+request is foreshadowed at the end of chap. 37 of Book ix. in the
+touching passage, surely inspired by personal experience, as to the
+sickness “that is the greatest pain a prisoner may have”; and the
+reflections on English fickleness in the first chapter of Book xxi.,
+though the Wars of the Roses might have inspired them in any one, come
+most naturally from an author who was a Lancastrian knight.
+
+If the Morte D’Arthur was really written in prison and by a prisoner
+distressed by ill-health as well as by lack of liberty, surely no task
+was ever better devised to while away weary hours. Leaving abundant
+scope for originality in selection, modification, and arrangement, as a
+compilation and translation it had in it that mechanical element which
+adds the touch of restfulness to literary work. No original, it is
+said, has yet been found for Book vii., and it is possible that none
+will ever be forthcoming for chap. 20 of Book xviii., which describes
+the arrival of the body of the Fair Maiden of Astolat at Arthur’s
+court, or vii for chap. 25 of the same book, with its discourse on true
+love; but the great bulk of the work has been traced chapter by chapter
+to the “Merlin” of Robert de Borron and his successors (Bks. i.-iv.),
+the English metrical romance La Morte Arthur of the Thornton manuscript
+(Bk. v.), the French romances of Tristan (Bks. viii.-x.) and of
+Launcelot (Bks. vi., xi.-xix.), and lastly to the English prose Morte
+Arthur of Harley MS. 2252 (Bks. xviii., xx., xxi.). As to Malory’s
+choice of his authorities critics have not failed to point out that now
+and again he gives a worse version where a better has come down to us,
+and if he had been able to order a complete set of Arthurian
+manuscripts from his bookseller, no doubt he would have done even
+better than he did! But of the skill, approaching to original genius,
+with which he used the books from which he worked there is little
+dispute.
+
+Malory died leaving his work obviously unrevised, and in this condition
+it was brought to Caxton, who prepared it for the press with his usual
+enthusiasm in the cause of good literature, and also, it must be added,
+with his usual carelessness. New chapters are sometimes made to begin
+in the middle of a sentence, and in addition to simple misprints there
+are numerous passages in which it is impossible to believe that we have
+the text as Malory intended it to stand. After Caxton’s edition
+Malory’s manuscript must have disappeared, and subsequent editions are
+differentiated only by the degree of closeness with which they follow
+the first. Editions appeared printed by Wynkyn de Worde in 1498 and
+1529, by William Copland in 1559, by Thomas East about 1585, and by
+Thomas Stansby in 1634, each printer apparently taking the text of his
+immediate predecessor and reproducing it with modifications. Stansby’s
+edition served for reprints in 1816 and 1856 (the latter edited by
+Thomas Wright); but in 1817 an edition supervised by Robert Southey
+went back to Caxton’s text, though to a copy (only two are extant, and
+only one perfect!) in which eleven leaves were supplied from Wynkyn de
+Worde’s reprint. In 1868 Sir Edward Strachey produced for the present
+publishers a reprint of Southey’s text in modern spelling, with the
+substitution of current words for those now obsolete, and the softening
+of a handful of passages likely, he thought, to prevent the book being
+placed in the hands of boys. In 1889 a boon was conferred on scholars
+by the publication of Dr. H. Oskar Sommer’s page-for-page reprint of
+Caxton’s text, with an elaborate discussion of Malory’s sources. Dr.
+Sommer’s edition was used by Sir E. Strachey to revise his Globe text,
+and in 1897 Mr. Israel Gollancz produced for the “Temple Classics” a
+very pretty edition in which Sir Edward Strachey’s principles of
+modernisation in spelling and punctuation were adopted, but with the
+restoration of obsolete words and omitted phrases. As to the present
+edition, Sir Edward Strachey altered with so sparing a hand that on
+many pages differences between his version and that here printed will
+be looked for in vain; but the most anxious care has been taken to
+produce a text modernised as to its spelling, but in other respects in
+accurate accordance with Caxton’s text, as represented by Dr Sommer’s
+reprint. Obvious misprints have been silently corrected, but in a few
+cases notes show where emendations have been introduced from Wynkyn de
+Worde—not that Wynkyn had any more right to emend Caxton than we, but
+because even a printer’s conjecture gains a little sanctity after four
+centuries. The restoration of obsolete words has necessitated a much
+fuller glossary, and the index of names has therefore been separated
+from it and enlarged. In its present form the index is the work of Mr.
+Henry Littlehales.
+
+A. W. POLLARD.
+
+
+
+PREFACE OF WILLIAM CAXTON
+
+After that I had accomplished and finished divers histories, as well of
+contemplation as of other historial and worldly acts of great
+conquerors and princes, and also certain books of ensamples and
+doctrine, many noble and divers gentlemen of this realm of England came
+and demanded me many and oft times, wherefore that I have not do made
+and imprint the noble history of the Saint Greal, and of the most
+renowned Christian king, first and chief of the three best Christian,
+and worthy, King Arthur, which ought most to be remembered among us
+Englishmen to-fore all other Christian kings; for it is notoyrly known
+through the universal world, that there be nine worthy and the best
+that ever were, that is to wit, three Paynims, three Jews, and three
+Christian men. As for the Paynims, they were to-fore the Incarnation of
+Christ, which were named, the first Hector of Troy, of whom the history
+is comen both in ballad and in prose, the second Alexander the Great,
+and the third Julius Caesar, Emperor of Rome, of whom the histories be
+well known and had. And as for the three Jews, which also were to-fore
+the incarnation of our Lord, of whom the first was duke Joshua which
+brought the children of Israel into the land of behest, the second
+David king of Jerusalem, and the third Judas Machabeus, of these three
+the Bible rehearseth all their noble histories and acts. And since the
+said Incarnation have been three noble Christian men, stalled and
+admitted through the universal world into the number of the nine best
+and worthy. Of whom was first the noble Arthur, whose noble acts I
+purpose to write in this present book here following. The second was
+Charlemain, or Charles the Great, of whom the history is had in many
+places, both in French and in English. And the third and last was
+Godfrey of Boloine, of whose acts and life I made a book unto the
+excellent prince and king of noble memory, King Edward the Fourth.
+
+The said noble gentlemen instantly required me to imprint the history
+of the said noble king and conqueror King Arthur, and of his knights,
+with the history of the Saint Greal, and of the death and ending of the
+said Arthur; affirming that I ought rather to imprint his acts and
+noble feats, than of Godfrey of Boloine, or any of the other eight,
+considering that he was a man born within this realm, and king and
+emperor of the same: and that there be in French divers and many noble
+volumes of his acts, and also of his knights. To whom I answered that
+divers men hold opinion that there was no such Arthur, and that all
+such books as been made of him be feigned and fables, because that some
+chronicles make of him no mention, nor remember him nothing, nor of his
+knights. Whereto they answered, and one in special said, that in him
+that should say or think that there was never such a king called Arthur
+might well be aretted great folly and blindness. For he said that there
+were many evidences of the contrary. First ye may see his sepulchre in
+the monastery of Glastonbury. And also in Policronicon, in the fifth
+book the sixth chapter, and in the seventh book the twenty-third
+chapter, where his body was buried, and after found, and translated
+into the said monastery. Ye shall see also in the history of Bochas, in
+his book De Casu Principum, part of his noble acts, and also of his
+fall. Also Galfridus in his British book recounteth his life: and in
+divers places of England many remembrances be yet of him, and shall
+remain perpetually, and also of his knights. First in the abbey of
+Westminster, at St. Edward’s shrine, remaineth the print of his seal in
+red wax closed in beryl, in which is written, Patricius Arthurus
+Britannie, Gallie, Germanie, Dacie, Imperator. Item in the castle of
+Dover ye may see Gawaine’s skull, and Cradok’s mantle: at Winchester
+the Round Table: in other places Launcelot’s sword and many other
+things. Then all these things considered, there can no man reasonably
+gainsay but there was a king of this land named Arthur. For in all
+places, Christian and heathen, he is reputed and taken for one of the
+nine worthy, and the first of the three Christian men. And also, he is
+more spoken of beyond the sea, more books made of his noble acts, than
+there be in England, as well in Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and Greekish,
+as in French. And yet of record remain in witness of him in Wales, in
+the town of Camelot, the great stones and the marvellous works of iron
+lying under the ground, and royal vaults, which divers now living have
+seen. Wherefore it is a marvel why he is no more renowned in his own
+country, save only it accordeth to the Word of God, which saith that no
+man is accepted for a prophet in his own country.
+
+Then all these things aforesaid alleged, I could not well deny but that
+there was such a noble king named Arthur, and reputed one of the nine
+worthy, and first and chief of the Christian men. And many noble
+volumes be made of him and of his noble knights in French, which I have
+seen and read beyond the sea, which be not had in our maternal tongue.
+But in Welsh be many and also in French, and some in English but
+nowhere nigh all. Wherefore, such as have late been drawn out briefly
+into English I have after the simple conning that God hath sent to me,
+under the favour and correction of all noble lords and gentlemen,
+enprised to imprint a book of the noble histories of the said King
+Arthur, and of certain of his knights, after a copy unto me delivered,
+which copy Sir Thomas Malorye did take out of certain books of French,
+and reduced it into English. And I, according to my copy, have done set
+it in imprint, to the intent that noble men may see and learn the noble
+acts of chivalry, the gentle and virtuous deeds that some knights used
+in those days, by which they came to honour, and how they that were
+vicious were punished and oft put to shame and rebuke; humbly
+beseeching all noble lords and ladies, with all other estates of what
+estate or degree they been of, that shall see and read in this said
+book and work, that they take the good and honest acts in their
+remembrance, and to follow the same. Wherein they shall find many
+joyous and pleasant histories, and noble and renowned acts of humanity,
+gentleness, and chivalry. For herein may be seen noble chivalry,
+courtesy, humanity, friendliness, hardiness, love, friendship,
+cowardice, murder, hate, virtue, and sin. Do after the good and leave
+the evil, and it shall bring you to good fame and renown. And for to
+pass the time this book shall be pleasant to read in, but for to give
+faith and belief that all is true that is contained herein, ye be at
+your liberty: but all is written for our doctrine, and for to beware
+that we fall not to vice nor sin, but to exercise and follow virtue, by
+which we may come and attain to good fame and renown in this life, and
+after this short and transitory life to come unto everlasting bliss in
+heaven; the which He grant us that reigneth in heaven, the blessed
+Trinity. Amen.
+
+Then to proceed forth in this said book, which I direct unto all noble
+princes, lords and ladies, gentlemen or gentlewomen, that desire to
+read or hear read of the noble and joyous history of the great
+conqueror and excellent king, King Arthur, sometime king of this noble
+realm, then called Britain; I, William Caxton, simple person, present
+this book following, which I have enprised to imprint: and treateth of
+the noble acts, feats of arms of chivalry, prowess, hardiness,
+humanity, love, courtesy, and very gentleness, with many wonderful
+histories and adventures. And for to understand briefly the content of
+this volume, I have divided it into XXI Books, and every book
+chaptered, as hereafter shall by God’s grace follow. The First Book
+shall treat how Uther Pendragon gat the noble conqueror King Arthur,
+and containeth xxviii chapters. The Second Book treateth of Balin the
+noble knight, and containeth xix chapters. The Third Book treateth of
+the marriage of King Arthur to Queen Guenever, with other matters, and
+containeth xv chapters. The Fourth Book, how Merlin was assotted, and
+of war made to King Arthur, and containeth xxix chapters. The Fifth
+Book treateth of the conquest of Lucius the emperor, and containeth xii
+chapters. The Sixth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel, and
+marvellous adventures, and containeth xviii chapters. The Seventh Book
+treateth of a noble knight called Sir Gareth, and named by Sir Kay
+Beaumains, and containeth xxxvi chapters. The Eighth Book treateth of
+the birth of Sir Tristram the noble knight, and of his acts, and
+containeth xli chapters. The Ninth Book treateth of a knight named by
+Sir Kay Le Cote Male Taille, and also of Sir Tristram, and containeth
+xliv chapters. The Tenth Book treateth of Sir Tristram, and other
+marvellous adventures, and containeth lxxxviii chapters. The Eleventh
+Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and Sir Galahad, and containeth xiv
+chapters. The Twelfth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and his madness,
+and containeth xiv chapters. The Thirteenth Book treateth how Galahad
+came first to king Arthur’s court, and the quest how the Sangreal was
+begun, and containeth xx chapters. The Fourteenth Book treateth of the
+quest of the Sangreal, and containeth x chapters. The Fifteenth Book
+treateth of Sir Launcelot, and containeth vi chapters. The Sixteenth
+Book treateth of Sir Bors and Sir Lionel his brother, and containeth
+xvii chapters. The Seventeenth Book treateth of the Sangreal, and
+containeth xxiii chapters. The Eighteenth Book treateth of Sir
+Launcelot and the queen, and containeth xxv chapters. The Nineteenth
+Book treateth of Queen Guenever and Launcelot, and containeth xiii
+chapters. The Twentieth Book treateth of the piteous death of Arthur,
+and containeth xxii chapters. The Twenty-first Book treateth of his
+last departing, and how Sir Launcelot came to revenge his death, and
+containeth xiii chapters. The sum is twenty-one books, which contain
+the sum of five hundred and seven chapters, as more plainly shall
+follow hereafter.
+
+
+
+BOOK I.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. First, How Uther Pendragon sent for the duke of Cornwall and
+Igraine his wife, and of their departing suddenly again.
+
+It befell in the days of Uther Pendragon, when he was king of all
+England, and so reigned, that there was a mighty duke in Cornwall that
+held war against him long time. And the duke was called the Duke of
+Tintagil. And so by means King Uther sent for this duke, charging him
+to bring his wife with him, for she was called a fair lady, and a
+passing wise, and her name was called Igraine.
+
+So when the duke and his wife were come unto the king, by the means of
+great lords they were accorded both. The king liked and loved this lady
+well, and he made them great cheer out of measure, and desired to have
+lain by her. But she was a passing good woman, and would not assent
+unto the king. And then she told the duke her husband, and said, I
+suppose that we were sent for that I should be dishonoured; wherefore,
+husband, I counsel you, that we depart from hence suddenly, that we may
+ride all night unto our own castle. And in like wise as she said so
+they departed, that neither the king nor none of his council were ware
+of their departing. All so soon as King Uther knew of their departing
+so suddenly, he was wonderly wroth. Then he called to him his privy
+council, and told them of the sudden departing of the duke and his
+wife.
+
+Then they advised the king to send for the duke and his wife by a great
+charge; and if he will not come at your summons, then may ye do your
+best, then have ye cause to make mighty war upon him. So that was done,
+and the messengers had their answers; and that was this shortly, that
+neither he nor his wife would not come at him.
+
+Then was the king wonderly wroth. And then the king sent him plain word
+again, and bade him be ready and stuff him and garnish him, for within
+forty days he would fetch him out of the biggest castle that he hath.
+
+When the duke had this warning, anon he went and furnished and
+garnished two strong castles of his, of the which the one hight
+Tintagil, and the other castle hight Terrabil. So his wife Dame Igraine
+he put in the castle of Tintagil, and himself he put in the castle of
+Terrabil, the which had many issues and posterns out. Then in all haste
+came Uther with a great host, and laid a siege about the castle of
+Terrabil. And there he pight many pavilions, and there was great war
+made on both parties, and much people slain. Then for pure anger and
+for great love of fair Igraine the king Uther fell sick. So came to the
+king Uther Sir Ulfius, a noble knight, and asked the king why he was
+sick. I shall tell thee, said the king, I am sick for anger and for
+love of fair Igraine, that I may not be whole. Well, my lord, said Sir
+Ulfius, I shall seek Merlin, and he shall do you remedy, that your
+heart shall be pleased. So Ulfius departed, and by adventure he met
+Merlin in a beggar’s array, and there Merlin asked Ulfius whom he
+sought. And he said he had little ado to tell him. Well, said Merlin, I
+know whom thou seekest, for thou seekest Merlin; therefore seek no
+farther, for I am he; and if King Uther will well reward me, and be
+sworn unto me to fulfil my desire, that shall be his honour and profit
+more than mine; for I shall cause him to have all his desire. All this
+will I undertake, said Ulfius, that there shall be nothing reasonable
+but thou shalt have thy desire. Well, said Merlin, he shall have his
+intent and desire. And therefore, said Merlin, ride on your way, for I
+will not be long behind.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. How Uther Pendragon made war on the duke of Cornwall, and
+how by the mean of Merlin he lay by the duchess and gat Arthur.
+
+Then Ulfius was glad, and rode on more than a pace till that he came to
+King Uther Pendragon, and told him he had met with Merlin. Where is he?
+said the king. Sir, said Ulfius, he will not dwell long. Therewithal
+Ulfius was ware where Merlin stood at the porch of the pavilion’s door.
+And then Merlin was bound to come to the king. When King Uther saw him,
+he said he was welcome. Sir, said Merlin, I know all your heart every
+deal; so ye will be sworn unto me as ye be a true king anointed, to
+fulfil my desire, ye shall have your desire. Then the king was sworn
+upon the Four Evangelists. Sir, said Merlin, this is my desire: the
+first night that ye shall lie by Igraine ye shall get a child on her,
+and when that is born, that it shall be delivered to me for to nourish
+there as I will have it; for it shall be your worship, and the child’s
+avail, as mickle as the child is worth. I will well, said the king, as
+thou wilt have it. Now make you ready, said Merlin, this night ye shall
+lie with Igraine in the castle of Tintagil; and ye shall be like the
+duke her husband, Ulfius shall be like Sir Brastias, a knight of the
+duke’s, and I will be like a knight that hight Sir Jordanus, a knight
+of the duke’s. But wait ye make not many questions with her nor her
+men, but say ye are diseased, and so hie you to bed, and rise not on
+the morn till I come to you, for the castle of Tintagil is but ten
+miles hence; so this was done as they devised. But the duke of Tintagil
+espied how the king rode from the siege of Terrabil, and therefore that
+night he issued out of the castle at a postern for to have distressed
+the king’s host. And so, through his own issue, the duke himself was
+slain or ever the king came at the castle of Tintagil.
+
+So after the death of the duke, King Uther lay with Igraine more than
+three hours after his death, and begat on her that night Arthur, and on
+day came Merlin to the king, and bade him make him ready, and so he
+kissed the lady Igraine and departed in all haste. But when the lady
+heard tell of the duke her husband, and by all record he was dead or
+ever King Uther came to her, then she marvelled who that might be that
+lay with her in likeness of her lord; so she mourned privily and held
+her peace. Then all the barons by one assent prayed the king of accord
+betwixt the lady Igraine and him; the king gave them leave, for fain
+would he have been accorded with her. So the king put all the trust in
+Ulfius to entreat between them, so by the entreaty at the last the king
+and she met together. Now will we do well, said Ulfius, our king is a
+lusty knight and wifeless, and my lady Igraine is a passing fair lady;
+it were great joy unto us all, an it might please the king to make her
+his queen. Unto that they all well accorded and moved it to the king.
+And anon, like a lusty knight, he assented thereto with good will, and
+so in all haste they were married in a morning with great mirth and
+joy.
+
+And King Lot of Lothian and of Orkney then wedded Margawse that was
+Gawaine’s mother, and King Nentres of the land of Garlot wedded Elaine.
+All this was done at the request of King Uther. And the third sister
+Morgan le Fay was put to school in a nunnery, and there she learned so
+much that she was a great clerk of necromancy. And after she was wedded
+to King Uriens of the land of Gore, that was Sir Ewain’s le
+Blanchemain’s father.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. Of the birth of King Arthur and of his nurture.
+
+Then Queen Igraine waxed daily greater and greater, so it befell after
+within half a year, as King Uther lay by his queen, he asked her, by
+the faith she owed to him, whose was the body; then she sore abashed to
+give answer. Dismay you not, said the king, but tell me the truth, and
+I shall love you the better, by the faith of my body. Sir, said she, I
+shall tell you the truth. The same night that my lord was dead, the
+hour of his death, as his knights record, there came into my castle of
+Tintagil a man like my lord in speech and in countenance, and two
+knights with him in likeness of his two knights Brastias and Jordanus,
+and so I went unto bed with him as I ought to do with my lord, and the
+same night, as I shall answer unto God, this child was begotten upon
+me. That is truth, said the king, as ye say; for it was I myself that
+came in the likeness, and therefore dismay you not, for I am father of
+the child; and there he told her all the cause, how it was by Merlin’s
+counsel. Then the queen made great joy when she knew who was the father
+of her child.
+
+Soon came Merlin unto the king, and said, Sir, ye must purvey you for
+the nourishing of your child. As thou wilt, said the king, be it. Well,
+said Merlin, I know a lord of yours in this land, that is a passing
+true man and a faithful, and he shall have the nourishing of your
+child, and his name is Sir Ector, and he is a lord of fair livelihood
+in many parts in England and Wales; and this lord, Sir Ector, let him
+be sent for, for to come and speak with you, and desire him yourself,
+as he loveth you, that he will put his own child to nourishing to
+another woman, and that his wife nourish yours. And when the child is
+born let it be delivered to me at yonder privy postern unchristened. So
+like as Merlin devised it was done. And when Sir Ector was come he made
+fiaunce to the king for to nourish the child like as the king desired;
+and there the king granted Sir Ector great rewards. Then when the lady
+was delivered, the king commanded two knights and two ladies to take
+the child, bound in a cloth of gold, and that ye deliver him to what
+poor man ye meet at the postern gate of the castle. So the child was
+delivered unto Merlin, and so he bare it forth unto Sir Ector, and made
+an holy man to christen him, and named him Arthur; and so Sir Ector’s
+wife nourished him with her own pap.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. Of the death of King Uther Pendragon.
+
+Then within two years King Uther fell sick of a great malady. And in
+the meanwhile his enemies usurped upon him, and did a great battle upon
+his men, and slew many of his people. Sir, said Merlin, ye may not lie
+so as ye do, for ye must to the field though ye ride on an
+horse-litter: for ye shall never have the better of your enemies but if
+your person be there, and then shall ye have the victory. So it was
+done as Merlin had devised, and they carried the king forth in an
+horse-litter with a great host towards his enemies. And at St. Albans
+there met with the king a great host of the North. And that day Sir
+Ulfius and Sir Brastias did great deeds of arms, and King Uther’s men
+overcame the Northern battle and slew many people, and put the remnant
+to flight. And then the king returned unto London, and made great joy
+of his victory. And then he fell passing sore sick, so that three days
+and three nights he was speechless: wherefore all the barons made great
+sorrow, and asked Merlin what counsel were best. There is none other
+remedy, said Merlin, but God will have his will. But look ye all barons
+be before King Uther to-morn, and God and I shall make him to speak. So
+on the morn all the barons with Merlin came to-fore the king; then
+Merlin said aloud unto King Uther, 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 pray for my soul, and righteously and
+worshipfully that he claim the crown, upon forfeiture of my blessing;
+and therewith he yielded up the ghost, and then was he interred as
+longed to a king. Wherefore the queen, fair Igraine, made great sorrow,
+and all the barons.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. How Arthur was chosen king, and of wonders and marvels of a
+sword taken out of a stone by the said Arthur.
+
+Then stood the realm in great jeopardy long while, for every lord that
+was mighty of men made him strong, and many weened to have been king.
+Then Merlin went to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and counselled him
+for to send for all the lords of the realm, and all the gentlemen of
+arms, that they should to London come by Christmas, upon pain of
+cursing; and for this cause, that Jesus, that was born on that night,
+that he would of his great mercy show some miracle, as he was come to
+be king of mankind, for to show some miracle who should be rightwise
+king of this realm. So the Archbishop, by the advice of Merlin, sent
+for all the lords and gentlemen of arms that they should come by
+Christmas even unto London. And many of them made them clean of their
+life, that their prayer might be the more acceptable unto God. So in
+the greatest church of London, whether it were Paul’s or not the French
+book maketh no mention, all the estates were long or day in the church
+for to pray. And when matins and the first mass was done, there was
+seen in the churchyard, against the high altar, a great stone four
+square, like unto a marble stone; and in midst thereof was like an
+anvil of steel a foot on high, and therein stuck a fair sword naked by
+the point, and letters there were written in gold about the sword that
+said thus:—Whoso pulleth out this sword of this stone and anvil, is
+rightwise king born of all England. Then the people marvelled, and told
+it to the Archbishop.
+
+I command, said the Archbishop, that ye keep you within your church and
+pray unto God still, that no man touch the sword till the high mass be
+all done. So when all masses were done all the lords went to behold the
+stone and the sword. And when they saw the scripture some assayed, such
+as would have been king. But none might stir the sword nor move it. He
+is not here, said the Archbishop, that shall achieve the sword, but
+doubt not God will make him known. But this is my counsel, said the
+Archbishop, that we let purvey ten knights, men of good fame, and they
+to keep this sword. So it was ordained, and then there was made a cry,
+that every man should assay that would, for to win the sword. And upon
+New Year’s Day the barons let make a jousts and a tournament, that all
+knights that would joust or tourney there might play, and all this was
+ordained for to keep the lords together and the commons, for the
+Archbishop trusted that God would make him known that should win the
+sword.
+
+So upon New Year’s Day, when the service was done, the barons rode unto
+the field, some to joust and some to tourney, and so it happened that
+Sir Ector, that had great livelihood about London, rode unto the
+jousts, and with him rode Sir Kay his son, and young Arthur that was
+his nourished brother; and Sir Kay was made knight at All Hallowmass
+afore. So as they rode to the jousts-ward, Sir Kay lost his sword, for
+he had left it at his father’s lodging, and so he prayed young Arthur
+for to ride for his sword. I will well, said Arthur, and rode fast
+after the sword, and when he came home, the lady and all were out to
+see the jousting. Then was Arthur wroth, and said to himself, I will
+ride to the churchyard, and take the sword with me that sticketh in the
+stone, for my brother Sir Kay shall not be without a sword this day. So
+when he came to the churchyard, Sir Arthur alighted and tied his horse
+to the stile, and so he went to the tent, and found no knights there,
+for they were at the jousting. And so he handled the sword by the
+handles, and lightly and fiercely pulled it out of the stone, and took
+his horse and rode his way until he came to his brother Sir Kay, and
+delivered him the sword. And as soon as Sir Kay saw the sword, he wist
+well it was the sword of the stone, and so he rode to his father Sir
+Ector, and said: Sir, lo here is the sword of the stone, wherefore I
+must be king of this land. When Sir Ector beheld the sword, he returned
+again and came to the church, and there they alighted all three, and
+went into the church. And anon he made Sir Kay swear upon a book how he
+came to that sword. Sir, said Sir Kay, by my brother Arthur, for he
+brought it to me. How gat ye this sword? said Sir Ector to Arthur. Sir,
+I will tell you. When I came home for my brother’s sword, I found
+nobody at home to deliver me his sword; and so I thought my brother Sir
+Kay should not be swordless, and so I came hither eagerly and pulled it
+out of the stone without any pain. Found ye any knights about this
+sword? said Sir Ector. Nay, said Arthur. Now, said Sir Ector to Arthur,
+I understand 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 of this land. Now let me see whether ye can put the
+sword there as it was, and pull it out again. That is no mastery, said
+Arthur, and so he put it in the stone; wherewithal Sir Ector assayed to
+pull out the sword and failed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur pulled out the sword divers times.
+
+Now assay, said Sir Ector unto Sir Kay. And anon he pulled at the sword
+with all his might; but it would not be. Now shall ye assay, said Sir
+Ector to Arthur. I will well, said Arthur, and pulled it out easily.
+And therewithal Sir Ector knelt down to the earth, and Sir Kay. Alas,
+said Arthur, my own dear father and brother, why kneel ye to me? Nay,
+nay, my lord Arthur, it is not so; I was never your father nor of your
+blood, but I wot well ye are of an higher blood than I weened ye were.
+And then Sir Ector told him all, how he was betaken him for to nourish
+him, and by whose commandment, and by Merlin’s deliverance.
+
+Then Arthur made great dole when he understood that Sir Ector was not
+his father. Sir, said Ector unto Arthur, will ye be my good and
+gracious lord when ye are king? Else were I to blame, said Arthur, for
+ye are the man in the world that I am most beholden to, and my good
+lady and mother your wife, that as well as her own hath fostered me and
+kept. And if ever it be God’s will that I be king as ye say, ye shall
+desire of me what I may do, and I shall not fail you; God forbid I
+should fail you Sir, said Sir Ector, I will ask no more of you, but
+that ye will make my son, your foster brother, Sir Kay, seneschal of
+all your lands. That shall be done, said Arthur, and more, by the faith
+of my body, that never man shall have that office but he, while he and
+I live. Therewithal they went unto the Archbishop, and told him how the
+sword was achieved, and by whom; and on Twelfth-day all the barons came
+thither, and to assay to take the sword, who that would assay. But
+there afore them all, there might none take it out but Arthur;
+wherefore there were many lords wroth, and said it was great shame unto
+them all and the realm, to be overgoverned with a boy of no high blood
+born. And so they fell out at that time that it was put off till
+Candlemas and then all the barons should meet there again; but always
+the ten knights were ordained to watch the sword day and night, and so
+they set a pavilion over the stone and the sword, and five always
+watched. So at Candlemas many more great lords came thither for to have
+won the sword, but there might none prevail. And right as Arthur did at
+Christmas, he did at Candlemas, and pulled out the sword easily,
+whereof the barons were sore aggrieved and put it off in delay till the
+high feast of Easter. And as Arthur sped before, so did he at Easter;
+yet there were some of the great lords had indignation that Arthur
+should be king, and put it off in a delay till the feast of Pentecost.
+
+Then the Archbishop of Canterbury by Merlin’s providence let purvey
+then of the best knights that they might get, and such knights as Uther
+Pendragon loved best and most trusted in his days. And such knights
+were put about Arthur as Sir Baudwin of Britain, Sir Kay, Sir Ulfius,
+Sir Brastias. All these, with many other, were always about Arthur, day
+and night, till the feast of Pentecost.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. How King Arthur was crowned, and how he made officers.
+
+And at the feast of Pentecost all manner of men assayed to pull at the
+sword that would assay; but none might prevail but Arthur, and pulled
+it out afore all the lords and commons that were there, wherefore all
+the commons cried at once, We will have Arthur unto our king, we will
+put him no more in delay, for we all see that it is God’s will that he
+shall be our king, and who that holdeth against it, we will slay him.
+And therewithal they kneeled at once, both rich and poor, and cried
+Arthur mercy because they had delayed him 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 so anon was the coronation made. And there
+was he sworn unto his lords and the commons for to be a true king, to
+stand with true justice from thenceforth the days of this life. Also
+then he made all lords that held of the crown to come in, and to do
+service as they ought to do. And many complaints were made unto Sir
+Arthur of great wrongs that were done since the death of King Uther, of
+many lands that were bereaved lords, knights, ladies, and gentlemen.
+Wherefore King Arthur made the lands to be given again unto them that
+owned them.
+
+When this was done, that the king had stablished all the countries
+about London, then he let make Sir Kay seneschal of England; and Sir
+Baudwin of Britain was made constable; and Sir Ulfius was made
+chamberlain; and Sir Brastias was made warden to wait upon the north
+from Trent forwards, for it was that time the most party the king’s
+enemies. But within few years after Arthur won all the north, Scotland,
+and all that were under their obeissance. Also Wales, a part of it,
+held against Arthur, but he overcame them all, as he did the remnant,
+through the noble prowess of himself and his knights of the Round
+Table.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. How King Arthur held in Wales, at a Pentecost, a great
+feast, and what kings and lords came to his feast.
+
+Then the king removed into Wales, and let cry a great feast that it
+should be holden at Pentecost after the incoronation of him at the city
+of Carlion. Unto the feast came King Lot of Lothian and of Orkney, with
+five hundred knights with him. Also there came to the feast King Uriens
+of Gore with four hundred knights with him. Also there came to that
+feast King Nentres of Garlot, with seven hundred knights with him. Also
+there came to the feast the king of Scotland with six hundred knights
+with him, and he was but a young man. Also there came to the feast a
+king that was called the King with the Hundred Knights, but he and his
+men were passing well beseen at all points. Also there came the king of
+Carados with five hundred knights. And King Arthur was glad of their
+coming, for he weened that all the kings and knights had come for great
+love, and to have done him worship at his feast; wherefore the king
+made great joy, and sent the kings and knights great presents. But the
+kings would none receive, but rebuked the messengers shamefully, and
+said they had no joy to receive no gifts of a beardless boy that was
+come of low blood, and sent him word they would none of his gifts, but
+that they were come to give him gifts with hard swords betwixt the neck
+and the shoulders: and therefore they came thither, so they told to the
+messengers plainly, for it was great shame to all them to see such a
+boy to have a rule of so noble a realm as this land was. With this
+answer the messengers departed and told to King Arthur this answer.
+Wherefore, by the advice of his barons, he took him to a strong tower
+with five hundred good men with him. And all the kings aforesaid in a
+manner laid a siege to-fore him, but King Arthur was well victualed.
+And within fifteen days there came Merlin among them into the city of
+Carlion. Then all the kings were passing glad of Merlin, and asked him,
+For what cause is that boy Arthur made your king? Sirs, said Merlin, I
+shall tell you the cause, for he is King Uther Pendragon’s son, born in
+wedlock, gotten on Igraine, the duke’s wife of Tintagil. Then is he a
+bastard, they said all. Nay, said Merlin, after the death of the duke,
+more than three hours, was Arthur begotten, and thirteen days after
+King Uther wedded Igraine; and therefore I prove him he is no bastard.
+And who saith nay, he shall be king and overcome all his enemies; and,
+or he die, he shall be long king of all England, and have under his
+obeissance Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, and more realms than I will
+now rehearse. Some of the kings had marvel of Merlin’s words, and
+deemed well that it should be as he said; and some of them laughed him
+to scorn, as King Lot; and more other called him a witch. But then were
+they accorded with Merlin, that King Arthur should come out and speak
+with the kings, and to come safe and to go safe, such surance there was
+made. So Merlin went unto King Arthur, and told him how he had done,
+and bade him fear not, but come out boldly and speak with them, and
+spare them not, but answer them as their king and chieftain; for ye
+shall overcome them all, whether they will or nill.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. Of the first war that King Arthur had, and how he won the
+field.
+
+Then King Arthur came out of his tower, and had under his gown a
+jesseraunt of double mail, and there went with him the Archbishop of
+Canterbury, and Sir Baudwin of Britain, and Sir Kay, and Sir Brastias:
+these were the men of most worship that were with him. And when they
+were met there was no meekness, but stout words on both sides; but
+always King Arthur answered them, and said he would make them to bow an
+he lived. Wherefore they departed with wrath, and King Arthur bade keep
+them well, and they bade the king keep him well. So the king returned
+him to the tower again and armed him and all his knights. What will ye
+do? said Merlin to the kings; ye were better for to stint, for ye shall
+not here prevail though ye were ten times so many. Be we well advised
+to be afeared of a dream-reader? said King Lot. With that Merlin
+vanished away, and came to King Arthur, and bade him set on them
+fiercely; and in the meanwhile there were three hundred good men, of
+the best that were with the kings, that went straight unto King Arthur,
+and that comforted him greatly. Sir, said Merlin to Arthur, fight not
+with the sword that ye had by miracle, till that ye see ye go unto the
+worse, then draw it out and do your best. So forthwithal King Arthur
+set upon them in their lodging. And Sir Baudwin, Sir Kay, and Sir
+Brastias slew on the right hand and on the left hand that it was
+marvel; and always King Arthur on horseback laid on with a sword, and
+did marvellous deeds of arms, that many of the kings had great joy of
+his deeds and hardiness.
+
+Then King Lot brake out on the back side, and the King with the Hundred
+Knights, and King Carados, and set on Arthur fiercely behind him. With
+that Sir Arthur turned with his knights, and smote behind and before,
+and ever Sir Arthur was in the foremost press till his horse was slain
+underneath him. And therewith King Lot smote down King Arthur. With
+that his four knights received him and set him on horseback. Then he
+drew his sword Excalibur, but it was so bright in his enemies’ eyes,
+that it gave light like thirty torches. And therewith he put them
+a-back, and slew much people. And then the commons of Carlion arose
+with clubs and staves and slew many knights; but all the kings held
+them together with their knights that were left alive, and so fled and
+departed. And Merlin came unto Arthur, and counselled him to follow
+them no further.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. How Merlin counselled King Arthur to send for King Ban and
+King Bors, and of their counsel taken for the war.
+
+So after the feast and journey, King Arthur drew him unto London, and
+so by the counsel of Merlin, the king let call his barons to council,
+for Merlin had told the king that the six kings that made war upon him
+would in all haste be awroke on him and on his lands. Wherefore the
+king asked counsel at them all. They could no counsel give, but said
+they were big enough. Ye say well, said Arthur; I thank you for your
+good courage, but will ye all that loveth me speak with Merlin? ye know
+well that he hath done much for me, and he knoweth many things, and
+when he is afore you, I would that ye prayed him heartily of his best
+advice. All the barons said they would pray him and desire him. So
+Merlin was sent for, and fair desired of all the barons to give them
+best counsel. I shall say you, said Merlin, I warn you all, your
+enemies are passing strong for you, and they are good men of arms as be
+alive, and by this time they have gotten to them four kings more, and a
+mighty duke; and unless that our king have more chivalry with him than
+he may make within the bounds of his own realm, an he fight with them
+in battle, he shall be overcome and slain. What were best to do in this
+cause? said all the barons. I shall tell you, said Merlin, mine advice;
+there are two brethren beyond the sea, and they be kings both, and
+marvellous good men of their hands; and that one hight King Ban of
+Benwick, and that other hight King Bors of Gaul, that is France. And on
+these two kings warreth a mighty man of men, the King Claudas, and
+striveth with them for a castle, and great war is betwixt them. But
+this Claudas is so mighty of goods whereof he getteth good knights,
+that he putteth these two kings most part to the worse; wherefore this
+is my counsel, that our king and sovereign lord send unto the kings Ban
+and Bors by two trusty knights with letters well devised, that an they
+will come and see King Arthur and his court, and so help him in his
+wars, that he will be sworn unto them to help them in their wars
+against King Claudas. Now, what say ye unto this counsel? said Merlin.
+This is well counselled, said the king and all the barons.
+
+Right so in all haste there were ordained to go two knights on the
+message unto the two kings. So were there made letters in the pleasant
+wise according unto King Arthur’s desire. Ulfius and Brastias were made
+the messengers, and so rode forth well horsed and well armed and as the
+guise was that time, and so passed the sea and rode toward the city of
+Benwick. And there besides were eight knights that espied them, and at
+a strait passage they met with Ulfius and Brastias, and would have
+taken them prisoners; so they prayed them that they might pass, for
+they were messengers unto King Ban and Bors sent from King Arthur.
+Therefore, said the eight knights, ye shall die or be prisoners, for we
+be knights of King Claudas. And therewith two of them dressed their
+spears, and Ulfius and Brastias dressed their spears, and ran together
+with great raundon. And Claudas’ knights brake their spears, and theirs
+to-held and bare the two knights out of their saddles to the earth, and
+so left them lying, and rode their ways. And the other six knights rode
+afore to a passage to meet with them again, and so Ulfius and Brastias
+smote other two down, and so passed on their ways. And at the fourth
+passage there met two for two, and both were laid unto the earth; so
+there was none of the eight knights but he was sore hurt or bruised.
+And when they come to Benwick it fortuned there were both kings, Ban
+and Bors.
+
+And when it was told the kings that there were come messengers, there
+were sent unto them two knights of worship, the one hight Lionses, lord
+of the country of Payarne, and Sir Phariance a worshipful knight. Anon
+they asked from whence they came, and they said from King Arthur, king
+of England; so they took them in their arms and made great joy each of
+other. But anon, as the two kings wist they were messengers of
+Arthur’s, there was made no tarrying, but forthwith they spake with the
+knights, and welcomed them in the faithfullest wise, and said they were
+most welcome unto them before all the kings living; and therewith they
+kissed the letters and delivered them. And when Ban and Bors understood
+the letters, then they were more welcome than they were before. And
+after the haste of the letters they gave them this answer, that they
+would fulfil the desire of King Arthur’s writing, and Ulfius and
+Brastias, tarry there as long as they would, they should have such
+cheer as might be made them in those marches. Then Ulfius and Brastias
+told the kings of the adventure at their passages of the eight knights.
+Ha! ah! said Ban and Bors, they were my good friends. I would I had
+wist of them; they should not have escaped so. So Ulfius and Brastias
+had good cheer and great gifts, as much as they might bear away; and
+had their answer by mouth and by writing, that those two kings would
+come unto Arthur in all the haste that they might. So the two knights
+rode on afore, and passed the sea, and came to their lord, and told him
+how they had sped, whereof King Arthur was passing glad. At what time
+suppose ye the two kings will be here? Sir, said they, afore All
+Hallowmass. Then the king let purvey for a great feast, and let cry a
+great jousts. And by All Hallowmass the two kings were come over the
+sea with three hundred knights well arrayed both for the peace and for
+the war. And King Arthur met with them ten mile out of London, and
+there was great joy as could be thought or made. And on All Hallowmass
+at the great feast, sat in the hall the three kings, and Sir Kay
+seneschal served in the hall, and Sir Lucas the butler, that was Duke
+Corneus’ son, and Sir Griflet, that was the son of Cardol, these three
+knights had the rule of all the service that served the kings. And
+anon, as they had washen and risen, all knights that would joust made
+them ready; by then they were ready on horseback there were seven
+hundred knights. And Arthur, Ban, and Bors, with the Archbishop of
+Canterbury, and Sir Ector, Kay’s father, they were in a place covered
+with cloth of gold like an hall, with ladies and gentlewomen, for to
+behold who did best, and thereon to give judgment.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. Of a great tourney made by King Arthur and the two kings
+Ban and Bors, and how they went over the sea.
+
+And King Arthur and the two kings let depart the seven hundred knights
+in two parties. And there were three hundred knights of the realm of
+Benwick and of Gaul turned on the other side. Then they dressed their
+shields, and began to couch their spears many good knights. So Griflet
+was the first that met with a knight, one Ladinas, and they met so
+eagerly that all men had wonder; and they so fought that their shields
+fell to pieces, and horse and man fell to the earth; and both the
+French knight and the English knight lay so long that all men weened
+they had been dead. When Lucas the butler saw Griflet so lie, he horsed
+him again anon, and they two did marvellous deeds of arms with many
+bachelors. Also Sir Kay came out of an ambushment with five knights
+with him, and they six smote other six down. But Sir Kay did that day
+marvellous deeds of arms, that there was none did so well as he that
+day. Then there came Ladinas and Gracian, two knights of France, and
+did passing well, that all men praised them.
+
+Then came there Sir Placidas, a good knight, and met with Sir Kay, and
+smote him down horse and man, where fore Sir Griflet was wroth, and met
+with Sir Placidas so hard, that horse and man fell to the earth. But
+when the five knights wist that Sir Kay had a fall, they were wroth out
+of wit, and therewith each of them five bare down a knight. When King
+Arthur and the two kings saw them begin to wax wroth on both parties,
+they leapt on small hackneys, and let cry that all men should depart
+unto their lodging. And so they went home and unarmed them, and so to
+evensong and supper. And after, the three kings went into a garden, and
+gave the prize unto Sir Kay, and to Lucas the butler, and unto Sir
+Griflet. And then they went unto council, and with them Gwenbaus, the
+brother unto Sir Ban and Bors, a wise clerk, and thither went Ulfius
+and Brastias, and Merlin. And after they had been in council, they went
+unto bed. And on the morn they heard mass, and to dinner, and so to
+their council, and made many arguments what were best to do. At the
+last they were concluded, that Merlin should go with a token of King
+Ban, and that was a ring, unto his men and King Bors’; and Gracian and
+Placidas should go again and keep their castles and their countries, as
+for [dread of King Claudas] King Ban of Benwick, and King Bors of Gaul
+had ordained them, and so passed the sea and came to Benwick. And when
+the people saw King Ban’s ring, and Gracian and Placidas, they were
+glad, and asked how the kings fared, and made great joy of their
+welfare and cording, and according unto the sovereign lords desire, the
+men of war made them ready in all haste possible, so that they were
+fifteen thousand on horse and foot, and they had great plenty of
+victual with them, by Merlin’s provision. But Gracian and Placidas were
+left to furnish and garnish the castles, for dread of King Claudas.
+Right so Merlin passed the sea, well victualled both by water and by
+land. And when he came to the sea he sent home the footmen again, and
+took no more with him but ten thousand men on horseback, the most part
+men of arms, and so shipped and passed the sea into England, and landed
+at Dover; and through the wit of Merlin, he had the host northward, the
+priviest way that could be thought, unto the forest of Bedegraine, and
+there in a valley he lodged them secretly.
+
+Then rode Merlin unto Arthur and the two kings, and told them how he
+had sped; whereof they had great marvel, that man on earth might speed
+so soon, and go and come. So Merlin told them ten thousand were in the
+forest of Bedegraine, well armed at all points. Then was there no more
+to say, but to horseback went all the host as Arthur had afore
+purveyed. So with twenty thousand he passed by night and day, but there
+was made such an ordinance afore by Merlin, that there should no man of
+war ride nor go in no country on this side Trent water, but if he had a
+token from King Arthur, where through the king’s enemies durst not ride
+as they did to-fore to espy.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. How eleven kings gathered a great host against King
+Arthur.
+
+And so within a little space the three kings came unto the castle of
+Bedegraine, and found there a passing fair fellowship, and well beseen,
+whereof they had great joy, and victual they wanted none. This was the
+cause of the northern host: that they were reared for the despite and
+rebuke the six kings had at Carlion. And those six kings by their
+means, gat unto them five other kings; and thus they began to gather
+their people.
+
+And now they sware that for weal nor woe, they should not leave other,
+till they had destroyed Arthur. And then they made an oath. The first
+that began the oath was the Duke of Cambenet, that he would bring with
+him five thousand men of arms, the which were ready on horseback. Then
+sware King Brandegoris of Stranggore that he would bring five thousand
+men of arms on horseback. Then sware King Clariance of Northumberland
+he would bring three thousand men of arms. Then sware the King of the
+Hundred Knights, that was a passing good man and a young, that he would
+bring four thousand men of arms on horseback. Then there swore King
+Lot, a passing good knight, and Sir Gawain’s father, that he would
+bring five thousand men of arms on horseback. Also there swore King
+Urience, that was Sir Uwain’s father, of the land of Gore, and he would
+bring six thousand men of arms on horseback. Also there swore King
+Idres of Cornwall, that he would bring five thousand men of arms on
+horseback. Also there swore King Cradelmas to bring five thousand men
+on horseback. Also there swore King Agwisance of Ireland to bring five
+thousand men of arms on horseback. Also there swore King Nentres to
+bring five thousand men of arms on horseback. Also there swore King
+Carados to bring five thousand men of arms on horseback. So their whole
+host was of clean men of arms on horseback fifty thousand, and a-foot
+ten thousand of good men’s bodies. Then were they soon ready, and
+mounted upon horse and sent forth their fore-riders, for these eleven
+kings in their ways laid a siege unto the castle of Bedegraine; and so
+they departed and drew toward Arthur, and left few to abide at the
+siege, for the castle of Bedegraine was holden of King Arthur, and the
+men that were therein were Arthur’s.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII. Of a dream of the King with the Hundred Knights.
+
+So by Merlin’s advice there were sent fore-riders to skim the country,
+and they met with the fore-riders of the north, and made them to tell
+which way the host came, and then they told it to Arthur, and by King
+Ban and Bors’ council they let burn and destroy all the country afore
+them, there they should ride.
+
+The King with the Hundred Knights met a wonder dream two nights afore
+the battle, that there blew a great wind, and blew down their castles
+and their towns, and after that came a water and bare it all away. All
+that heard of the sweven said it was a token of great battle. Then by
+counsel of Merlin, when they wist which way the eleven kings would ride
+and lodge that night, at midnight they set upon them, as they were in
+their pavilions. But the scout-watch by their host cried, Lords! at
+arms! for here be your enemies at your hand!
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV. How the eleven kings with their host fought against Arthur
+and his host, and many great feats of the war.
+
+Then King Arthur and King Ban and King Bors, with their good and trusty
+knights, set on them so fiercely that they made them overthrow their
+pavilions on their heads, but the eleven kings, by manly prowess of
+arms, took a fair champaign, but there was slain that morrowtide ten
+thousand good men’s bodies. And so they had afore them a strong
+passage, yet were they fifty thousand of hardy men. Then it drew toward
+day. Now shall ye do by mine advice, said Merlin unto the three kings:
+I would that King Ban and King Bors, with their fellowship of ten
+thousand men, were put in a wood here beside, in an ambushment, and
+keep them privy, and that they be laid or the light of the day come,
+and that they stir not till ye and your knights have fought with them
+long. And when it is daylight, dress your battle even afore them and
+the passage, that they may see all your host, for then will they be the
+more hardy, when they see you but about twenty thousand men, and cause
+them to be the gladder to suffer you and your host to come over the
+passage. All the three kings and the whole barons said that Merlin said
+passingly well, and it was done anon as Merlin had devised. So on the
+morn, when either host saw other, the host of the north was well
+comforted. Then to Ulfius and Brastias were delivered three thousand
+men of arms, and they set on them fiercely in the passage, and slew on
+the right hand and on the left hand that it was wonder to tell.
+
+When that the eleven kings saw that there was so few a fellowship did
+such deeds of arms, they were ashamed and set on them again fiercely;
+and there was Sir Ulfius’s horse slain under him, but he did
+marvellously well on foot. But the Duke Eustace of Cambenet and King
+Clariance of Northumberland, were alway grievous on Ulfius. Then
+Brastias saw his fellow fared so withal he smote the duke with a spear,
+that horse and man fell down. That saw King Clariance and returned unto
+Brastias, and either smote other so that horse and man went to the
+earth, and so they lay long astonied, and their horses’ knees brast to
+the hard bone. Then came Sir Kay the seneschal with six fellows with
+him, and did passing well. With that came the eleven kings, and there
+was Griflet put to the earth, horse and man, and Lucas the butler,
+horse and man, by King Brandegoris, and King Idres, and King Agwisance.
+Then waxed the medley passing hard on both parties. When Sir Kay saw
+Griflet on foot, he rode on King Nentres and smote him down, and led
+his horse unto Sir Griflet, and horsed him again. Also Sir Kay with the
+same spear smote down King Lot, and hurt him passing sore. That saw the
+King with the Hundred Knights, and ran unto Sir Kay and smote him down,
+and took his horse, and gave him King Lot, whereof he said gramercy.
+When Sir Griflet saw Sir Kay and Lucas the butler on foot, he took a
+sharp spear, great and square, and rode to Pinel, a good man of arms,
+and smote horse and man down, and then he took his horse, and gave him
+unto Sir Kay. Then King Lot saw King Nentres on foot, he ran unto Melot
+de la Roche, and smote him down, horse and man, and gave King Nentres
+the horse, and horsed him again. Also the King of the Hundred Knights
+saw King Idres on foot; then he ran unto Gwiniart de Bloi, and smote
+him down, horse and man, and gave King Idres the horse, and horsed him
+again; and King Lot smote down Clariance de la Forest Savage, and gave
+the horse unto Duke Eustace. And so when they had horsed the kings
+again they drew them, all eleven kings, together, and said they would
+be revenged of the damage that they had taken that day. The meanwhile
+came in Sir Ector with an eager countenance, and found Ulfius and
+Brastias on foot, in great peril of death, that were foul defoiled
+under horse-feet.
+
+Then Arthur as a lion, ran unto King Cradelment of North Wales, and
+smote him through the left side, that the horse and the king fell down;
+and then he took the horse by the rein, and led him unto Ulfius, and
+said, Have this horse, mine old friend, for great need hast thou of
+horse. Gramercy, said Ulfius. Then Sir Arthur did so marvellously in
+arms, that all men had wonder. When the King with the Hundred Knights
+saw King Cradelment on foot, he ran unto Sir Ector, that was well
+horsed, Sir Kay’s father, and smote horse and man down, and gave the
+horse unto the king, and horsed him again. And when King Arthur saw the
+king ride on Sir Ector’s horse, he was wroth and with his sword he
+smote the king on the helm, that a quarter of the helm and shield fell
+down, and so the sword carved down unto the horse’s neck, and so the
+king and the horse fell down to the ground. Then Sir Kay came unto Sir
+Morganore, seneschal with the King of the Hundred Knights, and smote
+him down, horse and man, and led the horse unto his father, Sir Ector;
+then Sir Ector ran unto a knight, hight Lardans, and smote horse and
+man down, and led the horse unto Sir Brastias, that great need had of
+an horse, and was greatly defoiled. When Brastias beheld Lucas the
+butler, that lay like a dead man under the horses’ feet, and ever Sir
+Griflet did marvellously for to rescue him, and there were always
+fourteen knights on Sir Lucas; then Brastias smote one of them on the
+helm, that it went to the teeth, and he rode to another and smote him,
+that the arm flew into the field. Then he went to the third and smote
+him on the shoulder, that shoulder and arm flew in the field. And when
+Griflet saw rescues, he smote a knight on the temples, that head and
+helm went to the earth, and Griflet took the horse of that knight, and
+led him unto Sir Lucas, and bade him mount upon the horse and revenge
+his hurts. For Brastias had slain a knight to-fore and horsed Griflet.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV. Yet of the same battle.
+
+Then Lucas saw King Agwisance, that late had slain Moris de la Roche,
+and Lucas ran to him with a short spear that was great, that he gave
+him such a fall, that the horse fell down to the earth. Also Lucas
+found there on foot, Bloias de La Flandres, and Sir Gwinas, two hardy
+knights, and in that woodness that Lucas was in, he slew two bachelors
+and horsed them again. Then waxed the battle passing hard on both
+parties, but Arthur was glad that his knights were horsed again, and
+then they fought together, that the noise and sound rang by the water
+and the wood. Wherefore King Ban and King Bors made them ready, and
+dressed their shields and harness, and they were so courageous that
+many knights shook and bevered for eagerness. All this while Lucas, and
+Gwinas, and Briant, and Bellias of Flanders, held strong medley against
+six kings, that was King Lot, King Nentres, King Brandegoris, King
+Idres, King Uriens, and King Agwisance. So with the help of Sir Kay and
+of Sir Griflet they held these six kings hard, that unnethe they had
+any power to defend them. But when Sir Arthur saw the battle would not
+be ended by no manner, he fared wood as a lion, and steered his horse
+here and there, on the right hand, and on the left hand, that he
+stinted not till he had slain twenty knights. Also he wounded King Lot
+sore on the shoulder, and made him to leave that ground, for Sir Kay
+and Griflet did with King Arthur there great deeds of arms. Then
+Ulfius, and Brastias, and Sir Ector encountered against the Duke
+Eustace, and King Cradelment, and King Clariance of Northumberland, and
+King Carados, and against the King with the Hundred Knights. So these
+knights encountered with these kings, that they made them to avoid the
+ground. Then King Lot made great dole for his damages and his fellows,
+and said unto the ten kings, But if ye will do as I devise we shall be
+slain and destroyed; let me have the King with the Hundred Knights, and
+King Agwisance, and King Idres, and the Duke of Cambenet, and we five
+kings will have fifteen thousand men of arms with us, and we will go
+apart while ye six kings hold medley with twelve thousand; an we see
+that ye have foughten with them long, then will we come on fiercely,
+and else shall we never match them, said King Lot, but by this mean. So
+they departed as they here devised, and six kings made their party
+strong against Arthur, and made great war long.
+
+In the meanwhile brake the ambushment of King Ban and King Bors, and
+Lionses and Phariance had the vanguard, and they two knights met with
+King Idres and his fellowship, and there began a great medley of
+breaking of spears, and smiting of swords, with slaying of men and
+horses, and King Idres was near at discomforture.
+
+That saw Agwisance the king, and put Lionses and Phariance in point of
+death; for the Duke of Cambenet came on withal with a great fellowship.
+So these two knights were in great danger of their lives that they were
+fain to return, but always they rescued themselves and their fellowship
+marvellously. When King Bors saw those knights put aback, it grieved
+him sore; then he came on so fast that his fellowship seemed as black
+as Inde. When King Lot had espied King Bors, he knew him well, then he
+said, O Jesu, defend us from death and horrible maims! for I see well
+we be in great peril of death; for I see yonder a king, one of the most
+worshipfullest men and one of the best knights of the world, is
+inclined unto his fellowship. What is he? said the King with the
+Hundred Knights. It is, said King Lot, King Bors of Gaul; I marvel how
+they came into this country without witting of us all. It was by
+Merlin’s advice, said the knight. As for him, said King Carados, I will
+encounter with King Bors, an ye will rescue me when myster is. Go on,
+said they all, we will do all that we may. Then King Carados and his
+host rode on a soft pace, till that they came as nigh King Bors as
+bow-draught; then either battle let their horse run as fast as they
+might. And Bleoberis, that was godson unto King Bors, he bare his chief
+standard, that was a passing good knight. Now shall we see, said King
+Bors, how these northern Britons can bear the arms: and King Bors
+encountered with a knight, and smote him throughout with a spear that
+he fell dead unto the earth; and after drew his sword and did
+marvellous deeds of arms, that all parties had great wonder thereof;
+and his knights failed not, but did their part, and King Carados was
+smitten to the earth. With that came the King with the Hundred Knights
+and rescued King Carados mightily by force of arms, for he was a
+passing good knight of a king, and but a young man.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI. Yet more of the same battle.
+
+By then came into the field King Ban as fierce as a lion, with bands of
+green and thereupon gold. Ha! a! said King Lot, we must be discomfited,
+for yonder I see the most valiant knight of the world, and the man of
+the most renown, for such two brethren as is King Ban and King Bors are
+not living, wherefore we must needs void or die; and but if we avoid
+manly and wisely there is but death. When King Ban came into the
+battle, he came in so fiercely that the strokes redounded again from
+the wood and the water; wherefore King Lot wept for pity and dole that
+he saw so many good knights take their end. But through the great force
+of King Ban they made both the northern battles that were departed
+hurtled together for great dread; and the three kings and their knights
+slew on ever, that it was pity on to behold that multitude of the
+people that fled. But King Lot, and King of the Hundred Knights, and
+King Morganore gathered the people together passing knightly, and did
+great prowess of arms, and held the battle all that day, like hard.
+
+When the King of the Hundred Knights beheld the great damage that King
+Ban did, he thrust unto him with his horse, and smote him on high upon
+the helm, a great stroke, and astonied him sore. Then King Ban was
+wroth with him, and followed on him fiercely; the other saw that, and
+cast up his shield, and spurred his horse forward, but the stroke of
+King Ban fell down and carved a cantel off the shield, and the sword
+slid down by the hauberk behind his back, and cut through the trapping
+of steel and the horse even in two pieces, that the sword felt the
+earth. Then the King of the Hundred Knights voided the horse lightly,
+and with his sword he broached the horse of King Ban through and
+through. With that King Ban voided lightly from the dead horse, and
+then King Ban smote at the other so eagerly, and smote him on the helm
+that he fell to the earth. Also in that ire he felled King Morganore,
+and there was great slaughter of good knights and much people. By then
+came into the press King Arthur, and found King Ban standing among dead
+men and dead horses, fighting on foot as a wood lion, that there came
+none nigh him, as far as he might reach with his sword, but he caught a
+grievous buffet; whereof King Arthur had great pity. And Arthur was so
+bloody, that by his shield there might no man know him, for all was
+blood and brains on his sword. And as Arthur looked by him he saw a
+knight that was passingly well horsed, and therewith Sir Arthur ran to
+him, and smote him on the helm, that his sword went unto his teeth, and
+the knight sank down to the earth dead, and anon Arthur took the horse
+by the rein, and led him unto King Ban, and said, Fair brother, have
+this horse, for he have great myster thereof, and me repenteth sore of
+your great damage. It shall be soon revenged, said King Ban, for I
+trust in God mine ure is not such but some of them may sore repent
+this. I will well, said Arthur, for I see your deeds full actual;
+nevertheless, I might not come at you at that time.
+
+But when King Ban was mounted on horseback, then there began new
+battle, the which was sore and hard, and passing great slaughter. And
+so through great force King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors made their
+knights a little to withdraw them. But alway the eleven kings with
+their chivalry never turned back; and so withdrew them to a little
+wood, and so over a little river, and there they rested them, for on
+the night they might have no rest on the field. And then the eleven
+kings and knights put them on a heap all together, as men adread and
+out of all comfort. But there was no man might pass them, they held
+them so hard together both behind and before, that King Arthur had
+marvel of their deeds of arms, and was passing wroth. Ah, Sir Arthur,
+said King Ban and King Bors, blame them not, for they do as good men
+ought to do. For by my faith, said King Ban, they are the best fighting
+men, and knights of most prowess, that ever I saw or heard speak of,
+and those eleven kings are men of great worship; and if they were
+longing unto you there were no king under the heaven had such eleven
+knights, and of such worship. I may not love them, said Arthur, they
+would destroy me. That wot we well, said King Ban and King Bors, for
+they are your mortal enemies, and that hath been proved aforehand; and
+this day they have done their part, and that is great pity of their
+wilfulness.
+
+Then all the eleven kings drew them together, and then said King Lot,
+Lords, ye must other ways than ye do, or else the great loss is behind;
+ye may see what people we have lost, and what good men we lose, because
+we wait always on these foot-men, and ever in saving of one of the
+foot-men we lose ten horsemen for him; therefore this is mine advice,
+let us put our foot-men from us, for it is near night, for the noble
+Arthur will not tarry on the footmen, for they may save themselves, the
+wood is near hand. And when we horsemen be together, look every each of
+you kings let make such ordinance that none break upon pain of death.
+And who that seeth any man dress him to flee, lightly that he be slain,
+for it is better that we slay a coward, than through a coward all we to
+be slain. How say ye? said King Lot, answer me all ye kings. It is well
+said, quoth King Nentres; so said the King of the Hundred Knights; the
+same said the King Carados, and King Uriens; so did King Idres and King
+Brandegoris; and so did King Cradelment, and the Duke of Cambenet; the
+same said King Clariance and King Agwisance, and sware they would never
+fail other, neither for life nor for death. And whoso that fled, but
+did as they did, should be slain. Then they amended their harness, and
+righted their shields, and took new spears and set them on their
+thighs, and stood still as it had been a plump of wood.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII. Yet more of the same battle, and how it was ended by
+Merlin.
+
+When Sir Arthur and King Ban and Bors beheld them and all their
+knights, they praised them much for their noble cheer of chivalry, for
+the hardiest fighters that ever they heard or saw. With that, there
+dressed them a forty noble knights, and said unto the three kings, they
+would break their battle; these were their names: Lionses, Phariance,
+Ulfius, Brastias, Ector, Kay, Lucas the butler, Griflet le Fise de
+Dieu, Mariet de la Roche, Guinas de Bloi, Briant de la Forest Savage,
+Bellaus, Morians of the Castle [of] Maidens, Flannedrius of the Castle
+of Ladies, Annecians that was King Bors’ godson, a noble knight,
+Ladinas de la Rouse, Emerause, Caulas, Graciens le Castlein, one Blois
+de la Case, and Sir Colgrevaunce de Gorre; all these knights rode on
+afore with spears on their thighs, and spurred their horses mightily as
+the horses might run. And the eleven kings with part of their knights
+rushed with their horses as fast as they might with their spears, and
+there they did on both parties marvellous deeds of arms. So came into
+the thick of the press, Arthur, Ban, and Bors, and slew down right on
+both hands, that their horses went in blood up to the fetlocks. But
+ever the eleven kings and their host was ever in the visage of Arthur.
+Wherefore Ban and Bors had great marvel, considering the great
+slaughter that there was, but at the last they were driven aback over a
+little river. With that came Merlin on a great black horse, and said
+unto Arthur, Thou hast never done! Hast thou not done enough? of three
+score thousand this day hast thou left alive but fifteen thousand, and
+it is time to say Ho! For God is wroth with thee, that thou wilt never
+have done; for yonder eleven kings at this time will not be overthrown,
+but an thou tarry on them any longer, thy fortune will turn and they
+shall increase. And therefore withdraw you unto your lodging, and rest
+you as soon as ye may, and reward your good knights with gold and with
+silver, for they have well deserved it; there may no riches be too dear
+for them, for of so few men as ye have, there were never men did more
+of prowess than they have done today, for ye have matched this day with
+the best fighters of the world. That is truth, said King Ban and Bors.
+Also said Merlin, withdraw you where ye list, for this three year I
+dare undertake they shall not dere you; and by then ye shall hear new
+tidings. And then Merlin said unto Arthur, These eleven kings have more
+on hand than they are ware of, for the Saracens are landed in their
+countries, more than forty thousand, that burn and slay, and have laid
+siege at the castle Wandesborow, and make great destruction; therefore
+dread you not this three year. Also, sir, all the goods that be gotten
+at this battle, let it be searched, and when ye have it in your hands,
+let it be given freely unto these two kings, Ban and Bors, that they
+may reward their knights withal; and that shall cause strangers to be
+of better will to do you service at need. Also you be able to reward
+your own knights of your own goods whensomever it liketh you. It is
+well said, quoth Arthur, and as thou hast devised, so shall it be done.
+When it was delivered to Ban and Bors, they gave the goods as freely to
+their knights as freely as it was given to them. Then Merlin took his
+leave of Arthur and of the two kings, for to go and see his master
+Bleise, that dwelt in Northumberland; and so he departed and came to
+his master, that was passing glad of his coming; and there he told how
+Arthur and the two kings had sped at the great battle, and how it was
+ended, and told the names of every king and knight of worship that was
+there. And so Bleise wrote the battle word by word, as Merlin told him,
+how it began, and by whom, and in likewise how it was ended, and who
+had the worse. All the battles that were done in Arthur’s days Merlin
+did his master Bleise do write; also he did do write all the battles
+that every worthy knight did of Arthur’s court.
+
+After this Merlin departed from his master and came to King Arthur,
+that was in the castle of Bedegraine, that was one of the castles that
+stand in the forest of Sherwood. And Merlin was so disguised that King
+Arthur knew him not, for he was all befurred in black sheep-skins, and
+a great pair of boots, and a bow and arrows, in a russet gown, and
+brought wild geese in his hand, and it was on the morn after Candlemas
+day; but King Arthur knew him not. Sir, said Merlin unto the king, will
+ye give me a gift? Wherefore, said King Arthur, should I give thee a
+gift, churl? Sir, said Merlin, ye were better to give me a gift that is
+not in your hand than to lose great riches, for here in the same place
+where the great battle was, is great treasure hid in the earth. Who
+told thee so, churl? said Arthur. Merlin told me so, said he. Then
+Ulfius and Brastias knew him well enough, and smiled. Sir, said these
+two knights, it is Merlin that so speaketh unto you. Then King Arthur
+was greatly abashed, and had marvel of Merlin, and so had King Ban and
+King Bors, and so they had great disport at him. So in the meanwhile
+there came a damosel that was an earl’s daughter: his name was Sanam,
+and her name was Lionors, a passing fair damosel; and so she came
+thither for to do homage, as other lords did after the great battle.
+And King Arthur set his love greatly upon her, and so did she upon him,
+and the king had ado with her, and gat on her a child: his name was
+Borre, that was after a good knight, and of the Table Round. Then there
+came word that the King Rience of North Wales made great war on King
+Leodegrance of Cameliard, for the which thing Arthur was wroth, for he
+loved him well, and hated King Rience, for he was alway against him. So
+by ordinance of the three kings that were sent home unto Benwick, all
+they would depart for dread of King Claudas; and Phariance, and
+Antemes, and Gratian, and Lionses [of] Payarne, with the leaders of
+those that should keep the kings’ lands.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII. How King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors rescued King
+Leodegrance, and other incidents.
+
+And then King Arthur, and King Ban, and King Bors departed with their
+fellowship, a twenty thousand, and came within six days into the
+country of Cameliard, and there rescued King Leodegrance, and slew
+there much people of King Rience, unto the number of ten thousand men,
+and put him to flight. And then had these three kings great cheer of
+King Leodegrance, that thanked them of their great goodness, that they
+would revenge him of his enemies; and there had Arthur the first sight
+of Guenever, the king’s daughter of Cameliard, and ever after he loved
+her. After they were wedded, as it telleth in the book. So, briefly to
+make an end, they took their leave to go into their own countries, for
+King Claudas did great destruction on their lands. Then said Arthur, I
+will go with you. Nay, said the kings, ye shall not at this time, for
+ye have much to do yet in these lands, therefore we will depart, and
+with the great goods that we have gotten in these lands by your gifts,
+we shall wage good knights and withstand the King Claudas’ malice, for
+by the grace of God, an we have need we will send to you for your
+succour; and if ye have need, send for us, and we will not tarry, by
+the faith of our bodies. It shall not, said Merlin, need that these two
+kings come again in the way of war, but I know well King Arthur may not
+be long from you, for within a year or two ye shall have great need,
+and then shall he revenge you on your enemies, as ye have done on his.
+For these eleven kings shall die all in a day, by the great might and
+prowess of arms of two valiant knights (as it telleth after); their
+names be Balin le Savage, and Balan, his brother, that be marvellous
+good knights as be any living.
+
+Now turn we to the eleven kings that returned unto a city that hight
+Sorhaute, the which city was within King Uriens’, and there they
+refreshed them as well as they might, and made leeches search their
+wounds, and sorrowed greatly for the death of their people. With that
+there came a messenger and told how there was come into their lands
+people that were lawless as well as Saracens, a forty thousand, and
+have burnt and slain all the people that they may come by, without
+mercy, and have laid siege on the castle of Wandesborow. Alas, said the
+eleven kings, here is sorrow upon sorrow, and if we had not warred
+against Arthur as we have done, he would soon revenge us. As for King
+Leodegrance, he loveth Arthur better than us, and as for King Rience,
+he hath enough to do with Leodegrance, for he hath laid siege unto him.
+So they consented together to keep all the marches of Cornwall, of
+Wales, and of the North. So first, they put King Idres in the City of
+Nauntes in Britain, with four thousand men of arms, to watch both the
+water and the land. Also they put in the city of Windesan, King Nentres
+of Garlot, with four thousand knights to watch both on water and on
+land. Also they had of other men of war more than eight thousand, for
+to fortify all the fortresses in the marches of Cornwall. Also they put
+more knights in all the marches of Wales and Scotland, with many good
+men of arms, and so they kept them together the space of three year,
+and ever allied them with mighty kings and dukes and lords. And to them
+fell King Rience of North Wales, the which and Nero that was a mighty
+man of men. And all this while they furnished them and garnished them
+of good men of arms, and victual, and of all manner of habiliment that
+pretendeth to the war, to avenge them for the battle of Bedegraine, as
+it telleth in the book of adventures following.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX. How King Arthur rode to Carlion, and of his dream, and how
+he saw the questing beast.
+
+Then after the departing of King Ban and of King Bors, King Arthur rode
+into Carlion. And thither came to him, King Lot’s wife, of Orkney, in
+manner of a message, but she was sent thither to espy the court of King
+Arthur; and she came richly beseen, with her four sons, Gawaine,
+Gaheris, Agravine, and Gareth, with many other knights and ladies. For
+she was a passing fair lady, therefore the king cast great love unto
+her, and desired to lie by her; so they were agreed, and he begat upon
+her Mordred, and she was his sister, on his mother’s side, Igraine. So
+there she rested her a month, and at the last departed. Then the king
+dreamed a marvellous dream whereof he was sore adread. But all this
+time King Arthur knew not that King Lot’s wife was his sister. Thus was
+the dream of Arthur: Him thought there was come into this land griffins
+and serpents, and him thought they burnt and slew all the people in the
+land, and then him thought he fought with them, and they did him
+passing great harm, and wounded him full sore, but at the last he slew
+them. When the king awaked, he was passing heavy of his dream, and so
+to put it out of thoughts, he made him ready with many knights to ride
+a-hunting. As soon as he was in the forest the king saw a great hart
+afore him. This hart will I chase, said King Arthur, and so he spurred
+the horse, and rode after long, and so by fine force oft he was like to
+have smitten the hart; whereas the king had chased the hart so long,
+that his horse lost his breath, and fell down dead. Then a yeoman
+fetched the king another horse.
+
+So the king saw the hart enbushed, and his horse dead, he set him down
+by a fountain, and there he fell in great thoughts. And as he sat so,
+him thought he heard a noise of hounds, to the sum of thirty. And with
+that the king saw coming toward him the strangest beast that ever he
+saw or heard of; so the beast went to the well and drank, and the noise
+was in the beast’s belly like unto the questing of thirty couple
+hounds; but all the while the beast drank there was no noise in the
+beast’s belly: and there with the beast departed with a great noise,
+whereof the king had great marvel. And so he was in a great thought,
+and therewith he fell asleep. Right so there came a knight afoot unto
+Arthur and said, Knight full of thought and sleepy, tell me if thou
+sawest a strange beast pass this way. Such one saw I, said King Arthur,
+that is past two mile; what would ye with the beast? said Arthur. Sir,
+I have followed that beast long time, and killed mine horse, so would
+God I had another to follow my quest. Right so came one with the king’s
+horse, and when the knight saw the horse, he prayed the king to give
+him the horse: for I have followed this quest this twelvemonth, and
+either I shall achieve him, or bleed of the best blood of my body.
+Pellinore, that time king, followed the Questing Beast, and after his
+death Sir Palamides followed it.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX. How King Pellinore took Arthur’s horse and followed the
+Questing Beast, and how Merlin met with Arthur.
+
+Sir knight, said the king, leave that quest, and suffer me to have it,
+and I will follow it another twelvemonth. Ah, fool, said the knight
+unto Arthur, it is in vain thy desire, for it shall never be achieved
+but by me, or my next kin. Therewith he started unto the king’s horse
+and mounted into the saddle, and said, Gramercy, this horse is my own.
+Well, said the king, thou mayst take my horse by force, but an I might
+prove thee whether thou were better on horseback or I.—Well, said the
+knight, seek me here when thou wilt, and here nigh this well thou shalt
+find me, and so passed on his way. Then the king sat in a study, and
+bade his men fetch his horse as fast as ever they might. Right so came
+by him Merlin like a child of fourteen year of age, and saluted the
+king, and asked him why he was so pensive. I may well be pensive, said
+the king, for I have seen the marvellest sight that ever I saw. That
+know I well, said Merlin, as well as thyself, and of all thy thoughts,
+but thou art but a fool to take thought, for it will not amend thee.
+Also I know what thou art, and who was thy father, and of whom thou
+wert begotten; King Uther Pendragon was thy father, and begat thee on
+Igraine. That is false, said King Arthur, how shouldest thou know it,
+for thou art not so old of years to know my father? Yes, said Merlin, I
+know it better than ye or any man living. I will not believe thee, said
+Arthur, and was wroth with the child. So departed Merlin, and came
+again in the likeness of an old man of fourscore year of age, whereof
+the king was right glad, for he seemed to be right wise.
+
+Then said the old man, Why are ye so sad? I may well be heavy, said
+Arthur, for many things. Also here was a child, and told me many things
+that meseemeth he should not know, for he was not of age to know my
+father. Yes, said the old man, the child told you truth, and more would
+he have told you an ye would have suffered him. But ye have done a
+thing late that God is displeased with you, for ye have lain by your
+sister, and on her ye have gotten a child that shall destroy you and
+all the knights of your realm. What are ye, said Arthur, that tell me
+these tidings? I am Merlin, and I was he in the child’s likeness. Ah,
+said King Arthur, ye are a marvellous man, but I marvel much of thy
+words that I must die in battle. Marvel not, said Merlin, for it is
+God’s will your body to be punished for your foul deeds; but I may well
+be sorry, said Merlin, for I shall die a shameful death, to be put in
+the earth quick, and ye shall die a worshipful death. And as they
+talked this, came one with the king’s horse, and so the king mounted on
+his horse, and Merlin on another, and so rode unto Carlion. And anon
+the king asked Ector and Ulfius how he was begotten, and they told him
+Uther Pendragon was his father and Queen Igraine his mother. Then he
+said to Merlin, I will that my mother be sent for that I may speak with
+her; and if she say so herself then will I believe it. In all haste,
+the queen was sent for, and she came and brought with her Morgan le
+Fay, her daughter, that was as fair a lady as any might be, and the
+king welcomed Igraine in the best manner.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI. How Ulfius impeached Queen Igraine, Arthur’s mother, of
+treason; and how a knight came and desired to have the death of his
+master revenged.
+
+Right so came Ulfius, and said openly, that the king and all might hear
+that were feasted that day, Ye are the falsest lady of the world, and
+the most traitress unto the king’s person. Beware, said Arthur, what
+thou sayest; thou speakest a great word. I am well ware, said Ulfius,
+what I speak, and here is my glove to prove it upon any man that will
+say the contrary, that this Queen Igraine is causer of your great
+damage, and of your great war. For, an she would have uttered it in the
+life of King Uther Pendragon, of the birth of you, and how ye were
+begotten ye had never had the mortal wars that ye have had; for the
+most part of your barons of your realm knew never whose son ye were,
+nor of whom ye were begotten; and she that bare you of her body should
+have made it known openly in excusing of her worship and yours, and in
+like wise to all the realm, wherefore I prove her false to God and to
+you and to all your realm, and who will say the contrary I will prove
+it on his body.
+
+Then spake Igraine and said, I am a woman and I may not fight, but
+rather than I should be dishonoured, there would some good man take my
+quarrel. More, she said, Merlin knoweth well, and ye Sir Ulfius, how
+King Uther came to me in the Castle of Tintagil in the likeness of my
+lord, that was dead three hours to-fore, and thereby gat a child that
+night upon me. And after the thirteenth day King Uther wedded me, and
+by his commandment when the child was born it was delivered unto Merlin
+and nourished by him, and so I saw the child never after, nor wot not
+what is his name, for I knew him never yet. And there, Ulfius said to
+the queen, Merlin is more to blame than ye. Well I wot, said the queen,
+I bare a child by my lord King Uther, but I wot not where he is become.
+Then Merlin took the king by the hand, saying, This is your mother. And
+therewith Sir Ector bare witness how he nourished him by Uther’s
+commandment. And therewith King Arthur took his mother, Queen Igraine,
+in his arms and kissed her, and either wept upon other. And then the
+king let make a feast that lasted eight days.
+
+Then on a day there came in the court a squire on horseback, leading a
+knight before him wounded to the death, and told him how there was a
+knight in the forest had reared up a pavilion by a well, and hath slain
+my master, a good knight, his name was Miles; wherefore I beseech you
+that my master may be buried, and that some knight may revenge my
+master’s death. Then the noise was great of that knight’s death in the
+court, and every man said his advice. Then came Griflet that was but a
+squire, and he was but young, of the age of the king Arthur, so he
+besought the king for all his service that he had done him to give the
+order of knighthood.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII. How Griflet was made knight, and jousted with a knight.
+
+Thou art full young and tender of age, said Arthur, for to take so high
+an order on thee. Sir, said Griflet, I beseech you make me knight. Sir,
+said Merlin, it were great pity to lose Griflet, for he will be a
+passing good man when he is of age, abiding with you the term of his
+life. And if he adventure his body with yonder knight at the fountain,
+it is in great peril if ever he come again, for he is one of the best
+knights of the world, and the strongest man of arms. Well, said Arthur.
+So at the desire of Griflet the king made him knight. Now, said Arthur
+unto Sir Griflet, sith I have made you knight thou must give me a gift.
+What ye will, said Griflet. Thou shalt promise me by the faith of thy
+body, when thou hast jousted with the knight at the fountain, whether
+it fall ye be on foot or on horseback, that right so ye shall come
+again unto me without making any more debate. I will promise you, said
+Griflet, as you desire. Then took Griflet his horse in great haste, and
+dressed his shield and took a spear in his hand, and so he rode a great
+wallop till he came to the fountain, and thereby he saw a rich
+pavilion, and thereby under a cloth stood a fair horse well saddled and
+bridled, and on a tree a shield of divers colours and a great spear.
+Then Griflet smote on the shield with the butt of his spear, that the
+shield fell 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 young, and late made knight, and your might is
+nothing to mine. As for that, said Griflet, I will joust with you. That
+is me loath, said the knight, but sith I must needs, I will dress me
+thereto. Of whence be ye? said the knight. Sir, I am of Arthur’s court.
+So the two knights ran together that Griflet’s spear all to-shivered;
+and there withal he smote Griflet through the shield and the left side,
+and brake the spear that the truncheon stuck in his body, that horse
+and knight fell down.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII. How twelve knights came from Rome and asked truage for
+this land of Arthur, and how Arthur fought with a knight.
+
+When the knight saw him lie so on the ground, he alighted, and was
+passing heavy, for he weened he had slain him, and then he unlaced his
+helm and gat him wind, and so with the truncheon he set him on his
+horse, and so betook him to God, and said he had a mighty heart, and if
+he might live he would prove a passing good knight. And so Sir Griflet
+rode to the court, where great dole was made for him. But through good
+leeches he was healed and saved. Right so came into the court twelve
+knights, and were aged men, and they came from the Emperor of Rome, and
+they asked of Arthur truage for this realm, other else the emperor
+would destroy him and his land. Well, said King Arthur, ye are
+messengers, therefore ye may say what ye will, other else ye should die
+therefore. But this is mine answer: I owe the emperor no truage, nor
+none will I hold him, but on a fair field I shall give him my truage
+that shall be with a sharp spear, or else with a sharp sword, and that
+shall not be long, by my father’s soul, Uther Pendragon. And therewith
+the messengers departed passingly wroth, and King Arthur as wroth, for
+in evil time came they then; for the king was passingly wroth for the
+hurt of Sir Griflet. And so he commanded a privy man of his chamber
+that or it be day his best horse and armour, with all that longeth unto
+his person, be without the city or to-morrow day. Right so or to-morrow
+day he met with his man and his horse, and so mounted up and dressed
+his shield and took his spear, and bade his chamberlain tarry there
+till he came again. And so Arthur rode a soft pace till it was day, and
+then was he ware of three churls chasing Merlin, and would have slain
+him. Then the king rode unto them, and bade them: Flee, churls! then
+were they afeard when they saw a knight, and fled. O Merlin, said
+Arthur, here hadst thou been slain for all thy crafts had I not been.
+Nay, said Merlin, not so, for I could save myself an I would; and thou
+art more near thy death than I am, for thou goest to the deathward, an
+God be not thy friend.
+
+So as they went thus talking they came to the fountain, and the rich
+pavilion there by it. Then King Arthur was ware where sat a knight
+armed in a chair. Sir knight, said Arthur, for what cause abidest thou
+here, that there may no knight ride this way but if he joust with thee?
+said the king. I rede thee leave that custom, said Arthur. This custom,
+said the knight, have I used and will use maugre who saith nay, and who
+is grieved with my custom let him amend it that will. I will amend it,
+said Arthur. I shall defend thee, said the knight. Anon he took his
+horse and dressed his shield and took a spear, and they met so hard
+either in other’s shields, that all to-shivered their spears. Therewith
+anon Arthur pulled out his sword. Nay, not so, said the knight; it is
+fairer, said the knight, that we twain run more together with sharp
+spears. I will well, said Arthur, an I had any more spears. I have
+enow, said the knight; so there came a squire and brought two good
+spears, and Arthur chose one and he another; so they spurred their
+horses and came together with all their mights, that either brake their
+spears to their hands. Then Arthur set hand on his sword. Nay, said the
+knight, ye shall do better, ye are a passing good jouster as ever I met
+withal, and once for the love of the high order of knighthood let us
+joust once again. I assent me, said Arthur. Anon there were brought two
+great spears, and every knight gat a spear, and therewith they ran
+together that Arthur’s spear all to-shivered. But the other knight hit
+him so hard in midst of the shield, that horse and man fell to the
+earth, and therewith Arthur was eager, and pulled out his sword, and
+said, I will assay thee, sir knight, on foot, for I have lost the
+honour on horseback. I will be on horseback, said the knight. Then was
+Arthur wroth, and dressed his shield toward him with his sword drawn.
+When the knight saw that, he alighted, for him thought no worship to
+have a knight at such avail, he to be on horseback and he on foot, and
+so he alighted and dressed his shield unto Arthur. And there began a
+strong battle with many great strokes, and so hewed with their swords
+that the cantels flew in the fields, and much blood they bled both,
+that all the place there as they fought was overbled with blood, and
+thus they fought long and rested them, and then they went to the battle
+again, and so hurtled together like two rams that either fell to the
+earth. So at the last they smote together that both their swords met
+even together. But the sword of the knight smote King Arthur’s sword in
+two pieces, wherefore he was heavy. Then said the knight unto Arthur,
+Thou art in my daunger whether me list to save thee or slay thee, and
+but thou yield thee as overcome and recreant, thou shalt die. As for
+death, said King Arthur, welcome be it when it cometh, but to yield me
+unto thee as recreant I had liefer die than to be so shamed. And
+therewithal the king leapt unto Pellinore, and took him by the middle
+and threw him down, and raced off his helm. When the knight felt that
+he was adread, for he was a passing big man of might, and anon he
+brought Arthur under him, and raced off his helm and would have smitten
+off his head.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV. How Merlin saved Arthur’s life, and threw an enchantment
+on King Pellinore and made him to sleep.
+
+Therewithal came Merlin and said, Knight, hold thy hand, for an thou
+slay that knight thou puttest this realm in the greatest damage that
+ever was realm: for this knight is a man of more worship than thou
+wotest of. Why, who is he? said the knight. It is King Arthur. Then
+would he have slain him for dread of his wrath, and heaved up his
+sword, and therewith Merlin cast an enchantment to the knight, that he
+fell to the earth in a great sleep. Then Merlin took up King Arthur,
+and rode forth on the knight’s horse. Alas! said Arthur, what hast thou
+done, Merlin? hast thou slain this good knight by thy crafts? There
+liveth not so worshipful a knight as he was; I had liefer than the
+stint of my land a year that he were alive. Care ye not, said Merlin,
+for he is wholer than ye; for he is but asleep, and will awake within
+three hours. I told you, said Merlin, what a knight he was; here had ye
+been slain had I not been. Also there liveth not a bigger knight than
+he is one, and he shall hereafter do you right good service; and his
+name is Pellinore, and he shall have two sons that shall be passing
+good men; save one they shall have no fellow of prowess and of good
+living, and their names shall be Percivale of Wales and Lamerake of
+Wales, and he shall tell you the name of your own son, begotten of your
+sister, that shall be the destruction of all this realm.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV. How Arthur by the mean of Merlin gat Excalibur his sword
+of the Lady of the Lake.
+
+Right so the king and he departed, and went unto an hermit that was a
+good man and a great leech. So the hermit searched all his wounds and
+gave him good salves; so the king was there three days, and then were
+his wounds well amended that he might ride and go, and so departed. And
+as they rode, Arthur said, I have no sword. No force, said Merlin,
+hereby is a sword that shall be yours, an I may. So they rode till they
+came to a lake, the which was a fair water and broad, and in the midst
+of the lake Arthur was ware of an arm clothed in white samite, that
+held a fair sword in that hand. Lo! said Merlin, yonder is that sword
+that I spake of. With that they saw a damosel going upon the lake. What
+damosel is that? said Arthur. That is the Lady of the Lake, said
+Merlin; and within that lake is a rock, and therein is as fair a place
+as any on earth, and richly beseen; and this damosel will come to you
+anon, and then speak ye fair to her that she will give you that sword.
+Anon withal came the damosel unto Arthur, and saluted him, and he her
+again. Damosel, said Arthur, what sword is that, that yonder the arm
+holdeth above the water? I would it were mine, for I have no sword. Sir
+Arthur, king, said the damosel, that sword is mine, and if ye will give
+me a gift when I ask it you, ye shall have it. By my faith, said
+Arthur, I will give you what gift ye will ask. Well! said the damosel,
+go ye into yonder barge, and row yourself to the sword, and take it and
+the scabbard with you, and I will ask my gift when I see my time. So
+Sir Arthur and Merlin alighted and tied their horses to two trees, and
+so they went into the ship, and when they came to the sword that the
+hand held, Sir Arthur took it up by the handles, and took it with him,
+and the arm and the hand went under the water. And so [they] came unto
+the land and rode forth, and then Sir Arthur saw a rich pavilion. What
+signifieth yonder pavilion? It is the knight’s pavilion, said Merlin,
+that ye fought with last, Sir Pellinore; but he is out, he is not
+there. He hath ado with a knight of yours that hight Egglame, and they
+have foughten together, but at the last Egglame fled, and else he had
+been dead, and he hath chased him even to Carlion, and we shall meet
+with him anon in the highway. That is well said, said Arthur, now have
+I a sword, now will I wage battle with him, and be avenged on him. Sir,
+you shall not so, said Merlin, for the knight is weary of fighting and
+chasing, so that ye shall have no worship to have ado with him; also he
+will not be lightly matched of one knight living, and therefore it is
+my counsel, let him pass, for he shall do you good service in short
+time, and his sons after his days. Also ye shall see that day in short
+space, you shall be right glad to give him your sister to wed. When I
+see him, I will do as ye advise, said Arthur.
+
+Then Sir Arthur looked on the sword, and liked it passing well. Whether
+liketh you better, said Merlin, the sword or the scabbard? Me liketh
+better the sword, said Arthur. Ye are more unwise, said Merlin, for the
+scabbard is worth ten of the swords, for whiles ye have the scabbard
+upon you, ye shall never lose no blood, be ye never so sore wounded;
+therefore keep well the scabbard always with you. So they rode unto
+Carlion, and by the way they met with Sir Pellinore; but Merlin had
+done such a craft, that Pellinore saw not Arthur, and he passed by
+without any words. I marvel, said Arthur, that the knight would not
+speak. Sir, said Merlin, he saw you not, for an he had seen you, ye had
+not lightly departed. So they came unto Carlion, whereof his knights
+were passing glad. And when they heard of his adventures, they
+marvelled that he would jeopard his person so, alone. But all men of
+worship said it was merry to be under such a chieftain, that would put
+his person in adventure as other poor knights did.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI. How tidings came to Arthur that King Rience had overcome
+eleven kings, and how he desired Arthur’s beard to trim his mantle.
+
+This meanwhile came a messenger from King Rience of North Wales, and
+king he was of all Ireland, and of many isles. And this was his
+message, greeting well King Arthur in this manner wise, saying that
+King Rience had discomfited and overcome eleven kings, and everych of
+them did him homage, and that was this, they gave him their beards
+clean flayed off, as much as there was; wherefore the messenger came
+for King Arthur’s beard. For King Rience had purfled a mantle with
+kings’ beards, and there lacked one place of the mantle; wherefore he
+sent for his beard, or else he would enter into his lands, and burn and
+slay, and never leave till he have the head and the beard. Well, said
+Arthur, thou hast said thy message, the which is the most villainous
+and lewdest message that ever man heard sent unto a king; also thou
+mayest see my beard is full young yet to make a purfle of it. But tell
+thou thy king this: I owe him none homage, nor none of mine elders; but
+or it be long to, he shall do me homage on both his knees, or else he
+shall lose his head, by the faith of my body, for this is the most
+shamefulest message that ever I heard speak of. I have espied thy king
+met never yet with worshipful man, but tell him, I will have his head
+without he do me homage. Then the messenger departed.
+
+Now is there any here, said Arthur, that knoweth King Rience? Then
+answered a knight that hight Naram, Sir, I know the king well; he is a
+passing good man of his body, as few be living, and a passing proud
+man, and Sir, doubt ye not he will make war on you with a mighty
+puissance. Well, said Arthur, I shall ordain for him in short time.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII. How all the children were sent for that were born on
+May-day, and how Mordred was saved.
+
+Then King Arthur let send for all the children born on May-day,
+begotten of lords and born of ladies; for Merlin told King Arthur that
+he that should destroy him should be born on May-day, wherefore he sent
+for them all, upon pain of death; and so there were found many lords’
+sons, and all were sent unto the king, and so was Mordred sent by King
+Lot’s wife, and all were put in a ship to the sea, and some were four
+weeks old, and some less. And so by fortune the ship drave unto a
+castle, and was all to-riven, and destroyed the most part, save that
+Mordred was cast up, and a good man found him, and nourished him till
+he was fourteen year old, and then he brought him to the court, as it
+rehearseth afterward, toward the end of the Death of Arthur. So many
+lords and barons of this realm were displeased, for their children were
+so lost, and many put the wite on Merlin more than on Arthur; so what
+for dread and for love, they held their peace. But when the messenger
+came to King Rience, then was he wood out of measure, and purveyed him
+for a great host, as it rehearseth after in the book of Balin le
+Savage, that followeth next after, how by adventure Balin gat the
+sword.
+
+Explicit liber primus.
+
+
+
+BOOK II.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. Of a damosel which came girt with a sword for to find a man
+of such virtue to draw it out of the scabbard.
+
+After the death of Uther Pendragon reigned Arthur his son, the which
+had great war in his days for to get all England into his hand. For
+there were many kings within the realm of England, and in Wales,
+Scotland, and Cornwall. So it befell on a time when King Arthur was at
+London, there came a knight and told the king tidings how that the King
+Rience of North Wales had reared a great number of people, and were
+entered into the land, and burnt and slew the king’s true liege people.
+If this be true, said Arthur, it were great shame unto mine estate but
+that he were mightily withstood. It is truth, said the knight, for I
+saw the host myself. Well, said the king, let make a cry, that all the
+lords, knights, and gentlemen of arms, should draw unto a castle called
+Camelot in those days, and there the king would let make a
+council-general and a great jousts.
+
+So when the king was come thither with all his baronage, and lodged as
+they seemed best, there was come a damosel the which was sent on
+message from the great lady Lile of Avelion. And when she came before
+King Arthur, she told from whom she came, and how she was sent on
+message unto him for these causes. Then she let her mantle fall that
+was richly furred; and then was she girt with a noble sword whereof the
+king had marvel, and said, Damosel, for what cause are ye girt with
+that sword? it beseemeth you not. Now shall I tell you, said the
+damosel; this sword that I am girt withal doth me great sorrow and
+cumbrance, for I may not be delivered of this sword but by a knight,
+but he must be a passing good man of his hands and of his deeds, and
+without villainy or treachery, and without treason. And if I may find
+such a knight that hath all these virtues, he may draw out this sword
+out of the sheath, for I have been at King Rience’s it was told me
+there were passing good knights, and he and all his knights have
+assayed it and none can speed. This is a great marvel, said Arthur, if
+this be sooth; I will myself assay to draw out the sword, not presuming
+upon myself that I am the best knight, but that I will begin to draw at
+your sword in giving example to all the barons that they shall assay
+everych one after other when I have assayed it. Then Arthur took the
+sword by the sheath and by the girdle and pulled at it eagerly, but the
+sword would not out.
+
+Sir, said the damosel, you need not to pull half so hard, for he that
+shall pull it out shall do it with little might. Ye say well, said
+Arthur; now assay ye all my barons; but beware ye be not defiled with
+shame, treachery, nor guile. Then it will not avail, said the damosel,
+for he must be a clean knight without villainy, and of a gentle strain
+of father side and mother side. Most of all the barons of the Round
+Table that were there at that time assayed all by row, but there might
+none speed; wherefore the damosel made great sorrow out of measure, and
+said, Alas! I weened in this court had been the best knights without
+treachery or treason. By my faith, said Arthur, here are good knights,
+as I deem, as any be in the world, but their grace is not to help you,
+wherefore I am displeased.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. How Balin, arrayed like a poor knight, pulled out the
+sword, which afterward was the cause of his death.
+
+Then fell it so that time there was a poor knight with King Arthur,
+that had been prisoner with him half a year and more for slaying of a
+knight, the which was cousin unto King Arthur. The name of this knight
+was called Balin, and by good means of the barons he was delivered out
+of prison, for he was a good man named of his body, and he was born in
+Northumberland. And so he went privily into the court, and saw this
+adventure, whereof it raised his heart, and he would assay it as other
+knights did, but for he was poor and poorly arrayed he put him not far
+in press. But in his heart he was fully assured to do as well, if his
+grace happed him, as any knight that there was. And as the damosel took
+her leave of Arthur and of all the barons, so departing, this knight
+Balin called unto her, and said, Damosel, I pray you of your courtesy,
+suffer me as well to assay as these lords; though that I be so poorly
+clothed, in my heart meseemeth I am fully assured as some of these
+others, and meseemeth in my heart to speed right well. The damosel
+beheld the poor knight, and saw he was a likely man, but for his poor
+arrayment she thought he should be of no worship without villainy or
+treachery. And then she said unto the knight, Sir, it needeth not to
+put me to more pain or labour, for it seemeth not you to speed there as
+other have failed. Ah! fair damosel, said Balin, worthiness, and good
+tatches, and good deeds, are not only in arrayment, but manhood and
+worship is hid within man’s person, and many a worshipful knight is not
+known unto all people, and therefore worship and hardiness is not in
+arrayment. By God, said the damosel, ye say sooth; therefore ye shall
+assay to do what ye may. Then Balin took the sword by the girdle and
+sheath, and drew it out easily; and when he looked on the sword it
+pleased him much. Then had the king and all the barons great marvel
+that Balin had done that adventure, and many knights had great despite
+of Balin. Certes, said the damosel, this is a passing good knight, and
+the best that ever I found, and most of worship without treason,
+treachery, or villainy, and many marvels shall he do. Now, gentle and
+courteous knight, give me the sword again. Nay, said Balin, for this
+sword will I keep, but it be taken from me with force. Well, said the
+damosel, ye are not wise to keep the sword from me, for ye shall slay
+with the sword the best friend that ye have, and the man that ye most
+love in the world, and the sword shall be your destruction. I shall
+take the adventure, said Balin, that God will ordain me, but the sword
+ye shall not have at this time, by the faith of my body. Ye shall
+repent it within short time, said the damosel, for I would have the
+sword more for your avail than for mine, for I am passing heavy for
+your sake; for ye will not believe that sword shall be your
+destruction, and that is great pity. With that the damosel departed,
+making great sorrow.
+
+Anon after, Balin sent for his horse and armour, and so would depart
+from the court, and took his leave of King Arthur. Nay, said the king,
+I suppose ye will not depart so lightly from this fellowship, I suppose
+ye are displeased that I have shewed you unkindness; blame me the less,
+for I was misinformed against you, but I weened ye had not been such a
+knight as ye are, of worship and prowess, and if ye will abide in this
+court among my fellowship, I shall so advance you as ye shall be
+pleased. God thank your highness, said Balin, your bounty and highness
+may no man praise half to the value; but at this time I must needs
+depart, beseeching you alway of your good grace. Truly, said the king,
+I am right wroth for your departing; I pray you, fair knight, that ye
+tarry not long, and ye shall be right welcome to me, and to my barons,
+and I shall amend all miss that I have done against you; God thank your
+great lordship, said Balin, and therewith made him ready to depart.
+Then the most part of the knights of the Round Table said that Balin
+did not this adventure all only by might, but by witchcraft.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. How the Lady of the Lake demanded the knight’s head that
+had won the sword, or the maiden’s head.
+
+The meanwhile, that this knight was making him ready to depart, there
+came into the court a lady that hight the Lady of the Lake. And she
+came on horseback, richly beseen, and saluted King Arthur, and there
+asked him a gift that he promised her when she gave him the sword. That
+is sooth, said Arthur, a gift I promised you, but I have forgotten the
+name of my sword that ye gave me. The name of it, said the lady, is
+Excalibur, that is as much to say as Cut-steel. Ye say well, said the
+king; ask what ye will and ye shall have it, an it lie in my power to
+give it. Well, said the lady, I ask the head of the knight that hath
+won the sword, or else the damosel’s head that brought it; I take no
+force though I have both their heads, for he slew my brother, a good
+knight and a true, and that gentlewoman was causer of my father’s
+death. Truly, said King Arthur, I may not grant neither of their heads
+with my worship, therefore ask what ye will else, and I shall fulfil
+your desire. I will ask none other thing, said the lady. When Balin was
+ready to depart, he saw the Lady of the Lake, that by her means had
+slain Balin’s mother, and he had sought her three years; and when it
+was told him that she asked his head of King Arthur, he went to her
+straight and said, Evil be you found; ye would have my head, and
+therefore ye shall lose yours, and with his sword lightly he smote off
+her head before King Arthur. Alas, for shame! said Arthur, why have 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. Sir, said Balin, me forthinketh of
+your displeasure, for this same lady was the untruest lady living, and
+by enchantment and sorcery she hath been the destroyer of many good
+knights, and she was causer that my mother was burnt, through her
+falsehood and treachery. What cause soever ye had, said Arthur, ye
+should have forborne her in my presence; therefore, think not the
+contrary, ye shall repent it, for such another despite had I never in
+my court; therefore withdraw you out of my court in all haste ye may.
+
+Then Balin took up the head of the lady, and bare it with him to his
+hostelry, and there he met with his squire, that was sorry he had
+displeased King Arthur and so they rode forth out of the town. Now,
+said Balin, we must depart, take thou this head and bear it to my
+friends, and tell them how I have sped, and tell my friends in
+Northumberland that my most foe is dead. Also tell them how I am out of
+prison, and what adventure befell me at the getting of this sword.
+Alas! said the squire, ye are greatly to blame for to displease King
+Arthur. As for that, said Balin, I will hie me, in all the haste that I
+may, to meet with King Rience and destroy him, either else to die
+therefore; and if it may hap me to win him, then will King Arthur be my
+good and gracious lord. Where shall I meet with you? said the squire.
+In King Arthur’s court, said Balin. So his squire and he departed at
+that time. Then King Arthur and all the court made great dole and had
+shame of the death of the Lady of the Lake. Then the king buried her
+richly.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. How Merlin told the adventure of this damosel.
+
+At that time there was a knight, the which was the king’s son of
+Ireland, and his name was Lanceor, the which was an orgulous knight,
+and counted himself one of the best of the court; and he had great
+despite at Balin for the achieving of the sword, that any should be
+accounted more hardy, or more of prowess; and he asked King Arthur if
+he would give him leave to ride after Balin and to revenge the despite
+that he had done. Do your best, said Arthur, I am right wroth with
+Balin; I would he were quit of the despite that he hath done to me and
+to my court. Then this Lanceor went to his hostelry to make him ready.
+In the meanwhile came Merlin unto the court of King Arthur, and there
+was told him the adventure of the sword, and the death of the Lady of
+the Lake. Now shall I say you, said Merlin; this same damosel that here
+standeth, that brought the sword unto your court, I shall tell you the
+cause of her coming: she was the falsest damosel that liveth. Say not
+so, said they. She hath a brother, a passing good knight of prowess and
+a full true man; and this damosel loved another knight that held her to
+paramour, and this good knight her brother met with the knight that
+held her to paramour, and slew him by force of his hands. When this
+false damosel understood this, she went to the Lady Lile of Avelion,
+and besought her of help, to be avenged on her own brother.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. How Balin was pursued by Sir Lanceor, knight of Ireland, and
+how he jousted and slew him.
+
+And so this Lady Lile of Avelion took her this sword that she brought
+with her, and told there should no man pull it out of the sheath but if
+he be one of the best knights of this realm, and he should be hard and
+full of prowess, and with that sword he should slay her brother. This
+was the cause that the damosel came into this court. I know it as well
+as ye. Would God she had not come into this court, but she came never
+in fellowship of worship to do good, but always great harm; and that
+knight that hath achieved the sword shall be destroyed by that sword,
+for the which will be great damage, for there liveth not a knight of
+more prowess than he is, and he shall do unto you, my Lord Arthur,
+great honour and kindness; and it is great pity he shall not endure but
+a while, for of his strength and hardiness I know not his match living.
+
+So the knight of Ireland armed him at all points, and dressed his
+shield on his shoulder, and mounted upon horseback, and took his spear
+in his hand, and rode after a great pace, as much as his horse might
+go; and within a little space on a mountain he had a sight of Balin,
+and with a loud voice he cried, Abide, knight, for ye shall abide
+whether ye will or nill, and the shield that is to-fore you shall not
+help. When Balin heard the noise, he turned his horse fiercely, and
+said, Fair knight, what will ye with me, will ye joust with me? Yea,
+said the Irish knight, therefore come I after you. Peradventure, said
+Balin, it had been better to have holden you at home, for many a man
+weeneth to put his enemy to a rebuke, and oft it falleth to himself. Of
+what court be ye sent from? said Balin. I am come from the court of
+King Arthur, said the knight of Ireland, that come hither for to
+revenge the despite ye did this day to King Arthur and to his court.
+Well, said Balin, I see well I must have ado with you, that me
+forthinketh for to grieve King Arthur, or any of his court; and your
+quarrel is full simple, said Balin, unto me, for the lady that is dead,
+did me great damage, and else would I have been loath as any knight
+that liveth for to slay a lady. Make you ready, said the knight
+Lanceor, and dress you unto me, for that one shall abide in the field.
+Then they took their spears, and came together as much as their horses
+might drive, and the Irish knight smote Balin on the shield, that all
+went shivers off his spear, and Balin hit him through the shield, and
+the hauberk perished, and so pierced through his body and the horse’s
+croup, and anon turned his horse fiercely, and drew out his sword, and
+wist not that he had slain him; and then he saw him lie as a dead
+corpse.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. How a damosel, which was love to Lanceor, slew herself for
+love, and how Balin met with his brother Balan.
+
+Then he looked by him, and was ware of a damosel that came riding full
+fast as the horse might ride, on a fair palfrey. And when she espied
+that Lanceor was slain, she made sorrow out of measure, and said, O
+Balin, two bodies thou hast slain and one heart, and two hearts in one
+body, and two souls thou hast lost. And therewith she took the sword
+from her love that lay dead, and fell to the ground in a swoon. And
+when she arose she made great dole out of measure, the which sorrow
+grieved Balin passingly sore, and he went unto her for to have taken
+the sword out of her hand, but she held it so fast he might not take it
+out of her hand unless he should have hurt her, and suddenly she set
+the pommel to the ground, and rove herself through the body. When Balin
+espied her deeds, he was passing heavy in his heart, and ashamed that
+so fair a damosel had destroyed herself for the love of his death.
+Alas, said Balin, me repenteth sore the death of this knight, for the
+love of this damosel, for there was much true love betwixt them both,
+and for sorrow might not longer behold him, but turned his horse and
+looked toward a great forest, and there he was ware, by the arms, of
+his brother Balan. And when they were met they put off their helms and
+kissed together, and wept for joy and pity. Then Balan said, I little
+weened to have met with you at this sudden adventure; I am right glad
+of your deliverance out of your dolorous prisonment, for a man told me,
+in the castle of Four Stones, that ye were delivered, and that man had
+seen you in the court of King Arthur, and therefore I came hither into
+this country, for here I supposed to find you. Anon the knight Balin
+told his brother of his adventure of the sword, and of the death of the
+Lady of the Lake, and how King Arthur was displeased with him.
+Wherefore he sent this knight after me, that lieth here dead, and the
+death of this damosel grieveth me sore. So doth it me, said Balan, but
+ye must take the adventure that God will ordain you. Truly, said Balin,
+I am right heavy that my Lord Arthur is displeased with me, for he is
+the most worshipful knight that reigneth now on earth, and his love
+will I get or else will I put my life in adventure. For the King Rience
+lieth at a siege at the Castle Terrabil, and thither will we draw in
+all haste, to prove our worship and prowess upon him. I will well, said
+Balan, that we do, and we will help each other as brethren ought to do.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. How a dwarf reproved Balin for the death of Lanceor, and
+how King Mark of Cornwall found them, and made a tomb over them.
+
+Now go we hence, said Balin, and well be we met. The meanwhile as they
+talked, there came a dwarf from the city of Camelot on horseback, as
+much as he might; and found the dead bodies, wherefore he made great
+dole, and pulled out his hair for sorrow, and said, Which of you
+knights have done this deed? Whereby askest thou it? said Balan. For I
+would wit it, said the dwarf. It was I, said Balin, that slew this
+knight in my defence, for hither he came to chase me, and either I must
+slay him or he me; and this damosel slew herself for his love, which
+repenteth me, and for her sake I shall owe all women the better love.
+Alas, said the dwarf, thou hast done great damage unto thyself, for
+this knight that is here dead was one of the most valiantest men that
+lived, and trust well, Balin, the kin of this knight will chase you
+through the world till they have slain you. As for that, said Balin, I
+fear not greatly, but I am right heavy that I have displeased my lord
+King Arthur, for the death of this knight. So as they talked together,
+there came a king of Cornwall riding, the which hight King Mark. And
+when he saw these two bodies dead, and understood how they were dead,
+by the two knights above said, then made the king great sorrow for the
+true love that was betwixt them, and said, I will not depart till I
+have on this earth made a tomb, and there he pight his pavilions and
+sought through all the country to find a tomb, and in a church they
+found one was fair and rich, and then the king let put them both in the
+earth, and put the tomb upon them, and wrote the names of them both on
+the tomb. How here lieth Lanceor the king’s son of Ireland, that at his
+own request was slain by the hands of Balin; and how his lady, Colombe,
+and paramour, slew herself with her love’s sword for dole and sorrow.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. How Merlin prophesied that two the best knights of the
+world should fight there, which were Sir Lancelot and Sir Tristram.
+
+The meanwhile as this was a-doing, in came Merlin to King Mark, and
+seeing all his doing, said, Here shall be in this same place the
+greatest battle betwixt two knights that was or ever shall be, and the
+truest lovers, and yet none of them shall slay other. And there Merlin
+wrote their names upon the tomb with letters of gold that should fight
+in that place, whose names were Launcelot de Lake, and Tristram. Thou
+art a marvellous man, said King Mark unto Merlin, that speakest of such
+marvels, thou art a boistous man and an unlikely to tell of such deeds.
+What is thy name? said King Mark. At this time, said Merlin, I will not
+tell, but at that time when Sir Tristram is taken with his sovereign
+lady, then ye shall hear and know my name, and at that time ye shall
+hear tidings that shall not please you. Then said Merlin to Balin, Thou
+hast done thyself great hurt, because that thou savest not this lady
+that slew herself, that might have saved her an thou wouldest. By the
+faith of my body, said Balin, I might not save her, for she slew
+herself suddenly. Me repenteth, said Merlin; because of the death of
+that lady thou shalt strike a stroke most dolorous that ever man
+struck, except the stroke of our Lord, for thou shalt hurt the truest
+knight and the man of most worship that now liveth, and through that
+stroke three kingdoms shall be in great poverty, misery and
+wretchedness twelve years, and the knight shall not be whole of that
+wound for many years. Then Merlin took his leave of Balin. And Balin
+said, If I wist it were sooth that ye say I should do such a perilous
+deed as that, I would slay myself to make thee a liar. Therewith Merlin
+vanished away suddenly. And then Balan and his brother took their leave
+of King Mark. First, said the king, tell me your name. Sir, said Balan,
+ye may see he beareth two swords, thereby ye may call him the Knight
+with the Two Swords. And so departed King Mark unto Camelot to King
+Arthur, and Balin took the way toward King Rience; and as they rode
+together they met with Merlin disguised, but they knew him not. Whither
+ride you? said Merlin. We have little to do, said the two knights, to
+tell thee. But what is thy name? said Balin. At this time, said Merlin,
+I will not tell it thee. It is evil seen, said the knights, that thou
+art a true man that thou wilt not tell thy name. As for that, said
+Merlin, be it as it be may, I can tell you wherefore ye ride this way,
+for to meet King Rience; but it will not avail you without ye have my
+counsel. Ah! said Balin, ye are Merlin; we will be ruled by your
+counsel. Come on, said Merlin, ye shall have great worship, and look
+that ye do knightly, for ye shall have great need. As for that, said
+Balin, dread you not, we will do what we may.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. How Balin and his brother, by the counsel of Merlin, took
+King Rience and brought him to King Arthur.
+
+Then Merlin lodged them in a wood among leaves beside the highway, and
+took off the bridles of their horses and put them to grass and laid
+them down to rest them till it was nigh midnight. Then Merlin bade them
+rise, and make them ready, for the king was nigh them, that was stolen
+away from his host with a three score horses of his best knights, and
+twenty of them rode to-fore to warn the Lady de Vance that the king was
+coming; for that night King Rience should have lain with her. Which is
+the king? said Balin. Abide, said Merlin, here in a strait way ye shall
+meet with him; and therewith he showed Balin and his brother where he
+rode.
+
+Anon Balin and his brother met with the king, and smote him down, and
+wounded him fiercely, and laid him to the ground; and there they slew
+on the right hand and the left hand, and slew more than forty of his
+men, and the remnant fled. Then went they again to King Rience and
+would have slain him had he not yielded him unto their grace. Then said
+he thus: Knights full of prowess, slay me not, for by my life ye may
+win, and by my death ye shall win nothing. Then said these two knights,
+Ye say sooth and truth, and so laid him on a horse-litter. With that
+Merlin was vanished, and came to King Arthur aforehand, and told him
+how his most enemy was taken and discomfited. By whom? said King
+Arthur. By two knights, said Merlin, that would please your lordship,
+and to-morrow ye shall know what knights they are. Anon after came the
+Knight with the Two Swords and Balan his brother, and brought with them
+King Rience of North Wales, and there delivered him to the porters, and
+charged them with him; and so they two returned again in the dawning of
+the day. King Arthur came then to King Rience, and said, Sir king, ye
+are welcome: by what adventure come ye hither? Sir, said King Rience, I
+came hither by an hard adventure. Who won you? said King Arthur. Sir,
+said the king, the Knight with the Two Swords and his brother, which
+are two marvellous knights of prowess. I know them not, said Arthur,
+but much I am beholden to them. Ah, said Merlin, I shall tell you: it
+is Balin that achieved the sword, and his brother Balan, a good knight,
+there liveth not a better of prowess and of worthiness, and it shall be
+the greatest dole of him that ever I knew of knight, for he shall not
+long endure. Alas, said King Arthur, that is great pity; for I am much
+beholden unto him, and I have ill deserved it unto him for his
+kindness. Nay, said Merlin, he shall do much more for you, and that
+shall ye know in haste. But, sir, are ye purveyed, said Merlin, for
+to-morn the host of Nero, King Rience’s brother, will set on you or
+noon with a great host, and therefore make you ready, for I will depart
+from you.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. How King Arthur had a battle against Nero and King Lot of
+Orkney, and how King Lot was deceived by Merlin, and how twelve kings
+were slain.
+
+Then King Arthur made ready his host in ten battles and Nero was ready
+in the field afore the Castle Terrabil with a great host, and he had
+ten battles, with many more people than Arthur had. Then Nero had the
+vanguard with the most part of his people, and Merlin came to King Lot
+of the Isle of Orkney, and held him with a tale of prophecy, till Nero
+and his people were destroyed. And there Sir Kay the seneschal did
+passingly well, that the days of his life the worship went never from
+him; and Sir Hervis de Revel did marvellous deeds with King Arthur, and
+King Arthur slew that day twenty knights and maimed forty. At that time
+came in the Knight with the Two Swords and his brother Balan, but they
+two did so marvellously that the king and all the knights marvelled of
+them, and all they that beheld them said they were sent from heaven as
+angels, or devils from hell; and King Arthur said himself they were the
+best knights that ever he saw, for they gave such strokes that all men
+had wonder of them.
+
+In the meanwhile came one to King Lot, and told him while he tarried
+there Nero was destroyed and slain with all his people. Alas, said King
+Lot, I am ashamed, for by my default there is many a worshipful man
+slain, for an we had been together there had been none host under the
+heaven that had been able for to have matched with us; this faiter with
+his prophecy hath mocked me. All that did Merlin, for he knew well that
+an King Lot had been with his body there at the first battle, King
+Arthur had been slain, and all his people destroyed; and well Merlin
+knew that one of the kings should be dead that day, and loath was
+Merlin that any of them both should be slain; but of the twain, he had
+liefer King Lot had been slain than King Arthur. Now what is best to
+do? said King Lot of Orkney; whether is me better to treat with King
+Arthur or to fight, for the greater part of our people are slain and
+destroyed? Sir, said a knight, set on Arthur for they are weary and
+forfoughten and we be fresh. As for me, said King Lot, I would every
+knight would do his part as I would do mine. And then they advanced
+banners and smote together and all to-shivered their spears; and
+Arthur’s knights, with the help of the Knight with the Two Swords and
+his brother Balan put King Lot and his host to the worse. But always
+King Lot held him in the foremost front, and did marvellous deeds of
+arms, for all his host was borne up by his hands, for he abode all
+knights. Alas he might not endure, the which was great pity, that so
+worthy a knight as he was one should be overmatched, that of late time
+afore had been a knight of King Arthur’s, and wedded the sister of King
+Arthur; and for King Arthur lay by King Lot’s wife, the which was
+Arthur’s sister, and gat on her Mordred, therefore King Lot held
+against Arthur. So there was a knight that was called the Knight with
+the Strange Beast, and at that time his right name was called
+Pellinore, the which was a good man of prowess, and he smote a mighty
+stroke at King Lot as he fought with all his enemies, and he failed of
+his stroke, and smote the horse’s neck, that he fell to the ground with
+King Lot. And therewith anon Pellinore smote him a great stroke through
+the helm and head unto the brows. And then all the host of Orkney fled
+for the death of King Lot, and there were slain many mothers’ sons. But
+King Pellinore bare the wite of the death of King Lot, wherefore Sir
+Gawaine revenged the death of his father the tenth year after he was
+made knight, and slew King Pellinore with his own hands. Also there
+were slain at that battle twelve kings on the side of King Lot with
+Nero, and all were buried in the Church of Saint Stephen’s in Camelot,
+and the remnant of knights and of others were buried in a great rock.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. Of the interment of twelve kings, and of the prophecy of
+Merlin, and how Balin should give the dolorous stroke.
+
+So at the interment came King Lot’s wife Margawse with her four sons,
+Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris, and Gareth. Also there came thither King
+Uriens, Sir Ewaine’s father, and Morgan le Fay his wife that was King
+Arthur’s sister. All these came to the interment. But of all these
+twelve kings King Arthur let make the tomb of King Lot passing richly,
+and made his tomb by his own; and then Arthur let make twelve images of
+latten and copper, and over-gilt it with gold, in the sign of twelve
+kings, and each one of them held a taper of wax that burnt day and
+night; and King Arthur was made in sign of a figure standing above them
+with a sword drawn in his hand, and all the twelve figures had
+countenance like unto men that were overcome. All this made Merlin by
+his subtle craft, and there he told the king, When I am dead these
+tapers shall burn no longer, and soon after the adventures of the
+Sangreal shall come among you and be achieved. Also he told Arthur how
+Balin the worshipful knight shall give the dolorous stroke, whereof
+shall fall great vengeance. Oh, where is Balin and Balan and Pellinore?
+said King Arthur. As for Pellinore, said Merlin, he will meet with you
+soon; and as for Balin he will not be long from you; but the other
+brother will depart, ye shall see him no more. By my faith, said
+Arthur, they are two marvellous knights, and namely Balin passeth of
+prowess of any knight that ever I found, for much beholden am I unto
+him; would God he would abide with me. Sir, said Merlin, look ye keep
+well the scabbard of Excalibur, for ye shall lose no blood while ye
+have the scabbard upon you, though ye have as many wounds upon you as
+ye may have. So after, for great trust, Arthur betook the scabbard to
+Morgan le Fay his sister, and she loved another knight better than her
+husband King Uriens or King Arthur, and she would have had Arthur her
+brother slain, and therefore she let make another scabbard like it by
+enchantment, and gave the scabbard Excalibur to her love; and the
+knight’s name was called Accolon, that after had near slain King
+Arthur. After this Merlin told unto King Arthur of the prophecy that
+there should be a great battle beside Salisbury, and Mordred his own
+son should be against him. Also he told him that Bagdemegus was his
+cousin, and germain unto King Uriens.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. How a sorrowful knight came before Arthur, and how Balin
+fetched him, and how that knight was slain by a knight invisible.
+
+Within a day or two King Arthur was somewhat sick, and he let pitch his
+pavilion in a meadow, and there he laid him down on a pallet to sleep,
+but he might have no rest. Right so he heard a great noise of an horse,
+and therewith the king looked out at the porch of the pavilion, and saw
+a knight coming even by him, making great dole. Abide, fair sir, said
+Arthur, and tell me wherefore thou makest this sorrow. Ye may little
+amend me, said the knight, and so passed forth to the castle of Meliot.
+Anon after there came Balin, and when he saw King Arthur he alighted
+off his horse, and came to the King on foot, and saluted him. By my
+head, said Arthur, ye be welcome. Sir, right now came riding this way a
+knight making great mourn, for what cause I cannot tell; wherefore I
+would desire of you of your courtesy and of your gentleness to fetch
+again that knight either by force or else by his good will. I will do
+more for your lordship than that, said Balin; and so he rode more than
+a pace, and found the knight with a damosel in a forest, and said, Sir
+knight, ye must come with me unto King Arthur, for to tell him of your
+sorrow. That will I not, said the knight, for it will scathe me
+greatly, and do you none avail. Sir, said Balin, I pray you make you
+ready, for ye must go with me, or else I must fight with you and bring
+you by force, and that were me loath to do. Will ye be my warrant, said
+the knight, an I go with you? Yea, said Balin, or else I will die
+therefore. And so he made him ready to go with Balin, and left the
+damosel still. And as they were even afore King Arthur’s pavilion,
+there came one invisible, and smote this knight that went with Balin
+throughout the body with a spear. Alas, said the knight, I am slain
+under your conduct with a knight called Garlon; therefore take my horse
+that is better than yours, and ride to the damosel, and follow the
+quest that I was in as she will lead you, and revenge my death when ye
+may. That shall I do, said Balin, and that I make vow unto knighthood;
+and so he departed from this knight with great sorrow. So King Arthur
+let bury this knight richly, and made a mention on his tomb, how there
+was slain Herlews le Berbeus, and by whom the treachery was done, the
+knight Garlon. But ever the damosel bare the truncheon of the spear
+with her that Sir Herlews was slain withal.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII. How Balin and the damosel met with a knight which was in
+likewise slain, and how the damosel bled for the custom of a castle.
+
+So Balin and the damosel rode into a forest, and there met with a
+knight that had been a-hunting, and that knight asked Balin for what
+cause he made so great sorrow. Me list not to tell you, said Balin.
+Now, said the knight, an I were armed as ye be I would fight with you.
+That should little need, said Balin, I am not afeard to tell you, and
+told him all the cause how it was. Ah, said the knight, is this all?
+here I ensure you by the faith of my body never to depart from you
+while my life lasteth. And so they went to the hostelry and armed them,
+and so rode forth with Balin. And as they came by an hermitage even by
+a churchyard, there came the knight Garlon invisible, and smote this
+knight, Perin de Mountbeliard, through the body with a spear. Alas,
+said the knight, I am slain by this traitor knight that rideth
+invisible. Alas, said Balin, it is not the first despite he hath done
+me; and there the hermit and Balin buried the knight under a rich stone
+and a tomb royal. And on the morn they found letters of gold written,
+how Sir Gawaine shall revenge his father’s death, King Lot, on the King
+Pellinore. Anon after this Balin and the damosel rode till they came to
+a castle, and there Balin alighted, and he and the damosel went to go
+into the castle, and anon as Balin came within the castle’s gate the
+portcullis fell down at his back, and there fell many men about the
+damosel, and would have slain her. When Balin saw that, he was sore
+aggrieved, for he might not help the damosel. Then he went up into the
+tower, and leapt over walls into the ditch, and hurt him not; and anon
+he pulled out his sword and would have foughten with them. And they all
+said nay, they would not fight with him, for they did nothing but the
+old custom of the castle; and told him how their lady was sick, and had
+lain many years, and she might not be whole but if she had a dish of
+silver full of blood of a clean maid and a king’s daughter; and
+therefore the custom of this castle is, there shall no damosel pass
+this way but she shall bleed of her blood in a silver dish full. Well,
+said Balin, she shall bleed as much as she may bleed, but I will not
+lose the life of her whiles my life lasteth. And so Balin made her to
+bleed by her good will, but her blood helped not the lady. And so he
+and she rested there all night, and had there right good cheer, and on
+the morn they passed on their ways. And as it telleth after in the
+Sangreal, that Sir Percivale’s sister helped that lady with her blood,
+whereof she was dead.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV. How Balin met with that knight named Garlon at a feast,
+and there he slew him, to have his blood to heal therewith the son of
+his host.
+
+Then they rode three or four days and never met with adventure, and by
+hap they were lodged with a gentle man that was a rich man and well at
+ease. And as they sat at their supper Balin overheard one complain
+grievously by him in a chair. What is this noise? said Balin. Forsooth,
+said his host, I will tell you. I was but late at a jousting, and there
+I jousted with a knight that is brother unto King Pellam, and twice
+smote I him down, and then he promised to quit me on my best friend;
+and so he wounded my son, that cannot be whole till I have of that
+knight’s blood, and he rideth alway invisible; but I know not his name.
+Ah! said Balin, I know that knight, his name is Garlon, he hath slain
+two knights of mine in the same manner, therefore I had liefer meet
+with that knight than all the gold in this realm, for the despite he
+hath done me. Well, said his host, I shall tell you, King Pellam of
+Listeneise hath made do cry in all this country a great feast that
+shall be within these twenty days, and no knight may come there but if
+he bring his wife with him, or his paramour; and that knight, your
+enemy and mine, ye shall see that day. Then I behote you, said Balin,
+part of his blood to heal your son withal. We will be forward to-morn,
+said his host. So on the morn they rode all three toward Pellam, and
+they had fifteen days’ journey or they came thither; and that same day
+began the great feast. And so they alighted and stabled their horses,
+and went into the castle; but Balin’s host might not be let in because
+he had no lady. Then Balin was well received and brought unto a chamber
+and unarmed him; and there were brought him robes to his pleasure, and
+would have had Balin leave his sword behind him. Nay, said Balin, that
+do I not, for it is the custom of my country a knight always to keep
+his weapon with him, and that custom will I keep, or else I will depart
+as I came. Then they gave him leave to wear his sword, and so he went
+unto the castle, and was set among knights of worship, and his lady
+afore him.
+
+Soon Balin asked a knight, Is there not a knight in this court whose
+name is Garlon? Yonder he goeth, said a knight, he with the black face;
+he is the marvellest knight that is now living, for he destroyeth many
+good knights, for he goeth invisible. Ah well, said Balin, is that he?
+Then Balin advised him long: If I slay him here I shall not escape, and
+if I leave him now, peradventure I shall never meet with him again at
+such a steven, and much harm he will do an he live. Therewith this
+Garlon espied that this Balin beheld him, and then he came and smote
+Balin on the face with the back of his hand, and said, Knight, why
+beholdest me so? for shame therefore, eat thy meat and do that thou
+came for. Thou sayest sooth, said Balin, this is not the first despite
+that thou hast done me, and therefore I will do what I came for, and
+rose up fiercely and clave his head to the shoulders. Give me the
+truncheon, said Balin to his lady, wherewith he slew your knight. Anon
+she gave it him, for alway she bare the truncheon with her. And
+therewith Balin smote him through the body, and said openly, With that
+truncheon thou hast slain a good knight, and now it sticketh in thy
+body. And then Balin called unto him his host, saying, Now may ye fetch
+blood enough to heal your son withal.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV. How Balin fought with King Pellam, and how his sword brake,
+and how he gat a spear wherewith he smote the dolorous stroke.
+
+Anon all the knights arose from the table for to set on Balin, and King
+Pellam himself arose up fiercely, and said, Knight, hast thou slain my
+brother? thou shalt die therefore or thou depart. Well, said Balin, do
+it yourself. Yes, said King Pellam, there shall no man have ado with
+thee but myself, for the love of my brother. Then King Pellam caught in
+his hand a grim weapon and smote eagerly at Balin; but Balin put the
+sword betwixt his head and the stroke, and therewith his sword burst in
+sunder. And when Balin was weaponless he ran into a chamber for to seek
+some weapon, and so from chamber to chamber, and no weapon he could
+find, and always King Pellam after him. And at the last he entered into
+a chamber that was marvellously well dight and richly, and a bed
+arrayed with cloth of gold, the richest that might be thought, and one
+lying therein, and thereby stood a table of clean gold with four
+pillars of silver that bare up the table, and upon the table stood a
+marvellous spear strangely wrought. And when Balin saw that spear, he
+gat it in his hand and turned him to King Pellam, and smote him
+passingly sore with that spear, that King Pellam fell down in a swoon,
+and therewith the castle roof and walls brake and fell to the earth,
+and Balin fell down so that he might not stir foot nor hand. And so the
+most part of the castle, that was fallen down through that dolorous
+stroke, lay upon Pellam and Balin three days.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI. How Balin was delivered by Merlin, and saved a knight that
+would have slain himself for love.
+
+Then Merlin came thither and took up Balin, and gat him a good horse,
+for his was dead, and bade him ride out of that country. I would have
+my damosel, said Balin. Lo, said Merlin, where she lieth dead. And King
+Pellam lay so, many years sore wounded, and might never be whole till
+Galahad the haut prince healed him in the quest of the Sangreal, for in
+that place was part of the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, that Joseph
+of Arimathea brought into this land, and there himself lay in that rich
+bed. And that was the same spear that Longius smote our Lord to the
+heart; and King Pellam was nigh of Joseph’s kin, and that was the most
+worshipful man that lived in those days, and great pity it was of his
+hurt, for through that stroke, turned to great dole, tray and tene.
+Then departed Balin from Merlin, and said, In this world we meet never
+no more. So he rode forth through the fair countries and cities, and
+found the people dead, slain on every side. And all that were alive
+cried, O Balin, thou hast caused great damage in these countries; for
+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 past those countries he was passing fain.
+
+So he rode eight days or he met with adventure. And at the last he came
+into a fair forest in a valley, and was ware of a tower, and there
+beside he saw a great horse of war, tied to a tree, and there beside
+sat a fair knight on the ground and made great mourning, and he was a
+likely man, and a well made. Balin said, God save you, why be ye so
+heavy? tell me and I will amend it, an I may, to my power. Sir knight,
+said he again, thou dost me great grief, for I was in merry thoughts,
+and now thou puttest me to more pain. Balin went a little from him, and
+looked on his horse; then heard Balin him say thus: Ah, fair lady, why
+have ye broken my promise, for thou promisest me to meet me here by
+noon, and I may curse thee that ever ye gave me this sword, for with
+this sword I slay myself, and pulled it out. And therewith Balin stert
+unto him and took him by the hand. Let go my hand, said the knight, or
+else I shall slay thee. That shall not need, said Balin, for I shall
+promise you my help to get you your lady, an ye will tell me where she
+is. What is your name? said the knight. My name is Balin le Savage. Ah,
+sir, I know you well enough, ye are the Knight with the Two Swords, and
+the man of most prowess of your hands living. What is your name? said
+Balin. My name is Garnish of the Mount, a poor man’s son, but by my
+prowess and hardiness a duke hath made me knight, and gave me lands;
+his name is Duke Hermel, and his daughter is she that I love, and she
+me as I deemed. How far is she hence? said Balin. But six mile, said
+the knight. Now ride we hence, said these two knights. So they rode
+more than a pace, till that they came to a fair castle well walled and
+ditched. I will into the castle, said Balin, and look if she be there.
+So he went in and searched from chamber to chamber, and found her bed,
+but she was not there. Then Balin looked into a fair little garden, and
+under a laurel tree he saw her lie upon a quilt of green samite and a
+knight in her arms, fast halsing either other, and under their heads
+grass and herbs. When Balin saw her lie so with the foulest knight that
+ever he saw, and she a fair lady, then Balin went through all the
+chambers again, and told the knight how he found her as she had slept
+fast, and so brought him in the place there she lay fast sleeping.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII. How that knight slew his love and a knight lying by her,
+and after, how he slew himself with his own sword, and how Balin rode
+toward a castle where he lost his life.
+
+And when Garnish beheld her so lying, for pure sorrow his mouth and
+nose burst out a-bleeding, and with his sword he smote off both their
+heads, and then he made sorrow out of measure, and said, O Balin, much
+sorrow hast thou brought unto me, for hadst thou not shewed me that
+sight I should have passed my sorrow. Forsooth, said Balin, I did it to
+this intent that it should better thy courage, and that ye might see
+and know her falsehood, and to cause you to leave love of such a lady;
+God knoweth I did none other but as I would ye did to me. Alas, said
+Garnish, now is my sorrow double that I may not endure, now have I
+slain that I most loved in all my life; and therewith suddenly he rove
+himself on his own sword unto the hilts. When Balin saw that, he
+dressed him thenceward, lest folk would say he had slain them; and so
+he rode forth, and within three days he came by a cross, and thereon
+were letters of gold written, that said, It is not for no knight alone
+to ride toward this castle. Then saw he an old hoar gentleman coming
+toward him, that said, Balin le Savage, thou passest thy bounds to come
+this way, therefore turn again and it will avail thee. And he vanished
+away anon; and so he heard an horn blow as it had been the death of a
+beast. That blast, said Balin, is blown for me, for I am the prize and
+yet am I not dead. Anon withal he saw an hundred ladies and many
+knights, that welcomed him with fair semblant, and made him passing
+good cheer unto his sight, and led him into the castle, and there was
+dancing and minstrelsy and all manner of joy. Then the chief lady of
+the castle said, Knight with the Two Swords, ye must have ado and joust
+with a knight hereby that keepeth an island, for there may no man pass
+this way but he must joust or he pass. That is an unhappy custom, said
+Balin, that a knight may not pass this way but if he joust. Ye shall
+not have ado but with one knight, said the lady.
+
+Well, said Balin, since I shall thereto I am ready, but travelling men
+are oft weary and their horses too, but though my horse be weary my
+heart is not weary, I would be fain there my death should be. Sir, said
+a knight to Balin, methinketh your shield is not good, I will lend you
+a bigger. Thereof I pray you. And so he took the shield that was
+unknown and left his own, and so rode unto the island, and put him and
+his horse in a great boat; and when he came on the other side he met
+with a damosel, and she said, O knight Balin, why have ye left your own
+shield? alas ye have put yourself in great danger, for by your shield
+ye should have been known; it is great pity of you as ever was of
+knight, for of thy prowess and hardiness thou hast no fellow 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. And
+then he looked on his armour, and understood he was well armed, and
+therewith blessed him and mounted upon his horse.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII. How Balin met with his brother Balan, and how each of
+them slew other unknown, till they were wounded to death.
+
+Then afore him he saw come riding out of a castle a knight, and his
+horse trapped all red, and himself in the same colour. When this knight
+in the red beheld Balin, him thought it should be his brother Balin by
+cause of his two swords, but by cause he knew not his shield he deemed
+it was not he. And so they aventryd their spears and came marvellously
+fast together, and they smote each other in the shields, but their
+spears and their course were so big that it bare down horse and man,
+that they lay both in a swoon. But Balin was bruised sore with the fall
+of his horse, for he was weary of travel. And Balan was the first that
+rose on foot and drew his sword, and went toward Balin, and he arose
+and went against him; but Balan smote Balin first, and he put up his
+shield and smote him through the shield and tamed his helm. Then Balin
+smote him again with that unhappy sword, and well-nigh had felled his
+brother Balan, and so they fought there together till their breaths
+failed. Then Balin looked up to the castle and saw the towers stand
+full of ladies. So they went unto battle again, and wounded everych
+other dolefully, and then they breathed ofttimes, and so went unto
+battle that all the place there as they fought was blood red. And at
+that time there was none of them both but they had either smitten other
+seven great wounds, so that the least of them might have been the death
+of the mightiest giant in this world.
+
+Then they went to battle again so marvellously that doubt it was to
+hear of that battle for the great blood-shedding, and their hauberks
+unnailed that naked they were on every side. At last Balan the younger
+brother withdrew him a little and laid him down. Then said Balin le
+Savage, What knight art thou? for or now I found never no knight that
+matched me. My name is, said he, Balan, brother unto the good knight,
+Balin. Alas, said Balin, that ever I should see this day, and therewith
+he fell backward in a swoon. Then Balan yede on all four feet and
+hands, and put off the helm off his brother, and might not know him by
+the visage it was so ful hewn and bled; but when he awoke he said, O
+Balan, my brother, thou hast slain me and I thee, wherefore all the
+wide world shall speak of us both. Alas, said Balan, that ever I saw
+this day, that through mishap I might not know you, for I espied well
+your two swords, but by cause ye had another shield I deemed ye had
+been another knight. Alas, said Balin, all that made an unhappy knight
+in the castle, for he caused me to leave my own shield to our both’s
+destruction, and if I might live I would destroy that castle for ill
+customs. That were well done, said Balan, for I had never grace to
+depart from them since that I came hither, for here it happed me to
+slay a knight that kept this island, and since might I never depart,
+and no more should ye, brother, an ye might have slain me as ye have,
+and escaped yourself with the life.
+
+Right so came the lady of the tower with four knights and six ladies
+and six yeomen unto them, and there she heard how they made their moan
+either to other, and said, We came both out of one tomb, that is to say
+one mother’s belly, and so shall we lie both in one pit. So Balan
+prayed the lady of her gentleness, for his true service, that she would
+bury them both in that same place there the battle was done. And she
+granted them, with weeping, it should be done richly in the best
+manner. Now, will ye send for a priest, that we may receive our
+sacrament, and receive the blessed body of our Lord Jesus Christ? Yea,
+said the lady, it shall be done; and so she sent for a priest and gave
+them their rights. Now, said Balin, when we are buried in one tomb, and
+the mention made over us how two brethren slew each other, there will
+never good knight, nor good man, see our tomb but they will pray for
+our souls. And so all the ladies and gentlewomen wept for pity. Then
+anon Balan died, but Balin died not till the midnight after, and so
+were they buried both, and the lady let make a mention of Balan how he
+was there slain by his brother’s hands, but she knew not Balin’s name.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX. How Merlin buried them both in one tomb, and of Balin’s
+sword.
+
+In the morn came Merlin and let write Balin’s name on the tomb with
+letters of gold, that Here lieth Balin le Savage that was the Knight
+with the Two Swords, and he that smote the Dolorous Stroke. Also Merlin
+let make there a bed, that there should never man lie therein but he
+went out of his wit, yet Launcelot de Lake fordid that bed through his
+noblesse. And anon after Balin was dead, Merlin took his sword, and
+took off the pommel and set on another pommel. So Merlin bade a knight
+that stood afore him handle that sword, and he assayed, and he might
+not handle it. Then Merlin laughed. Why laugh ye? said the knight. This
+is the cause, said Merlin: there shall never man handle this sword but
+the best knight of the world, and that shall be Sir Launcelot or else
+Galahad his son, and Launcelot with this sword shall slay the man that
+in the world he loved best, that shall be Sir Gawaine. All this he let
+write in the pommel of the sword. Then Merlin let make a bridge of iron
+and of steel into that island, and it was but half a foot broad, and
+there shall never man pass that bridge, nor have hardiness to go over,
+but if he were a passing good man and a good knight without treachery
+or villainy. Also the scabbard of Balin’s sword Merlin left it on this
+side the island, that Galahad should find it. Also Merlin let make by
+his subtilty that Balin’s sword was put in a marble stone standing
+upright as great as a mill stone, and the stone hoved always above the
+water and did many years, and so by adventure it swam down the stream
+to the City of Camelot, that is in English Winchester. And that same
+day Galahad the haut prince came with King Arthur, and so Galahad
+brought with him the scabbard and achieved the sword that was there in
+the marble stone hoving upon the water. And on Whitsunday he achieved
+the sword as it is rehearsed in the book of Sangreal.
+
+Soon after this was done Merlin came to King Arthur and told him of the
+dolorous stroke that Balin gave to King Pellam, and how Balin and Balan
+fought together the marvellest battle that ever was heard of, and how
+they were buried both in one tomb. Alas, said King Arthur, this is the
+greatest pity that ever I heard tell of two knights, for in the world I
+know not such two knights. Thus endeth the tale of Balin and of Balan,
+two brethren born in Northumberland, good knights.
+
+Sequitur iii. liber.
+
+
+
+BOOK III.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. How King Arthur took a wife, and wedded Guenever, daughter
+to Leodegrance, King of the Land of Cameliard, with whom he had the
+Round Table.
+
+In the beginning of Arthur, after he was chosen king by adventure and
+by grace; for the most part of the barons knew not that he was Uther
+Pendragon’s son, but as Merlin made it openly known. But yet many kings
+and lords held great war against him for that cause, but well Arthur
+overcame them all, for the most part the days of his life he was ruled
+much by the counsel of Merlin. So it fell on a time King Arthur said
+unto Merlin, My barons will let me have no rest, but needs I must take
+a wife, and I will none take but by thy counsel and by thine advice. It
+is well done, said Merlin, that ye take a wife, for a man of your
+bounty and noblesse should not be without a wife. Now is there any that
+ye love more than another? Yea, said King Arthur, I love Guenever the
+king’s daughter, Leodegrance of the land of Cameliard, the which
+holdeth in his house the Table Round that ye told he had of my father
+Uther. And this damosel is the most valiant and fairest lady that I
+know living, or yet that ever I could find. Sir, said Merlin, as of her
+beauty and fairness she is one of the fairest alive, but, an ye loved
+her not so well as ye do, I should find you a damosel of beauty and of
+goodness that should like you and please you, an your heart were not
+set; but there as a man’s heart is set, he will be loath to return.
+That is truth, said King Arthur. But Merlin warned the king covertly
+that Guenever was not wholesome for him to take to wife, for he warned
+him that Launcelot should love her, and she him again; and so he turned
+his tale to the adventures of Sangreal.
+
+Then Merlin desired of the king for to have men with him that should
+enquire of Guenever, and so the king granted him, and Merlin went forth
+unto King Leodegrance of Cameliard, and told him of the desires of the
+king that he would have unto his wife Guenever his daughter. That is to
+me, said King Leodegrance, the best tidings that ever I heard, that so
+worthy a king of prowess and noblesse will wed my daughter. And as for
+my lands, I will give him, wist I it might please him, but he hath
+lands enow, him needeth none; but I shall send him a gift shall please
+him much more, for I shall give him the Table Round, the which Uther
+Pendragon gave me, and when it is full complete, there is an hundred
+knights and fifty. And as for an hundred good knights I have myself,
+but I faute fifty, for so many have been slain in my days. And so
+Leodegrance delivered his daughter Guenever unto Merlin, and the Table
+Round with the hundred knights, and so they rode freshly, with great
+royalty, what by water and what by land, till that they came nigh unto
+London.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. How the Knights of the Round Table were ordained and their
+sieges blessed by the Bishop of Canterbury.
+
+When King Arthur heard of the coming of Guenever and the hundred
+knights with the Table Round, then King Arthur made great joy for her
+coming, and that rich present, and said openly, This fair lady is
+passing welcome unto me, for I have loved her long, and therefore there
+is nothing so lief to me. And these knights with the Round Table please
+me more than right great riches. And in all haste the king let ordain
+for the marriage and the coronation in the most honourable wise that
+could be devised. Now, Merlin, said King Arthur, go thou and espy me in
+all this land fifty knights which be of most prowess and worship.
+Within short time Merlin had found such knights that should fulfil
+twenty and eight knights, but no more he could find. Then the Bishop of
+Canterbury was fetched, and he blessed the sieges with great royalty
+and devotion, and there set the eight and twenty knights in their
+sieges. And when this was done Merlin said, Fair sirs, ye must all
+arise and come to King Arthur for to do him homage; he will have the
+better will to maintain you. And so they arose and did their homage,
+and when they were gone Merlin found in every sieges letters of gold
+that told the knights’ names that had sitten therein. But two sieges
+were void. And so anon came young Gawaine and asked the king a gift.
+Ask, said the king, and I shall grant it you. Sir, I ask that ye will
+make me knight that same day ye shall wed fair Guenever. I will do it
+with a good will, said King Arthur, and do unto you all the worship
+that I may, for I must by reason ye are my nephew, my sister’s son.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. How a poor man riding upon a lean mare desired King Arthur
+to make his son knight.
+
+Forthwithal there came a poor man into the court, and brought with him
+a fair young man of eighteen years of age riding upon a lean mare; and
+the poor man asked all men that he met, Where shall I find King Arthur?
+Yonder he is, said the knights, wilt thou anything with him? Yea, said
+the poor man, therefore I came hither. Anon as he came before the king,
+he saluted him and said: O King Arthur, the flower of all knights and
+kings, I beseech Jesu save thee. Sir, it was told me that at this time
+of your marriage ye would give any man the gift that he would ask, out
+except that were unreasonable. That is truth, said the king, such cries
+I let make, and that will I hold, so it apair not my realm nor mine
+estate. Ye say well and graciously, said the poor man; Sir, I ask
+nothing else but that ye will make my son here a knight. It is a great
+thing thou askest of me, said the king. What is thy name? said the king
+to the poor man. Sir, my name is Aries the cowherd. Whether cometh this
+of thee or of thy son? said the king. Nay, sir, said Aries, this desire
+cometh of my son and not of me, for I shall tell you I have thirteen
+sons, and all they will fall to what labour I put them, and will be
+right glad to do labour, but this child will not labour for me, for
+anything that my wife or I may do, but always he will be shooting or
+casting darts, and glad for to see battles and to behold knights, and
+always day and night he desireth of me to be made a knight. What is thy
+name? said the king unto the young man. Sir, my name is Tor. The king
+beheld him fast, and saw he was passingly well-visaged and passingly
+well made of his years. Well, said King Arthur unto Aries the cowherd,
+fetch all thy sons afore me that I may see them. And so the poor man
+did, and all were shaped much like the poor man. But Tor was not like
+none of them all in shape nor in countenance, for he was much more than
+any of them. Now, said King Arthur unto the cow herd, where is the
+sword he shall be made knight withal? It is here, said Tor. Take it out
+of the sheath, said the king, and require me to make you a knight.
+
+Then Tor alighted off his mare and pulled out his sword, kneeling, and
+requiring the king that he would make him knight, and that he might be
+a knight of the Table Round. As for a knight I will make you, and
+therewith smote him in the neck with the sword, saying, Be ye a good
+knight, and so I pray to God so ye may be, and if ye be of prowess and
+of worthiness ye shall be a knight of the Table Round. Now Merlin, said
+Arthur, say whether this Tor shall be a good knight or no. Yea, sir, he
+ought to be a good knight, for he is come of as good a man as any is
+alive, and of kings’ blood. How so, sir? said the king. I shall tell
+you, said Merlin: This poor man, Aries the cowherd, is not his father;
+he is nothing sib to him, for King Pellinore is his father. I suppose
+nay, said the cowherd. Fetch thy wife afore me, said Merlin, and she
+shall not say nay. Anon the wife was fetched, which was a fair
+housewife, and there she answered Merlin full womanly, and there she
+told the king and Merlin that when she was a maid, and went to milk
+kine, there met with her a stern knight, and half by force he had my
+maidenhead, and at that time he begat my son Tor, and he took away from
+me my greyhound that I had that time with me, and said that he would
+keep the greyhound for my love. Ah, said the cowherd, I weened not
+this, but I may believe it well, for he had never no tatches of me.
+Sir, said Tor unto Merlin, dishonour not my mother. Sir, said Merlin,
+it is more for your worship than hurt, for your father is a good man
+and a king, and he may right well advance you and your mother, for ye
+were begotten or ever she was wedded. That is truth, said the wife. It
+is the less grief unto me, said the cowherd.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. How Sir Tor was known for son of King Pellinore, and how
+Gawaine was made knight.
+
+So on the morn King Pellinore came to the court of King Arthur, which
+had great joy of him, and told him of Tor, how he was his son, and how
+he had made him knight at the request of the cowherd. When Pellinore
+beheld Tor, he pleased him much. So the king made Gawaine knight, but
+Tor was the first he made at the feast. What is the cause, said King
+Arthur, that there be two places void in the sieges? Sir, said Merlin,
+there shall no man sit in those places but they that shall be of most
+worship. But in the Siege Perilous there shall no man sit therein but
+one, and if there be any so hardy to do it he shall be destroyed, and
+he that shall sit there shall have no fellow. And therewith Merlin took
+King Pellinore by the hand, and in the one hand next the two sieges and
+the Siege Perilous he said, in open audience, This is your place and
+best ye are worthy to sit therein of any that is here. Thereat sat Sir
+Gawaine in great envy and told Gaheris his brother, yonder knight is
+put to great worship, the which grieveth me sore, for he slew our
+father King Lot, therefore I will slay him, said Gawaine, with a sword
+that was sent me that is passing trenchant. Ye shall not so, said
+Gaheris, at this time, for at this time I am but a squire, and when I
+am made knight I will be avenged on him, and therefore, brother, it is
+best ye suffer till another time, that we may have him out of the
+court, for an we did so we should trouble this high feast. I will well,
+said Gawaine, as ye will.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. How at feast of the wedding of King Arthur to Guenever, a
+white hart came into the hall, and thirty couple hounds, and how a
+brachet pinched the hart which was taken away.
+
+Then was the high feast made ready, and the king was wedded at Camelot
+unto Dame Guenever in the church of Saint Stephen’s, with great
+solemnity. And as every man was set after his degree, Merlin went to
+all the knights of the Round Table, and bade them sit still, that none
+of them remove. For ye shall see a strange and a marvellous adventure.
+Right so as they sat there came running in a white hart into the hall,
+and a white brachet next him, and thirty couple of black running hounds
+came after with a great cry, and the hart went about the Table Round as
+he went by other boards. The white brachet bit him by the buttock and
+pulled out a piece, wherethrough the hart leapt a great leap and
+overthrew a knight that sat at the board side; and therewith the knight
+arose and took up the brachet, and so went forth out of the hall, and
+took his horse and rode his way with the brachet. Right so anon came in
+a lady on a white palfrey, and cried aloud to King Arthur, Sir, suffer
+me not to have this despite, for the brachet was mine that the knight
+led away. I may not do therewith, said the king.
+
+With this there came a knight riding all armed on a great horse, and
+took the lady away with him with force, and ever she cried and made
+great dole. When she was gone the king was glad, for she made such a
+noise. Nay, said Merlin, ye may not leave these adventures so lightly;
+for these adventures must be brought again or else it would be
+disworship to you and to your feast. I will, said the king, that all be
+done by your advice. Then, said Merlin, let call Sir Gawaine, for he
+must bring again the white hart. Also, sir, ye must let call Sir Tor,
+for he must bring again the brachet and the knight, or else slay him.
+Also let call King Pellinore, for he must bring again the lady and the
+knight, or else slay him. And these three knights shall do marvellous
+adventures or they come again. Then were they called all three as it
+rehearseth afore, and each of them took his charge, and armed them
+surely. But Sir Gawaine had the first request, and therefore we will
+begin at him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. How Sir Gawaine rode for to fetch again the hart, and how
+two brethren fought each against other for the hart.
+
+Sir Gawaine rode more than a pace, and Gaheris his brother that rode
+with him instead of a squire to do him service. So as they rode they
+saw two knights fight on horseback passing sore, so Sir Gawaine and his
+brother rode betwixt them, and asked them for what cause they fought
+so. The one knight answered and said, We fight for a simple matter, for
+we two be two brethren born and begotten of one man and of one woman.
+Alas, said Sir Gawaine, why do ye so? Sir, said the elder, there came a
+white hart this way this day, and many hounds chased him, and a white
+brachet was alway next him, and we understood it was adventure made for
+the high feast of King Arthur, and therefore I would have gone after to
+have won me worship; and here my younger brother said he would go after
+the hart, for he was better knight than I: and for this cause we fell
+at debate, and so we thought to prove which of us both was better
+knight. This is a simple cause, said Sir Gawaine; uncouth men ye should
+debate withal, and not brother with brother; therefore but if you will
+do by my counsel I will have ado with you, that is ye shall yield you
+unto me, and that ye go unto King Arthur and yield you unto his grace.
+Sir knight, said the two brethren, we are forfoughten and much blood
+have we lost through our wilfulness, and therefore we would be loath to
+have ado with you. Then do as I will have you, said Sir Gawaine. We
+will agree to fulfil your will; but by whom shall we say that we be
+thither sent? Ye may say, By the knight that followeth the quest of the
+hart that was white. Now what is your name? said Gawaine. Sorlouse of
+the Forest, said the elder. And my name is, said the younger, Brian of
+the Forest. And so they departed and went to the king’s court, and Sir
+Gawaine on his quest.
+
+And as Gawaine followed the hart by the cry of the hounds, even afore
+him there was a great river, and the hart swam over; and as Sir Gawaine
+would follow after, there stood a knight over the other side, and said,
+Sir knight, come not over after this hart but if thou wilt joust with
+me. I will not fail as for that, said Sir Gawaine, to follow the quest
+that I am in, and so made his horse to swim over the water. And anon
+they gat their spears and ran together full hard; but Sir Gawaine smote
+him off his horse, and then he turned his horse and bade him yield him.
+Nay, said the knight, not so, though thou have the better of me on
+horseback. I pray thee, valiant knight, alight afoot, and match we
+together with swords. What is your name? said Sir Gawaine. Allardin of
+the Isles, said the other. Then either dressed their shields and smote
+together, but Sir Gawaine smote him so hard through the helm that it
+went to the brains, and the knight fell down dead. Ah! said Gaheris,
+that was a mighty stroke of a young knight.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII How the hart was chased into a castle and there slain, and
+how Sir Gawaine slew a lady.
+
+Then Gawaine and Gaheris rode more than a pace after the white hart,
+and let slip at the hart three couple of greyhounds, and so they chased
+the hart into a castle, and in the chief place of the castle they slew
+the hart; Sir Gawaine and Gaheris followed after. Right so there came a
+knight out of a chamber with a sword drawn in his hand and slew two of
+the greyhounds, even in the sight of Sir Gawaine, and the remnant he
+chased them with his sword out of the castle. And when he came again,
+he said, O my white hart, me repenteth that thou art dead, for my
+sovereign lady gave thee to me, and evil have I kept thee, and thy
+death shall be dear bought an I live. And anon he went into his chamber
+and armed him, and came out fiercely, and there met he with Sir
+Gawaine. Why have ye slain my hounds? said Sir Gawaine, for they did
+but their kind, and liefer I had ye had wroken your anger upon me than
+upon a dumb beast. Thou sayest truth, said the knight, I have avenged
+me on thy hounds, and so I will on thee or thou go. Then Sir Gawaine
+alighted afoot and dressed his shield, and struck together mightily,
+and clave their shields, and stoned their helms, and brake their
+hauberks 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 mercy, and yielded him, and besought him 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
+have stricken off his head. Right so came his lady out of a chamber and
+fell over him, and so he smote off her head by misadventure. Alas, said
+Gaheris, that is foully and shamefully done, that shame shall never
+from you; also ye should give mercy unto them that ask mercy, for a
+knight without mercy is without worship. Sir Gawaine was so stonied of
+the death of this fair lady that he wist not what he did, and said unto
+the knight, Arise, I will give thee mercy. Nay, nay, said the knight, I
+take no force of mercy now, for thou hast slain my love and my lady
+that I loved best of all earthly things. Me sore repenteth it, said Sir
+Gawaine, for I thought to strike unto thee; but now thou shalt go unto
+King Arthur and tell him of thine adventures, and how thou art overcome
+by the knight that went in the quest of the white hart. I take no
+force, said the knight, whether I live or I die; but so for dread of
+death he swore to go unto King Arthur, and he made him to bear one
+greyhound before him on his horse, and another behind him. What is your
+name? said Sir Gawaine, or we depart. My name is, said the knight,
+Ablamar of the Marsh. So he departed toward Camelot.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. How four knights fought against Gawaine and Gaheris, and
+how they were overcome, and their lives saved at request of four
+ladies.
+
+And Sir Gawaine went into the castle, and made him ready to lie there
+all night, and would have unarmed him. What will ye do, said Gaheris,
+will ye unarm you in this country? Ye may think ye have many enemies
+here. They had not sooner said that word but there came four knights
+well armed, and assailed Sir Gawaine hard, and said unto him, Thou
+new-made knight, thou hast shamed thy knighthood, for a knight without
+mercy is dishonoured. Also thou hast slain a fair lady to thy great
+shame to the world’s end, and doubt thou not thou shalt have great need
+of mercy or thou depart from us. And therewith one of them smote Sir
+Gawaine a great stroke that nigh he fell to the earth, and Gaheris
+smote him again sore, and so they were on the one side and on the
+other, that Sir Gawaine and Gaheris were in jeopardy of their lives;
+and one with a bow, an archer, smote Sir Gawaine through the arm that
+it grieved him wonderly sore. And as they should have been slain, there
+came four fair ladies, and besought the knights of grace for Sir
+Gawaine; and goodly at request of the ladies they gave Sir Gawaine and
+Gaheris their lives, and made them to yield them as prisoners. Then
+Gawaine and Gaheris made great dole. Alas! said Sir Gawaine, mine arm
+grieveth me sore, I am like to be maimed; and so made his complaint
+piteously.
+
+Early on the morrow there came to Sir Gawaine one of the four ladies
+that had heard all his complaint, and said, Sir knight, what cheer? Not
+good, said he. It is your own default, said the lady, for ye have done
+a passing foul deed in the slaying of the lady, the which will be great
+villainy unto you. But be ye not of King Arthur’s kin? said the lady.
+Yes truly, said Sir Gawaine. What is your name? said the lady, ye must
+tell it me or ye pass. My name is Gawaine, the King Lot of Orkney’s
+son, 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 go to King Arthur for his love. And so she departed and
+told the four knights how their prisoner was King Arthur’s nephew, and
+his name is Sir Gawaine, King Lot’s son of Orkney. And they gave him
+the hart’s head because it was in his quest. Then anon they delivered
+Sir Gawaine under this promise, that he should bear the dead lady with
+him in this manner; the head of her was hanged about his neck, and the
+whole body of her lay before him on his horse’s mane. Right so rode he
+forth unto Camelot. And anon as he was come, Merlin desired of King
+Arthur that Sir Gawaine should be sworn to tell of all his adventures,
+and how he slew the lady, and how he would give no mercy unto the
+knight, wherethrough the lady was slain. Then the king and the queen
+were greatly displeased with Sir Gawaine for the slaying of the lady.
+And there by ordinance of the queen there was set a quest of ladies on
+Sir Gawaine, and they judged 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 to refuse mercy to him that asketh mercy. Thus was
+Gawaine sworn upon the Four Evangelists that he should never be against
+lady nor gentlewoman, but if he fought for a lady and his adversary
+fought for another. And thus endeth the adventure of Sir Gawaine that
+he did at the marriage of King Arthur. Amen.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. How Sir Tor rode after the knight with the brachet, and of
+his adventure by the way.
+
+When Sir Tor was ready, he mounted upon his horseback, and rode after
+the knight with the brachet. So as he rode he met with a dwarf suddenly
+that smote his horse on the head with a staff, that he went backward
+his spear length. Why dost thou so? said Sir Tor. For thou shalt not
+pass this way, but if thou joust with yonder knights of the pavilions.
+Then was Tor ware where two pavilions were, and great spears stood out,
+and two shields hung on trees by the pavilions. I may not tarry, said
+Sir Tor, for I am in a quest that I must needs follow. Thou shalt not
+pass, said the dwarf, and therewithal he blew his horn. Then there came
+one armed on horseback, and dressed his shield, and came fast toward
+Tor, and he dressed him against him, and so ran together that Tor bare
+him from his horse. And anon the knight yielded him to his mercy. But,
+sir, I have a fellow in yonder pavilion that will have ado with you
+anon. He shall be welcome, said Sir Tor. Then was he ware of another
+knight coming with great raundon, and each of them dressed to other,
+that marvel it was to see; but the knight smote Sir Tor a great stroke
+in midst of the shield that his spear all to-shivered. And Sir Tor
+smote him through the shield below of the shield that it went through
+the cost of the knight, but the stroke slew him not. And therewith Sir
+Tor alighted and smote him on the helm a great stroke, and therewith
+the knight yielded him and besought him of mercy. I will well, said Sir
+Tor, but thou and thy fellow must go unto King Arthur, and yield you
+prisoners unto him. By whom shall we say are we thither sent? Ye shall
+say by the knight that went in the quest of the knight that went with
+the brachet. Now, what be your two names? said Sir Tor. My name is,
+said the one, Sir Felot of Langduk; and my name is, said the other, Sir
+Petipase of Winchelsea. Now go ye forth, said Sir Tor, and God speed
+you and me. Then came the dwarf and said unto Sir Tor, I pray you give
+me a gift. I will well, said Sir Tor, ask. I ask no more, said the
+dwarf, but that ye will suffer me to do you service, for I will serve
+no more recreant knights. Take an horse, said Sir Tor, and ride on with
+me. I wot ye ride after the knight with the white brachet, and I shall
+bring you where he is, said the dwarf. And so they rode throughout a
+forest, and at the last they were ware of two pavilions, even by a
+priory, with two shields, and the one shield was enewed with white, and
+the other shield was red.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. How Sir Tor found the brachet with a lady, and how a knight
+assailed him for the said brachet.
+
+Therewith Sir Tor alighted and took the dwarf his glaive, and so he
+came to the white pavilion, and saw three damosels lie in it, on one
+pallet, sleeping, and so he went to the other pavilion, and found a
+lady lying sleeping therein, but there was the white brachet that bayed
+at her fast, and therewith the lady yede out of the pavilion and all
+her damosels. But anon as Sir Tor espied the white brachet, he took her
+by force and took her to the dwarf. What, will ye so, said the lady,
+take my brachet from me? Yea, said Sir Tor, this brachet have I sought
+from King Arthur’s court hither. Well, said the lady, knight, ye shall
+not go far with her, but that ye shall be met and grieved. I shall
+abide what adventure that cometh by the grace of God, and so mounted
+upon his horse, and passed on his way toward Camelot; but it was so
+near night he might not pass but little further. Know ye any lodging?
+said Tor. I know none, said the dwarf, but here beside is an hermitage,
+and there ye must take lodging as ye find. And within a while they came
+to the hermitage and took lodging; and was there grass, oats and bread
+for their horses; soon it was sped, and full hard was their supper; but
+there they rested them all night till on the morn, and heard a mass
+devoutly, and took their leave of the hermit, and Sir Tor prayed the
+hermit to pray for him. He said he would, and betook him to God. And so
+mounted upon horseback and rode towards Camelot a long while.
+
+With that they heard a knight call loud that came after them, and he
+said, Knight, abide and yield my brachet that thou took from my lady.
+Sir Tor returned again, and beheld him how he was a seemly knight and
+well horsed, and well armed at all points; then Sir Tor dressed his
+shield, and took his spear in his hands, and the other came fiercely
+upon him, and smote both horse and man to the earth. Anon they arose
+lightly and drew their swords as eagerly as lions, and put their
+shields afore them, and smote through the shields, that the cantels
+fell off both parties. Also they tamed their helms that the hot blood
+ran out, and the thick mails of their hauberks they carved and rove in
+sunder that the hot blood ran to the earth, and both they had many
+wounds and were passing weary. But Sir Tor espied that the other knight
+fainted, and then he sued fast upon him, and doubled his strokes, and
+gart him go to the earth on the one side. Then Sir Tor bade him yield
+him. That will I not, said Abelleus, while my life lasteth and the soul
+is within my body, unless that thou wilt give me the brachet. That will
+I not do, said Sir Tor, for it was my quest to bring again thy brachet,
+thee, or both.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. How Sir Tor overcame the knight, and how he lost his head
+at the request of a lady.
+
+With that came a damosel riding on a palfrey as fast as she might
+drive, and cried with a loud voice unto Sir Tor. What will ye with me?
+said Sir Tor. I beseech thee, said the damosel, for King Arthur’s love,
+give me a gift; I require thee, gentle knight, as thou art a gentleman.
+Now, said Tor, ask a gift and I will give it you. Gramercy, said the
+damosel; now I ask the head of the false knight Abelleus, for he is the
+most outrageous knight that liveth, and the greatest murderer. I am
+loath, said Sir Tor, of that gift I have given you; let him make amends
+in that he hath trespassed unto you. Now, said the damosel, he may not,
+for he slew mine own brother before mine own eyes, that was a better
+knight than he, an he had had grace; and I kneeled half an hour afore
+him in the mire for to save my brother’s life, that had done him no
+damage, but fought with him by adventure of arms, and so for all that I
+could do he struck off his head; wherefore I require thee, as thou art
+a true knight, to give me my gift, or else I shall shame thee in all
+the court of King Arthur; for he is the falsest knight living, and a
+great destroyer of good knights. Then when Abelleus heard this, he was
+more afeard, and yielded him and asked mercy. I may not now, said Sir
+Tor, but if I should be found false of my promise; for while I would
+have taken you to mercy ye would none ask, but if ye had the brachet
+again, that was my quest. And therewith he took off his helm, and he
+arose and fled, and Sir Tor after him, and smote off his head quite.
+
+Now sir, said the damosel, it is near night; I pray you come and lodge
+with me here at my place, it is here fast by. I will well, said Sir
+Tor, for his horse and he had fared evil since they departed from
+Camelot, and so he rode with her, and had passing good cheer with her;
+and she had a passing fair old knight to her husband that made him
+passing good cheer, and well eased both his horse and him. And on the
+morn he heard his mass, and brake his fast, and took his leave of the
+knight and of the lady, that besought him to tell them his name. Truly,
+he said, my name is Sir Tor that was late made knight, and this was the
+first quest of arms that ever I did, to bring again that this knight
+Abelleus took away from King Arthur’s court. O fair knight, said the
+lady and her husband, an ye come here in our marches, come and see our
+poor lodging, and it shall be always at your commandment. So Sir Tor
+departed and came to Camelot on the third day by noon, and the king and
+the queen and all the court was passing fain of his coming, and made
+great joy that he was come again; for he went from the court with
+little succour, but as King Pellinore his father gave him an old
+courser, and King Arthur gave him armour and a sword, and else had he
+none other succour, but rode so forth himself alone. And then the king
+and the queen by Merlin’s advice made him to swear to tell of his
+adventures, and so he told and made proofs of his deeds as it is afore
+rehearsed, wherefore the king and the queen made great joy. Nay, nay,
+said Merlin, these be but japes to that he shall do; for he shall prove
+a noble knight of prowess, as good as any is living, and gentle and
+courteous, and of good tatches, and passing true of his promise, and
+never shall outrage. Wherethrough Merlin’s words King Arthur gave him
+an earldom of lands that fell unto him. And here endeth the quest of
+Sir Tor, King Pellinore’s son.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. How King Pellinore rode after the lady and the knight that
+led her away, and how a lady desired help of him, and how he fought
+with two knights for that lady, of whom he slew the one at the first
+stroke.
+
+Then King Pellinore armed him and mounted upon his horse, and rode more
+than a pace after the lady that the knight led away. And as he rode in
+a forest, he saw in a valley a damosel sit by a well, and a wounded
+knight in her arms, and Pellinore saluted her. And when she was ware of
+him, she cried overloud, Help me, knight; for Christ’s sake, King
+Pellinore. And he would not tarry, he was so eager in his quest, and
+ever she cried an hundred times after help. When she saw he would not
+abide, she prayed unto God to send him as much need of help as she had,
+and that he might feel it or he died. So, as the book telleth, the
+knight there died that there was wounded, wherefore the lady for pure
+sorrow slew herself with his sword. As King Pellinore rode in that
+valley he met with a poor man, a labourer. Sawest thou not, said
+Pellinore, a knight riding and leading away a lady? Yea, said the man,
+I saw that knight, and the lady that made great dole; and yonder
+beneath in a valley there shall ye see two pavilions, and one of the
+knights of the pavilions challenged that lady of that knight, and said
+she was his cousin near, wherefore he should lead her no farther. And
+so they waged battle in that quarrel, the one said he would have her by
+force, and the other said he would have the rule of her, by cause he
+was her kinsman, and would lead her to her kin. For this quarrel he
+left them fighting. And if ye will ride a pace ye shall find them
+fighting, and the lady was beleft with the two squires in the
+pavilions. God thank thee, said King Pellinore.
+
+Then he rode a wallop till he had a sight of the two pavilions, and the
+two knights fighting. Anon he rode unto the pavilions, and saw the lady
+that was his quest, and said, Fair lady, ye must go with me unto the
+court of King Arthur. Sir knight, said the two squires that were with
+her, yonder are two knights that fight for this lady, go thither and
+depart them, and be agreed with them, and then may ye have her at your
+pleasure. Ye say well, said King Pellinore. And anon he rode betwixt
+them, and departed them, and asked them the causes why that they
+fought? Sir knight, said the one, I shall tell you, this lady is my
+kinswoman nigh, mine aunt’s daughter, and when I heard her complain
+that she was with him maugre her head, I waged battle to fight with
+him. Sir knight, said the other, whose name was Hontzlake of Wentland,
+and this lady I gat by my prowess of arms this day at Arthur’s court.
+That is untruly said, said King Pellinore, for ye came in suddenly
+there as we were at the high feast, and took away this lady or any man
+might make him ready; and therefore it was my quest to bring her again
+and you both, or else the one of us to abide in the field; therefore
+the lady shall go with me, or I will die for it, for I have promised it
+King Arthur. And therefore fight ye no more, for none of you shall have
+no part of her at this time; and if ye list to fight for her, fight
+with me, and I will defend her. Well, said the knights, make you ready,
+and we shall assail you with all our power. And as King Pellinore would
+have put his horse from them, Sir Hontzlake rove his horse through with
+a sword, and said: Now art thou on foot as well as we are. When King
+Pellinore espied that his horse was slain, lightly he leapt from his
+horse and pulled out his sword, and put his shield afore him, and said,
+Knight, keep well thy head, for thou shalt have a buffet for the
+slaying of my horse. So King Pellinore gave him such a stroke upon the
+helm that he clave the head down to the chin, that he fell to the earth
+dead.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII. How King Pellinore gat the lady and brought her to
+Camelot to the court of King Arthur.
+
+And then he turned him to the other knight, that was sore wounded. But
+when he saw the other’s buffet, he would not fight, but kneeled down
+and said, Take my cousin the lady with you at your request, and I
+require you, as ye be a true knight, put her to no shame nor villainy.
+What, said King Pellinore, will ye not fight for her? No, sir, said the
+knight, I will not fight with such a knight of prowess as ye be. Well,
+said Pellinore, ye say well; I promise you she shall have no villainy
+by me, as I am true knight; but now me lacketh an horse, said
+Pellinore, but I will have Hontzlake’s horse. Ye shall not need, said
+the knight, for I shall give you such an horse as shall please you, so
+that you will lodge with me, for it is near night. I will well, said
+King Pellinore, abide with you all night. And there he had with him
+right good cheer, and fared of the best with passing good wine, and had
+merry rest that night. And on the morn he heard a mass and dined; and
+then was brought him a fair bay courser, and King Pellinore’s saddle
+set upon him. Now, what shall I call you? said the knight, inasmuch as
+ye have my cousin at your desire of your quest. Sir, I shall tell you,
+my name is King Pellinore of the Isles and knight of the Table Round.
+Now I am glad, said the knight, that such a noble man shall have the
+rule of my cousin. Now, what is your name? said Pellinore, I pray you
+tell me. Sir, my name is Sir Meliot of Logurs, and this lady my cousin
+hight Nimue, and the knight that was in the other pavilion is my sworn
+brother, a passing good knight, and his name is Brian of the Isles, and
+he is full loath to do wrong, and full loath to fight with any man, but
+if he be sore sought on, so that for shame he may not leave it. It is
+marvel, said Pellinore, that he will not have ado with me. Sir, he will
+not have ado with no man but if it be at his request. Bring him to the
+court, said Pellinore, one of these days. Sir, we will come together.
+And ye shall be welcome, said Pellinore, to the court of King Arthur,
+and greatly allowed for your coming. And so he departed with the lady,
+and brought her to Camelot.
+
+So as they rode in a valley it was full of stones, and there the lady’s
+horse stumbled and threw her down, that her arm was sore bruised and
+near she swooned for pain. Alas! sir, said the lady, mine arm is out of
+lithe, wherethrough I must needs rest me. Ye shall well, said King
+Pellinore. And so he alighted under a fair tree where was fair grass,
+and he put his horse thereto, and so laid him under the tree and slept
+till it was nigh night. And when he awoke he would have ridden. Sir,
+said the lady, it is so dark that ye may as well ride backward as
+forward. So they abode still and made there their lodging. Then Sir
+Pellinore put off his armour; then a little afore midnight they heard
+the trotting of an horse. Be ye still, said King Pellinore, for we
+shall hear of some adventure.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV. How on the way he heard two knights, as he lay by night in
+a valley, and of their adventures.
+
+And therewith he armed him. So right even afore him there met two
+knights, the one came froward Camelot, and the other from the north,
+and either saluted other. What tidings at Camelot? said the one. By my
+head, said the other, there have I been and espied the court of King
+Arthur, and there is such a fellowship they may never be broken, and
+well-nigh all the world holdeth with Arthur, for there is the flower of
+chivalry. Now for this cause I am riding into the north, to tell our
+chieftains of the fellowship that is withholden with King Arthur. As
+for that, said the other knight, I have brought a remedy with me, that
+is the greatest poison that ever ye heard speak of, and to Camelot will
+I with it, for we have a friend right nigh King Arthur, and well
+cherished, that shall poison King Arthur; for so he hath promised our
+chieftains, and received great gifts for to do it. Beware, said the
+other knight, of Merlin, for he knoweth all things by the devil’s
+craft. Therefore will I not let it, said the knight. And so they
+departed asunder. Anon after Pellinore made him ready, and his lady,
+[and] rode toward Camelot; and as they came by the well there as the
+wounded knight was and the lady, there he found the knight, and the
+lady eaten with lions or wild beasts, all save the head, wherefore he
+made great sorrow, and wept passing sore, and said, Alas! her life
+might I have saved; but I was so fierce in my quest, therefore I would
+not abide. Wherefore make ye such dole? said the lady. I wot not, said
+Pellinore, but my heart mourneth sore of the death of her, for she was
+a passing fair lady and a young. Now, will ye do by mine advice? said
+the lady, take this knight and let him be buried in an hermitage, and
+then take the lady’s head and bear it with you unto Arthur. So King
+Pellinore took this dead knight on his shoulders, and brought him to
+the hermitage, and charged the hermit with the corpse, that service
+should be done for the soul; and take his harness for your pain. It
+shall be done, said the hermit, as I will answer unto God.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV. How when he was come to Camelot he was sworn upon a book to
+tell the truth of his quest.
+
+And therewith they departed, and came there as the head of the lady lay
+with a fair yellow hair that grieved King Pellinore passingly sore when
+he looked on it, for much he cast his heart on the visage. And so by
+noon they came to Camelot; and the king and the queen were passing fain
+of his coming to the court. And there he was made to swear upon the
+Four Evangelists, to tell the truth of his quest from the one to the
+other. Ah! Sir Pellinore, said Queen Guenever, ye were greatly to blame
+that ye saved not this lady’s life. Madam, said Pellinore, ye were
+greatly to blame an ye would not save your own life an ye might, but,
+save your pleasure, I was so furious in my quest that I would not
+abide, and that repenteth me, and shall the days of my life. Truly,
+said Merlin, ye ought sore to repent it, for that lady was your own
+daughter begotten on the lady of the Rule, and that knight that was
+dead was her love, and should have wedded her, and he was a right good
+knight of a young man, and would have proved a good man, and to this
+court was he coming, and his name was Sir Miles of the Launds, and a
+knight came behind him and slew him with a spear, and his name is
+Loraine le Savage, a false knight and a coward; and she for great
+sorrow and dole slew herself with his sword, and her name was Eleine.
+And because ye would not abide and help her, ye shall see your best
+friend fail you when ye be in the greatest distress that ever ye were
+or shall be. And that penance God hath ordained you for that deed, that
+he that ye shall most trust to of any man alive, he shall leave you
+there ye shall be slain. Me forthinketh, said King Pellinore, that this
+shall me betide, but God may fordo well destiny.
+
+Thus, when the quest was done of the white hart, the which followed Sir
+Gawaine; and the quest of the brachet, followed of Sir Tor, Pellinore’s
+son; and the quest of the lady that the knight took away, the which
+King Pellinore at that time followed; then the king stablished all his
+knights, and them that were of lands not rich he gave them lands, and
+charged them never to do outrageousity nor murder, and always to flee
+treason; also, by no means to be cruel, but to give mercy unto him that
+asketh mercy, upon pain of forfeiture of their worship and lordship of
+King Arthur for evermore; and always to do ladies, damosels, and
+gentlewomen succour, upon pain of death. Also, that no man take no
+battles in a wrongful quarrel for no law, nor for no world’s goods.
+Unto this were all the knights sworn of the Table Round, both old and
+young. And every year were they sworn at the high feast of Pentecost.
+
+Explicit the Wedding of King Arthur. Sequitur quartus liber.
+
+
+
+BOOK IV.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of the ladies of
+the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone and there died.
+
+So after these quests of Sir Gawaine, Sir Tor, and King Pellinore, it
+fell so that Merlin fell in a dotage on the damosel that King Pellinore
+brought to court, and she was one of the damosels of the lake, that
+hight Nimue. But Merlin would let her have no rest, but always he would
+be with her. And ever she made Merlin good cheer till she had learned
+of him all manner thing that she desired; and he was assotted upon her,
+that he might not be from her. So on a time he told King Arthur that he
+should not dure long, but for all his crafts he should be put in the
+earth quick. And so he told the king many things that should befall,
+but always he warned the king to keep well his sword and the scabbard,
+for he told him how the sword and the scabbard should be stolen by a
+woman from him that he most trusted. Also he told King Arthur that he
+should miss him,—Yet had ye liefer than all your lands to have me
+again. Ah, said the king, since ye know of your adventure, purvey for
+it, and put away by your crafts that misadventure. Nay, said Merlin, it
+will not be; so he departed from the king. And within a while the
+Damosel of the Lake departed, and Merlin went with her evermore
+wheresomever she went. And ofttimes Merlin would have had her privily
+away by his subtle crafts; then she made him to swear that he should
+never do none enchantment upon her if he would have his will. And so he
+sware; so she and Merlin went over the sea unto the land of Benwick,
+whereas King Ban was king that had great war against King Claudas, and
+there Merlin spake with King Ban’s wife, a fair lady and a good, and
+her name was Elaine, and there he saw young Launcelot. There the queen
+made great sorrow for the mortal war that King Claudas made on her lord
+and on her lands. Take none heaviness, said Merlin, for this same child
+within this twenty year shall revenge you on King Claudas, that all
+Christendom shall speak of it; and this same child shall be the most
+man of worship of the world, and his first name is Galahad, that know I
+well, said Merlin, and since ye have confirmed him Launcelot. That is
+truth, said the queen, his first name was Galahad. O Merlin, said the
+queen, shall I live to see my son such a man of prowess? Yea, lady, on
+my peril ye shall see it, and live many winters after.
+
+And so, soon after, the lady and Merlin departed, and by the way Merlin
+showed her many wonders, and came into Cornwall. And always Merlin lay
+about the lady to have her maidenhood, and she was ever passing weary
+of him, and fain would have been delivered of him, for she was afeard
+of him because he was a devil’s son, and she could not beskift him by
+no mean. And so on a time it happed that Merlin showed to her in a rock
+whereas was a great wonder, and wrought by enchantment, that went under
+a great stone. So by her subtle working she made Merlin to go under
+that stone to let her wit of the marvels there; but she wrought so
+there for him that he came never out for all the craft he could do. And
+so she departed and left Merlin.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. How five kings came into this land to war against King
+Arthur, and what counsel Arthur had against them.
+
+And as King Arthur rode to Camelot, and held there a great feast with
+mirth and joy, so soon after he returned unto Cardoile, and there came
+unto Arthur new tidings that the king of Denmark, and the king of
+Ireland that was his brother, and the king of the Vale, and the king of
+Soleise, and the king of the Isle of Longtains, all these five kings
+with a great host were entered into the land of King Arthur, and burnt
+and slew clean afore them, both cities and castles, that it was pity to
+hear. Alas, said Arthur, yet had I never rest one month since I was
+crowned king of this land. Now shall I never rest till I meet with
+those kings in a fair field, that I make mine avow; for my true liege
+people shall not be destroyed in my default, go with me who will, and
+abide who that will. Then the king let write unto King Pellinore, and
+prayed him in all haste to make him ready with such people as he might
+lightliest rear and hie him after in all haste. All the barons were
+privily wroth that the king would depart so suddenly; but the king by
+no mean would abide, but made writing unto them that were not there,
+and bade them hie after him, such as were not at that time in the
+court. Then the king came to Queen Guenever, and said, Lady, make you
+ready, for ye shall go with me, for I may not long miss you; ye shall
+cause me to be the more hardy, what adventure so befall me; I will not
+wit my lady to be in no jeopardy. Sir, said she, I am at your
+commandment, and shall be ready what time so ye be ready. So on the
+morn the king and the queen departed with such fellowship as they had,
+and came into the north, into a forest beside Humber, and there lodged
+them. When the word and tiding came unto the five kings above said,
+that Arthur was beside Humber in a forest, there was a knight, brother
+unto one of the five kings, that gave them this counsel: Ye know well
+that Sir Arthur hath the flower of chivalry of the world with him, as
+it is proved by the great battle he did with the eleven kings; and
+therefore hie unto him night and day till that we be nigh him, for the
+longer he tarrieth the bigger he is, and we ever the weaker; and he is
+so courageous of himself that he is come to the field with little
+people, and therefore let us set upon him or day and we shall slay
+down; of his knights there shall none escape.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. How King Arthur had ado with them and overthrew them, and
+slew the five kings and made the remnant to flee.
+
+Unto this counsel these five kings assented, and so they passed forth
+with their host through North Wales, and came upon Arthur by night, and
+set upon his host as the king and his knights were in their pavilions.
+King Arthur was unarmed, and had laid him to rest with his Queen
+Guenever. Sir, said Sir Kay, it is not good we be unarmed. We shall
+have no need, said Sir Gawaine and Sir Griflet, that lay in a little
+pavilion by the king. With that they heard a great noise, and many
+cried, Treason, treason! Alas, said King Arthur, we be betrayed! Unto
+arms, fellows, then he cried. So they were armed anon at all points.
+Then came there a wounded knight unto the king, and said, Sir, save
+yourself and my lady the queen, for our host is destroyed, and much
+people of ours slain. So anon the king and the queen and the three
+knights took their horses, and rode toward Humber to pass over it, and
+the water was so rough that they were afraid to pass over. Now may ye
+choose, said King Arthur, whether ye will abide and take the adventure
+on this side, for an ye be taken they will slay you. It were me liefer,
+said the queen, to die in the water than to fall in your enemies’ hands
+and there be slain.
+
+And as they stood so talking, Sir Kay saw the five kings coming on
+horseback by themselves alone, with their spears in their hands even
+toward them. Lo, said Sir Kay, yonder be the five kings; let us go to
+them and match them. That were folly, said Sir Gawaine, for we are but
+three and they be five. That is truth, said Sir Griflet. No force, said
+Sir Kay, I will undertake for two of them, and then may ye three
+undertake for the other three. And therewithal, Sir Kay let his horse
+run as fast as he might, and struck one of them through the shield and
+the body a fathom, that the king fell to the earth stark dead. That saw
+Sir Gawaine, and ran unto another king so hard that he smote him
+through the body. And therewithal King Arthur ran to another, and smote
+him through the body with a spear, that he fell to the earth dead. Then
+Sir Griflet ran unto the fourth king, and gave him such a fall that his
+neck brake. Anon Sir Kay ran unto the fifth king, and smote him so hard
+on the helm that the stroke clave the helm and the head to the earth.
+That was well stricken, said King Arthur, and worshipfully hast thou
+holden thy promise, therefore I shall honour thee while that I live.
+And therewithal they set the queen in a barge into Humber; but always
+Queen Guenever praised Sir Kay for his deeds, and said, What lady that
+ye love, and she love you not again she were greatly to blame; and
+among ladies, said the queen, I shall bear your noble fame, for ye
+spake a great word, and fulfilled it worshipfully. And therewith the
+queen departed.
+
+Then the king and the three knights rode into the forest, for there
+they supposed to hear of them that were escaped; and there he found the
+most part of his people, and told them all how the five kings were
+dead. And therefore let us hold us together till it be day, and when
+their host have espied that their chieftains be slain, they will make
+such dole that they shall no more help themselves. And right so as the
+king said, so it was; for when they found the five kings dead, they
+made such dole that they fell from their horses. Therewithal came King
+Arthur but with a few people, and slew on the left hand and on the
+right hand, that well-nigh there escaped no man, but all were slain to
+the number thirty thousand. And when the battle was all ended, the king
+kneeled down and thanked God meekly. And then he sent for the queen,
+and soon she was come, and she made great joy of the overcoming of that
+battle.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. How the battle was finished or he came, and how King Arthur
+founded an abbey where the battle was.
+
+Therewithal came one to King Arthur, and told him that King Pellinore
+was within three mile with a great host; and he said, Go unto him, and
+let him understand how we have sped. So within a while King Pellinore
+came with a great host, and saluted the people and the king, and there
+was great joy made on every side. Then the king let search how much
+people of his party there was slain; and there were found but little
+past two hundred men slain and eight knights of the Table Round in
+their pavilions. Then the king let rear and devise in the same place
+whereat the battle was done a fair abbey, and endowed it with great
+livelihood, and let it call the Abbey of La Beale Adventure. But when
+some of them came into their countries, whereof the five kings were
+kings, and told them how they were slain, there was made great dole.
+And all King Arthur’s enemies, as the King of North Wales, and the
+kings of the North, [when they] wist of the battle, they were passing
+heavy. And so the king returned unto Camelot in haste.
+
+And when he was come to Camelot he called King Pellinore unto him, and
+said, Ye understand well that we have lost eight knights of the best of
+the Table Round, and by your advice we will choose eight again of the
+best we may find in this court. Sir, said Pellinore, I shall counsel
+you after my conceit the best: there are in your court full noble
+knights both of old and young; and therefore by mine advice ye shall
+choose half of the old and half of the young. Which be the old? said
+King Arthur. Sir, said King Pellinore, meseemeth that King Uriens that
+hath wedded your sister Morgan le Fay, and the King of the Lake, and
+Sir Hervise de Revel, a noble knight, and Sir Galagars, the fourth.
+This is well devised, said King Arthur, and right so shall it be. Now,
+which are the four young knights? said Arthur. Sir, said Pellinore, the
+first is Sir Gawaine, your nephew, that is as good a knight of his time
+as any is in this land; and the second as meseemeth best is Sir Griflet
+le Fise de Dieu, that is a good knight and full desirous in arms, and
+who may see him live he shall prove a good knight; and the third as
+meseemeth is well to be one of the knights of the Round Table, Sir Kay
+the Seneschal, for many times he hath done full worshipfully, and now
+at your last battle he did full honourably for to undertake to slay two
+kings. By my head, said Arthur, he is best worth to be a knight of the
+Round Table of any that ye have rehearsed, an he had done no more
+prowess in his life days.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. How Sir Tor was made knight of the Round Table, and how
+Bagdemagus was displeased.
+
+Now, said King Pellinore, I shall put to you two knights, and ye shall
+choose which is most worthy, that is Sir Bagdemagus, and Sir Tor, my
+son. But because Sir Tor is my son I may not praise him, but else, an
+he were not my son, I durst say that of his age there is not in this
+land a better knight than he is, nor of better conditions and loath to
+do any wrong, and loath to take any wrong. By my head, said Arthur, he
+is a passing good knight as any ye spake of this day, that wot I well,
+said the king; for I have seen him proved, but he saith little and he
+doth much more, for I know none in all this court an he were as well
+born on his mother’s side as he is on your side, that is like him of
+prowess and of might: and therefore I will have him at this time, and
+leave Sir Bagdemagus till another time. So when they were so chosen by
+the assent of all the barons, so were there found in their sieges every
+knights’ names that here are rehearsed, and so were they set in their
+sieges; whereof Sir Bagdemagus was wonderly wroth, that Sir Tor was
+advanced afore him, and therefore suddenly he departed from the court,
+and took his squire with him, and rode long in a forest till they came
+to a cross, and there alighted and said his prayers devoutly. The
+meanwhile his squire found written upon the cross, that Bagdemagus
+should never return unto the court again, till he had won a knight’s
+body of the Round Table, body for body. So, sir, said the squire, here
+I find writing of you, therefore I rede you return again to the court.
+That shall I never, said Bagdemagus, till men speak of me great
+worship, and that I be worthy to be a knight of the Round Table. And so
+he rode forth, and there by the way he found a branch of an holy herb
+that was the sign of the Sangreal, and no knight found such tokens but
+he were a good liver.
+
+So, as Sir Bagdemagus rode to see many adventures, it happed him to
+come to the rock whereas the Lady of the Lake had put Merlin under the
+stone, and there he heard him make great dole; whereof Sir Bagdemagus
+would have holpen him, and went unto the great stone, and it was so
+heavy that an hundred men might not lift it up. When Merlin wist he was
+there, he bade leave his labour, for all was in vain, for he might
+never be holpen but by her that put him there. And so Bagdemagus
+departed and did many adventures, and proved after a full good knight,
+and came again to the court and was made knight of the Round Table. So
+on the morn there fell new tidings and other adventures.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur, King Uriens, and Sir Accolon of Gaul,
+chased an hart, and of their marvellous adventures.
+
+Then it befell that Arthur and many of his knights rode a-hunting into
+a great forest, and it happed King Arthur, King Uriens, and Sir Accolon
+of Gaul, followed a great hart, for they three were well horsed, and so
+they chased so fast that within a while they three were then ten mile
+from their fellowship. And 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 enbushed. What
+will we do? said King Arthur, we are hard bestead. Let us go on foot,
+said King Uriens, till we may meet with some lodging. Then were they
+ware of the hart that lay on a great water bank, and a brachet biting
+on his throat, and more other hounds came after. Then King Arthur blew
+the prise and dight the hart.
+
+Then the king looked about the world, and saw afore him in a great
+water a little ship, all apparelled with silk down to the water, and
+the ship came right unto them and landed on the sands. Then Arthur went
+to the bank and looked in, and saw none earthly creature therein. Sirs,
+said the king, come thence, and let us see what is in this ship. So
+they went in all three, and found it richly behanged with cloth of
+silk. By then 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; and therewithal there came out twelve fair damosels and
+saluted King Arthur on their knees, and called him by his name, and
+said he was right welcome, and such cheer as they had he should have of
+the best. The king thanked them fair. Therewithal they led the king and
+his two fellows into a fair chamber, and there was a cloth laid, richly
+beseen of all that longed unto a table, and there were they served of
+all wines and meats that they could think; of that the king had great
+marvel, for he fared never better in his life as for one supper. And so
+when they had supped at their leisure, King Arthur was led into a
+chamber, a richer beseen chamber saw he never none, and so was King
+Uriens served, and led into such another chamber, and Sir Accolon was
+led into the third chamber passing richly and well beseen; and so they
+were laid in their beds easily. And anon they fell asleep, and slept
+marvellously sore all the night. And on the morrow King Uriens was in
+Camelot abed in his wife’s arms, Morgan le Fay. And when he awoke he
+had great marvel, how he came there, for on the even afore he was two
+days’ journey from Camelot. And when King Arthur awoke he found himself
+in a dark prison, hearing about him many complaints of woful knights.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. How Arthur took upon him to fight to be delivered out of
+prison, and also for to deliver twenty knights that were in prison.
+
+What are ye that so complain? said King Arthur. We be here twenty
+knights, prisoners, said they, and some of us have lain here seven
+year, and some more and some less. For what cause? said Arthur. We
+shall tell you, said the knights; this lord of this castle, his name is
+Sir Damas, and he is the falsest knight that liveth, and full of
+treason, and a very coward as any liveth, and he hath a younger
+brother, a good knight of prowess, his name is Sir Ontzlake; and this
+traitor Damas, the elder brother will give him no part of his
+livelihood, but as Sir Ontzlake keepeth thorough prowess of his hands,
+and so he keepeth from him a full fair manor and a rich, and therein
+Sir Ontzlake dwelleth worshipfully, and is well beloved of all people.
+And this Sir Damas, our master is as evil beloved, for he is without
+mercy, and he is a coward, and great war hath been betwixt them both,
+but Ontzlake hath ever the better, and ever he proffereth Sir Damas to
+fight for the livelihood, body for body, but he will not do; other-else
+to find a knight to fight for him. Unto that Sir Damas had granted to
+find a knight, but he is so evil beloved and hated, that there is never
+a knight will fight for him. And when Damas saw this, that there was
+never a knight would fight for him, he hath daily lain await with many
+knights with him, and taken all the knights in this country to see and
+espy their adventures, he hath taken them by force and brought them to
+his prison. And so he took us separately as we rode on our adventures,
+and many good knights have died in this prison for hunger, to the
+number of eighteen knights; and if any of us all that here is, or hath
+been, would have foughten with his brother Ontzlake, he would have
+delivered us, but for because this Damas is so false and so full of
+treason we would never fight for him to die for it. And we be so lean
+for hunger that unnethe we may stand on our feet. God deliver you, for
+his mercy, said Arthur.
+
+Anon, therewithal there came a damosel unto Arthur, and asked him, What
+cheer? I cannot say, said he. Sir, said she, an ye will fight for my
+lord, ye shall be delivered out of prison, and else ye escape never the
+life. Now, said Arthur, that is hard, yet had I liefer to fight with a
+knight than to die in prison; with this, said Arthur, I may be
+delivered and all these prisoners, I will do the battle. Yes, said the
+damosel. I am ready, said Arthur, an I had horse and armour. Ye shall
+lack none, said the damosel. Meseemeth, damosel, I should have seen you
+in the court of Arthur. Nay said the damosel, I came never there, I am
+the lord’s daughter of this castle. Yet was she false, for she was one
+of the damosels of Morgan le Fay.
+
+Anon she went unto Sir Damas, and told him how he would do battle for
+him, and so he sent for Arthur. And when he came he was well coloured,
+and well made of his limbs, that all knights that saw him said it were
+pity that such a knight should die in prison. So Sir Damas and he were
+agreed that he should fight for him upon this covenant, that all other
+knights should be delivered; and unto that was Sir Damas sworn unto
+Arthur, and also to do the battle to the uttermost. And with that all
+the twenty knights were brought out of the dark prison into the hall,
+and delivered, and so they all abode to see the battle.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. How Accolon found himself by a well, and he took upon him
+to do battle against Arthur.
+
+Now turn we unto Accolon of Gaul, that when he awoke he found himself
+by a deep well-side, within half a foot, in great peril of death. And
+there came out of that fountain a pipe of silver, and out of that pipe
+ran water all on high in a stone of marble. When Sir Accolon saw this,
+he blessed him and said, Jesus save my lord King Arthur, and King
+Uriens, for these damosels in this ship have betrayed us, they were
+devils and no women; and if I may escape this misadventure, I shall
+destroy all where I may find these false damosels that use
+enchantments. Right with that there came a dwarf with a great mouth and
+a flat nose, and saluted Sir Accolon, and said how he came from Queen
+Morgan le Fay, and she greeteth you well, and biddeth you be of strong
+heart, for ye shall fight to morrow 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 had promised her when ye
+spake together in privity; and what damosel that bringeth her the
+knight’s head, which ye shall fight withal, she will make her a queen.
+Now I understand you well, said Accolon, I shall hold that I have
+promised her now I have the sword: when saw ye my lady Queen Morgan le
+Fay? Right late, said the dwarf. Then Accolon took him in his arms and
+said, Recommend me unto my lady queen, and tell her all shall be done
+that I have promised her, and else I will die for it. Now I suppose,
+said Accolon, she hath made all these crafts and enchantments for this
+battle. Ye may well believe it, said the dwarf. Right so there came a
+knight and a lady with six squires, and saluted Accolon, and prayed him
+for to arise, and come and rest him at his manor. And so Accolon
+mounted upon a void horse, and went with the knight unto a fair manor
+by a priory, and there he had passing good cheer.
+
+Then Sir Damas sent unto his brother Sir Ontzlake, and bade make him
+ready by to-morn at the hour of prime, and to be in the field to fight
+with a good knight, for he had found a good knight that was ready to do
+battle at all points. When this word came unto Sir Ontzlake he was
+passing heavy, for he was wounded a little to-fore through both his
+thighs with a spear, and made great dole; but as he was wounded, he
+would have taken the battle on hand. So it happed at that time, by the
+means of Morgan le Fay, Accolon was with Sir Ontzlake lodged; and when
+he heard of that battle, and how Ontzlake was wounded, he said that he
+would fight for him. Because Morgan le Fay had sent him Excalibur and
+the sheath for to fight with the knight on the morn: this was the cause
+Sir Accolon took the battle on hand. Then Sir Ontzlake was passing
+glad, and thanked Sir Accolon with all his heart that he would do so
+much for him. And therewithal Sir Ontzlake sent word unto his brother
+Sir Damas, that he had a knight that for him should be ready in the
+field by the hour of prime.
+
+So on the morn Sir Arthur was armed and well horsed, and asked Sir
+Damas, When shall we to the field? Sir, said Sir Damas, ye shall hear
+mass. And so Arthur heard a mass, and when mass was done there came a
+squire on a great horse, and asked Sir Damas if his knight were ready,
+for our knight is ready in the field. Then Sir Arthur mounted upon
+horseback, and there were all the knights and commons of that country;
+and so by all advices there were chosen twelve good men of the country
+for to wait upon the two knights. And right as Arthur was on horseback
+there came a damosel from Morgan le Fay, and brought unto Sir Arthur a
+sword like unto Excalibur, and the scabbard, and said unto Arthur,
+Morgan le Fay sendeth here your sword for great love. And he thanked
+her, and weened it had been so, but she was false, for the sword and
+the scabbard was counterfeit, and brittle, and false.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. Of the battle between King Arthur and Accolon.
+
+And then they dressed them on both parties of the field, and let their
+horses run so fast that either smote other in the midst of the shield
+with their spear-heads, that both horse and man went to the earth; and
+then they started up both, and pulled out their swords. The meanwhile
+that they were thus at the battle, came the Damosel of the Lake into
+the field, that put Merlin under the stone; and she came thither for
+love of King Arthur, for she knew how Morgan le Fay had so ordained
+that King Arthur should have been slain that day, and therefore she
+came to save his life. And so they went eagerly to the battle, and gave
+many great strokes, but always Arthur’s sword bit not like Accolon’s
+sword; but for the most part, every stroke that Accolon gave he wounded
+sore Arthur, that it was marvel he stood, and always his blood fell
+from him fast.
+
+When Arthur beheld the ground so sore be-bled he was dismayed, and then
+he deemed treason that his sword was changed; for his sword bit not
+steel as it was wont to do, therefore he dreaded him sore to be dead,
+for ever him seemed that the sword in Accolon’s hand was Excalibur, for
+at every stroke that Accolon struck he drew blood on Arthur. Now,
+knight, said Accolon unto Arthur, keep thee well from me; but Arthur
+answered not again, and gave him such a buffet on the helm that it made
+him to stoop, nigh falling down to the earth. Then Sir Accolon withdrew
+him a little, and came on with Excalibur on high, and smote Sir Arthur
+such a buffet that he fell nigh to the earth. Then were they wroth
+both, and gave each other many sore strokes, but always Sir Arthur lost
+so much blood that it was marvel he stood on his feet, but he was so
+full of knighthood that knightly he endured the pain. And Sir Accolon
+lost not a deal of blood, therefore he waxed passing light, and Sir
+Arthur was passing feeble, and weened verily to have died; but for all
+that he made countenance as though he might endure, and held Accolon as
+short as he might. But Accolon was so bold because of Excalibur that he
+waxed passing hardy. But all men that beheld him said they saw never
+knight fight so well as Arthur did considering the blood that he bled.
+So was all the people sorry for him, but the two brethren would not
+accord. Then always they fought together as fierce knights, and Sir
+Arthur withdrew him a little for to rest him, and Sir Accolon called
+him to battle and said, It is no time for me to suffer thee to rest.
+And therewith he came fiercely upon Arthur, and Sir Arthur was wroth
+for the blood that he had lost, and smote Accolon on high upon the
+helm, so mightily, that he made him nigh to fall to the earth; and
+therewith Arthur’s sword brast at the cross, and fell in the grass
+among the blood, and the pommel and the sure handles he held in his
+hands. When Sir Arthur saw that, he was in great fear to die, but
+always he held up his shield and lost no ground, nor bated no cheer.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. How King Arthur’s sword that he fought with brake, and how
+he recovered of Accolon his own sword Excalibur, and overcame his
+enemy.
+
+Then Sir Accolon began with words of treason, and said, Knight, thou
+art overcome, and mayst not endure, and also thou art weaponless, and
+thou hast lost much of thy blood, and I am full loath to slay thee,
+therefore yield thee to me 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 me lasteth the life, and therefore I had liefer to
+die with honour than to live with shame; and if it were possible for me
+to die an hundred times, I had liefer to die so oft than yield me to
+thee; for though I lack weapon, I shall lack no worship, and if thou
+slay me weaponless that shall be thy shame. Well, said Accolon, as for
+the shame I will not spare, now keep thee from me, for thou art but a
+dead man. And therewith Accolon gave him such a stroke that he fell
+nigh to the earth, and would have had Arthur to have cried him mercy.
+But Sir Arthur pressed unto Accolon with his shield, and gave him with
+the pommel in his hand such a buffet that he went three strides aback.
+
+When the Damosel of the Lake beheld Arthur, how full of prowess his
+body was, and the false treason that was wrought for him to have had
+him slain, she had great pity that so good a knight and such a man of
+worship should so be destroyed. And at the next stroke Sir Accolon
+struck him such a stroke that by the damosel’s enchantment the sword
+Excalibur fell out of Accolon’s hand to the earth. And therewithal Sir
+Arthur lightly leapt to it, and gat it in his hand, and forthwithal he
+knew that it was his sword Excalibur, and said, Thou hast been from me
+all too long, and much damage hast thou done me; and therewith he
+espied the scabbard hanging by his side, and suddenly he sterte to him
+and pulled the scabbard from him, and threw it from him as far as he
+might throw it. O knight, said Arthur, this day hast thou done me great
+damage with this sword; now are ye come unto your death, for I shall
+not warrant you but ye shall as well be rewarded with this sword, or
+ever we depart, as thou hast rewarded me; for much pain have ye made me
+to endure, and much blood have I lost. And therewith Sir Arthur rushed
+on him with all his might and pulled him to the earth, and then rushed
+off his helm, and gave him such a buffet on the head that the blood
+came out at his ears, his nose, and his mouth. Now will I slay thee,
+said Arthur. Slay me ye may well, said Accolon, an it please you, for
+ye are the best knight that ever I found, and I see well that God is
+with you. But for I promised to do this battle, said Accolon, to the
+uttermost, and never to be recreant while I lived, therefore shall I
+never yield me with my mouth, but God do with my body what he will.
+Then Sir Arthur remembered him, and thought he should have seen this
+knight. Now tell me, said Arthur, or I will slay thee, of what country
+art thou, and of what court? Sir Knight, said Sir Accolon, I am of the
+court of King Arthur, and my name is Accolon of Gaul. Then was Arthur
+more dismayed than he was beforehand; for then he remembered him of his
+sister Morgan le Fay, and of the enchantment of the ship. O sir knight,
+said he, I pray you tell me who gave you this sword, and by whom ye had
+it.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. How Accolon confessed the treason of Morgan le Fay, King
+Arthur’s sister, and how she would have done slay him.
+
+Then Sir Accolon bethought him, and said, Woe worth this sword, for by
+it have I got my death. It may well be, said the king. Now, sir, said
+Accolon, I will tell you; this sword hath been in my keeping the most
+part of this twelvemonth; and Morgan le Fay, King Uriens’ wife, sent it
+me yesterday by a dwarf, to this intent, that I should slay King
+Arthur, her brother. For ye shall understand King Arthur is the man in
+the world that she most hateth, because he is most of worship and of
+prowess of any of her blood; also she loveth me out of measure as
+paramour, and I her again; and if she might bring about to slay Arthur
+by her crafts, she would slay her husband King Uriens lightly, and then
+had she me devised to be king in this land, and so to reign, and she to
+be my queen; but that is now done, said Accolon, for I am sure of my
+death. Well, said Sir Arthur, I feel by you ye would have been king in
+this land. It had been great damage to have destroyed your lord, said
+Arthur. It is truth, said Accolon, but now I have told you truth,
+wherefore I pray you tell me of whence ye are, and of what court? O
+Accolon, said King Arthur, now I let thee wit that I am King Arthur, to
+whom thou hast done great damage. When Accolon heard that he cried
+aloud, Fair, sweet lord, have mercy on me, for I knew not you. O Sir
+Accolon, said King Arthur, mercy shalt thou have, because I feel by thy
+words at this time thou knewest not my person; but I understand well by
+thy words that thou hast agreed to the death of my person, and
+therefore thou art a traitor; but I wite thee the less, for my sister
+Morgan le Fay by her false crafts made thee to agree and consent to her
+false lusts, but I shall be sore avenged upon her an I live, that all
+Christendom shall speak of it; God knoweth I have honoured her and
+worshipped her more than all my kin, and more have I trusted her than
+mine own wife and all my kin after.
+
+Then Sir Arthur called the keepers of the field, and said, Sirs, come
+hither, for here are we two knights that have fought unto a great
+damage unto us both, and like each one of us to have slain other, if it
+had happed so; and had any of us known other, here had been no battle,
+nor stroke stricken. Then all aloud cried Accolon unto all the knights
+and men that were then there gathered together, and said to them in
+this manner, O lords, this noble knight that I have fought withal, the
+which me sore repenteth, is the most man of prowess, of manhood, and of
+worship in the world, for it is himself King Arthur, our alther liege
+lord, and with mishap and with misadventure have I done this battle
+with the king and lord that I am holden withal.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. How Arthur accorded the two brethren, and delivered the
+twenty knights, and how Sir Accolon died.
+
+Then all the people fell down on their knees and cried King Arthur
+mercy. Mercy shall ye have, said Arthur: here may ye see what
+adventures befall ofttime of errant knights, how that I have fought
+with a knight of mine own unto my great damage and his both. But, sirs,
+because I am sore hurt, and he both, and I had great need of a little
+rest, ye shall understand the opinion betwixt you two brethren: As to
+thee, Sir Damas, for whom I have been champion and won the field of
+this knight, yet will I judge because ye, Sir Damas, are called an
+orgulous knight, and full of villainy, and not worth of prowess your
+deeds, therefore I will that ye give unto your brother all the whole
+manor with the appurtenance, under this form, that Sir Ontzlake hold
+the manor of you, and yearly to give you a palfrey to ride upon, for
+that will become you better to ride on than upon a courser. Also I
+charge thee, Sir Damas, upon pain of death, that thou never distress no
+knights errant that ride on their adventure. And also that thou restore
+these twenty knights that thou hast long kept prisoners, of all their
+harness, that they be content for; and if any of them come to my court
+and complain of thee, by my head thou shalt die therefore. Also, Sir
+Ontzlake, as to you, because ye are named a good knight, and full of
+prowess, and true and gentle in all your deeds, this shall be your
+charge I will give you, that in all goodly haste ye come unto me and my
+court, and ye shall be a knight of mine, and if your deeds be
+thereafter I shall so prefer you, by the grace of God, that ye shall in
+short time be in ease for to live as worshipfully as your brother Sir
+Damas. God thank your largeness of your goodness and of your bounty, I
+shall be from henceforward at all times at your commandment; for, sir,
+said Sir Ontzlake, as God would, as I was hurt but late with an
+adventurous knight through both my thighs, that grieved me sore, and
+else had I done this battle with you. God would, said Arthur, it had
+been so, for then had not I been hurt as I am. I shall tell you the
+cause why: for I had not been hurt as I am, had it not been mine own
+sword, that was stolen from me by treason; and this battle was ordained
+aforehand to have slain me, and so it was brought to the purpose by
+false treason, and by false enchantment. Alas, said Sir Ontzlake, that
+is great pity that ever so noble a man as ye are of your deeds and
+prowess, that any man or woman might find in their hearts to work any
+treason against you. I shall reward them, said Arthur, in short time,
+by the grace of God. Now, tell me, said Arthur, how far am I from
+Camelot? Sir, ye are two days’ journey therefrom. I would fain be at
+some place of worship, said Sir Arthur, that I might rest me. Sir, said
+Sir Ontzlake, hereby is a rich abbey of your elders’ foundation, of
+nuns, but three miles hence. So the king took his leave of all the
+people, and mounted upon horseback, and Sir Accolon with him. And when
+they were come to the abbey, he let fetch leeches and search his wounds
+and Accolon’s both; but Sir Accolon died within four days, for he had
+bled so much blood that he might not live, but King Arthur was well
+recovered. So when Accolon was dead he let send him on an horse-bier
+with six knights unto Camelot, and said: Bear him to my sister Morgan
+le Fay, and say that I send her him to a present, and tell her I have
+my sword Excalibur and the scabbard; so they departed with the body.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII. How Morgan would have slain Sir Uriens her husband, and
+how Sir Uwaine her son saved him.
+
+The meanwhile Morgan le Fay had weened King Arthur had been dead. So on
+a day she espied King Uriens lay in his bed sleeping. Then she called
+unto her a maiden of her counsel, and said, Go fetch me my lord’s
+sword, for I saw never better time to slay him than now. O madam, said
+the damosel, an ye slay my lord ye can never escape. Care not you, said
+Morgan le Fay, for now I see my time in the which it is best to do it,
+and therefore hie thee fast and fetch me the sword. Then the damosel
+departed, and found Sir Uwaine sleeping upon a bed in another chamber,
+so she went unto Sir Uwaine, and awaked him, and bade him, Arise, and
+wait on my lady your mother, for she will slay the king your father
+sleeping in his bed, for I go to fetch his sword. Well, said Sir
+Uwaine, go on your way, and let me deal. Anon the damosel brought
+Morgan the sword with quaking hands, and she lightly took the sword,
+and pulled it out, and went boldly unto the bed’s side, and awaited how
+and where she might slay him best. And as she lifted up the sword to
+smite, Sir Uwaine leapt unto his mother, and caught her by the hand,
+and said, Ah, fiend, what wilt thou do? An thou wert not my mother,
+with this sword I should smite off thy head. Ah, said Sir Uwaine, men
+saith that Merlin was begotten of a devil, but I may say an earthly
+devil bare me. O fair son, Uwaine, have mercy upon me, I was tempted
+with a devil, wherefore I cry thee mercy; I will never more do so; and
+save my worship and discover me not. On this covenant, said Sir Uwaine,
+I will forgive it you, so ye will never be about to do such deeds. Nay,
+son, said she, and that I make you assurance.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV. How Queen Morgan le Fay made great sorrow for the death of
+Accolon, and how she stole away the scabbard from Arthur.
+
+Then came tidings unto Morgan le Fay that Accolon was dead, and his
+body brought unto the church, and how King Arthur had his sword again.
+But when Queen Morgan wist that Accolon was dead, she was so sorrowful
+that near her heart to-brast. But because she would not it were known,
+outward she kept her countenance, and made no semblant of sorrow. But
+well she wist an she abode 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, or 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 same abbey of nuns whereas lay King Arthur; and she
+knowing he was there, she asked where he was. And they answered how he
+had laid him in his bed to sleep, for he had had but little rest these
+three nights. Well, said she, I charge you that none of you awake him
+till I do, and then she alighted off her horse, and thought for to
+steal away Excalibur his sword, and so she went straight unto his
+chamber, and no man durst disobey her commandment, and 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 she had awaked him, and then she wist well she had been dead.
+Then she took the scabbard and went her way on horseback. When the king
+awoke and missed his scabbard, he was wroth, and he asked who had been
+there, and they said his sister, Queen Morgan had been there, and had
+put the scabbard under her mantle and was gone. Alas, said Arthur,
+falsely ye have watched me. Sir, said they all, we durst not disobey
+your sister’s commandment. Ah, said the king, let fetch the best horse
+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
+found a cowherd, and they asked the poor man if there came any lady
+riding that way. Sir, said this poor man, right late came a lady riding
+with a forty horses, and to yonder forest she rode. Then they spurred
+their horses, and followed fast, and within a while Arthur had a sight
+of Morgan le Fay; then 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, and when she saw she might not escape, she rode unto a
+lake thereby, and said, Whatsoever come of me, my brother shall not
+have this scabbard. And then she let throw the scabbard in the deepest
+of the water so it sank, for it was heavy of gold and precious stones.
+
+Then she rode into a valley where many great stones were, and when she
+saw she must be overtaken, she shaped herself, horse and man, by
+enchantment unto a great marble stone. Anon withal came Sir Arthur and
+Sir Ontzlake whereas the king might know his sister and her men, and
+one knight from another. Ah, said the king, here may ye see the
+vengeance of God, and now am I sorry that this misadventure is
+befallen. And then he looked for the scabbard, but it would not be
+found, so he returned to the abbey where he came from. So when Arthur
+was gone she turned all into the likeliness as she and they were
+before, and said, Sirs, now may we go where we will.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV. How Morgan le Fay saved a knight that should have been
+drowned, and how King Arthur returned home again.
+
+Then said Morgan, Saw ye Arthur, my brother? Yea, said her knights,
+right well, and that ye should have found an we might have stirred from
+one stead, for by his armyvestal countenance he would have caused us to
+have fled. I believe you, said Morgan. Anon after as she rode she met a
+knight leading another knight on his horse before him, bound hand and
+foot, blindfold, to have drowned him in a fountain. When she saw this
+knight so bound, she asked him, What will ye do with that knight? Lady,
+said he, I will drown him. For what cause? she asked. For I found him
+with my wife, and she shall have the same death anon. That were pity,
+said Morgan le Fay. Now, what say ye, knight, is it truth that he saith
+of you? she said to the knight that should be drowned. Nay truly,
+madam, he saith not right on me. Of whence be ye, said Morgan le Fay,
+and of what country? I am of the court of King Arthur, and my name is
+Manassen, cousin unto Accolon of Gaul. Ye say well, said she, and for
+the love of him ye shall be delivered, and ye shall have your adversary
+in the same case ye be in. So Manassen was loosed and the other knight
+bound. And anon Manassen unarmed him, and armed himself in his harness,
+and so mounted on horseback, and the knight afore him, and so threw him
+into the fountain and drowned him. And then he rode unto Morgan again,
+and asked if she would anything unto King Arthur. Tell him that I
+rescued thee, not for the love of him but for the love of Accolon, and
+tell him I fear him not while I can make me and them that be with me in
+likeness of stones; and let him wit I can do much more when I see my
+time. And 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 dreaded 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, then all
+had marvel of the falsehood of Morgan le Fay; many knights wished her
+burnt. Then came Manassen to court and told the king of his adventure.
+Well, said the king, she is a kind sister; I shall so be avenged on her
+an I live, that all Christendom shall speak of it. So on the morn there
+came a damosel 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 damosel 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 but little.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI. How the Damosel of the Lake saved King Arthur from mantle
+that should have burnt him.
+
+With that came the Damosel of the Lake unto the king, and said, Sir, I
+must speak with you in privity. Say on, said the king, what ye will.
+Sir, said the damosel, put not on you this mantle till ye have seen
+more, and in no wise let it not come on you, nor on no 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
+damosel that came from his sister, Damosel, this mantle that ye have
+brought me, I will see it upon you. Sir, she said, It will not beseem
+me to wear a king’s garment. By my head, said Arthur, ye shall wear it
+or it come on my back, or any man’s that here is. And so the king made
+it to be put upon her, and forth withal she fell down dead, and never
+more spake word after and burnt to coals. Then was the king wonderly
+wroth, more than he was to-forehand, and said unto King Uriens, My
+sister, your wife, is alway about to betray me, and well I wot either
+ye, or my nephew, your son, 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 Accolon confessed to me by his
+own mouth, that she would have destroyed you as well as me, therefore I
+hold you excused; but as for your son, Sir Uwaine, I hold him suspect,
+therefore I charge you put him out of my court. So Sir Uwaine was
+discharged. And when Sir Gawaine wist that, he made him ready to go
+with him; and said, Whoso banisheth my cousin-germain shall banish me.
+So they two departed, and rode into a great forest, and so they came to
+an abbey of monks, and there 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 love of one. So on the morn they
+heard their masses in the abbey, and so they rode forth till that they
+came to a great forest. Then was Sir Gawaine ware in a valley by a
+turret [of] twelve fair damosels, and two knights armed on great
+horses, and the damosels went to and fro by a tree. And then was Sir
+Gawaine ware how there hung a white shield on that tree, and ever as
+the damosels came by it they spit upon it, and some threw mire upon the
+shield.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine met with twelve fair
+damosels, and how they complained on Sir Marhaus.
+
+Then Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine went and saluted them, and asked why
+they did that despite to the shield. Sir, said the damosels, we shall
+tell you. There is a knight in this country that owneth this white
+shield, and he is a passing good man of his hands, but he hateth all
+ladies and gentlewomen, and therefore we do all this despite to the
+shield. I shall say you, said Sir Gawaine, it beseemeth evil a good
+knight to despise all ladies and gentlewomen, and peradventure though
+he hate you he hath some certain cause, and peradventure he loveth in
+some other places ladies and gentlewomen, and to be loved again, an he
+be such a man of prowess as ye speak of. Now, what is his name? Sir,
+said they, his name is Marhaus, the king’s son of Ireland. I know him
+well, said Sir Uwaine, he is a passing good knight as any is alive, for
+I saw him once proved at a jousts where many knights were gathered, and
+that time there might no man withstand him. Ah! said Sir Gawaine,
+damosels, methinketh ye are to blame, for it is to suppose, he that
+hung that shield there, he will not be long therefrom, and then may
+those knights match him on horseback, and that is more your worship
+than thus; for I will abide no longer to see a knight’s shield
+dishonoured. And therewith Sir Uwaine and Gawaine departed a little
+from them, and then were they ware where Sir Marhaus came riding on a
+great horse straight toward them. And when the twelve damosels saw Sir
+Marhaus they fled into the turret as they were wild, so that some of
+them fell by the way. Then the one of the knights of the tower dressed
+his shield, and said on high, Sir Marhaus, defend thee. And so they ran
+together that the knight brake his spear on Marhaus, and Marhaus smote
+him so hard that he brake his neck and the horse’s back. That saw the
+other knight of the turret, and dressed him toward Marhaus, and they
+met so eagerly together that the knight of the turret was soon smitten
+down, horse and man, stark dead.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Marhaus jousted with Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine,
+and overthrew them both.
+
+And then Sir Marhaus rode unto his shield, and saw how it was defouled,
+and said, Of this despite I am a part avenged, but for her love that
+gave me this white shield I shall wear thee, and hang mine where thou
+wast; and so he hanged it about his neck. Then he rode straight unto
+Sir Gawaine and to Sir Uwaine, and asked them what they did there? They
+answered him that they came from King Arthur’s court to see adventures.
+Well, said Sir Marhaus, here am I ready, an adventurous knight that
+will fulfil any adventure that ye will desire; and so departed from
+them, to fetch his range. Let him go, said Sir Uwaine unto Sir Gawaine,
+for he is a passing good knight as any is living; I would not by my
+will that any of us were matched with him. Nay, said Sir Gawaine, not
+so, it were shame to us were he not assayed, were he never so good a
+knight. Well, said Sir Uwaine, I will assay him afore you, for I am
+more weaker than ye, and if he smite me down then may ye revenge me. So
+these two knights came together with great raundon, that Sir Uwaine
+smote Sir Marhaus that his spear brast in pieces on the shield, and Sir
+Marhaus smote him so sore that horse and man he bare to the earth, and
+hurt Sir Uwaine on the left side.
+
+Then Sir Marhaus turned his horse and rode toward Gawaine with his
+spear, and when Sir Gawaine saw that he dressed his shield, and they
+aventred their spears, and they came together with all the might of
+their horses, that either knight smote other so hard in midst of their
+shields, but Sir Gawaine’s spear brake, but Sir Marhaus’ spear held;
+and therewith Sir Gawaine and his horse rushed down to the earth. And
+lightly Sir Gawaine rose on his feet, and pulled out his sword, and
+dressed him toward Sir Marhaus on foot, and Sir Marhaus saw that, and
+pulled out his sword and began to come to Sir Gawaine on horseback. Sir
+knight, said Sir Gawaine, alight on foot, or else I will slay thy
+horse. Gramercy, said Sir Marhaus, of your gentleness ye teach me
+courtesy, for it is not for one knight to be on foot, and the other on
+horseback. And therewith Sir Marhaus set his spear against a tree and
+alighted and tied his horse to a tree, and dressed his shield, and
+either came unto other eagerly, and smote together with their swords
+that their shields flew in cantels, and they bruised their helms and
+their hauberks, and wounded either other. But Sir Gawaine from it
+passed nine of the clock waxed ever stronger and stronger, for then it
+came to the hour of noon, and thrice his might was increased. All this
+espied Sir Marhaus and had great wonder how his might increased, and so
+they wounded other passing sore. And then when it was past noon, and
+when it drew toward evensong, Sir Gawaine’s strength feebled, and waxed
+passing faint that unnethes he might dure any longer, and Sir Marhaus
+was then bigger and bigger. Sir knight, said Sir Marhaus, I have well
+felt that ye are a passing good knight and a marvellous man of might as
+ever I felt any, while it lasteth, and our quarrels are not great, and
+therefore it were pity to do you hurt, for I feel ye are passing
+feeble. Ah, said Sir Gawaine, gentle knight, ye say the word that I
+should say. And therewith they took off their helms, and either kissed
+other, and there they swore together either to love other as brethren.
+And Sir Marhaus prayed Sir Gawaine to lodge with him that night. And so
+they took their horses, and rode toward Sir Marhaus’ house. And as they
+rode by the way, Sir knight, said Sir Gawaine, I have marvel that so
+valiant a man as ye be love no ladies nor damosels. Sir, said Sir
+Marhaus, they name me wrongfully those that give me that name, but well
+I wot it be the damosels of the turret that so name me, and other such
+as they be. Now shall I tell you for what cause I hate them: for they
+be sorceresses and enchanters many of them, and be a knight never so
+good of his body and full of prowess as man may be, they will make him
+a stark coward to have the better of him, and this is the principal
+cause that I hate them; and to all good ladies and gentlewomen I owe my
+service as a knight ought to do.
+
+As the book rehearseth in French, there were many knights that
+overmatched Sir Gawaine, for all the thrice might that he had: Sir
+Launcelot de Lake, Sir Tristram, Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Percivale, Sir
+Pelleas, and Sir Marhaus, these six knights had the better of Sir
+Gawaine. Then within a little while they came to Sir Marhaus’ place,
+which was in a little priory, and there they alighted, and ladies and
+damosels unarmed them, and hastily looked to their hurts, for they were
+all three hurt. And so they had all three good lodging with Sir
+Marhaus, and good cheer; for when he wist that they were King Arthur’s
+sister’s sons he made them all the cheer that lay in his power, and so
+they sojourned there a sennight, and were well eased of their wounds,
+and at the last departed. Now, said Sir Marhaus, we will not depart so
+lightly, for I will bring you through the forest; and rode day by day
+well a seven days or they found any adventure. At the last they came
+into a great forest, that was named the country and forest of Arroy,
+and the country of strange adventures. In this country, said Sir
+Marhaus, came never knight since it was christened but he found strange
+adventures; and so they rode, and came into a deep valley full of
+stones, and thereby they saw a fair stream of water; above thereby was
+the head of the stream a fair fountain, and three damosels sitting
+thereby. And then they rode to them, and either saluted other, and the
+eldest had a garland of gold about her head, and she was three score
+winter of age or more, and her hair was white under the garland. The
+second damosel was of thirty winter of age, with a circlet of gold
+about her head. The third damosel was but fifteen year of age, and a
+garland of flowers about her head. When these knights had so beheld
+them, they asked them the cause why they sat at that fountain? We be
+here, said the damosels, for this cause: if we may see any errant
+knights, to teach them unto strange adventures; and ye be three knights
+that seek adventures, and we be three damosels, and therefore each one
+of you must choose one of us; and when ye have done so we will lead you
+unto three highways, and there each of you shall choose a way and his
+damosel with him. And this day twelvemonth ye must meet here again, and
+God send you your lives, and thereto ye must plight your troth. This is
+well said, said Sir Marhaus.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX. How Sir Marhaus, Sir Gawaine, and Sir Uwaine met three
+damosels, and each of them took one.
+
+Now shall everych of us choose a damosel. I shall tell you, said Sir
+Uwaine, I am the youngest and most weakest of you both, therefore I
+will have the eldest damosel, for she hath seen much, and can best help
+me when I have need, for I have most need of help of you both. Now,
+said Sir Marhaus, I will have the damosel of thirty winter age, for she
+falleth best to me. Well, said Sir Gawaine, I thank you, for ye have
+left me the youngest and the fairest, and she is most liefest to me.
+Then every damosel took her knight by the reins of his bridle, and
+brought him to the three ways, and there was their oath made to meet at
+the fountain that day twelvemonth an they were living, and so they
+kissed and departed, and each knight set his lady behind him. And Sir
+Uwaine took the way that lay west, and Sir Marhaus took the way that
+lay south, and Sir Gawaine took the way that lay north. Now will we
+begin at Sir Gawaine, that held that way till that he came unto a fair
+manor, where dwelled an old knight and a good householder, and there
+Sir Gawaine asked the knight if he knew any adventures in that country.
+I shall show you some to-morn, said the old knight, and that
+marvellous. So, on the morn they rode into the forest of adventures to
+a laund, and thereby they found a cross, and as they stood and hoved
+there came by them the fairest knight and the seemliest man that ever
+they saw, making the greatest dole that ever man made. And then he was
+ware of Sir Gawaine, and saluted him, and prayed God to send him much
+worship. As to that, said Sir Gawaine, gramercy; also I pray to God
+that he send you honour and worship. Ah, said the knight, I may lay
+that aside, for sorrow and shame cometh to me after worship.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX. How a knight and a dwarf strove for a lady.
+
+And therewith he passed unto the one side of the laund; and on the
+other side saw Sir Gawaine ten knights that hoved still and made them
+ready with their shields and spears against that one knight that came
+by Sir Gawaine.
+
+Then this one knight aventred a great spear, and one of the ten knights
+encountered with him, but this woful knight smote him so hard that he
+fell over his horse’s tail. So this same dolorous knight served them
+all, that at the leastway he smote down horse and man, and all he did
+with one spear; and so when they were all ten on foot, they went to
+that one knight, and he stood stone still, and suffered them to pull
+him down off his horse, and bound him hand and foot, and tied him under
+the horse’s belly, and so led him with them. O Jesu! said Sir Gawaine,
+this is a doleful sight, to see the yonder knight so to be entreated,
+and it seemeth by the knight that he suffereth them to bind him so, for
+he maketh no resistance. No, said his host, that is truth, for an he
+would they all were too weak so to do him. Sir, said the damosel unto
+Sir Gawaine, meseemeth it were your worship to help that dolorous
+knight, for methinketh he is one of the best knights that ever I saw. I
+would do for him, said Sir Gawaine, but it seemeth he will have no
+help. Then, said the damosel, methinketh ye have no lust to help him.
+
+Thus as they talked they saw a knight on the other side of the laund
+all armed save the head. And on the other side there came a dwarf on
+horseback all armed save the head, with a great mouth and a short nose;
+and when the dwarf came nigh he said, Where is the lady should meet us
+here? and therewithal she came forth out of the wood. And then they
+began to strive for the lady; for the knight said he would have her,
+and the dwarf said he would have her. Will we do well? said the dwarf;
+yonder is a knight at the cross, let us put it both upon him, and as he
+deemeth so shall it be. I will well, said the knight, and so they went
+all three unto Sir Gawaine and told him wherefore they strove. Well,
+sirs, said he, will ye put the matter in my hand? Yea, they said both.
+Now damosel, said Sir Gawaine, ye shall stand betwixt them both, and
+whether ye list better to go to, he shall have you. And when she was
+set between them both, she left the knight and went to the dwarf, and
+the dwarf took her and went his way singing, and the knight went his
+way with great mourning.
+
+Then came there two knights all armed, and cried on high, Sir Gawaine!
+knight of King Arthur’s, make thee ready in all haste and joust with
+me. So they ran together, that either fell down, and then on foot they
+drew their swords, and did full actually. The meanwhile the other
+knight went to the damosel, and asked her why she abode with that
+knight, and if ye would abide with me, I will be your faithful knight.
+And with you will I be, said the damosel, for with Sir Gawaine I may
+not find in mine heart to be with him; for now here was one knight
+discomfited ten knights, and at the last he was cowardly led away; and
+therefore let us two go whilst they fight. And Sir Gawaine fought with
+that other knight long, but at the last they accorded both. And then
+the knight prayed Sir Gawaine to lodge with him that night. So as Sir
+Gawaine went with this knight he asked him, What knight is he in this
+country that smote down the ten knights? For when he had done so
+manfully he suffered them to bind him hand and foot, and so led him
+away. Ah, said the knight, that is the best knight I trow in the world,
+and the most man of prowess, and he hath been served so as he was even
+more than ten times, and his name hight Sir Pelleas, and he loveth a
+great lady in this country and her name is Ettard. And so when he loved
+her there was cried in this country a great jousts three days, and all
+the knights of this country were there and gentlewomen, and who that
+proved him the best knight should have a passing good sword and a
+circlet of gold, and the circlet the knight should give it to the
+fairest lady that was at the jousts. And this knight Sir Pelleas was
+the best knight that was there, and there were five hundred knights,
+but there was never man that ever Sir Pelleas met withal but he struck
+him down, or else from his horse; and every day of three days he struck
+down twenty knights, therefore they gave him the prize, and forthwithal
+he went thereas the Lady Ettard was, and gave her the circlet, and said
+openly she was the fairest lady that there was, and that would he prove
+upon any knight that would say nay.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI. How King Pelleas suffered himself to be taken prisoner
+because he would have a sight of his lady, and how Sir Gawaine promised
+him to get to him the love of his lady.
+
+And so he chose her for his sovereign lady, and never to love other but
+her, but she was so proud that she had scorn of him, and said that she
+would never love him though he would die for her. Wherefore all ladies
+and gentlewomen had scorn of her that she was so proud, for there were
+fairer than she, and there was none that was there but an Sir Pelleas
+would have proffered them love, they would have loved him for his noble
+prowess. And so this knight promised the Lady Ettard to follow her into
+this country, and never to leave her till she loved him. And thus he is
+here the most part nigh her, and lodged by a priory, and every week she
+sendeth knights to fight with him. And when he hath put them to the
+worse, then will he suffer them wilfully to take him prisoner, because
+he would have a sight of this lady. And always she doth him great
+despite, for sometime she maketh her knights to tie him to his horse’s
+tail, and some to bind him under the horse’s belly; thus in the most
+shamefullest ways that she can think he is brought to her. And all she
+doth it for to cause him to leave this country, and to leave his
+loving; but all this cannot make him to leave, for an he would have
+fought on foot he might have had the better of the ten knights as well
+on foot as on horseback. Alas, said Sir Gawaine, it is great pity of
+him; and after this night I will seek him to-morrow, in this forest, to
+do him all the help I can. So on the morn Sir Gawaine took his leave of
+his host Sir Carados, and rode into the forest; and at the last he met
+with Sir Pelleas, making great moan out of measure, so each of them
+saluted other, and asked him why he made such sorrow. And as it is
+above rehearsed, Sir Pelleas told Sir Gawaine: But always I suffer her
+knights to fare so with me as ye saw yesterday, in trust at the last to
+win her love, for she knoweth well all her knights should not lightly
+win me, an me list to fight with them to the uttermost. Wherefore an I
+loved her not so sore, I had liefer die an hundred times, an I might
+die so oft, rather than I would suffer that despite; but I trust she
+will have pity upon me at the last, for love causeth many a good knight
+to suffer to have his entent, but alas I am unfortunate. And therewith
+he made so great dole and sorrow that unnethe he might hold him on
+horseback.
+
+Now, said Sir Gawaine, leave your mourning and I shall promise you by
+the faith of my body to do all that lieth in my power to get you the
+love of your lady, and thereto I will plight you my troth. Ah, said Sir
+Pelleas, of what court are ye? tell me, I pray you, my good friend. And
+then Sir Gawaine said, I am of the court of King Arthur, and his
+sister’s son, and King Lot of Orkney was my father, and my name is Sir
+Gawaine. And then he said, My name is Sir Pelleas, born in the Isles,
+and of many isles I am lord, and never have I loved lady nor damosel
+till now in an unhappy time; and, sir knight, since ye are so nigh
+cousin unto King Arthur, and a king’s son, therefore betray me not but
+help me, for I may never come by her but by some good knight, for she
+is in a strong castle here, fast by within this four mile, and over all
+this country she is lady of. And so I may never come to her presence,
+but as I suffer her knights to take me, and but if I did so that I
+might have a sight of her, I had been dead long or this time; and yet
+fair word had I never of her, but when I am brought to-fore her she
+rebuketh me in the foulest manner. And then they take my horse and
+harness and put me out of the gates, and she will not suffer me to eat
+nor drink; and always I offer me to be her prisoner, but that she will
+not suffer me, for I would desire no more, what pains so ever I had, so
+that I might have a sight of her daily. Well, said Sir Gawaine, all
+this shall I amend an ye will do as I shall devise: I will have your
+horse and your armour, and so will I ride unto her castle and tell her
+that I have slain you, and so shall I come within her to cause her to
+cherish me, and then shall I do my true part that ye shall not fail to
+have the love of her.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII. How Sir Gawaine came to the Lady Ettard, and how Sir
+Pelleas found them sleeping.
+
+And therewith Sir Gawaine plight his troth unto Sir Pelleas to be true
+and faithful unto him; so each one plight their troth to other, and so
+they changed horses and harness, and Sir Gawaine departed, and came to
+the castle whereas stood the pavilions of this lady without the gate.
+And as soon as Ettard had espied Sir Gawaine she fled in toward the
+castle. Sir Gawaine spake on high, and bade her abide, for he was not
+Sir Pelleas; I am another knight that have slain Sir Pelleas. Do off
+your helm, said the Lady Ettard, that I may see your visage. And so
+when she saw that it was not Sir Pelleas, she bade him alight and led
+him unto her castle, and asked him faithfully whether he had slain Sir
+Pelleas. And he said her yea, and told her his name was Sir Gawaine of
+the court of King Arthur, and his sister’s son. Truly, said she, that
+is great pity, for he was a passing good knight of his body, but of all
+men alive I hated him most, for I could never be quit of him; and for
+ye have slain him I shall be your woman, and to do anything that might
+please you. So she made Sir Gawaine good cheer. Then Sir Gawaine said
+that he loved a lady and by no means she would love him. She is to
+blame, said Ettard, an she will not love you, for ye that be so well
+born a man, and such a man of prowess, there is no lady in the world
+too good for you. Will ye, said Sir Gawaine, promise me to do all that
+ye may, by the faith of your body, to get me the love of my lady? Yea,
+sir, said she, and that I promise you by the faith of my body. Now,
+said Sir Gawaine, it is yourself that I love so well, therefore I pray
+you hold your promise. I may not choose, said the Lady Ettard, but if I
+should be forsworn; and so she granted him to fulfil all his desire.
+
+So it was then in the month of May that she and Sir Gawaine went out of
+the castle and supped in a pavilion, and there was made a bed, and
+there Sir Gawaine and the Lady Ettard went to bed together, and in
+another pavilion she laid her damosels, and in the third pavilion she
+laid part of her knights, for then she had no dread of Sir Pelleas. And
+there Sir Gawaine lay with her in that pavilion two days and two
+nights. And on the third day, in the morning early, Sir Pelleas armed
+him, for he had never slept since Sir Gawaine departed from him; for
+Sir Gawaine had promised him by the faith of his body, to come to him
+unto his pavilion by that priory within the space of a day and a night.
+
+Then Sir Pelleas mounted upon horseback, and came to the pavilions that
+stood without the castle, and found in the first pavilion three knights
+in three beds, and three squires lying at their feet. Then went he to
+the second pavilion and found four gentlewomen lying in four beds. And
+then he yede to the third pavilion and found Sir Gawaine lying in bed
+with his Lady Ettard, and either clipping other in arms, and when he
+saw that his heart well-nigh brast for sorrow, and said: Alas! that
+ever a knight should be found so false; and then he took his horse and
+might not abide no longer for pure sorrow. And when he had ridden nigh
+half a mile he turned again and thought to slay them both; and when he
+saw them both so lie sleeping fast, unnethe he might hold him on
+horseback for sorrow, and said thus to himself, Though this knight be
+never so false, I will never slay him sleeping, for I will never
+destroy the high order of knighthood; and therewith he departed again.
+And or he had ridden half a mile he returned again, and thought then to
+slay them both, making the greatest sorrow that ever man made. And when
+he came to the pavilions, he tied his horse unto a tree, and pulled out
+his sword naked in his hand, and went to them thereas they lay, and yet
+he thought it were shame to slay them sleeping, and laid the naked
+sword overthwart both their throats, and so took his horse and rode his
+way.
+
+And when Sir Pelleas came to his pavilions he told his knights and his
+squires how he had sped, and said thus to them, For your true and good
+service ye have done me I shall give you all my goods, for I will go
+unto my bed and never arise until I am dead. And when that I am dead I
+charge you that ye take the heart out of my body and bear it her
+betwixt two silver dishes, and tell her how I saw her lie with the
+false knight Sir Gawaine. Right so Sir Pelleas unarmed himself, and
+went unto his bed making marvellous dole and sorrow.
+
+When Sir Gawaine and Ettard awoke of their sleep, and found the naked
+sword overthwart their throats, then she knew well it was Sir Pelleas’
+sword. Alas! said she to Sir Gawaine, ye have betrayed me and Sir
+Pelleas both, for ye told me ye had slain him, and now I know well it
+is not so, he is alive. And if Sir Pelleas had been as uncourteous to
+you as ye have been to him ye had been a dead knight; but ye have
+deceived me and betrayed me falsely, that all ladies and damosels may
+beware by you and me. And therewith Sir Gawaine made him ready, and
+went into the forest. So it happed then that the Damosel of the Lake,
+Nimue, met with a knight of Sir Pelleas, that went on his foot in the
+forest making great dole, and she asked him the cause. And so the woful
+knight told her how his master and lord was betrayed through a knight
+and lady, and how he will never arise out of his bed till he be dead.
+Bring me to him, said she anon, and I will warrant his life he shall
+not die for love, and she that hath caused him so to love, she shall be
+in as evil plight as he is or it be long to, for it is no joy of such a
+proud lady that will have no mercy of such a valiant knight. Anon that
+knight brought her unto him, and when she saw him lie in his bed, she
+thought she saw never so likely a knight; and therewith she threw an
+enchantment upon him, and he fell asleep. And therewhile she rode unto
+the Lady Ettard, and charged no man to awake him till she came again.
+So within two hours she brought the Lady Ettard thither, and both
+ladies found him asleep: Lo, said the Damosel of the Lake, ye ought to
+be ashamed for to murder such a knight. And therewith she threw such an
+enchantment upon her that she loved him sore, that well-nigh she was
+out of her mind. O Lord Jesu, said the Lady Ettard, how is it befallen
+unto me that I love now him that I have most hated of any man alive?
+That is the righteous judgment of God, said the damosel. And then anon
+Sir Pelleas awaked and looked upon Ettard; and when he saw her he knew
+her, and then he hated her more than any woman alive, and said: Away,
+traitress, come never in my sight. And when she heard him say so, she
+wept and made great sorrow out of measure.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Pelleas loved no more Ettard by means of the
+Damosel of the Lake, whom he loved ever after.
+
+Sir knight Pelleas, said the Damosel of the Lake, take your horse and
+come forth with me out of this country, and ye shall love a lady that
+shall love you. I will well, said Sir Pelleas, for this Lady Ettard
+hath done me great despite and shame, and there he told her the
+beginning and ending, and how he had purposed never to have arisen till
+that he had been dead. And now such grace God hath sent me, that I hate
+her as much as ever I loved her, thanked be our Lord Jesus! Thank me,
+said the Damosel of the Lake. Anon Sir Pelleas armed him, and took his
+horse, and commanded his men to bring after his pavilions and his stuff
+where the Damosel of the Lake would assign. So the Lady Ettard died for
+sorrow, and the Damosel of the Lake rejoiced Sir Pelleas, and loved
+together during their life days.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Marhaus rode with the damosel, and how he came to
+the Duke of the South Marches.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Marhaus, that rode with the damosel of thirty
+winter of age, southward. And so they came into a deep forest, and by
+fortune they were nighted, and rode long in a deep way, and at the last
+they came unto a courtelage, and there they asked harbour. But the man
+of the courtelage would not lodge them for no treatise that they could
+treat, but thus much the good man said, An ye will take the adventure
+of your lodging, I shall bring you where ye shall be lodged. What
+adventure is that that I shall have for my lodging? said Sir Marhaus.
+Ye shall wit when ye come there, said the good man. Sir, what adventure
+so it be, bring me thither I pray thee, said Sir Marhaus; for I am
+weary, my damosel, and my horse. So the good man went and opened the
+gate, and within an hour he brought him unto a fair castle, and then
+the poor man called the porter, and anon he was let into the castle,
+and so he told the lord how he brought him a knight errant and a
+damosel that would be lodged with him. Let him in, said the lord, it
+may happen he shall repent that they took their lodging here.
+
+So Sir Marhaus was let in with torchlight, and there was a goodly sight
+of young men that welcomed him. And then his horse was led into the
+stable, and he and the damosel were brought into the hall, and there
+stood a mighty duke and many goodly men about him. Then this lord asked
+him what he hight, and from whence he came, and with whom he dwelt.
+Sir, he said, I am a knight of King Arthur’s and knight of the Table
+Round, and my name is Sir Marhaus, and born I am in Ireland. And then
+said the duke to him, That me sore repenteth: the cause is this, for I
+love not thy lord nor none of thy fellows of the Table Round; and
+therefore ease thyself this night as well as thou mayest, for as
+to-morn I and my six sons shall match with you. Is there no remedy but
+that I must have ado with you and your six sons at once? said Sir
+Marhaus. No, said the duke, for this cause I made mine avow, for Sir
+Gawaine slew my seven sons in a recounter, therefore I made mine avow,
+there should never knight of King Arthur’s court lodge with me, or come
+thereas I might have ado with him, but that I would have a revenging of
+my sons’ death. What is your name? said Sir Marhaus; I require you tell
+me, an it please you. Wit thou well I am the Duke of South Marches. Ah,
+said Sir Marhaus, I have heard say that ye have been long time a great
+foe unto my lord Arthur and to his knights. That shall ye feel to-morn,
+said the duke. Shall I have ado with you? said Sir Marhaus. Yea, said
+the duke, thereof shalt thou not choose, and therefore take you to your
+chamber, and ye shall have all that to you longeth. So Sir Marhaus
+departed and was led to a chamber, and his damosel was led unto her
+chamber. And on the morn the duke sent unto Sir Marhaus and bade make
+him ready. And so Sir Marhaus arose and armed him, and then there was a
+mass sung afore him, and brake his fast, and so mounted on horseback in
+the court of the castle where they should do the battle. So there was
+the duke all ready on horseback, clean armed, and his six sons by him,
+and everych had a spear in his hand, and so they encountered, whereas
+the duke and his two sons brake their spears upon him, but Sir Marhaus
+held up his spear and touched none of them.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Marhaus fought with the duke and his four sons and
+made them to yield them.
+
+Then came the four sons by couple, and two of them brake their spears,
+and so did the other two. And all this while Sir Marhaus touched them
+not. Then Sir Marhaus ran to the duke, and smote him with his spear
+that horse and man fell to the earth, and so he served his sons; and
+then Sir Marhaus alighted down and bade the duke yield him or else he
+would slay him. And then some of his sons recovered, and would have set
+upon Sir Marhaus; then Sir Marhaus said to the duke, Cease thy sons, or
+else I will do the uttermost to you all. Then the duke saw he might not
+escape the death, he cried to his sons, and charged them to yield them
+to Sir Marhaus; and they kneeled all down and put the pommels of their
+swords to the knight, and so he received them. And then they helped up
+their father, and so by their cominal assent promised to Sir Marhaus
+never to be foes unto King Arthur, and thereupon at Whitsuntide after
+to come, he and his sons, and put them in the king’s grace.
+
+Then Sir Marhaus departed, and within two days his damosel brought him
+whereas was a great tournament that the Lady de Vawse had cried. And
+who that did best should have a rich circlet of gold worth a thousand
+besants. And there Sir Marhaus did so nobly that he was renowned, and
+had sometime down forty knights, and so the circlet of gold was
+rewarded him. Then he departed from them with great worship; and so
+within seven nights his damosel brought him to an earl’s place, his
+name was the Earl Fergus, that after was Sir Tristram’s knight; and
+this earl was but a young man, and late come into his lands, and there
+was a giant fast by him that hight Taulurd, and he had another brother
+in Cornwall that hight Taulas, that Sir Tristram slew when he was out
+of his mind. So this earl made his complaint unto Sir Marhaus, that
+there was a giant by him that destroyed all his lands, and how he durst
+nowhere ride nor go for him. Sir, said the knight, whether useth he to
+fight on horseback or on foot? Nay, said the earl, there may no horse
+bear him. Well, said Sir Marhaus, then will I fight with him on foot;
+so on the morn Sir Marhaus prayed the earl that one of his men might
+bring him whereas the giant was; and so he was, for he saw him sit
+under a tree of holly, and many clubs of iron and gisarms about him. So
+this knight dressed him to the giant, putting his shield afore him, and
+the giant took an iron club in his hand, and at the first stroke he
+clave Sir Marhaus’ shield in two pieces. And there he was in great
+peril, for the giant was a wily fighter, but at last Sir Marhaus smote
+off his right arm above the elbow.
+
+Then the giant fled and the knight after him, and so he drove him into
+a water, but the giant was so high that he might not wade after him.
+And then Sir Marhaus made the Earl Fergus’ man to fetch him stones, and
+with those stones the knight gave the giant many sore knocks, till at
+the last he made him fall down into the water, and so was he there
+dead. Then Sir Marhaus went unto the giant’s castle, and there he
+delivered twenty-four ladies and twelve knights out of the giant’s
+prison, and there he had great riches without number, so that the days
+of his life he was never poor man. Then he returned to the Earl Fergus,
+the which thanked him greatly, and would have given him half his lands,
+but he would none take. So Sir Marhaus dwelled with the earl nigh half
+a year, for he was sore bruised with the giant, and at the last he took
+his leave. And as he rode by the way, he met with Sir Gawaine and Sir
+Uwaine, and so by adventure he met with four knights of Arthur’s court,
+the first was Sir Sagramore le Desirous, Sir Osanna, Sir Dodinas le
+Savage, and Sir Felot of Listinoise; and there Sir Marhaus with one
+spear smote down these four knights, and hurt them sore. So he departed
+to meet at his day aforeset.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI. How Sir Uwaine rode with the damosel of sixty year of
+age, and how he gat the prize at tourneying.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Uwaine, that rode westward with his damosel of
+three score winter of age, and she brought him thereas was a tournament
+nigh the march of Wales. And at that tournament Sir Uwaine smote down
+thirty knights, therefore was given him the prize, and that was a
+gerfalcon, and a white steed trapped with cloth of gold. So then Sir
+Uwaine did many strange adventures by the means of the old damosel, and
+so she brought him to a lady that was called the Lady of the Rock, the
+which was much courteous. So there were in the country two knights that
+were brethren, and they were called two perilous knights, the one
+knight hight Sir Edward of the Red Castle, and the other Sir Hue of the
+Red Castle; and these two brethren had disherited the Lady of the Rock
+of a barony of lands by their extortion. And as this knight was lodged
+with this lady she made her complaint to him of these two knights.
+
+Madam, said Sir Uwaine, they are to blame, for they do against the high
+order of knighthood, and the oath that they made; and if it like you I
+will speak with them, because I am a knight of King Arthur’s, and I
+will entreat them with fairness; and if they will not, I shall do
+battle with them, and in the defence of your right. Gramercy said the
+lady, and thereas I may not acquit you, God shall. So on the morn the
+two knights were sent for, that they should come thither to speak with
+the Lady of the Rock, and wit ye well they failed not, for they came
+with an hundred horse. But when this lady saw them in this manner so
+big, she would not suffer Sir Uwaine to go out to them upon no surety
+nor for no fair language, but she made him speak with them over a
+tower, but finally these two brethren would not be entreated, and
+answered that they would keep that they had. Well, said Sir Uwaine,
+then will I fight with one of you, and prove that ye do this lady
+wrong. That will we not, said they, for an we do battle, we two will
+fight with one knight at once, and therefore if ye will fight so, we
+will be ready at what hour ye will assign. And if ye win us in battle
+the lady shall have her lands again. Ye say well, said Sir Uwaine,
+therefore make you ready so that ye be here to-morn in the defence of
+the lady’s right.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Uwaine fought with two knights and overcame
+them.
+
+So was there sikerness made on both parties that no treason should be
+wrought on neither party; so then the knights departed and made them
+ready, and that night Sir Uwaine had great cheer. And on the morn he
+arose early and heard mass, and brake his fast, and so he rode unto the
+plain without the gates, where hoved the two brethren abiding him. So
+they rode together passing sore, that Sir Edward and Sir Hue brake
+their spears upon Sir Uwaine. And Sir Uwaine smote Sir Edward that he
+fell over his horse and yet his spear brast not. And then he spurred
+his horse and came upon Sir Hue and overthrew him, but they soon
+recovered and dressed their shields and drew their swords and bade Sir
+Uwaine alight and do his battle to the uttermost. Then Sir Uwaine
+devoided his horse suddenly, and put his shield afore him and drew his
+sword, and so they dressed together, and either gave other such
+strokes, and there these two brethren wounded Sir Uwaine passing
+grievously that the Lady of the Rock weened he should have died. And
+thus they fought together five hours as men raged out of reason. And at
+the last Sir Uwaine smote Sir Edward upon the helm such a stroke that
+his sword carved unto his canel bone, and then Sir Hue abated his
+courage, but Sir Uwaine pressed fast to have slain him. That saw Sir
+Hue: he kneeled down and yielded him to Sir Uwaine. And he of his
+gentleness received his sword, and took him by the hand, and went into
+the castle together. Then the Lady of the Rock was passing glad, and
+the other brother made great sorrow for his brother’s death. Then the
+lady was restored of all her lands, and Sir Hue was commanded to be at
+the court of King Arthur at the next feast of Pentecost. So Sir Uwaine
+dwelt with the lady nigh half a year, for it was long or he might be
+whole of his great hurts. And so when it drew nigh the term-day that
+Sir Gawaine, Sir Marhaus, and Sir Uwaine should meet at the cross-way,
+then every knight drew him thither to hold his promise that they had
+made; and Sir Marhaus and Sir Uwaine brought their damosels with them,
+but Sir Gawaine had lost his damosel, as it is afore rehearsed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII. How at the year’s end all three knights with their
+three damosels met at the fountain.
+
+Right so at the twelvemonths’ end they met all three knights at the
+fountain and their damosels, but the damosel that Sir Gawaine had could
+say but little worship of him so they departed from the damosels and
+rode through a great forest, and there they met with a messenger that
+came from King Arthur, that had sought them well-nigh a twelvemonth
+throughout all England, Wales, and Scotland, and charged if ever he
+might find Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine to bring them to the court again.
+And then were they all glad, and so prayed they Sir Marhaus to ride
+with them to the king’s court. And so within twelve days they came to
+Camelot, and the king was passing glad of their coming, and so was all
+the court. Then the king made them to swear upon a book to tell him all
+their adventures that had befallen them that twelvemonth, and so they
+did. And there was Sir Marhaus well known, for there were knights that
+he had matched aforetime, and he was named one of the best knights
+living.
+
+Against the feast of Pentecost came the Damosel of the Lake and brought
+with her Sir Pelleas; and at that high feast there was great jousting
+of knights, and of all knights that were at that jousts, Sir Pelleas
+had the prize, and Sir Marhaus was named the next; but Sir Pelleas was
+so strong there might but few knights sit him a buffet with a spear.
+And at that next feast Sir Pelleas and Sir Marhaus were made knights of
+the Table Round, for there were two sieges void, for two knights were
+slain that twelvemonth, and great joy had King Arthur of Sir Pelleas
+and of Sir Marhaus. But Pelleas loved never after Sir Gawaine, but as
+he spared him for the love of King Arthur; but ofttimes at jousts and
+tournaments Sir Pelleas quit Sir Gawaine, for so it rehearseth in the
+book of French. So Sir Tristram many days after fought with Sir Marhaus
+in an island, and there they did a great battle, but at the last Sir
+Tristram slew him, so Sir Tristram was wounded that unnethe he might
+recover, and lay at a nunnery half a year. And Sir Pelleas was a
+worshipful knight, and was one of the four that achieved the Sangreal,
+and the Damosel of the Lake made by her means that never he had ado
+with Sir Launcelot de Lake, for where Sir Launcelot was at any jousts
+or any tournament, she would not suffer him be there that day, but if
+it were on the side of Sir Launcelot.
+
+Explicit liber quartus.
+Incipit liber quintus.
+
+
+
+BOOK V.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. How twelve aged ambassadors of Rome came to King Arthur to
+demand truage for Britain.
+
+When King Arthur had after long war rested, and held a royal feast and
+Table Round with his allies of kings, princes, and noble knights all of
+the Round Table, there came into his hall, he sitting in his throne
+royal, twelve ancient men, bearing each of them a branch of olive, in
+token that they came as ambassadors and messengers from the Emperor
+Lucius, which was called at that time, Dictator or Procuror of the
+Public Weal of Rome. Which said messengers, after their entering and
+coming into the presence of King Arthur, did to him their obeisance in
+making to him reverence, and said to him in this wise: The high and
+mighty Emperor Lucius sendeth to the King of Britain greeting,
+commanding thee to acknowledge him for thy lord, and to send him the
+truage due of this realm unto the Empire, which thy father and other
+to-fore thy precessors have paid as is of record, and thou as rebel not
+knowing him as thy sovereign, withholdest and retainest contrary to the
+statutes and decrees made by the noble and worthy Julius Cesar,
+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, that it shall be ensample perpetual unto all kings
+and princes, for to deny their truage unto that noble empire which
+domineth upon the universal world. Then when they had showed the effect
+of their message, the king commanded them to withdraw them, and said he
+should take advice of council and give to them an answer. Then some of
+the young knights, hearing this their message, would have run on them
+to have slain them, saying that it was a rebuke to all the knights
+there being present to suffer them to say so to the king. And anon the
+king commanded that none of them, upon pain of death, to missay them
+nor do them any harm, and commanded a knight to bring them to their
+lodging, and see that they have all that is necessary and requisite for
+them, with the best cheer, and that no dainty be spared, for the Romans
+be great lords, and though their message please me not nor my court,
+yet I must remember mine honour.
+
+After this the king let call all his lords and knights of the Round
+Table to counsel upon this matter, and desired them to say their
+advice. Then Sir Cador of Cornwall spake first and said, Sir, this
+message liketh me well, for we have many days rested us and have been
+idle, and now I hope ye shall make sharp war on the Romans, where I
+doubt not we shall get honour. I believe well, said Arthur, that this
+matter pleaseth thee well, but these answers may not be answered, for
+the demand grieveth me sore, for truly I will never pay truage to Rome,
+wherefore I pray you to counsel me. I have understood that Belinus and
+Brenius, kings of Britain, have had the empire in their hands many
+days, and also Constantine the son of Heleine, which is an open
+evidence that we owe no tribute to Rome but of right we that be
+descended of them have right to claim the title of the empire.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. How the kings and lords promised to King Arthur aid and
+help against the Romans.
+
+Then answered King Anguish of Scotland, Sir, ye ought of right to be
+above all other kings, for unto you is none like nor pareil in
+Christendom, of knighthood nor of dignity, and I counsel you never to
+obey the Romans, for when they reigned on us they distressed our
+elders, and put this land to great extortions and tallies, wherefore I
+make here mine avow to avenge me on them; and for to strengthen your
+quarrel I shall furnish twenty thousand good men of war, and wage them
+on my costs, which shall await on you with myself when it shall please
+you. And the king of Little Britain granted him to the same thirty
+thousand; wherefore King Arthur thanked them. And then every man agreed
+to make war, and to aid after their power; that is to wit, the lord of
+West Wales promised to bring thirty thousand men, and Sir Uwaine, Sir
+Ider his son, with their cousins, promised to bring thirty thousand.
+Then Sir Launcelot with all other promised in likewise every man a
+great multitude.
+
+And when King Arthur understood their courages and good wills he
+thanked them heartily, and after let call the ambassadors to hear their
+answer. And in presence of all his lords and knights he said to them in
+this wise: I will that ye return unto your lord and Procuror of the
+Common Weal for the Romans, and say ye to him, Of his demand and
+commandment I set nothing, and that I know of no truage nor tribute
+that I owe to him, nor to none earthly prince, Christian nor heathen;
+but I pretend to have and occupy the sovereignty of the empire, wherein
+I am entitled by the right of my predecessors, sometime kings of this
+land; and say to him that I am delibered and fully concluded, to go
+with mine army with strength and power unto Rome, by the grace of God,
+to take possession in the empire and subdue them that be rebel.
+Wherefore I command him and all them of Rome, that incontinent they
+make to me their homage, and to acknowledge me for their Emperor and
+Governor, upon pain that shall ensue. And then he commanded his
+treasurer to give to them great and large gifts, and to pay all their
+dispenses, and assigned Sir Cador to convey them out of the land. And
+so they took their leave and departed, and took their shipping at
+Sandwich, and passed forth by Flanders, Almaine, the mountains, and all
+Italy, until they came unto Lucius. And after the reverence made, they
+made relation of their answer, like as ye to-fore have heard.
+
+When the Emperor Lucius had well understood their credence, he was sore
+moved as he had been all araged, and said, I had supposed that Arthur
+would have obeyed to my commandment, and have served you himself, as
+him well beseemed or any other king to do. O Sir, said one of the
+senators, let be such vain words, for we let you wit that I and my
+fellows were full sore afeard to behold his countenance; I fear me ye
+have made a rod for yourself, for he intendeth to be lord of this
+empire, which sore is to be doubted if he come, for he is all another
+man than ye ween, and holdeth the most noble court of the world, all
+other kings nor princes may not compare unto his noble maintenance. On
+New Year’s Day we saw him in his estate, which was the royalest that
+ever we saw, for he was served at his table with nine kings, and the
+noblest fellowship of other princes, lords, and knights that be in the
+world, and every knight approved and like a lord, and holdeth Table
+Round: and in his person the most manly man that liveth, and is like to
+conquer all the world, for unto his courage it is too little: wherefore
+I advise you to keep well your marches and straits in the mountains;
+for certainly he is a lord to be doubted. Well, said Lucius, before
+Easter I suppose to pass the mountains, and so forth into France, and
+there bereave him his lands with Genoese and other mighty warriors of
+Tuscany and Lombardy. And I shall send for them all that be subjects
+and allied to the empire of Rome to come to mine aid. And forthwith
+sent old wise knights unto these countries following: first to Ambage
+and Arrage, to Alexandria, to India, to Armenia, whereas the river of
+Euphrates runneth into Asia, to Africa, and Europe the Large, to
+Ertayne and Elamye, to Araby, Egypt, and to Damascus, to Damietta and
+Cayer, to Cappadocia, to Tarsus, Turkey, Pontus and Pamphylia, to Syria
+and Galatia. And all these were subject to Rome and many more, as
+Greece, Cyprus, Macedonia, Calabria, Cateland, Portugal, with many
+thousands of Spaniards. Thus all these kings, dukes, and admirals,
+assembled about Rome, with sixteen kings at once, with great multitude
+of people. When the emperor understood their coming he made ready his
+Romans and all the people between him and Flanders.
+
+Also he had gotten with him fifty giants which had been engendered of
+fiends; and they were ordained to guard his person, and to break the
+front of the battle of King Arthur. And thus departed from Rome, and
+came down the mountains for to destroy the lands that Arthur had
+conquered, and came unto Cologne, and besieged a castle thereby, and
+won it soon, and stuffed it with two hundred Saracens or Infidels, and
+after destroyed many fair countries which Arthur had won of King
+Claudas. And thus Lucius came with all his host, which were disperplyd
+sixty mile in breadth, and commanded them to meet with him in Burgoyne,
+for he purposed to destroy the realm of Little Britain.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. How King Arthur held a parliament at York, and how he
+ordained the realm should be governed in his absence.
+
+Now leave we of Lucius the Emperor and speak we of King Arthur, that
+commanded all them of his retinue to be ready at the utas of Hilary for
+to hold a parliament at York. And at that parliament was concluded to
+arrest all the navy of the land, and to be ready within fifteen days at
+Sandwich, and there he showed to his army how he purposed to conquer
+the empire which he ought to have of right. And there he ordained two
+governors of this realm, that is to say, Sir Baudwin of Britain, for to
+counsel to the best, and Sir Constantine, son to Sir Cador of Cornwall,
+which after the death of Arthur was king of this realm. And in the
+presence of all his lords he resigned the rule of the realm and
+Guenever his queen to them, wherefore Sir Launcelot was wroth, for he
+left Sir Tristram with King Mark for the love of Beale Isould. Then the
+Queen Guenever made great sorrow for the departing of her lord and
+other, and swooned in such wise that the ladies bare her into her
+chamber. Thus the king with his great army departed, leaving the queen
+and realm in the governance of Sir Baudwin and Constantine. And when he
+was on his horse he said with an high voice, If I die in this journey I
+will that Sir Constantine be mine heir and king crowned of this realm
+as next of my blood. And after departed and entered into the sea at
+Sandwich with all his army, with a great multitude of ships, galleys,
+cogs, and dromounds, sailing on the sea.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. How King Arthur being shipped and lying in his cabin had a
+marvellous dream and of the exposition thereof.
+
+And as the king lay in his cabin in the ship, he fell in a slumbering
+and dreamed a marvellous dream: him seemed that a dreadful dragon did
+drown much of his people, and he came flying out of the west, and his
+head was enamelled with azure, and his shoulders shone as gold, his
+belly like mails of a marvellous hue, his tail full of tatters, his
+feet full of fine sable, and his claws like fine gold; and an hideous
+flame of fire flew out of his mouth, like as the land and water had
+flamed all of fire. After, him seemed there came out of the orient, a
+grimly boar all black in a cloud, and his paws as big as a post; he was
+rugged looking roughly, he was the foulest beast that ever man saw, he
+roared and romed so hideously that it were marvel to hear. Then the
+dreadful dragon advanced him and came in the wind like a falcon giving
+great strokes on the boar, and the boar hit him again with his grizzly
+tusks that his breast was all bloody, and that the hot blood made all
+the sea red of his blood. Then the dragon flew away all on an height,
+and came down with such a swough, and smote the boar on the ridge,
+which was ten foot large from the head to the tail, and smote the boar
+all to powder both flesh and bones, that it flittered all abroad on the
+sea.
+
+And therewith the king awoke anon, and was sore abashed of this dream,
+and sent anon for a wise philosopher, commanding to tell him the
+signification of his dream. Sir, said the philosopher, the dragon that
+thou dreamedst of betokeneth thine own person that sailest here, and
+the colours of his wings be thy realms that thou hast won, and his tail
+which is all to-tattered signifieth the noble knights of the Round
+Table; and the boar that the dragon slew coming from the clouds
+betokeneth some tyrant that tormenteth the people, or else thou art
+like to fight with some giant thyself, being horrible and abominable,
+whose peer ye saw never in your days, wherefore of this dreadful dream
+doubt thee nothing, but as a conqueror come forth thyself.
+
+Then after this soon they had sight of land, and sailed till they
+arrived at Barflete in Flanders, and when they were there he found many
+of his great lords ready, as they had been commanded to wait upon him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. How a man of the country told to him of a marvellous giant,
+and how he fought and conquered him.
+
+Then came to him an husbandman of the country, and told him how there
+was in the country of Constantine beside Brittany, a great giant which
+had slain, murdered and devoured much people of the country, and had
+been sustained seven year with the children of the commons of that
+land, insomuch that all the children be all slain and destroyed; and
+now late he hath taken the Duchess of Brittany as she rode with her
+meiny, and hath led her to his lodging which is in a mountain, for to
+ravish and lie by her to her life’s end, and many people followed her,
+more than five hundred, but all they might not rescue her, but they
+left her shrieking and crying lamentably, wherefore I suppose that he
+hath slain her in fulfilling his foul lust of lechery. She was wife
+unto thy cousin Sir Howell, whom we call full nigh of thy blood. Now,
+as thou art a rightful king, have pity on this lady, and revenge us all
+as thou art a noble conqueror. Alas, said King Arthur, this is a great
+mischief, I had liefer than the best realm that I have that I had been
+a furlong way to-fore him for to have rescued that lady. Now, fellow,
+said King Arthur, canst thou bring me thereas this giant haunteth? Yea,
+Sir, said the good man, look yonder whereas thou seest those two great
+fires, there shalt thou find him, and more treasure than I suppose is
+in all France. When the king had understood this piteous case, he
+returned into his tent.
+
+Then he called to him Sir Kay and Sir Bedivere, and commanded them
+secretly to make ready horse and harness for himself and them twain;
+for after evensong he would ride on pilgrimage with them two only unto
+Saint Michael’s mount. And then anon he made him ready, and armed him
+at all points, and took his horse and his shield. And so they three
+departed thence and rode forth as fast as ever they might till that
+they came to the foreland of that mount. And there they alighted, and
+the king commanded them to tarry there, for he would himself go up into
+that mount. And so he ascended up into that hill till he came to a
+great fire, and there he found a careful widow wringing her hands and
+making great sorrow, sitting by a grave new made. And then King Arthur
+saluted her, and demanded of her wherefore she made such lamentation,
+to whom she answered and said, Sir knight, speak soft, for yonder is a
+devil, if he hear thee speak he will come and destroy thee; I hold thee
+unhappy; what dost thou here in this mountain? for if ye were such
+fifty as ye be, ye were not able to make resistance against this devil:
+here lieth a duchess dead, the which was the fairest of all the world,
+wife to Sir Howell, Duke of Brittany, he hath murdered her in forcing
+her, and hath slit her unto the navel.
+
+Dame, said the king, I come from the noble conqueror King Arthur, for
+to treat with that tyrant for his liege people. Fie on such treaties,
+said she, he setteth not by the king nor by no man else; but an if thou
+have brought Arthur’s wife, dame Guenever, he shall be gladder than
+thou hadst given to him half France. Beware, approach him not too nigh,
+for he hath vanquished fifteen kings, and hath made him a coat full of
+precious stones embroidered with their beards, which they sent him to
+have his love for salvation of their people at this last Christmas. And
+if thou wilt, speak with him at yonder great fire at supper. Well, said
+Arthur, I will accomplish my message for all your fearful words; and
+went forth by the crest of that hill, and saw where he sat at supper
+gnawing on a limb of a man, baking his broad limbs by the fire, and
+breechless, and three fair damosels turning three broaches whereon were
+broached twelve young children late born, like young birds.
+
+When King Arthur beheld that piteous sight he had great compassion on
+them, so that his heart bled for sorrow, and hailed him, saying in this
+wise: He that all the world wieldeth give thee short life and shameful
+death; and the devil have thy soul; why hast thou murdered these young
+innocent children, and murdered this duchess? Therefore, arise and
+dress thee, thou glutton, for this day shalt thou die of my hand. Then
+the glutton anon started up, and took a great club in his hand, and
+smote at the king that his coronal fell to the earth. And the king hit
+him again that he carved his belly and cut off his genitours, that his
+guts and his entrails fell down to the ground. Then the giant threw
+away his club, and caught the king in his arms that he crushed his
+ribs. Then the three maidens kneeled down and called to Christ for help
+and comfort of Arthur. And then Arthur weltered and wrung, that he was
+other while under and another time above. And so weltering and
+wallowing they rolled down the hill till they came to the sea mark, and
+ever as they so weltered Arthur smote him with his dagger.
+
+And it fortuned they came to the place whereas the two knights were and
+kept Arthur’s horse; then when they saw the king fast in the giant’s
+arms they came and loosed him. And then the king commanded Sir Kay to
+smite off the giant’s head, and to set it upon a truncheon of a spear,
+and bear it to Sir Howell, and tell him that his enemy was slain; and
+after let this head be bound to a barbican that all the people may see
+and behold it; and go ye two up to the mountain, and fetch me my
+shield, my sword, and the club of iron; and as for the treasure, take
+ye it, for ye shall find there goods out of number; so I have the
+kirtle and the club I desire no more. This was the fiercest giant that
+ever I met with, save one in the mount of Araby, which I overcame, but
+this was greater and fiercer. Then the knights fetched the club and the
+kirtle, and some of the treasure they took to themselves, and returned
+again to the host. And anon this was known through all the country,
+wherefore the people came and thanked the king. And he said again, Give
+the thanks to God, and depart the goods among you.
+
+And after that King Arthur said and commanded his cousin Howell, that
+he should ordain for a church to be builded on the same hill in the
+worship of Saint Michael. And on the morn the king removed with his
+great battle, and came into Champayne and in a valley, and there they
+pight their tents; and the king being set at his dinner, there came in
+two messengers, of whom that one was Marshal of France, and said to the
+king that the emperor was entered into France, and had destroyed a
+great part, and was in Burgoyne, and had destroyed and made great
+slaughter of people, and burnt towns and boroughs; wherefore, if thou
+come not hastily, they must yield up their bodies and goods.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur sent Sir Gawaine and other to Lucius, and
+how they were assailed and escaped with worship.
+
+Then the king did do call Sir Gawaine, Sir Bors, Sir Lionel, and Sir
+Bedivere, and commanded them to go straight to Sir Lucius, and say ye
+to him that hastily he remove out of my land; and if he will not, bid
+him make him ready to battle and not distress the poor people. Then
+anon these noble knights dressed them to horseback, and when they came
+to the green wood, they saw many pavilions set in a meadow, of silk of
+divers colours, beside a river, and the emperor’s pavilion was in the
+middle with an eagle displayed above. To the which tent our knights
+rode toward, and ordained Sir Gawaine and Sir Bors to do the message,
+and left in a bushment Sir Lionel and Sir Bedivere. And then Sir
+Gawaine and Sir Bors did their message, and commanded Lucius, in
+Arthur’s name to avoid his land, or shortly to address him to battle.
+To whom Lucius answered and said, Ye shall return to your lord, and say
+ye to him that I shall subdue him and all his lands. Then Sir Gawaine
+was wroth and said, I had liefer than all France fight against thee;
+and so had I, said Sir Bors, liefer than all Brittany or Burgoyne.
+
+Then a knight named Sir Gainus, nigh cousin to the emperor, said, Lo,
+how these Britons be full of pride and boast, and they brag as though
+they bare up all the world. Then Sir Gawaine was sore grieved with
+these words, and pulled out his sword and smote off his head. And
+therewith turned their horses and rode over waters and through woods
+till they came to their bushment, whereas Sir Lionel and Sir Bedivere
+were hoving. The Romans followed fast after, on horseback and on foot,
+over a champaign unto a wood; then Sir Bors turned his horse and saw a
+knight come fast on, whom he smote through the body with a spear that
+he fell dead down to the earth; then came Caliburn one of the strongest
+of Pavie, and smote down many of Arthur’s knights. And when Sir Bors
+saw him do so much harm, he addressed toward him, and smote him through
+the breast, that he fell down dead to the earth. Then Sir Feldenak
+thought to revenge the death of Gainus upon Sir Gawaine, but Sir
+Gawaine was ware thereof, and smote him on the head, which stroke
+stinted not till it came to his breast. And then he returned and came
+to his fellows in the bushment. And there was a recounter, for the
+bushment brake on the Romans, and slew and hew down the Romans, and
+forced the Romans to flee and return, whom the noble knights chased
+unto their tents.
+
+Then the Romans gathered more people, and also footmen came on, and
+there was a new battle, and so much people that Sir Bors and Sir Berel
+were taken. But when Sir Gawaine saw that, he took with him Sir Idrus
+the good knight, and said he would never see King Arthur but if he
+rescued them, and pulled out Galatine his good sword, and followed them
+that led those two knights away; and he smote him that led Sir Bors,
+and took Sir Bors from him and delivered him to his fellows. And Sir
+Idrus in likewise rescued Sir Berel. Then began the battle to be great,
+that our knights were in great jeopardy, wherefore Sir Gawaine sent to
+King Arthur for succour, and that he hie him, for I am sore wounded,
+and that our prisoners may pay goods out of number. And the messenger
+came to the king and told him his message. And anon the king did do
+assemble his army, but anon, or he departed the prisoners were come,
+and Sir Gawaine and his fellows gat the field and put the Romans to
+flight, and after returned and came with their fellowship in such wise
+that no man of worship was lost of them, save that Sir Gawaine was sore
+hurt. Then the king did do ransack his wounds and comforted him. And
+thus was the beginning of the first journey of the Britons and Romans,
+and there were slain of the Romans more than ten thousand, and great
+joy and mirth was made that night in the host of King Arthur. And on
+the morn he sent all the prisoners into Paris under the guard of Sir
+Launcelot, with many knights, and of Sir Cador.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. How Lucius sent certain spies in a bushment for to have
+taken his knights being prisoners, and how they were letted.
+
+Now turn we to the Emperor of Rome, which espied that these prisoners
+should be sent to Paris, and anon he sent to lie in a bushment certain
+knights and princes with sixty thousand men, for to rescue his knights
+and lords that were prisoners. And so on the morn as Launcelot and Sir
+Cador, chieftains and governors of all them that conveyed the
+prisoners, as they should pass through a wood, Sir Launcelot sent
+certain knights to espy if any were in the woods to let them. And when
+the said knights came into the wood, anon they espied and saw the great
+embushment, and returned and told Sir Launcelot that there lay in await
+for them three score thousand Romans. And then Sir Launcelot with such
+knights as he had, and men of war to the number of ten thousand, put
+them in array, and met with them and fought with them manly, and slew
+and detrenched many of the Romans, and slew many knights and admirals
+of the party of the Romans and Saracens; there was slain the king of
+Lyly and three great lords, Aladuke, Herawd, and Heringdale. But Sir
+Launcelot fought so nobly that no man might endure a stroke of his
+hand, but where he came he showed his prowess and might, for he slew
+down right on every side; and the Romans and Saracens fled from him as
+the sheep from the wolf or from the lion, and put them, all that abode
+alive, to flight.
+
+And so long they fought that tidings came to King Arthur, and anon he
+graithed him and came to the battle, and saw his knights how they had
+vanquished the battle, he embraced them knight by knight in his arms,
+and said, Ye be worthy to wield all your honour and worship; there was
+never king save myself that had so noble knights. Sir, said Cador,
+there was none of us failed other, but of the prowess and manhood of
+Sir Launcelot were more than wonder to tell, and also of his cousins
+which did that day many noble feats of war. And also Sir Cador told who
+of his knights were slain, as Sir Berel, and other Sir Moris and Sir
+Maurel, two good knights. Then the king wept, and dried his eyes with a
+kerchief, and said, Your courage had near-hand destroyed you, for
+though ye had returned again, ye had lost no worship; for I call it
+folly, knights to abide when they be overmatched. Nay, said Launcelot
+and the other, for once shamed may never be recovered.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. How a senator told to Lucius of their discomfiture, and
+also of the great battle between Arthur and Lucius.
+
+Now leave we King Arthur and his noble knights which had won the field,
+and had brought their prisoners to Paris, and speak we of a senator
+which escaped from the battle, and came to Lucius the emperor, and said
+to him, Sir emperor, I advise thee for to withdraw thee; what dost thou
+here? thou shalt win nothing in these marches but great strokes out of
+all measure, for this day one of Arthur’s knights was worth in the
+battle an hundred of ours. Fie on thee, said Lucius, thou speakest
+cowardly; for thy words grieve me more than all the loss that I had
+this day. And anon he sent forth a king, which hight Sir Leomie, with a
+great army, and bade him hie him fast to-fore, and he would follow
+hastily after. King Arthur was warned privily, and sent his people to
+Sessoine, and took up the towns and castles from the Romans. Then the
+king commanded Sir Cador to take the rearward, and to take with him
+certain knights of the Round Table, and Sir Launcelot, Sir Bors, Sir
+Kay, Sir Marrok, with Sir Marhaus, shall await on our person. Thus the
+King Arthur disperpled his host in divers parties, to the end that his
+enemies should not escape.
+
+When the emperor was entered into the vale of Sessoine, he might see
+where King Arthur was embattled and his banner displayed; and he was
+beset round about with his enemies, that needs he must fight or yield
+him, for he might not flee, but said openly unto the Romans, Sirs, I
+admonish you that this day ye fight and acquit you as men, and remember
+how Rome domineth and is chief and head over all the earth and
+universal world, and suffer not these Britons this day to abide against
+us; and therewith he did command his trumpets to blow the bloody
+sounds, in such wise that the ground trembled and dindled.
+
+Then the battles approached and shoved and shouted on both sides, and
+great strokes were smitten on both sides, many men overthrown, hurt,
+and slain; and great valiances, prowesses and appertices of war were
+that day showed, which were over long to recount the noble feats of
+every man, for they should contain an whole volume. But in especial,
+King Arthur rode in the battle exhorting his knights to do well, and
+himself did as nobly with his hands as was possible a man to do; he
+drew out Excalibur his sword, and awaited ever whereas the Romans were
+thickest and most grieved his people, and anon he addressed him on that
+part, and hew and slew down right, and rescued his people; and he slew
+a great giant named Galapas, which was a man of an huge quantity and
+height, he shorted him and smote off both his legs by the knees,
+saying, Now art thou better of a size to deal with than thou were, and
+after smote off his head. There Sir Gawaine fought nobly and slew three
+admirals in that battle. And so did all the knights of the Round Table.
+Thus the battle between King Arthur and Lucius the Emperor endured
+long. Lucius had on his side many Saracens which were slain. And thus
+the battle was great, and oftsides that one party was at a fordeal and
+anon at an afterdeal, which endured so long till at the last King
+Arthur espied where Lucius the Emperor fought, and did wonder with his
+own hands. And anon he rode to him. And either smote other fiercely,
+and at last Lucius smote Arthur thwart the visage, and gave him a large
+wound. And when King Arthur felt himself hurt, anon he smote him again
+with Excalibur that it cleft his head, from the summit of his head, and
+stinted not till it came to his breast. And then the emperor fell down
+dead and there ended his life.
+
+And when it was known that the emperor was slain, anon all the Romans
+with all their host put them to flight, and King Arthur with all his
+knights followed the chase, and slew down right all them that they
+might attain. And thus was the victory given to King Arthur, and the
+triumph; and there were slain on the part of Lucius more than an
+hundred thousand. And after King Arthur did do ransack the dead bodies,
+and did do bury them that were slain of his retinue, every man
+according to the estate and degree that he was of. And them that were
+hurt he let the surgeons do search their hurts and wounds, and
+commanded to spare no salves nor medicines till they were whole.
+
+Then the king rode straight to the place where the Emperor Lucius lay
+dead, and with him he found slain the Soudan of Syria, the King of
+Egypt and of Ethiopia, which were two noble kings, with seventeen other
+kings of divers regions, and also sixty senators of Rome, all noble
+men, whom the king did do balm and gum with many good gums aromatic,
+and after did do cere them in sixty fold of cered cloth of sendal, and
+laid them in chests of lead, because they should not chafe nor savour,
+and upon all these bodies their shields with their arms and banners
+were set, to the end they should be known of what country they were.
+And after he found three senators which were alive, to whom he said,
+For to save your lives I will that ye take these dead bodies, and carry
+them with you unto great Rome, and present them to the Potestate on my
+behalf, shewing him my letters, and tell them that I in my person shall
+hastily be at Rome. And I suppose the Romans shall beware how they
+shall demand any tribute of me. And I command you to say when ye shall
+come to Rome, to the Potestate and all the Council and Senate, that I
+send to them these dead bodies for the tribute that they have demanded.
+And if they be not content with these, I shall pay more at my coming,
+for other tribute owe I none, nor none other will I pay. And methinketh
+this sufficeth for Britain, Ireland and all Almaine with Germany. And
+furthermore, I charge you to say to them, that I command them upon pain
+of their heads never to demand tribute nor tax of me nor of my lands.
+Then with this charge and commandment, the three senators aforesaid
+departed with all the said dead bodies, laying the body of Lucius in a
+car covered with the arms of the Empire all alone; and after alway two
+bodies of kings in a chariot, and then the bodies of the senators after
+them, and so went toward Rome, and showed their legation and message to
+the Potestate and Senate, recounting the battle done in France, and how
+the field was lost and much people and innumerable slain. Wherefore
+they advised them in no wise to move no more war against that noble
+conqueror Arthur, for his might and prowess is most to be doubted, seen
+the noble kings and great multitude of knights of the Round Table, to
+whom none earthly prince may compare.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. How Arthur, after he had achieved the battle against the
+Romans, entered into Almaine, and so into Italy.
+
+Now turn we unto King Arthur and his noble knights, which, after the
+great battle achieved against the Romans, entered into Lorraine,
+Brabant and Flanders, and sithen returned into Haut Almaine, and so
+over the mountains into Lombardy, and after, into Tuscany wherein was a
+city which in no wise would yield themself nor obey, wherefore King
+Arthur besieged it, and lay long about it, and gave many assaults to
+the city; and they within defended them valiantly. Then, on a time, the
+king called Sir Florence, a knight, and said to him they lacked
+victual, And not far from hence be great forests and woods, wherein be
+many of mine enemies with much bestial: I will that thou make thee
+ready and go thither in foraying, and take with thee Sir Gawaine my
+nephew, Sir Wisshard, Sir Clegis, Sir Cleremond, and the Captain of
+Cardiff with other, and bring with you all the beasts that ye there can
+get.
+
+And anon these knights made them ready, and rode over holts and hills,
+through forests and woods, till they came into a fair meadow full of
+fair flowers and grass; and there they rested them and their horses all
+that night. And in the springing of the day in the next morn, Sir
+Gawaine took his horse and stole away from his fellowship, to seek some
+adventures. And anon he was ware of a man armed, walking his horse
+easily by a wood’s side, and his shield laced to his shoulder, sitting
+on a strong courser, without any man saving a page bearing a mighty
+spear. The knight bare in his shield three griffins of gold, in sable
+carbuncle, the chief of silver. When Sir Gawaine espied this gay
+knight, he feutred his spear, and rode straight to him, and demanded of
+him from whence that he was. That other answered and said he was of
+Tuscany, and demanded of Sir Gawaine, What, profferest thou, proud
+knight, thee so boldly? here gettest thou no prey, thou mayest prove
+what thou wilt, for thou shalt be my prisoner or thou depart. Then said
+Gawaine, thou avauntest thee greatly and speakest proud words, I
+counsel thee for all thy boast that thou make thee ready, and take thy
+gear to thee, to-fore greater grame fall to thee.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. Of a battle done by Sir Gawaine against a Saracen, which
+after was yielden and became Christian.
+
+Then they took their spears and ran each at other with all the might
+they had, and smote each other through their shields into their
+shoulders, wherefore anon they pulled out their swords, and smote great
+strokes that the fire sprang out of their helms. Then Sir Gawaine was
+all abashed, and with Galatine his good sword he smote through shield
+and thick hauberk made of thick mails, and all to-rushed and break the
+precious stones, and made him a large wound, that men might see both
+liver and lung. Then groaned that knight, and addressed him to Sir
+Gawaine, and with an awk stroke gave him a great wound and cut a vein,
+which grieved Gawaine sore, and he bled sore. Then the knight said to
+Sir Gawaine, bind thy wound or thy blee[ding] change, for thou
+be-bleedest all thy horse and thy fair arms, for all the barbers of
+Brittany shall not con staunch thy blood, for whosomever is hurt with
+this blade he shall never be staunched of bleeding. Then answered
+Gawaine, it grieveth me but little, thy great words shall not fear me
+nor lessen my courage, but thou shalt suffer teen and sorrow or we
+depart, but tell me in haste who may staunch my bleeding. That may I
+do, said the knight, if I will, and so will I if thou wilt succour and
+aid me, that I may be christened and believe on God, and thereof I
+require thee of thy manhood, and it shall be great merit for thy soul.
+I grant, said Gawaine, so God help me, to accomplish all thy desire,
+but first tell me what thou soughtest here thus alone, and of what land
+and liegiance thou art of. Sir, he said, my name is Priamus, and a
+great prince is my father, and he hath been rebel unto Rome and
+overridden many of their lands. My father is lineally descended of
+Alexander and of Hector by right line. And Duke Joshua and Maccabaeus
+were of our lineage. I am right inheritor of Alexandria and Africa, and
+all the out isles, yet will I believe on thy Lord that thou believest
+on; and for thy labour I shall give thee treasure enough. I was so
+elate and hauteyn in my heart that I thought no man my peer, nor to me
+semblable. I was sent into this war with seven score knights, and now I
+have encountered with thee, which hast given to me of fighting my fill,
+wherefore sir knight, I pray thee to tell me what thou art. I am no
+knight, said Gawaine, I have been brought up in the guardrobe with the
+noble King Arthur many years, for to take heed to his armour and his
+other array, and to point his paltocks that long to himself. At Yule
+last he made me yeoman, and gave to me horse and harness, and an
+hundred pound in money; and if fortune be my friend, I doubt not but to
+be well advanced and holpen by my liege lord. Ah, said Priamus, if his
+knaves be so keen and fierce, his knights be passing good: now for the
+King’s love of Heaven, whether thou be a knave or a knight, tell thou
+me thy name. By God, said Sir Gawaine, now I will say thee sooth, my
+name is Sir Gawaine, and known I am in his court and in his chamber,
+and one of the knights of the Round Table, he dubbed me a duke with his
+own hand. Therefore grudge not if this grace is to me fortuned, it is
+the goodness of God that lent to me my strength. Now am I better
+pleased, said Priamus, than thou hadst given to me all the Provence and
+Paris the rich. I had liefer to have been torn with wild horses, than
+any varlet had won such loos, or any page or priker should have had
+prize on me. But now sir knight I warn thee that hereby is a Duke of
+Lorraine with his army, and the noblest men of Dolphiny, and lords of
+Lombardy, with the garrison of Godard, and Saracens of Southland,
+y-numbered sixty thousand of good men of arms; wherefore but if we hie
+us hence, it will harm us both, for we be sore hurt, never like to
+recover; but take heed to my page, that he no horn blow, for if he do,
+there be hoving here fast by an hundred knights awaiting on my person,
+and if they take thee, there shall no ransom of gold nor silver acquit
+thee.
+
+Then Sir Gawaine rode over a water for to save him, and the knight
+followed him, and so rode forth till they came to his fellows which
+were in the meadow, where they had been all the night. Anon as Sir
+Wisshard was ware of Sir Gawaine and saw that he was hurt, he ran to
+him sorrowfully weeping, and demanded of him who had so hurt him; and
+Gawaine told how he had foughten with that man, and each of them had
+hurt other, and how he had salves to heal them; but I can tell you
+other tidings, that soon we shall have ado with many enemies.
+
+Then Sir Priamus and Sir Gawaine alighted, and let their horses graze
+in the meadow, and unarmed them, and then the blood ran freshly from
+their wounds. And Priamus took from his page a vial full of the four
+waters that came out of Paradise, and with certain balm anointed their
+wounds, and washed them with that water, and within an hour after they
+were both as whole as ever they were. And then with a trumpet were they
+all assembled to council, and there Priamus told unto them what lords
+and knights had sworn to rescue him, and that without fail they should
+be assailed with many thousands, wherefore he counselled them to
+withdraw them. Then Sir Gawaine said, it were great shame to them to
+avoid without any strokes; Wherefore I advise to take our arms and to
+make us ready to meet with these Saracens and misbelieving men, and
+with the help of God we shall overthrow them and have a fair day on
+them. And Sir Florence shall abide still in this field to keep the
+stale as a noble knight, and we shall not forsake yonder fellows. Now,
+said Priamus, cease your words, for I warn you ye shall find in yonder
+woods many perilous knights; they will put forth beasts to call you on,
+they be out of number, and ye are not past seven hundred, which be over
+few to fight with so many. Nevertheless, said Sir Gawaine, we shall
+once encounter them, and see what they can do, and the best shall have
+the victory.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. How the Saracens came out of a wood for to rescue their
+beasts, and of a great battle.
+
+Then Sir Florence called to him Sir Floridas, with an hundred knights,
+and drove forth the herd of beasts. Then followed him seven hundred men
+of arms; and Sir Ferant of Spain on a fair steed came springing out of
+the woods, and came to Sir Florence and asked him why he fled. Then Sir
+Florence took his spear and rode against him, and smote him in the
+forehead and brake his neck bone. Then all the other were moved, and
+thought to avenge the death of Sir Ferant, and smote in among them, and
+there was great fight, and many slain and laid down to ground, and Sir
+Florence with his hundred knights alway kept the stale, and fought
+manly.
+
+Then when Priamus the good knight perceived the great fight, he went to
+Sir Gawaine, and bade him that he should go and succour his fellowship,
+which were sore bestead with their enemies. Sir, grieve you not, said
+Sir Gawaine, for their gree shall be theirs. I shall not once move my
+horse to them ward, but if I see more than there be; for they be strong
+enough to match them.
+
+And with that he saw an earl called Sir Ethelwold and the duke of
+Dutchmen, came leaping out of a wood with many thousands, and Priamus’
+knights, and came straight unto the battle. Then Sir Gawaine comforted
+his knights, and bade them not to be abashed, for all shall be ours.
+Then they began to wallop and met with their enemies, there were men
+slain and overthrown on every side. Then thrust in among them the
+knights of the Table Round, and smote down to the earth all them that
+withstood them, in so much that they made them to recoil and flee. By
+God, said Sir Gawaine, this gladdeth my heart, for now be they less in
+number by twenty thousand. Then entered into the battle Jubance a
+giant, and fought and slew down right, and distressed many of our
+knights, among whom was slain Sir Gherard, a knight of Wales. Then our
+knights took heart to them, and slew many Saracens. And then came in
+Sir Priamus with his pennon, and rode with the knights of the Round
+Table, and fought so manfully that many of their enemies lost their
+lives. And there Sir Priamus slew the Marquis of Moises land, and Sir
+Gawaine with his fellows so quit them that they had the field, but in
+that stour was Sir Chestelaine, a child and ward of Sir Gawaine slain,
+wherefore was much sorrow made, and his death was soon avenged. Thus
+was the battle ended, and many lords of Lombardy and Saracens left dead
+in the field.
+
+Then Sir Florence and Sir Gawaine harboured surely their people, and
+took great plenty of bestial, of gold and silver, and great treasure
+and riches, and returned unto King Arthur, which lay still at the
+siege. And when they came to the king they presented their prisoners
+and recounted their adventures, and how they had vanquished their
+enemies.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. How Sir Gawaine returned to King Arthur with his
+prisoners, and how the King won a city, and how he was crowned Emperor.
+
+Now thanked be God, said the noble King Arthur. But what manner man is
+he that standeth by himself, him seemeth no prisoner. Sir, said
+Gawaine, this is a good man of arms, he hath matched me, but he is
+yielden unto God, and to me, for to become Christian; had not he have
+been we should never have returned, wherefore I pray you that he may be
+baptised, for there liveth not a nobler man nor better knight of his
+hands. Then the king let him anon be christened, and did do call him
+his first name Priamus, and made him a duke and knight of the Table
+Round. And then anon the king let do cry assault to the city, and there
+was rearing of ladders, breaking of walls, and the ditch filled, that
+men with little pain might enter into the city. Then came out a
+duchess, and Clarisin the countess, with many ladies and damosels, and
+kneeling before King Arthur, required him for the love of God to
+receive the city, and not to take it by assault, for then should many
+guiltless be slain. Then the king avaled his visor with a meek and
+noble countenance, and said, Madam, there shall none of my subjects
+misdo you nor your maidens, nor to none that to you belong, but the
+duke shall abide my judgment. Then anon the king commanded to leave the
+assault, and anon the duke’s oldest son brought out the keys, and
+kneeling delivered them to the king, and besought him of grace; and the
+king seized the town by assent of his lords, and took the duke and sent
+him to Dover, there for to abide prisoner term of his life, and
+assigned certain rents for the dower of the duchess and for her
+children.
+
+Then he made lords to rule those lands, and laws as a lord ought to do
+in his own country; and after he took his journey toward Rome, and sent
+Sir Floris and Sir Floridas to-fore, with five hundred men of arms, and
+they came to the city of Urbino and laid there a bushment, thereas them
+seemed most best for them, and rode to-fore the town, where anon issued
+out much people and skirmished with the fore-riders. Then brake out the
+bushment and won the bridge, and after the town, and set upon the walls
+the king’s banner. Then came the king upon an hill, and saw the city
+and his banner on the walls, by which he knew that the city was won.
+And anon he sent and commanded that none of his liege men should defoul
+nor lie by no lady, wife nor maid; and when he came into the city, he
+passed to the castle, and comforted them that were in sorrow, and
+ordained there a captain, a knight of his own country.
+
+And when they of Milan heard that thilk city was won, they sent to King
+Arthur great sums of money, and besought him as their lord to have pity
+on them, promising to be his subjects for ever, and yield to him homage
+and fealty for the lands of Pleasance and Pavia, Petersaint, and the
+Port of Tremble, and to give him yearly a million of gold all his
+lifetime. Then he rideth into Tuscany, and winneth towns and castles,
+and wasted all in his way that to him will not obey, and so to Spolute
+and Viterbe, and from thence he rode into the Vale of Vicecount among
+the vines. And from thence he sent to the senators, to wit whether they
+would know him for their lord. But soon after on a Saturday came unto
+King Arthur all the senators that were left alive, and the noblest
+cardinals that then dwelt in Rome, and prayed him of peace, and
+proferred him full large, and besought him as governor to give licence
+for six weeks for to assemble all the Romans, and then to crown him
+emperor with chrism as it belongeth to so high estate. I assent, said
+the king, like as ye have devised, and at Christmas there to be
+crowned, and to hold my Round Table with my knights as me liketh. And
+then the senators made ready for his enthronization. And at the day
+appointed, as the romance telleth, he came into Rome, and was crowned
+emperor by the pope’s hand, with all the royalty that could be made,
+and sojourned there a time, and established all his lands from Rome
+into France, and gave lands and realms unto his servants and knights,
+to everych after his desert, in such wise that none complained, rich
+nor poor. And he gave to Sir Priamus the duchy of Lorraine; and he
+thanked him, and said he would serve him the days of his life; and
+after made dukes and earls, and made every man rich.
+
+Then after this all his knights and lords assembled them afore him, and
+said: Blessed be God, your war is finished and your conquest achieved,
+in so much 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 and worship. Then
+said the king, Ye say truth, and for to tempt God it is no wisdom, and
+therefore make you ready and return we into England. Then there was
+trussing of harness and baggage and great carriage. And after licence
+given, he returned and commanded that no man in pain of death should
+not rob nor take victual, nor other thing by the way but that he should
+pay therefore. And thus he came over the sea and landed at Sandwich,
+against whom Queen Guenever his wife came and met him, and he was nobly
+received of all his commons in every city and burgh, and great gifts
+presented to him at his home-coming to welcome him with.
+
+Thus endeth the fifth book of the conquest that King Arthur had against
+Lucius the Emperor of Rome, and here followeth the sixth book, which is
+of Sir Launcelot du Lake.
+
+
+
+BOOK VI.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel departed from the court,
+and how Sir Lionel left him sleeping and was taken.
+
+Soon after that King Arthur was come from Rome into England, then all
+the knights of the Table Round resorted unto the king, and made many
+jousts and tournaments, and some there were that were but knights,
+which increased so in arms and worship that they passed all their
+fellows in prowess and noble deeds, and that was well proved on many;
+but in especial it was proved on Sir Launcelot du Lake, for in all
+tournaments and jousts and deeds of arms, both for life and death, he
+passed all other knights, and at no time he was never overcome but if
+it were by treason or enchantment; so Sir Launcelot increased so
+marvellously in worship, and in honour, therefore is he the first
+knight that the French book maketh mention of after King Arthur came
+from Rome. Wherefore Queen Guenever had him in great favour above all
+other knights, and in certain he loved the queen again above all other
+ladies and damosels of his life, and for her he did many deeds of arms,
+and saved her from the fire through his noble chivalry.
+
+Thus Sir Launcelot rested him long with play and game. And then he
+thought himself to prove himself in strange adventures, then he bade
+his nephew, Sir Lionel, for to make him ready; for we two will seek
+adventures. So they mounted on their horses, armed at all rights, and
+rode into a deep forest and so into a deep plain. And then the weather
+was hot about noon, and Sir Launcelot had great lust to sleep. Then Sir
+Lionel espied a great apple-tree that stood by an hedge, and said,
+Brother, yonder is a fair shadow, there may we rest us [and] our
+horses. It is well said, fair brother, said Sir Launcelot, for this
+eight year I was not so sleepy as I am now; and so they there alighted
+and tied their horses unto sundry trees, and so Sir Launcelot laid him
+down under an appletree, and his helm he laid under his head. And Sir
+Lionel waked while he slept. So Sir Launcelot was asleep passing fast.
+
+And in the meanwhile there came three knights riding, as fast fleeing
+as ever they might ride. And there followed them three but one knight.
+And when Sir Lionel saw him, him thought he saw never so great a
+knight, nor so well faring a man, neither so well apparelled unto all
+rights. So within a while this strong knight had overtaken one of these
+knights, and there he smote him to the cold earth that he lay still.
+And then he rode unto the second knight, and smote him so that man and
+horse fell down. And then straight to the third knight he rode, and
+smote him behind his horse’s arse a spear length. And then he alighted
+down and reined his horse on the bridle, and bound all the three
+knights fast with the reins of their own bridles. When Sir Lionel saw
+him do thus, he thought to assay him, and made him ready, and stilly
+and privily he took his horse, and thought not for to awake Sir
+Launcelot. And when he was mounted upon his horse, he overtook this
+strong knight, and bade him turn, and the other smote Sir Lionel so
+hard that horse and man he bare to the earth, and so he alighted down
+and bound him fast, and threw him overthwart his own horse, and so he
+served them all four, and rode with them away to his own castle. And
+when he came there he gart unarm them, and beat them with thorns all
+naked, and after put them in a deep prison where were many more
+knights, that made great dolour.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. How Sir Ector followed for to seek Sir Launcelot, and how
+he was taken by Sir Turquine.
+
+When Sir Ector de Maris wist that Sir Launcelot was passed out of the
+court to seek adventures, he was wroth with himself, and made him ready
+to seek Sir Launcelot, and as he had ridden long in a great forest he
+met with a man was like a forester. Fair fellow, said Sir Ector,
+knowest thou in this country any adventures that be here nigh hand?
+Sir, said the forester, this country know I well, and hereby, within
+this mile, is a strong manor, and well dyked, and by that manor, on the
+left hand, there is a fair ford for horses to drink of, and over that
+ford there groweth a fair tree, and thereon hang many fair shields that
+wielded sometime good knights, and at the hole of the tree hangeth a
+basin of copper and latten, and strike upon that basin with the butt of
+thy spear thrice, and soon after thou shalt hear new tidings, and else
+hast thou the fairest grace that many a year had ever knight that
+passed through this forest. Gramercy, said Sir Ector, and departed and
+came to the tree, and saw many fair shields. And among them he saw his
+brother’s shield, Sir Lionel, and many more that he knew that were his
+fellows of the Round Table, the which grieved his heart, and promised
+to revenge his brother.
+
+Then anon Sir Ector beat on the basin as he were wood, and then he gave
+his horse drink at the ford, and there came a knight behind him and
+bade him come out of the water and make him ready; and Sir Ector anon
+turned him shortly, and in feuter cast his spear, and smote the other
+knight a great buffet that his horse turned twice about. This was well
+done, said the strong knight, and knightly thou hast stricken me; and
+therewith he rushed his horse on Sir Ector, and cleight him under his
+right arm, and bare him clean out of the saddle, and rode with him away
+into his own hall, and threw him down in midst of the floor. The name
+of this knight was Sir Turquine. Then he said unto Sir Ector, For thou
+hast done this day more unto me than any knight did these twelve years,
+now will I grant thee thy life, so thou wilt be sworn to be my prisoner
+all thy life days. Nay, said Sir Ector, that will I never promise thee,
+but that I will do mine advantage. That me repenteth, said Sir
+Turquine. And then he gart to unarm him, and beat him with thorns all
+naked, and sithen put him down in a deep dungeon, where he knew many of
+his fellows. But when Sir Ector saw Sir Lionel, then made he great
+sorrow. Alas, brother, said Sir Ector, where is my brother Sir
+Launcelot? Fair brother, I left him asleep when that I from him yode,
+under an apple-tree, and what is become of him I cannot tell you. Alas,
+said the knights, but Sir Launcelot help us we may never be delivered,
+for we know now no knight that is able to match our master Turquine.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. How four queens found Launcelot sleeping, and how by
+enchantment he was taken and led into a castle.
+
+Now leave we these knights prisoners, and speak we of Sir Launcelot du
+Lake that lieth under the apple-tree sleeping. Even about the noon
+there came by him four queens of great estate; and, for the heat should
+not annoy them, there rode four knights about them, and bare a cloth of
+green silk on four spears, betwixt them and the sun, and the queens
+rode on four white mules. Thus as they rode they heard by them a great
+horse grimly neigh, then were they ware of a sleeping knight, that lay
+all armed under an apple-tree; anon as these queens looked on his face,
+they knew it was Sir Launcelot. Then they began for to strive for that
+knight, everych one said they would have him to her love. We shall not
+strive, said Morgan le Fay, that was King Arthur’s sister, I shall put
+an enchantment upon him that he shall not awake in six hours, and then
+I will lead him away unto my castle, and when he is surely within my
+hold, I shall take the enchantment from him, and then let him choose
+which of us he will have unto paramour.
+
+So this enchantment was cast upon Sir Launcelot, and then they laid him
+upon his shield, and bare him so on horseback betwixt two knights, and
+brought him unto the castle Chariot, and there they laid him in a
+chamber cold, and at night they sent unto him a fair damosel with his
+supper ready dight. By that the enchantment was past, and when she came
+she saluted him, and asked him what cheer. I cannot say, fair damosel,
+said Sir Launcelot, for I wot not how I came into this castle but it be
+by an enchantment. Sir, said she, ye must make good cheer, and if ye be
+such a knight as it is said ye be, I shall tell you more to-morn by
+prime of the day. Gramercy, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, of your
+good will I require you. And so she departed. And there he lay all that
+night without comfort of anybody. And on the morn early came these four
+queens, passingly well beseen, all they bidding him good morn, and he
+them again.
+
+Sir knight, the four queens said, thou must understand thou art our
+prisoner, and we here know thee well that thou art Sir Launcelot du
+Lake, King Ban’s son, and because we understand your worthiness, that
+thou art the noblest knight living, and as we know well there can no
+lady have thy love but one, and that is Queen Guenever, and now thou
+shalt lose her for ever, and she thee, and therefore thee behoveth now
+to choose one of us four. I am the Queen Morgan le Fay, queen of the
+land of Gore, and here is the queen of Northgalis, and the queen of
+Eastland, and the queen of the Out Isles; now choose one of us which
+thou wilt have to thy paramour, for thou mayest not choose or else in
+this prison to die. This is an hard case, said Sir Launcelot, that
+either I must die or else choose one of you, yet had I liefer to die in
+this prison with worship, than to have one of you to my paramour maugre
+my head. And therefore ye be answered, I will none of you, for ye be
+false enchantresses, and as for my lady, Dame Guenever, were I at my
+liberty as I was, I would prove it on you or on yours, that she is the
+truest lady unto her lord living. Well, said the queens, is this your
+answer, that ye will refuse us. Yea, on my life, said Sir Launcelot,
+refused ye be of me. So they departed and left him there alone that
+made great sorrow.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. How Sir Launcelot was delivered by the mean of a damosel.
+
+Right so at the noon came the damosel unto him with his dinner, and
+asked him what cheer. Truly, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, in my
+life days never so ill. Sir, she said, that me repenteth, but an ye
+will be ruled by me, I shall help you out of this distress, and ye
+shall have no shame nor villainy, so that ye hold me a promise. Fair
+damosel, I will grant you, and sore I am of these queen-sorceresses
+afeard, for they have destroyed many a good knight. Sir, said she, that
+is sooth, and for the renown and bounty that they hear of you they
+would have your love, and Sir, they say, your name is Sir Launcelot du
+Lake, the flower of knights, and they be passing wroth with you that ye
+have refused them. But Sir, an ye would promise me to help my father on
+Tuesday next coming, that hath made a tournament betwixt him and the
+King of Northgalis—for the last Tuesday past my father lost the field
+through three knights of Arthur’s court—an ye will be there on Tuesday
+next coming, and help my father, to-morn or prime, by the grace of God,
+I shall deliver you clean. Fair maiden, said Sir Launcelot, tell me
+what is your father’s name, and then shall I give you an answer. Sir
+knight, she said, my father is King Bagdemagus, that was foul rebuked
+at the last tournament. I know your father well, said Sir Launcelot,
+for a noble king and a good knight, and by the faith of my body, ye
+shall have my body ready to do your father and you service at that day.
+Sir, she said, gramercy, and to-morn await ye be ready betimes and I
+shall be she that shall deliver you and take you your armour and your
+horse, shield and spear, and hereby within this ten mile, is an abbey
+of white monks, there I pray you that ye me abide, and thither shall I
+bring my father unto you. All this shall be done, said Sir Launcelot as
+I am true knight.
+
+And so she departed, and came on the morn early, and found him ready;
+then she brought him out of twelve locks, and brought him unto his
+armour, and when he was clean armed, she brought him until his own
+horse, and lightly he saddled him and took a great spear in his hand
+and so rode forth, and said, Fair damosel, I shall not fail you, by the
+grace of God. And so he rode into a great forest all that day, and
+never could find no highway and so the night fell on him, and then was
+he ware in a slade, of a pavilion of red sendal. By my faith, said Sir
+Launcelot, in that pavilion will I lodge all this night, and so there
+he alighted down, and tied his horse to the pavilion, and there he
+unarmed him, and there he found a bed, and laid him therein and fell
+asleep sadly.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. How a knight found Sir Launcelot lying in his leman’s bed,
+and how Sir Launcelot fought with the knight.
+
+Then within an hour there came the knight to whom the pavilion ought,
+and he weened that his leman had lain in that bed, and so he laid him
+down beside Sir Launcelot, and took him in his arms and began to kiss
+him. And when Sir Launcelot felt a rough beard kissing him, he started
+out of the bed lightly, and the other knight after him, and either of
+them gat their swords in their hands, and out at the pavilion door went
+the knight of the pavilion, and Sir Launcelot followed him, and there
+by a little slake Sir Launcelot wounded him sore, nigh unto the death.
+And then he yielded him unto Sir Launcelot, and so he granted him, so
+that he would tell him why he came into the bed. Sir, said the knight,
+the pavilion is mine own, and there this night I had assigned my lady
+to have slept with me, and now I am likely to die of this wound. That
+me repenteth, said Launcelot, of your hurt, but I was adread of
+treason, for I was late beguiled, and therefore come on your way into
+your pavilion and take your rest, and as I suppose I shall staunch your
+blood. And so they went both into the pavilion, and anon Sir Launcelot
+staunched his blood.
+
+Therewithal came the knight’s lady, that was a passing fair lady, and
+when she espied that her lord Belleus was sore wounded, she cried out
+on Sir Launcelot, and made great dole out of measure. Peace, my lady
+and my love, said Belleus, for this knight is a good man, and a knight
+adventurous, and there he told her all the cause how he was wounded;
+And when that I yielded me unto him, he left me goodly and hath
+staunched my blood. Sir, said the lady, I require thee tell me what
+knight ye be, and what is your name? Fair lady, he said, my name is Sir
+Launcelot du Lake. So me thought ever by your speech, said the lady,
+for I have seen you oft or this, and I know you better than ye ween.
+But now an ye would promise me of your courtesy, for the harms that ye
+have done to me and my Lord Belleus, that when he cometh unto Arthur’s
+court for to cause him to be made knight of the Round Table, for he is
+a passing good man of arms, and a mighty lord of lands of many out
+isles.
+
+Fair lady, said Sir Launcelot, let him come unto the court the next
+high feast, and look that ye come with him, and I shall do my power, an
+ye prove you doughty of your hands, that ye shall have your desire. So
+thus within a while, as they thus talked, the night passed, and the day
+shone, and then Sir Launcelot armed him, and took his horse, and they
+taught him to the Abbey, and thither he rode within the space of two
+hours.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot was received of King Bagdemagus’
+daughter, and how he made his complaint to her father.
+
+And soon as Sir Launcelot came within the abbey yard, the daughter of
+King Bagdemagus heard a great horse go on the pavement. And she then
+arose and yede unto a window, and there she saw Sir Launcelot, and anon
+she made men fast to take his horse from him and let lead him into a
+stable, and himself was led into a fair chamber, and unarmed him, and
+the lady sent him a long gown, and anon she came herself. And then she
+made Launcelot passing good cheer, and she said he was the knight in
+the world was most welcome to her. Then in all haste she sent for her
+father Bagdemagus that was within twelve mile of that Abbey, and afore
+even he came, with a fair fellowship of knights with him. And when the
+king was alighted off his horse he yode straight unto Sir Launcelot’s
+chamber and there he found his daughter, and then the king embraced Sir
+Launcelot in his arms, and either made other good cheer.
+
+Anon Sir Launcelot made his complaint unto the king how he was
+betrayed, and how his brother Sir Lionel was departed from him he wist
+not where, and how his daughter had delivered him out of prison;
+Therefore while I live I shall do her service and all her kindred. Then
+am I sure of your help, said the king, on Tuesday next coming. Yea,
+sir, said Sir Launcelot, I shall not fail you, for so I have promised
+my lady your daughter. But, sir, what knights be they of my lord
+Arthur’s that were with the King of Northgalis? And the king said it
+was Sir Mador de la Porte, and Sir Mordred and Sir Gahalantine that all
+for-fared my knights, for against them three I nor my knights might
+bear no strength. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, as I hear say that the
+tournament shall be here within this three mile of this abbey, ye shall
+send unto me three knights of yours, such as ye trust, and look that
+the three knights have all white shields, and I also, and no painture
+on the shields, and we four will come out of a little wood in midst of
+both parties, and we shall fall in the front of our enemies and grieve
+them that we may; and thus shall I not be known what knight I am.
+
+So they took their rest that night, and this was on the Sunday, and so
+the king departed, and sent unto Sir Launcelot three knights with the
+four white shields. And on the Tuesday they lodged them in a little
+leaved wood beside there the tournament should be. And there were
+scaffolds and holes that lords and ladies might behold and to give the
+prize. Then came into the field the King of Northgalis with eight score
+helms. And then the three knights of Arthur’s stood by themselves. Then
+came into the field King Bagdemagus with four score of helms. And then
+they feutred their spears, and came together with a great dash, and
+there were slain of knights at the first recounter twelve of King
+Bagdemagus’ party, and six of the King of Northgalis’ party, and King
+Bagdemagus’ party was far set aback.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a tournament, and how he
+met with Sir Turquine leading Sir Gaheris.
+
+With that came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he thrust in with his spear
+in the thickest of the press, and there he smote down with one spear
+five knights, and of four of them he brake their backs. And in that
+throng he smote down the King of Northgalis, and brake his thigh in
+that fall. All this doing of Sir Launcelot saw the three knights of
+Arthur’s. Yonder is a shrewd guest, said Sir Mador de la Porte,
+therefore have here once at him. So they encountered, and Sir Launcelot
+bare him down horse and man, so that his shoulder went out of lith. Now
+befalleth it to me to joust, said Mordred, for Sir Mador hath a sore
+fall. Sir Launcelot was ware of him, and gat a great spear in his hand,
+and met him, and Sir Mordred brake a spear upon him, and Sir Launcelot
+gave him such a buffet that the arson of his saddle brake, and so he
+flew over his horse’s tail, that his helm butted into the earth a foot
+and more, that nigh his neck was broken, and there he lay long in a
+swoon.
+
+Then came in Sir Gahalantine with a great spear and Launcelot against
+him, with all their strength that they might drive, that both their
+spears to-brast even to their hands, and then they flang out with their
+swords and gave many a grim stroke. Then was Sir Launcelot wroth out of
+measure, and then he smote Sir Gahalantine on the helm that his nose
+brast out on blood, and ears and mouth both, and therewith his head
+hung low. And therewith his horse ran away with him, and he fell down
+to the earth. Anon therewithal Sir Launcelot gat a great spear in his
+hand, and or ever that great spear brake, he bare down to the earth
+sixteen knights, some horse and man, and some the man and not the
+horse, and there was none but that he hit surely, he bare none arms
+that day. And then he gat another great spear, and smote down twelve
+knights, and the most part of them never throve after. And then the
+knights of the King of Northgalis would joust no more. And there the
+gree was given to King Bagdemagus.
+
+So either party departed unto his own place, and Sir Launcelot rode
+forth with King Bagdemagus unto his castle, and there he had passing
+good cheer both with the king and with his daughter, and they proffered
+him great gifts. And on the morn he took his leave, and told the king
+that he would go and seek his brother Sir Lionel, that went from him
+when that he slept, so he took his horse, and betaught them all to God.
+And there he said unto the king’s daughter, If ye have need any time of
+my service I pray you let me have knowledge, and I shall not fail you
+as I am true knight. And so Sir Launcelot departed, and by adventure he
+came into the same forest there he was taken sleeping. And in the midst
+of a highway he met a damosel riding on a white palfrey, and there
+either saluted other. Fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, know ye in this
+country any adventures? Sir knight, said that damosel, here are
+adventures near hand, an thou durst prove them. Why should I not prove
+adventures? said Sir Launcelot for that cause come I hither. Well, said
+she, thou seemest well to be a good knight, and if thou dare meet with
+a good knight, I shall bring thee where is the best knight, and the
+mightiest that ever thou found, so thou wilt tell me what is thy name,
+and what knight thou art. Damosel, as for to tell thee my name I take
+no great force; truly my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Sir, thou
+beseemest well, here be adventures by that fall for thee, for hereby
+dwelleth a knight that will not be overmatched for no man I know but ye
+overmatch him, and his name is Sir Turquine. And, as I understand, he
+hath in his prison, of Arthur’s court, good knights three score and
+four, that he hath won with his own hands. But when ye have done that
+journey ye shall promise me as ye are a true knight for to go with me,
+and to help me and other damosels that are distressed daily with a
+false knight. All your intent, damosel, and desire I will fulfil, so ye
+will bring me unto this knight. Now, fair knight, come on your way; and
+so she brought him unto the ford and the tree where hung the basin.
+
+So Sir Launcelot let his horse drink, and then he beat on the basin
+with the butt of his spear so hard with all his might till the bottom
+fell out, and long he did so, but he saw nothing. Then he rode endlong
+the gates of that manor nigh half-an-hour. And then was he ware of a
+great knight that drove an horse afore him, and overthwart the horse
+there lay an armed knight bound. And ever as they came near and near,
+Sir Launcelot thought he should know him. Then Sir Launcelot was ware
+that it was Sir Gaheris, Gawaine’s brother, a knight of the Table
+Round. Now, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, I see yonder cometh a
+knight fast bounden that is a fellow of mine, and brother he is unto
+Sir Gawaine. And at the first beginning I promise you, by the leave of
+God, to rescue that knight; but if his master sit better in the saddle
+I shall deliver all the prisoners that he hath out of danger, for I am
+sure he hath two brethren of mine prisoners with him. By that time that
+either had seen other, they gripped their spears unto them. Now, fair
+knight, said Sir Launcelot, put that wounded knight off the horse, and
+let him rest awhile, and let us two prove our strengths; for as it is
+informed me, thou doest and hast done great despite and shame unto
+knights of the Round Table, and therefore now defend thee. An thou be
+of the Table Round, said Turquine, I defy thee and all thy fellowship.
+That is overmuch said, said Sir Launcelot.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Turquine fought together.
+
+And then they put their spears in the rests, and came together with
+their horses as fast as they might run, and either smote other in midst
+of their shields, that both their horses’ backs brast under them, and
+the knights were both stonied. And as soon as they might avoid their
+horses, they took their shields afore them, and drew out their swords,
+and came together eagerly, and either gave other many strong strokes,
+for there might neither shields nor harness hold their strokes. And so
+within a while they had both grimly wounds, and bled passing
+grievously. Thus they fared two hours or more trasing and rasing either
+other, where they might hit any bare place.
+
+Then at the last they were breathless both, and stood leaning on their
+swords. Now fellow, said Sir Turquine, hold thy hand a while, and tell
+me what I shall ask thee. Say on. Then Turquine said, Thou art the
+biggest man that ever I met withal, and the best breathed, and like one
+knight that I hate above all other knights; so be it that thou be not
+he I will lightly accord with thee, and for thy love I will deliver all
+the prisoners that I have, that is three score and four, so thou wilt
+tell me thy name. And thou and I we will be fellows together, and never
+to fail thee while that I live. It is well said, said Sir Launcelot,
+but sithen it is so that I may have thy friendship, what knight is he
+that thou so hatest above all other? Faithfully, said Sir Turquine, his
+name is Sir Launcelot du Lake, for he slew my brother, Sir Carados, at
+the dolorous tower, that was one of the best knights alive; and
+therefore him I except of all knights, for may I once meet with him,
+the one of us shall make an end of other, I make mine avow. And for Sir
+Launcelot’s sake I have slain an hundred good knights, and as many I
+have maimed all utterly that they might never after help themselves,
+and many have died in prison, and yet have I three score and four, and
+all shall be delivered so thou wilt tell me thy name, so be it that
+thou be not Sir Launcelot.
+
+Now, see I well, said Sir Launcelot, that such a man I might be, I
+might have peace, and such a man I might be, that there should be war
+mortal betwixt us. And now, sir knight, at thy request I will that thou
+wit and know that I am Launcelot du Lake, King Ban’s son of Benwick,
+and very knight of the Table Round. And now I defy thee, and do thy
+best. Ah, said Turquine, Launcelot, thou art unto me most welcome that
+ever was knight, for we shall never depart till the one of us be dead.
+Then they hurtled together as two wild bulls rushing and lashing with
+their shields and swords, that sometime they fell both over their
+noses. Thus they fought still two hours and more, and never would have
+rest, and Sir Turquine gave Sir Launcelot many wounds that all the
+ground thereas they fought was all bespeckled with blood.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. How Sir Turquine was slain, and how Sir Launcelot bade Sir
+Gaheris deliver all the prisoners.
+
+Then at the last Sir Turquine waxed faint, and gave somewhat aback, and
+bare his shield low for weariness. That espied Sir Launcelot, and leapt
+upon him fiercely and gat him by the beaver of his helmet, and plucked
+him down on his knees, and anon he raced off his helm, and smote his
+neck in sunder. And when Sir Launcelot had done this, he yode unto the
+damosel and said, Damosel, I am ready to go with you where ye will have
+me, but I have no horse. Fair sir, said she, take this wounded knight’s
+horse and send him into this manor, and command him to deliver all the
+prisoners. So Sir Launcelot went unto Gaheris, and prayed him not to be
+aggrieved for to lend him his horse. Nay, fair lord, said Gaheris, I
+will that ye take my horse at your own commandment, for ye have both
+saved me and my horse, and this day I say ye are the best knight in the
+world, for ye have slain this day in my sight the mightiest man and the
+best knight except you that ever I saw, and, fair sir, said Gaheris, I
+pray you tell me your name. Sir, my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake, that
+ought to help you of right for King Arthur’s sake, and in especial for
+my lord Sir Gawaine’s sake, your own dear brother; and when that ye
+come within yonder manor, I am sure ye shall find there many knights of
+the Round Table, for I have seen many of their shields that I know on
+yonder tree. There is Kay’s shield, and Sir Brandel’s shield, and Sir
+Marhaus’ shield, and Sir Galind’s shield, and Sir Brian de Listnois’
+shield, and Sir Aliduke’s shield, with many more that I am not now
+advised of, and also my two brethren’s shields, Sir Ector de Maris and
+Sir Lionel; wherefore I pray you greet them all from me, and say that I
+bid them take such stuff there as they find, and that in any wise my
+brethren go unto the court and abide me there till that I come, for by
+the feast of Pentecost I cast me to be there, for as at this time I
+must ride with this damosel for to save my promise.
+
+And so he departed from Gaheris, and Gaheris yede in to the manor, and
+there he found a yeoman porter keeping there many keys. Anon withal Sir
+Gaheris threw the porter unto the ground and took the keys from him,
+and hastily he opened the prison door, and there he let out all the
+prisoners, and every man loosed other of their bonds. And when they saw
+Sir Gaheris, all they thanked him, for they weened that he was wounded.
+Not so, said Gaheris, it was Launcelot that slew him worshipfully with
+his own hands. I saw it with mine own eyes. And he greeteth you all
+well, and prayeth you to haste you to the court; and as unto Sir Lionel
+and Ector de Maris he prayeth you to abide him at the court. That shall
+we not do, says his brethren, we will find him an we may live. So shall
+I, said Sir Kay, find him or I come at the court, as I am true knight.
+
+Then all those knights sought the house thereas the armour was, and
+then they armed them, and every knight found his own horse, and all
+that ever longed unto him. And when this was done, there came a
+forester with four horses laden with fat venison. Anon, Sir Kay said,
+Here is good meat for us for one meal, for we had not many a day no
+good repast. And so that venison was roasted, baken, and sodden, and so
+after supper some abode there all night, but Sir Lionel and Ector de
+Maris and Sir Kay rode after Sir Launcelot to find him if they might.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. How Sir Launcelot rode with a damosel and slew a knight that
+distressed all ladies and also a villain that kept a bridge.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot, that rode with the damosel in a fair
+highway. Sir, said the damosel, here by this way haunteth a knight that
+distressed all ladies and gentlewomen, and at the least he robbeth them
+or lieth by them. What, said Sir Launcelot, is he a thief and a knight
+and a ravisher of women? he doth shame unto the order of knighthood,
+and contrary unto his oath; it is pity that he liveth. But, fair
+damosel, ye shall ride on afore, yourself, and I will keep myself in
+covert, and if that he trouble you or distress you I shall be your
+rescue and learn him to be ruled as a knight.
+
+So the maid rode on by the way a soft ambling pace, and within a while
+came out that knight on horseback out of the wood, and his page with
+him, and there he put the damosel from her horse, and then she cried.
+With that came Launcelot as fast as he might till he came to that
+knight, saying, O thou false knight and traitor unto knighthood, who
+did learn thee to distress ladies and gentlewomen? When the knight saw
+Sir Launcelot thus rebuking him he answered not, but drew his sword and
+rode unto Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot threw his spear from him,
+and drew out his sword, and struck him such a buffet on the helmet that
+he clave his head and neck unto the throat. Now hast thou thy payment
+that long thou hast deserved! That is truth, said the damosel, for like
+as Sir Turquine watched to destroy knights, so did this knight attend
+to destroy and distress ladies, damosels, and gentlewomen, and his name
+was Sir Peris de Forest Savage. Now, damosel, said Sir Launcelot, will
+ye any more service of me? Nay, sir, she said, at this time, but
+almighty Jesu preserve you wheresomever ye ride or go, for the curteist
+knight thou art, and meekest unto all ladies and gentlewomen, that now
+liveth. But one thing, sir knight, methinketh ye lack, ye that are a
+knight wifeless, that he will not love some maiden or gentlewoman, for
+I could never hear say that ever ye loved any of no manner degree, and
+that is great pity; but it is noised that ye love Queen Guenever, and
+that she hath ordained by enchantment that ye shall never love none
+other but her, nor none other damosel nor lady shall rejoice you;
+wherefore many in this land, of high estate and low, make great sorrow.
+
+Fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, I may not warn people to speak of me
+what it pleaseth them; but for to be a wedded man, I think it not; for
+then I must couch with her, and leave arms and tournaments, battles,
+and adventures; and as for to say for to take my pleasaunce with
+paramours, that will I refuse in principal for dread of God; for
+knights that be adventurous or lecherous shall not be happy nor
+fortunate unto the wars, for other they shall be overcome with a
+simpler knight than they be themselves, other else they shall by unhap
+and their cursedness slay better men than they be themselves. And so
+who that useth paramours shall be unhappy, and all thing is unhappy
+that is about them.
+
+And so Sir Launcelot and she departed. And then he rode in a deep
+forest two days and more, and had strait lodging. So on the third day
+he rode over a long bridge, and there stert upon him suddenly a passing
+foul churl, and he smote his horse on the nose that he turned about,
+and asked him why he rode over that bridge without his licence. Why
+should I not ride this way? said Sir Launcelot, I may not ride beside.
+Thou shalt not choose, said the churl, and lashed at him with a great
+club shod with iron. Then Sir Launcelot drew his sword and put the
+stroke aback, and clave his head unto the paps. At the end of the
+bridge was a fair village, and all the people, men and women, cried on
+Sir Launcelot, and said, A worse deed didst thou never for thyself, for
+thou hast slain the chief porter of our castle. Sir Launcelot let them
+say what they would, and straight he went into the castle; and when he
+came into the castle he alighted, and tied his horse to a ring on the
+wall and there he saw a fair green court, and thither he dressed him,
+for there him thought was a fair place to fight in. So he looked about,
+and saw much people in doors and windows that said, Fair knight, thou
+art unhappy.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. How Sir Launcelot slew two giants, and made a castle free.
+
+Anon withal came there upon him two great giants, well armed all save
+the heads, with two horrible clubs in their hands. Sir Launcelot put
+his shield afore him and put the stroke away of the one giant, and with
+his sword he clave his head asunder. When his fellow saw that, he ran
+away as he were wood, for fear of the horrible strokes, and Launcelot
+after him with all his might, and smote him on the shoulder, and clave
+him to the navel. Then Sir Launcelot went into the hall, and there came
+afore him three score ladies and damosels, and all kneeled unto him,
+and thanked God and him of their deliverance; For sir, said they, the
+most party of us have been here this seven year their prisoners, and we
+have worked all manner of silk works for our meat, and we are all great
+gentlewomen born; and blessed be the time, knight, that ever thou be
+born, for thou hast done the most worship that ever did knight in this
+world, that will we bear record, and we all pray you to tell us your
+name, that we may tell our friends who delivered us out of prison. Fair
+damosel, he said, my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Ah, sir, said they
+all, well mayest thou be he, for else save yourself, as we deemed,
+there might never knight have the better of these two giants; for many
+fair knights have assayed it, and here have ended, and many times have
+we wished after you, and these two giants dread never knight but you.
+Now may ye say, said Sir Launcelot, unto your friends how and who hath
+delivered you, and greet them all from me, and if that I come in any of
+your marches, show me such cheer as ye have cause, and what treasure
+that there in this castle is I give it you for a reward for your
+grievance, and the lord that is owner of this castle I would he
+received it as is right. Fair sir, said they, the name of this castle
+is Tintagil, and a duke ought it sometime that had wedded fair Igraine,
+and after wedded her Uther Pendragon, and gat on her Arthur. Well, said
+Sir Launcelot, I understand to whom this castle longeth; and so he
+departed from them, and betaught them unto God.
+
+And then he mounted upon his horse, and rode into many strange and wild
+countries, and through many waters and valleys, and evil was he lodged.
+And at the last by fortune him happened, against a night, to come to a
+fair courtelage, and therein he found an old gentlewoman that lodged
+him with good will, and there he had good cheer for him and his horse.
+And when time was, his host brought him into a fair garret, over the
+gate, to his bed. There Sir Launcelot unarmed him, and set his harness
+by him, and went to bed, and anon he fell asleep. So, soon after, there
+came one on horseback, and knocked at the gate in great haste, and when
+Sir Launcelot heard this, he arose up and looked out at the window, and
+saw by the moonlight three knights came riding after that one man, and
+all three lashed on him at once with swords, and that one knight turned
+on them knightly again, and defended him. Truly, said Sir Launcelot,
+yonder one knight shall I help, for it were shame for me to see three
+knights on one, and if he be slain I am partner of his death; and
+therewith he took his harness, and went out at a window by a sheet down
+to the four knights, and then Sir Launcelot said on high, Turn you
+knights unto me, and leave your fighting with that knight. And then
+they all three left Sir Kay, and turned unto Sir Launcelot, and there
+began great battle, for they alighted all three, and struck many great
+strokes at Sir Launcelot, and assailed him on every side. Then Sir Kay
+dressed him for to have holpen Sir Launcelot. Nay, sir, said he, I will
+none of your help; therefore as ye will have my help, let me alone with
+them. Sir Kay, for the pleasure of the knight, suffered him for to do
+his will, and so stood aside. And then anon within six strokes, Sir
+Launcelot had stricken them to the earth.
+
+And then they all three cried: Sir knight, we yield us unto you as a
+man of might makeless. As to that, said Sir Launcelot, I will not take
+your yielding unto me. But so that ye will yield you unto Sir Kay the
+Seneschal, on that covenant I will save your lives, and else not. Fair
+knight, said they, that were we loath to do; for as for Sir Kay, we
+chased him hither, and had overcome him had not ye been, therefore to
+yield us unto him it were no reason. Well, as to that, said Launcelot,
+advise you well, for ye may choose whether ye will die or live, for an
+ye be yolden it shall be unto Sir Kay. Fair knight, then they said, in
+saving of our lives we will do as thou commandest us. Then shall ye,
+said Sir Launcelot, on Whitsunday next coming, go unto the court of
+King Arthur, and there shall ye yield you unto Queen Guenever, and put
+you all three in her grace and mercy, and say that Sir Kay sent you
+thither to be her prisoners. Sir, they said, it shall be done by the
+faith of our bodies, an we be living, and there they swore every knight
+upon his sword. And so Sir Launcelot suffered them so to depart. And
+then Sir Launcelot knocked at the gate with the pommel of his sword,
+and with that came his host, and in they entered Sir Kay and he. Sir,
+said his host, I weened ye had been in your bed. So I was, said Sir
+Launcelot, but I rose and leapt out at my window for to help an old
+fellow of mine. And so when they came nigh the light, Sir Kay knew well
+that it was Sir Launcelot, and therewith he kneeled down and thanked
+him of all his kindness that he had holpen him twice from the death.
+Sir, he said, I have nothing done but that me ought for to do, and ye
+are welcome, and here shall ye repose you and take your rest.
+
+So when Sir Kay was unarmed, he asked after meat; so there was meat
+fetched him, and he ate strongly. And when he had supped they went to
+their beds and were lodged together in one bed. On the morn Sir
+Launcelot arose early, and left Sir Kay sleeping, and Sir Launcelot
+took Sir Kay’s armour and his shield, and armed him, and so he went to
+the stable, and took his horse, and took his leave of his host, and so
+he departed. Then soon after arose Sir Kay and missed Sir Launcelot.
+And then he espied that he had his armour and his horse. Now by my
+faith I know well that he will grieve some of the court of King Arthur;
+for on him knights will be bold, and deem that it is I, and that will
+beguile them. And because of his armour and shield I am sure I shall
+ride in peace. And then soon after departed Sir Kay and thanked his
+host.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. How Sir Launcelot rode disguised in Sir Kay’s harness, and
+how he smote down a knight.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot that had ridden long in a great forest,
+and at the last he came into a low country, full of fair rivers and
+meadows. And afore him he saw a long bridge, and three pavilions stood
+thereon, of silk and sendal of divers hue. And without the pavilions
+hung three white shields on truncheons of spears, and great long spears
+stood upright by the pavilions, and at every pavilion’s door stood
+three fresh squires, and so Sir Launcelot passed by them and spake no
+word. When he was passed the three knights said them that it was the
+proud Kay; He weeneth no knight so good as he, and the contrary is
+ofttime proved. By my faith, said one of the knights, his name was Sir
+Gaunter, I will ride after him and assay him for all his pride, and ye
+may behold how that I speed. So this knight, Sir Gaunter, armed him,
+and hung his shield upon his shoulder, and mounted upon a great horse,
+and gat his spear in his hand, and walloped after Sir Launcelot. And
+when he came nigh him, he cried, Abide, thou proud knight Sir Kay, for
+thou shalt not pass quit. So Sir Launcelot turned him, and either
+feutred their spears, and came together with all their mights, and Sir
+Gaunter’s spear brake, but Sir Launcelot smote him down horse and man.
+And when Sir Gaunter was at the earth his brethren said each one to
+other, Yonder knight is not Sir Kay, for he is bigger than he. I dare
+lay my head, said Sir Gilmere, yonder knight hath slain Sir Kay and
+hath taken his horse and his harness. Whether it be so or no, said Sir
+Raynold, the third brother, let us now go mount upon our horses and
+rescue our brother Sir Gaunter, upon pain of death. We all shall have
+work enough to match that knight, for ever meseemeth by his person it
+is Sir Launcelot, or Sir Tristram, or Sir Pelleas, the good knight.
+
+Then anon they took their horses and overtook Sir Launcelot, and Sir
+Gilmere put forth his spear, and ran to Sir Launcelot, and Sir
+Launcelot smote him down that he lay in a swoon. Sir knight, said Sir
+Raynold, thou art a strong man, and as I suppose thou hast slain my two
+brethren, for the which raseth my heart sore against thee, and if I
+might with my worship I would not have ado with you, but needs I must
+take part as they do, and therefore, knight, he said, keep thyself. And
+so they hurtled together with all their mights, and all to-shivered
+both their spears. And then they drew their swords and lashed together
+eagerly. Anon therewith arose Sir Gaunter, and came unto his brother
+Sir Gilmere, and bade him, Arise, and help we our brother Sir Raynold,
+that yonder marvellously matched yonder good knight. Therewithal, they
+leapt on their horses and hurtled unto Sir Launcelot.
+
+And when he saw them come he smote a sore stroke unto Sir Raynold, that
+he fell off his horse to the ground, and then he struck to the other
+two brethren, and at two strokes he struck them down to the earth. With
+that Sir Raynold began to start up with his head all bloody, and came
+straight unto Sir Launcelot. Now let be, said Sir Launcelot, I was not
+far from thee when thou wert made knight, Sir Raynold, and also I know
+thou art a good knight, and loath I were to slay thee. Gramercy, said
+Sir Raynold, as for your goodness; and I dare say as for me and my
+brethren, we will not be loath to yield us unto you, with that we knew
+your name, for well we know ye are not Sir Kay. As for that be it as it
+be may, for ye shall yield you unto dame Guenever, and look that ye be
+with her on Whitsunday, and yield you unto her as prisoners, and say
+that Sir Kay sent you unto her. Then they swore it should be done, and
+so passed forth Sir Launcelot, and each one of the brethren holp other
+as well as they might.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Launcelot jousted against four knights of the
+Round Table and overthrew them.
+
+So Sir Launcelot rode into a deep forest, and thereby in a slade, he
+saw four knights hoving under an oak, and they were of Arthur’s court,
+one was Sir Sagramour le Desirous, and Ector de Maris, and Sir Gawaine,
+and Sir Uwaine. Anon as these four knights had espied Sir Launcelot,
+they weened by his arms it had been Sir Kay. Now by my faith, said Sir
+Sagramour, I will prove Sir Kay’s might, and gat his spear in his hand,
+and came toward Sir Launcelot. Therewith Sir Launcelot was ware and
+knew him well, and feutred his spear against him, and smote Sir
+Sagramour so sore that horse and man fell both to the earth. Lo, my
+fellows, said he, 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 gat his spear in his hand and walloped toward Sir
+Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot smote him through the shield and shoulder,
+that man and horse 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. And therewithal, Sir Uwaine gat his spear in his hand and
+rode toward Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot knew him well, and so he
+met him on the plain, and gave him such a buffet that he was astonied,
+that long he wist not where he was. Now see I well, said Sir Gawaine, I
+must encounter with that knight. Then he dressed his shield and gat a
+good spear in his hand, and Sir Launcelot knew him well; 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 to-brast, and Sir
+Launcelot charged so sore upon him that his horse reversed up-so-down.
+And much sorrow had Sir Gawaine to avoid his horse, and so Sir
+Launcelot passed on a pace and smiled, and said, God give him joy that
+this spear made, 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 by this guest? said Sir Gawaine, that one spear hath felled
+us all four. We commend him unto the devil, they said all, for he is a
+man of great might. Ye may well say it, said Sir Gawaine, that he is a
+man of might, for I dare lay my head it is Sir Launcelot, I know it by
+his riding. Let him go, said Sir Gawaine, for when we come to the court
+then shall we wit; and then had they much sorrow to get their horses
+again.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Launcelot followed a brachet into a castle, where
+he found a dead knight, and how he after was required of a damosel to
+heal her brother.
+
+Now leave we there and speak of Sir Launcelot that rode a great while
+in a deep forest, where he saw a black brachet, seeking in manner as it
+had been in the feute of an hurt deer. And therewith he rode after the
+brachet, and he saw lie on the ground a large feute of blood. And then
+Sir Launcelot rode after. And ever the brachet looked behind her, and
+so she went through a great marsh, and ever Sir Launcelot followed. And
+then was he ware of an old manor, and thither ran the brachet, and so
+over the bridge. So Sir Launcelot rode over that bridge that was old
+and feeble; and when he came in midst of a great hall, there he saw lie
+a dead knight that was a seemly man, and that brachet licked his
+wounds. And therewithal came out a lady weeping and wringing her hands;
+and then she said, O knight, too much sorrow hast thou brought me. Why
+say ye so? said Sir Launcelot, I did never this knight no harm, for
+hither by feute of blood this brachet brought me; and therefore, fair
+lady, be not displeased with me, for I am full sore aggrieved of your
+grievance. Truly, sir, she said, I trow it be not ye that hath slain my
+husband, for he that did that deed is sore wounded, and he is never
+likely to recover, that shall I ensure him. What was your husband’s
+name? said Sir Launcelot. Sir, said she, his name was called Sir
+Gilbert the Bastard, one of the best knights of the world, and he that
+hath slain him I know not his name. Now God send you better comfort,
+said Sir Launcelot; and so he departed and went into the forest again,
+and there he met with a damosel, the which knew him well, and she said
+aloud, Well be ye found, my lord; and now I require thee, on thy
+knighthood, help my brother that is sore wounded, and never stinteth
+bleeding; for this day he fought with Sir Gilbert the Bastard and slew
+him in plain battle, and there was my brother sore wounded, and there
+is a lady a sorceress that dwelleth in a castle here beside, and this
+day she told me my brother’s wounds should never be whole till I could
+find a knight that would go into the Chapel Perilous, and there he
+should find a sword and a bloody cloth that the wounded knight was
+lapped in, and a piece of that cloth and sword should heal my brother’s
+wounds, so that his wounds were searched with the sword and the cloth.
+This is a marvellous thing, said Sir Launcelot, but what is your
+brother’s name? Sir, she said, his name was Sir Meliot de Logres. That
+me repenteth, said Sir Launcelot, for he is a fellow of the Table
+Round, and to his help I will do my power. Then, sir, said she, follow
+even this highway, and it will bring you unto the Chapel Perilous; and
+here I shall abide till God send you here again, and, but you speed, I
+know no knight living that may achieve that adventure.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV. How Sir Launcelot came into the Chapel Perilous and gat
+there of a dead corpse a piece of the cloth and a sword.
+
+Right so Sir Launcelot departed, and when he came unto the Chapel
+Perilous he alighted down, and tied his horse unto a little gate. And
+as soon as he was within the churchyard he saw on the front of the
+chapel many fair rich shields turned up-so-down, and many of the
+shields Sir Launcelot had seen knights bear beforehand. With that he
+saw by him there stand a thirty great knights, more by a yard than any
+man that ever he had seen, and all those grinned and gnashed at Sir
+Launcelot. And when he saw their countenance he dreaded him sore, and
+so put his shield afore him, and took his sword ready in his hand ready
+unto battle, and they were all armed in black harness ready with their
+shields and their swords drawn. And when Sir Launcelot would have gone
+throughout them, they scattered on every side of him, and gave him the
+way, and therewith he waxed all bold, and entered into the chapel, and
+then he saw no light but a dim lamp burning, and then was he ware of a
+corpse hilled with a cloth of silk. Then Sir Launcelot stooped down,
+and cut a piece away of that cloth, and then it fared under him as the
+earth had quaked a little; therewithal he feared. And then he saw a
+fair sword lie by the dead knight, and that he gat in his hand and hied
+him out of the chapel.
+
+Anon as ever he was in the chapel yard all the knights spake to him
+with a grimly voice, and said, Knight, Sir Launcelot, lay that sword
+from thee or else thou shalt die. Whether that I live or die, said Sir
+Launcelot, with no great word get ye it again, therefore fight for it
+an ye list. Then right so he passed throughout them, and beyond the
+chapel yard there met him a fair damosel, and said, Sir Launcelot,
+leave that sword behind thee, or thou wilt die for it. I leave it not,
+said Sir Launcelot, for no treaties. No, said she, an thou didst leave
+that sword, Queen Guenever should thou never see. Then were I a fool an
+I would leave this sword, said Launcelot. Now, gentle knight, said the
+damosel, I require thee to kiss me but once. Nay, said Sir Launcelot,
+that God me forbid. Well, sir, said she, an thou hadst kissed me thy
+life days had been done, but now, alas, she said, I have lost all my
+labour, for I ordained this chapel for thy sake, and for Sir Gawaine.
+And once I had Sir Gawaine within me, and at that time he fought with
+that knight that lieth there dead in yonder chapel, Sir Gilbert the
+Bastard; and at that time he smote the left hand off of Sir Gilbert the
+Bastard. And, Sir Launcelot, now I tell thee, I have loved thee this
+seven year, but there may no woman have thy love but Queen Guenever.
+But sithen I may not rejoice thee to have thy body alive, I had kept no
+more joy in this world but to have thy body dead. Then would I have
+balmed it and served it, and so have kept it my life days, and daily I
+should have clipped thee, and kissed thee, in despite of Queen
+Guenever. Ye say well, said Sir Launcelot, Jesu preserve me from your
+subtle crafts. And therewithal he took his horse and so departed from
+her. And as the book saith, when Sir Launcelot was departed she took
+such sorrow that she died within a fourteen night, and her name was
+Hellawes the sorceress, Lady of the Castle Nigramous.
+
+Anon Sir Launcelot met with the damosel, Sir Meliot’s sister. And when
+she saw him she clapped her hands, and wept for joy. And then they rode
+unto a castle thereby where lay Sir Meliot. And anon as Sir Launcelot
+saw him he knew him, but he was passing pale, as the earth, for
+bleeding. When Sir Meliot saw Sir Launcelot he kneeled upon his knees
+and cried on high: O lord Sir Launcelot, help me! Anon Sir Launcelot
+leapt unto him and touched his wounds with Sir Gilbert’s sword. And
+then he wiped his wounds with a part of the bloody cloth that Sir
+Gilbert was wrapped in, and anon an wholer man in his life was he
+never. And then there was great joy between them, and they made Sir
+Launcelot all the cheer that they might, and so on the morn Sir
+Launcelot took his leave, and bade Sir Meliot hie him to the court of
+my lord Arthur, for it draweth nigh to the Feast of Pentecost, and
+there by the grace of God ye shall find me. And therewith they
+departed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Launcelot at the request of a lady recovered a
+falcon, by which he was deceived.
+
+And so Sir Launcelot rode through many strange countries, over marshes
+and valleys, till by fortune he came to a fair castle, and as he passed
+beyond the castle him thought he heard two bells ring. And then was he
+ware of a falcon came flying over his head toward an high elm, and long
+lunes about her feet, and as she flew unto the elm to take her perch
+the lunes over-cast about a bough. And when she would have taken her
+flight she hung by the legs fast; and Sir Launcelot saw how she hung,
+and beheld the fair falcon perigot, and he was sorry for her.
+
+The meanwhile came a lady out of the castle and cried on high: O
+Launcelot, Launcelot, as thou art flower of all knights, help me to get
+my hawk, for an my hawk be lost my lord will destroy me; for I kept the
+hawk and she slipped from me, and if my lord my husband wit it he is so
+hasty that he will slay me. What is your lord’s name? said Sir
+Launcelot. Sir, she said, his name is Sir Phelot, a knight that longeth
+unto the King of Northgalis. Well, fair lady, since that ye know my
+name, and require me of knighthood to help you, I will do what I may to
+get your hawk, and yet God knoweth I am an ill climber, and the tree is
+passing high, and few boughs to help me withal. And therewith Sir
+Launcelot alighted, and tied his horse to the same tree, and prayed the
+lady to unarm him. And so when he was unarmed, he put off all his
+clothes unto his shirt and breech, and with might and force he clomb up
+to the falcon, and tied the lines to a great rotten boyshe, and threw
+the hawk down and it withal.
+
+Anon the lady gat the hawk in her hand; and therewithal came out Sir
+Phelot out of the groves suddenly, that was her husband, all armed and
+with his naked sword in his hand, and said: O knight Launcelot, now
+have I found thee as I would, and stood at the bole 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, and therefore there nis
+none other boot but thine hour is come that thou must die. That were
+shame unto thee, said Sir Launcelot, thou an armed knight to slay a
+naked man by treason. Thou gettest none other grace, said Sir Phelot,
+and therefore help thyself an thou canst. Truly, said Sir Launcelot,
+that shall be thy shame, but since thou wilt do none other, take mine
+harness with thee, and hang my sword upon a bough that I may get it,
+and then do thy best to slay me an thou canst. Nay, nay, said Sir
+Phelot, for I know thee better than thou weenest, therefore thou
+gettest no weapon, an I may keep you therefrom. Alas, said Sir
+Launcelot, that ever a knight should die weaponless. And therewith he
+waited above him and under him, and over his head he saw a rownsepyk, a
+big bough leafless, and therewith he brake it off by the body. And then
+he came lower and awaited how his own horse stood, and suddenly he
+leapt on the further side of the horse, fro-ward the knight. And then
+Sir Phelot lashed at him eagerly, weening to have slain him. But Sir
+Launcelot put away the stroke with the rownsepyk, and therewith he
+smote him on the one side of the head, that he fell down in a swoon to
+the ground. So then Sir Launcelot took his sword out of his hand, and
+struck his neck from the body. Then cried the lady, Alas! why hast thou
+slain my husband? I am not causer, said Sir Launcelot, for with
+falsehood ye would have had slain me with treason, and now it is fallen
+on you both. And then she swooned as though she would die. And
+therewithal Sir Launcelot gat all his armour as well as he might, and
+put it upon him for dread of more resort, for he dreaded that the
+knight’s castle was so nigh. And so, as soon as he might, he took his
+horse and departed, and thanked God that he had escaped that adventure.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Launcelot overtook a knight which chased his wife
+to have slain her, and how he said to him.
+
+So Sir Launcelot rode many wild ways, throughout marches and many wild
+ways. And as he rode in a valley he saw a knight chasing a lady, with a
+naked sword, to have slain her. And by fortune as this knight should
+have slain this lady, she cried on Sir Launcelot and prayed him to
+rescue her. When Sir Launcelot saw that mischief, he took his horse and
+rode between them, saying, Knight, fie for shame, why wilt thou slay
+this lady? thou dost shame unto thee and all knights. What hast thou to
+do betwixt me and my wife? said the knight. I will slay her maugre thy
+head. That shall ye not, said Sir Launcelot, for rather we two will
+have ado together. Sir Launcelot, said the knight, thou dost not thy
+part, for this lady hath betrayed me. It is not so, said the lady,
+truly he saith wrong on me. And for because I love and cherish my
+cousin germain, he is jealous betwixt him and me; and as I shall answer
+to God there was never sin betwixt us. But, sir, said the lady, as thou
+art called the worshipfullest knight of the world, I require thee of
+true knighthood, keep me and save me. For whatsomever ye say he will
+slay me, for he is without mercy. Have ye no doubt, said Launcelot, it
+shall not lie in his power. Sir, said the knight, in your sight I will
+be ruled as ye will have me. And so Sir Launcelot rode on the one side
+and she on the other: he had not ridden but a while, but the knight
+bade Sir Launcelot turn him and look behind him, and said, Sir, yonder
+come men of arms after us riding. And so Sir Launcelot turned him and
+thought no treason, and therewith was the knight and the lady on one
+side, and suddenly he swapped off his lady’s head.
+
+And when Sir Launcelot had espied him what he had done, he said, and
+called him, Traitor, thou hast shamed me for ever. And suddenly Sir
+Launcelot alighted off his horse, and pulled out his sword to slay him,
+and therewithal he fell flat to the earth, and gripped Sir Launcelot by
+the thighs, and cried mercy. Fie on thee, said Sir Launcelot, thou
+shameful knight, thou mayest have no mercy, and therefore arise and
+fight with me. Nay, said the knight, I will never arise till ye grant
+me mercy. Now will I proffer thee fair, said Launcelot, I will unarm me
+unto my shirt, and I will have nothing upon me but my shirt, and my
+sword and my hand. And if thou canst slay me, quit be thou for ever.
+Nay, sir, said Pedivere, that will I never. Well, said Sir Launcelot,
+take this lady and the head, and bear it upon thee, and here shalt thou
+swear upon my sword, to bear it always upon thy back, and never to rest
+till thou come to Queen Guenever. Sir, said he, that will I do, by the
+faith of my body. Now, said Launcelot, tell me what is your name? Sir,
+my name is Pedivere. In a shameful hour wert thou born, said Launcelot.
+
+So Pedivere departed with the dead lady and the head, and found the
+queen with King Arthur at Winchester, and there he told all the truth.
+Sir knight, said the queen, this is an horrible deed and a shameful,
+and a great rebuke unto Sir Launcelot; but notwithstanding his worship
+is not known in many divers countries; but this shall I give you in
+penance, make ye as good shift as ye can, ye shall bear this lady with
+you on horseback unto the Pope of Rome, and of him receive your penance
+for your foul deeds; and ye shall never rest one night whereas ye do
+another; an ye go to any bed the dead body shall lie with you. This
+oath there he made, and so departed. And as it telleth in the French
+book, when he came to Rome, the Pope bade him go again unto Queen
+Guenever, and in Rome was his lady buried by the Pope’s commandment.
+And after this Sir Pedivere fell to great goodness, and was an holy man
+and an hermit.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Launcelot came to King Arthur’s Court, and how
+there were recounted all his noble feats and acts.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot du Lake, that came home two days afore
+the Feast of Pentecost; and the king and all the court were passing
+fain of his coming. And when Sir Gawaine, Sir Uwaine, Sir Sagramore,
+Sir Ector de Maris, saw Sir Launcelot in Kay’s armour, then they wist
+well it was he that smote them down all with one spear. Then there was
+laughing and smiling among them. And ever now and now came all the
+knights home that Sir Turquine had prisoners, and they all honoured and
+worshipped Sir Launcelot.
+
+When Sir Gaheris heard them speak, he said, I saw all the battle from
+the beginning to the ending, and there he told King Arthur all how it
+was, and how Sir Turquine was the strongest knight that ever he saw
+except Sir Launcelot: there were many knights bare him record, nigh
+three score. Then Sir Kay told the king how Sir Launcelot had rescued
+him when he should have been slain, and how he made the knights yield
+them to me, and not to him. And there they were all three, and bare
+record. And by Jesu, said Sir Kay, because Sir Launcelot took my
+harness and left me his I rode in good peace, and no man would have ado
+with me.
+
+Anon therewithal there came the three knights that fought with Sir
+Launcelot at the long bridge. And there they yielded them unto Sir Kay,
+and Sir Kay forsook them and said he fought never with them. But I
+shall ease your heart, said Sir Kay, yonder is Sir Launcelot that
+overcame you. When they wist that they were glad. And then Sir Meliot
+de Logres came home, and told the king how Sir Launcelot had saved him
+from the death. And all his deeds were known, how four queens,
+sorceresses, had him in prison, and how he was delivered by King
+Bagdemagus’ daughter. Also there were told all the great deeds of arms
+that Sir Launcelot did betwixt the two kings, that is for to say the
+King of Northgalis and King Bagdemagus. All the truth Sir Gahalantine
+did tell, and Sir Mador de la Porte and Sir Mordred, for they were at
+that same tournament. Then came in the lady that knew Sir Launcelot
+when that he wounded Sir Belleus at the pavilion. And there, at request
+of Sir Launcelot, Sir Belleus was made knight of the Round Table. And
+so at that time Sir Launcelot had the greatest name of any knight of
+the world, and most he was honoured of high and low.
+
+ Explicit the noble tale of Sir Launcelot du Lake, which is the vi.
+ book. Here followeth the tale of Sir Gareth of Orkney that was called
+ Beaumains by Sir Kay, and is the seventh book.
+
+
+
+BOOK VII.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. How Beaumains came to King Arthur’s Court and demanded three
+petitions of King Arthur.
+
+When Arthur held his Round Table most plenour, it fortuned that he
+commanded that the high feast of Pentecost should be holden at a city
+and a castle, the which in those days was called Kynke Kenadonne, upon
+the sands that marched nigh Wales. So ever the king had a custom that
+at the feast of Pentecost in especial, afore other feasts in the year,
+he would not go that day to meat until he had heard or seen of a great
+marvel. And for that custom all manner of strange adventures came
+before Arthur as at that feast before all other feasts. And so Sir
+Gawaine, a little to-fore noon of the day of Pentecost, espied at a
+window three men upon horseback, and a dwarf on foot, and so the three
+men alighted, and the dwarf kept their horses, and one of the three men
+was higher than the other twain by a foot and an half. Then Sir Gawaine
+went unto the king and said, Sir, go to your meat, for here at the hand
+come strange adventures. So Arthur went unto his meat with many other
+kings. And there were all the knights of the Round Table, [save] only
+those that were prisoners or slain at a recounter. Then at the high
+feast evermore they should be fulfilled the whole number of an hundred
+and fifty, for then was the Round Table fully complished.
+
+Right so 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 they all saw, and he was large and long, and broad in the
+shoulders, and well visaged, and the fairest and the largest handed
+that ever man saw, but he fared as though he might not go nor bear
+himself but if he leaned upon their shoulders. Anon as Arthur saw him
+there was made peace and room, and right so they yede with him unto the
+high dais, without saying of any words. Then this much young man pulled
+him aback, and easily stretched up straight, saying, King Arthur, God
+you bless and all your fair fellowship, and in especial the fellowship
+of the Table Round. And for this cause I am come hither, to pray you
+and require you to give me three gifts, and they shall not be
+unreasonably asked, but that ye may worshipfully and honourably grant
+them me, and to you no great hurt nor loss. And the first don and gift
+I will ask now, and the other two gifts I will ask this day
+twelvemonth, wheresomever 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 ye will give me meat
+and drink sufficiently for this twelvemonth, and at that day I will ask
+mine other two gifts.
+
+My fair son, said Arthur, ask better, I counsel thee, for this is but a
+simple asking; for my heart giveth me to thee greatly, that thou art
+come of men of worship, and greatly my conceit faileth me but thou
+shalt prove a man of right great worship. Sir, he said, thereof be as
+it be may, I have asked that I will ask. Well, said the king, ye shall
+have meat and drink enough; I never defended that none, neither my
+friend nor my foe. But what is thy name I would wit? I cannot tell you,
+said he. That is marvel, said the king, that thou knowest not thy name,
+and thou art the goodliest young man that ever I saw. Then the king
+betook him to Sir Kay the steward, and charged him that he should give
+him of all manner of meats and drinks of the best, and also that he had
+all manner of finding as though he were a lord’s son. That shall little
+need, said Sir Kay, to do such cost upon him; for I dare undertake he
+is a villain born, and never will make man, for an he had come of
+gentlemen he would have asked of you horse and armour, but such as he
+is, so he asketh. And sithen he hath no name, I shall give him a name
+that shall be Beaumains, that is Fair-hands, and into the kitchen I
+shall bring him, and there he shall have fat brose every day, that he
+shall be as fat by the twelvemonths’ end as a pork hog. Right so the
+two men departed and beleft him to Sir Kay, that scorned him and mocked
+him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine were wroth because Sir
+Kay mocked Beaumains, and of a damosel which desired a knight to fight
+for a lady.
+
+Thereat was Sir Gawaine wroth, and in especial Sir Launcelot bade Sir
+Kay leave his mocking, for I dare lay my head he shall prove a man of
+great worship. Let be said Sir Kay, it may not be by no reason, for as
+he is, so he hath asked. Beware, said Sir Launcelot, so ye gave the
+good knight Brewnor, Sir Dinadan’s brother, a name, and ye called him
+La Cote Male Taile, and that turned you to anger afterward. As for
+that, said Sir Kay, this shall never prove none such. For Sir Brewnor
+desired ever worship, and this desireth bread and drink and broth; upon
+pain of my life he was fostered up in some abbey, and, howsomever it
+was, they failed meat and drink, and so hither he is come for his
+sustenance.
+
+And so Sir Kay bade get him a place, and sit down to meat; so Beaumains
+went to the hall door, and set him down among boys and lads, and there
+he ate sadly. And then Sir Launcelot after meat bade him come to his
+chamber, and there 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, for no proffer. But as touching Sir Gawaine, he had
+reason to proffer him lodging, meat, and drink, for that proffer came
+of his blood, for he was nearer kin to him than he wist. But that as
+Sir Launcelot did was of his great gentleness and courtesy.
+
+So thus he 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 that he saw any jousting of knights, that would he see an he
+might. And ever Sir Launcelot would give him gold to spend, and
+clothes, and so did Sir Gawaine, and where there 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 liketh you my boy of the
+kitchen? So it passed on till the feast of Whitsuntide. And at that
+time the king held it at Carlion in the most royallest wise that might
+be, like as he did yearly. But the king would no meat eat upon the
+Whitsunday, until he heard some adventures. Then came there a squire to
+the king and said, Sir, ye may go to your meat, for here cometh a
+damosel with some strange adventures. Then was the king glad and sat
+him down.
+
+Right so there came a damosel into the hall and saluted the king, and
+prayed him of succour. For whom? said the king, what is the adventure?
+
+Sir, she said, I have a lady of great worship and renown, and she is
+besieged with a tyrant, so that she may not out of her castle; and
+because here are called the noblest knights of the world, I come to you
+to pray you of succour. What hight your lady, and where dwelleth she,
+and who is she, and what is his name that hath besieged her? Sir king,
+she said, as for my lady’s name that shall not ye know for me as at
+this time, but I let you wit she is a lady of great worship and of
+great lands; and as for the tyrant that besiegeth her and destroyeth
+her lands, he is called the Red Knight of the Red Launds. I know him
+not, said the king. Sir, said Sir Gawaine, I know him well, for he is
+one of the perilloust 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 damosel, said the king, there be knights here would do their power
+for to rescue your lady, but because you will not tell her name, nor
+where she dwelleth, therefore none of my knights that here be now shall
+go with you by my will. Then must I speak further, said the damosel.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. How Beaumains desired the battle, and how it was granted
+to him, and how he desired to be made knight of Sir Launcelot.
+
+With these words came before the king Beaumains, while the damosel was
+there, and thus he said, Sir king, God thank you, I have been this
+twelvemonth 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, this shall be my two gifts, first that ye will grant me to
+have this adventure of the damosel, for it belongeth unto me. Thou
+shalt have it, said the king, I grant it thee. Then, sir, this is the
+other gift, that ye shall bid Launcelot du Lake to make me knight, for
+of him I will be made knight and else of none. And when I am passed I
+pray you let him ride after me, and make me knight when I require him.
+All this shall be done, said the king. Fie on thee, said the damosel,
+shall I have none but one that is your kitchen page? Then was she wroth
+and took her horse and departed. And with that there came one to
+Beaumains and told him his horse and armour was come for him; and there
+was the dwarf come with all thing that him needed, in the richest
+manner; thereat all the court had much marvel from whence came all that
+gear. So when he was armed there was none but few so goodly a man as he
+was; and right so as he came into the hall and took his leave of King
+Arthur, and Sir Gawaine, and Sir Launcelot, and prayed that he would
+hie after him, and so departed and rode after the damosel.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. How Beaumains departed, and how he gat of Sir Kay a spear
+and a shield, and how he jousted with Sir Launcelot.
+
+But there went many after 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 open in the hall, I will ride after my boy in the kitchen, to
+wit whether he will know me for his better. Said Sir Launcelot and Sir
+Gawaine, Yet abide at home. So Sir Kay made him ready and took his
+horse and his spear, and rode after him. And right as Beaumains
+overtook the damosel, right so came Sir Kay and said, Beaumains, 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 ye have heard afore. Yea, said
+Beaumains, I know you for an ungentle knight of the court, and
+therefore beware of me. Therewith Sir Kay put his spear in the rest,
+and ran straight upon him; and Beaumains came as fast upon him with his
+sword in his hand, and so he put away his spear with his sword, and
+with a foin thrust him through the side, that Sir Kay fell down as he
+had been dead; and he alighted down and took Sir Kay’s shield and his
+spear, and stert upon his own horse and rode his way.
+
+All that saw Sir Launcelot, and so did the damosel. And then he bade
+his dwarf stert upon Sir Kay’s horse, and so he did. By that Sir
+Launcelot was come, then he proffered Sir Launcelot to joust; and
+either made them ready, and they came together so fiercely that either
+bare down other to the earth, and sore were they bruised. Then Sir
+Launcelot arose and helped him from his horse. And then Beaumains threw
+his shield from him, and proffered to fight with Sir Launcelot on foot;
+and so they rushed together like boars, tracing, rasing, and foining to
+the mountenance of an hour; and Sir Launcelot felt him so big that he
+marvelled of his strength, for he fought more liker a giant than a
+knight, and that his fighting was durable and passing perilous. For Sir
+Launcelot had so much ado with him that he dreaded himself to be
+shamed, and said, Beaumains, fight not so sore, your quarrel and mine
+is not so great but we may leave off. Truly that is truth, said
+Beaumains, but it doth me good to feel your might, and yet, my lord, I
+showed not the utterance.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. How Beaumains told to Sir Launcelot his name, and how he was
+dubbed knight of Sir Launcelot, and after overtook the damosel.
+
+In God’s name, said Sir Launcelot, for I promise you, by the faith of
+my body, I had as much to do as I might to save myself from you
+unshamed, and therefore have ye no doubt of none earthly knight. Hope
+ye so that I may any while stand a proved knight? said Beaumains. Yea,
+said Launcelot, do as ye have done, and I shall be your warrant. Then,
+I pray you, said Beaumains, give me the order of knighthood. Then must
+ye tell me your name, said Launcelot, and of what kin ye be born. Sir,
+so that ye will not discover me I shall, said Beaumains. Nay, said Sir
+Launcelot, and that I promise you by the faith of my body, until it be
+openly known. Then, sir, he said, my name is Gareth, and brother unto
+Sir Gawaine of father and mother. Ah, sir, said Sir Launcelot, I am
+more gladder of you than I was; for ever me thought ye should be of
+great blood, and that ye came not to the court neither for meat nor for
+drink. And then Sir Launcelot gave him the order of knighthood, and
+then Sir Gareth prayed him for to depart and let him go.
+
+So Sir Launcelot departed from him and came to Sir Kay, and made him to
+be borne home upon his shield, and so he was healed hard with the life;
+and all men scorned Sir Kay, and in especial Sir Gawaine and Sir
+Launcelot said it was not his part to rebuke no young man, for full
+little knew he of what birth he is come, and for what cause he came to
+this court; and so we leave Sir Kay and turn we unto Beaumains.
+
+When he had overtaken the damosel, anon she said, What dost thou here?
+thou stinkest all of the kitchen, thy clothes be bawdy of the grease
+and tallow that thou gainest in King Arthur’s kitchen; weenest thou,
+said she, that I allow thee, for yonder knight that thou killest. Nay
+truly, for thou slewest him unhappily and cowardly; therefore turn
+again, bawdy kitchen page, I know thee well, for Sir Kay named thee
+Beaumains. What art thou but a lusk and a turner of broaches and a
+ladle-washer? Damosel, said Beaumains, say to me what ye will, I will
+not go from you whatsomever ye say, for I have undertaken to King
+Arthur for to achieve your adventure, and so shall I finish it to the
+end, either I shall die therefore. Fie on thee, kitchen knave, wilt
+thou finish mine adventure? thou shalt anon be met withal, that thou
+wouldest not for all the broth that ever thou suppest once look him in
+the face. I shall assay, said Beaumains.
+
+So thus as they rode in the wood, there came a man flying all that ever
+he might. Whither wilt thou? said Beaumains. O lord, he said, help me,
+for here by in a slade are six thieves that have taken my lord and
+bound him, so I am afeard lest they will slay him. Bring me thither,
+said Beaumains. And so they rode together until they came thereas was
+the knight bounden; and then he rode unto them, and struck one unto the
+death, and then another, and at the third stroke he slew the third
+thief, and then the other three fled. And he rode after them, and he
+overtook them; and then those three thieves turned again and assailed
+Beaumains hard, but at the last he slew them, and returned and unbound
+the knight. And the knight thanked him, and prayed him to ride with him
+to his castle there a little beside, and he should worshipfully reward
+him for his good deeds. Sir, said Beaumains, I will no reward have: I
+was this day made knight of noble Sir Launcelot, and therefore I will
+no reward have, but God reward me. And also I must follow this damosel.
+
+And when he came nigh her she bade him ride from her, For thou smellest
+all of the kitchen: weenest thou that I have joy of thee, for all this
+deed that thou hast done is but mishapped thee: but thou shalt see a
+sight shall make thee turn again, and that lightly. Then the same
+knight which was rescued of the thieves rode after that damosel, and
+prayed her to lodge with him all that night. And because it was near
+night the damosel rode with him to his castle, and there they had great
+cheer, and at supper the knight sat Sir Beaumains afore the damosel.
+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 damosel of high parage. Then the knight was ashamed at her words, and
+took him up, and set him at a sideboard, and set himself afore him, and
+so all that night they had good cheer and merry rest.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. How Beaumains fought and slew two knights at a passage.
+
+And on the morn the damosel and he took their leave and thanked the
+knight, and so departed, and rode on their way until they came to a
+great forest. And there was a great river and but one passage, and
+there were ready two knights on the farther side to let them the
+passage. What sayest thou, said the damosel, wilt thou match yonder
+knights or turn again? Nay, said Sir Beaumains, I will not turn again
+an they were six more. And therewithal he rushed into the water, and in
+midst of the water either brake their spears upon other to their hands,
+and then they drew their swords, and smote eagerly at other. And at the
+last Sir Beaumains smote the other upon the helm that his head stonied,
+and therewithal he fell down in the water, and there was he drowned.
+And then he spurred his horse upon the land, where the other knight
+fell upon him, and brake his spear, and so they drew their swords and
+fought long together. At the last Sir Beaumains clave his helm and his
+head down to the shoulders; and so he rode unto the damosel and bade
+her ride forth on her way.
+
+Alas, she said, that ever a kitchen page should have that fortune to
+destroy such two doughty knights: thou weenest thou hast done
+doughtily, that is not so; for the first knight his horse stumbled, and
+there he was drowned in the water, and never it was by thy force, nor
+by thy might. And the last knight by mishap thou camest behind him and
+mishappily thou slew him.
+
+Damosel, said Beaumains, ye may say what ye will, but with whomsomever
+I have ado withal, I trust to God to serve him or he depart. And
+therefore I reck not what ye say, so that I may win your lady. Fie,
+fie, foul kitchen knave, thou shalt see knights that shall abate thy
+boast. Fair damosel, give me goodly language, and then my care is past,
+for what knights somever they be, I care not, nor I doubt them not.
+Also, said she, I say it for thine avail, yet mayest thou turn again
+with thy worship; for an thou follow me, thou art but slain, for I see
+all that ever thou dost is but by misadventure, and not by prowess of
+thy hands. Well, damosel, ye may say what ye will, but wheresomever ye
+go I will follow you. So this Beaumains rode with that lady till
+evensong time, and ever she chid him, and would not rest. And they came
+to a black laund; 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.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. How Beaumains fought with the Knight of the Black Launds,
+and fought with him till he fell down and died.
+
+There sat a knight all armed in black harness, and his name was the
+Knight of the Black Laund. Then the damosel, when she saw that knight,
+she bade him flee down that valley, for his horse was not saddled.
+Gramercy, said Beaumains, for always ye would have me a coward. With
+that the Black Knight, when she came nigh him, spake and said, Damosel,
+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. Why cometh he, said the knight, in such
+array? it is shame that he beareth you company. Sir, I cannot be
+delivered of him, said she, for with me he rideth maugre mine head: God
+would that ye should put him from me, other to slay him an ye may, for
+he is an unhappy knave, and unhappily he hath done this day: through
+mishap I saw him slay two knights at the passage of the water; and
+other deeds he did before right marvellous and through unhappiness.
+That marvelleth me, said the Black Knight, that any man that is of
+worship will have ado with him. They know him not, said the damosel,
+and for because he rideth with me, they ween that he be some man of
+worship born. That may be, said the Black Knight; howbeit as ye say
+that he be no man of worship, he is a full likely person, and full like
+to be a strong man: but 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 Beaumains heard him say thus, he said, Sir knight, thou art
+full large of my horse and my harness; I let thee wit it cost thee
+nought, and whether it liketh thee or not, this laund will I pass
+maugre thine head. And horse nor harness gettest thou none of mine, but
+if thou win them with thy hands; and therefore let see what thou canst
+do. Sayest thou that? said the Black Knight, now yield thy lady from
+thee, for it beseemeth never a kitchen page to ride with such a lady.
+Thou liest, said Beaumains, 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 departed with their horses, and came together
+as it had been the thunder, and the Black Knight’s spear brake, and
+Beaumains thrust him through both his sides, and therewith his spear
+brake, and the truncheon left still in his side. But nevertheless the
+Black Knight drew his sword, and smote many eager strokes, and of great
+might, and hurt Beaumains full sore. But at the last the Black Knight,
+within an hour and an half, he fell down off his horse in swoon, and
+there he died. And when Beaumains saw him so well horsed and armed,
+then he alighted down and armed him in his armour, and so took his
+horse and rode after the damosel.
+
+When she saw him come nigh, she said, Away, kitchen knave, out of the
+wind, for the smell of thy bawdy clothes grieveth me. Alas, she said,
+that ever such a knave should by mishap slay so good a knight as thou
+hast done, but all this is thine unhappiness. But here by is one shall
+pay thee all thy payment, and therefore yet I counsel thee, flee. It
+may happen me, said Beaumains, to be beaten or slain, but I warn you,
+fair damosel, I will not flee away, a nor leave your company, for all
+that ye can say; for ever ye say that they will kill me or beat me, but
+howsomever it happeneth I escape, and they lie on the ground. And
+therefore it were as good for you to hold you still thus all day
+rebuking me, for away will I not till I see the uttermost of this
+journey, or else I will be slain, other truly beaten; therefore ride on
+your way, for follow you I will whatsomever happen.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. How the brother of the knight that was slain met with
+Beaumains, and fought with Beaumains till he was yielden.
+
+Thus as they rode together, they saw a knight come driving by them all
+in green, both his horse and his harness; and when he came nigh the
+damosel, he asked her, Is that my brother the Black Knight that ye have
+brought with you? Nay, nay, she said, this unhappy kitchen knave hath
+slain your brother through unhappiness. Alas, said the Green Knight,
+that is great pity, that so noble a knight as he was should so
+unhappily be slain, and namely of a knave’s hand, as ye say that he is.
+Ah! traitor, said the Green Knight, thou shalt die for slaying of my
+brother; he was a full noble knight, and his name was Sir Perard. I
+defy thee, said Beaumains, for I let thee wit I slew him knightly and
+not shamefully.
+
+Therewithal the Green Knight rode unto an horn that was green, and it
+hung upon a thorn, and there he blew three deadly motes, and there came
+two damosels and armed him lightly. And then he took a great horse, and
+a green shield and a green spear. And then they ran together with all
+their mights, and brake their spears unto their hands. And then they
+drew their swords, and gave many sad strokes, and either of them
+wounded other full ill. And at the last, at an overthwart, Beaumains
+with his horse struck the Green Knight’s horse upon the side, that he
+fell to the earth. And then the Green Knight avoided his horse lightly,
+and dressed him upon foot. That saw Beaumains, and therewithal he
+alighted, and they rushed together like two mighty kemps a long while,
+and sore they bled both. With that came the damosel, 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 to match such a knight, as the weed overgrew the corn.
+Therewith the Green Knight was ashamed, and therewithal he gave a great
+stroke of might, and clave his shield through. When Beaumains saw his
+shield cloven asunder he was a little ashamed of that stroke and of her
+language; and then he gave him such a buffet upon the helm that he fell
+on his knees. And so suddenly Beaumains pulled him upon the ground
+grovelling. And then the Green Knight cried him mercy, and yielded him
+unto Sir Beaumains, and prayed him to slay him not. All is in vain,
+said Beaumains, for thou shalt die but if this damosel that came with
+me pray me to save thy life. And therewithal he unlaced his helm like
+as he would slay him. Fie upon thee, false kitchen page, I will never
+pray thee to save his life, for I will never be so much in thy danger.
+Then shall he die, said Beaumains. Not so hardy, thou bawdy knave, said
+the damosel, that thou slay him. Alas, said the Green Knight, suffer me
+not to die for a fair word may save me. Fair knight, said the Green
+Knight, save my life, and I will forgive thee the death of my brother,
+and for ever to become thy man, and thirty knights that hold of me for
+ever shall do you service. In the devil’s name, said the damosel, that
+such a bawdy kitchen knave should have thee and thirty knights’
+service.
+
+Sir knight, said Beaumains, all this availeth thee not, but if my
+damosel speak with me for thy life. And therewithal he made a semblant
+to slay him. Let be, said the damosel, thou bawdy knave; slay him not,
+for an thou do thou shalt repent it. Damosel, said Beaumains, your
+charge is to me a pleasure, and at your commandment his life shall be
+saved, and else not. Then he said, Sir knight with the green arms, I
+release thee quit at this damosel’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. Then said the
+damosel, Me repenteth, Green Knight, of your damage, and of your
+brother’s death, the Black Knight, for of your help I had great mister,
+for I dread me sore to pass this forest. Nay, dread you 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.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. How the damosel again rebuked Beaumains, and would not
+suffer him to sit at her table, but called him kitchen boy.
+
+And ever she rebuked Beaumains, and would not suffer him to sit at her
+table, but as the Green Knight took him and sat him at a side table.
+Marvel methinketh, said the Green Knight to the damosel, why ye rebuke
+this noble knight as ye do, for I warn you, damosel, he is a full noble
+knight, and I know no knight is able to match him; therefore ye do
+great wrong to rebuke him, for he shall do you right good service, for
+whatsomever he maketh himself, ye shall prove at the end that he is
+come of a noble blood and of king’s lineage. Fie, fie, said the
+damosel, it is shame for you to say of him such worship. Truly, said
+the Green Knight, it were shame for me to say of him any disworship,
+for he hath proved himself a better knight than I am, yet have I met
+with many knights in my days, and never or this time have I found no
+knight his match. And so that night they yede unto rest, and all that
+night the Green Knight commanded thirty knights privily to watch
+Beaumains, for to keep him from all treason.
+
+And so on the morn they all arose, and heard their mass and brake their
+fast; and then they took their horses and rode on their way, and the
+Green Knight conveyed them through the forest; and there the Green
+Knight said, My lord Beaumains, I and these thirty knights shall be
+always at your summons, both early and late, at your calling and
+whither that ever ye will send us. It is well said, said Beaumains;
+when that I call upon you ye must yield you unto King Arthur, and all
+your knights. If that ye so command us, we shall be ready at all times,
+said the Green Knight. Fie, fie upon thee, in the devil’s name, said
+the damosel, that any good knights should be obedient unto a kitchen
+knave. So then departed the Green Knight and the damosel. And then she
+said unto Beaumains, Why followest thou me, thou kitchen boy? Cast away
+thy shield and thy spear, and flee away; yet I counsel thee betimes or
+thou shalt say right soon, alas; for wert thou as wight as ever was
+Wade or Launcelot, Tristram, or the good knight Sir Lamorak, thou shalt
+not pass a pass here that is called the Pass Perilous. Damosel, said
+Beaumains, who is afeard let him flee, for it were shame to turn again
+sithen I have ridden so long with you. Well, said the damosel, ye shall
+soon, whether ye will or not.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. How the third brother, called the Red Knight, jousted and
+fought against Beaumains, and how Beaumains overcame him.
+
+So within a while they saw a tower as white as any snow, well
+matchecold all about, and double dyked. And over the tower gate there
+hung a fifty shields of divers colours, and under that tower there was
+a fair meadow. And therein were many knights and squires to behold,
+scaffolds and pavilions; for there upon the morn should be a great
+tournament: and the lord of the tower was in his castle and looked out
+at a window, and saw a damosel, a dwarf, and a knight armed at all
+points. So God me help, said the lord, with that knight will I joust,
+for I see that he is a knight-errant. And so he armed him and horsed
+him hastily. And when he was on horseback with his shield and his
+spear, it was all red, both his horse and his harness, and all that to
+him longeth. And when that he came nigh him he weened it had been his
+brother the Black Knight; and then he cried aloud, Brother, what do ye
+in these marches? Nay, nay, said the damosel, it is not he; this is but
+a kitchen knave that was brought up for alms in King Arthur’s court.
+Nevertheless, said the Red Knight, I will speak with him or he depart.
+Ah, said the damosel, this knave hath killed thy brother, and Sir Kay
+named him Beaumains, and this horse and this harness was thy brother’s,
+the Black Knight. Also I saw thy brother the Green Knight overcome of
+his hands. Now may ye be revenged upon him, for I may never be quit of
+him.
+
+With this either knights departed in sunder, and they came together
+with all their might, and either of their horses fell to the earth, and
+they avoided their horses, and put their shields afore them and drew
+their swords, and either gave other sad strokes, now here, now there,
+rasing, tracing, foining, and hurling like two boars, the space of two
+hours. And then she cried on high to the Red Knight, Alas, thou noble
+Red Knight, think what worship hath followed thee, let never a kitchen
+knave endure thee so long as he doth. Then the Red Knight waxed wroth
+and doubled his strokes, and hurt Beaumains wonderly sore, that the
+blood ran down to the ground, that it was wonder to see that strong
+battle. Yet at the last Sir Beaumains struck him to the earth, and as
+he would have slain the Red Knight, he cried mercy, saying, Noble
+knight, slay me not, and I shall yield me to thee with fifty knights
+with me that be at my commandment. And I forgive thee all the despite
+that thou hast done to me, and the death of my brother the Black
+Knight. All this availeth not, said Beaumains, but if my damosel pray
+me to save thy life. And therewith he made semblant to strike off his
+head. Let be, thou Beaumains, slay him not, for he is a noble knight,
+and not so hardy, upon thine head, but thou save him.
+
+Then Beaumains bade the Red Knight, Stand up, and thank the damosel now
+of thy life. Then the Red Knight prayed him to see his castle, and to
+be there all night. So the damosel then granted him, and there they had
+merry cheer. But always the damosel spake many foul words unto
+Beaumains, whereof the Red Knight had great marvel; and all that night
+the Red Knight made three score knights to watch Beaumains, that he
+should have no shame nor villainy. And upon the morn they heard mass
+and dined, and the Red Knight came before Beaumains with his three
+score knights, and there he proffered him his homage and fealty at all
+times, he and his knights to do him service. I thank you, said
+Beaumains, but this ye shall grant me: when I call upon you, to come
+afore my lord King Arthur, and yield you unto him to be his knights.
+Sir, said the Red Knight, I will be ready, and my fellowship, at your
+summons. So Sir Beaumains departed and the damosel, and ever she rode
+chiding him in the foulest manner.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. How Sir Beaumains suffered great rebukes of the damosel,
+and he suffered it patiently.
+
+Damosel, said Beaumains, ye are uncourteous so to rebuke me as ye do,
+for meseemeth 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 boast
+they lie in the dust or in the mire, and therefore I pray you rebuke me
+no more; and when ye see me beaten or yielden 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 an I would depart from
+you all the while that I win worship. Well, said she, right soon there
+shall meet a knight shall pay thee all thy wages, for he is the most
+man of worship of the world, except King Arthur. I will well, said
+Beaumains, the more he is of worship, the more shall be my worship to
+have ado with him.
+
+Then anon they were ware where was afore them a city rich and fair. And
+betwixt them and the city a mile and an half there was a fair meadow
+that seemed new mown, and therein were many pavilions fair to behold.
+Lo, said the damosel, yonder is a lord that owneth yonder city, and his
+custom is, when the weather is fair, to lie in this meadow to joust and
+tourney. And ever there be about him five hundred knights and gentlemen
+of arms, and there be all manner of games that any gentleman can
+devise. That goodly lord, said Beaumains, would I fain see. Thou shalt
+see him time enough, said the damosel, and so as she rode near she
+espied the pavilion where he was. Lo, said she, seest thou yonder
+pavilion that is all of the colour of Inde, and all manner of thing
+that there is about, men and women, and horses trapped, shields and
+spears were all of the colour of Inde, and his name is Sir Persant of
+Inde, the most lordliest knight that ever thou lookedst on. It may well
+be, said Beaumains, but be he never so stout a knight, in this field I
+shall abide till that I see him under his shield. Ah, fool, said she,
+thou wert better flee betimes. Why, said Beaumains, an he be such a
+knight as ye make him, he will not set upon me with all his men, or
+with his five hundred knights. For an there come no more but one at
+once, I shall him not fail whilst my life lasteth. Fie, fie, said the
+damosel, that ever such a stinking knave should blow such a boast.
+Damosel, he said, ye are to blame so to rebuke me, for I had liefer do
+five battles than so to be rebuked, let him come and then let him do
+his worst.
+
+Sir, she said, I marvel what thou art and of what kin thou art come;
+boldly thou speakest, and boldly thou hast done, that have I seen;
+therefore I pray thee save thyself an thou mayest, for thy horse and
+thou have had great travail, and I dread we dwell over long from the
+siege, for it is but hence seven mile, and all perilous passages we are
+passed save all only this passage; and here I dread me sore lest ye
+shall catch some hurt, therefore I would ye were hence, that ye were
+not bruised nor hurt with this strong knight. But I let you wit that
+Sir Persant of Inde is nothing of might nor strength unto the knight
+that laid the siege about my lady. As for that, said Sir Beaumains, be
+it as it be may. For sithen I am come so nigh this knight I will prove
+his might or I depart from him, and else I shall be shamed an I now
+withdraw me from him. And therefore, damosel, have ye no doubt by the
+grace of God I shall so deal with this knight that within two hours
+after noon I shall deliver him. And then shall we come to the siege by
+daylight. O Jesu, marvel have I, said the damosel, what manner a man ye
+be, for it may never be otherwise but that ye be come of a noble blood,
+for so foul nor 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 a gentle blood.
+
+Damosel, said Beaumains, a knight may little do that may not suffer a
+damosel, for whatsomever ye said unto me I took none 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, but all that I did it for to
+prove and assay my friends, and that shall be known another day; and
+whether that I be a gentleman born or none, I let you wit, fair
+damosel, I have done you gentleman’s service, and peradventure better
+service yet will I do or I depart from you. Alas, she said, fair
+Beaumains, forgive me all that I have missaid or done against thee.
+With all my heart, said he, I forgive it you, for ye did nothing but as
+ye should do, for all your evil words pleased me; and damosel, said
+Beaumains, since it liketh you to say thus fair unto me, wit ye well it
+gladdeth my heart greatly, and now meseemeth there is no knight living
+but I am able enough for him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. How Beaumains fought with Sir Persant of Inde, and made
+him to be yielden.
+
+With this Sir Persant of Inde had espied them as they hoved in the
+field, and knightly he sent to them whether he came in war or in peace.
+Say to thy lord, said Beaumains, I take no force, but whether as him
+list himself. So the messenger went again unto Sir Persant and told him
+all his answer. Well then will I have ado with him to the utterance,
+and so he purveyed him and rode against him. And Beaumains saw him and
+made him ready, and there they met with all that ever their horses
+might run, and brast their spears either in three pieces, and their
+horses rushed so together that both their horses fell dead to the
+earth; and lightly they avoided their horses and put their shields
+afore them, and drew their swords, and gave many great strokes that
+sometime they hurtled together that they fell grovelling on the ground.
+Thus they fought two hours and more, that their shields and their
+hauberks were all forhewen, and in many steads they were wounded. So at
+the last Sir Beaumains smote him through the cost of the body, and then
+he retrayed him here and there, and knightly maintained his battle long
+time. And at the last, though him loath were, Beaumains smote Sir
+Persant above upon the helm, that he fell grovelling to the earth; and
+then he leapt upon him overthwart and unlaced his helm to have slain
+him.
+
+Then Sir Persant yielded him and asked him mercy. With that came the
+damosel and prayed to save his life. I will well, for it were pity this
+noble knight should die. Gramercy, said Persant, gentle knight and
+damosel. For certainly now I wot well it was ye that slew my brother
+the Black Knight at the black thorn; he was a full noble knight, his
+name was Sir Percard. Also I am sure that ye are he that won mine other
+brother the Green Knight, his name was Sir Pertolepe. Also ye won my
+brother the Red Knight, Sir Perimones. And now since ye have won these,
+this shall I do for to please you: ye shall have homage and fealty of
+me, and an hundred knights to be always at your commandment, to go and
+ride where ye will command us. And so they went unto Sir Persant’s
+pavilion and drank the wine, and ate spices, and afterward Sir Persant
+made him to rest upon a bed until supper time, and after supper to bed
+again. When Beaumains was abed, Sir Persant had a lady, a fair daughter
+of eighteen year of age, and there he called her unto him, and charged
+her and commanded her upon his blessing to go unto the knight’s bed,
+and lie down by his side, and make him no strange cheer, but good
+cheer, and take him in thine arms and kiss him, and look that this be
+done, I charge you, as ye will have my love and my good will. So Sir
+Persant’s daughter did as her father bade her, and so she went unto Sir
+Beaumains’ bed, and privily she dispoiled her, and laid her down by
+him, and then he awoke and saw her, and asked her what she was. Sir,
+she said, I am Sir Persant’s daughter, that by the commandment of my
+father am come hither. Be ye a maid or a wife? said he. Sir, she said,
+I am a clean maiden. God defend, said he, that I should defoil you to
+do Sir Persant such a shame; therefore, fair damosel, arise out of this
+bed or else I will. Sir, she said, I came not to you by mine own will,
+but as I was commanded. Alas, said Sir Beaumains, I were a shameful
+knight an I would do your father any disworship; and so he kissed her,
+and so she departed and came unto Sir Persant her father, and told him
+all how she had sped. Truly, said Sir Persant, whatsomever he be, he is
+come of a noble blood. And so we leave them there till on the morn.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII. Of the goodly communication between Sir Persant and
+Beaumains, and how he told him that his name was Sir Gareth.
+
+And so on the morn the damosel and Sir Beaumains heard mass and brake
+their fast, and so took their leave. Fair damosel, said Persant,
+whitherward are ye way-leading this knight? Sir, she said, this knight
+is going to the siege that besiegeth my sister in the Castle Dangerous.
+Ah, ah, said Persant, that is the Knight of the Red Laund, the which is
+the most perilous knight that I know now living, and a man that is
+without mercy, and men say that he hath seven men’s strength. God save
+you, said he to Beaumains, from that knight, for he doth great wrong to
+that lady, and that is great pity, for she is one of the fairest ladies
+of the world, and meseemeth that your damosel is her sister: is not
+your name Linet? said he. Yea, sir, said she, and my lady my sister’s
+name is Dame Lionesse. Now shall I tell you, said Sir Persant, this Red
+Knight of the Red Laund hath lain long at the siege, well-nigh this two
+years, and many times he might have had her an he had would, but he
+prolongeth the time to this intent, for to have Sir Launcelot du Lake
+to do battle with him, or Sir Tristram, or Sir Lamorak de Galis, or Sir
+Gawaine, and this is his tarrying so long at the siege.
+
+Now my lord Sir Persant of Inde, said the damosel Linet, I require you
+that ye will make this gentleman knight or ever he fight with the Red
+Knight. I will with all my heart, said Sir Persant, an it please him to
+take the order of knighthood of so simple a man as I am. Sir, said
+Beaumains, I thank you for your good will, for I am better sped, for
+certainly the noble knight Sir Launcelot made me knight. Ah, said Sir
+Persant, of a more renowned knight might ye not be made knight; for of
+all knights he may be called chief of knighthood; and so all the world
+saith, that betwixt three knights is departed clearly knighthood, that
+is Launcelot du Lake, Sir Tristram de Liones, and Sir Lamorak de Galis:
+these bear now the renown. There be many other knights, as Sir
+Palamides the Saracen and Sir Safere his brother; also Sir Bleoberis
+and Sir Blamore de Ganis his brother; also Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir
+Ector de Maris and Sir Percivale de Galis; these and many more be noble
+knights, but there be none that pass the three above said; therefore
+God speed you well, said Sir Persant, for an ye may match the Red
+Knight ye shall be called the fourth of the world.
+
+Sir, said Beaumains, I would fain be of good fame and of knighthood.
+And I let you wit I came of good men, for I dare say my father was a
+noble man, and so that ye will keep it in close, and this damosel, I
+will tell you of what kin I am. We will not discover you, said they
+both, till ye command us, by the faith we owe unto God. Truly then,
+said he, my name is Gareth of Orkney, and King Lot was my father, and
+my mother is King Arthur’s sister, her name is Dame Morgawse, and Sir
+Gawaine is my brother, and Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, and I am the
+youngest of them all. And yet wot not King Arthur nor Sir Gawaine what
+I am.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV. How the lady that was besieged had word from her sister
+how she had brought a knight to fight for her, and what battles he had
+achieved.
+
+So the book saith that the lady that was besieged had word of her
+sister’s coming by the dwarf, and a knight with her, and how he had
+passed all the perilous passages. What manner a man is he? said the
+lady. He is a noble knight, truly, madam, said the dwarf, and but a
+young man, but he is as likely a man as ever ye saw any. What is he?
+said the damosel, and of what kin is he come, and of whom was he made
+knight? Madam, said the dwarf, he is the king’s son of Orkney, but his
+name I will not tell you as at this time; but wit ye well, of Sir
+Launcelot was he made knight, for of none other would he be made
+knight, and Sir Kay named him Beaumains. How escaped he, said the lady,
+from the brethren of Persant? Madam, he said, as a noble knight should.
+First, he slew two brethren at a passage of a water. Ah! said she, they
+were good knights, but they were murderers, the one hight Gherard le
+Breuse, and the other knight hight Sir Arnold le Breuse. Then, madam,
+he recountered with the Black Knight, and slew him in plain battle, and
+so he took his horse and his armour and fought with the Green Knight
+and won him in plain battle, and in like wise he served the Red Knight,
+and after in the same wise he served the Blue Knight and won him in
+plain battle. Then, said the lady, he hath overcome Sir Persant of
+Inde, one of the noblest knights of the world, and the dwarf said, He
+hath won all the four brethren and slain the Black Knight, and yet he
+did more to-fore: he overthrew Sir Kay and left him nigh dead upon the
+ground; also he did a great battle with Sir Launcelot, and there they
+departed on even hands: and then Sir Launcelot made him knight.
+
+Dwarf, said the lady, I am glad of these tidings, therefore go thou in
+an hermitage of mine hereby, and there shalt thou bear with thee of my
+wine in two flagons of silver, they are of two gallons, and also two
+cast of bread with fat venison baked, and dainty fowls; and a cup of
+gold here I deliver thee, that is rich and precious; and bear all this
+to mine hermitage, and put it in the hermit’s hands. And sithen go thou
+unto my sister and greet her well, and commend me unto that gentle
+knight, and pray him to eat and to drink and make him strong, and say
+ye him I thank him of his courtesy and goodness, that he would take
+upon him such labour for me that never did him bounty nor courtesy.
+Also pray him that he be of good heart and courage, for he shall meet
+with a full noble knight, but he is neither of bounty, courtesy, nor
+gentleness; for he attendeth unto nothing but to murder, and that is
+the cause I cannot praise him nor love him.
+
+So this dwarf departed, and came to Sir Persant, where he found the
+damosel Linet and Sir Beaumains, and there he told them all as ye have
+heard; and then they took their leave, but Sir Persant took an ambling
+hackney and conveyed them on their ways, and then beleft them to God;
+and so within a little while they came to that hermitage, and there
+they drank the wine, and ate the venison and the fowls baken. And so
+when they had repasted them well, the dwarf returned again with his
+vessel unto the castle again; and there met with him the Red Knight of
+the Red Launds, and asked him from whence that he came, and where he
+had been. Sir, said the dwarf, I have been with my lady’s sister of
+this castle, and she hath been at King Arthur’s court, and brought a
+knight with her. Then I account her travail but lost; for though she
+had brought with her Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram, Sir Lamorak, or Sir
+Gawaine, I would think myself good enough for them all.
+
+It may well be, said the dwarf, but this knight hath passed all the
+perilous passages, and slain the Black Knight and other two more, and
+won the Green Knight, the Red Knight, and the Blue Knight. Then is he
+one of these four that I have afore rehearsed. He is none of those,
+said the dwarf, but he is a king’s son. What is his name? said the Red
+Knight of the Red Launds. That will I not tell you, said the dwarf, but
+Sir Kay upon scorn named him Beaumains. I care not, said the knight,
+what knight so ever he be, for I shall soon deliver him. And if I ever
+match him he shall have a shameful death as many other have had. That
+were pity, said the dwarf, and it is marvel that ye make such shameful
+war upon noble knights.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV. How the damosel and Beaumains came to the siege; and came
+to a sycamore tree, and there Beaumains blew a horn, and then the
+Knight of the Red Launds came to fight with him.
+
+Now leave we the knight and the dwarf, and speak we of Beaumains, that
+all night lay in the hermitage; and upon the morn he and the damosel
+Linet heard their mass and brake their fast. And then they took their
+horses and rode throughout a fair forest; and then they came to a
+plain, and saw where were many pavilions and tents, and a fair castle,
+and there was much smoke and great noise; and when they came near the
+siege Sir Beaumains espied upon great trees, as he rode, how there hung
+full goodly armed knights by the neck, and their shields about their
+necks with their swords, and gilt spurs upon their heels, and so there
+hung nigh a forty knights shamefully with full rich arms.
+
+Then Sir Beaumains abated his countenance and said, What meaneth this?
+Fair sir, said the damosel, abate not your cheer for all this sight,
+for ye must courage yourself, or else ye be all shent, for all these
+knights came hither to this siege to rescue my sister Dame Lionesse,
+and when the Red Knight of the Red Launds had overcome them, he put
+them to this shameful death without mercy and pity. And in the same
+wise he will serve you but if you quit you the better.
+
+Now Jesu defend me, said Beaumains, from such a villainous death and
+shenship of arms. For rather than I should so be faren withal, I would
+rather be slain manly in plain battle. So were ye better, said the
+damosel; for trust not, in him is no courtesy, but all goeth to the
+death or shameful murder, and that is pity, for he is a full likely
+man, well made of body, and a full noble knight of prowess, and a lord
+of great lands and possessions. Truly, said Beaumains, he may well be a
+good knight, but he useth shameful customs, and it is marvel that he
+endureth so long that none of the noble knights of my lord Arthur’s
+have not dealt with him.
+
+And then they rode to the dykes, and saw them double dyked with full
+warlike walls; and there were lodged many great lords nigh the walls;
+and there was great noise of minstrelsy; and the sea beat upon the one
+side of the walls, where were many ships and mariners’ noise with “hale
+and how.” And also there was fast by a sycamore tree, and there hung an
+horn, the greatest that ever they saw, of an elephant’s bone; and this
+Knight of the Red Launds had hanged it up there, that if there came any
+errant-knight, he must blow that horn, and then will he make him ready
+and come to him to do battle. But, sir, I pray you, said the damosel
+Linet, blow ye not the horn till it be high noon, for now it is about
+prime, and now increaseth his might, that as men say he hath seven
+men’s strength. Ah, fie for shame, fair damosel, say ye never so more
+to me; for, an he were as good a knight as ever was, I shall never fail
+him in his most might, for either I will win worship worshipfully, or
+die knightly in the field. And therewith he spurred his horse straight
+to the sycamore tree, and blew so the horn eagerly that all the siege
+and the castle rang thereof. And then there leapt out knights out of
+their tents and pavilions, and they within the castle looked over the
+walls and out at windows.
+
+Then the Red Knight of the Red Launds armed him hastily, and two barons
+set on 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 spear and 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.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI. How the two knights met together, and of their talking,
+and how they began their battle.
+
+Sir, said the damosel Linet unto Sir Beaumains, look ye be glad and
+light, for yonder is your deadly enemy, and at yonder window is my
+lady, my sister, Dame Lionesse. Where? said Beaumains. Yonder, said the
+damosel, and pointed with her finger. That is truth, said Beaumains.
+She beseemeth afar the fairest lady that ever I looked upon; and truly,
+he said, I ask no better quarrel than now for to do battle, for truly
+she shall be my lady, and for her I will fight. And ever he looked up
+to the window with glad countenance, and the Lady Lionesse made curtsey
+to him down to the earth, with holding up both their hands.
+
+With that the Red Knight of the Red Launds called to Sir Beaumains,
+Leave, sir knight, thy looking, and behold me, I counsel thee; for I
+warn thee well she is my lady, and for her I have done many strong
+battles. If thou have so done, said Beaumains, meseemeth it was but
+waste labour, for she loveth none of thy fellowship, and thou to love
+that loveth not thee is but great folly. For an I understood that she
+were not glad of my coming, I would be advised or I did battle for her.
+But I understand by the besieging of this castle she may forbear thy
+fellowship. And therefore wit thou well, thou Red Knight of the Red
+Launds, I love her, and will rescue her, or else to die. Sayst thou
+that? said the Red Knight, meseemeth thou ought of reason to be ware by
+yonder knights that thou sawest hang upon yonder trees. Fie for shame,
+said Beaumains, that ever thou shouldest say or do so evil, for in that
+thou shamest thyself and knighthood, and thou mayst be sure there will
+no lady love thee that knoweth thy wicked customs. And now thou weenest
+that the sight of these hanged knights should fear me. Nay truly, not
+so; that shameful sight causeth me to have courage and hardiness
+against thee, more than I would have had against thee an thou wert a
+well-ruled knight. Make thee ready, said the Red Knight of the Red
+Launds, and talk no longer with me.
+
+Then Sir Beaumains bade the damosel go from him; and then they put
+their spears in their rests, and came together with all their might
+that they had both, and either smote other in midst of their shields
+that the paitrelles, surcingles, and cruppers brast, and fell to the
+earth both, and the reins of their bridles in their hands; and so they
+lay a great while sore astonied, that all that were in the castle and
+in the siege weened their necks had been broken; and then many a
+stranger and other said the strange knight was a big man, and a noble
+jouster, for or now we saw never no knight match the Red Knight of the
+Red Launds: thus they said, both within the castle and without. Then
+lightly they avoided their horses and put their shields afore them, and
+drew their swords and ran together like two fierce lions, and either
+gave other such buffets upon their helms that they reeled backward both
+two strides; and then they recovered both, and hewed great pieces off
+their harness and their shields that a great part fell into the fields.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII. How after long fighting Beaumains overcame the knight and
+would have slain him, but at the request of the lords he saved his
+life, and made him to yield him to the lady.
+
+And then thus they fought till it was past noon, and never would stint,
+till at the last they lacked wind both; and then they stood wagging and
+scattering, panting, blowing and bleeding, that all that beheld them
+for the most part wept for pity. So when they had rested them a while
+they yede to battle again, tracing, racing, foining as two boars. And
+at some time they took their run as it had been two rams, and hurtled
+together that sometime they fell grovelling to the earth: and at some
+time they were so amazed that either took other’s sword instead of his
+own.
+
+Thus they endured till evensong time, that there was none that beheld
+them might know whether was like to win the battle; and their armour
+was so forhewn that men might see their naked sides; and in other
+places they were naked, but ever the naked places they did defend. And
+the Red Knight was a wily knight of war, and his wily fighting taught
+Sir Beaumains to be wise; but he abought it full sore or he did espy
+his fighting.
+
+And thus by assent of them both they granted either other to rest; and
+so they set them down upon two mole-hills there beside the fighting
+place, and either of them unlaced his helm, and took the cold wind; for
+either of their pages was fast by them, to come when they called to
+unlace their harness and to set them on again at their commandment. And
+then when Sir Beaumains’ helm was off, he looked up to the window, and
+there he saw the fair lady Dame Lionesse, and she made him such
+countenance that his heart waxed light and jolly; and therewith he bade
+the Red Knight of the Red Launds make him ready, and let us do the
+battle to the utterance. I will well, said the knight, and then they
+laced up their helms, and their pages avoided, and they stepped
+together and fought freshly; but the Red Knight of the Red Launds
+awaited him, and at an overthwart smote him within the hand, that his
+sword fell out of his hand; and yet he gave him another buffet upon the
+helm that he fell grovelling to the earth, and the Red Knight fell over
+him, for to hold him down.
+
+Then cried the maiden Linet on high: O Sir Beaumains, where is thy
+courage become? Alas, my lady my sister beholdeth thee, and she sobbeth
+and weepeth, that maketh mine heart heavy. When Sir Beaumains heard her
+say so, he abraid up with a great might and gat him upon his feet, and
+lightly he leapt to his sword and gripped it in his hand, and doubled
+his pace unto the Red Knight, and there they fought a new battle
+together. But Sir Beaumains then doubled his strokes, and smote so
+thick that he smote the sword out of his hand, and then he smote him
+upon the helm that he fell to the earth, and Sir Beaumains fell upon
+him, and unlaced his helm to have slain him; and then he yielded him
+and asked mercy, and said with a loud voice: O noble knight, I yield me
+to thy mercy.
+
+Then Sir Beaumains bethought him upon the knights that he had made to
+be hanged shamefully, and then he said: I may not with my worship save
+thy life, for the shameful deaths that thou hast caused many full good
+knights to die. Sir, said the Red Knight of the Red Launds, hold your
+hand and ye shall know the causes why I put them to so shameful a
+death. Say on, said Sir Beaumains. Sir, I loved once a lady, a fair
+damosel, and she had her brother slain; and she said it was Sir
+Launcelot du Lake, or else Sir Gawaine; and she prayed me as that I
+loved her heartily, that I would make her a promise by the faith of my
+knighthood, for to labour daily in arms unto I met with one of them;
+and all that I might overcome I should put them unto a villainous
+death; and this is the cause that I have put all these knights to
+death, and so I ensured her to do all the villainy unto King Arthur’s
+knights, and that I should take vengeance upon all these knights. And,
+sir, now I will thee tell that every day my strength increaseth till
+noon, and all this time have I seven men’s strength.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII. How the knight yielded him, and how Beaumains made him
+to go unto King Arthur’s court, and to cry Sir Launcelot mercy.
+
+Then came there many earls, and barons, and noble knights, and prayed
+that knight to save his life, and take him to your prisoner. And all
+they fell upon their knees, and prayed him of mercy, and that he would
+save his life; and, Sir, they all said, it were fairer of him to take
+homage and fealty, and let him hold his lands of you than for to slay
+him; by his death ye shall have none advantage, and his misdeeds that
+be done may not be undone; and therefore he shall make amends to all
+parties, and we all will become your men and do you homage and fealty.
+Fair lords, said Beaumains, wit you well I am full loath to slay this
+knight, nevertheless he hath done passing ill and shamefully; but
+insomuch all that he did was at a lady’s request I blame him the less;
+and so for your sake I will release him that he shall have his life
+upon this covenant, that he go within the castle, and yield him there
+to the lady, and if she will forgive and quit him, I will well; with
+this he make her amends of all the trespass he hath done against her
+and her lands. And also, when that is done, that ye go unto the court
+of King Arthur, and there that ye ask Sir Launcelot mercy, and Sir
+Gawaine, for the evil will ye have had against them. Sir, said the Red
+Knight of the Red Launds, all this will I do as ye command, and siker
+assurance and borrows ye shall have. And so then when the assurance was
+made, he made his homage and fealty, and all those earls and barons
+with him.
+
+And then the maiden Linet came to Sir Beaumains, and unarmed him and
+searched his wounds, and stinted his blood, and in likewise she did to
+the Red Knight of the Red Launds. And there they sojourned ten days in
+their tents; and the Red Knight made his lords and servants to do all
+the pleasure that they might unto Sir Beaumains. And so within a while
+the Red Knight of the Red Launds yede unto the castle, and put him in
+her grace. And so she received him upon sufficient surety, so all her
+hurts were well restored of all that she could complain. And then he
+departed unto the court of King Arthur, and there openly the Red Knight
+of the Red Launds put him in the mercy of Sir Launcelot and Sir
+Gawaine, and there he told openly how he was overcome and by whom, and
+also he told all the battles from the beginning unto the ending. Jesu
+mercy, said King Arthur and Sir Gawaine, we marvel much of what blood
+he is come, for he is a noble knight. Have ye no marvel, said Sir
+Launcelot, for ye shall right well wit that he is come of a full noble
+blood; and as for his might and hardiness, there be but few now living
+that is so mighty as he is, and so noble of prowess. It seemeth by you,
+said King Arthur, that ye know his name, and from whence he is come,
+and of what blood he is. I suppose I do so, said Launcelot, or else I
+would not have given him the order of knighthood; but he gave me such
+charge at that time that I should never discover him until he required
+me, or else it be known openly by some other.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX. How Beaumains came to the lady, and when he came to the
+castle the gates were closed against him, and of the words that the
+lady said to him.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Beaumains that desired of Linet that he might see
+her sister, his lady. Sir, she said, I would fain ye saw her. Then Sir
+Beaumains all armed him, and took his horse and his spear, and rode
+straight unto the castle. And when he came to the gate he found there
+many men armed, and pulled up the drawbridge and drew the port close.
+
+Then marvelled he why they would not suffer him to enter. And then he
+looked up to the window; and there he saw the fair Lionesse that said
+on high: Go thy way, Sir Beaumains, for as yet thou shalt not have
+wholly my love, unto the time that thou be called one of the number of
+the worthy knights. And therefore go labour in worship this
+twelvemonth, and then thou shalt hear new tidings. Alas, fair lady,
+said Beaumains, I have not deserved that ye should show me this
+strangeness, and I had weened that I should have right good cheer with
+you, and unto my power I have deserved thank, and well I am sure I have
+bought your love with part of the best blood within my body. Fair
+courteous knight, said Dame Lionesse, be not displeased nor over-hasty;
+for wit you well your great travail nor good love shall not be lost,
+for I consider your great travail and labour, your bounty and your
+goodness as me ought to do. And therefore go on your way, and look that
+ye be of good comfort, for all shall be for your worship and for the
+best, and perdy a twelvemonth will soon be done, and trust me, fair
+knight, I shall be true to you, and never to betray you, but to my
+death I shall love you and none other. And therewithal she turned her
+from the window, and Sir Beaumains rode awayward from the castle,
+making great dole, and so he rode here and there and wist not where he
+rode, till it was dark night. And then it happened him to come to a
+poor man’s house, and there he was harboured all that night.
+
+But Sir Beaumains had no rest, but wallowed and writhed for the love of
+the lady of the castle. And so upon the morrow he took his horse and
+rode until underne, and then he came to a broad water, and thereby was
+a great lodge, and there he alighted to sleep and laid his head upon
+the shield, and betook his horse to the dwarf, and commanded him to
+watch all night.
+
+Now turn we to the lady of the same castle, that thought much upon
+Beaumains, and then she called unto her Sir Gringamore her brother, and
+prayed him in all manner, as he loved her heartily, that he would ride
+after Sir Beaumains: And ever have ye wait upon him till ye may find
+him sleeping, for I am sure in his heaviness he will alight down in
+some place, and lie him down to sleep; and therefore have ye your wait
+upon him, and in the priviest manner ye can, take his dwarf, and go ye
+your way with him as fast as ever ye may or Sir Beaumains awake. For my
+sister Linet telleth me that he can tell of what kindred he is come,
+and what is his right name. And the meanwhile I and my sister will ride
+unto your castle to await when ye bring with you the dwarf. And then
+when ye have brought him unto your castle, I will have him in
+examination myself. Unto the time that I know what is his right name,
+and of what kindred he is come, shall I never be merry at my heart.
+Sister, said Sir Gringamore, all this shall be done after your intent.
+
+And so he rode all the other day and the night till that he found Sir
+Beaumains lying by a water, and his head upon his shield, for to sleep.
+And then when he saw Sir Beaumains fast asleep, he came stilly stalking
+behind the dwarf, and plucked him fast under his arm, and so he rode
+away with him as fast as ever he might unto his own castle. And this
+Sir Gringamore’s arms were all black, and that to him longeth. But ever
+as he rode with the dwarf toward his castle, he cried unto his lord and
+prayed him of help. And therewith awoke Sir Beaumains, and up he leapt
+lightly, and saw where Sir Gringamore rode his way with the dwarf, and
+so Sir Gringamore rode out of his sight.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX. How Sir Beaumains rode after to rescue his dwarf, and came
+into the castle where he was.
+
+Then Sir Beaumains put on his helm anon, and buckled his shield, and
+took his horse, and rode after him all that ever he might ride through
+marshes, and fields, and great dales, that many times his horse and he
+plunged over the head in deep mires, for he knew not the way, but took
+the gainest way in that woodness, that many times he was like to
+perish. And at the last him happened to come to a fair green way, and
+there he met with a poor man of the country, whom he saluted and asked
+him whether he met not with a knight upon a black horse and all black
+harness, a little dwarf sitting behind him with heavy cheer. Sir, said
+the poor man, here by me came Sir Gringamore the knight, with such a
+dwarf mourning as ye say; and therefore I rede you not follow him, for
+he is one of the periloust knights of the world, and his castle is here
+nigh hand but two mile; therefore we advise you ride not after Sir
+Gringamore, but if ye owe him good will.
+
+So leave we Sir Beaumains riding toward the castle, and speak we of Sir
+Gringamore and the dwarf. Anon as the dwarf was come to the castle,
+Dame Lionesse and Dame Linet her sister, asked the dwarf where was his
+master born, and of what lineage he was come. And but if thou tell me,
+said Dame Lionesse, thou shalt never escape this castle, but ever here
+to be prisoner. As for that, said the dwarf, I fear not greatly to tell
+his name and of what kin he is come. Wit you well he is a king’s son,
+and his mother is sister to King Arthur, and he is brother to the good
+knight Sir Gawaine, and his name is Sir Gareth of Orkney. And now I
+have told you his right name, I pray you, fair lady, let me go to my
+lord again, for he will never out of this country until that he have me
+again. And if he be angry he will do much harm or that he be stint, and
+work you wrack in this country. As for that threatening, said Sir
+Gringamore, be it as it be may, we will go to dinner. And so they
+washed and went to meat, and made them merry and well at ease, and
+because the Lady Lionesse of the castle was there, they made great joy.
+Truly, madam, said Linet unto her sister, well may he be a king’s son,
+for he hath many good tatches on him, for he is courteous and mild, and
+the most suffering man that ever I met withal. For I dare say there was
+never gentlewoman reviled man in so foul a manner as I have rebuked
+him; and at all times he gave me goodly and meek answers again.
+
+And as they sat thus talking, there came Sir Gareth in at the gate with
+an angry countenance, and his sword drawn in his hand, and cried aloud
+that all the castle might hear it, saying: Thou traitor, Sir
+Gringamore, deliver me my dwarf again, or by the faith that I owe to
+the order of knighthood, I shall do thee all the harm that I can. Then
+Sir Gringamore looked out at a window and said, Sir Gareth of Orkney,
+leave thy boasting words, for thou gettest not thy dwarf again. Thou
+coward knight, said Sir Gareth, bring him with thee, and come and do
+battle with me, and win him and take him. So will I do, said Sir
+Gringamore, an me list, but for all thy great words thou gettest him
+not. Ah! fair brother, said Dame Lionesse, I would he had his dwarf
+again, for I would he were not wroth, for now he hath told me all my
+desire I keep no more of the dwarf. And also, brother, he hath done
+much for me, and delivered me from the Red Knight of the Red Launds,
+and therefore, brother, I owe him my service afore all knights living.
+And wit ye well that I love him before all other, and full fain I would
+speak with him. But in nowise I would that he wist what I were, but
+that I were another strange lady.
+
+Well, said Sir Gringamore, sithen I know now your will, I will obey now
+unto him. And right therewithal he went down unto Sir Gareth, and said:
+Sir, I cry you mercy, and all that I have misdone I will amend it at
+your will. And therefore I pray you that ye would alight, and take such
+cheer as I can make you in this castle. Shall I have my dwarf? said Sir
+Gareth. Yea, sir, and all the pleasaunce that I can make you, for as
+soon as your dwarf told me what ye were and of what blood ye are come,
+and what noble deeds ye have done in these marches, then I repented of
+my deeds. And then Sir Gareth alighted, and there came his dwarf and
+took his horse. O my fellow, said Sir Gareth, I have had many
+adventures for thy sake. And so Sir Gringamore took him by the hand and
+led him into the hall where his own wife was.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Gareth, otherwise called Beaumains, came to the
+presence of his lady, and how they took acquaintance, and of their
+love.
+
+And then came forth Dame Lionesse arrayed like a princess, and there
+she made him passing good cheer, and he her again; and they had goodly
+language and lovely countenance together. And Sir Gareth thought many
+times, Jesu, would that the lady of the Castle Perilous were so fair as
+she was. There were all manner of games and plays, of dancing and
+singing. And ever the more Sir Gareth beheld that lady, the more he
+loved her; and so he burned in love that he was past himself in his
+reason; and forth toward night they yede unto supper, and Sir Gareth
+might not eat, for his love was so hot that he wist not where he was.
+
+All these looks espied Sir Gringamore, and then at-after supper he
+called his sister Dame Lionesse into a chamber, and said: Fair sister,
+I have well espied your countenance betwixt you and this knight, and I
+will, sister, that ye wit he is a full noble knight, and if ye can make
+him to abide here I will do him all the pleasure that I can, for an ye
+were better than ye are, ye were well bywaryd upon him. Fair brother,
+said Dame Lionesse, I understand well that the knight is good, and come
+he is of a noble house. Notwithstanding, I will assay him better,
+howbeit I am most beholden to him of any earthly man; for he hath had
+great labour for my love, and passed many a dangerous passage.
+
+Right so Sir Gringamore went unto Sir Gareth, and said, Sir, make ye
+good cheer, for ye shall have none other cause, for this lady, my
+sister, is yours at all times, her worship saved, for wit ye well she
+loveth you as well as ye do her, and better if better may be. An I wist
+that, said Sir Gareth, there lived not a gladder man than I would be.
+Upon my worship, said Sir Gringamore, trust unto my promise; and as
+long as it liketh you ye shall sojourn with me, and this lady shall be
+with us daily and nightly to make you all the cheer that she can. I
+will well, said Sir Gareth, for I have promised to be nigh this country
+this twelvemonth. And well I am sure King Arthur and other noble
+knights will find me where that I am within this twelvemonth. For I
+shall be sought and found, if that I be alive. And then the noble
+knight Sir Gareth went unto the Dame Lionesse, which he then much
+loved, and kissed her many times, and either made great joy of other.
+And there she promised him her love certainly, to love him and none
+other the days of her life. Then this lady, Dame Lionesse, by the
+assent of her brother, told Sir Gareth all the truth what she was, and
+how she was the same lady that he did battle for, and how she was lady
+of the Castle Perilous, and there she told him how she caused her
+brother to take away his dwarf.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII. How at night came an armed knight, and fought with Sir
+Gareth, and he, sore hurt in the thigh, smote off the knight’s head.
+
+For this cause, to know the certainty what was your name, and of what
+kin ye were come.
+
+And then she let fetch to-fore him Linet, the damosel that had ridden
+with him many wildsome ways. Then was Sir Gareth more gladder than he
+was to-fore. And then they troth-plight each other to love, and never
+to fail whiles their life lasteth. And so they burnt both in love, that
+they were accorded to abate their lusts secretly. And there Dame
+Lionesse counselled Sir Gareth to sleep in none other place but in the
+hall. And there she promised him to come to his bed a little afore
+midnight.
+
+This counsel was not so privily kept but it was understood; for they
+were but young both, and tender of age, and had not used none such
+crafts to-fore. Wherefore the damosel Linet was a little displeased,
+and she thought her sister Dame Lionesse was a little over-hasty, that
+she might not abide the time of her marriage; and for saving their
+worship, she thought to abate their hot lusts. And so she let ordain by
+her subtle crafts that they had not their intents neither with other,
+as in their delights, until they were married. And so it passed on.
+At-after supper was made clean avoidance, that every lord and lady
+should go unto his rest. But Sir Gareth said plainly he would go no
+farther than the hall, for in such places, he said, was convenient for
+an errant-knight to take his rest in; and so there were ordained great
+couches, and thereon feather beds, and there laid him down to sleep;
+and within a while came Dame Lionesse, wrapped in a mantle furred with
+ermine, and laid her down beside Sir Gareth. And therewithal he began
+to kiss her. And then he looked afore him, and there he apperceived and
+saw come an armed knight, with many lights about him; and this knight
+had a long gisarm in his hand, and made grim countenance to smite him.
+When Sir Gareth saw him come in that wise, he leapt out of his bed, and
+gat in his hand his sword, and leapt straight toward that knight. And
+when the knight saw Sir Gareth come so fiercely upon him, he smote him
+with a foin through the thick of the thigh that the wound was a
+shaftmon broad and had cut a-two many veins and sinews. And therewithal
+Sir Gareth smote him upon the helm such a buffet that he fell
+grovelling; and then he leapt over him and unlaced his helm, and smote
+off his head from the body. And then he bled so fast that he might not
+stand, but so he laid him down upon his bed, and there he swooned and
+lay as he had been dead.
+
+Then Dame Lionesse cried aloud, that her brother Sir Gringamore heard,
+and came down. And when he saw Sir Gareth so shamefully wounded he was
+sore displeased, and said: I am shamed that this noble knight is thus
+honoured. Sir, said Sir Gringamore, how may this be, that ye be here,
+and this noble knight wounded? Brother, she said, I can not tell you,
+for it was not done by me, nor by mine assent. For he is my lord and I
+am his, and he must be mine husband; therefore, my brother, I will that
+ye wit I shame me not to be with him, nor to do him all the pleasure
+that I can. Sister, said Sir Gringamore, and I will that ye wit it, and
+Sir Gareth both, that it was never done by me, nor by my assent that
+this unhappy deed was done. And there they staunched his bleeding as
+well as they might, and great sorrow made Sir Gringamore and Dame
+Lionesse.
+
+And forthwithal came Dame Linet, and took up the head in the sight of
+them all, and anointed it with an ointment thereas it was smitten off;
+and in the same wise she did to the other part thereas the head stuck,
+and then she set it together, and it stuck as fast as ever it did. And
+the knight arose lightly up, and the damosel Linet put him in her
+chamber. All this saw Sir Gringamore and Dame Lionesse, and so did Sir
+Gareth; and well he espied that it was the damosel Linet, that rode
+with him through the perilous passages. Ah well, damosel, said Sir
+Gareth, I weened ye would not have done as ye have done. My lord
+Gareth, said Linet, all that I have done I will avow, and all that I
+have done shall be for your honour and worship, and to us all. And so
+within a while Sir Gareth was nigh whole, and waxed light and jocund,
+and sang, danced, and gamed; and he and Dame Lionesse were so hot in
+burning love that they made their covenant at the tenth night after,
+that she should come to his bed. And because he was wounded afore, he
+laid his armour and his sword nigh his bed’s side.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII. How the said knight came again the next night and was
+beheaded again, and how at the feast of Pentecost all the knights that
+Sir Gareth had overcome came and yielded them to King Arthur.
+
+Right as she promised she came; and she was not so soon in his bed but
+she espied an armed knight coming toward the bed: therewithal she
+warned Sir Gareth, and lightly through the good help of Dame Lionesse
+he was armed; and they hurtled together with great ire and malice all
+about the hall; and there was great light as it had been the number of
+twenty torches both before and behind, so that Sir Gareth strained him,
+so that his old wound brast again a-bleeding; but he was hot and
+courageous and took no keep, but with his great force he struck down
+that knight, and voided his helm, and struck off his head. Then he
+hewed the head in an hundred pieces. And when he had done so he took up
+all those pieces, and threw them out at a window into the ditches of
+the castle; and by this done he was so faint that unnethes he might
+stand for bleeding. And by when he was almost unarmed he fell in a
+deadly swoon on the floor; and then Dame Lionesse cried so that Sir
+Gringamore heard; and when he came and found Sir Gareth in that plight
+he made great sorrow; and there he awaked Sir Gareth, and gave him a
+drink that relieved him wonderly well; but the sorrow that Dame
+Lionesse made there may no tongue tell, for she so fared with herself
+as she would have died.
+
+Right so came this damosel Linet before them all, and she had fetched
+all the gobbets of the head that Sir Gareth had thrown out at a window,
+and there she anointed them as she had done to-fore, and set them
+together again. Well, damosel Linet, said Sir Gareth, I have not
+deserved all this despite that ye do unto me. Sir knight, she said, I
+have nothing done but I will avow, and all that I have done shall be to
+your worship, and to us all. And then was Sir Gareth staunched of his
+bleeding. But the leeches said that there was no man that bare the life
+should heal him throughout of his wound but if they healed him that
+caused that stroke by enchantment.
+
+So leave we Sir Gareth there with Sir Gringamore and his sisters, and
+turn we unto King Arthur, that at the next feast of Pentecost held his
+feast; and there came the Green Knight with fifty knights, and yielded
+them all unto King Arthur. And so there came the Red Knight his
+brother, and yielded him to King Arthur, and three score knights with
+him. Also there came the Blue Knight, brother to them, with an hundred
+knights, and yielded them unto King Arthur; and the Green Knight’s name
+was Pertolepe, and the Red Knight’s name was Perimones, and the Blue
+Knight’s name was Sir Persant of Inde. These three brethren told King
+Arthur how they were overcome by a knight that a damosel had with her,
+and called him Beaumains. Jesu, said the king, I marvel what knight he
+is, and of what lineage he is come. He was with me a twelvemonth, and
+poorly and shamefully he was fostered, and Sir Kay in scorn named him
+Beaumains. So right as the king stood so talking with these three
+brethren, there came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and told the king that
+there was come a goodly lord with six hundred knights with him.
+
+Then the king went out of Carlion, for there was the feast, and there
+came to him this lord, and saluted the king in a goodly manner. What
+will ye, said King Arthur, and what is your errand? Sir, he said, my
+name is the Red Knight of the Red Launds, but my name is Sir Ironside;
+and sir, wit ye well, here I am sent to you of a knight that is called
+Beaumains, for he won me in plain battle hand for hand, and so did
+never no knight but he, that ever had the better of me this thirty
+winter; the which commanded to yield me to you at your will. Ye are
+welcome, said the king, for ye have been long a great foe to me and my
+court, and now I trust to God I shall so entreat you that ye shall be
+my friend. Sir, both I and these five hundred knights shall always be
+at your summons to do you service as may lie in our powers. Jesu mercy,
+said King Arthur, I am much beholden unto that knight that hath put so
+his body in devoir to worship me and my court. And as to thee,
+Ironside, that art called the Red Knight of the Red Launds, thou art
+called a perilous knight; and if thou wilt hold of me I shall worship
+thee and make thee knight of the Table Round; but then thou must be no
+more a murderer. Sir, as to that, I have promised unto Sir Beaumains
+never more to use such customs, for all the shameful customs that I
+used I did at the request of a lady that I loved; and therefore I must
+go unto Sir Launcelot, and unto Sir Gawaine, and ask them forgiveness
+of the evil will I had unto them; for all that I put to death was all
+only for the love of Sir Launcelot and of Sir Gawaine. They be here
+now, said the king, afore thee, now may ye say to them what ye will.
+And then he kneeled down unto Sir Launcelot, and to Sir Gawaine, and
+prayed them of forgiveness of his enmity that ever he had against them.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV. How King Arthur pardoned them, and demanded of them where
+Sir Gareth was.
+
+Then goodly they said all at once, God forgive you, and we do, and pray
+you that ye will tell us where we may find Sir Beaumains. Fair lords,
+said Sir Ironside, I cannot tell you, for it is full hard to find him;
+for such young knights as he is one, when they be in their adventures
+be never abiding in no place. But to say the worship that the Red
+Knight of the Red Launds, and Sir Persant and his brother said of
+Beaumains, it was marvel to hear. Well, my fair lords, said King
+Arthur, wit you well I shall do you honour for the love of Sir
+Beaumains, and as soon as ever I meet with him I shall make you all
+upon one day knights of the Table Round. And as to thee, Sir Persant of
+Inde, thou hast been ever called a full noble knight, and so have ever
+been thy three brethren called. But I marvel, said the king, that I
+hear not of the Black Knight your brother, he was a full noble knight.
+Sir, said Pertolepe, the Green Knight, Sir Beaumains slew him in a
+recounter with his spear, his name was Sir Percard. That was great
+pity, said the king, and so said many knights. For these four brethren
+were full well known in the court of King Arthur for noble knights, for
+long time they had holden war against the knights of the Round Table.
+Then said Pertolepe, the Green Knight, to the king: At a passage of the
+water of Mortaise there encountered Sir Beaumains with two brethren
+that ever for the most part kept that passage, and they were two deadly
+knights, and there he slew the eldest brother in the water, and smote
+him upon the head such a buffet that he fell down in the water, and
+there he was drowned, and his name was Sir Gherard le Breusse; and
+after he slew the other brother upon the land, his name was Sir Arnold
+le Breusse.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV. How the Queen of Orkney came to this feast of Pentecost,
+and Sir Gawaine and his brethren came to ask her blessing.
+
+So then the king and they went to meat, and were served in the best
+manner. And as they sat at the meat, there came in the Queen of Orkney,
+with ladies and knights a great number. And then Sir Gawaine, Sir
+Agravaine, and Gaheris arose, and went to her and saluted her upon
+their knees, and asked her blessing; for in fifteen year 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, the which is shame to you all.
+Alas, where have ye done my dear son that was my joy and bliss? O dear
+mother, said Sir Gawaine, I knew him not. Nor I, said the king, that
+now me repenteth, but thanked be God he is proved a worshipful knight
+as any is now living of his years, and I shall never be glad till I may
+find him.
+
+Ah, brother, said the Queen unto King Arthur, and unto Sir Gawaine, and
+to all her sons, ye did yourself great shame when ye amongst you kept
+my son in the kitchen and fed him like a poor hog. Fair sister, said
+King Arthur, ye shall right well wit I knew him not, nor no more did
+Sir Gawaine, nor his brethren; but sithen it is so, said the king, that
+he is thus gone from us all, we must shape a remedy to find him. Also,
+sister, meseemeth ye might have done me to wit of his coming, and then
+an I had not done well to him ye might have blamed me. For when he came
+to this court he came leaning upon two men’s shoulders, as though he
+might not have gone. And then he asked me three gifts; and one he asked
+the same day, that was that I would give him meat enough that
+twelvemonth; and the other two gifts he asked that day a twelvemonth,
+and that was that he might have the adventure of the damosel Linet, and
+the third was that Sir Launcelot should make him knight when he desired
+him. And so I granted him all his desire, and many in this court
+marvelled that he desired his sustenance for a twelvemonth. And
+thereby, we deemed, many of us, that he was not come of a noble house.
+
+Sir, said the Queen of Orkney unto King Arthur her brother, wit ye well
+that I sent him unto you right well armed and horsed, and worshipfully
+beseen of his body, and gold and silver plenty to spend. It may be,
+said the King, but thereof saw we none, save that same day as he
+departed from us, knights told me that there came a dwarf hither
+suddenly, and brought him armour and a good horse full well and richly
+beseen; and thereat we all had marvel from whence that riches came,
+that we deemed all that he was come of men of worship. Brother, said
+the queen, all that ye say I believe, for ever sithen he was grown he
+was marvellously witted, and ever he was faithful and true of his
+promise. But I marvel, said she, that Sir Kay did mock him and scorn
+him, and gave him that name Beaumains; yet, Sir Kay, said the queen,
+named him more righteously than he weened; for I dare say an he be
+alive, he is as fair an handed man and well disposed as any is living.
+Sir, said Arthur, let this language be still, and by the grace of God
+he shall be found an he be within this seven realms, and let all this
+pass and be merry, for he is proved to be a man of worship, and that is
+my joy.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI. How King Arthur sent for the Lady Lionesse, and how she
+let cry a tourney at her castle, whereas came many knights.
+
+Then said Sir Gawaine and his brethren unto Arthur, Sir, an ye will
+give us leave, we will go and seek our brother. Nay, said Sir
+Launcelot, that shall ye not need; and so said Sir Baudwin of Britain:
+for as by our advice the king shall send unto Dame Lionesse a
+messenger, and pray her that she will come to the court in all the
+haste that she may, and doubt ye not she will come; and then she may
+give you best counsel where ye shall find him. This is well said of
+you, said the king. So then goodly letters were made, and the messenger
+sent forth, that night and day he went till he came unto the Castle
+Perilous. And then the lady Dame Lionesse was sent for, thereas she was
+with Sir Gringamore her brother and Sir Gareth. And when she understood
+this message, she bade him ride on his way unto King Arthur, and she
+would come after in all goodly haste. Then when she came to Sir
+Gringamore and to Sir Gareth, she told them all how King Arthur had
+sent for her. That is because of me, said Sir Gareth. Now advise me,
+said Dame Lionesse, what shall I say, and in what manner I shall rule
+me. My lady and my love, said Sir Gareth, I pray you in no wise be ye
+aknowen where I am; but well I wot my mother is there and all my
+brethren, and they will take upon them to seek me, I wot well that they
+do. But this, madam, I would ye said and advised the king when he
+questioned with you of me. Then may ye say, this is your advice that,
+an it like his good grace, ye will do make a cry against the feast of
+the Assumption of our Lady, that what knight there proveth him best he
+shall wield you and all your land. And if so be that he be a wedded
+man, that his wife shall have the degree, and a coronal of gold beset
+with stones of virtue to the value of a thousand pound, and a white
+gerfalcon.
+
+So Dame Lionesse departed and came to King Arthur, where she was nobly
+received, and there she was sore questioned of the king and of the
+Queen of Orkney. And she answered, where Sir Gareth was she could not
+tell. But thus much she said unto Arthur: Sir, I will let cry a
+tournament that shall be done before my castle at the Assumption of our
+Lady, and the cry shall be this: that you, my lord Arthur, shall be
+there, and your knights, and I will purvey that my knights shall be
+against yours; and then I am sure ye shall hear of Sir Gareth. This is
+well advised, said King Arthur; and so she departed. And the king and
+she made great provision to that tournament.
+
+When Dame Lionesse was come to the Isle of Avilion, that was the same
+isle thereas her brother Sir Gringamore dwelt, then she told them all
+how she had done, and what promise she had made to King Arthur. Alas,
+said Sir Gareth, I have been so wounded with unhappiness sithen I came
+into this castle that I shall not be able to do at that tournament like
+a knight; for I was never thoroughly whole since I was hurt. Be ye of
+good cheer, said the damosel Linet, for I undertake within these
+fifteen days to make ye whole, and as lusty as ever ye were. And then
+she laid an ointment and a salve to him as it pleased to her, that he
+was never so fresh nor so lusty. Then said the damosel Linet: Send you
+unto Sir Persant of Inde, and assummon him and his knights to be here
+with you as they have promised. Also, that ye send unto Sir Ironside,
+that is the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and charge him that he be
+ready with you with his whole sum of knights, and then shall ye be able
+to match with King Arthur and his knights. So this was done, and all
+knights were sent for unto the Castle Perilous; and then the Red Knight
+answered and said unto Dame Lionesse, and to Sir Gareth, Madam, and my
+lord Sir Gareth, ye shall understand that I have been at the court of
+King Arthur, and Sir Persant of Inde and his brethren, and there we
+have done our homage as ye commanded us. Also Sir Ironside said, I have
+taken upon me with Sir Persant of Inde and his brethren to hold part
+against my lord Sir Launcelot and the knights of that court. And this
+have I done for the love of my lady Dame Lionesse, and you my lord Sir
+Gareth. Ye have well done, said Sir Gareth; but wit you well ye shall
+be full sore matched with the most noble knights of the world;
+therefore we must purvey us of good knights, where we may get them.
+That is well said, said Sir Persant, and worshipfully.
+
+And so the cry was made in England, Wales, and Scotland, Ireland,
+Cornwall, and in all the Out Isles, and in Brittany and in many
+countries; that at the feast of our Lady the Assumption next coming,
+men should come to the Castle Perilous beside the Isle of Avilion; and
+there all the knights that there came should have the choice whether
+them list to be on the one party with the knights of the castle, or on
+the other party with King Arthur. And two months was to the day that
+the tournament should be. And so there came many good knights that were
+at their large, and held them for the most part against King Arthur and
+his knights of the Round Table and came in the side of them of the
+castle. For Sir Epinogrus was the first, and he was the king’s son of
+Northumberland, and Sir Palamides the Saracen was another, and Sir
+Safere his brother, and Sir Segwarides his brother, but they were
+christened, and Sir Malegrine another, and Sir Brian de les Isles, a
+noble knight, and Sir Grummore Grummursum, a good knight of Scotland,
+and Sir Carados of the dolorous tower, a noble knight, and Sir Turquine
+his brother, and Sir Arnold and Sir Gauter, two brethren, good knights
+of Cornwall. There came Sir Tristram de Liones, and with him Sir Dinas,
+the Seneschal, and Sir Sadok; but this Sir Tristram was not at that
+time knight of the Table Round, but he was one of the best knights of
+the world. And so all these noble knights accompanied them with the
+lady of the castle, and with the Red Knight of the Red Launds; but as
+for Sir Gareth, he would not take upon him more but as other mean
+knights.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII. How King Arthur went to the tournament with his knights,
+and how the lady received him worshipfully, and how the knights
+encountered.
+
+And then there came with King Arthur Sir Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris,
+his brethren. And then his nephews Sir Uwaine le Blanchemains, and Sir
+Aglovale, Sir Tor, Sir Percivale de Galis, and Sir Lamorak de Galis.
+Then came Sir Launcelot du Lake with his brethren, nephews, and
+cousins, as Sir Lionel, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Bors de Ganis, and Sir
+Galihodin, Sir Galihud, and many more of Sir Launcelot’s blood, and Sir
+Dinadan, Sir La Cote Male Taile, his brother, a good knight, and Sir
+Sagramore, a good knight; and all the most part of the Round Table.
+Also there came with King Arthur these knights, the King of Ireland,
+King Agwisance, and the King of Scotland, King Carados and King Uriens
+of the land of Gore, and King Bagdemagus and his son Sir Meliaganus,
+and Sir Galahault the noble prince. All these kings, princes, and
+earls, barons, and other noble knights, as Sir Brandiles, Sir Uwaine
+les Avoutres, and Sir Kay, Sir Bedivere, Sir Meliot de Logres, Sir
+Petipase of Winchelsea, Sir Godelake: all these came with King Arthur,
+and more that cannot be rehearsed.
+
+Now leave we of these kings and knights, and let us speak of the great
+array that was made within the castle and about the castle for both
+parties. The Lady Dame Lionesse ordained great array upon her part for
+her noble knights, for all manner of lodging and victual that came by
+land and by water, that there lacked nothing for her party, nor for the
+other, but there was plenty to be had for gold and silver for King
+Arthur and his knights. And then there came the harbingers from King
+Arthur for to harbour him, and his kings, dukes, earls, barons, and
+knights. And then Sir Gareth prayed Dame Lionesse and the Red Knight of
+the Red Launds, and Sir Persant and his brother, and Sir Gringamore,
+that in no wise there should none of them tell not his name, and make
+no more of him than of the least knight that there was, For, he said, I
+will not be known of neither more nor less, neither at the beginning
+neither at the ending. Then Dame Lionesse said unto Sir Gareth: Sir, I
+will lend you a ring, but I would pray you as you love me heartily let
+me have it again when the tournament is done, for that ring increaseth
+my beauty much more than it is of himself. And the virtue of my ring is
+that, that is green it will turn to red, and that is red it will turn
+in likeness to green, and that is blue it will turn to likeness of
+white, and that is white it will turn in likeness to blue, and so it
+will do of all manner of colours. Also who that beareth my ring shall
+lose no blood, and for great love I will give you this ring. Gramercy,
+said Sir Gareth, mine own lady, for this ring is passing meet for me,
+for it will turn all manner of likeness that I am in, and that shall
+cause me that I shall not be known. Then Sir Gringamore gave Sir Gareth
+a bay courser that was a passing good horse; also he gave him good
+armour and sure, and a noble sword that sometime Sir Gringamore’s
+father won upon an heathen tyrant. And so thus every knight made him
+ready to that tournament. And King Arthur was come two days to-fore the
+Assumption of our Lady. And there was all manner of royalty of all
+minstrelsy that might be found. Also there came Queen Guenever and the
+Queen of Orkney, Sir Gareth’s mother.
+
+And upon the Assumption Day, when mass and matins were done, there were
+heralds with trumpets commanded to blow to the field. And so there came
+out Sir Epinogrus, the king’s son of Northumberland, from the castle,
+and there encountered with him Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and either of
+them brake their spears to their hands. And then came in Sir Palamides
+out of the castle, and there encountered with him Gawaine, and either
+of them smote other so hard that both the good knights and their horses
+fell to the earth. And then knights of either party rescued their
+knights. And then came in Sir Safere and Sir Segwarides, brethren to
+Sir Palamides; and there encountered Sir Agravaine with Sir Safere and
+Sir Gaheris encountered with Sir Segwarides. So Sir Safere smote down
+Agravaine, Sir Gawaine’s brother; and Sir Segwarides, Sir Safere’s
+brother. And Sir Malegrine, a knight of the castle, encountered with
+Sir Uwaine le Blanchemains, and there Sir Uwaine gave Sir Malegrine a
+fall, that he had almost broke his neck.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII. How the knights bare them in the battle.
+
+Then Sir Brian de les Isles and Grummore Grummursum, knights of the
+castle, encountered with Sir Aglovale, and Sir Tor smote down Sir
+Grummore Grummursum to the earth. Then came in Sir Carados of the
+dolorous tower, and Sir Turquine, knights of the castle; and there
+encountered with them Sir Percivale de Galis and Sir Lamorak de Galis,
+that were two brethren. And there encountered Sir Percivale with Sir
+Carados, and either brake their spears unto their hands, and then Sir
+Turquine with Sir Lamorak, and either of them smote down other’s horse
+and all to the earth, and either parties rescued other, and horsed them
+again. And Sir Arnold and Sir Gauter, knights of the castle,
+encountered with Sir Brandiles and Sir Kay, and these four knights
+encountered mightily, and brake their spears to their hands. Then came
+in Sir Tristram, Sir Sadok, and Sir Dinas, knights of the castle, and
+there encountered Sir Tristram with Sir Bedivere, and there Sir
+Bedivere was smitten to the earth both horse and man. And Sir Sadok
+encountered with Sir Petipase, and there Sir Sadok was overthrown. And
+there Uwaine les Avoutres smote down Sir Dinas, the Seneschal. Then
+came in Sir Persant of Inde, a knight of the castle, and there
+encountered with him Sir Launcelot du Lake, and there he smote Sir
+Persant, horse and man, to the earth. Then came Sir Pertolepe from the
+castle, and there encountered with him Sir Lionel, and there Sir
+Pertolepe, the Green Knight, smote down Sir Lionel, brother to Sir
+Launcelot. All this was marked by noble heralds, who bare him best, and
+their names.
+
+And then came into the field Sir Perimones, the Red Knight, Sir
+Persant’s brother, that was a knight of the castle, and he encountered
+with Sir Ector de Maris, and either smote other so hard that both their
+horses and they fell to the earth. And then came in the Red Knight of
+the Red Launds, and Sir Gareth, from the castle, and there encountered
+with them Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir Bleoberis, and there the Red Knight
+and Sir Bors [either] smote other so hard that their spears brast, and
+their horses fell grovelling to the earth. Then Sir Bleoberis brake his
+spear upon Sir Gareth, but of that stroke Sir Bleoberis fell to the
+earth. When Sir Galihodin saw that he bade Sir Gareth keep him, and Sir
+Gareth smote him to the earth. Then Sir Galihud gat a spear to avenge
+his brother, and in the same wise Sir Gareth served him, and Sir
+Dinadan and his brother, La Cote Male Taile, and Sir Sagramore le
+Desirous, and Sir Dodinas le Savage. All these he bare down with one
+spear.
+
+When King Agwisance of Ireland saw Sir Gareth fare so, he marvelled
+what he might be that one time seemed green, and another time, at his
+again coming, he seemed blue. And thus at every course that he rode to
+and fro he changed his colour, so that there might neither king nor
+knight have ready cognisance of him. Then Sir Agwisance, the King of
+Ireland, encountered with Sir Gareth, and there Sir Gareth smote him
+from his horse, saddle and all. And then came King Carados of Scotland,
+and Sir Gareth smote him down horse and man. And in the same wise he
+served King Uriens of the land of Gore. And then came in Sir
+Bagdemagus, and Sir Gareth smote him down, horse and man, to the earth.
+And Bagdemagus’ son, Meliganus, brake a spear upon Sir Gareth mightily
+and knightly. And then Sir Galahault, the noble prince, cried on high:
+Knight with the many colours, well hast thou jousted; now make thee
+ready that I may joust with thee. Sir Gareth heard him, and he gat a
+great spear, and so they encountered together, and there the prince
+brake his spear; but Sir Gareth smote him upon the left side of the
+helm that he reeled here and there, and he had fallen down had not his
+men recovered him.
+
+So God me help, said King Arthur, that same knight with the many
+colours is a good knight. Wherefore the king called unto him Sir
+Launcelot, and prayed him to encounter with that knight. Sir, said
+Launcelot, I may well find in my heart for to forbear him as at this
+time, for he hath had travail enough this day; and when a good knight
+doth so well upon some day, it is no good knight’s part to let him of
+his worship, and namely, when he seeth a knight hath done so great
+labour; for peradventure, said Sir Launcelot, his quarrel is here this
+day, and peradventure he is best beloved with this lady of all that be
+here; for I see well he paineth him and enforceth him to do great
+deeds, and therefore, said Sir Launcelot, as for me, this day he shall
+have the honour; though it lay in my power to put him from it I would
+not.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX. Yet of the said tournament.
+
+Then when this was done there was drawing of swords, and then there
+began a sore tournament. And there did Sir Lamorak marvellous deeds of
+arms; and betwixt Sir Lamorak and Sir Ironside, that was the Red Knight
+of the Red Launds, there was strong battle; and betwixt Sir Palamides
+and Bleoberis there was a strong battle; and Sir Gawaine and Sir
+Tristram met, and there Sir Gawaine had the worse, for he pulled Sir
+Gawaine from his horse, and there he was long upon foot, and defouled.
+Then came in Sir Launcelot, and he smote Sir Turquine, and he him; and
+then came Sir Carados his brother, and both at once they assailed him,
+and he as the most noblest knight of the world worshipfully fought with
+them both, that all men wondered of the noblesse of Sir Launcelot. And
+then came in Sir Gareth, and knew that it was Sir Launcelot that fought
+with the two perilous knights. And then Sir Gareth came with his good
+horse and hurtled them in-sunder, and no stroke would he smite to Sir
+Launcelot. That espied Sir Launcelot, and deemed it should be the good
+knight Sir Gareth: and then Sir Gareth rode here and there, and smote
+on the right hand and on the left hand, and all the folk might well
+espy where that he rode. And by fortune he met with his brother Sir
+Gawaine, and there he put Sir Gawaine to the worse, for he put off his
+helm, and so he served five or six knights of the Round Table, that all
+men said he put him in the most pain, and best he did his devoir. For
+when Sir Tristram beheld him how he first jousted and after fought so
+well with a sword, then he rode unto Sir Ironside and to Sir Persant of
+Inde, and asked them, by their faith, What manner a knight is yonder
+knight that seemeth in so many divers colours? Truly, meseemeth, said
+Tristram, that he putteth himself in great pain, for he never ceaseth.
+Wot ye not what he is? said Sir Ironside. No, said Sir Tristram. Then
+shall ye know that this is he that loveth the lady of the castle, and
+she him again; and this is he that won me when I besieged the lady of
+this castle, and this is he that won Sir Persant of Inde, and his three
+brethren. What is his name, said Sir Tristram, and of what blood is he
+come? He was called in the court of King Arthur, Beaumains, but his
+right name is Sir Gareth of Orkney, brother to Sir Gawaine. By my head,
+said Sir Tristram, he is a good knight, and a big man of arms, and if
+he be young he shall prove a full noble knight. He is but a child, they
+all said, and of Sir Launcelot he was made knight. Therefore he is
+mickle the better, said Tristram. And then Sir Tristram, Sir Ironside,
+Sir Persant, and his brother, rode together for to help Sir Gareth; and
+then there were given many strong strokes.
+
+And then Sir Gareth rode out on the one side to amend his helm; and
+then said his dwarf: Take me your ring, that ye lose it not while that
+ye drink. And so when he had drunk he gat on his helm, and eagerly took
+his horse and rode into the field, and left his ring with his dwarf;
+and the dwarf was glad the ring was from him, for then he wist well he
+should be known. And then when Sir Gareth was in the field all folks
+saw him well and plainly that he was in yellow colours; and there he
+rased off helms and pulled down knights, that King Arthur had marvel
+what knight he was, for the king saw by his hair that it was the same
+knight.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX. How Sir Gareth was espied by the heralds, and how he
+escaped out of the field.
+
+But before he was in so many colours, and now he is but in one colour;
+that is yellow. Now go, said King Arthur unto divers heralds, and ride
+about him, and espy what manner knight he is, for I have spered of many
+knights this day that be upon his party, and all say they know him not.
+
+And so an herald rode nigh Gareth as he could; and there he saw written
+about his helm in gold, This helm is Sir Gareth of Orkney.
+
+Then the herald cried as he were wood, and many heralds with him:—This
+is Sir Gareth of Orkney in the yellow arms; that by all kings and
+knights of Arthur’s beheld him and awaited; and then they pressed all
+to behold him, and ever the heralds cried: This is Sir Gareth of
+Orkney, King Lot’s son.
+
+And when Sir Gareth espied that he was discovered, then he doubled his
+strokes, and smote down Sir Sagramore, and his brother Sir Gawaine.
+
+O brother, said Sir Gawaine, I weened ye would not have stricken me.
+
+So when he heard him say so he thrang here and there, and so with great
+pain he gat out of the press, and there he met with his dwarf. O boy,
+said Sir Gareth, thou hast beguiled me foul this day that thou kept my
+ring; give it me anon again, that I may hide my body withal; and so he
+took it him. And then they all wist not where he was become; and Sir
+Gawaine had in manner espied where Sir Gareth rode, and then he rode
+after with all his might. That espied Sir Gareth, and rode lightly into
+the forest, that Sir Gawaine wist not where he was become. And when Sir
+Gareth wist that Sir Gawaine was passed, he asked the dwarf of best
+counsel. Sir, said the dwarf, meseemeth it were best, now that ye are
+escaped from spying, that ye send my lady Dame Lionesse her ring. It is
+well advised, said Sir Gareth; now have it here and bear it to her, and
+say that I recommend me unto her good grace, and say her I will come
+when I may, and I pray her to be true and faithful to me as I will be
+to her. Sir, said the dwarf, it shall be done as ye command: and so he
+rode his way, and did his errand unto the lady. Then she said, Where is
+my knight, Sir Gareth? Madam, said the dwarf, he bade me say that he
+would not be long from you. And so lightly the dwarf came again unto
+Sir Gareth, that would full fain have had a lodging, for he had need to
+be reposed. And then fell there a thunder and a rain, as heaven and
+earth should go together. And Sir Gareth was not a little weary, for of
+all that day he had but little rest, neither his horse nor he. So this
+Sir Gareth rode so long in that forest until the night came. And ever
+it lightened and thundered, as it had been wood. At the last by fortune
+he came to a castle, and there he heard the waits upon the walls.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Gareth came to a castle where he was well lodged,
+and he jousted with a knight and slew him.
+
+Then Sir Gareth rode unto the barbican of the castle, and prayed the
+porter fair to let him into the castle. The porter answered ungoodly
+again, and said, Thou gettest no lodging here. Fair sir, say not so,
+for I am a knight of King Arthur’s, and pray the lord or the lady of
+this castle to give me harbour for the love of King Arthur. Then the
+porter went unto the duchess, and told her how there was a knight of
+King Arthur’s would have harbour. Let him in, said the duchess, for I
+will see that knight, and for King Arthur’s sake he shall not be
+harbourless. Then she yode up into a tower over the gate, with great
+torchlight.
+
+When Sir Gareth saw that torch-light he cried on high: Whether thou be
+lord or lady, giant or champion, I take no force so that I may have
+harbour this night; and if it so be that I must needs fight, spare me
+not to-morn when I have rested me, for both I and mine horse be weary.
+Sir knight, said the lady, thou speakest knightly and boldly; but wit
+thou well the lord of this castle loveth not King Arthur, nor none of
+his court, for my lord hath ever been against him; and therefore thou
+were better not to come within this castle; for an thou come in this
+night, thou must come in under such form, that wheresomever thou meet
+my lord, by stigh or by street, thou must yield thee to him as
+prisoner. Madam, said Sir Gareth, what is your lord, and what is his
+name? Sir, my lord’s name is the Duke de la Rowse. Well madam, said Sir
+Gareth, I shall promise you in what place I meet your lord I shall
+yield me unto him and to his good grace; with that I understand he will
+do me no harm: and if I understand that he will, I will release myself
+an I can with my spear and my sword. Ye say well, said the duchess; and
+then she let the drawbridge down, and so he rode into the hall, and
+there he alighted, and his horse was led into a stable; and in the hall
+he unarmed him and said, Madam, I will not out of this hall this night;
+and when it is daylight, let see who will have ado with me, he shall
+find me ready. Then was he set unto supper, and had many good dishes.
+Then Sir Gareth list well to eat, and knightly he ate his meat, and
+eagerly; there was many a fair lady by him, and some said they never
+saw a goodlier man nor so well of eating. Then they made him passing
+good cheer, and shortly when he had supped his bed was made there; so
+he rested him all night.
+
+And on the morn he heard mass, and brake his fast and took his leave at
+the duchess, and at them all; and thanked her goodly of her lodging,
+and of his good cheer; and then she asked him his name. Madam, he said,
+truly my name is Gareth of Orkney, and some men call me Beaumains. Then
+knew she well it was the same knight that fought for Dame Lionesse. So
+Sir Gareth departed and rode up into a mountain, and there met him a
+knight, his name was Sir Bendelaine, and said to Sir Gareth: Thou shalt
+not pass this way, for either thou shalt joust with me, or else be my
+prisoner. Then will I joust, said Sir Gareth. And so they let their
+horses run, and there Sir Gareth smote him throughout the body; and Sir
+Bendelaine rode forth to his castle there beside, and there died. So
+Sir Gareth would have rested him, and he came riding to Bendelaine’s
+castle. Then his knights and servants espied that it was he that had
+slain their lord. Then they armed twenty good men, and came out and
+assailed Sir Gareth; and so he had no spear, but his sword, and put his
+shield afore him; and there they brake their spears upon him, and they
+assailed him passingly sore. But ever Sir Gareth defended him as a
+knight.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Gareth fought with a knight that held within his
+castle thirty ladies, and how he slew him.
+
+So when they saw that they might not overcome him, they rode from him,
+and took their counsel to slay his horse; and so they came in upon Sir
+Gareth, and with spears they slew his horse, and then they assailed him
+hard. But when he was on foot, there was none that he fought but he
+gave him such a buffet that he did never recover. So he slew them by
+one and one till they were but four, and there they fled; and Sir
+Gareth took a good horse that was one of theirs, and rode his way.
+
+Then he rode a great pace till that he came to a castle, and there he
+heard much mourning of ladies and gentlewomen. So there came by him a
+page. What noise is this, said Sir Gareth, that I hear within this
+castle? Sir knight, said the page, here be within this castle thirty
+ladies, and all they be widows; for here is a knight that waiteth daily
+upon this castle, and his name is the Brown Knight without Pity, and he
+is the periloust knight that now liveth; and therefore sir, said the
+page, I rede you flee. Nay, said Sir Gareth, I will not flee though
+thou be afeard of him. And then the page saw where came the Brown
+Knight: Lo, said the page, yonder he cometh. Let me deal with him, said
+Sir Gareth. And when either of other had a sight they let their horses
+run, and the Brown Knight brake his spear, and Sir Gareth smote him
+throughout the body, that he overthrew him to the ground stark dead. So
+Sir Gareth rode into the castle, and prayed the ladies that he might
+repose him. Alas, said the ladies, ye may not be lodged here. Make him
+good cheer, said the page, for this knight hath slain your enemy. Then
+they all made him good cheer as lay in their power. But wit ye well
+they made him good cheer, for they might none otherwise do, for they
+were but poor.
+
+And so on the morn he went to mass, and there he saw the thirty ladies
+kneel, and lay grovelling upon divers tombs, making great dole and
+sorrow. Then Sir Gareth wist well that in the tombs lay their lords.
+Fair ladies, said Sir Gareth, ye must at the next feast of Pentecost be
+at the court of King Arthur, and say that I, Sir Gareth, sent you
+thither. We shall do this, said the ladies. So he departed, and by
+fortune he came to a mountain, and there he found a goodly knight that
+bade him, Abide sir knight, and joust with me. What are ye? said Sir
+Gareth. My name is, said he, the Duke de la Rowse. Ah sir, ye are the
+same knight that I lodged once in your castle; and there I made promise
+unto your lady that I should yield me unto you. Ah, said the duke, art
+thou that proud knight that profferest to fight with my knights;
+therefore make thee ready, for I will have ado with you. So they let
+their horses run, and there Sir Gareth smote the duke down from his
+horse. But the duke lightly avoided his horse, and dressed his shield
+and drew his sword, and bade Sir Gareth alight and fight with him. So
+he did alight, and they did great battle together more than an hour,
+and either hurt other full sore. At the last Sir Gareth gat the duke to
+the earth, and would have slain him, and then he yield him to him. Then
+must ye go, said Sir Gareth, unto Sir Arthur my lord at the next feast,
+and say that I, Sir Gareth of Orkney, sent you unto him. It shall be
+done, said the duke, and I will do to you homage and fealty with an
+hundred knights with me; and all the days of my life to do you service
+where ye will command me.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Gareth and Sir Gawaine fought each against
+other, and how they knew each other by the damosel Linet.
+
+So the duke departed, and Sir Gareth stood there alone; and there he
+saw an armed knight coming toward him. Then Sir Gareth took the duke’s
+shield, and mounted upon horseback, and so without biding they ran
+together as it had been the thunder. And there that knight hurt Sir
+Gareth under the side with his spear. And then they alighted and drew
+their swords, and gave great strokes that the blood trailed to the
+ground. And so they fought two hours.
+
+At the last there came the damosel Linet, that some men called the
+damosel Savage, and she came riding upon an ambling mule; and there she
+cried all on high, Sir Gawaine, Sir Gawaine, leave thy fighting with
+thy brother Sir Gareth.
+
+And when he heard her say so he threw away his shield and his sword,
+and ran to Sir Gareth, and took him in his arms, and sithen kneeled
+down and asked him mercy.
+
+What are ye, said Sir Gareth, that right now were so strong and so
+mighty, and now so suddenly yield you to me? O Gareth, I am your
+brother Sir Gawaine, that for your sake have had great sorrow and
+labour.
+
+Then Sir Gareth unlaced his helm, and kneeled down to him, and asked
+him mercy. Then they rose both, and embraced either other in their
+arms, and wept a great while or they might speak, and either of them
+gave other the prize of the battle. And there were many kind words
+between them.
+
+Alas, my fair brother, said Sir Gawaine, perdy I owe of right to
+worship you an ye were not my brother, for ye have worshipped King
+Arthur and all his court, for ye have sent me more worshipful knights
+this twelvemonth than six the best of the Round Table have done, except
+Sir Launcelot.
+
+Then came the damosel Savage that was the Lady Linet, that rode with
+Sir Gareth so long, and there she did staunch Sir Gareth’s wounds and
+Sir Gawaine’s. Now what will ye do? said the damosel Savage; meseemeth
+that it were well done that Arthur had witting of you both, for your
+horses are so bruised that they may not bear. Now, fair damosel, said
+Sir Gawaine, I pray you ride unto my lord mine uncle, King Arthur, and
+tell him what adventure is to me betid here, and I suppose he will not
+tarry long. Then she took her mule, and lightly she came to King Arthur
+that was but two mile thence. And when she had told him tidings the
+king bade get him a palfrey. And when he was upon his back he bade the
+lords and ladies come after, who that would; and there was saddling and
+bridling of queens’ horses and princes’ horses, and well was him that
+soonest might be ready.
+
+So when the king came thereas they were, he saw Sir Gawaine and Sir
+Gareth sit upon a little hill-side, and then the king avoided his
+horse. And when he came nigh Sir Gareth he would have spoken but he
+might not; and therewith he sank down in a swoon for gladness. And so
+they stert unto their uncle, and required him of his good grace to be
+of good comfort. Wit ye well the king made great joy, and many a
+piteous complaint he made to Sir Gareth, and ever he wept as he had
+been a child. With that came his mother, the Queen of Orkney, Dame
+Morgawse, and when she saw Sir Gareth readily in the visage she might
+not weep, but suddenly fell down in a swoon, and lay there a great
+while like as she had been dead. And then Sir Gareth recomforted his
+mother in such wise that she recovered and made good cheer. Then the
+king commanded that all manner of knights that were under his
+obeissance should make their lodging right there for the love of his
+nephews. And so it was done, and all manner of purveyance purveyed,
+that there lacked nothing that might be gotten of tame nor wild for
+gold or silver. And then by the means of the damosel Savage Sir Gawaine
+and Sir Gareth were healed of their wounds; and there they sojourned
+eight days.
+
+Then said King Arthur unto the damosel Savage: I marvel that your
+sister, Dame Lionesse, cometh not here to me, and in especial that she
+cometh not to visit her knight, my nephew Sir Gareth, that hath had so
+much travail for her love. My lord, said the damosel Linet, ye must of
+your good grace hold her excused, for she knoweth not that my lord, Sir
+Gareth, is here. Go then for her, said King Arthur, that we may be
+appointed what is best to be done, according to the pleasure of my
+nephew. Sir, said the damosel, that shall be done, and so she rode unto
+her sister. And as lightly as she might she made her ready; and she
+came on the morn with her brother Sir Gringamore, and with her forty
+knights. And so when she was come she had all the cheer that might be
+done, both of the king, and of many other kings and queens.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV. How Sir Gareth acknowledged that they loved each other
+to King Arthur, and of the appointment of their wedding.
+
+And among all these ladies she was named the fairest, and peerless.
+Then when Sir Gawaine saw her there was many a goodly look and goodly
+words, that all men of worship had joy to behold them. Then came King
+Arthur and many other kings, and Dame Guenever, and the Queen of
+Orkney. And there the king asked his nephew, Sir Gareth, whether he
+would have that lady as paramour, or to have her to his wife. My lord,
+wit you well that I love her above all ladies living. Now, fair lady,
+said King Arthur, what say ye? Most noble King, said Dame Lionesse, wit
+you well that my lord, Sir Gareth, is to me more liefer to have and
+wield as my husband, than any king or prince that is christened; and if
+I may not have him I promise you I will never have none. For, my lord
+Arthur, said Dame Lionesse, wit ye well he is my first love, and he
+shall be the last; and if ye will suffer him to have his will and free
+choice I dare say he will have me. That is truth, said Sir Gareth; an I
+have not you and wield not you as my wife, there shall never lady nor
+gentlewoman rejoice me. What, nephew, said the king, is the wind in
+that door? for wit ye well I would not for the stint of my crown to be
+causer to withdraw your hearts; and wit ye well ye cannot love so well
+but I shall rather increase it than distress it. And also ye shall have
+my love and my lordship in the uttermost wise that may lie in my power.
+And in the same wise said Sir Gareth’s mother.
+
+Then there was made a provision for the day of marriage; and by the
+king’s advice it was provided that it should be at Michaelmas
+following, at Kink Kenadon by the seaside, for there is a plentiful
+country. And so it was cried in all the places through the realm. And
+then Sir Gareth sent his summons to all these knights and ladies that
+he had won in battle to-fore, that they should be at his day of
+marriage at Kink Kenadon by the sands.
+
+And then Dame Lionesse, and the damosel Linet with Sir Gringamore, rode
+to their castle; and a goodly and a rich ring she gave to Sir Gareth,
+and he gave her another. And King Arthur gave her a rich pair of bee of
+gold; and so she departed.
+
+And King Arthur and his fellowship rode toward Kink Kenadon, and Sir
+Gareth brought his lady on the way, and so came to the king again and
+rode with him.
+
+Lord! the great cheer that Sir Launcelot made of Sir Gareth and he of
+him, for there was never no knight that Sir Gareth loved so well as he
+did Sir Launcelot; and ever for the most part he would be in Sir
+Launcelot’s company; for after Sir Gareth had espied Sir Gawaine’s
+conditions, he withdrew himself from his brother, Sir Gawaine’s,
+fellowship, for he was vengeable, and where he hated he would be
+avenged with murder, and that hated Sir Gareth.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV. Of the Great Royalty, and what officers were made at the
+feast of the wedding, and of the jousts at the feast.
+
+So it drew fast to Michaelmas; and thither came Dame Lionesse, the lady
+of the Castle Perilous, and her sister, Dame Linet, with Sir
+Gringamore, her brother, with them for he had the conduct of these
+ladies. And there they were lodged at the device of King Arthur. And
+upon Michaelmas Day the Bishop of Canterbury made the wedding betwixt
+Sir Gareth and the Lady Lionesse with great solemnity. And King Arthur
+made Gaheris to wed the Damosel Savage, that was Dame Linet; and King
+Arthur made Sir Agravaine to wed Dame Lionesse’s niece, a fair lady,
+her name was Dame Laurel.
+
+And so when this solemnization was done, then came in the Green Knight,
+Sir Pertolepe, with thirty knights, and there he did homage and fealty
+to Sir Gareth, and these knights to hold of him for evermore. Also Sir
+Pertolepe said: I pray you that at this feast I may be your
+chamberlain. With a good will, said Sir Gareth sith it liketh you to
+take so simple an office. Then came in the Red Knight, with three score
+knights with him, and did to Sir Gareth homage and fealty, and all
+those knights to hold of him for evermore. And then this Sir Perimones
+prayed Sir Gareth to grant him to be his chief butler at that high
+feast. I will well, said Sir Gareth, that ye have this office, and it
+were better. Then came in Sir Persant of Inde, with an hundred knights
+with him, and there he did homage and fealty, and all his knights
+should do him service, and hold their lands of him for ever; and there
+he prayed Sir Gareth to make him his sewer-chief at the feast. I will
+well, said Sir Gareth, that ye have it and it were better. Then came
+the Duke de la Rowse with an hundred knights with him, and there he did
+homage and fealty to Sir Gareth, and so to hold their lands of him for
+ever. And he required Sir Gareth that he might serve him of the wine
+that day of that feast. I will well, said Sir Gareth, and it were
+better. Then came in the Red Knight of the Red Launds, that was Sir
+Ironside, and he brought with him three hundred knights, and there he
+did homage and fealty, and all these knights to hold their lands of him
+for ever. And then he asked Sir Gareth to be his carver. I will well,
+said Sir Gareth, an it please you.
+
+Then came into the court thirty ladies, and all they seemed widows, and
+those thirty ladies brought with them many fair gentlewomen. And all
+they kneeled down at once unto King Arthur and unto Sir Gareth, and
+there all those ladies told the king how Sir Gareth delivered them from
+the dolorous tower, and slew the Brown Knight without Pity: And
+therefore we, and our heirs for evermore, will do homage unto Sir
+Gareth of Orkney. So then the kings and queens, princes and earls,
+barons and many bold knights, went unto meat; and well may ye wit there
+were all manner of meat plenteously, all manner revels and games, with
+all manner of minstrelsy that was used in those days. Also there was
+great jousts three days. But the king would not suffer Sir Gareth to
+joust, because of his new bride; for, as the French book saith, that
+Dame Lionesse desired of the king that none that were wedded should
+joust at that feast.
+
+So the first day there jousted Sir Lamorak de Galis, for he overthrew
+thirty knights, and did passing marvellously deeds of arms; and then
+King Arthur made Sir Persant and his two brethren Knights of the Round
+Table to their lives’ end, and gave them great lands. Also the second
+day there jousted Tristram best, and he overthrew forty knights, and
+did there marvellous deeds of arms. And there King Arthur made
+Ironside, that was the Red Knight of the Red Launds, a Knight of the
+Table Round to his life’s end, and gave him great lands. The third day
+there jousted Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he overthrew fifty knights,
+and did many marvellous deeds of arms, that all men wondered on him.
+And there King Arthur made the Duke de la Rowse a Knight of the Round
+Table to his life’s end, and gave him great lands to spend. But when
+these jousts were done, Sir Lamorak and Sir Tristram departed suddenly,
+and would not be known, for the which King Arthur and all the court
+were sore displeased. And 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.
+
+Thus endeth this tale of Sir Gareth of Orkney that wedded Dame Lionesse
+of the Castle Perilous. And also Sir Gaheris wedded her sister, Dame
+Linet, that was called the Damosel Sabage. And Sir Agrabaine wedded
+Dame Laurel, a fair lady and great, and mighty lands with great riches
+gave with them King Arthur, that royally they might live till their
+lives’ end.
+
+ Here followeth the viii. book, the which is the first book of Sir
+ Tristram de Liones, and who was his father and his mother, and how he
+ was born and fostered, and how he was made knight.
+
+
+
+BOOK VIII.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. How Sir Tristram de Liones was born, and how his mother died
+at his birth, wherefore she named him Tristram.
+
+It was a king that hight Meliodas, and he was lord and king of the
+country of Liones, and this Meliodas was a likely knight as any was
+that time living. And by fortune he wedded King Mark’s sister of
+Cornwall, and she was called Elizabeth, that was called both good and
+fair. And at that time King Arthur reigned, and he was whole king of
+England, Wales, and Scotland, and of many other realms: howbeit there
+were many kings that were lords of many countries, but all they held
+their lands of King Arthur; for in Wales were two kings, and in the
+north were many kings; and in Cornwall and in the west were two kings;
+also in Ireland were two or three kings, and all were under the
+obeissance of King Arthur. So was the King of France, and the King of
+Brittany, and all the lordships unto Rome.
+
+So when this King Meliodas had been with his wife, within a while she
+waxed great with child, and she was a full meek lady, and well she
+loved her lord, and he her again, so there was great joy betwixt them.
+Then there was a lady in that country that had loved King Meliodas
+long, and by no mean she never could get his love; therefore she let
+ordain upon a day, as King Meliodas rode a-hunting, for he was a great
+chaser, and there by an enchantment she made him chase an hart by
+himself alone till that he came to an old castle, and there anon he was
+taken prisoner by the lady that him loved. When Elizabeth, King
+Meliodas’ wife, missed her lord, and she was nigh out of her wit, and
+also as great with child as she was, she took a gentlewoman with her,
+and ran into the forest to seek her lord. And when she was far in the
+forest she might no farther, for she began to travail fast of her
+child. And she had many grimly throes; her gentlewoman helped her all
+that she might, and so by miracle of Our Lady of Heaven she was
+delivered with great pains. But she had taken such cold for the default
+of help that deep draughts of death took her, that needs she must die
+and depart out of this world; there was none other bote.
+
+And when this Queen Elizabeth saw that there was none other bote, then
+she made great dole, and said unto her gentlewoman: When ye see my
+lord, King Meliodas, recommend me unto him, and tell him what pains I
+endure here for his love, and how I must die here for his sake for
+default of good help; and let him wit that I am full sorry to depart
+out of this world from him, therefore pray him to be friend to my soul.
+Now let me see my little child, for whom I have had all this sorrow.
+And when she saw him she said thus: Ah, my little son, thou hast
+murdered thy mother, and therefore I suppose, thou that art a murderer
+so young, thou art full likely to be a manly man in thine age. And
+because I shall die of the birth of thee, I charge thee, gentlewoman,
+that thou pray my lord, King Meliodas, that when he is christened let
+call him Tristram, that is as much to say as a sorrowful birth. And
+therewith this queen gave up the ghost and died. Then the gentlewoman
+laid her under an umbre of a great tree, and then she lapped the child
+as well as she might for cold. Right so there came the barons,
+following after the queen, and when they saw that she was dead, and
+understood none other but the king was destroyed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. How the stepmother of Sir Tristram had ordained poison for
+to have poisoned Sir Tristram.
+
+Then certain of them would have slain the child, because they would
+have been lords of the country of Liones. But then through the fair
+speech of the gentlewoman, and by the means that she made, the most
+part of the barons would not assent thereto. And then they let carry
+home the dead queen, and much dole was made for her.
+
+Then this meanwhile Merlin delivered King Meliodas out of prison on the
+morn after his queen was dead. And so when the king was come home the
+most part of the barons made great joy. But the sorrow that the king
+made for his queen that might no tongue tell. So then the king let
+inter her richly, and after he let christen his child as his wife had
+commanded afore her death. And then he let call him Tristram, the
+sorrowful born child. Then the King Meliodas endured seven years
+without a wife, and all this time Tristram was nourished well. Then it
+befell that King Meliodas wedded King Howell’s daughter of Brittany,
+and anon she had children of King Meliodas: then was she heavy and
+wroth that her children should not rejoice the country of Liones,
+wherefore this queen ordained for to poison young Tristram. So she let
+poison be put in a piece of silver in the chamber whereas Tristram and
+her children were together, unto that intent that when Tristram were
+thirsty he should drink that drink. And so it fell upon a day, the
+queen’s son, as he was in that chamber, espied the piece with poison,
+and he weened it had been good drink, and because the child was thirsty
+he took the piece with poison and drank freely; and therewithal
+suddenly the child brast and was dead.
+
+When the queen of Meliodas wist of the death of her son, wit ye well
+that she was heavy. But yet the king understood nothing of her treason.
+Notwithstanding the queen would not leave this, but eft she let ordain
+more poison, and put it in a piece. And by fortune King Meliodas, her
+husband, found the piece with wine where was the poison, and he that
+was much thirsty took the piece for to drink thereout. And as he would
+have drunken thereof the queen espied him, and then she ran unto him,
+and pulled the piece from him suddenly. The king marvelled why she did
+so, and remembered him how her son was suddenly slain with poison. And
+then he took her by the hand, and said: Thou false traitress, thou
+shalt tell me what manner of drink this is, or else I shall slay thee.
+And therewith he pulled out his sword, and sware a great oath that he
+should slay her but if she told him truth. Ah! mercy, my lord, said
+she, and I shall tell you all. And then she told him why she would have
+slain Tristram, because her children should rejoice his land. Well,
+said King Meliodas, and therefore shall ye have the law. And so she was
+condemned by the assent of the barons to be burnt; and then was there
+made a great fire, and right as she was at the fire to take her
+execution, young Tristram kneeled afore King Meliodas, and besought him
+to give him a boon. I will well, said the king again. Then said young
+Tristram, Give me the life of thy queen, my stepmother. That is
+unrightfully asked, said King Meliodas, for thou ought of right to hate
+her, for she would have slain thee with that poison an she might have
+had her will; and for thy sake most is my cause that she should die.
+
+Sir, said Tristram, as for that, I beseech you of your mercy that you
+will forgive it her, and as for my part, God forgive it her, and I do;
+and so much it liked your highness to grant me my boon, for God’s love
+I require you hold your promise. Sithen it is so, said the king, I will
+that ye have her life. Then, said the king, I give her to you, and 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 the death. But after that King Meliodas would never have ado
+with her, as at bed and board. But by the good means of young Tristram
+he made the king and her accorded. But then the king would not suffer
+young Tristram to abide no longer in his court.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. How Sir Tristram was sent into France, and had one to
+govern him named Gouvernail, and how he learned to harp, hawk, and
+hunt.
+
+And then he let ordain a gentleman that was well learned and taught,
+his name was Gouvernail; and then he sent young Tristram with
+Gouvernail into France to learn the language, and nurture, and deeds of
+arms. And there was Tristram more than seven years. And then when he
+well could speak the language, and had learned all that he might learn
+in that country, then he came home to his father, King Meliodas, again.
+And so Tristram learned to be an harper passing all other, that there
+was none such called in no country, and so on harping and on
+instruments of music he applied him in his youth for to learn.
+
+And after, as he grew in might and strength, he laboured ever in
+hunting and in hawking, so that never gentleman more, that ever we
+heard read of. And as the book saith, he began good measures of blowing
+of beasts of venery, and beasts of chase, and all manner of vermin, and
+all these terms we have yet of hawking and hunting. And therefore the
+book of venery, of hawking, and hunting, is called the book of Sir
+Tristram. Wherefore, as meseemeth, all gentlemen that bear old arms
+ought of right to honour Sir Tristram for the goodly terms that
+gentlemen have and use, and shall to the day of doom, that thereby in a
+manner all men of worship may dissever a gentleman from a yeoman, and
+from a yeoman a villain. For he that gentle is will draw him unto
+gentle tatches, and to follow the customs of noble gentlemen.
+
+Thus Sir Tristram endured in Cornwall until he was big and strong, of
+the age of eighteen years. And then the King Meliodas had great joy of
+Sir Tristram, and so had the queen, his wife. For ever after in her
+life, because Sir Tristram saved her from the fire, she did never hate
+him more after, but loved him ever after, and gave Tristram many great
+gifts; for every estate loved him, where that he went.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. How Sir Marhaus came out of Ireland for to ask truage of
+Cornwall, or else he would fight therefore.
+
+Then it befell that King Anguish of Ireland sent unto King Mark of
+Cornwall for his truage, that Cornwall had paid many winters. And all
+that time King Mark was behind of the truage for seven years. And King
+Mark and his barons gave unto the messenger of Ireland these words and
+answer, that they would none pay; and bade the messenger go unto his
+King Anguish, and tell him we will pay him no truage, but tell your
+lord, an he will always have truage of us of Cornwall, bid him send a
+trusty knight of his land, that will fight for his right, and we shall
+find another for to defend our right. With this answer the messengers
+departed into Ireland. And when King Anguish understood the answer of
+the messengers he was wonderly wroth. And then he called unto him Sir
+Marhaus, the good knight, that was nobly proved, and a Knight of the
+Table Round. And this Marhaus was brother unto the queen of Ireland.
+Then the king said thus: Fair brother, Sir Marhaus, I pray you go into
+Cornwall for my sake, and do battle for our truage that of right we
+ought to have; and whatsomever ye spend ye shall have sufficiently,
+more than ye shall need. Sir, said Marhaus, wit ye well that I shall
+not be loath to do battle in the right of you and your land with the
+best knight of the Table Round; for I know them, for the most part,
+what be their deeds; and for to advance my deeds and to increase my
+worship I will right gladly go unto this journey for our right.
+
+So in all haste there was made purveyance for Sir Marhaus, and he had
+all things that to him needed; and so he departed out of Ireland, and
+arrived up in Cornwall even fast by the Castle of Tintagil. And when
+King Mark understood that he was there arrived to fight for Ireland,
+then made King Mark great sorrow when he understood that the good and
+noble knight Sir Marhaus was come. For they knew no knight that durst
+have ado with him. For at that time Sir Marhaus was called one of the
+famousest and renowned knights of the world. And thus Sir Marhaus abode
+in the sea, and every day he sent unto King Mark for to pay the truage
+that was behind of seven year, other else to find a knight to fight
+with him for the truage. This manner of message Sir Marhaus sent daily
+unto King Mark.
+
+Then they of Cornwall let make cries in every place, that what knight
+would fight for to save the truage of Cornwall, he should be rewarded
+so that he should fare the better, term of his life. Then some of the
+barons said to King Mark, and counselled him to send to the court of
+King Arthur for to seek Sir Launcelot du Lake, that was that time named
+for the marvelloust knight of all the world. Then there were some other
+barons that counselled the king not to do so, and said that it was
+labour in vain, because Sir Marhaus was a knight of the Round Table,
+therefore any of them will be loath to have ado with other, but if it
+were any knight at his own request would fight disguised and unknown.
+So the king and all his barons assented that it was no bote to seek any
+knight of the Round Table. This mean while came the language and the
+noise unto King Meliodas, how that Sir Marhaus abode battle fast by
+Tintagil, and how King Mark could find no manner knight to fight for
+him. When young Tristram heard of this he was wroth, and sore ashamed
+that there durst no knight in Cornwall have ado with Sir Marhaus of
+Ireland.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. How Tristram enterprized the battle to fight for the truage
+of Cornwall, and how he was made knight.
+
+Therewithal Tristram went unto his father, King Meliodas, and asked him
+counsel what was best to do for to recover Cornwall from truage. For,
+as meseemeth, said Sir Tristram, it were shame that Sir Marhaus, the
+queen’s brother of Ireland, should go away unless that he were foughten
+withal. As for that, said King Meliodas, wit you well, son Tristram,
+that Sir Marhaus is called one of the best knights of the world, and
+Knight of the Table Round; and therefore I know no knight in this
+country that is able to match with him. Alas, said Sir Tristram, that I
+am not made knight; and if Sir Marhaus should thus depart into Ireland,
+God let me never have worship: an I were made knight I should match
+him. And sir, said Tristram, I pray you give me leave to ride to King
+Mark; and, so ye be not displeased, of King Mark will I be made knight.
+I will well, said King Meliodas, that ye be ruled as your courage will
+rule you. Then Sir Tristram thanked his father much. And then he made
+him ready to ride into Cornwall.
+
+In the meanwhile there came a messenger with letters of love from King
+Faramon of France’s daughter unto Sir Tristram, that were full piteous
+letters, and in them were written many complaints of love; but Sir
+Tristram had no joy of her letters nor regard unto her. Also she sent
+him a little brachet that was passing fair. But when the king’s
+daughter understood that Sir Tristram would not love her, as the book
+saith, she died for sorrow. And then the same squire that brought the
+letter and the brachet came again unto Sir Tristram, as after ye shall
+hear in the tale.
+
+So this young Sir Tristram rode unto his eme, King Mark of Cornwall.
+And when he came there he heard say that there would no knight fight
+with Sir Marhaus. Then yede Sir Tristram unto his eme and said: Sir, if
+ye will give me the order of knighthood, I will do battle with Sir
+Marhaus. What are ye, said the king, and from whence be ye come? Sir,
+said Tristram, I come from King Meliodas that wedded your sister, and a
+gentleman wit ye well I am. King Mark beheld Sir Tristram and saw that
+he was but a young man of age, but he was passingly well made and big.
+Fair sir, said the king, what is your name, and where were ye born?
+Sir, said he again, my name is Tristram, and in the country of Liones
+was I born. Ye say well, said the king; and if ye will do this battle I
+shall make you knight. Therefore I come to you, said Sir Tristram, and
+for none other cause. But then King Mark made him knight. And
+therewithal, anon as he had made him knight, he sent a messenger unto
+Sir Marhaus with letters that said that he had found a young knight
+ready for to take the battle to the uttermost. It may well be, said Sir
+Marhaus; but tell King Mark I will not fight with no knight but he be
+of blood royal, that is to say, other king’s son, other queen’s son,
+born of a prince or princess.
+
+When King Mark understood that, he sent for Sir Tristram de Liones and
+told him what was the answer of Sir Marhaus. Then said Sir Tristram:
+Sithen that he saith so, let him wit that I am come of father side and
+mother side of as noble blood as he is: for, sir, now shall ye know
+that I am King Meliodas’ son, born of your own sister, Dame Elizabeth,
+that died in the forest in the birth of me. O Jesu, said King Mark, ye
+are welcome fair nephew to me. Then in all the haste the king let horse
+Sir Tristram, and armed him in the best manner that might be had or
+gotten for gold or silver. And then King Mark sent unto Sir Marhaus,
+and did him to wit that a better born man than he was himself should
+fight with him, and his name is Sir Tristram de Liones, gotten of King
+Meliodas, and born of King Mark’s sister. Then was Sir Marhaus glad and
+blithe that he should fight with such a gentleman. And so by the assent
+of King Mark and of Sir Marhaus they let ordain that they should fight
+within an island nigh Sir Marhaus’ ships; and so was Sir Tristram put
+into a vessel both his horse and he, and all that to him longed both
+for his body and for his horse. Sir Tristram lacked nothing. And when
+King Mark and his barons of Cornwall beheld how young Sir Tristram
+departed with such a carriage to fight for the right of Cornwall, there
+was neither man nor woman of worship but they wept to see and
+understand so young a knight to jeopardy himself for their right.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. How Sir Tristram arrived into the Island for to furnish the
+battle with Sir Marhaus.
+
+So to shorten this tale, when Sir Tristram was arrived within the
+island he looked to the farther side, and there he saw at an anchor six
+ships nigh to the land; and under the shadow of the ships upon the
+land, there hoved the noble knight, Sir Marhaus of Ireland. Then Sir
+Tristram commanded his servant Gouvernail to bring his horse to the
+land, and dress his harness at all manner of rights. And then when he
+had so done he mounted upon his horse; and when he was in his saddle
+well apparelled, and his shield dressed upon his shoulder, Tristram
+asked Gouvernail, Where is this knight that I shall have ado withal?
+Sir, said Gouvernail, see ye him not? I weened ye had seen him; yonder
+he hoveth under the umbre of his ships on horseback, with his spear in
+his hand and his shield upon his shoulder. That is truth, said the
+noble knight, Sir Tristram, now I see him well enough.
+
+Then he commanded his servant Gouvernail to go to his vessel again: And
+commend me unto mine eme King Mark, and pray him, if that I be slain in
+this battle, for to inter my body as him seemed best; and as for me,
+let him wit that I will never yield me for cowardice; and if I be slain
+and flee not, then they have lost no truage for me; and if so be that I
+flee or yield me as recreant, bid mine eme never bury me in Christian
+burials. And upon thy life, said Sir Tristram to Gouvernail, come thou
+not nigh this island till that thou see me overcome or slain, or else
+that I win yonder knight. So either departed from other sore weeping.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. How Sir Tristram fought against Sir Marhaus and achieved
+his battle, and how Sir Marhaus fled to his ship.
+
+And then Sir Marhaus avised Sir Tristram, and said thus: Young knight,
+Sir Tristram, what dost thou here? me sore repenteth of thy courage,
+for wit thou well I have been assayed, and the best knights of this
+land have been assayed of my hand; and also I have matched with the
+best knights of the world, and therefore by my counsel return again
+unto thy vessel. And fair knight, and well-proved knight, said Sir
+Tristram, thou shalt well wit I may not forsake thee in this quarrel,
+for I am for thy sake made knight. And thou shalt well wit that I am a
+king’s son born, and gotten upon a queen; and such promise I have made
+at my uncle’s request and mine own seeking, that I shall fight with
+thee unto the uttermost, and deliver Cornwall from the old truage. And
+also wit thou well, Sir Marhaus, that this is the greatest cause that
+thou couragest me to have ado with thee, for thou art called one of the
+most renowned knights of the world, and because of that noise and fame
+that thou hast thou givest me courage to have ado with thee, for never
+yet was I proved with good knight; and sithen I took the order of
+knighthood this day, I am well pleased that I may have ado with so good
+a knight as thou art. And now wit thou well, Sir Marhaus, that I cast
+me to get worship on thy body; and if that I be not proved, I trust to
+God that I shall be worshipfully proved upon thy body, and to deliver
+the country of Cornwall for ever from all manner of truage from Ireland
+for ever.
+
+When Sir Marhaus had heard him say what he would, he said then thus
+again: Fair knight, sithen it is so that thou castest to win worship of
+me, I let thee wit worship may 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 began to feutre their spears, and they met so fiercely
+together that they smote either other down, both horse and all. But Sir
+Marhaus smote Sir Tristram a great wound in the side with his spear,
+and then they avoided their horses, and pulled out their swords, and
+threw their shields afore them. And then they lashed together as men
+that were wild and courageous. And when they had stricken so together
+long, then they left their strokes, and foined at their breaths and
+visors; and when they saw that that might not prevail them, then they
+hurtled together like rams to bear either other down. Thus they fought
+still more than half a day, and either were wounded passing sore, that
+the blood ran down freshly from them upon the ground. By then Sir
+Tristram waxed more fresher than Sir Marhaus, and better winded and
+bigger; and with a mighty stroke he smote Sir Marhaus upon the helm
+such a buffet that it went through his helm, and through the coif of
+steel, and through the brain-pan, and the sword stuck so fast in the
+helm and in his brain-pan that Sir Tristram pulled thrice at his sword
+or ever he might pull it out from his head; and there Marhaus fell down
+on his knees, the edge of Tristram’s sword left in his brain-pan. And
+suddenly Sir Marhaus rose grovelling, and threw his sword and his
+shield from him, and so ran to his ships and fled his way, and Sir
+Tristram had ever his shield and his sword.
+
+And when Sir Tristram saw Sir Marhaus withdraw him, he said: Ah! Sir
+Knight of the Round Table, why withdrawest thou thee? thou dost thyself
+and thy kin great shame, for I am but a young knight, or now I was
+never proved, and rather than I should withdraw me from thee, I had
+rather be hewn in an hundred pieces. Sir Marhaus answered no word but
+yede his way sore groaning. Well, Sir Knight, said Sir Tristram, I
+promise thee thy sword and thy shield shall be mine; and thy shield
+shall I wear in all places where I ride on mine adventures, and in the
+sight of King Arthur and all the Round Table.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Marhaus after that he was arrived in Ireland died
+of the stroke that Sir Tristram had given him, and how Tristram was
+hurt.
+
+Anon Sir Marhaus and his fellowship departed into Ireland. And as soon
+as he came to the king, his brother, he let search his wounds. And when
+his head was searched a piece of Sir Tristram’s sword was found
+therein, and might never be had out of his head for no surgeons, and so
+he died of Sir Tristram’s sword; and that piece of the sword the queen,
+his sister, kept it for ever with her, for she thought to be revenged
+an she might.
+
+Now turn we again unto Sir Tristram, that was sore wounded, and full
+sore bled that he might not within a little while, when he had taken
+cold, unnethe stir him of his limbs. And then he set him down softly
+upon a little hill, and bled fast. Then anon came Gouvernail, his man,
+with his vessel; and the king and his barons came with procession
+against him. And when he was come unto the land, King Mark took him in
+his arms, and the king and Sir Dinas, the seneschal, led Sir Tristram
+into the castle of Tintagil. And then was he searched in the best
+manner, and laid in his bed. And when King Mark saw his wounds he wept
+heartily, and so did all his lords. So God me help, said King Mark, I
+would not for all my lands that my nephew died. So Sir Tristram lay
+there a month and more, and ever he was like to die of that stroke that
+Sir Marhaus smote him first with the spear. For, as the French book
+saith, the spear’s head was envenomed, that Sir Tristram might not be
+whole. Then was King Mark and all his barons passing heavy, for they
+deemed none other but that Sir Tristram should not recover. Then the
+king let send after all manner of leeches and surgeons, both unto men
+and women, and there was none that would behote him the life. Then came
+there a lady that was a right wise lady, and she said plainly unto King
+Mark, and to Sir Tristram, and to all his barons, that he should never
+be whole but if Sir Tristram went in the same country that the venom
+came from, and in that country should he be holpen or else never. Thus
+said the lady unto the king.
+
+When King Mark understood that, he let purvey for Sir Tristram a fair
+vessel, well victualled, and therein was put Sir Tristram, and
+Gouvernail with him, and Sir Tristram took his harp with him, and so he
+was put into the sea to sail into Ireland; and so by good fortune he
+arrived up in Ireland, even fast by a castle where the king and the
+queen was; and at his arrival he sat and harped in his bed a merry lay,
+such one heard they never none in Ireland before that time.
+
+And when it was told the king and the queen of such a knight that was
+such an harper, anon the king sent for him, and let search his wounds,
+and then asked him his name. Then he answered, I am of the country of
+Liones, and my name is Tramtrist, that thus was wounded in a battle as
+I fought for a lady’s right. So God me help, said King Anguish, ye
+shall have all the help in this land that ye may have here; but I let
+you wit, in Cornwall I had a great loss as ever had king, for there I
+lost the best knight of the world; his name was Marhaus, a full noble
+knight, and Knight of the Table Round; and there he told Sir Tristram
+wherefore Sir Marhaus was slain. Sir Tristram made semblant as he had
+been sorry, and better knew he how it was than the king.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. How Sir Tristram was put to the keeping of La Beale Isoud
+first for to be healed of his wound.
+
+Then the king for great favour made Tramtrist to be put in his
+daughter’s ward and keeping, because she was a noble surgeon. And when
+she had searched him she found in the bottom of his wound that therein
+was poison, and so she healed him within a while; and therefore
+Tramtrist cast great love to La Beale Isoud, for she was at that time
+the fairest maid and lady of the world. And there Tramtrist learned her
+to harp, and she began to have a great fantasy unto him. And at that
+time Sir Palamides, the Saracen, was in that country, and well
+cherished with the king and the queen. And every day Sir Palamides drew
+unto La Beale Isoud and proffered her many gifts, for he loved her
+passingly well. All that espied Tramtrist, and full well knew he Sir
+Palamides for a noble knight and a mighty man. And wit you well Sir
+Tramtrist had great despite at Sir Palamides, for La Beale Isoud told
+Tramtrist that Palamides was in will to be christened for her sake.
+Thus was there great envy betwixt Tramtrist and Sir Palamides.
+
+Then it befell that King Anguish let cry a great jousts and a great
+tournament for a lady that was called the Lady of the Launds, and she
+was nigh cousin unto the king. And what man won her, three days after
+he should wed her and have all her lands. This cry was made in England,
+Wales, Scotland, and also in France and in Brittany. It befell upon a
+day La Beale Isoud came unto Sir Tramtrist, and told him of this
+tournament. He answered and said: Fair lady, I am but a feeble knight,
+and but late I had been dead had not your good ladyship been. Now, fair
+lady, what would ye I should do in this matter? well ye wot, my lady,
+that I may not joust. Ah, Tramtrist, said La Beale Isoud, why will ye
+not have ado at that tournament? well I wot Sir Palamides shall be
+there, and to do what he may; and therefore Tramtrist, I pray you for
+to be there, for else Sir Palamides is like to win the degree. Madam,
+said Tramtrist, as for that, it may be so, for he is a proved knight,
+and I am but a young knight and late made; and the first battle that I
+did it mishapped me to be sore wounded as ye see. But an I wist ye
+would be my better lady, at that tournament I will be, so that ye will
+keep my counsel and let no creature have knowledge that I shall joust
+but yourself, and such as ye will to keep your counsel, my poor person
+shall I jeopard there for your sake, that, peradventure, Sir Palamides
+shall know when that I come. Thereto, said La Beale Isoud, do your
+best, and as I can, said La Beale Isoud, I shall purvey horse and
+armour for you at my device. As ye will so be it, said Sir Tramtrist, I
+will be at your commandment.
+
+So at the day of jousts there came Sir Palamides with a black shield,
+and he overthrew many knights, that all the people had marvel of him.
+For he put to the worse Sir Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravaine, Bagdemagus,
+Kay, Dodinas le Savage, Sagramore le Desirous, Gumret le Petit, and
+Griflet le Fise de Dieu. All these the first day Sir Palamides struck
+down to the earth. And then all manner of knights were adread of Sir
+Palamides, and many called him the Knight with the Black Shield. So
+that day Sir Palamides had great worship.
+
+Then came King Anguish unto Tramtrist, and asked him why he would not
+joust. Sir, he said, I was but late hurt, and as yet I dare not
+adventure me. Then came there the same squire that was sent from the
+king’s daughter of France unto Sir Tristram. And when he had espied Sir
+Tristram he fell flat to his feet. All that espied La Beale Isoud, what
+courtesy the squire made unto Sir Tristram. And therewithal suddenly
+Sir Tristram ran unto his squire, whose name was Hebes le Renoumes, and
+prayed him heartily in no wise to tell his name. Sir, said Hebes, I
+will not discover your name but if ye command me.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. How Sir Tristram won the degree at a tournament in Ireland,
+and there made Palamides to bear no more harness in a year.
+
+Then Sir Tristram asked him what he did in those countries. Sir, he
+said, I came hither with Sir Gawaine for to be made knight, and if it
+please you, of your hands that I may be made knight. Await upon me as
+to-morn secretly, and in the field I shall make you a knight.
+
+Then had La Beale Isoud great suspicion unto Tramtrist, that he was
+some man of worship proved, and therewith she comforted herself, and
+cast more love unto him than she had done to-fore. And so on the morn
+Sir Palamides made him ready to come into the field as he did the first
+day. And there he smote down the King with the Hundred Knights, and the
+King of Scots. Then had La Beale Isoud ordained and well arrayed Sir
+Tristram in white horse and harness. And right so she let put him out
+at a privy postern, and so he came into the field as it had been a
+bright angel. And anon Sir Palamides espied him, and therewith he
+feutred a spear unto Sir Tramtrist, and he again unto him. And there
+Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palamides unto the earth. And then there
+was a great noise of people: some said Sir Palamides had a fall, some
+said the Knight with the Black Shield had a fall. And wit you well La
+Beale Isoud was passing glad. And then Sir Gawaine and his fellows nine
+had marvel what knight it might be that had smitten down Sir Palamides.
+Then would there none joust with Tramtrist, but all that there were
+forsook him, most and least. Then Sir Tristram made Hebes a knight, and
+caused him to put himself forth, and did right well that day. So after
+Sir Hebes held him with Sir Tristram.
+
+And when Sir Palamides had received this fall, wit ye well that he was
+sore ashamed, and as privily as he might he withdrew him out of the
+field. All that espied Sir Tristram, and lightly he rode after Sir
+Palamides and overtook him, and bade him turn, for better he would
+assay him or ever he departed. Then Sir Palamides turned him, and
+either lashed at other with their swords. But at the first stroke Sir
+Tristram smote down Palamides, and gave him such a stroke upon the head
+that he fell to the earth. So then Tristram bade yield him, and do his
+commandment, or else he would slay him. When Sir Palamides beheld his
+countenance, he dread his buffets so, that he granted all his askings.
+Well said, said Sir Tristram, this shall be your charge. First, upon
+pain of your life that ye forsake my lady La Beale Isoud, and in no
+manner wise that ye draw not to her. Also this twelvemonth and a day
+that ye bear none armour nor none harness of war. Now promise me this,
+or here shalt thou die. Alas, said Palamides, for ever am I ashamed.
+Then he sware as Sir Tristram had commanded him. Then for despite and
+anger Sir Palamides cut off his harness, and threw them away.
+
+And so Sir Tristram turned again to the castle where was La Beale
+Isoud; and by the way he met with a damosel that asked after Sir
+Launcelot, that won the Dolorous Guard worshipfully; and this damosel
+asked Sir Tristram what he was. For it was told her that it was he that
+smote down Sir Palamides, by whom the ten knights of King Arthur’s were
+smitten down. Then the damosel prayed Sir Tristram to tell her what he
+was, and whether that he were Sir Launcelot du Lake, for she deemed
+that there was no knight in the world might do such deeds of arms but
+if it were Launcelot. Fair damosel, said Sir Tristram, wit ye well that
+I am not Sir Launcelot, for I was never of such prowess, but in God is
+all that he may make me as good a knight as the good knight Sir
+Launcelot. Now, gentle knight, said she, put up thy visor; and when she
+beheld his visage she thought she saw never a better man’s visage, nor
+a better faring knight. And then when the damosel knew certainly that
+he was not Sir Launcelot, then she took her leave, and departed from
+him. And then Sir Tristram rode privily unto the postern, where kept
+him La Beale Isoud, and there she made him good cheer, and thanked God
+of his good speed. So anon, within a while the king and the queen
+understood that it was Tramtrist that smote down Sir Palamides; then
+was he much made of, more than he was before.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. How the queen espied that Sir Tristram had slain her
+brother Sir Marhaus by his sword, and in what jeopardy he was.
+
+Thus was Sir Tramtrist long there well cherished with the king and the
+queen, and namely with La Beale Isoud. So upon a day the queen and La
+Beale Isoud made a bain for Sir Tramtrist. And when he was in his bain
+the queen and Isoud, her daughter, roamed up and down in the chamber;
+and therewhiles Gouvernail and Hebes attended upon Tramtrist, and the
+queen beheld his sword thereas it lay upon his bed. And then by unhap
+the queen drew out his sword and beheld it a long while, and both they
+thought it a passing fair sword; but within a foot and an half of the
+point there was a great piece thereof out-broken of the edge. And 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, the good
+knight that was her brother. Alas then, said she unto her daughter, La
+Beale Isoud, this is the same traitor knight that slew my brother,
+thine eme. When Isoud heard her say so she was passing sore abashed,
+for passing well she loved Tramtrist, and full well she knew the
+cruelness of her mother the queen.
+
+Anon therewithal the queen went unto her own chamber, and sought her
+coffer, and there she took out the piece or the sword that was pulled
+out of Sir Marhaus’ head after that he was dead. And then she ran with
+that piece of iron to the sword that lay upon the bed. And when she put
+that piece of steel and iron unto the sword, it was as meet as it might
+be when it was new broken. And then the queen gripped that sword in her
+hand fiercely, and with all her might she ran straight upon Tramtrist
+where he sat in his bain, and there she had rived him through had not
+Sir Hebes gotten her in his arms, and pulled the sword from her, and
+else she had thrust him through.
+
+Then when she was let of her evil will she ran to the King Anguish, her
+husband, and said on her knees: O my lord, here have ye in your house
+that traitor knight that slew my brother and your servant, that noble
+knight, Sir Marhaus. Who is that, said King Anguish, and where is he?
+Sir, she said, it is Sir Tramtrist, the same knight that my daughter
+healed. Alas, said the king, therefore am I right heavy, for he is a
+full noble knight as ever I saw in field. But I charge you, said the
+king to the queen, that ye have not ado with that knight, but let me
+deal with him.
+
+Then the king went into the chamber unto Sir Tramtrist, and then was he
+gone unto his chamber, and the king found him all ready armed to mount
+upon his horse. When the king saw him all ready armed to go unto
+horseback, the king said: Nay, Tramtrist, it will not avail to compare
+thee against me; but thus much I shall do for my worship and for thy
+love; in so much as thou art within my court it were no worship for me
+to slay thee: therefore upon this condition I will give thee leave for
+to depart from this court in safety, so thou wilt tell me who was thy
+father, and what is thy name, and if thou slew Sir Marhaus, my brother.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. How Sir Tristram departed from the king and La Beale Isoud
+out of Ireland for to come into Cornwall.
+
+Sir, said Tristram, now I shall tell you all the truth: my father’s
+name is Sir Meliodas, King of Liones, and my mother hight Elizabeth,
+that was sister unto King Mark of Cornwall; and my mother died of me in
+the forest, and because thereof she commanded, or she died, that when I
+were christened they should christen me Tristram; and because I would
+not be known in this country I turned my name and let me call
+Tramtrist; and for the truage of Cornwall I fought for my eme’s sake,
+and for the right of Cornwall that ye had posseded many years. And wit
+ye well, said Tristram unto the king, I did the battle for the love of
+mine uncle, King Mark, and for the love of the country of Cornwall, and
+for to increase mine honour; for that same day that I fought with Sir
+Marhaus I was made knight, and never or then did I battle with no
+knight, and from me he went alive, and left his shield and his sword
+behind.
+
+So God me help, said the king, I may not say but ye did as a knight
+should, and it was your part to do for your quarrel, and to increase
+your worship as a knight should; howbeit I may not maintain you in this
+country with my worship, unless that I should displease my barons, and
+my wife and her kin. Sir, said Tristram, I thank you of your good
+lordship that I have had with you here, and the great goodness my lady,
+your daughter, hath shewed me, and therefore, said Sir Tristram, it may
+so happen that ye shall win more by my life than by my death, for in
+the parts of England it may happen I may do you service at some season,
+that ye shall be glad that ever ye shewed me your good lordship. With
+more I promise you as I am true knight, that in all places I shall be
+my lady your daughter’s servant and knight in right and in wrong, and I
+shall never fail her, to do as much as a knight may do. Also I beseech
+your good grace that I may take my leave at my lady, your daughter, and
+at all the barons and knights. I will well, said the king.
+
+Then Sir Tristram went unto La Beale Isoud and took his leave of her.
+And then he told her all, what he was, and how he had changed his name
+because he would not be known, and how a lady told him that he should
+never be whole till he came into this country where the poison was
+made, wherethrough I was near my death had not your ladyship been. O
+gentle knight, said La Beale Isoud, full woe am I of thy departing, for
+I saw never man that I owed so good will to. And therewithal she wept
+heartily. Madam, said Sir Tristram, ye shall understand that my name is
+Sir Tristram de Liones, gotten of King Meliodas, and born of his queen.
+And I promise you faithfully that I shall be all the days of my life
+your knight. Gramercy, said La Beale Isoud, and I promise you
+there-against that I shall not be married this seven years but by your
+assent; and to whom that ye will I shall be married to him will I have,
+and he will have me if ye will consent.
+
+And 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 at most and least, and openly he said among
+them all: Fair lords, now it is so that I must depart: if there be any
+man here that I have offended unto, or that any man be with me grieved,
+let complain him here afore me or that ever I depart, and I shall amend
+it unto my power. And if there be any that will proffer me wrong, or
+say of me wrong or shame behind my back, say it now or never, and here
+is my body to make it good, body against body. And all they stood
+still, there was not one that would say one word; yet were there some
+knights that were of the queen’s blood, and of Sir Marhaus’ blood, but
+they would not meddle with him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Tristram and King Mark hurted each other for the
+love of a knight’s wife.
+
+So Sir Tristram departed, and took the sea, and with good wind he
+arrived up at Tintagil in Cornwall; and when King Mark was whole in his
+prosperity there came tidings that Sir Tristram was arrived, and whole
+of his wounds: thereof was King Mark passing glad, and so were all the
+barons; and when he saw his time he rode unto his father, King
+Meliodas, and there he had all the cheer that the king and the queen
+could make him. And then largely King Meliodas and his queen departed
+of their lands and goods to Sir Tristram.
+
+Then by the license of King Meliodas, his father, he returned again
+unto the court of King Mark, and there he lived in great joy long time,
+until at the last there befell a jealousy and an unkindness betwixt
+King Mark and Sir Tristram, for they loved both one lady. And she was
+an earl’s wife that hight Sir Segwarides. And this lady loved Sir
+Tristram passingly well. And he loved her again, for she was a passing
+fair lady, and that espied Sir Tristram well. Then King Mark understood
+that and was jealous, for King Mark loved her passingly well.
+
+So it fell upon a day this lady sent a dwarf unto Sir Tristram, and
+bade him, as he loved her, that he would be with her the night next
+following. Also she charged you that ye come not to her but if ye be
+well armed, for her lover was called a good knight. Sir Tristram
+answered to the dwarf: Recommend me unto my lady, and tell her I will
+not fail but I will be with her the term that she hath set me. And with
+this answer the dwarf departed. And King Mark espied that the dwarf was
+with Sir Tristram upon message from Segwarides’ wife; then King Mark
+sent for the dwarf, and when he was come he made the dwarf by force to
+tell him all, why and wherefore that he came on message from Sir
+Tristram. Now, said King Mark, go where thou wilt, and upon pain of
+death that thou say no word that thou spakest with me; so the dwarf
+departed from the king.
+
+And that same night that the steven was set betwixt Segwarides’ wife
+and Sir Tristram, King Mark armed him, and made him ready, and took two
+knights of his counsel with him; and so he rode afore for to abide by
+the way for to wait upon Sir Tristram. And as Sir Tristram came riding
+upon his way with his spear in his hand, King Mark came hurtling upon
+him with his two knights suddenly. And all three smote him with their
+spears, and King Mark hurt Sir Tristram on the breast right sore. And
+then Sir Tristram feutred his spear, and smote his uncle, King Mark, so
+sore, that he rashed him to the earth, and bruised him that he lay
+still in a swoon, and long it was or ever he might wield himself. And
+then he ran to the one knight, and eft to the other, and smote them to
+the cold earth, that they lay still. And therewithal Sir Tristram rode
+forth sore wounded to the lady, and found her abiding him at a postern.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Tristram lay with the lady, and how her husband
+fought with Sir Tristram.
+
+And there she welcomed him fair, and either halsed other in arms, and
+so she let put up his horse in the best wise, and then she unarmed him.
+And so they supped lightly, and went to bed with great joy and
+pleasaunce; and so in his raging he took no keep of his green wound
+that King Mark had given him. And so Sir Tristram be-bled both the over
+sheet and the nether, and pillows, and head sheet. And within a while
+there came one afore, that warned her that her lord was near-hand
+within a bow-draught. So she made Sir Tristram to arise, and so he
+armed him, and took his horse, and so departed. By then was come
+Segwarides, her lord, and when he found her bed troubled and broken,
+and went near and beheld it by candle light, then he saw that there had
+lain a wounded knight. Ah, false traitress, then he said, why hast thou
+betrayed me? And therewithal he swang out a sword, and said: But if
+thou tell me who hath been here, here thou shalt die. Ah, my lord,
+mercy, said the lady, and held up her hands, saying: Slay me not, and I
+shall tell you all who hath been here. Tell anon, said Segwarides, to
+me all the truth. Anon for dread she said: Here was Sir Tristram with
+me, and by the way as he came to me ward, he was sore wounded. Ah,
+false traitress, said Segwarides, where is he become? Sir, she said, he
+is armed, and departed on horseback, not yet hence half a mile. Ye say
+well, said Segwarides.
+
+Then he armed him lightly, and gat his horse, and rode after Sir
+Tristram that rode straightway unto Tintagil. And within a while he
+overtook Sir Tristram, and then he bade him, Turn, false traitor
+knight. And Sir Tristram anon turned him against him. And therewithal
+Segwarides smote Sir Tristram with a spear that it all to-brast; and
+then he swang out his sword and smote fast at Sir Tristram. Sir knight,
+said Sir Tristram, I counsel you that ye smite no more, howbeit for the
+wrongs that I have done you I will forbear you as long as I may. Nay,
+said Segwarides, that shall not be, for either thou shalt die or I.
+
+Then Sir Tristram drew out his sword, and hurtled his horse unto him
+fiercely, and through the waist of the body he smote Sir Segwarides
+that he fell to the earth in a swoon. And so Sir Tristram departed and
+left him there. And so he rode unto Tintagil and took his lodging
+secretly, for he would not be known that he was hurt. Also Sir
+Segwarides’ men rode after their master, whom they found lying in the
+field sore wounded, and brought him home on his shield, and there he
+lay long or that he were whole, but at the last he recovered. Also King
+Mark would not be aknown of that Sir Tristram and he had met that
+night. And as for Sir Tristram, he knew not that King Mark had met with
+him. And so the king askance came to Sir Tristram, to comfort him as he
+lay sick in his bed. But as long as King Mark lived he loved never Sir
+Tristram after that; though there was fair speech, love was there none.
+And thus it passed many weeks and days, and all was forgiven and
+forgotten; for Sir Segwarides durst not have ado with Sir Tristram,
+because of his noble prowess, and also because he was nephew unto King
+Mark; therefore he let it overslip: for he that hath a privy hurt is
+loath to have a shame outward.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV. How Sir Bleoberis demanded the fairest lady in King Mark’s
+court, whom he took away, and how he was fought with.
+
+Then it befell upon a day that the good knight Bleoberis de Ganis,
+brother to Blamore de Ganis, and nigh cousin unto the good knight Sir
+Launcelot du Lake, this Bleoberis came unto the court of King Mark, and
+there he asked of King Mark a boon, to give him what gift that he would
+ask in his court. When the king heard him ask so, he marvelled of his
+asking, but because he was a knight of the Round Table, and of a great
+renown, King Mark granted him his whole asking. Then, said Sir
+Bleoberis, I will have the fairest lady in your court that me list to
+choose. I may not say nay, said King Mark; now choose at your
+adventure. And so Sir Bleoberis did choose Sir Segwarides’ wife, and
+took her by the hand, and so went his way with her; and so he took his
+horse and gart set her behind his squire, and rode upon his way.
+
+When Sir Segwarides heard tell that his lady was gone with a knight of
+King Arthur’s court, then he armed him and rode after that knight for
+to rescue his lady. So when Bleoberis was gone with this lady, King
+Mark and all the court was wroth that she was away. Then were there
+certain ladies that knew that there were great love between Sir
+Tristram and her, and also that lady loved Sir Tristram above all other
+knights. Then there was one lady that rebuked Sir Tristram in the
+horriblest wise, and called him coward knight, that he would for shame
+of his knighthood see a lady so shamefully be taken away from his
+uncle’s court. But she meant that either of them had loved other with
+entire heart. But Sir Tristram answered her thus: Fair lady, it is not
+my part to have ado in such matters while her lord and husband is
+present here; and if it had been that her lord had not been here in
+this court, then for the worship of this court peradventure I would
+have been her champion, and if so be Sir Segwarides speed not well, it
+may happen that I will speak with that good knight or ever he pass from
+this country.
+
+Then within a while came one of Sir Segwarides’ squires, and told in
+the court that Sir Segwarides was beaten sore and wounded to the point
+of death; as he would have rescued his lady Sir Bleoberis overthrew him
+and sore hath wounded him. Then was King Mark heavy thereof, and all
+the court. When Sir Tristram heard of this he was ashamed and sore
+grieved; and then was he soon armed and on horseback, and Gouvernail,
+his servant, bare his shield and spear. And so as Sir Tristram rode
+fast he met with Sir Andred his cousin, that by the commandment of King
+Mark was sent to bring forth, an ever it lay in his power, two knights
+of Arthur’s court, that rode by the country to seek their adventures.
+When Sir Tristram saw Sir Andred he asked him what tidings. So God me
+help, said Sir Andred, there was never worse with me, for here by the
+commandment of King Mark I was sent to fetch two knights of King
+Arthur’s court, and that one beat me and wounded me, and set nought by
+my message. Fair cousin, said Sir Tristram, ride on your way, and if I
+may meet them it may happen I shall revenge you. So Sir Andred rode
+into Cornwall, and Sir Tristram rode after the two knights, the which
+one hight Sagramore le Desirous, and the other hight Dodinas le Savage.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Tristram fought with two knights of the Round
+Table.
+
+Then within a while Sir Tristram saw them afore him, two likely
+knights. Sir, said Gouvernail unto his master, Sir, I would counsel you
+not to have ado with them, for they be two proved knights of Arthur’s
+court. As for that, said Sir Tristram, have ye no doubt but I will have
+ado with them to increase my worship, for it is many day sithen I did
+any deeds of arms. Do as ye list, said Gouvernail. And therewithal anon
+Sir Tristram asked them from whence they came, and whither they would,
+and what they did in those marches. Sir Sagramore looked upon Sir
+Tristram, and had scorn of his words, and asked him again, Fair knight,
+be ye a knight of Cornwall? Whereby ask ye it? said Sir Tristram. For
+it is seldom seen, said Sir Sagramore, that ye Cornish knights be
+valiant men of arms; for within these two hours there met us one of
+your Cornish knights, and great words he spake, and anon with little
+might he was laid to the earth. And, as I trow, said Sir Sagramore, ye
+shall have the same handsel that he had. Fair lords, said Sir Tristram,
+it may so happen that I may better withstand than he did, and whether
+ye will or nill I will have ado with you, because he was my cousin that
+ye beat. And therefore here do your best, and wit ye well but if ye
+quit you the better here upon this ground, one knight of Cornwall shall
+beat you both.
+
+When Sir Dodinas le Savage heard him say so he gat a spear in his hand,
+and said, Sir knight, keep well thyself: And then they departed and
+came together as it had been thunder. And Sir Dodinas’ spear brast
+in-sunder, but Sir Tristram smote him with a more might, that he smote
+him clean over the horse-croup, that nigh he had broken his neck. When
+Sir Sagramore saw his fellow have such a fall he marvelled what knight
+he might be. And he dressed his spear with all his might, and Sir
+Tristram against him, and they came together as the thunder, and there
+Sir Tristram smote Sir Sagramore a strong buffet, that he bare his
+horse and him to the earth, and in the falling he brake his thigh.
+
+When this was done Sir Tristram asked them: Fair knights, will ye any
+more? Be there no bigger knights in the court of King Arthur? it is to
+you shame to say of us knights of Cornwall dishonour, for it may happen
+a Cornish knight may match you. That is truth, said Sir Sagramore, that
+have we well proved; but I require thee, said Sir Sagramore, tell us
+your right name, by the faith and troth that ye owe to the high order
+of knighthood. Ye charge me with a great thing, said Sir Tristram, and
+sithen ye list to wit it, ye shall know and understand that my name is
+Sir Tristram de Liones, King Meliodas’ son, and nephew unto King Mark.
+Then were they two knights fain that they had met with Tristram, and so
+they prayed him to abide in their fellowship. Nay, said Sir Tristram,
+for I must have ado with one of your fellows, his name is Sir Bleoberis
+de Ganis. God speed you well, said Sir Sagramore and Dodinas. Sir
+Tristram departed and rode onward on his way. And then was he ware
+before him in a valley where rode Sir Bleoberis, with Sir Segwarides’
+lady, that rode behind his squire upon a palfrey.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Bleoberis for a lady,
+and how the lady was put to choice to whom she would go.
+
+Then Sir Tristram rode more than a pace until that he had overtaken
+him. Then spake Sir Tristram: Abide, he said, Knight of Arthur’s court,
+bring again that lady, or deliver her to me. I will do neither, said
+Bleoberis, for I dread no Cornish knight so sore that me list to
+deliver her. Why, said Sir Tristram, may not a Cornish knight do as
+well as another knight? this same day two knights of your court within
+this three mile met with me, and or ever we departed they found a
+Cornish knight good enough for them both. What were their names? said
+Bleoberis. They told me, said Sir Tristram, that the one of them hight
+Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and the other hight Dodinas le Savage. Ah,
+said Sir Bleoberis, have ye met with them? so God me help, they were
+two good knights and men of great worship, and if ye have beat them
+both ye must needs be a good knight; but if it so be ye have beat them
+both, yet shall ye not fear me, but ye shall beat me or ever ye have
+this lady. Then defend you, said Sir Tristram. So they departed and
+came together like thunder, and either bare other down, horse and all,
+to the earth.
+
+Then they avoided their horses, and lashed together eagerly with
+swords, and mightily, now tracing and traversing on the right hand and
+on the left hand more than two hours. And sometime they rushed together
+with such a might that they lay both grovelling on the ground. Then Sir
+Bleoberis de Ganis stert aback, and said thus: Now, gentle good knight,
+a while hold your hands, and let us speak together. Say what ye will,
+said Tristram, and I will answer you. Sir, said Bleoberis, I would wit
+of whence ye be, and of whom ye be come, and what is your name? So God
+me help, said Sir Tristram, I fear not to tell you my name. Wit ye well
+I am King Meliodas’ son, and my mother is King Mark’s sister, and my
+name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and King Mark is mine uncle. Truly,
+said Bleoberis, I am right glad of you, for ye are he that slew Marhaus
+the knight, hand for hand in an island, for the truage of Cornwall;
+also ye overcame Sir Palamides the good knight, at a tournament in an
+island, where ye beat Sir Gawaine and his nine fellows. So God me help,
+said Sir Tristram, wit ye well that I am the same knight; now I have
+told you my name, tell me yours with good will. Wit ye well that my
+name is Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, and my brother hight Sir Blamore de
+Ganis, that is called a good knight, and we be sister’s children unto
+my lord Sir Launcelot du Lake, that we call one of the best knights of
+the world. That is truth, said Sir Tristram, Sir Launcelot is called
+peerless of courtesy and of knighthood; and for his sake, said Sir
+Tristram, I will not with my good will fight no more with you, for the
+great love I have to Sir Launcelot du Lake. In good faith, said
+Bleoberis, as for me I will be loath to fight with you; but sithen ye
+follow me here to have this lady, I shall proffer you kindness,
+courtesy, and gentleness right here upon this ground. This lady shall
+be betwixt us both, and to whom that she will go, let him have her in
+peace. I will well, said Tristram, for, as I deem, she will leave you
+and come to me. Ye shall prove it anon, said Bleoberis.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII. How the lady forsook Sir Tristram and abode with Sir
+Bleoberis, and how she desired to go to her husband.
+
+So when she was set betwixt them both she said these words unto Sir
+Tristram: Wit ye well, Sir Tristram de Liones, that but late thou wast
+the man in the world that I most loved and trusted, and I weened thou
+hadst loved me again above all ladies; but when thou sawest this knight
+lead me away thou madest no cheer to rescue me, but suffered my lord
+Segwarides ride after me; but until that time I weened thou haddest
+loved me, and therefore now I will leave thee, and never love thee
+more. And therewithal she went unto Sir Bleoberis.
+
+When Sir Tristram saw her do so he was wonderly wroth with that lady,
+and ashamed to come to the court. Sir Tristram, said Sir Bleoberis, ye
+are in the default, for I hear by this lady’s words she before this day
+trusted you above all earthly knights, and, as she saith, ye have
+deceived her, therefore wit ye well, there may no man hold that will
+away; and rather than ye should be heartily displeased with me I would
+ye had her, an she would abide with you. Nay, said the lady, so God me
+help I will never go with him; for he that I loved most I weened he had
+loved me. And therefore, Sir Tristram, she said, ride as thou came, for
+though thou haddest overcome this knight, as ye was likely, with thee
+never would I have gone. And I shall pray this knight so fair of his
+knighthood, that or ever he pass this country, that he will lead me to
+the abbey where my lord Sir Segwarides lieth. So God me help, said
+Bleoberis, I let you wit, good knight Sir Tristram, because King Mark
+gave me the choice of a gift in this court, and so this lady liked me
+best—notwithstanding, she is wedded and hath a lord, and I have
+fulfilled my quest, she shall be sent unto her husband again, and in
+especial most for your sake, Sir Tristram; and if she would go with you
+I would ye had her. I thank you, said Sir Tristram, but for her love I
+shall beware what manner a lady I shall love or trust; for had her
+lord, Sir Segwarides, been away from the court, I should have been the
+first that should have followed you; but sithen that ye have refused
+me, as I am true knight I shall her know passingly well that I shall
+love or trust. And so they took their leave one from the other and
+departed.
+
+And so Sir Tristram rode unto Tintagil, and Sir Bleoberis rode unto the
+abbey where Sir Segwarides lay sore wounded, and there he delivered his
+lady, and departed as a noble knight; and when Sir Segwarides saw his
+lady, he was greatly comforted; and then she told him that Sir Tristram
+had done great battle with Sir Bleoberis, and caused him to bring her
+again. These words pleased Sir Segwarides right well, that Sir Tristram
+would do so much; and so that lady told all the battle unto King Mark
+betwixt Sir Tristram and Sir Bleoberis.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX. How King Mark sent Sir Tristram for La Beale Isoud toward
+Ireland, and how by fortune he arrived into England.
+
+Then when this was done King Mark cast always in his heart how he might
+destroy Sir Tristram. And then he imagined in himself to send Sir
+Tristram into Ireland for La Beale Isoud. For Sir Tristram had so
+praised her beauty and her goodness that King Mark said that he would
+wed her, whereupon he prayed Sir Tristram to take his way into Ireland
+for him on message. And all this was done to the intent to slay Sir
+Tristram. Notwithstanding, Sir Tristram would not refuse the message
+for no danger nor peril that might fall, for the pleasure of his uncle,
+but to go he made him ready in the most goodliest wise that might be
+devised. For Sir Tristram took with him the most goodliest knights that
+he might find in the court; and they were arrayed, after the guise that
+was then used, in the goodliest manner. So Sir Tristram departed and
+took the sea with all his fellowship. And anon, as he was in the broad
+sea a tempest took him and his fellowship, and drove them back into the
+coast of England; and there they arrived fast by Camelot, and full fain
+they were to take the land.
+
+And when they were landed Sir Tristram set up his pavilion upon the
+land of Camelot, and there he let hang his shield upon the pavilion.
+And that same day came two knights of King Arthur’s, that one was Sir
+Ector de Maris, and Sir Morganor. And they touched the shield, and bade
+him come out of the pavilion for to joust, an he would joust. Ye shall
+be answered, said Sir Tristram, an ye will tarry a little while. So he
+made him ready, and first he smote down Sir Ector de Maris, and after
+he smote down Sir Morganor, all with one spear, and sore bruised them.
+And when they lay upon the earth they asked Sir Tristram what he was,
+and of what country he was knight. Fair lords, said Sir Tristram, wit
+ye well that I am of Cornwall. Alas, said Sir Ector, now am I ashamed
+that ever any Cornish knight should overcome me. And then for despite
+Sir Ector put off his armour from him, and went on foot, and would not
+ride.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX. How King Anguish of Ireland was summoned to come to King
+Arthur’s court for treason.
+
+Then it fell that Sir Bleoberis and Sir Blamore de Ganis, that were
+brethren, they had summoned the King Anguish of Ireland for to come to
+Arthur’s court upon pain of forfeiture of King Arthur’s good grace. And
+if the King of Ireland came not in, at the day assigned and set, the
+king should lose his lands. So it happened that at the day assigned,
+King Arthur neither Sir Launcelot might not be there for to give the
+judgment, for King Arthur was with Sir Launcelot at the Castle Joyous
+Garde. And so King Arthur assigned King Carados and the King of Scots
+to be there that day as judges. So when the kings were at Camelot King
+Anguish of Ireland was come to know his accusers. Then was there Sir
+Blamore de Ganis, and appealed the King of Ireland of treason, that he
+had slain a cousin of his in his court in Ireland by treason. The king
+was sore abashed of his accusation, for-why he was come at the summons
+of King Arthur, and or he came at Camelot he wist not wherefore he was
+sent after. And when the king heard Sir Blamore say his will, he
+understood well there was none other remedy but for to answer him
+knightly; for the custom was such in those days, that an any man were
+appealed of any treason or murder he should fight body for body, or
+else to find another knight for him. And all manner of murders in those
+days were called treason.
+
+So when King Anguish understood his accusing he was passing heavy, for
+he knew Sir Blamore de Ganis that he was a noble knight, and of noble
+knights come. Then the King of Ireland was simply purveyed of his
+answer; therefore the judges gave him respite by the third day to give
+his answer. So the king departed unto his lodging. The meanwhile there
+came a lady by Sir Tristram’s pavilion making great dole. What aileth
+you, said Sir Tristram, that ye make such dole? Ah, fair knight, said
+the lady, I am ashamed unless that some good knight help me; for a
+great lady of worship sent by me a fair child and a rich, unto Sir
+Launcelot du Lake, and hereby there met with me a knight, and threw me
+down from my palfrey, and took away the child from me. Well, my lady,
+said Sir Tristram, and for my lord Sir Launcelot’s sake I shall get you
+that child again, or else I shall be beaten for it. And so Sir Tristram
+took his horse, and asked the lady which way the knight rode; and then
+she told him. And he rode after him, and within a while he overtook
+that knight. And then Sir Tristram bade him turn and give again the
+child.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Tristram rescued a child from a knight, and how
+Gouvernail told him of King Anguish.
+
+The knight turned his horse and made him ready to fight. And then Sir
+Tristram smote him with a sword such a buffet that he tumbled to the
+earth. And then he yielded him unto Sir Tristram. Then come thy way,
+said Sir Tristram, and bring the child to the lady again. So he took
+his horse meekly and rode with Sir Tristram; and then by the way Sir
+Tristram asked him his name. Then he said, My name is Breuse Saunce
+Pité. So when he had delivered that child to the lady, he said: Sir, as
+in this the child is well remedied. Then Sir Tristram let him go again
+that sore repented him after, for he was a great foe unto many good
+knights of King Arthur’s court.
+
+Then when Sir Tristram was in his pavilion Gouvernail, his man, came
+and told him how that King Anguish of Ireland was come thither, and he
+was put in great distress; and there Gouvernail told Sir Tristram how
+King Anguish was summoned and appealed of murder. So God me help, said
+Sir Tristram, these be the best tidings that ever came to me this seven
+years, for now shall the King of Ireland have need of my help; for I
+daresay there is no knight in this country that is not of Arthur’s
+court dare do battle with Sir Blamore de Ganis; and for to win the love
+of the King of Ireland I will take the battle upon me; and therefore
+Gouvernail bring me, I charge thee, to the king.
+
+Then Gouvernail went unto King Anguish of Ireland, and saluted him
+fair. The king welcomed him and asked him what he would. Sir, said
+Gouvernail, here is a knight near hand that desireth to speak with you:
+he bade me say he would do you service. What knight is he? said the
+king. Sir, said he, it is Sir Tristram de Liones, that for your good
+grace that ye showed him in your lands will reward you in this country.
+Come on, fellow, said the king, with me anon and show me unto Sir
+Tristram. So the king took a little hackney and but few fellowship with
+him, until he came unto Sir Tristram’s pavilion. And when Sir Tristram
+saw the king he ran unto him and would have holden his stirrup. But the
+king leapt from his horse lightly, and either halsed other in their
+arms. My gracious lord, said Sir Tristram, gramercy of your great
+goodnesses showed unto me in your marches and lands: and at that time I
+promised you to do you service an ever it lay in my power. And, gentle
+knight, said the king unto Sir Tristram, now have I great need of you,
+never had I so great need of no knight’s help. How so, my good lord?
+said Sir Tristram. I shall tell you, said the king: I am summoned and
+appealed from my country for the death of a knight that was kin unto
+the good knight Sir Launcelot; wherefore Sir Blamore de Ganis, brother
+to Sir Bleoberis hath appealed me to fight with him, outher to find a
+knight in my stead. And well I wot, said the king, these that are come
+of King Ban’s blood, as Sir Launcelot and these other, are passing good
+knights, and hard men for to win in battle as any that I know now
+living. Sir, said Sir Tristram, for the good lordship ye showed me in
+Ireland, and for my lady your daughter’s sake, La Beale Isoud, I will
+take the battle for you upon this condition that ye shall grant me two
+things: that one is that ye shall swear to me that ye are in the right,
+that ye were never consenting to the knight’s death; Sir, then said Sir
+Tristram, when that I have done this battle, if God give me grace that
+I speed, that ye shall give me a reward, what thing reasonable that I
+will ask of you. So God me help, said the king, ye shall have
+whatsomever ye will ask. It is well said, said Sir Tristram.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII. How Sir Tristram fought for Sir Anguish and overcame his
+adversary, and how his adversary would never yield him.
+
+Now make your answer that your champion is ready, for I shall die in
+your quarrel rather than to be recreant. I have no doubt of you, said
+the king, that, an ye should have ado with Sir Launcelot du Lake— Sir,
+said Sir Tristram, as for Sir Launcelot, he is called the noblest
+knight of the world, and wit ye well that the knights of his blood are
+noble men, and dread shame; and as for Bleoberis, brother unto Sir
+Blamore, I have done battle with him, therefore upon my head it is no
+shame to call him a good knight. It is noised, said the king, that
+Blamore is the hardier knight. Sir, as for that let him be, he shall
+never be refused, an as he were the best knight that now beareth shield
+or spear.
+
+So King Anguish departed unto King Carados and the kings that were that
+time as judges, and told them that he had found his champion ready.
+Then by the commandment of the kings Sir Blamore de Ganis and Sir
+Tristram were sent for to hear the charge. And when they were come
+before the judges there were many kings and knights beheld Sir
+Tristram, and much speech they had of him because that he slew Sir
+Marhaus, the good knight, and because he for-jousted Sir Palamides the
+good knight. So when they had taken their charge they withdrew them to
+make them ready to do battle.
+
+Then said Sir Bleoberis unto his brother, Sir Blamore: Fair dear
+brother, remember of what kin we be come of, and what a man is Sir
+Launcelot du Lake, neither farther nor nearer but brother’s children,
+and there was never none of our kin that ever was shamed in battle; and
+rather suffer death, brother, than to be shamed. Brother, said Blamore,
+have ye no doubt of me, for I shall never shame none of my blood;
+howbeit I am sure that yonder knight is called a passing good knight as
+of his time one of the world, yet shall I never yield me, nor say the
+loath word: well may he happen to smite me down with his great might of
+chivalry, but rather shall he slay me than I shall yield me as
+recreant. God speed you well, said Sir Bleoberis, for ye shall find him
+the mightiest knight that ever ye had ado withal, for I know him, for I
+have had ado with him. God me speed, said Sir Blamore de Ganis; and
+therewith he took his horse at the one end of the lists, and Sir
+Tristram at the other end of the lists, and so they feutred their
+spears and came together as it had been thunder; and there Sir Tristram
+through great might smote down Sir Blamore and his horse to the earth.
+Then anon Sir Blamore avoided his horse and pulled out his sword and
+threw his shield afore him, and bade Sir Tristram alight: For though an
+horse hath failed me, I trust to God the earth will not fail me. And
+then Sir Tristram alighted, and dressed him unto battle; and there they
+lashed together strongly as racing and tracing, foining and dashing,
+many sad strokes, that the kings and knights had great wonder that they
+might stand; for ever they fought like wood men, so that there was
+never knights seen fight more fiercely than they did; for Sir Blamore
+was so hasty that he would have no rest, that all men wondered that
+they had breath to stand on their feet; and all the place was bloody
+that they fought in. And at the last, Sir Tristram smote Sir Blamore
+such a buffet upon the helm that he there fell down upon his side, and
+Sir Tristram stood and beheld him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Blamore desired Tristram to slay him, and how
+Sir Tristram spared him, and how they took appointment.
+
+Then when Sir Blamore might speak, he said thus: Sir Tristram de
+Liones, I require thee, as thou art a noble knight, and the best knight
+that ever I found, that thou wilt slay me out, for I would not live to
+be made lord of all the earth, for I have liefer die with worship than
+live with shame; and needs, Sir Tristram, thou must slay me, or else
+thou shalt never win the field, for I will never say the loath word.
+And therefore if thou dare slay me, slay me, I require thee. When Sir
+Tristram heard him say so knightly, he wist not what to do with him; he
+remembering him of both parties, of what blood he was come, and for Sir
+Launcelot’s sake he would be loath to slay him; and in the other party
+in no wise he might not choose, but that he must make him to say the
+loath word, or else to slay him.
+
+Then Sir Tristram stert aback, and went to the kings that were judges,
+and there he kneeled down to-fore them, and besought them for their
+worships, and for King Arthur’s and Sir Launcelot’s sake, that they
+would take this matter in their hands. For, my fair lords, said Sir
+Tristram, it were shame and pity that this noble knight that yonder
+lieth should be slain; for ye hear well, shamed will he not be, and I
+pray to God that he never be slain nor shamed for me. And as for the
+king for whom I fight for, I shall require him, as I am his true
+champion and true knight in this field, that he will have mercy upon
+this good knight. So God me help, said King Anguish, I will for your
+sake; Sir Tristram, be ruled as ye will have me, for I know you for my
+true knight; and therefore I will heartily pray the kings that be here
+as judges to take it in their hands. And the kings that were judges
+called Sir Bleoberis to them, and asked him his advice. My lords, said
+Bleoberis, though my brother be beaten, and hath the worse through
+might of arms, I dare say, though Sir Tristram hath beaten his body he
+hath not beaten his heart, and I thank God he is not shamed this day;
+and rather than he should be shamed I require you, said Bleoberis, let
+Sir Tristram slay him out. It shall not be so, said the kings, for his
+part adversary, both the king and the champion, have pity of Sir
+Blamore’s knighthood. My lords, said Bleoberis, I will right well as ye
+will.
+
+Then the kings called the King of Ireland, and found him goodly and
+treatable. And then, by all their advices, Sir Tristram and Sir
+Bleoberis took up Sir Blamore, and the two brethren were accorded with
+King Anguish, and kissed and made friends for ever. And then Sir
+Blamore and Sir Tristram kissed together, and there they made their
+oaths that they would never none of them two brethren fight with Sir
+Tristram, and Sir Tristram made the same oath. And for that gentle
+battle all the blood of Sir Launcelot loved Sir Tristram for ever.
+
+Then King Anguish and Sir Tristram took their leave, and sailed into
+Ireland with great noblesse and joy. So 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 there were
+made the most of him that they might. But the joy that La Beale Isoud
+made of Sir Tristram there might no tongue tell, for of all men earthly
+she loved him most.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Tristram demanded La Beale Isoud for King Mark,
+and how Sir Tristram and Isoud drank the love drink.
+
+Then upon a day King Anguish asked Sir Tristram why he asked not his
+boon, for whatsomever he had promised him he should have it without
+fail. Sir, said Sir Tristram, now is it time; this is all that I will
+desire, that ye will give me La Beale 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 liefer than all the
+land that I have ye would wed her yourself. Sir, an I did then I were
+shamed for ever in this world, and false of my promise. Therefore, said
+Sir I Tristram, I pray you hold your promise that ye promised me; for
+this is my desire, that ye will give me La Beale Isoud to go with me
+into Cornwall for to be wedded to King Mark, mine uncle. As for that,
+said King Anguish, ye shall have her with you to do with her what it
+please you; that is for to say if that ye list to wed her yourself,
+that is me liefest, and if ye will give her unto King Mark, your uncle,
+that is in your choice. So, to make short conclusion, La Beale Isoud
+was made ready to go with Sir Tristram, and Dame Bragwaine went with
+her for her chief gentlewoman, with many other.
+
+Then the queen, Isoud’s mother, gave to her and Dame Bragwaine, her
+daughter’s gentlewoman, and unto Gouvernail, a drink, and charged them
+that what day King Mark should wed, that same day they should give him
+that drink, so that King Mark should drink to La Beale Isoud, 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, and La Beale Isoud; and when
+they were in their cabin, it happed so that they were thirsty, and they
+saw a little flasket of gold stand by them, and it seemed by the colour
+and the taste that it was noble wine. Then Sir Tristram took the
+flasket in his hand, and said, Madam Isoud, here is the best drink that
+ever ye drank, that Dame Bragwaine, your maiden, and Gouvernail, my
+servant, have kept for themselves. Then they laughed and made good
+cheer, and either drank to other freely, and they thought never drink
+that ever they drank to other was so sweet nor so good. But by that
+their drink was in their bodies, they loved either other so well that
+never their love departed for weal neither for woe. And thus it happed
+the love first betwixt Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud, the which love
+never departed the days of their life.
+
+So then they sailed till by fortune they came nigh a castle that hight
+Pluere, and thereby arrived for to repose them, weening to them to have
+had good harbourage. But anon as Sir Tristram was within the castle
+they were taken prisoners; for the custom of the castle was such; who
+that rode by that castle and brought any lady, he must needs fight with
+the lord, that hight Breunor. And if it were so that Breunor won the
+field, then should the knight stranger and his lady be put to death,
+what that ever they were; and if it were so that the strange knight won
+the field of Sir Breunor, then should he die and his lady both. This
+custom was used many winters, for it was called the Castle Pluere, that
+is to say the Weeping Castle.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Tristram and Isoud were in prison, and how he
+fought for her beauty, and smote off another lady’s head.
+
+Thus as Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud were in prison, it happed a
+knight and a lady came unto them where they were, to cheer them. I have
+marvel, said Tristram unto the knight and the lady, what is the cause
+the lord of this castle holdeth us in prison: it was never the custom
+of no place of worship that ever I came in, when a knight and a lady
+asked harbour, and they to receive them, and after to destroy them that
+be his guests. Sir, said the knight, this is the old custom of this
+castle, that when a knight cometh here he must needs fight with our
+lord, and he that is weaker must lose his head. And when that is done,
+if his lady that he bringeth be fouler than our lord’s wife, she must
+lose her head: and if she be fairer proved than is our lady, then shall
+the lady of this castle lose her head. So God me help, said Sir
+Tristram, this is a foul custom and a shameful. But one advantage have
+I, said Sir Tristram, I have a lady is fair enough, fairer saw I never
+in all my life-days, and I doubt not for lack of beauty she shall not
+lose her head; and rather than I should lose my head I will fight for
+it on a fair field. Wherefore, sir knight, I pray you tell your lord
+that I will be ready as to-morn with my lady, and myself to do battle,
+if it be so I may have my horse and mine armour. Sir, said that knight,
+I undertake that your desire shall be sped right well. And then he
+said: Take your rest, and look that ye be up betimes and make you ready
+and your lady, for ye shall want no thing that you behoveth. And
+therewith he departed, and on the morn betimes that same knight came to
+Sir Tristram, and fetched him out and his lady, and brought him horse
+and armour that was his own, and bade him make him ready to the field,
+for all the estates and commons of that lordship were there ready to
+behold that battle and judgment.
+
+Then came Sir Breunor, the lord of that castle, with his lady in his
+hand, muffled, and asked Sir Tristram where was his lady: For an thy
+lady be fairer than mine, with thy sword smite off my lady’s head; and
+if my lady be fairer than thine, with my sword I must strike off her
+head. And if I may win thee, yet shall thy lady be mine, and thou shalt
+lose thy head. Sir, said Tristram, this is a foul custom and horrible;
+and rather than my lady should lose her head, yet had I liefer lose my
+head. Nay, nay, said Sir Breunor, the ladies shall be first showed
+together, and the one shall have her judgment. Nay, I will not so, said
+Sir Tristram, for here is none that will give righteous judgment. But I
+doubt not, said Sir Tristram, my lady is fairer than thine, and that
+will I prove and make good with my hand. And whosomever he be that will
+say the contrary I will prove it on his head. And therewith Sir
+Tristram showed La Beale Isoud, and turned her thrice about with his
+naked sword in his hand. And when Sir Breunor saw that, he did the same
+wise turn his lady. But when Sir Breunor beheld La Beale Isoud, him
+thought he saw never a fairer lady, and then he dread his lady’s head
+should be off. And so all the people that were there present gave
+judgment that La Beale Isoud was the fairer lady and the better made.
+How now, said Sir Tristram, meseemeth it were pity that my lady should
+lose her head, but because thou and she of long time have used this
+wicked custom, and by you both have many good knights and ladies been
+destroyed, for that cause it were no loss to destroy you both. So God
+me help, said Sir Breunor, for to say the sooth, thy lady is fairer
+than mine, and that me sore repenteth. And so I hear the people privily
+say, for of all women I saw none so fair; and therefore, an thou wilt
+slay my lady, I doubt not but I shall slay thee and have thy lady. Thou
+shalt win her, said Sir Tristram, as dear as ever knight won lady. And
+because of thine own judgment, as thou wouldst have done to my lady if
+that she had been fouler, and because of the evil custom, give me thy
+lady, said Sir Tristram. And therewithal Sir Tristram strode unto him
+and took his lady from him, and with an awk stroke he smote off her
+head clean. Well, knight, said Sir Breunor, now hast thou done me a
+despite.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Breunor, and at the last
+smote off his head.
+
+Now take thine horse: sithen I am ladyless I will win thy lady an I
+may.
+
+Then they took their horses and came together as it had been the
+thunder; and Sir Tristram smote Sir Breunor clean from his horse, and
+lightly he rose up; and as Sir Tristram came again by him he thrust his
+horse throughout both the shoulders, that his horse hurled here and
+there and fell dead to the ground. And ever Sir Breunor ran after to
+have slain Sir Tristram, but Sir Tristram was light and nimble, and
+voided his horse lightly. And or ever Sir Tristram might dress his
+shield and his sword the other gave him three or four sad strokes. Then
+they rushed together like two boars, tracing and traversing mightily
+and wisely as two noble knights. For this Sir Breunor was a proved
+knight, and had been or then the death of many good knights, that it
+was pity that he had so long endured.
+
+Thus they fought, hurling here and there nigh two hours, and either
+were wounded sore. Then at the last Sir Breunor rashed upon Sir
+Tristram and took him in his arms, for he trusted much in his strength.
+Then was Sir Tristram called the strongest and the highest knight of
+the world; for he was called bigger than Sir Launcelot, but Sir
+Launcelot was better breathed. So anon Sir Tristram thrust Sir Breunor
+down grovelling, and then he unlaced his helm and struck off his head.
+And then all they that longed to the castle came to him, and did him
+homage and fealty, praying him that he would abide there still a little
+while to fordo that foul custom. Sir Tristram granted thereto. The
+meanwhile one of the knights of the castle rode unto Sir Galahad, the
+haut prince, the which was Sir Breunor’s son, which was a noble knight,
+and told him what misadventure his father had and his mother.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Galahad fought with Sir Tristram, and how Sir
+Tristram yielded him and promised to fellowship with Launcelot.
+
+Then came Sir Galahad, and the King with the Hundred Knights with him;
+and this Sir Galahad proffered to fight with Sir Tristram hand for
+hand. And so they made them ready to go unto battle on horseback with
+great courage. Then Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram met together so hard
+that either bare other down, horse and all, to the earth. And then they
+avoided their horses as noble knights, and dressed their shields, and
+drew their swords with ire and rancour, and they lashed together many
+sad strokes, and one while striking, another while foining, tracing and
+traversing as noble knights; thus they fought long, near half a day,
+and either were sore wounded. At the last Sir Tristram waxed light and
+big, and doubled his strokes, and drove Sir Galahad aback on the one
+side and on the other, so that he was like to have been slain.
+
+With that came the King with the Hundred Knights, and all that
+fellowship went fiercely upon Sir Tristram. When Sir Tristram saw them
+coming upon him, then he wist well he might not endure. Then as a wise
+knight of war, he said to Sir Galahad, the haut prince: Sir, ye show to
+me no knighthood, for to suffer all your men to have ado with me all at
+once; and as meseemeth ye be a noble knight of your hands it is great
+shame to you. So God me help, said Sir Galahad, there is none other way
+but thou must yield thee to me, other else to die, said Sir Galahad to
+Sir Tristram. I will rather yield me to you than die for that is more
+for the might of your men than of your hands. And therewithal Sir
+Tristram took his own sword by the point, and put the pommel in the
+hand of Sir Galahad.
+
+Therewithal came the King with the Hundred Knights, and hard began to
+assail Sir Tristram. Let be, said Sir Galahad, be ye not so hardy to
+touch him, for I have given this knight his life. That is your shame,
+said the King with the Hundred Knights; hath he not slain your father
+and your mother? As for that, said Sir Galahad, I may not wite him
+greatly, for my father had him in prison, and enforced him to do battle
+with him; and my father had such a custom that was a shameful custom,
+that what knight came there to ask harbour his lady must needs die but
+if she were fairer than my mother; and if my father overcame that
+knight he must needs die. This was a shameful custom and usage, a
+knight for his harbour-asking to have such harbourage. And for this
+custom I would never draw about him. So God me help, said the King,
+this was a shameful custom. Truly, said Sir Galahad, so seemed me; and
+meseemed it had been great pity that this knight should have been
+slain, for I dare say he is the noblest man that beareth life, but if
+it were Sir Launcelot du Lake. Now, fair knight, said Sir Galahad, I
+require thee tell me thy name, and of whence thou art, and whither thou
+wilt. Sir, he said, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and from King
+Mark of Cornwall I was sent on message unto King Anguish of Ireland,
+for to fetch his daughter to be his wife, and here she is ready to go
+with me into Cornwall, and her name is La Beale Isoud. And, Sir
+Tristram, said Sir Galahad, the haut prince, well be ye found in these
+marches, and so ye will promise me to go unto Sir Launcelot du Lake,
+and accompany with him, ye shall go where ye will, and your fair lady
+with you; and I shall promise you never in all my days shall such
+customs be used in this castle as have been used. Sir, said Sir
+Tristram, now I let you wit, so God me help, I weened ye had been Sir
+Launcelot du Lake when I saw you first, and therefore I dread you the
+more; and sir, I promise you, said Sir Tristram, as soon as I may I
+will see Sir Launcelot and in fellowship me with him; for of all the
+knights of the world I most desire his fellowship.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII. How Sir Launcelot met with Sir Carados bearing away Sir
+Gawaine, and of the rescue of Sir Gawaine.
+
+And then Sir Tristram took his leave when he saw his time, and took the
+sea. And in the meanwhile word came unto Sir Launcelot and to Sir
+Tristram that Sir Carados, the mighty king, that was made like a giant,
+fought with Sir Gawaine, and gave him such strokes that he swooned in
+his saddle, and after that he took him by the collar and pulled him out
+of his saddle, and fast bound him to the saddle-bow, and so rode his
+way with him toward his castle. And as he rode, by fortune Sir
+Launcelot met with Sir Carados, and anon he knew Sir Gawaine that lay
+bound after him. Ah, said Sir Launcelot unto Sir Gawaine, how stands it
+with you? Never so hard, said Sir Gawaine, unless that ye help me, for
+so God me help, without ye rescue me I know no knight that may, but
+outher you or Sir Tristram. Wherefore Sir Launcelot was heavy of Sir
+Gawaine’s words. And then Sir Launcelot bade Sir Carados: Lay down that
+knight and fight with me. Thou art but a fool, said Sir Carados, for I
+will serve you in the same wise. As for that, said Sir Launcelot, spare
+me not, for I warn thee I will not spare thee. And then he bound Sir
+Gawaine hand and foot, and so threw him to the ground. And then he gat
+his spear of his squire, and departed from Sir Launcelot to fetch his
+course. And so either met with other, and brake their spears to their
+hands; and then they pulled out swords, and hurtled together on
+horseback more than an hour. And at the last Sir Launcelot smote Sir
+Carados such a buffet upon the helm that it pierced his brain-pan. So
+then Sir Launcelot took Sir Carados by the collar and pulled him under
+his horse’s feet, and then he alighted and pulled off his helm and
+struck off his head. And then Sir Launcelot unbound Sir Gawaine. So
+this same tale was told to Sir Galahad and to Sir Tristram:—here may ye
+hear the nobleness that followeth Sir Launcelot. Alas, said Sir
+Tristram, an I had not this message in hand with this fair lady, truly
+I would never stint or I had found Sir Launcelot. Then Sir Tristram and
+La Beale Isoud went to the sea and came into Cornwall, and there all
+the barons met them.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX. Of the wedding of King Mark to La Beale Isoud, and of
+Bragwaine her maid, and of Palamides.
+
+And anon they were richly wedded with great noblesse. But ever, as the
+French book saith, Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud loved ever together.
+Then was there great jousts and great tourneying, and many lords and
+ladies were at that feast, and Sir Tristram was most praised of all
+other. Thus dured the feast long, and after the feast was done, within
+a little while after, by the assent of two ladies that were with Queen
+Isoud, they ordained for hate and envy for to destroy Dame Bragwaine,
+that was maiden and lady unto La Beale Isoud; and she was sent into the
+forest for to fetch herbs, and there she was met, and bound feet and
+hand to a tree, and so she was bounden three days. And by fortune, Sir
+Palamides found Dame Bragwaine, and there he delivered her from the
+death, and brought her to a nunnery there beside, for to be recovered.
+When Isoud the queen missed her maiden, wit ye well she was right heavy
+as ever was any queen, for of all earthly women she loved her best: the
+cause was for she came with her out of her country. And so upon a day
+Queen Isoud walked into the forest to put away her thoughts, and there
+she went herself unto a well and made great moan. And suddenly there
+came Palamides to her, and had heard all her complaint, and said: Madam
+Isoud, an ye will grant me my boon, I shall bring to you Dame Bragwaine
+safe and sound. And the queen was so glad of his proffer that suddenly
+unadvised she granted all his asking. Well, Madam, said Palamides, I
+trust to your promise, and if ye will abide here half an hour I shall
+bring her to you. I shall abide you, said La Beale Isoud. And Sir
+Palamides rode forth his way to that nunnery, and lightly he came again
+with Dame Bragwaine; but by her good will she would not have come
+again, because for love of the queen she stood in adventure of her
+life. Notwithstanding, half against her will, she went with Sir
+Palamides unto the queen. And when the queen saw her she was passing
+glad. Now, Madam, said Palamides, remember upon your promise, for I
+have fulfilled my promise. Sir Palamides, said the queen, I wot not
+what is your desire, but I will that ye wit, howbeit I promised you
+largely, I thought none evil, nor I warn you none evil will I do.
+Madam, said Sir Palamides, as at this time, ye shall not know my
+desire, but before my lord your husband there shall ye know that I will
+have my desire that ye have promised me. And therewith the queen
+departed, and rode home to the king, and Sir Palamides rode after her.
+And when Sir Palamides came before the king, he said: Sir King, I
+require you as ye be a righteous king, that ye will judge me the right.
+Tell me your cause, said the king, and ye shall have right.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX. How Palamides demanded Queen Isoud, and how Lambegus rode
+after to rescue her, and of the escape of Isoud.
+
+Sir, said Palamides, I promised your Queen Isoud to bring again Dame
+Bragwaine that she had lost, upon this covenant, that she should grant
+me a boon that I would ask, and without grudging, outher advisement,
+she granted me. What say ye, my lady? said the king. It is as he saith,
+so God me help, said the queen; to say thee sooth I promised him his
+asking for love and joy that I had to see her. Well, Madam, said the
+king, and if ye were hasty to grant him what boon he would ask, I will
+well that ye perform your promise. Then, said Palamides, I will that ye
+wit that I will have your queen to lead her and govern her whereas me
+list. Therewith the king stood still, and bethought him of Sir
+Tristram, and deemed that he would rescue her. And then hastily the
+king answered: Take her with the adventures that shall fall of it, for
+as I suppose thou wilt not enjoy her no while. As for that, said
+Palamides, I dare right well abide the adventure. And so, to make short
+tale, Sir Palamides took her by the hand and said: Madam, grudge not to
+go with me, for I desire nothing but your own promise. As for that,
+said the queen, I fear not greatly to go with thee, howbeit thou hast
+me at advantage upon my promise, for I doubt not I shall be
+worshipfully rescued from thee. As for that, said Sir Palamides, be it
+as it be may. So Queen Isoud was set behind Palamides, and rode his
+way.
+
+Anon the king sent after Sir Tristram, but in no wise he could be
+found, for he was in the forest a-hunting; for that was always his
+custom, but if he used arms, to chase and to hunt in the forests. Alas,
+said the king, now I am shamed for ever, that by mine own assent my
+lady and my queen shall be devoured. Then came forth a knight, his name
+was Lambegus, and he was a knight of Sir Tristram. My lord, said this
+knight, sith ye have trust in my lord, Sir Tristram, wit ye well for
+his sake I will ride after your queen and rescue her, or else I shall
+be beaten. Gramercy, said the king, as I live, Sir Lambegus, I shall
+deserve it. And then Sir Lambegus armed him, and rode after as fast as
+he might. And then within a while he overtook Sir Palamides. And then
+Sir Palamides left the queen. What art thou, said Palamides, art thou
+Tristram? Nay, he said, I am his servant, and my name is Sir Lambegus.
+That me repenteth, said Palamides. I had liefer thou hadst been Sir
+Tristram. I believe you well, said Lambegus, but when thou meetest with
+Sir Tristram thou shalt have thy hands full. And then they hurtled
+together and all to-brast their spears, and then they pulled out their
+swords, and hewed on helms and hauberks. At the last Sir Palamides gave
+Sir Lambegus such a wound that he fell down like a dead knight to the
+earth.
+
+Then he looked after La Beale Isoud, and then she was gone he nist
+where. Wit ye well Sir Palamides was never so heavy. So the queen ran
+into the forest, and there she found a well, and therein she had
+thought to have drowned herself. And as good fortune would, there came
+a knight to her that had a castle thereby, his name was Sir Adtherp.
+And when he found the queen in that mischief he rescued her, and
+brought her to his castle. And when he wist what she was he armed him,
+and took his horse, and said he would be avenged upon Palamides; and so
+he rode on till he met with him, and there Sir Palamides wounded him
+sore, and by force he made him to tell him the cause why he did battle
+with him, and how he had led the queen unto his castle. Now bring me
+there, said Palamides, or thou shalt die of my hands. Sir, said Sir
+Adtherp, I am so wounded I may not follow, but ride you this way and it
+shall bring you into my castle, and there within is the queen. Then Sir
+Palamides rode still till he came to the castle. And at a window La
+Beale Isoud saw Sir Palamides; then she made the gates to be shut
+strongly. And when he saw he might not come within the castle, he put
+off his bridle and his saddle, and put his horse to pasture, and set
+himself down at the gate like a man that was out of his wit that recked
+not of himself.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Tristram rode after Palamides, and how he found
+him and fought with him, and by the means of Isoud the battle ceased.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that when he was come home and wist La
+Beale Isoud was gone with Sir Palamides, wit ye well he was wroth out
+of measure. Alas, said Sir Tristram, I am this day shamed. Then he
+cried to Gouvernail his man: Haste thee that I were armed and on
+horseback, for well I wot Lambegus hath no might nor strength to
+withstand Sir Palamides: alas that I have not been in his stead! So
+anon as he was armed and horsed Sir Tristram and Gouvernail rode after
+into the forest, and within a while he found his knight Lambegus almost
+wounded to the death; and Sir Tristram bare him to a forester, and
+charged him to keep him well. And then he rode forth, and there he
+found Sir Adtherp sore wounded, and he told him how the queen would
+have drowned herself had he not been, and how for her sake and love he
+had taken upon him to do battle with Sir Palamides. Where is my lady?
+said Sir Tristram. Sir, said the knight, she is sure enough within my
+castle, an she can hold her within it. Gramercy, said Sir Tristram, of
+thy great goodness. And so he rode till he came nigh to that castle;
+and then Sir Tristram saw where Sir Palamides sat at the gate sleeping,
+and his horse pastured fast afore him. Now go thou, Gouvernail, said
+Sir Tristram, and bid him awake, and make him ready. So Gouvernail rode
+unto him and said: Sir Palamides, arise, and take to thee thine
+harness. But he was in such a study he heard not what Gouvernail said.
+So Gouvernail came again and told Sir Tristram he slept, or else he was
+mad. Go thou again, said Sir Tristram, and bid him arise, and tell him
+that I am here, his mortal foe. So Gouvernail rode again and put upon
+him the butt of his spear, and said: Sir Palamides, make thee ready,
+for wit ye well Sir Tristram hoveth yonder, and sendeth thee word he is
+thy mortal foe. And therewithal Sir Palamides arose stilly, without
+words, and gat his horse, and saddled him and bridled him, and lightly
+he leapt upon, and gat his spear in his hand, and either feutred their
+spears and hurtled fast together; and there Tristram smote down Sir
+Palamides over his horse’s tail. Then lightly Sir Palamides put his
+shield afore him and drew his sword. And there began strong battle on
+both parts, for both they fought for the love of one lady, and ever she
+lay on the walls and beheld them how they fought out of measure, and
+either were wounded passing sore, but Palamides was much sorer wounded.
+Thus they fought tracing and traversing more than two hours, that
+well-nigh for dole and sorrow La Beale Isoud swooned. Alas, she said,
+that one I loved and yet do, and the other I love not, yet it were
+great pity that I should see Sir Palamides slain; for well I know by
+that time the end be done Sir Palamides is but a dead knight: because
+he is not christened I would be loath that he should die a Saracen. And
+therewithal she came down and besought Sir Tristram to fight no more.
+Ah, madam, said he, what mean you, will ye have me shamed? Well ye know
+I will be ruled by you. I will not your dishonour, said La Beale Isoud,
+but I would that ye would for my sake spare this unhappy Saracen
+Palamides. Madam, said Sir Tristram, I will leave fighting at this time
+for your sake. Then she said to Sir Palamides: This shall be your
+charge, that thou shalt go out of this country while I am therein. I
+will obey your commandment, said Sir Palamides, the which is sore
+against my will. Then take thy way, said La Beale Isoud, unto the court
+of King Arthur, and there recommend me unto Queen Guenever, and tell
+her that I send her word that there be within this land but four
+lovers, that is, Sir Launcelot du Lake and Queen Guenever, and Sir
+Tristram de Liones and Queen Isoud.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Tristram brought Queen Isoud home, and of the
+debate of King Mark and Sir Tristram.
+
+And so Sir Palamides departed with great heaviness. And Sir Tristram
+took the queen and brought her again to King Mark, and then was there
+made great joy of her home-coming. Who was cherished but Sir Tristram!
+Then Sir Tristram let fetch Sir Lambegus, his knight, from the
+forester’s house, and it was long or he was whole, but at the last he
+was well recovered. Thus they lived with joy and play a long while. But
+ever Sir Andred, that was nigh cousin to Sir Tristram, lay in a watch
+to wait betwixt Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud, for to take them and
+slander them. So upon a day Sir Tristram talked with La Beale 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 was
+nigh him, and 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 at that time there was not one would move for his
+words. When Sir Tristram saw that there was not one would be against
+him, he shook the sword to the king, and made countenance as though he
+would have stricken him. And then King Mark fled, and Sir Tristram
+followed him, and smote upon him five or six strokes flatling on the
+neck, that he made him to fall upon the nose. And then Sir Tristram
+yede his way and armed him, and took his horse and his man, and so he
+rode into that forest.
+
+And there upon a day Sir Tristram met with two brethren that were
+knights with King Mark, and there he struck off the head of the one,
+and wounded the other to the death; and he made him to bear his
+brother’s head in his helm unto the king, and thirty more there he
+wounded. And when that knight came before the king to say his message,
+he there died afore the king and the queen. Then King Mark called his
+council unto him, and asked advice of his barons what was best to do
+with Sir Tristram. Sir, said the barons, in especial Sir Dinas, the
+Seneschal, Sir, we will give you counsel for to send for Sir Tristram,
+for we will that ye wit many men will hold with Sir Tristram an he were
+hard bestead. And sir, said Sir Dinas, ye shall understand that Sir
+Tristram is called peerless and makeless of any Christian knight, and
+of his might and hardiness we knew none so good a knight, but if it be
+Sir Launcelot du Lake. And if he depart from your court and go to King
+Arthur’s court, wit ye well he will get him such friends there that he
+will not set by your malice. And therefore, sir, I counsel you to take
+him to your grace. I will well, said the king, that he be sent for,
+that we may be friends. Then the barons sent for Sir Tristram under a
+safe conduct. And so when Sir Tristram came to the king he was welcome,
+and no rehearsal was made, and there was game and play. And then the
+king and the queen went a-hunting, and Sir Tristram.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Lamorak jousted with thirty knights, and Sir
+Tristram at the request of King Mark smote his horse down.
+
+The king and the queen made their pavilions and their tents in that
+forest beside a river, and there was daily hunting and jousting, for
+there were ever thirty knights ready to joust unto all them that came
+in at that time. And there by fortune came Sir Lamorak de Galis and Sir
+Driant; and there Sir Driant jousted right well, but at the last he had
+a fall. Then Sir Lamorak proffered to joust. And when he began he fared
+so with the thirty knights that there was not one of them but that he
+gave him a fall, and some of them were sore hurt. I marvel, said King
+Mark, what knight he is that doth such deeds of arms. Sir, said Sir
+Tristram, I know him well for a noble knight as few now be living, and
+his name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. It were great shame, said the king,
+that he should go thus away, unless that some of you meet with him
+better. Sir, said Sir Tristram, meseemeth it were no worship for a
+noble man to have ado with him: and for because at this time he hath
+done over much for any mean knight living, therefore, as meseemeth, it
+were great shame and villainy to tempt him any more at this time,
+insomuch as he and his horse are weary both; for the deeds of arms that
+he hath done this day, an they be well considered, it were enough for
+Sir Launcelot du Lake. As for that, said King Mark, I require you, as
+ye love me and my lady the queen, La Beale Isoud, take your arms and
+joust with Sir Lamorak de Galis. Sir, said Sir Tristram, ye bid me do a
+thing that is against knighthood, and well I can deem that I shall give
+him a fall, for it is no mastery, for my horse and I be fresh both, and
+so is not his horse and he; and wit ye well that he will take it for
+great unkindness, for ever one good knight is loath to take another at
+disadvantage; but because I will not displease you, as ye require me so
+will I do, and obey your commandment.
+
+And so Sir Tristram armed him and took his horse, and put him forth,
+and there Sir Lamorak met him mightily, and what with the might of his
+own spear, and of Sir Tristram’s spear, Sir Lamorak’s horse fell to the
+earth, and he sitting in the saddle. Then anon as lightly as he might
+he avoided the saddle and his horse, and put his shield afore him and
+drew his sword. And then he bade Sir Tristram: Alight, thou knight, an
+thou durst. Nay, said Sir Tristram, I will no more have ado with thee,
+for I have done to thee over much unto my dishonour and to thy worship.
+As for that, said Sir Lamorak, I can thee no thank; since thou hast
+for-jousted me on horseback I require thee and I beseech thee, an thou
+be Sir Tristram, fight with me on foot. I will not so, said Sir
+Tristram; and wit ye well my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and well I
+know ye be Sir Lamorak de Galis, and this that I have done to you was
+against my will, but I was required thereto; but to say that I will do
+at your request as at this time, I will have no more ado with you, for
+me shameth of that I have done. As for the shame, said Sir Lamorak, on
+thy part or on mine, bear thou it an thou wilt, for though a mare’s son
+hath failed me, now a queen’s son shall not fail thee; and therefore,
+an thou be such a knight as men call thee, I require thee, alight, and
+fight with me. Sir Lamorak, said Sir Tristram, I understand your heart
+is great, and cause why ye have, to say thee sooth; for it would grieve
+me an any knight should keep him fresh and then to strike down a weary
+knight, for that knight nor horse was never formed that alway might
+stand or endure. And therefore, said Sir Tristram, I will not have ado
+with you, for me forthinketh of that I have done. As for that, said Sir
+Lamorak, I shall quit you, an ever I see my time.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV. How Sir Lamorak sent an horn to King Mark in despite of
+Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram was driven into a chapel.
+
+So he departed from him with Sir Driant, and by the way they met with a
+knight that was sent from Morgan le Fay unto King Arthur; and this
+knight had a fair horn harnessed with gold, and the horn had such a
+virtue that there might no lady nor gentlewoman drink of that horn but
+if she were true to her husband, and if she were false she should spill
+all the drink, and if she were true to her lord she might drink
+peaceable. And because of the Queen Guenever, and in the despite of Sir
+Launcelot, this horn was sent unto King Arthur; and by force Sir
+Lamorak made that knight to tell all the cause why he bare that horn.
+Now shalt thou bear this horn, said Lamorak, unto King Mark, or else
+choose thou to die for it; for I tell thee plainly, in despite and
+reproof of Sir Tristram thou shalt bear that horn unto King Mark, his
+uncle, and say thou to him that I sent it him for to assay his lady,
+and if she be true to him he shall prove her. So the knight went his
+way unto King Mark, and brought him that rich horn, and said that Sir
+Lamorak sent it him, and thereto he told him the virtue of that horn.
+Then the king made Queen Isoud to drink thereof, and an hundred ladies,
+and there were but four ladies of all those that drank clean. Alas,
+said King Mark, this is a great despite, and sware a great oath that
+she should be burnt and the other ladies.
+
+Then the barons gathered them together, and said plainly they would not
+have those ladies burnt for an horn made by sorcery, that came from as
+false a sorceress and witch as then was living. For that horn did never
+good, but caused strife and debate, and always in her days she had been
+an enemy to all true lovers. So there were many knights made their
+avow, an ever they met with Morgan le Fay, that they would show her
+short courtesy. Also Sir Tristram was passing wroth that Sir Lamorak
+sent that horn unto King Mark, for well he knew that it was done in the
+despite of him. And therefore he thought to quite Sir Lamorak.
+
+Then Sir Tristram used daily and nightly to go to Queen Isoud when he
+might, and ever Sir Andred his cousin watched him night and day for to
+take him with La Beale Isoud. And so upon a night Sir Andred espied the
+hour and the time when Sir Tristram went to his lady. Then Sir Andred
+gat unto him twelve knights, and at midnight he set upon Sir Tristram
+secretly and suddenly and there Sir Tristram was taken naked abed with
+La Beale Isoud, and then was he bound hand and foot, and so was he kept
+until day. And then by the assent of King Mark, and of Sir Andred, and
+of some of the barons, Sir Tristram was led unto a chapel that stood
+upon the sea rocks, there for to take his judgment: and so he was led
+bounden with forty knights. And when Sir Tristram saw that there was
+none other boot but needs that he must die, then said he: Fair lords,
+remember what I have done for the country of Cornwall, and in what
+jeopardy I have been in for the weal of you all; for when I fought for
+the truage of Cornwall with Sir Marhaus, the good knight, I was
+promised for to be better rewarded, when ye all refused to take the
+battle; therefore, as ye be good gentle knights, see me not thus
+shamefully to die, for it is shame to all knighthood thus to see me
+die; for I dare say, said Sir Tristram, that I never met with no knight
+but I was as good as he, or better. Fie upon thee, said Sir Andred,
+false traitor that thou art, with thine avaunting; for all thy boast
+thou shalt die this day. O Andred, Andred, said Sir Tristram, thou
+shouldst be my kinsman, and now thou art to me full unfriendly, but an
+there were no more but thou and I, thou wouldst not put me to death.
+No! said Sir Andred, and therewith he drew his sword, and would have
+slain him.
+
+When Sir Tristram saw him make such countenance he looked upon both his
+hands that were fast bounden unto two knights, and suddenly he pulled
+them both to him, and unwrast his hands, and then he leapt unto his
+cousin, Sir Andred, and wrested his sword out of his hands; then he
+smote Sir Andred that he fell to the earth, and so Sir Tristram fought
+till that he had killed ten knights. So then Sir Tristram gat the
+chapel and kept it mightily. Then the cry was great, and the people
+drew fast unto Sir Andred, mo than an hundred. When Sir Tristram saw
+the people draw unto him, he remembered he was naked, and sperd fast
+the chapel door, and brake the bars of a window, and so he leapt out
+and fell upon the crags in the sea. And so at that time Sir Andred nor
+none of his fellows might get to him, at that time.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV. How Sir Tristram was holpen by his men, and of Queen
+Isoud which was put in a lazar-cote, and how Tristram was hurt.
+
+So when they were departed, Gouvernail, and Sir Lambegus, and Sir
+Sentraille de Lushon, that were Sir Tristram’s men, sought their
+master. When they heard he was escaped then they were passing glad; and
+on the rocks they found him, and with towels they pulled him up. And
+then Sir Tristram asked them where was La Beale Isoud, for he weened
+she had been had away of Andred’s people. Sir, said Gouvernail, she is
+put in a lazar-cote. Alas, said Sir Tristram, this is a full ungoodly
+place for such a fair lady, and if I may she shall not be long there.
+And so he took his men and went thereas was La Beale Isoud, and fetched
+her away, and brought her into a forest to a fair manor, and Sir
+Tristram there abode with her. So the good knight bade his men go from
+him: For at this time I may not help you. So they departed all save
+Gouvernail. And so upon a day Sir Tristram yede into the forest for to
+disport him, and then it happened that there he fell sleep; and there
+came a man that Sir Tristram aforehand had slain his brother, and when
+this man had found him he shot him through the shoulder with an arrow,
+and Sir Tristram leapt up and killed that man. And in the meantime it
+was told King Mark how Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud were in that
+same manor, and as soon as ever he might thither he came with many
+knights to slay Sir Tristram. And when he came there he found him gone;
+and there he took La Beale Isoud home with him, and kept her strait
+that by no means never she might wit nor send unto Tristram, nor he
+unto her. And then when Sir Tristram came toward the old manor he found
+the track of many horses, and thereby he wist his lady was gone. And
+then Sir Tristram took great sorrow, and endured with great pain long
+time, for the arrow that he was hurt withal was envenomed.
+
+Then by the mean of La Beale Isoud she told a lady that was cousin unto
+Dame Bragwaine, and she came to Sir Tristram, and told him that he
+might not be whole by no means. For thy lady, La Beale Isoud, may not
+help thee, therefore she biddeth you haste into Brittany to King Howel,
+and there ye shall find his daughter, Isoud la Blanche Mains, and she
+shall help thee. Then Sir Tristram and Gouvernail gat them shipping,
+and so sailed into Brittany. And when King Howel wist that it was Sir
+Tristram he was full glad of him. Sir, he said, I am come into this
+country to have help of your daughter, for it is told me that there is
+none other may heal me but she; and so within a while she healed him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI. How Sir Tristram served in war King Howel of Brittany,
+and slew his adversary in the field.
+
+There was an earl that hight Grip, and this earl made great war upon
+the king, and put the king to the worse, and besieged him. And on a
+time Sir Kehydius, that was son to King Howel, as he issued out he was
+sore wounded, nigh to the death. Then Gouvernail went to the king and
+said: Sir, I counsel you to desire my lord, Sir Tristram, as in your
+need to help you. I will do by your counsel, said the king. And so he
+yede unto Sir Tristram, and prayed him in his wars to help him: For my
+son, Sir Kehydius, may not go into the field. Sir, said Sir Tristram, I
+will go to the field and do what I may. Then Sir Tristram issued out of
+the town with such fellowship as he might make, and did such deeds that
+all Brittany spake of him. And then, at the last, by great might and
+force, he slew the Earl Grip with his own hands, and more than an
+hundred knights he slew that day. And then Sir Tristram was received
+worshipfully with procession. Then King Howel embraced him in his arms,
+and said: Sir Tristram, all my kingdom I will resign to thee. God
+defend, said Sir Tristram, for I am beholden unto you for your
+daughter’s sake to do for you.
+
+Then by the great means of King Howel and Kehydius his son, by great
+proffers, there grew great love betwixt Isoud and Sir Tristram, for
+that lady was both good and fair, and a woman of noble blood and fame.
+And for because Sir Tristram had such cheer and riches, and all other
+pleasaunce that he had, almost he had forsaken La Beale Isoud. And so
+upon a time Sir Tristram agreed to wed Isoud la Blanche Mains. And at
+the last they were wedded, and solemnly held their marriage. And so
+when they were abed both Sir Tristram remembered him of his old lady La
+Beale Isoud. And then he took such a thought suddenly that he was all
+dismayed, and other cheer made he none but with clipping and kissing;
+as for other fleshly lusts Sir Tristram never thought nor had ado with
+her: such mention maketh the French book; also it maketh mention that
+the lady weened there had been no pleasure but kissing and clipping.
+And in the meantime there was a knight in Brittany, his name was
+Suppinabiles, and he came over the sea into England, and then he came
+into the court of King Arthur, and there he met with Sir Launcelot du
+Lake, and told him of the marriage of Sir Tristram. Then said Sir
+Launcelot: Fie upon him, untrue knight to his lady, that so noble a
+knight as Sir Tristram is should be found to his first lady false, La
+Beale Isoud, Queen of Cornwall; but say ye him this, said Sir
+Launcelot, that of all knights in the world I loved him most, and had
+most joy of him, and all was for his noble deeds; and let him wit the
+love between him and me is done for ever, and that I give him warning
+from this day forth as his mortal enemy.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII. How Sir Suppinabiles told Sir Tristram how he was
+defamed in the court of King Arthur, and of Sir Lamorak.
+
+Then departed Sir Suppinabiles unto Brittany again, and there he found
+Sir Tristram, and told him that he had been in King Arthur’s court.
+Then said Sir Tristram: Heard ye anything of me? So God me help, said
+Sir Suppinabiles, there I heard Sir Launcelot speak of you great shame,
+and that ye be a false knight to your lady and he bade me do you to wit
+that he will be your mortal enemy in every place where he may meet you.
+That me repenteth, said Tristram, for of all knights I loved to be in
+his fellowship. So Sir Tristram made great moan and was ashamed that
+noble knights should defame him for the sake of his lady. And in this
+meanwhile La Beale Isoud made a letter unto Queen Guenever, complaining
+her of the untruth of Sir Tristram, and how he had wedded the king’s
+daughter of Brittany. Queen Guenever sent her another letter, and bade
+her be of good cheer, for she should have joy after sorrow, for Sir
+Tristram was so noble a knight called, that by crafts of sorcery ladies
+would make such noble men to wed them. But in the end, Queen Guenever
+said, it shall be thus, that he shall hate her, and love you better
+than ever he did to-fore.
+
+So leave we Sir Tristram in Brittany, and speak we of Sir Lamorak de
+Galis, that as he sailed his ship fell on a rock and perished all, save
+Sir Lamorak and his squire; and there he swam mightily, and fishers of
+the Isle of Servage took him up, and his squire was drowned, and the
+shipmen had great labour to save Sir Lamorak’s life, for all the
+comfort that they could do.
+
+And the lord of that isle, hight Sir Nabon le Noire, a great mighty
+giant. And this Sir Nabon hated all the knights of King Arthur’s, and
+in no wise he would do them favour. And these fishers told Sir Lamorak
+all the guise of Sir Nabon; how there came never knight of King
+Arthur’s but he destroyed him. And at the last battle that he did was
+slain Sir Nanowne le Petite, the which he put to a shameful death in
+despite of King Arthur, for he was drawn limb-meal. That forthinketh
+me, said Sir Lamorak, for that knight’s death, for he was my cousin;
+and if I were at mine ease as well as ever I was, I would revenge his
+death. Peace, said the fishers, and make here no words, for or ever ye
+depart from hence Sir Nabon must know that ye have been here, or else
+we should die for your sake. So that I be whole, said Lamorak, of my
+disease that I have taken in the sea, I will that ye tell him that I am
+a knight of King Arthur’s, for I was never afeard to reneye my lord.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII. How Sir Tristram and his wife arrived in Wales, and
+how he met there with Sir Lamorak.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that upon a day he took a little barget,
+and his wife Isoud la Blanche Mains, with Sir Kehydius her brother, to
+play them in the coasts. And when they were from the land, there was a
+wind drove them in to the coast of Wales upon this Isle of Servage,
+whereas was Sir Lamorak, and there the barget all to-rove; and there
+Dame Isoud was hurt; and as well as they might they gat into the
+forest, and there by a well he saw Segwarides and a damosel. And then
+either saluted other. Sir, said Segwarides, I know you for Sir Tristram
+de Liones, the man in the world that I have most cause to hate, because
+ye departed the love between me and my wife; but as for that, said Sir
+Segwarides, I will never hate a noble knight for a light lady; and
+therefore, I pray you, be my friend, and I will be yours unto my power;
+for wit ye well ye are hard bestead in this valley, and we shall have
+enough to do either of us to succour other. And then Sir Segwarides
+brought Sir Tristram to a lady thereby that was born in Cornwall, and
+she told him all the perils of that valley, and how there came never
+knight there but he were taken prisoner or slain. Wit you well, fair
+lady, said Sir Tristram, that I slew Sir Marhaus and delivered Cornwall
+from the truage of Ireland, and I am he that delivered the King of
+Ireland from Sir Blamore de Ganis, and I am he that beat Sir Palamides;
+and wit ye well I am Sir Tristram de Liones, that by the grace of God
+shall deliver this woful Isle of Servage. So Sir Tristram was well
+eased.
+
+Then one told him there was a knight of King Arthur’s that was wrecked
+on the rocks. What is his name? said Sir Tristram. We wot not, said the
+fishers, but he keepeth it no counsel but that he is a knight of King
+Arthur’s, and by the mighty lord of this isle he setteth nought. I pray
+you, said Sir Tristram, an ye may, bring him hither that I may see him,
+and if he be any of the knights of Arthur’s I shall know him. Then the
+lady prayed the fishers to bring him to her place. So on the morrow
+they brought him thither in a fisher’s raiment; and as soon as Sir
+Tristram saw him he smiled upon him and knew him well, but he knew not
+Sir Tristram. Fair sir, said Sir Tristram, meseemeth by your cheer ye
+have been diseased but late, and also methinketh I should know you
+heretofore. I will well, said Sir Lamorak, that ye have seen me and met
+with me. Fair sir, said Sir Tristram, tell me your name. Upon a
+covenant I will tell you, said Sir Lamorak, that is, that ye will tell
+me whether ye be lord of this island or no, that is called Nabon le
+Noire. Forsooth, said Sir Tristram, I am not he, nor I hold not of him;
+I am his foe as well as ye be, and so shall I be found or I depart out
+of this isle. Well, said Sir Lamorak, since ye have said so largely
+unto me, my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis, son unto King Pellinore.
+Forsooth, I trow well, said Sir Tristram, for an ye said other I know
+the contrary. What are ye, said Sir Lamorak, that knoweth me? I am Sir
+Tristram de Liones. Ah, sir, remember ye not of the fall ye did give me
+once, and after ye refused me to fight on foot. That was not for fear I
+had of you, said Sir Tristram, but me shamed at that time to have more
+ado with you, for meseemed ye had enough; but, Sir Lamorak, for my
+kindness many ladies ye put to a reproof when ye sent the horn from
+Morgan le Fay to King Mark, whereas ye did this in despite of me. Well,
+said he, an it were to do again, so would I do, for I had liefer strife
+and debate fell in King Mark’s court rather than Arthur’s court, for
+the honour of both courts be not alike. As to that, said Sir Tristram,
+I know well; but that that was done it was for despite of me, but all
+your malice, I thank God, hurt not greatly. Therefore, said Sir
+Tristram, ye shall leave all your malice, and so will I, and let us
+assay how we may win worship between you and me upon this giant Sir
+Nabon le Noire that is lord of this island, to destroy him. Sir, said
+Sir Lamorak, now I understand your knighthood, it may not be false that
+all men say, for of your bounty, noblesse, and worship, of all knights
+ye are peerless, and for your courtesy and gentleness I showed you
+ungentleness, and that now me repenteth.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Nabon, and overcame
+him, and made Sir Segwarides lord of the isle.
+
+In the meantime there came word that Sir Nabon had made a cry that all
+the people of that isle should be at his castle the fifth day after.
+And the same day the son of Nabon should be made knight, and all the
+knights of that valley and thereabout should be there to joust, and all
+those of the realm of Logris should be there to joust with them of
+North Wales: and thither came five hundred knights, and they of the
+country brought thither Sir Lamorak, and Sir Tristram, and Sir
+Kehydius, and Sir Segwarides, for they durst none otherwise do; and
+then Sir Nabon lent Sir Lamorak horse and armour at Sir Lamorak’s
+desire, and Sir Lamorak jousted and did such deeds of arms that Nabon
+and all the people said there was never knight that ever they saw do
+such deeds of arms; for, as the French book saith, he for-jousted all
+that were there, for the most part of five hundred knights, that none
+abode him in his saddle.
+
+Then Sir Nabon proffered to play with him his play: For I saw never no
+knight do so much upon a day. I will well, said Sir Lamorak, play as I
+may, but I am weary and sore bruised. And there either gat a spear, but
+Nabon would not encounter with Sir Lamorak, but smote his horse in the
+forehead, and so slew him; and then Sir Lamorak yede on foot, and
+turned his shield and drew his sword, and there began strong battle on
+foot. But Sir Lamorak was so sore bruised and short breathed, that he
+traced and traversed somewhat aback. Fair fellow, said Sir Nabon, hold
+thy hand and I shall show thee more courtesy than ever I showed knight,
+because I have seen this day thy noble knighthood, and therefore stand
+thou by, and I will wit whether any of thy fellows will have ado with
+me. Then when Sir Tristram heard that, he stepped forth and said:
+Nabon, lend me horse and sure armour, and I will have ado with thee.
+Well, fellow, said Sir Nabon, go thou to yonder pavilion, and arm thee
+of the best thou findest there, and I shall play a marvellous play with
+thee. Then said Sir Tristram: Look ye play well, or else peradventure I
+shall learn you a new play. That is well said, fellow, said Sir Nabon.
+So when Sir Tristram was armed as him liked best, and well shielded and
+sworded, he dressed to him on foot; for well he knew that Sir Nabon
+would not abide a stroke with a spear, therefore he would slay all
+knights’ horses. Now, fair fellow, Sir Nabon, let us play. So then they
+fought long on foot, tracing and traversing, smiting and foining long
+without any rest. At the last Sir Nabon prayed him to tell him his
+name. Sir Nabon, I tell thee my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, a
+knight of Cornwall under King Mark. Thou art welcome, said Sir Nabon,
+for of all knights I have most desired to fight with thee or with Sir
+Launcelot.
+
+So then they went eagerly together, and Sir Tristram slew Sir Nabon,
+and so forthwith he leapt to his son, and struck off his head; and then
+all the country said they would hold of Sir Tristram. Nay, said Sir
+Tristram, I will not so; here is a worshipful knight, Sir Lamorak de
+Galis, that for me he shall be lord of this country, for he hath done
+here great deeds of arms. Nay, said Sir Lamorak, I will not be lord of
+this country, for I have not deserved it as well as ye, therefore give
+ye it where ye will, for I will none have. Well, said Sir Tristram,
+since ye nor I will not have it, let us give it to him that hath not so
+well deserved it. Do as ye list, said Segwarides, for the gift is
+yours, for I will none have an I had deserved it. So was it given to
+Segwarides, whereof he thanked them; and so was he lord, and
+worshipfully he did govern it. And then Sir Segwarides delivered all
+prisoners, and set good governance in that valley; and so he returned
+into Cornwall, and told King Mark and La Beale Isoud how Sir Tristram
+had advanced him to the Isle of Servage, and there he proclaimed in all
+Cornwall of all the adventures of these two knights, so was it openly
+known. But full woe was La Beale Isoud when she heard tell that Sir
+Tristram was wedded to Isoud la Blanche Mains.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL. How Sir Lamorak departed from Sir Tristram, and how he met
+with Sir Frol, and after with Sir Launcelot.
+
+So turn we unto Sir Lamorak, that rode toward Arthur’s court, and Sir
+Tristram’s wife and Kehydius took a vessel and sailed into Brittany,
+unto King Howel, where he was welcome. And when he heard of these
+adventures they marvelled of his noble deeds. Now turn we unto Sir
+Lamorak, that when he was departed from Sir Tristram he rode out of the
+forest, till he came to an hermitage. When the hermit saw him, he asked
+him from whence he came. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, I come from this
+valley. Sir, said the hermit: thereof I marvel. For this twenty winter
+I saw never no knight pass this country but he was either slain or
+villainously wounded, or pass as a poor prisoner. Those ill customs,
+said Sir Lamorak, are fordone, for Sir Tristram slew your lord, Sir
+Nabon, and his son. Then was the hermit glad, and all his brethren, for
+he said there was never such a tyrant among Christian men. And
+therefore, said the hermit, this valley and franchise we will hold of
+Sir Tristram.
+
+So on the morrow Sir Lamorak departed; and as he rode he saw four
+knights fight against one, and that one knight defended him well, but
+at the last the four knights had him down. And then Sir Lamorak went
+betwixt them, and asked them why they would slay that one knight, and
+said it was shame, four against one. Thou shalt well wit, said the four
+knights, that he is false. That is your tale, said Sir Lamorak, and
+when I hear him also speak, I will say as ye say. Then said Lamorak:
+Ah, knight, can ye not excuse you, but that ye are a false knight. Sir,
+said he, yet can I excuse me both with my word and with my hands, that
+I will make good upon one of the best of them, my body to his body.
+Then spake they all at once: We will not jeopardy our bodies as for
+thee. But wit thou well, they said, an King Arthur were here himself,
+it should not lie in his power to save his life. That is too much said,
+said Sir Lamorak, but many speak behind a man more than they will say
+to his face; and because of your words ye shall understand that I am
+one of the simplest of King Arthur’s court; in the worship of my lord
+now do your best, and in despite of you I shall rescue him. And then
+they lashed all at once to Sir Lamorak, but anon at two strokes Sir
+Lamorak had slain two of them, and then the other two fled. So then Sir
+Lamorak turned again to that knight, and asked him his name. Sir, he
+said, my name is Sir Frol of the Out Isles. Then he rode with Sir
+Lamorak and bare him company.
+
+And as they rode by the way they saw a seemly knight riding against
+them, and all in white. Ah, said Frol, yonder knight jousted late with
+me and smote me down, therefore I will joust with him. Ye shall not do
+so, said Sir Lamorak, by my counsel, an ye will tell me your quarrel,
+whether ye jousted at his request, or he at yours. Nay, said Sir Frol,
+I jousted with him at my request. Sir, said Lamorak, then will I
+counsel you deal no more with him, for meseemeth by his countenance he
+should be a noble knight, and no japer; for methinketh he should be of
+the Table Round. Therefore I will not spare, said Sir Frol. And then he
+cried and said: Sir knight, make thee ready to joust. That needeth not,
+said the White Knight, for I have no lust to joust with thee; but yet
+they feutred their spears, and the White Knight overthrew Sir Frol, and
+then he rode his way a soft pace. Then Sir Lamorak rode after him, and
+prayed him to tell him his name: For meseemeth ye should be of the
+fellowship of the Round Table. Upon a covenant, said he, I will tell
+you my name, so that ye will not discover my name, and also that ye
+will tell me yours. Then, said he, my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. And
+my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Then they put up their swords, and
+kissed heartily together, and either made great joy of other. Sir, said
+Sir Lamorak, an it please you I will do you service. God defend, said
+Launcelot, that any of so noble a blood as ye be should do me service.
+Then he said: More, I am in a quest that I must do myself alone. Now
+God speed you, said Sir Lamorak, and so they departed. Then Sir Lamorak
+came to Sir Frol and horsed him again. What knight is that? said Sir
+Frol. Sir, he said, it is not for you to know, nor it is no point of my
+charge. Ye are the more uncourteous, said Sir Frol, and therefore I
+will depart from you. Ye may do as ye list, said Sir Lamorak, and yet
+by my company ye have saved the fairest flower of your garland; so they
+departed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLI. How Sir Lamorak slew Sir Frol, and of the courteous
+fighting with Sir Belliance his brother.
+
+Then within two or three days Sir Lamorak found a knight at a well
+sleeping, and his lady sat with him and waked. Right so came Sir
+Gawaine and took the knight’s lady, and set her up behind his squire.
+So Sir Lamorak rode after Sir Gawaine, and said: Sir Gawaine, turn
+again. And then said Sir Gawaine: What will ye do with me? for I am
+nephew unto King Arthur. Sir, said he, for that cause I will spare you,
+else that lady should abide with me, or else ye should joust with me.
+Then Sir Gawaine turned him and ran to him that ought the lady, with
+his spear, but the knight with pure might smote down Sir Gawaine, and
+took his lady with him. All this Sir Lamorak saw, and said to himself:
+But I revenge my fellow he will say of me dishonour in King Arthur’s
+court. Then Sir Lamorak returned and proffered that knight to joust.
+Sir, said he, I am ready. And there they came together with all their
+might, and there Sir Lamorak smote the knight through both sides that
+he fell to the earth dead.
+
+Then that lady rode to that knight’s brother that hight Belliance le
+Orgulus, that dwelt fast thereby, and then she told him how his brother
+was slain. Alas, said he, I will be revenged. And so he horsed him, and
+armed him, and within a while he overtook Sir Lamorak, and bade him:
+Turn and leave that lady, for thou and I must play a new play; for thou
+hast slain my brother Sir Frol, that was a better knight than ever wert
+thou. It might well be, said Sir Lamorak, but this day in the field I
+was found the better. So they rode together, and unhorsed other, and
+turned their shields, and drew their swords, and fought mightily as
+noble knights proved, by the space of two hours. So then Sir Belliance
+prayed him to tell him his name. Sir, said he, my name is Sir Lamorak
+de Galis. Ah, said Sir Belliance, thou art the man in the world that I
+most hate, for I slew my sons for thy sake, where I saved thy life, and
+now thou hast slain my brother Sir Frol. Alas, how should I be accorded
+with thee; therefore defend thee, for thou shalt die, there is none
+other remedy. Alas, said Sir Lamorak, full well me ought to know you,
+for ye are the man that most have done for me. And therewithal Sir
+Lamorak kneeled down, and besought him of grace. Arise, said Sir
+Belliance, or else thereas thou kneelest I shall slay thee. That shall
+not need, said Sir Lamorak, for I will yield me unto you, not for fear
+of you, nor for your strength, but your goodness maketh me full loath
+to have ado with you; wherefore I require you for God’s sake, and for
+the honour of knighthood, forgive me all that I have offended unto you.
+Alas, said Belliance, leave thy kneeling, or else I shall slay thee
+without mercy.
+
+Then they yede again unto battle, and either wounded other, that all
+the ground was bloody thereas they fought. And at the last Belliance
+withdrew him aback and set him down softly upon a little hill, for he
+was so faint for bleeding that he might not stand. Then Sir Lamorak
+threw his shield upon his back, and asked him what cheer. Well, said
+Sir Belliance. Ah, Sir, yet shall I show you favour in your mal-ease.
+Ah, Knight Sir Belliance, said Sir Lamorak, thou art a fool, for an I
+had had thee at such advantage as thou hast done me, I should slay
+thee; but thy gentleness is so good and so large, that I must needs
+forgive thee mine evil will. And then Sir Lamorak kneeled down, and
+unlaced first his umberere, and then his own, and then either kissed
+other with weeping tears. Then Sir Lamorak led Sir Belliance to an
+abbey fast by, and there Sir Lamorak would not depart from Belliance
+till he was whole. And then they sware together that none of them
+should never fight against other. So Sir Lamorak departed and went to
+the court of King Arthur.
+
+ Here leave we of Sir Lamorak and of Sir Tristram. And here beginneth
+ the history of La Cote Male Taile.
+
+
+
+BOOK IX.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. How a young man came into the court of King Arthur, and how
+Sir Kay called him in scorn La Cote Male Taile.
+
+At the court of King Arthur there came a young man and bigly made, and
+he was richly beseen: and he desired to be made knight of the king, but
+his over-garment sat over-thwartly, howbeit it was rich cloth of gold.
+What is your name? said King Arthur. Sir, said he, my name is Breunor
+le Noire, and within short space ye shall know that I am of good kin.
+It may well be, said Sir Kay, the Seneschal, but in mockage ye shall be
+called La Cote Male Taile, that is as much to say, the evil-shapen
+coat. It is a great thing that thou askest, said the king; and for what
+cause wearest thou that rich coat? tell me, for I can well think for
+some cause it is. Sir, he answered, I had a father, a noble knight, and
+as he rode a-hunting, upon a day it happed him to lay him down to
+sleep; and there came a knight that had been long his enemy, and when
+he saw he was fast asleep he all to-hew him; and this same coat had my
+father on the same time; and that maketh this coat to sit so evil upon
+me, for the strokes be on it as I found it, and never shall be amended
+for me. Thus to have my father’s death in remembrance I wear this coat
+till I be revenged; and because ye are called the most noblest king of
+the world I come to you that ye should make me knight. Sir, said Sir
+Lamorak and Sir Gaheris, it were well done to make him knight; for him
+beseemeth well of person and of countenance, that he shall prove a good
+man, and a good knight, and a mighty; for, Sir, an ye be remembered,
+even such one was Sir Launcelot du Lake when he came first into this
+court, and full few of us knew from whence he came; and now is he
+proved the man of most worship in the world; and all your court and all
+your Round Table is by Sir Launcelot worshipped and amended more than
+by any knight now living. That is truth, said the king, and to-morrow
+at your request I shall make him knight.
+
+So on the morrow there was an hart found, and thither rode King Arthur
+with a company of his knights to slay the hart. And this young man that
+Sir Kay named La Cote Male Taile was there left behind with Queen
+Guenever; and by sudden adventure there was an horrible lion kept in a
+strong tower of stone, and it happened that he at that time brake
+loose, and came hurling afore the queen and her knights. And when the
+queen saw the lion she cried and fled, and prayed her knights to rescue
+her. And there was none of them all but twelve that abode, and all the
+other fled. Then said La Cote Male Taile: Now I see well that all
+coward knights be not dead; and therewithal he drew his sword and
+dressed him afore the lion. And that lion gaped wide and came upon him
+ramping to have slain him. And he then smote him in the midst of the
+head such a mighty stroke that it clave his head in sunder, and dashed
+to the earth. Then was it told the queen how the young man that Sir Kay
+named by scorn La Cote Male Taile had slain the lion. With that the
+king came home. And when the queen told him of that adventure, he was
+well pleased, and said: Upon pain of mine head he shall prove a noble
+man and a faithful knight, and true of his promise: then the king
+forthwithal made him knight. Now Sir, said this young knight, I require
+you and all the knights of your court, that ye call me by none other
+name but La Cote Male Taile: in so much as Sir Kay hath so named me so
+will I be called. I assent me well thereto, said the king.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. How a damosel came into the court and desired a knight to
+take on him an enquest, which La Cote Male Taile emprised.
+
+Then that same day there came a damosel into the court, and she brought
+with her a great black shield, with a white hand in the midst holding a
+sword. Other picture was there none in that shield. When King Arthur
+saw her he asked her from whence she came and what she would. Sir, she
+said, I have ridden long and many a day with this shield many ways, and
+for this cause I am come to your court: there was a good knight that
+ought this shield, and this knight had undertaken a great deed of arms
+to enchieve it; and so it misfortuned him another strong knight met
+with him by sudden adventure, and there they fought long, and either
+wounded other passing sore; and they were so weary that they left that
+battle even hand. So this knight that ought this shield saw none other
+way but he must die; and then he commanded me to bear this shield to
+the court of King Arthur, he requiring and praying some good knight to
+take this shield, and that he would fulfil the quest that he was in.
+Now what say ye to this quest? said King Arthur; is there any of you
+here that will take upon him to wield this shield? Then was there not
+one that would speak one word. Then Sir Kay took the shield in his
+hands. Sir knight, said the damosel, what is your name? Wit ye well,
+said he, my name is Sir Kay, the Seneschal, that wide-where is known.
+Sir, said that damosel, lay down that shield, for wit ye well it
+falleth not for you, for he must be a better knight than ye that shall
+wield this shield. Damosel, said Sir Kay, wit ye well I took this
+shield in my hands by your leave for to behold it, not to that intent;
+but go wheresomever thou wilt, for I will not go with you.
+
+Then the damosel stood still a great while and beheld many of those
+knights. Then spake the knight, La Cote Male Taile: Fair damosel, I
+will take the shield and that adventure upon me, so I wist I should
+know whitherward my journey might be; for because I was this day made
+knight I would take this adventure upon me. What is your name, fair
+young man? said the damosel. My name is, said he, La Cote Male Taile.
+Well mayest thou be called so, said the damosel, the knight with the
+evil-shapen coat; but an thou be so hardy to take upon thee to bear
+that shield and to follow me, wit thou well thy skin shall be as well
+hewn as thy coat. As for that, said La Cote Male Taile, when I am so
+hewn I will ask you no salve to heal me withal. And forthwithal there
+came into the court two squires and brought him great horses, and his
+armour, and his spears, and anon he was armed and took his leave. I
+would not by my will, said the king, that ye took upon you that hard
+adventure. Sir, said he, this adventure is mine, and the first that
+ever I took upon me, and that will I follow whatsomever come of me.
+Then that damosel departed, and La Cote Male Taile fast followed after.
+And within a while he overtook the damosel, and anon she missaid him in
+the foulest manner.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. How La Cote Male Taile overthrew Sir Dagonet the king’s
+fool, and of the rebuke that he had of the damosel.
+
+Then Sir Kay ordained Sir Dagonet, King Arthur’s fool, to follow after
+La Cote Male Taile; and there Sir Kay ordained that Sir Dagonet was
+horsed and armed, and bade him follow La Cote Male Taile and proffer
+him to joust, and so he did; and when he saw La Cote Male Taile, he
+cried and bade him make him ready to joust. So Sir La Cote Male Taile
+smote Sir Dagonet over his horse’s croup. Then the damosel mocked La
+Cote Male Taile, and said: Fie for shame! now art thou shamed in
+Arthur’s court, when they send a fool to have ado with thee, and
+specially at thy first jousts; thus she rode long, and chid. And within
+a while there came Sir Bleoberis, the good knight, and there he jousted
+with La Cote Male Taile, and there Sir Bleoberis smote him so sore,
+that horse and all fell to the earth. Then La Cote Male Taile arose up
+lightly, and dressed his shield, and drew his sword, and would have
+done battle to the utterance, for he was wood wroth. Not so, said Sir
+Bleoberis de Ganis, as at this time I will not fight upon foot. Then
+the damosel Maledisant rebuked him in the foulest manner, and bade him:
+Turn again, coward. Ah, damosel, he said, I pray you of mercy to missay
+me no more, my grief is enough though ye give me no more; I call myself
+never the worse knight when a mare’s son faileth me, and also I count
+me never the worse knight for a fall of Sir Bleoberis.
+
+So thus he rode with her two days; and by fortune there came Sir
+Palomides and encountered with him, and he in the same wise served him
+as did Bleoberis to-forehand. What dost thou here in my fellowship?
+said the damosel Maledisant, thou canst not sit no knight, nor
+withstand him one buffet, but if it were Sir Dagonet. Ah, fair damosel,
+I am not the worse to take a fall of Sir Palomides, and yet great
+disworship have I none, for neither Bleoberis nor yet Palomides would
+not fight with me on foot. As for that, said the damosel, wit thou well
+they have disdain and scorn to light off their horses to fight with
+such a lewd knight as thou art. So in the meanwhile there came Sir
+Mordred, Sir Gawaine’s brother, and so he fell in the fellowship with
+the damosel Maledisant. And then they came afore the Castle Orgulous,
+and there was such a custom that there might no knight come by that
+castle but either he must joust or be prisoner, or at the least to lose
+his horse and his harness. And there came out two knights against them,
+and Sir Mordred jousted with the foremost, and that knight of the
+castle smote Sir Mordred down off his horse. And then La Cote Male
+Taile jousted with that other, and either of them smote other down,
+horse and all, to the earth. And when they avoided their horses, then
+either of them took other’s horses. And then La Cote Male Taile rode
+unto that knight that smote down Sir Mordred, and jousted with him. And
+there Sir La Cote Male Taile hurt and wounded him passing sore, and put
+him from his horse as he had been dead. So he turned unto him that met
+him afore, and he took the flight towards the castle, and Sir La Cote
+Male Taile rode after him into the Castle Orgulous, and there La Cote
+Male Taile slew him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. How La Cote Male Taile fought against an hundred knights,
+and how he escaped by the mean of a lady.
+
+And anon there came an hundred knights about him and assailed him; and
+when he saw his horse should be slain he alighted and voided his horse,
+and put the bridle under his feet, and so put him out of the gate. And
+when he had so done he hurled in among them, and dressed his back unto
+a lady’s chamber-wall, thinking himself that he had liefer die there
+with worship than to abide the rebukes of the damosel Maledisant. And
+in the meantime as he stood and fought, that lady whose was the chamber
+went out slily at her postern, and without the gates she found La Cote
+Male Taile’s horse, and lightly she gat him by the bridle, and tied him
+to the postern. And then she went unto her chamber slily again for to
+behold how that one knight fought against an hundred knights. And when
+she had beheld him long she went to a window behind his back, and said:
+Thou knight, thou fightest wonderly well, but for all that at the last
+thou must needs die, but, an thou canst through thy mighty prowess, win
+unto yonder postern, for there have I fastened thy horse to abide thee:
+but wit thou well thou must think on thy worship, and think not to die,
+for thou mayst not win unto that postern without thou do nobly and
+mightily. When La Cote Male Taile heard her say so he gripped his sword
+in his hands, and put his shield fair afore him, and through the
+thickest press he thrulled through them. And when he came to the
+postern he found there ready four knights, and at two the first strokes
+he slew two of the knights, and the other fled; and so he won his horse
+and rode from them. And all as it was it was rehearsed in King Arthur’s
+court, how he slew twelve knights within the Castle Orgulous; and so he
+rode on his way.
+
+And in the meanwhile the damosel said to Sir Mordred: I ween my foolish
+knight be either slain or taken prisoner: then were they ware where he
+came riding. And when he was come unto them he told all how he had sped
+and escaped in despite of them all: And some of the best of them will
+tell no tales. Thou liest falsely, said the damosel, that dare I make
+good, but as a fool and a dastard to all knighthood they have let thee
+pass. That may ye prove, said La Cote Male Taile. With that she sent a
+courier of hers, that rode alway with her, for to know the truth of
+this deed; and so he rode thither lightly, and asked how and in what
+manner that La Cote Male Taile was escaped out of the castle. Then all
+the knights cursed him, and said that he was a fiend and no man: For he
+hath slain here twelve of our best knights, and we weened unto this day
+that it had been too much for Sir Launcelot du Lake or for Sir Tristram
+de Liones. And in despite of us all he is departed from us and maugre
+our heads.
+
+With this answer the courier departed and came to Maledisant his lady,
+and told her all how Sir La Cote Male Taile had sped at the Castle
+Orgulous. Then she smote down her head, and said little. By my head,
+said Sir Mordred to the damosel, ye are greatly to blame so to rebuke
+him, for I warn you plainly he is a good knight, and I doubt not but he
+shall prove a noble knight; but as yet he may not yet sit sure on
+horseback, for he that shall be a good horseman it must come of usage
+and exercise. But when he cometh to the strokes of his sword he is then
+noble and mighty, and that saw Sir Bleoberis and Sir Palomides, for wit
+ye well they are wily men of arms, and anon they know when they see a
+young knight by his riding, how they are sure to give him a fall from
+his horse or a great buffet. But for the most part they will not light
+on foot with young knights, for they are wight and strongly armed. For
+in likewise Sir Launcelot du Lake, when he was first made knight, he
+was often put to the worse upon horseback, but ever upon foot he
+recovered his renown, and slew and defoiled many knights of the Round
+Table. And therefore the rebukes that Sir Launcelot did unto many
+knights causeth them that be men of prowess to beware; for often I have
+seen the old proved knights rebuked and slain by them that were but
+young beginners. Thus they rode sure talking by the way together.
+
+Here leave we off a while of this tale, and speak we of Sir Launcelot
+du Lake.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. How Sir Launcelot came to the court and heard of La Cote
+Male Taile, and how he followed after him, and how La Cote Male Taile
+was prisoner.
+
+That when he was come to the court of King Arthur, then heard he tell
+of the young knight La Cote Male Taile, how he slew the lion, and how
+he took upon him the adventure of the black shield, the which was named
+at that time the hardiest adventure of the world. So God me save, said
+Sir Launcelot unto many of his fellows, it was shame to all the noble
+knights to suffer such a young knight to take such adventure upon him
+for his destruction; for I will that ye wit, said Sir Launcelot, that
+that damosel Maledisant hath borne that shield many a day for to seek
+the most proved knights, and that was she that Breuse Saunce Pité took
+that shield from her, and after Tristram de Liones rescued that shield
+from him and gave it to the damosel again, a little afore that time
+that Sir Tristram fought with my nephew Sir Blamore de Ganis, for a
+quarrel that was betwixt the King of Ireland and him. Then many knights
+were sorry that Sir La Cote Male Taile was gone forth to that
+adventure. Truly, said Sir Launcelot, I cast me to ride after him. And
+within seven days Sir Launcelot overtook La Cote Male Taile, and then
+he saluted him and the damosel Maledisant. And when Sir Mordred saw Sir
+Launcelot, then he left their fellowship; and so Sir Launcelot rode
+with them all a day, and ever that damosel rebuked La Cote Male Taile;
+and then Sir Launcelot answered for him, then she left off, and rebuked
+Sir Launcelot.
+
+So this meantime Sir Tristram sent by a damosel a letter unto Sir
+Launcelot, excusing him of the wedding of Isoud la Blanche Mains; and
+said in the letter, as he was a true knight he had never ado fleshly
+with Isoud la Blanche Mains; and passing courteously and gentily Sir
+Tristram wrote unto Sir Launcelot, ever beseeching him to be his good
+friend and unto La Beale Isoud of Cornwall, and that Sir Launcelot
+would excuse him if that ever he saw her. And within short time by the
+grace of God, said Sir Tristram, that he would speak with La Beale
+Isoud, and with him right hastily. Then Sir Launcelot departed from the
+damosel and from Sir La Cote Male Taile, for to oversee that letter,
+and to write another letter unto Sir Tristram de Liones.
+
+And in the meanwhile La Cote Male Taile rode with the damosel until
+they came to a castle that hight Pendragon; and there were six knights
+stood afore him, and one of them proffered to joust with La Cote Male
+Taile. And there La Cote Male Taile smote him over his horse’s croup.
+And then the five knights set upon him all at once with their spears,
+and there they smote La Cote Male Taile down, horse and man. And then
+they alighted suddenly, and set their hands upon him all at once, and
+took him prisoner, and so led him unto the castle and kept him as
+prisoner.
+
+And on the morn Sir Launcelot arose, and delivered the damosel with
+letters unto Sir Tristram, and then he took his way after La Cote Male
+Taile; and by the way upon a bridge there was a knight proffered Sir
+Launcelot to joust, and Sir Launcelot smote him down, and then they
+fought upon foot a noble battle together, and a mighty; and at the last
+Sir Launcelot smote him down grovelling upon his hands and his knees.
+And then that knight yielded him, and Sir Launcelot received him fair.
+Sir, said the knight, I require thee tell me your name, for much my
+heart giveth unto you. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, as at this time I will
+not tell you my name, unless then that ye tell me your name. Certainly,
+said the knight, my name is Sir Nerovens, that was made knight of my
+lord Sir Launcelot du Lake. Ah, Nerovens de Lile, said Sir Launcelot, I
+am right glad that ye are proved a good knight, for now wit ye well my
+name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Alas, said Sir Nerovens de Lile, what
+have I done! And therewithal flatling he fell to his feet, and would
+have kissed them, but Sir Launcelot would not let him; and then either
+made great joy of other. And then Sir Nerovens told Sir Launcelot that
+he should not go by the Castle of Pendragon: For there is a lord, a
+mighty knight, and many knights with him, and this night I heard say
+that they took a knight prisoner yesterday that rode with a damosel,
+and they say he is a Knight of the Round Table.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot fought with six knights, and after with
+Sir Brian, and how he delivered the prisoners.
+
+Ah, said Sir Launcelot, that knight is my fellow, and him shall I
+rescue or else I shall lose my life therefore. And therewithal he rode
+fast till he came before the Castle of Pendragon; and anon therewithal
+there came six knights, and all made them ready to set upon Sir
+Launcelot at once; then Sir Launcelot feutred his spear, and smote the
+foremost that he brake his back in-sunder, and three of them hit and
+three failed. And then Sir Launcelot passed through them, and lightly
+he turned in again, and smote another knight through the breast and
+throughout the back more than an ell, and therewithal his spear brake.
+So then all the remnant of the four knights drew their swords and
+lashed at Sir Launcelot. And at every stroke Sir Launcelot bestowed so
+his strokes that at four strokes sundry they avoided their saddles,
+passing sore wounded; and forthwithal he rode hurling into that castle.
+
+And anon the lord of the castle, that was that time cleped Sir Brian de
+les Isles, the which was a noble man and a great enemy unto King
+Arthur, within a while he was armed and upon horseback. And then they
+feutred their spears and hurled together so strongly that both their
+horses rashed to the earth. And then they avoided their saddles, and
+dressed their shields, and drew their swords, and flang together as
+wood men, and there were many strokes given in a while. At the last Sir
+Launcelot gave to Sir Brian such a buffet that he kneeled upon his
+knees, and then Sir Launcelot rashed upon him, and with great force he
+pulled off his helm; and when Sir Brian saw that he should be slain he
+yielded him, and put him in his mercy and in his grace. Then Sir
+Launcelot made him to deliver all his prisoners that he had within his
+castle, and therein Sir Launcelot found of Arthur’s knights thirty, and
+forty ladies, and so he delivered them; and then he rode his way. And
+anon as La Cote Male Taile was delivered he gat his horse, and his
+harness, and his damosel Maledisant.
+
+The meanwhile Sir Nerovens, that Sir Launcelot had foughten withal
+afore at the bridge, he sent a damosel after Sir Launcelot to wit how
+he sped at the Castle of Pendragon. And then they within the castle
+marvelled what knight he was, when Sir Brian and his knights delivered
+all those prisoners. Have ye no marvel, said the damosel, for the best
+knight in this world was here, and did this journey, and wit ye well,
+she said, it was Sir Launcelot. Then was Sir Brian full glad, and so
+was his lady, and all his knights, that such a man should win them. And
+when the damosel and La Cote Male Taile understood that it was Sir
+Launcelot du Lake that had ridden with them in fellowship, and that she
+remembered her how she had rebuked him and called him coward, then was
+she passing heavy.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot met with the damosel named Male disant,
+and named her the Damosel Bienpensant.
+
+So then they took their horses and rode forth a pace after Sir
+Launcelot. And within two mile they overtook him, and saluted him, and
+thanked him, and the damosel cried Sir Launcelot mercy of her evil deed
+and saying: For now I know the flower of all knighthood is departed
+even between Sir Tristram and you. For God knoweth, said the damosel,
+that I have sought you my lord, Sir Launcelot, and Sir Tristram long,
+and now I thank God I have met with you; and once at Camelot I met with
+Sir Tristram, and there he rescued this black shield with the white
+hand holding a naked sword that Sir Breuse Saunce Pité had taken from
+me. Now, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, who told you my name? Sir,
+said she, there came a damosel from a knight that ye fought withal at
+the bridge, and she told me your name was Sir Launcelot du Lake. Blame
+have she then, said Sir Launcelot, but her lord, Sir Nerovens, hath
+told her. But, damosel, said Sir Launcelot, upon this covenant I will
+ride with you, so that ye will not rebuke this knight Sir La Cote Male
+Taile no more; for he is a good knight, and I doubt not he shall prove
+a noble knight, and for his sake and pity that he should not be
+destroyed I followed him to succour him in this great need. Ah, Jesu
+thank you, said the damosel, for now I will say unto you and to him
+both, I rebuked him never for no hate that I hated him, but for great
+love that I had to him. For ever I supposed that he had been too young
+and too tender to take upon him these adventures. And therefore by my
+will I would have driven him away for jealousy that I had of his life,
+for it may be no young knight’s deed that shall enchieve this adventure
+to the end. Pardieu, said Sir Launcelot, it is well said, and where ye
+are called the Damosel Maledisant I will call you the Damosel
+Bienpensant.
+
+And so they rode forth a great while unto they came to the border of
+the country of Surluse, and there they found a fair village with a
+strong bridge like a fortress. And when Sir Launcelot and they were at
+the bridge there stert forth afore them of gentlemen and yeomen many,
+that said: Fair lords, ye may not pass this bridge and this fortress
+because of that black shield that I see one of you bear, and therefore
+there shall not pass but one of you at once; therefore choose you which
+of you shall enter within this bridge first. Then Sir Launcelot
+proffered himself first to enter within this bridge. Sir, said La Cote
+Male Taile, I beseech you let me enter within this fortress, and if I
+may speed well I will send for you, and if it happened that I be slain,
+there it goeth. And if so be that I am a prisoner taken, then may ye
+rescue me. I am loath, said Sir Launcelot, to let you pass this
+passage. Sir, said La Cote Male Taile, I pray you let me put my body in
+this adventure. Now go your way, said Sir Launcelot, and Jesu be your
+speed.
+
+So he entered, and anon there met with him two brethren, the one hight
+Sir Plaine de Force, and the other hight Sir Plaine de Amours. And anon
+they met with Sir La Cote Male Taile; and first La Cote Male Taile
+smote down Plaine de Force, and after he smote down Plaine de Amours;
+and then they dressed them to their shields and swords, and bade La
+Cote Male Taile alight, and so he did; and there was dashing and
+foining with swords, and so they began to assail full hard La Cote Male
+Taile, and many great wounds they gave him upon his head, and upon his
+breast, and upon his shoulders. And as he might ever among he gave sad
+strokes again. And then the two brethren traced and traversed for to be
+of both hands of Sir La Cote Male Taile, but he by fine force and
+knightly prowess gat them afore him. And then when he felt himself so
+wounded, then he doubled his strokes, and gave them so many wounds that
+he felled them to the earth, and would have slain them had they not
+yielded them. And right so Sir La Cote Male Taile took the best horse
+that there was of them three, and so rode forth his way to the other
+fortress and bridge; and there he met with the third brother whose name
+was Sir Plenorius, a full noble knight, and there they jousted
+together, and either smote other down, horse and man, to the earth. And
+then they avoided their horses, and dressed their shields, and drew
+their swords, and gave many sad strokes, and one while the one knight
+was afore on the bridge, and another while the other. And thus they
+fought two hours and more, and never rested. And ever Sir Launcelot and
+the damosel beheld them. Alas, said the damosel, my knight fighteth
+passing sore and over long. Now may ye see, said Sir Launcelot, that he
+is a noble knight, for to consider his first battle, and his grievous
+wounds; and even forthwithal so wounded as he is, it is marvel that he
+may endure this long battle with that good knight.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. How La Cote Male Taile was taken prisoner, and after
+rescued by Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot overcame four brethren.
+
+This meanwhile Sir La Cote Male Taile sank right down upon the earth,
+what for-wounded and what for-bled he might not stand. Then the other
+knight had pity of him, and said: Fair young knight, dismay you not,
+for had ye been fresh when ye met with me, as I was, I wot well that I
+should not have endured so long as ye have done; and therefore for your
+noble deeds of arms I shall show to you kindness and gentleness in all
+that I may. And forthwithal this noble knight, Sir Plenorius, took him
+up in his arms, and led him into his tower. And then he commanded him
+the wine, and made to search him and to stop his bleeding wounds. Sir,
+said La Cote Male Taile, withdraw you from me, and hie you to yonder
+bridge again, for there will meet with you another manner knight than
+ever was I. Why, said Plenorius, is there another manner knight behind
+of your fellowship? Yea, said La Cote Male Taile, there is a much
+better knight than I am. What is his name? said Plenorius. Ye shall not
+know for me, said La Cote Male Taile. Well, said the knight, he shall
+be encountered withal whatsomever he be.
+
+Then Sir Plenorius heard a knight call that said: Sir Plenorius, where
+art thou? either thou must deliver me the prisoner that thou hast led
+unto thy tower, or else come and do battle with me. Then Plenorius gat
+his horse, and came with a spear in his hand walloping toward Sir
+Launcelot; and then they began to feutre their spears, and came
+together as thunder, and smote either other so mightily that their
+horses fell down under them. And then they avoided their horses, and
+pulled out their swords, and like two bulls they lashed together with
+great strokes and foins; but ever Sir Launcelot recovered ground upon
+him, and Sir Plenorius traced to have gone about him. But Sir Launcelot
+would not suffer that, but bare him backer and backer, till he came
+nigh his tower gate. And then said Sir Launcelot: I know thee well for
+a good knight, but wit thou well thy life and death is in my hand, and
+therefore yield thee to me, and thy prisoner. The other answered no
+word, but struck mightily upon Sir Launcelot’s helm, that the fire
+sprang out of his eyes. Then Sir Launcelot doubled his strokes so
+thick, and smote at him so mightily, that he made him kneel upon his
+knees. And therewith Sir Launcelot leapt upon him, and pulled him
+grovelling down. Then Sir Plenorius yielded him, and his tower, and all
+his prisoners at his will.
+
+Then Sir Launcelot received him and took his troth; and then he rode to
+the other bridge, and there Sir Launcelot jousted with other three of
+his brethren, the one hight Pillounes, and the other hight Pellogris,
+and the third Sir Pellandris. And first upon horseback Sir Launcelot
+smote them down, and afterward he beat them on foot, and made them to
+yield them unto him; and then he returned unto Sir Plenorius, and there
+he found in his prison King Carados of Scotland, and many other
+knights, and all they were delivered. And then Sir La Cote Male Taile
+came to Sir Launcelot, and then Sir Launcelot would have given him all
+these fortresses and these bridges. Nay, said La Cote Male Taile, I
+will not have Sir Plenorius’ livelihood; with that he will grant you,
+my lord Sir Launcelot, to come unto King Arthur’s court, and to be his
+knight, and all his brethren, I will pray you, my lord, to let him have
+his livelihood. I will well, said Sir Launcelot, with this that he will
+come to the court of King Arthur and become his man, and his brethren
+five. And as for you, Sir Plenorius, I will undertake, said Sir
+Launcelot, at the next feast, so there be a place voided, that ye shall
+be Knight of the Round Table. Sir, said Plenorius, at the next feast of
+Pentecost I will be at Arthur’s court, and at that time I will be
+guided and ruled as King Arthur and ye will have me. Then Sir Launcelot
+and Sir La Cote Male Taile reposed them there, unto the time that Sir
+La Cote Male Taile was whole of his wounds, and there they had merry
+cheer, and good rest, and many good games, and there were many fair
+ladies.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. How Sir Launcelot made La Cote Male Taile lord of the
+Castle of Pendragon, and after was made knight of the Round Table.
+
+And in the meanwhile came Sir Kay, the Seneschal, and Sir Brandiles,
+and anon they fellowshipped with them. And then within ten days, then
+departed those knights of Arthur’s court from these fortresses. And as
+Sir Launcelot came by the Castle of Pendragon there he put Sir Brian de
+les Isles from his lands, for cause he would never be withhold with
+King Arthur; and all that Castle of Pendragon and all the lands thereof
+he gave to Sir La Cote Male Taile. And then Sir Launcelot sent for
+Nerovens that he made once knight, and he made him to have all the rule
+of that castle and of that country, under La Cote Male Taile; and so
+they rode to Arthur’s court all wholly together. And at Pentecost next
+following there was Sir Plenorius and Sir La Cote Male Taile, called
+otherwise by right Sir Breunor le Noire, both made Knights of the Table
+Round; and great lands King Arthur gave them, and there Breunor le
+Noire wedded that damosel Maledisant. And after she was called
+Beauvivante, but ever after for the more part he was called La Cote
+Male Taile; and he proved a passing noble knight, and mighty; and many
+worshipful deeds he did after in his life; and Sir Plenorius proved a
+noble knight and full of prowess, and all the days of their life for
+the most part they awaited upon Sir Launcelot; and Sir Plenorius’
+brethren were ever knights of King Arthur. And also, as the French book
+maketh mention, Sir La Cote Male Taile avenged his father’s death.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. How La Beale Isoud sent letters to Sir Tristram by her maid
+Bragwaine, and of divers adventures of Sir Tristram.
+
+Now leave we here Sir La Cote Male Taile, and turn we unto Sir Tristram
+de Liones that was in Brittany. When La Beale Isoud understood that he
+was wedded she sent to him by her maiden Bragwaine as piteous letters
+as could be thought and made, and her conclusion was that, an it
+pleased Sir Tristram, that he would come to her court, and bring with
+him Isoud la Blanche Mains, and they should be kept as well as she
+herself. Then Sir Tristram called unto him Sir Kehydius, and asked him
+whether he would go with him into Cornwall secretly. He answered him
+that he was ready at all times. And then he let ordain privily a little
+vessel, and therein they went, Sir Tristram, Kehydius, Dame Bragwaine,
+and Gouvernail, Sir Tristram’s squire. So when they were in the sea a
+contrarious wind blew them on the coasts of North Wales, nigh the
+Castle Perilous. Then said Sir Tristram: Here shall ye abide me these
+ten days, and Gouvernail, my squire, with you. And if so be I come not
+again by that day take the next way into Cornwall; for in this forest
+are many strange adventures, as I have heard say, and some of them I
+cast me to prove or I depart. And when I may I shall hie me after you.
+
+Then Sir Tristram and Kehydius took their horses and departed from
+their fellowship. And so they rode within that forest a mile and more;
+and at the last Sir Tristram saw afore him a likely knight, armed,
+sitting by a well, and a strong mighty horse passing nigh him tied to
+an oak, and a man hoving and riding by him leading an horse laden with
+spears. And this knight that sat at the well seemed by his countenance
+to be passing heavy. Then Sir Tristram rode near him and said: Fair
+knight, why sit ye so drooping? ye seem to be a knight-errant by your
+arms and harness, and therefore dress you to joust with one of us, or
+with both. Therewithal that knight made no words, but took his shield
+and buckled it about his neck, and lightly he took his horse and leapt
+upon him. And then he took a great spear of his squire, and departed
+his way a furlong. Sir Kehydius asked leave of Sir Tristram to joust
+first. Do your best, said Sir Tristram. So they met together, and there
+Sir Kehydius had a fall, and was sore wounded on high above the paps.
+Then Sir Tristram said: Knight, that is well jousted, now make you
+ready unto me. I am ready, said the knight. And then that knight took a
+greater spear in his hand, and encountered with Sir Tristram, and there
+by great force that knight smote down Sir Tristram from his horse and
+had a great fall. Then Sir Tristram was sore ashamed, and lightly he
+avoided his horse, and put his shield afore his shoulder, and drew his
+sword. And then Sir Tristram required that knight of his knighthood to
+alight upon foot and fight with him. I will well, said the knight; and
+so he alighted upon foot, and avoided his horse, and cast his shield
+upon his shoulder, and drew his sword, and there they fought a long
+battle together full nigh two hours. Then Sir Tristram said: Fair
+knight, hold thine hand, and tell me of whence thou art, and what is
+thy name. As for that, said the knight, I will be avised; but an thou
+wilt tell me thy name peradventure I will tell thee mine.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. How Sir Tristram met with Sir Lamorak de Galis, and how
+they fought, and after accorded never to fight together.
+
+Now fair knight, he said, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones. Sir, said
+the other knight, and my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. Ah, Sir Lamorak,
+said Sir Tristram, well be we met, and bethink thee now of the despite
+thou didst me of the sending of the horn unto King Mark’s court, to the
+intent to have slain or dishonoured my lady the queen, La Beale Isoud;
+and therefore wit thou well, said Sir Tristram, the one of us shall die
+or we depart. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, remember that we were together in
+the Isle of Servage, and at that time ye promised me great friendship.
+Then Sir Tristram would make no longer delays, but lashed at Sir
+Lamorak; and thus they fought long till either were weary of other.
+Then Sir Tristram said to Sir Lamorak: In all my life met I never with
+such a knight that was so big and well breathed as ye be, therefore,
+said Sir Tristram, it were pity that any of us both should here be
+mischieved. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, for your renown and name I will that
+ye have the worship of this battle, and therefore I will yield me unto
+you. And therewith he took the point of his sword to yield him. Nay,
+said Sir Tristram, ye shall not do so, for well I know your proffers,
+and more of your gentleness than for any fear or dread ye have of me.
+And therewithal Sir Tristram proffered him his sword and said: Sir
+Lamorak, as an overcome knight I yield me unto you as to a man of the
+most noble prowess that ever I met withal. Nay, said Sir Lamorak, I
+will do you gentleness; I require you let us be sworn together that
+never none of us shall after this day have ado with other. And
+therewithal Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak sware that never none of them
+should fight against other, nor for weal nor for woe.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. How Sir Palomides followed the Questing Beast, and smote
+down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one spear.
+
+And this meanwhile there came Sir Palomides, the good knight, following
+the Questing Beast that had in shape a head like a serpent’s head, and
+a body like a leopard, buttocks like a lion, and footed like an hart;
+and in his body there was such a noise as it had been the noise of
+thirty couple of hounds questing, and such a noise that beast made
+wheresomever he went; and this beast ever more Sir Palomides followed,
+for it was called his quest. And right so as he followed this beast it
+came by Sir Tristram, and soon after came Palomides. And to brief this
+matter he smote down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak both with one spear;
+and so he departed after the beast Galtisant, that was called the
+Questing Beast; wherefore these two knights were passing wroth that Sir
+Palomides would not fight on foot with them. Here men may understand
+that be of worship, that he was never formed that all times might
+stand, but sometime he was put to the worse by mal-fortune; and at
+sometime the worse knight put the better knight to a rebuke.
+
+Then Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak gat Sir Kehydius upon a shield
+betwixt them both, and led him to a forester’s lodge, and there they
+gave him in charge to keep him well, and with him they abode three
+days. Then the two knights took their horses and at the cross they
+departed. And then said Sir Tristram to Sir Lamorak: I require you if
+ye hap to meet with Sir Palomides, say him that he shall find me at the
+same well where I met him, and there I, Sir Tristram, shall prove
+whether he be better knight than I. And so either departed from other a
+sundry way, and Sir Tristram rode nigh thereas was Sir Kehydius; and
+Sir Lamorak rode until he came to a chapel, and there he put his horse
+unto pasture. And anon there came Sir Meliagaunce, that was King
+Bagdemagus’ son, and he there put his horse to pasture, and was not
+ware of Sir Lamorak; and then this knight Sir Meliagaunce made his moan
+of the love that he had to Queen Guenever, and there he made a woful
+complaint. All this heard Sir Lamorak, and on the morn Sir Lamorak took
+his horse and rode unto the forest, and there he met with two knights
+hoving under the wood-shaw. Fair knights, said Sir Lamorak, what do ye
+hoving here and watching? and if ye be knights-errant that will joust,
+lo I am ready. Nay, sir knight, they said, not so, we abide not here to
+joust with you, but we lie here in await of a knight that slew our
+brother. What knight was that, said Sir Lamorak, that you would fain
+meet withal? Sir, they said, it is Sir Launcelot that slew our brother,
+and if ever we may meet with him he shall not escape, but we shall slay
+him. Ye take upon you a great charge, said Sir Lamorak, for Sir
+Launcelot is a noble proved knight. As for that we doubt not, for there
+nis none of us but we are good enough for him. I will not believe that,
+said Sir Lamorak, for I heard never yet of no knight the days of my
+life but Sir Launcelot was too big for him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Lamorak met with Sir Meliagaunce, and fought
+together for the beauty of Dame Guenever.
+
+Right so as they stood talking thus Sir Lamorak was ware how Sir
+Launcelot came riding straight toward them; then Sir Lamorak saluted
+him, and he him again. And then Sir Lamorak asked Sir Launcelot if
+there were anything that he might do for him in these marches. Nay,
+said Sir Launcelot, not at this time I thank you. Then either departed
+from other, and Sir Lamorak rode again thereas he left the two knights,
+and then he found them hid in the leaved wood. Fie on you, said Sir
+Lamorak, false cowards, pity and shame it is that any of you should
+take the high order of knighthood. So Sir Lamorak departed from them,
+and within a while he met with Sir Meliagaunce. And then Sir Lamorak
+asked him why he loved Queen Guenever as he did: For I was not far from
+you when ye made your complaint by the chapel. Did ye so? said Sir
+Meliagaunce, then will I abide by it: I love Queen Guenever, what will
+ye with it? I will prove and make good that she is the fairest lady and
+most of beauty in the world. As to that, said Sir Lamorak, I say nay
+thereto, for Queen Morgawse of Orkney, mother to Sir Gawaine, and his
+mother is the fairest queen and lady that beareth the life. That is not
+so, said Sir Meliagaunce, and that will I prove with my hands upon thy
+body. Will ye so? said Sir Lamorak, and in a better quarrel keep I not
+to fight. Then they departed either from other in great wrath. And then
+they came riding together as it had been thunder, and either smote
+other so sore that their horses fell backward to the earth. And then
+they avoided their horses, and dressed their shields, and drew their
+swords. And then they hurtled together as wild boars, and thus they
+fought a great while. For Meliagaunce was a good man and of great
+might, but Sir Lamorak was hard big for him, and put him always aback,
+but either had wounded other sore.
+
+And as they stood thus fighting, by fortune came Sir Launcelot and Sir
+Bleoberis riding. And then Sir Launcelot rode betwixt them, and asked
+them for what cause they fought so together: And ye are both knights of
+King Arthur!
+
+Sir, said Meliagaunce, I shall tell you for what cause we do this
+battle. I praised my lady, Queen Guenever, and said she was the fairest
+lady of the world, and Sir Lamorak said nay thereto, for he said Queen
+Morgawse of Orkney was fairer than she and more of beauty. Ah, Sir
+Lamorak, why sayest thou so? it is not thy part to dispraise thy
+princess that thou art under her obeissance, and we all. And therewith
+he alighted on foot, and said: For this quarrel, make thee ready, for I
+will prove upon thee that Queen Guenever is the fairest lady and most
+of bounty in the world. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, I am loath to have ado
+with you in this quarrel, for every man thinketh his own lady fairest;
+and though I praise the lady that I love most ye should not be wroth;
+for though my lady, Queen Guenever, be fairest in your eye, wit ye well
+Queen Morgawse of Orkney is fairest in mine eye, and so every knight
+thinketh his own lady fairest; and wit ye well, sir, ye are the man in
+the world except Sir Tristram that I am most loathest to have ado
+withal, but, an ye will needs fight with me I shall endure you as long
+as I may. Then spake Sir Bleoberis and said: My lord Sir Launcelot, I
+wist you never so misadvised as ye are now, for Sir Lamorak sayeth you
+but reason and knightly; for I warn you I have a lady, and methinketh
+that she is the fairest lady of the world. Were this a great reason
+that ye should be wroth with me for such language? And well ye wot,
+that Sir Lamorak is as noble a knight as I know, and he hath ought you
+and us ever good will, and therefore I pray you be good friends. Then
+Sir Launcelot said unto Sir Lamorak. I pray you forgive me mine evil
+will, and if I was misadvised I will amend it. Sir, said Sir Lamorak,
+the amends is soon made betwixt you and me. And so Sir Launcelot and
+Sir Bleoberis departed, and Sir Meliagaunce and Sir Lamorak took their
+horses, and either departed from other.
+
+And within a while came King Arthur, and met with Sir Lamorak, and
+jousted with him; and there he smote down Sir Lamorak, and wounded him
+sore with a spear, and so he rode from him; wherefore Sir Lamorak was
+wroth that he would not fight with him on foot, howbeit that Sir
+Lamorak knew not King Arthur.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Kay met with Sir Tristram, and after of the shame
+spoken of the knights of Cornwall, and how they jousted.
+
+Now leave we of this tale, and speak we of Sir Tristram, that as he
+rode he met with Sir Kay, the Seneschal; and there Sir Kay asked Sir
+Tristram of what country he was. He answered that he was of the country
+of Cornwall. It may well be, said Sir Kay, for yet heard I never that
+ever good knight came out of Cornwall. That is evil spoken, said Sir
+Tristram, but an it please you to tell me your name I require you. Sir,
+wit ye well, said Sir Kay, that my name is Sir Kay, the Seneschal. Is
+that your name? said Sir Tristram, now wit ye well that ye are named
+the shamefullest knight of your tongue that now is living; howbeit ye
+are called a good knight, but ye are called unfortunate, and passing
+overthwart of your tongue. And thus they rode together till they came
+to a bridge. And there was a knight would not let them pass till one of
+them jousted with him; and so that knight jousted with Sir Kay, and
+there that knight gave Sir Kay a fall: his name was Sir Tor, Sir
+Lamorak’s half-brother. And then they two rode to their lodging, and
+there they found Sir Brandiles, and Sir Tor came thither anon after.
+And as they sat at supper these four knights, three of them spake all
+shame by Cornish knights. Sir Tristram heard all that they said and he
+said but little, but he thought the more, but at that time he
+discovered not his name.
+
+Upon the morn Sir Tristram took his horse and abode them upon their
+way. And there Sir Brandiles proffered to joust with Sir Tristram, and
+Sir Tristram smote him down, horse and all, to the earth. Then Sir Tor
+le Fise de Vayshoure encountered with Sir Tristram and there Sir
+Tristram smote him down, and then he rode his way, and Sir Kay followed
+him, but he would not of his fellowship. Then Sir Brandiles came to Sir
+Kay and said: I would wit fain what is that knight’s name. Come on with
+me, said Sir Kay, and we shall pray him to tell us his name. So they
+rode together till they came nigh him, and then they were ware where he
+sat by a well, and had put off his helm to drink at the well. And when
+he saw them come he laced on his helm lightly, and took his horse, and
+proffered them to joust. Nay, said Sir Brandiles, we jousted late
+enough with you, we come not in that intent. But for this we come to
+require you of knighthood to tell us your name. My fair knights, sithen
+that is your desire, and to please you, ye shall wit that my name is
+Sir Tristram de Liones, nephew unto King Mark of Cornwall. In good
+time, said Sir Brandiles, and well be ye found, and wit ye well that we
+be right glad that we have found you, and we be of a fellowship that
+would be right glad of your company. For ye are the knight in the world
+that the noble fellowship of the Round Table most desireth to have the
+company of. God thank them, said Sir Tristram, of their great goodness,
+but as yet I feel well that I am unable to be of their fellowship, for
+I was never yet of such deeds of worthiness to be in the company of
+such a fellowship. Ah, said Sir Kay, an ye be Sir Tristram de Liones,
+ye are the man called now most of prowess except Sir Launcelot du Lake;
+for he beareth not the life, Christian nor heathen, that can find such
+another knight, to speak of his prowess, and of his hands, and his
+truth withal. For yet could there never creature say of him dishonour
+and make it good. Thus they talked a great while, and then they
+departed either from other such ways as them seemed best.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV. How King Arthur was brought into the Forest Perilous, and
+how Sir Tristram saved his life.
+
+Now shall ye hear what was the cause that King Arthur came into the
+Forest Perilous, that was in North Wales, by the means of a lady. Her
+name was Annowre, and this lady came to King Arthur at Cardiff; and she
+by fair promise and fair behests made King Arthur to ride with her into
+that Forest Perilous; and she was a great sorceress; and many days she
+had loved King Arthur, and because she would have him to lie by her she
+came into that country. So when the king was gone with her many of his
+knights followed after King Arthur when they missed him, as Sir
+Launcelot, Brandiles, and many other; and when she had brought him to
+her tower she desired him to lie by her; and then the king remembered
+him of his lady, and would not lie by her for no craft that she could
+do. Then every day she would make him ride into that forest with his
+own knights, to the intent to have had King Arthur slain. For when this
+Lady Annowre saw that she might not have him at her will, then she
+laboured by false means to have destroyed King Arthur, and slain.
+
+Then the Lady of the Lake that was alway friendly to King Arthur, she
+understood by her subtle crafts that King Arthur was like to be
+destroyed. And therefore this Lady of the Lake, that hight Nimue, came
+into that forest to seek after Sir Launcelot du Lake or Sir Tristram
+for to help King Arthur; foras that same day this Lady of the Lake knew
+well that King Arthur should be slain, unless that he had help of one
+of these two knights. And thus she rode up and down till she met with
+Sir Tristram, and anon as she saw him she knew him. O my lord Sir
+Tristram, she said, well be ye met, and blessed be the time that I have
+met with you; for this same day, and within these two hours, shall be
+done the foulest deed that ever was done in this land. O fair damosel,
+said Sir Tristram, may I amend it. Come on with me, she said, and that
+in all the haste ye may, for ye shall see the most worshipfullest
+knight of the world hard bestead. Then said Sir Tristram: I am ready to
+help such a noble man. He is neither better nor worse, said the Lady of
+the Lake, but the noble King Arthur himself. God defend, said Sir
+Tristram, that ever he should be in such distress. Then they rode
+together a great pace, until they came to a little turret or castle;
+and underneath that castle they saw a knight standing upon foot
+fighting with two knights; and so Sir Tristram beheld them, and at the
+last the two knights smote down the one knight, and that one of them
+unlaced his helm to have slain him. And the Lady Annowre gat King
+Arthur’s sword in her hand to have stricken off his head. And
+therewithal came Sir Tristram with all his might, crying: Traitress,
+traitress, leave that. And anon there Sir Tristram smote the one of the
+knights through the body that he fell dead; and then he rashed to the
+other and smote his back asunder; and in the meanwhile the Lady of the
+Lake cried to King Arthur: Let not that false lady escape. Then King
+Arthur overtook her, and with the same sword he smote off her head, and
+the Lady of the Lake took up her head and hung it up by the hair of her
+saddle-bow. And then Sir Tristram horsed King Arthur and rode forth
+with him, but he charged the Lady of the Lake not to discover his name
+as at that time.
+
+When the king was horsed he thanked heartily Sir Tristram, and desired
+to wit his name; but he would not tell him, but that he was a poor
+knight adventurous; and so he bare King Arthur fellowship till he met
+with some of his knights. And within a while he met with Sir Ector de
+Maris, and he knew not King Arthur nor Sir Tristram, and he desired to
+joust with one of them. Then Sir Tristram rode unto Sir Ector, and
+smote him from his horse. And when he had done so he came again to the
+king and said: My lord, yonder is one of your knights, he may bare you
+fellowship, and another day that deed that I have done for you I trust
+to God ye shall understand that I would do you service. Alas, said King
+Arthur, let me wit what ye are? Not at this time, said Sir Tristram. So
+he departed and left King Arthur and Sir Ector together.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Tristram came to La Beale Isoud, and how Kehydius
+began to love Beale Isoud, and of a letter that Tristram found.
+
+And then at a day set Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak met at the well; and
+then they took Kehydius at the forester’s house, and so they rode with
+him to the ship where they left Dame Bragwaine and Gouvernail, and so
+they sailed into Cornwall all wholly together. And by assent and
+information of Dame Bragwaine when they were landed they rode unto Sir
+Dinas, the Seneschal, a trusty friend of Sir Tristram’s. And so Dame
+Bragwaine and Sir Dinas rode to the court of King Mark, and told the
+queen, La Beale Isoud, that Sir Tristram was nigh her in that country.
+Then for very pure joy La Beale Isoud swooned; and when she might speak
+she said: Gentle knight Seneschal, help that I might speak with him,
+outher my heart will brast. Then Sir Dinas and Dame Bragwaine brought
+Sir Tristram and Kehydius privily unto the court, unto a chamber
+whereas La Beale Isoud had assigned it; and to tell the joys that were
+betwixt La Beale Isoud and Sir Tristram, there is no tongue can tell
+it, nor heart think it, nor pen write it. And as the French book maketh
+mention, at the first time that ever Sir Kehydius saw La Beale Isoud he
+was so enamoured upon her that for very pure love he might never
+withdraw it. And at the last, as ye shall hear or the book be ended,
+Sir Kehydius died for the love of La Beale Isoud. And then privily he
+wrote unto her letters and ballads of the most goodliest that were used
+in those days. And when La Beale Isoud understood his letters she had
+pity of his complaint, and unavised she wrote another letter to comfort
+him withal.
+
+And Sir Tristram was all this while in a turret at the commandment of
+La Beale Isoud, and when she might she came unto Sir Tristram. So on a
+day King Mark played at the chess under a chamber window; and at that
+time Sir Tristram and Sir Kehydius were within the chamber over King
+Mark, and as it mishapped Sir Tristram found the letter that Kehydius
+sent unto La Beale Isoud, also he had found the letter that she wrote
+unto Kehydius, and at that same time La Beale Isoud was in the same
+chamber. Then Sir Tristram came unto La Beale Isoud and said: Madam,
+here is a letter that was sent unto you, and here is the letter that ye
+sent unto him that sent you that letter. Alas, Madam, the good love
+that I have loved you; and many lands and riches have I forsaken for
+your love, and now ye are a traitress to me, the which doth me great
+pain. But as for thee, Sir Kehydius, I brought thee out of Brittany
+into this country, and thy father, King Howel, I won his lands, howbeit
+I wedded thy sister Isoud la Blanche Mains for the goodness she did
+unto me. And yet, as I am true knight, she is a clean maiden for me;
+but wit thou well, Sir Kehydius, for this falsehood and treason thou
+hast done me, I will revenge it upon thee. And therewithal Sir Tristram
+drew out his sword and said: Sir Kehydius, keep thee, and then La Beale
+Isoud swooned to the earth. And when Sir Kehydius saw Sir Tristram come
+upon him he saw none other boot, but leapt out at a bay-window even
+over the head where sat King Mark playing at the chess. And when the
+king saw one come hurling over his head he said: Fellow, what art thou,
+and what is the cause thou leapest out at that window? My lord the
+king, said Kehydius, it fortuned me that I was asleep in the window
+above your head, and as I slept I slumbered, and so I fell down. And
+thus Sir Kehydius excused him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Tristram departed from Tintagil, and how he
+sorrowed and was so long in a forest till he was out of his mind.
+
+Then Sir Tristram dread sore lest he were discovered unto the king that
+he was there; wherefore he drew him to the strength of the Tower, and
+armed him in such armour as he had for to fight with them that would
+withstand him. And so when Sir Tristram saw there was no resistance
+against him he sent Gouvernail for his horse and his spear, and
+knightly he rode forth out of the castle openly, that was called the
+Castle of Tintagil. And even at gate he met with Gingalin, Sir
+Gawaine’s son. And anon Sir Gingalin put his spear in his rest, and ran
+upon Sir Tristram and brake his spear; and Sir Tristram at that time
+had but a sword, and gave him such a buffet upon the helm that he fell
+down from his saddle, and his sword slid adown, and carved asunder his
+horse’s neck. And so Sir Tristram rode his way into the forest, and all
+this doing saw King Mark. And then he sent a squire unto the hurt
+knight, and commanded him to come to him, and so he did. And when King
+Mark wist that it was Sir Gingalin he welcomed him and gave him an
+horse, and asked him what knight it was that had encountered with him.
+Sir, said Gingalin, I wot not what knight he was, but well I wot that
+he sigheth and maketh great dole.
+
+Then Sir Tristram within a while met with a knight of his own, that
+hight Sir Fergus. And when he had met with him he made great sorrow,
+insomuch that he fell down off his horse in a swoon, and in such sorrow
+he was in three days and three nights. Then at the last Sir Tristram
+sent unto the court by Sir Fergus, for to spere what tidings. And so as
+he rode by the way he met with a damosel that came from Sir Palomides,
+to know and seek how Sir Tristram did. Then Sir Fergus told her how he
+was almost out of his mind. Alas, said the damosel, where shall I find
+him? In such a place, said Sir Fergus. Then Sir Fergus found Queen
+Isoud sick in her bed, making the greatest dole that ever any earthly
+woman made. And when the damosel found Sir Tristram she made great dole
+because she might not amend him, for the more she made of him the more
+was his pain. And at the last Sir Tristram took his horse and rode away
+from her. And then was it three days or that she could find him, and
+then she brought him meat and drink, but he would none; and then
+another time Sir Tristram escaped away from the damosel, and it happed
+him to ride by the same castle where Sir Palomides and Sir Tristram did
+battle when La Beale Isoud departed them. And there by fortune the
+damosel met with Sir Tristram again, making the greatest dole that ever
+earthly creature made; and she yede to the lady of that castle and told
+her of the misadventure of Sir Tristram. Alas, said the lady of that
+castle, where is my lord, Sir Tristram? Right here by your castle, said
+the damosel. In good time, said the lady, is he so nigh me; he shall
+have meat and drink of the best; and an harp I have of his whereupon he
+taught me, for of goodly harping he beareth the prize in the world. So
+this lady and damosel brought him meat and drink, but he ate little
+thereof. Then upon a night he put his horse from him, and then he
+unlaced his armour, and then Sir Tristram would go into the wilderness,
+and brast down the trees and boughs; and otherwhile when he found the
+harp that the lady sent him, then would he harp, and play thereupon and
+weep together. And sometime when Sir Tristram was in the wood that the
+lady wist not where he was, then would she sit her down and play upon
+that harp: then would Sir Tristram come to that harp, and hearken
+thereto, and sometime he would harp himself. Thus he there endured a
+quarter of a year. Then at the last he ran his way, and she wist not
+where he was become. And then was he naked and waxed lean and poor of
+flesh; and so he fell in the fellowship of herdmen and shepherds, and
+daily they would give him some of their meat and drink. And when he did
+any shrewd deed they would beat him with rods, and so they clipped him
+with shears and made him like a fool.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Tristram soused Dagonet in a well, and how
+Palomides sent a damosel to seek Tristram, and how Palomides met with
+King Mark.
+
+And upon a day Dagonet, King Arthur’s fool, came into Cornwall with two
+squires with him; and as they rode through that forest they came by a
+fair well where Sir Tristram was wont to be; and the weather was hot,
+and they alighted to drink of that well, and in the meanwhile their
+horses brake loose. Right so Sir Tristram came unto them, and first he
+soused Sir Dagonet in that well, and after his squires, and thereat
+laughed the shepherds; and forthwithal he ran after their horses and
+brought them again one by one, and right so, wet as they were, he made
+them leap up and ride their ways. Thus Sir Tristram endured there an
+half year naked, and would never come in town nor village. The
+meanwhile the damosel that Sir Palomides sent to seek Sir Tristram, she
+yede unto Sir Palomides and told him all the mischief that Sir Tristram
+endured. Alas, said Sir Palomides, it is great pity that ever so noble
+a knight should be so mischieved for the love of a lady; but
+nevertheless, I will go and seek him, and comfort him an I may. Then a
+little before that time La Beale Isoud had commanded Sir Kehydius out
+of the country of Cornwall. So Sir Kehydius departed with a dolorous
+heart, and by adventure he met with Sir Palomides, and they
+enfellowshipped together; and either complained to other of their hot
+love that they loved La Beale Isoud. Now let us, said Sir Palomides,
+seek Sir Tristram, that loved her as well as we, and let us prove
+whether we may recover him. So they rode into that forest, and three
+days and three nights they would never take their lodging, but ever
+sought Sir Tristram.
+
+And upon a time, by adventure, they met with King Mark that was ridden
+from his men all alone. When they saw him Sir Palomides knew him, but
+Sir Kehydius knew him not. Ah, false king, said Sir Palomides, it is
+pity thou hast thy life, for thou art a destroyer of all worshipful
+knights, and by thy mischief and thy vengeance thou hast destroyed that
+most noble knight, Sir Tristram de Liones. And therefore defend thee,
+said Sir Palomides, for thou shalt die this day. That were shame, said
+King Mark, for ye two are armed and I am unarmed. As for that, said Sir
+Palomides, I shall find a remedy therefore; here is a knight with me,
+and thou shalt have his harness. Nay, said King Mark, I will not have
+ado with you, for cause have ye none to me; for all the misease that
+Sir Tristram hath was for a letter that he found; for as to me I did to
+him no displeasure, and God knoweth I am full sorry for his disease and
+malady. So when the king had thus excused him they were friends, and
+King Mark would have had them unto Tintagil; but Sir Palomides would
+not, but turned unto the realm of Logris, and Sir Kehydius said that he
+would go into Brittany.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Dagonet again, that when he and his squires were
+upon horseback he deemed that the shepherds had sent that fool to array
+them so, because that they laughed at them, and so they rode unto the
+keepers of beasts and all to-beat them. Sir Tristram saw them beat that
+were wont to give him meat and drink, then he ran thither and gat Sir
+Dagonet by the head, and gave him such a fall to the earth that he
+bruised him sore so that he lay still. And then he wrast his sword out
+of his hand, and therewith he ran to one of his squires and smote off
+his head, and the other fled. And so Sir Tristram took his way with
+that sword in his hand, running as he had been wild wood. Then Sir
+Dagonet rode to King Mark and told him how he had sped in that forest.
+And therefore, said Sir Dagonet, beware, King Mark, that thou come not
+about that well in the forest, for there is a fool naked, and that fool
+and I fool met together, and he had almost slain me. Ah, said King
+Mark, that is Sir Matto le Breune, that fell out of his wit because he
+lost his lady; for when Sir Gaheris smote down Sir Matto and won his
+lady of him, never since was he in his mind, and that was pity, for he
+was a good knight.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX. How it was noised how Sir Tristram was dead, and how La
+Beale Isoud would have slain herself.
+
+Then Sir Andred, that was cousin unto Sir Tristram, made a lady that
+was his paramour to say and to noise it that she was with Sir Tristram
+or ever he died. And this tale she brought unto King Mark’s court, that
+she buried him by a well, and that or he died he besought King Mark to
+make his cousin, Sir Andred, king of the country of Liones, of the
+which Sir Tristram was lord of. All this did Sir Andred because he
+would have had Sir Tristram’s lands. And when King Mark heard tell that
+Sir Tristram was dead he wept and made great dole. But when Queen Isoud
+heard of these tidings she made such sorrow that she was nigh out of
+her mind; and so upon a day she thought to slay herself and never to
+live after Sir Tristram’s death. And so upon a day La Beale Isoud gat a
+sword privily and bare it to her garden, and there she pight the sword
+through a plum tree up to the hilt, so that it stuck fast, and it stood
+breast high. And as she would have run upon the sword and to have slain
+herself all this espied King Mark, how she kneeled down and said: Sweet
+Lord Jesu, have mercy upon me, for I may not live after the death of
+Sir Tristram de Liones, for he was my first love and he shall be the
+last. And with these words came King Mark and took her in his arms, and
+then he took up the sword, and bare her away with him into a tower; and
+there he made her to be kept, and watched her surely, and after that
+she lay long sick, nigh at the point of death.
+
+This meanwhile ran Sir Tristram naked in the forest with the sword in
+his hand, and so he came to an hermitage, and there he laid him down
+and slept; and in the meanwhile the hermit stole away his sword, and
+laid meat down by him. Thus was he kept there ten days; and at the last
+he departed and came to the herdmen again. And there was a giant in
+that country that hight Tauleas, and for fear of Sir Tristram more than
+seven year he durst never much go at large, but for the most part he
+kept him in a sure castle of his own; and so this Tauleas heard tell
+that Sir Tristram was dead, by the noise of the court of King Mark.
+Then this Tauleas went daily at large. And so he happed upon a day he
+came to the herdmen wandering and langering, and there he set him down
+to rest among them. The meanwhile there came a knight of Cornwall that
+led a lady with him, and his name was Sir Dinant; and when the giant
+saw him he went from the herdmen and hid him under a tree, and so the
+knight came to that well, and there he alighted to repose him. And as
+soon as he was from his horse this giant Tauleas came betwixt this
+knight and his horse, and took the horse and leapt upon him. So
+forthwith he rode unto Sir Dinant and took him by the collar, and
+pulled him afore him upon his horse, and there would have stricken off
+his head. Then the herdmen said unto Sir Tristram: Help yonder knight.
+Help ye him, said Sir Tristram. We dare not, said the herdmen. Then Sir
+Tristram was ware of the sword of the knight thereas it lay; and so
+thither he ran and took up the sword and struck off Sir Tauleas’ head,
+and so he yede his way to the herdmen.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX. How King Mark found Sir Tristram naked, and made him to be
+borne home to Tintagil, and how he was there known by a brachet.
+
+Then the knight took up the giant’s head and bare it with him unto King
+Mark, and told him what adventure betid him in the forest, and how a
+naked man rescued him from the grimly giant, Tauleas. Where had ye this
+adventure? said King Mark. Forsooth, said Sir Dinant, at the fair
+fountain in your forest where many adventurous knights meet, and there
+is the mad man. Well, said King Mark, I will see that wild man. So
+within a day or two King Mark commanded his knights and his hunters
+that they should be ready on the morn for to hunt, and so upon the morn
+he went unto that forest. And when the king came to that well he found
+there lying by that well a fair naked man, and a sword by him. Then
+King Mark blew and straked, and therewith his knights came to him; and
+then the king commanded his knights to: Take that naked man with
+fairness, and bring him to my castle. So they did softly and fair, and
+cast mantles upon Sir Tristram, and so led him unto Tintagil; and there
+they bathed him, and washed him, and gave him hot suppings till they
+had brought him well to his remembrance; but all this while there was
+no creature that knew Sir Tristram, nor what man he was.
+
+So it fell upon a day that the queen, La Beale Isoud, heard of such a
+man, that ran naked in the forest, and how the king had brought him
+home to the court. Then La Beale Isoud called unto her Dame Bragwaine
+and said: Come on with me, for we will go see this man that my lord
+brought from the forest the last day. So they passed forth, and spered
+where was the sick man. And then a squire told the queen that he was in
+the garden taking his rest, and reposing him against the sun. So when
+the queen looked upon Sir Tristram she was not remembered of him. But
+ever she said unto Dame Bragwaine: Meseemeth I should have seen him
+heretofore in many places. But as soon as Sir Tristram saw her he knew
+her well enough. And then he turned away his visage and wept.
+
+Then the queen had always a little brachet with her that Sir Tristram
+gave her the first time that ever she came into Cornwall, and never
+would that brachet depart from her but if Sir Tristram was nigh thereas
+was La Beale Isoud; and this brachet was sent from the king’s daughter
+of France unto Sir Tristram for great love. And anon as this little
+brachet felt a savour of Sir Tristram, she leapt upon him and licked
+his lears and his ears, and then she whined and quested, and she
+smelled at his feet and at his hands, and on all parts of his body that
+she might come to. Ah, my lady, said Dame Bragwaine unto La Beale
+Isoud, alas, alas, said she, I see it is mine own lord, Sir Tristram.
+And thereupon Isoud fell down in a swoon, and so lay a great while. And
+when she might speak she said: My lord Sir Tristram, blessed be God ye
+have your life, and now I am sure ye shall be discovered by this little
+brachet, for she will never leave you. And also I am sure as soon as my
+lord, King Mark, do know you he will banish you out of the country of
+Cornwall, or else he will destroy you; for God’s sake, mine own lord,
+grant King Mark his will, and then draw you unto the court of King
+Arthur, for there are ye beloved, and ever when I may I shall send unto
+you; and when ye list ye may come to me, and at all times early and
+late I will be at your commandment, to live as poor a life as ever did
+queen or lady. O Madam, said Sir Tristram, go from me, for mickle anger
+and danger have I escaped for your love.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI. How King Mark, by the advice of his council, banished Sir
+Tristram out of Cornwall the term of ten years.
+
+Then the queen departed, but the brachet would not from him; and
+therewithal came King Mark, and the brachet set upon him, and bayed at
+them all. There withal Sir Andred spake and said: Sir, this is Sir
+Tristram, I see by the brachet. Nay, said the king, I cannot suppose
+that. Then the king asked him upon his faith what he was, and what was
+his name. So God me help, said he, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones;
+now do by me what ye list. Ah, said King Mark, me repenteth of your
+recovery. And then he let call his barons to judge Sir Tristram to the
+death. Then many of his barons would not assent thereto, and in
+especial Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, and Sir Fergus. And so by the advice
+of them all Sir Tristram was banished out of the country for ten year,
+and thereupon he took his oath upon a book before the king and his
+barons. And so he was made to depart out of the country of Cornwall;
+and there were many barons brought him unto his ship, of the which some
+were his friends and some his foes. And in the meanwhile there came a
+knight of King Arthur’s, his name was Dinadan, and his coming was for
+to seek after Sir Tristram; then they showed him where he was armed at
+all points going to the ship. Now fair knight, said Sir Dinadan, or ye
+pass this court that ye will joust with me I require thee. With a good
+will, said Sir Tristram, an these lords will give me leave. Then the
+barons granted thereto, and so they ran together, and there Sir
+Tristram gave Sir Dinadan a fall. And then he prayed Sir Tristram to
+give him leave to go in his fellowship. Ye shall be right welcome, said
+then Sir Tristram.
+
+And so they took their horses and rode to their ships together, and
+when Sir Tristram was in the sea he said: Greet well King Mark and all
+mine enemies, and say them I will come again when I may; and well am I
+rewarded for the fighting with Sir Marhaus, and delivered all this
+country from servage; and well am I rewarded for the fetching and costs
+of Queen Isoud out of Ireland, and the danger that I was in first and
+last, and by the way coming home what danger I had to bring again Queen
+Isoud from the Castle Pluere; and well am I rewarded when I fought with
+Sir Bleoberis for Sir Segwarides’ wife; and well am I rewarded when I
+fought with Sir Blamore de Ganis for King Anguish, father unto La Beale
+Isoud; and well am I rewarded when I smote down the good knight, Sir
+Lamorak de Galis, at King Mark’s request; and well am I rewarded when I
+fought with the King with the Hundred Knights, and the King of
+Northgalis, and both these would have put his land in servage, and by
+me they were put to a rebuke; and well am I rewarded for the slaying of
+Tauleas, the mighty giant, and many other deeds have I done for him,
+and now have I my warison. And tell King Mark that many noble knights
+of the Table Round have spared the barons of this country for my sake.
+Also am I not well rewarded when I fought with the good knight Sir
+Palomides and rescued Queen Isoud from him; and at that time King Mark
+said afore all his barons I should have been better rewarded. And
+forthwithal he took the sea.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII. How a damosel sought help to help Sir Launcelot against
+thirty knights, and how Sir Tristram fought with them.
+
+And at the next landing, fast by the sea, there met with Sir Tristram
+and with Sir Dinadan, Sir Ector de Maris and Sir Bors de Ganis; and
+there Sir Ector jousted with Sir Dinadan, and he smote him and his
+horse down. And then Sir Tristram would have jousted with Sir Bors, and
+Sir Bors said that he would not joust with no Cornish knights, for they
+are not called men of worship; and all this was done upon a bridge. And
+with this came Sir Bleoberis and Sir Driant, and Sir Bleoberis
+proffered to joust with Sir Tristram, and there Sir Tristram smote down
+Sir Bleoberis. Then said Sir Bors de Ganis: I wist never Cornish knight
+of so great valour nor so valiant as that knight that beareth the
+trappings embroidered with crowns. And then Sir Tristram and Sir
+Dinadan departed from them into a forest, and there met them a damosel
+that came for the love of Sir Launcelot to seek after some noble
+knights of King Arthur’s court for to rescue Sir Launcelot. And so Sir
+Launcelot was ordained, for-by the treason of Queen Morgan le Fay to
+have slain Sir Launcelot, and for that cause she ordained thirty
+knights to lie in await for Sir Launcelot, and this damosel knew this
+treason. And for this cause the damosel came for to seek noble knights
+to help Sir Launcelot. For that night, or the day after, Sir Launcelot
+should come where these thirty knights were. And so this damosel met
+with Sir Bors and Sir Ector and with Sir Driant, and there she told
+them all four of the treason of Morgan le Fay; and then they promised
+her that they would be nigh where Sir Launcelot should meet with the
+thirty knights. And if so be they set upon him we will do rescues as we
+can.
+
+So the damosel departed, and by adventure the damosel met with Sir
+Tristram and with Sir Dinadan, and there the damosel told them all the
+treason that was ordained for Sir Launcelot. Fair damosel, said Sir
+Tristram, bring me to that same place where they should meet with Sir
+Launcelot. Then said Sir Dinadan: What will ye do? it is not for us to
+fight with thirty knights, and wit you well I will not thereof; as to
+match one knight two or three is enough an they be men, but for to
+match fifteen knights that will I never undertake. Fie for shame, said
+Sir Tristram, do but your part. Nay, said Sir Dinadan, I will not
+thereof but if ye will lend me your shield, for ye bear a shield of
+Cornwall; and for the cowardice that is named to the knights of
+Cornwall, by your shields ye be ever forborne. Nay, said Sir Tristram,
+I will not depart from my shield for her sake that gave it me. But one
+thing, said Sir Tristram, I promise thee, Sir Dinadan, but if thou wilt
+promise me to abide with me, here I shall slay thee, for I desire no
+more of thee but answer one knight. And if thy heart will not serve
+thee, stand by and look upon me and them. Sir, said Sir Dinadan, I
+promise you to look upon and to do what I may to save myself, but I
+would I had not met with you.
+
+So then anon these thirty knights came fast by these four knights, and
+they were ware of them, and either of other. And so these thirty
+knights let them pass, for this cause, that they would not wrath them,
+if case be that they had ado with Sir Launcelot; and the four knights
+let them pass to this intent, that they would see and behold what they
+would do with Sir Launcelot. And so the thirty knights passed on and
+came by Sir Tristram and by Sir Dinadan, and then Sir Tristram cried on
+high: Lo, here is a knight against you for the love of Sir Launcelot.
+And there he slew two with one spear and ten with his sword. And then
+came in Sir Dinadan and he did passing well, and so of the thirty
+knights there went but ten away, and they fled. All this battle saw Sir
+Bors de Ganis and his three fellows, and then they saw well it was the
+same knight that jousted with them at the bridge; then they took their
+horses and rode unto Sir Tristram, and praised him and thanked him of
+his good deeds, and they all desired Sir Tristram to go with them to
+their lodging; and he said: Nay, he would not go to no lodging. Then
+they all four knights prayed him to tell them his name. Fair lords,
+said Sir Tristram, as at this time I will not tell you my name.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan came to a lodging where
+they must joust with two knights.
+
+Then Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan rode forth their way till they came
+to the shepherds and to the herdmen, and there they asked them if they
+knew any lodging or harbour there nigh hand. Forsooth, sirs, said the
+herdmen, hereby is good lodging in a castle; but there is such a custom
+that there shall no knight be harboured but if he joust with two
+knights, and if he be but one knight he must joust with two. And as ye
+be therein soon shall ye be matched. There is shrewd harbour, said Sir
+Dinadan; lodge where ye will, for I will not lodge there. Fie for
+shame, said Sir Tristram, are ye not a knight of the Table Round?
+wherefore ye may not with your worship refuse your lodging. Not so,
+said the herdmen, for an ye be beaten and have the worse ye shall not
+be lodged there, and if ye beat them ye shall be well harboured. Ah,
+said Sir Dinadan, they are two sure knights. Then Sir Dinadan would not
+lodge there in no manner but as Sir Tristram required him of his
+knighthood; and so they rode thither. And to make short tale, Sir
+Tristram and Sir Dinadan smote them down both, and so they entered into
+the castle and had good cheer as they could think or devise.
+
+And when they were unarmed, and thought to be merry and in good rest,
+there came in at the gates Sir Palomides and Sir Gaheris, requiring to
+have the custom of the castle. What array is this? said Sir Dinadan, I
+would have my rest. That may not be, said Sir Tristram; now must we
+needs defend the custom of this castle, insomuch as we have the better
+of the lords of this castle, and therefore, said Sir Tristram, needs
+must ye make you ready. In the devil’s name, said Sir Dinadan, came I
+into your company. And so they made them ready; and Sir Gaheris
+encountered with Sir Tristram, and Sir Gaheris had a fall; and Sir
+Palomides encountered with Sir Dinadan, and Sir Dinadan had a fall:
+then was it fall for fall. So then must they fight on foot. That would
+not Sir Dinadan, for he was so sore bruised of the fall that Sir
+Palomides gave him. Then Sir Tristram unlaced Sir Dinadan’s helm, and
+prayed him to help him. I will not, said Sir Dinadan, for I am sore
+wounded of the thirty knights that we had but late ago to do withal.
+But ye fare, said Sir Dinadan unto Sir Tristram, as a madman and as a
+man that is out of his mind that would cast himself away, and I may
+curse the time that ever I saw you, for in all the world are not two
+such knights that be so wood as is Sir Launcelot and ye Sir Tristram;
+for once I fell in the fellowship of Sir Launcelot as I have done now
+with you, and he set me a work that a quarter of a year I kept my bed.
+Jesu defend me, said Sir Dinadan, from such two knights, and specially
+from your fellowship. Then, said Sir Tristram, I will fight with them
+both. Then Sir Tristram bade them come forth both, for I will fight
+with you. Then Sir Palomides and Sir Gaheris dressed them, and smote at
+them both. Then Dinadan smote at Sir Gaheris a stroke or two, and
+turned from him. Nay, said Sir Palomides, it is too much shame for us
+two knights to fight with one. And then he did bid Sir Gaheris stand
+aside with that knight that hath no list to fight. Then they rode
+together and fought long, and at the last Sir Tristram doubled his
+strokes, and drove Sir Palomides aback more than three strides. And
+then by one assent Sir Gaheris and Sir Dinadan went betwixt them, and
+departed them in-sunder. And then by assent of Sir Tristram they would
+have lodged together. But Sir Dinadan would not lodge in that castle.
+And then he cursed the time that ever he came in their fellowship, and
+so he took his horse, and his harness, and departed.
+
+Then Sir Tristram prayed the lords of that castle to lend him a man to
+bring him to a lodging, and so they did, and overtook Sir Dinadan, and
+rode to their lodging two mile thence with a good man in a priory, and
+there they were well at ease. And that same night Sir Bors and Sir
+Bleoberis, and Sir Ector and Sir Driant, abode still in the same place
+thereas Sir Tristram fought with the thirty knights; and there they met
+with Sir Launcelot the same night, and had made promise to lodge with
+Sir Colgrevance the same night.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Tristram jousted with Sir Kay and Sir Sagramore
+le Desirous, and how Sir Gawaine turned Sir Tristram from Morgan le
+Fay.
+
+But anon as the noble knight, Sir Launcelot, heard of the shield of
+Cornwall, then wist he well that it was Sir Tristram that fought with
+his enemies. And then Sir Launcelot praised Sir Tristram, and called
+him the man of most worship in the world. So there was a knight in that
+priory that hight Pellinore, and he desired to wit the name of Sir
+Tristram, but in no wise he could not; and so Sir Tristram departed and
+left Sir Dinadan in the priory, for he was so weary and so sore bruised
+that he might not ride. Then this knight, Sir Pellinore, said to Sir
+Dinadan: Sithen that ye will not tell me that knight’s name I will ride
+after him and make him to tell me his name, or he shall die therefore.
+Beware, sir knight, said Sir Dinadan, for an ye follow him ye shall
+repent it. So that knight, Sir Pellinore, rode after Sir Tristram and
+required him of jousts. Then Sir Tristram smote him down and wounded
+him through the shoulder, and so he passed on his way. And on the next
+day following Sir Tristram met with pursuivants, and they told him that
+there was made a great cry of tournament between King Carados of
+Scotland and the King of North Wales, and either should joust against
+other at the Castle of Maidens; and these pursuivants sought all the
+country after the good knights, and in especial King Carados let make
+seeking for Sir Launcelot du Lake, and the King of Northgalis let seek
+after Sir Tristram de Liones. And at that time Sir Tristram thought to
+be at that jousts; and so by adventure they met with Sir Kay, the
+Seneschal, and Sir Sagramore le Desirous; and Sir Kay required Sir
+Tristram to joust, and Sir Tristram in a manner refused him, because he
+would not be hurt nor bruised against the great jousts that should be
+before the Castle of Maidens, and therefore thought to repose him and
+to rest him. And alway Sir Kay cried: Sir knight of Cornwall, joust
+with me, or else yield thee to me as recreant. When Sir Tristram heard
+him say so he turned to him, and then Sir Kay refused him and turned
+his back. Then Sir Tristram said: As I find thee I shall take thee.
+Then Sir Kay turned with evil will, and Sir Tristram smote Sir Kay
+down, and so he rode forth.
+
+Then Sir Sagramore le Desirous rode after Sir Tristram, and made him to
+joust with him, and there Sir Tristram smote down Sir Sagramore le
+Desirous from his horse, and rode his way; and the same day he met with
+a damosel that told him that he should win great worship of a knight
+adventurous that did much harm in all that country. When Sir Tristram
+heard her say so, he was glad to go with her to win worship. So Sir
+Tristram rode with that damosel a six mile, and then met him Sir
+Gawaine, and therewithal Sir Gawaine knew the damosel, that she was a
+damosel of Queen Morgan le Fay. Then Sir Gawaine understood that she
+led that knight to some mischief. Fair knight, said Sir Gawaine,
+whither ride you now with that damosel? Sir, said Sir Tristram, I wot
+not whither I shall ride but as the damosel will lead me. Sir, said Sir
+Gawaine, ye shall not ride with her, for she and her lady did never
+good, but ill. And then Sir Gawaine pulled out his sword and said:
+Damosel, but if thou tell me anon for what cause thou leadest this
+knight with thee thou shalt die for it right anon: I know all your
+lady’s treason, and yours. Mercy, Sir Gawaine, she said, and if ye will
+save my life I will tell you. Say on, said Sir Gawaine, and thou shalt
+have thy life. Sir, she said, Queen Morgan le Fay, my lady, hath
+ordained a thirty ladies to seek and espy after Sir Launcelot or Sir
+Tristram, and by the trains of these ladies, who that may first meet
+any of these two knights they should turn them unto Morgan le Fay’s
+castle, saying that they should do deeds of worship; and if any of the
+two knights came there, there be thirty knights lying and watching in a
+tower to wait upon Sir Launcelot or upon Sir Tristram. Fie for shame,
+said Sir Gawaine, that ever such false treason should be wrought or
+used in a queen, and a king’s sister, and a king and queen’s daughter.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Tristram and Sir Gawaine rode to have foughten
+with the thirty knights, but they durst not come out.
+
+Sir, said Sir Gawaine, will ye stand with me, and we will see the
+malice of these thirty knights. Sir, said Sir Tristram, go ye to them,
+an it please you, and ye shall see I will not fail you, for it is not
+long ago since I and a fellow met with thirty knights of that queen’s
+fellowship; and God speed us so that we may win worship. So then Sir
+Gawaine and Sir Tristram rode toward the castle where Morgan le Fay
+was, and ever Sir Gawaine deemed well that he was Sir Tristram de
+Liones, because he heard that two knights had slain and beaten thirty
+knights. And when they came afore the castle Sir Gawaine spake on high
+and said: Queen Morgan le Fay, send out your knights that ye have laid
+in a watch for Sir Launcelot and for Sir Tristram. Now, said Sir
+Gawaine, I know your false treason, and through all places where that I
+ride men shall know of your false treason; and now let see, said Sir
+Gawaine, whether ye dare come out of your castle, ye thirty knights.
+Then the queen spake and all the thirty knights at once, and said: Sir
+Gawaine, full well wottest thou what thou dost and sayest; for by God
+we know thee passing well, but all that thou speakest and dost, thou
+sayest it upon pride of that good knight that is there with thee. For
+there be some of us that know full well the hands of that knight over
+all well. And wit thou well, Sir Gawaine, it is more for his sake than
+for thine that we will not come out of this castle. For wit ye well,
+Sir Gawaine, the knight that beareth the arms of Cornwall, we know him
+and what he is.
+
+Then Sir Gawaine and Sir Tristram departed and rode on their ways a day
+or two together; and there by adventure, they met with Sir Kay and Sir
+Sagramore le Desirous. And then they were glad of Sir Gawaine, and he
+of them, but they wist not what he was with the shield of Cornwall, but
+by deeming. And thus they rode together a day or two. And then they
+were ware of Sir Breuse Saunce Pité chasing a lady for to have slain
+her, for he had slain her paramour afore. Hold you all still, said Sir
+Gawaine, and show none of you forth, and ye shall see me reward yonder
+false knight; for an he espy you he is so well horsed that he will
+escape away. And then Sir Gawaine rode betwixt Sir Breuse and the lady,
+and said: False knight, leave her, and have ado with me. When Sir
+Breuse saw no more but Sir Gawaine he feutred his spear, and Sir
+Gawaine against him; and there Sir Breuse overthrew Sir Gawaine, and
+then he rode over him, and overthwart him twenty times to have
+destroyed him; and when Sir Tristram saw him do so villainous a deed,
+he hurled out against him. And when Sir Breuse saw him with the shield
+of Cornwall he knew him well that it was Sir Tristram, and then he
+fled, and Sir Tristram followed after him; and Sir Breuse Saunce Pité
+was so horsed that he went his way quite, and Sir Tristram followed him
+long, for he would fain have been avenged upon him. And so when he had
+long chased him, he saw a fair well, and thither he rode to repose him,
+and tied his horse till a tree.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI. How damosel Bragwaine found Tristram sleeping by a well,
+and how she delivered letters to him from La Beale Isoud.
+
+And then he pulled off his helm and washed his visage and his hands,
+and so he fell asleep. In the meanwhile came a damosel that had sought
+Sir Tristram many ways and days within this land. And when she came to
+the well she looked upon him, and had forgotten him as in remembrance
+of Sir Tristram, but by his horse she knew him, that hight Passe-Brewel
+that had been Sir Tristram’s horse many years. For when he was mad in
+the forest Sir Fergus kept him. So this lady, Dame Bragwaine, abode
+still till he was awake. So when she saw him wake she saluted him, and
+he her again, for either knew other of old acquaintance; then she told
+him how she had sought him long and broad, and there she told him how
+she had letters from Queen La Beale Isoud. Then anon Sir Tristram read
+them, and wit ye well he was glad, for therein was many a piteous
+complaint. Then Sir Tristram said: Lady Bragwaine, ye shall ride with
+me till that tournament be done at the Castle of Maidens, and then
+shall bear letters and tidings with you. And then Sir Tristram took his
+horse and sought lodging, and there he met with a good ancient knight
+and prayed him to lodge with him. Right so came Gouvernail unto Sir
+Tristram, that was glad of that lady. So this old knight’s name was Sir
+Pellounes, and he told of the great tournament that should be at the
+Castle of Maidens. And there Sir Launcelot and thirty-two knights of
+his blood had ordained shields of Cornwall. And right so there came one
+unto Sir Pellounes, and told him that Sir Persides de Bloise was come
+home; then that knight held up his hands and thanked God of his coming
+home. And there Sir Pellounes told Sir Tristram that in two years he
+had not seen his son, Sir Persides. Sir, said Sir Tristram, I know your
+son well enough for a good knight.
+
+So on a time Sir Tristram and Sir Persides came to their lodging both
+at once, and so they unarmed them, and put upon them their clothing.
+And then these two knights each welcomed other. And when Sir Persides
+understood that Sir Tristram was of Cornwall, he said he was once in
+Cornwall: And there I jousted afore King Mark; and so it happed me at
+that time to overthrow ten knights, and then came to me Sir Tristram de
+Liones and overthrew me, and took my lady away from me, and that shall
+I never forget, but I shall remember me an ever I see my time. Ah, said
+Sir Tristram, now I understand that ye hate Sir Tristram. What deem ye,
+ween ye that Sir Tristram is not able to withstand your malice? Yes,
+said Sir Persides, I know well that Sir Tristram is a noble knight and
+a much better knight than I, yet shall I not owe him my good will.
+Right as they stood thus talking at a bay-window of that castle, they
+saw many knights riding to and fro toward the tournament. And then was
+Sir Tristram ware of a likely knight riding upon a great black horse,
+and a black-covered shield. What knight is that, said Sir Tristram,
+with the black horse and the black shield? he seemeth a good knight. I
+know him well, said Sir Persides, he is one of the best knights of the
+world. Then is it Sir Launcelot, said Tristram. Nay, said Sir Persides,
+it is Sir Palomides, that is yet unchristened.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Tristram had a fall with Sir Palomides, and how
+Launcelot overthrew two knights.
+
+Then they saw much people of the country salute Sir Palomides. And
+within a while after there came a squire of the castle, that told Sir
+Pellounes that was lord of that castle, that a knight with a black
+shield had smitten down thirteen knights. Fair brother, said Sir
+Tristram unto Sir Persides, let us cast upon us cloaks, and let us go
+see the play. Not so, said Sir Persides, we will not go like knaves
+thither, but we will ride like men and good knights to withstand our
+enemies. So they armed them, and took their horses and great spears,
+and thither they went thereas many knights assayed themself before the
+tournament. And anon Sir Palomides saw Sir Persides, and then he sent a
+squire unto him and said: Go thou to the yonder knight with the green
+shield and therein a lion of gold, and say him I require him to joust
+with me, and tell him that my name is Sir Palomides. When Sir Persides
+understood that request of Sir Palomides, he made him ready, and there
+anon they met together, but Sir Persides had a fall. Then Sir Tristram
+dressed him to be revenged upon Sir Palomides, and that saw Sir
+Palomides that was ready and so was not Sir Tristram, and took him at
+an advantage and smote him over his horse’s tail when he had no spear
+in his rest. Then stert up Sir Tristram and took his horse lightly, and
+was wroth out of measure, and sore ashamed of that fall. Then Sir
+Tristram sent unto Sir Palomides by Gouvernail, and prayed him to joust
+with him at his request. Nay, said Sir Palomides, as at this time I
+will not joust with that knight, for I know him better than he weeneth.
+And if he be wroth he may right it to-morn at the Castle of Maidens,
+where he may see me and many other knights.
+
+With that came Sir Dinadan, and when he saw Sir Tristram wroth he list
+not to jape. Lo, said Sir Dinadan, here may a man prove, be a man never
+so good yet may he have a fall, and he was never so wise but he might
+be overseen, and he rideth well that never fell. So Sir Tristram was
+passing wroth, and said to Sir Persides and to Sir Dinadan: I will
+revenge me. Right so as they stood talking there, there came by Sir
+Tristram a likely knight riding passing soberly and heavily with a
+black shield. What knight is that? said Sir Tristram unto Sir Persides.
+I know him well, said Sir Persides, for his name is Sir Briant of North
+Wales; so he passed on among other knights of North Wales. And there
+came in Sir Launcelot du Lake with a shield of the arms of Cornwall,
+and he sent a squire unto Sir Briant, and required him to joust with
+him. Well, said Sir Briant, sithen I am required to joust I will do
+what I may; and there Sir Launcelot smote down Sir Briant from his
+horse a great fall. And then Sir Tristram marvelled what knight he was
+that bare the shield of Cornwall. Whatsoever he be, said Sir Dinadan, I
+warrant you he is of King Ban’s blood, the which be knights of the most
+noble prowess in the world, for to account so many for so many. Then
+there came two knights of Northgalis, that one hight Hew de la
+Montaine, and the other Sir Madok de la Montaine, and they challenged
+Sir Launcelot foot-hot. Sir Launcelot not refusing them but made him
+ready, with one spear he smote them down both over their horses’
+croups; and so Sir Launcelot rode his way. By the good lord, said Sir
+Tristram, he is a good knight that beareth the shield of Cornwall, and
+meseemeth he rideth in the best manner that ever I saw knight ride.
+
+Then the King of Northgalis rode unto Sir Palomides and prayed him
+heartily for his sake to joust with that knight that hath done us of
+Northgalis despite. Sir, said Sir Palomides, I am full loath to have
+ado with that knight, and cause why is, for as to-morn the great
+tournament shall be; and therefore I will keep myself fresh by my will.
+Nay, said the King of Northgalis, I pray you require him of jousts.
+Sir, said Sir Palomides, I will joust at your request, and require that
+knight to joust with me, and often I have seen a man have a fall at his
+own request.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII. How Sir Launcelot jousted with Palomides and overthrew
+him, and after he was assailed with twelve knights.
+
+Then Sir Palomides sent unto Sir Launcelot a squire, and required him
+of jousts. Fair fellow, said Sir Launcelot, tell me thy lord’s name.
+Sir, said the squire, my lord’s name is Sir Palomides, the good knight.
+In good hour, said Sir Launcelot, for there is no knight that I saw
+this seven years that I had liefer ado withal than with him. And so
+either knights made them ready with two great spears. Nay, said Sir
+Dinadan, ye shall see that Sir Palomides will quit him right well. It
+may be so, said Sir Tristram, but I undertake that knight with the
+shield of Cornwall shall give him a fall. I believe it not, said Sir
+Dinadan. Right so they spurred their horses and feutred their spears,
+and either hit other, and Sir Palomides brake a spear upon Sir
+Launcelot, and he sat and moved not; but Sir Launcelot smote him so
+lightly that he made his horse to avoid the saddle, and the stroke
+brake his shield and the hauberk, and had he not fallen he had been
+slain. How now, said Sir Tristram, I wist well by the manner of their
+riding both that Sir Palomides should have a fall.
+
+Right so Sir Launcelot rode his way, and rode to a well to drink and to
+repose him, and they of Northgalis espied him whither he rode; and then
+there followed him twelve knights for to have mischieved him, for this
+cause that upon the morn at the tournament of the Castle of Maidens
+that he should not win the victory. So they came upon Sir Launcelot
+suddenly, and unnethe he might put upon him his helm and take his
+horse, but they were in hands with him; and then Sir Launcelot gat his
+spear, and rode through them, and there he slew a knight and brake a
+spear in his body. Then he drew his sword and smote upon the right hand
+and upon the left hand, so that within a few strokes he had slain other
+three knights, and the remnant that abode he wounded them sore all that
+did abide. Thus Sir Launcelot escaped from his enemies of North Wales,
+and then Sir Launcelot rode his way till a friend, and lodged him till
+on the morn; for he would not the first day have ado in the tournament
+because of his great labour. And on the first day he was with King
+Arthur thereas he was set on high upon a scaffold to discern who was
+best worthy of his deeds. So Sir Launcelot was with King Arthur, and
+jousted not the first day.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX. How Sir Tristram behaved him the first day of the
+tournament, and there he had the prize.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Tristram de Liones, that commanded Gouvernail, his
+servant, to ordain him a black shield with none other remembrance
+therein. And so Sir Persides and Sir Tristram departed from their host
+Sir Pellounes, and they rode early toward the tournament, and then they
+drew them to King Carados’ side, of Scotland; and anon knights began
+the field what of King Northgalis’ part, and what of King Carados’
+part, and there began great party. Then there was hurling and rashing.
+Right so came in Sir Persides and Sir Tristram and so they did fare
+that they put the King of Northgalis aback. Then came in Sir Bleoberis
+de Ganis and Sir Gaheris with them of Northgalis, and then was Sir
+Persides smitten down and almost slain, for more than forty horse men
+went over him. For Sir Bleoberis did great deeds of arms, and Sir
+Gaheris failed him not. When Sir Tristram beheld them, and saw them do
+such deeds of arms, he marvelled what they were. Also Sir Tristram
+thought shame that Sir Persides was so done to; and then he gat a great
+spear in his hand, and then he rode to Sir Gaheris and smote him down
+from his horse. And then was Sir Bleoberis wroth, and gat a spear and
+rode against Sir Tristram in great ire; and there Sir Tristram met with
+him, and smote Sir Bleoberis from his horse. So then the King with the
+Hundred Knights was wroth, and he horsed Sir Bleoberis and Sir Gaheris
+again, and there began a great medley; and ever Sir Tristram held them
+passing short, and ever Sir Bleoberis was passing busy upon Sir
+Tristram; and there came Sir Dinadan against Sir Tristram, and Sir
+Tristram gave him such a buffet that he swooned in his saddle. Then
+anon Sir Dinadan came to Sir Tristram and said: Sir, I know thee better
+than thou weenest; but here I promise thee my troth I will never come
+against thee more, for I promise thee that sword of thine shall never
+come on mine helm.
+
+With that came Sir Bleoberis, and Sir Tristram gave him such a buffet
+that down he laid his head; and then he caught him so sore by the helm
+that he pulled him under his horse’s feet. And then King Arthur blew to
+lodging. Then Sir Tristram departed to his pavilion, and Sir Dinadan
+rode with him; and Sir Persides and King Arthur then, and the kings
+upon both parties, marvelled what knight that was with the black
+shield. Many said their advice, and some knew him for Sir Tristram, and
+held their peace and would nought say. So that first day King Arthur,
+and all the kings and lords that were judges, gave Sir Tristram the
+prize; howbeit they knew him not, but named him the Knight with the
+Black Shield.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX. How Sir Tristram returned against King Arthur’s party
+because he saw Sir Palomides on that party.
+
+Then upon the morn Sir Palomides returned from the King of Northgalis,
+and rode to King Arthur’s side, where was King Carados, and the King of
+Ireland, and Sir Launcelot’s kin, and Sir Gawaine’s kin. So Sir
+Palomides sent the damosel unto Sir Tristram that he sent to seek him
+when he was out of his mind in the forest, and this damosel asked Sir
+Tristram what he was and what was his name?
+
+As for that, said Sir Tristram, tell Sir Palomides ye shall not wit as
+at this time unto the time I have broken two spears upon him. But let
+him wit thus much, said Sir Tristram, that I am the same knight that he
+smote down in over evening at the tournament; and tell him plainly on
+what party that Sir Palomides be I will be of the contrary party.
+
+Sir, said the damosel, ye shall understand that Sir Palomides will be
+on King Arthur’s side, where the most noble knights of the world be. In
+the name of God, said Sir Tristram, then will I be with the King of
+Northgalis, because Sir Palomides will be on King Arthur’s side, and
+else I would not but for his sake. So when King Arthur was come they
+blew unto the field; and then there began a great party, and so King
+Carados jousted with the King of the Hundred Knights, and there King
+Carados had a fall: then was there hurling and rushing, and right so
+came in knights of King Arthur’s, and they bare aback the King of
+Northgalis’ knights.
+
+Then Sir Tristram came in, and began so roughly and so bigly that there
+was none might withstand him, and thus Sir Tristram dured long. And at
+the last Sir Tristram fell among the fellowship of King Ban, and there
+fell upon him Sir Bors de Ganis, and Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir
+Blamore de Ganis, and many other knights. And then Sir Tristram smote
+on the right hand and on the left hand, that all lords and ladies spake
+of his noble deeds. But at the last Sir Tristram should have had the
+worse had not the King with the Hundred Knights been. And then he came
+with his fellowship and rescued Sir Tristram, and brought him away from
+those knights that bare the shields of Cornwall. And then Sir Tristram
+saw another fellowship by themself, and there were a forty knights
+together, and Sir Kay, the Seneschal, was their governor. Then Sir
+Tristram rode in amongst them, and there he smote down Sir Kay from his
+horse; and there he fared among those knights like a greyhound among
+conies.
+
+Then Sir Launcelot found a knight that was sore wounded upon the head.
+Sir, said Sir Launcelot, who wounded you so sore? Sir, he said, a
+knight that beareth a black shield, and I may curse the time that ever
+I met with him, for he is a devil and no man. So Sir Launcelot departed
+from him and thought to meet with Sir Tristram, and so he rode with his
+sword drawn in his hand to seek Sir Tristram; and then he espied him
+how he hurled here and there, and at every stroke Sir Tristram wellnigh
+smote down a knight. O mercy Jesu! said the king, sith the times I bare
+arms saw I never no knight do so marvellous deeds of arms. And if I
+should set upon this knight, said Sir Launcelot to himself, I did shame
+to myself, and therewithal Sir Launcelot put up his sword. And then the
+King with the Hundred Knights and an hundred more of North Wales set
+upon the twenty of Sir Launcelot’s kin: and they twenty knights held
+them ever together as wild swine, and none would fail other. And so
+when Sir Tristram beheld the noblesse of these twenty knights he
+marvelled of their good deeds, for he saw by their fare and by their
+rule that they had liefer die than avoid the field. Now Jesu, said Sir
+Tristram, well may he be valiant and full of prowess that hath such a
+sort of noble knights unto his kin, and full like is he to be a noble
+man that is their leader and governor. He meant it by Sir Launcelot du
+Lake. So when Sir Tristram had beholden them long he thought shame to
+see two hundred knights battering upon twenty knights. Then Sir
+Tristram rode unto the King with the Hundred Knights and said: Sir,
+leave your fighting with those twenty knights, for ye win no worship of
+them, ye be so many and they so few; and wit ye well they will not out
+of the field I see by their cheer and countenance; and worship get ye
+none an ye slay them. Therefore leave your fighting with them, for I to
+increase my worship I will ride to the twenty knights and help them
+with all my might and power. Nay, said the King with the Hundred
+Knights, ye shall not do so; now I see your courage and courtesy I will
+withdraw my knights for your pleasure, for evermore a good knight will
+favour another, and like will draw to like.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Tristram found Palomides by a well, and brought
+him with him to his lodging.
+
+Then the King with the Hundred Knights withdrew his knights. And all
+this while, and long to-fore, Sir Launcelot had watched upon Sir
+Tristram with a very purpose to have fellowshipped with him. And then
+suddenly Sir Tristram, Sir Dinadan, and Gouvernail, his man, rode their
+way into the forest, that no man perceived where they went. So then
+King Arthur blew unto lodging, and gave the King of Northgalis the
+prize because Sir Tristram was upon his side. Then Sir Launcelot rode
+here and there, so wood as lion that fauted his fill, because he had
+lost Sir Tristram, and so he returned unto King Arthur. And then in all
+the field was a noise that with the wind it might be heard two mile
+thence, how the lords and ladies cried: The Knight with the Black
+Shield hath won the field. Alas, said King Arthur, where is that knight
+become? It is shame to all those in the field so to let him escape away
+from you; but with gentleness and courtesy ye might have brought him
+unto me to the Castle of Maidens. Then the noble King Arthur went unto
+his knights and comforted them in the best wise that he could, and
+said: My fair fellows, be not dismayed, howbeit ye have lost the field
+this day. And many were hurt and sore wounded, and many were whole. My
+fellows, said King Arthur, look that ye be of good cheer, for to-morn I
+will be in the field with you and revenge you of your enemies. So that
+night King Arthur and his knights reposed themself.
+
+The damosel that came from La Beale Isoud unto Sir Tristram, all the
+while the tournament was a-doing she was with Queen Guenever, and ever
+the queen asked her for what cause she came into that country. Madam,
+she answered, I come for none other cause but from my lady La Beale
+Isoud to wit of your welfare. For in no wise she would not tell the
+queen that she came for Sir Tristram’s sake. So this lady, Dame
+Bragwaine, took her leave of Queen Guenever, and she rode after Sir
+Tristram. And as she rode through the forest she heard a great cry;
+then she commanded her squire to go into the forest to wit what was
+that noise. And so he came to a well, and there he found a knight
+bounden till a tree crying as he had been wood, and his horse and his
+harness standing by him. And when he espied that squire, therewith he
+abraid and brake himself loose, and took his sword in his hand, and ran
+to have slain the squire. Then he took his horse and fled all that ever
+he might unto Dame Bragwaine, and told her of his adventure. Then she
+rode unto Sir Tristram’s pavilion, and told Sir Tristram what adventure
+she had found in the forest. Alas, said Sir Tristram, upon my head
+there is some good knight at mischief.
+
+Then Sir Tristram took his horse and his sword and rode thither, and
+there he heard how the knight complained unto himself and said: I,
+woful knight Sir Palomides, what misadventure befalleth me, that thus
+am defoiled with falsehood and treason, through Sir Bors and Sir Ector.
+Alas, he said, why live I so long! And then he gat his sword in his
+hands, and made many strange signs and tokens; and so through his
+raging he threw his sword into that fountain. Then Sir Palomides wailed
+and wrang his hands. And at the last for pure sorrow he ran into that
+fountain, over his belly, and sought after his sword. Then Sir Tristram
+saw that, and ran upon Sir Palomides, and held him in his arms fast.
+What art thou, said Palomides, that holdeth me so? I am a man of this
+forest that would thee none harm. Alas, said Sir Palomides, I may never
+win worship where Sir Tristram is; for ever where he is an I be there,
+then get I no worship; and if he be away for the most part I have the
+gree, unless that Sir Launcelot be there or Sir Lamorak. Then Sir
+Palomides said: Once in Ireland Sir Tristram put me to the worse, and
+another time in Cornwall, and in other places in this land. What would
+ye do, said Sir Tristram, an ye had Sir Tristram? I would fight with
+him, said Sir Palomides, and ease my heart upon him; and yet, to say
+thee sooth, Sir Tristram is the gentlest knight in this world living.
+What will ye do, said Sir Tristram, will ye go with me to your lodging?
+Nay, said he, I will go to the King with the Hundred Knights, for he
+rescued me from Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir Ector and else had I been
+slain traitorly. Sir Tristram said him such kind words that Sir
+Palomides went with him to his lodging. Then Gouvernail went to-fore,
+and charged Dame Bragwaine to go out of the way to her lodging. And bid
+ye Sir Persides that he make him no quarrels. And so they rode together
+till they came to Sir Tristram’s pavilion, and there Sir Palomides had
+all the cheer that might be had all that night. But in no wise Sir
+Palomides might not know what was Sir Tristram; and so after supper
+they yede to rest, and Sir Tristram for great travail slept till it was
+day. And Sir Palomides might not sleep for anguish; and in the dawning
+of the day he took his horse privily, and rode his way unto Sir Gaheris
+and unto Sir Sagramore le Desirous, where they were in their pavilions;
+for they three were fellows at the beginning of the tournament. And
+then upon the morn the king blew unto the tournament upon the third
+day.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides, and how he
+jousted with King Arthur, and other feats.
+
+So the King of Northgalis and the King with the Hundred Knights, they
+two encountered with King Carados and with the King of Ireland; and
+there the King with the Hundred Knights smote down King Carados, and
+the King of Northgalis smote down the King of Ireland. With that came
+in Sir Palomides, and when he came he made great work, for by his
+indented shield he was well known. So came in King Arthur, and did
+great deeds of arms together, and put the King of Northgalis and the
+King with the Hundred Knights to the worse. With this came in Sir
+Tristram with his black shield, and anon he jousted with Sir Palomides,
+and there by fine force Sir Tristram smote Sir Palomides over his
+horse’s croup. Then King Arthur cried: Knight with the Black Shield,
+make thee ready to me, and in the same wise Sir Tristram smote King
+Arthur. And then by force of King Arthur’s knights the King and Sir
+Palomides were horsed again. Then King Arthur with a great eager heart
+he gat a spear in his hand, and there upon the one side he smote Sir
+Tristram over his horse. Then foot-hot Sir Palomides came upon Sir
+Tristram, as he was upon foot, to have overridden him. Then Sir
+Tristram was ware of him, and there he stooped aside, and with great
+ire he gat him by the arm, and pulled him down from his horse. Then Sir
+Palomides lightly arose, and then they dashed together mightily with
+their swords; and many kings, queens, and lords, stood and beheld them.
+And at the last Sir Tristram smote Sir Palomides upon the helm three
+mighty strokes, and at every stroke that he gave him he said: This for
+Sir Tristram’s sake. With that Sir Palomides fell to the earth
+grovelling.
+
+Then came the King with the Hundred Knights, and brought Sir Tristram
+an horse, and so was he horsed again. By then was Sir Palomides horsed,
+and with great ire he jousted upon Sir Tristram with his spear as it
+was in the rest, and gave him a great dash with his sword. Then Sir
+Tristram avoided his spear, and gat him by the neck with his both
+hands, and pulled him clean out of his saddle, and so he bare him afore
+him the length of ten spears, and then in the presence of them all he
+let him fall at his adventure. Then Sir Tristram was ware of King
+Arthur with a naked sword in his hand, and with his spear Sir Tristram
+ran upon King Arthur; and then King Arthur boldly abode him and with
+his sword he smote a-two his spear, and therewithal Sir Tristram
+stonied; and so King Arthur gave him three or four strokes or he might
+get out his sword, and at the last Sir Tristram drew his sword and
+[either] assailed other passing hard. With that the great press
+departed [them]. Then Sir Tristram rode here and there and did his
+great pain, that eleven of the good knights of the blood of King Ban,
+that was of Sir Launcelot’s kin, that day Sir Tristram smote down; that
+all the estates marvelled of his great deeds and all cried upon the
+Knight with the Black Shield.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Launcelot hurt Sir Tristram, and how after Sir
+Tristram smote down Sir Palomides.
+
+Then this cry was so large that Sir Launcelot heard it. And then he gat
+a great spear in his hand and came towards the cry. Then Sir Launcelot
+cried: The Knight with the Black Shield, make thee ready to joust with
+me. When Sir Tristram heard him say so he gat his spear in his hand,
+and either abashed down their heads, and came together as thunder; and
+Sir Tristram’s spear brake in pieces, and Sir Launcelot by malfortune
+struck Sir Tristram on the side a deep wound nigh to the death; but yet
+Sir Tristram avoided not his saddle, and so the spear brake.
+Therewithal Sir Tristram that was wounded gat out his sword, and he
+rushed to Sir Launcelot, and gave him three great strokes upon the helm
+that the fire sprang thereout, and Sir Launcelot abashed his head lowly
+toward his saddle-bow. And therewithal Sir Tristram departed from the
+field, for he felt him so wounded that he weened he should have died;
+and Sir Dinadan espied him and followed him into the forest. Then Sir
+Launcelot abode and did many marvellous deeds.
+
+So when Sir Tristram was departed by the forest’s side he alighted, and
+unlaced his harness and freshed his wound; then weened Sir Dinadan that
+he should have died. Nay, nay, said Sir Tristram, Dinadan never dread
+thee, for I am heart-whole, and of this wound I shall soon be whole, by
+the mercy of God. By that Sir Dinadan was ware where came Palomides
+riding straight upon them. And then Sir Tristram was ware that Sir
+Palomides came to have destroyed him. And so Sir Dinadan gave him
+warning, and said: Sir Tristram, my lord, ye are so sore wounded that
+ye may not have ado with him, therefore I will ride against him and do
+to him what I may, and if I be slain ye may pray for my soul; and in
+the meanwhile ye may withdraw you and go into the castle, or in the
+forest, that he shall not meet with you. Sir Tristram smiled and said:
+I thank you, Sir Dinadan, of your good will, but ye shall wit that I am
+able to handle him. And then anon hastily he armed him, and took his
+horse, and a great spear in his hand, and said to Sir Dinadan: Adieu;
+and rode toward Sir Palomides a soft pace. Then when Sir Palomides saw
+that, he made countenance to amend his horse, but he did it for this
+cause, for he abode Sir Gaheris that came after him. And when he was
+come he rode toward Sir Tristram. Then Sir Tristram sent unto Sir
+Palomides, and required him to joust with him; and if he smote down Sir
+Palomides he would do no more to him; and if it so happened that Sir
+Palomides smote down Sir Tristram, he bade him do his utterance. So
+they were accorded. Then they met together, and Sir Tristram smote down
+Sir Palomides that he had a grievous fall, so that he lay still as he
+had been dead. And then Sir Tristram ran upon Sir Gaheris, and he would
+not have jousted; but whether he would or not Sir Tristram smote him
+over his horse’s croup, that he lay still as though he had been dead.
+And then Sir Tristram rode his way and left Sir Persides’ squire within
+the pavilions, and Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan rode to an old knight’s
+place to lodge them. And that old knight had five sons at the
+tournament, for whom he prayed God heartily for their coming home. And
+so, as the French book saith, they came home all five well beaten.
+
+And when Sir Tristram departed into the forest Sir Launcelot held alway
+the stour like hard, as a man araged that took no heed to himself, and
+wit ye well there was many a noble knight against him. And when King
+Arthur saw Sir Launcelot do so marvellous deeds of arms he then armed
+him, and took his horse and his armour, and rode into the field to help
+Sir Launcelot; and so many knights came in with King Arthur. And to
+make short tale in conclusion, the King of Northgalis and the King of
+the Hundred Knights were put to the worse; and because Sir Launcelot
+abode and was the last in the field the prize was given him. But Sir
+Launcelot would neither for king, queen, nor knight, have the prize,
+but where the cry was cried through the field: Sir Launcelot, Sir
+Launcelot hath won the field this day, Sir Launcelot let make another
+cry contrary: Sir Tristram hath won the field, for he began first, and
+last he hath endured, and so hath he done the first day, the second,
+and the third day.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV. How the prize of the third day was given to Sir
+Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot gave it to Sir Tristram.
+
+Then all the estates and degrees high and low said of Sir Launcelot
+great worship, for the honour that he did unto Sir Tristram; and for
+that honour doing to Sir Tristram he was at that time more praised and
+renowned than an he had overthrown five hundred knights; and all the
+people wholly for this gentleness, first the estates both high and low,
+and after the commonalty cried at once: Sir Launcelot hath won the
+field whosoever say nay. Then was Sir Launcelot wroth and ashamed, and
+so therewithal he rode to King Arthur. Alas, said the king, we are all
+dismayed that Sir Tristram is thus departed from us. By God, said King
+Arthur, he is one of the noblest knights that ever I saw hold spear or
+sword in hand, and the most courteoust knight in his fighting; for full
+hard I saw him, said King Arthur, when he smote Sir Palomides upon the
+helm thrice, that he abashed his helm with his strokes, and also he
+said: Here is a stroke for Sir Tristram, and thus thrice he said. Then
+King Arthur, Sir Launcelot, and Sir Dodinas le Savage took their horses
+to seek Sir Tristram, and by the means of Sir Persides he had told King
+Arthur where Sir Tristram was in his pavilion. But when they came
+there, Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan were gone.
+
+Then King Arthur and Sir Launcelot were heavy, and returned again to
+the Castle of Maidens making great dole for the hurt of Sir Tristram,
+and his sudden departing. So God me help, said King Arthur, I am more
+heavy that I cannot meet with him than for all the hurts that all my
+knights have had at the tournament. Right so came Sir Gaheris and told
+King Arthur how Sir Tristram had smitten down Sir Palomides, and it was
+at Sir Palomides’ own request. Alas, said King Arthur, that was great
+dishonour to Sir Palomides, inasmuch as Sir Tristram was sore wounded,
+and now may we all, kings, and knights, and men of worship, say that
+Sir Tristram may be called a noble knight, and one of the best knights
+that ever I saw the days of my life. For I will that ye all, kings and
+knights, know, said King Arthur, that I never saw knight do so
+marvellously as he hath done these three days; for he was the first
+that began and that longest held on, save this last day. And though he
+was hurt, it was a manly adventure of two noble knights, and when two
+noble men encounter needs must the one have the worse, like as God will
+suffer at that time. As for me, said Sir Launcelot, for all the lands
+that ever my father left me I would not have hurt Sir Tristram an I had
+known him at that time; that I hurt him was for I saw not his shield.
+For an I had seen his black shield, I would not have meddled with him
+for many causes; for late he did as much for me as ever did knight, and
+that is well known that he had ado with thirty knights, and no help
+save Sir Dinadan. And one thing shall I promise, said Sir Launcelot,
+Sir Palomides shall repent it as in his unkindly dealing for to follow
+that noble knight that I by mishap hurted thus. Sir Launcelot said all
+the worship that might be said by Sir Tristram. Then King Arthur made a
+great feast to all that would come. And thus we let pass King Arthur,
+and a little we will turn unto Sir Palomides, that after he had a fall
+of Sir Tristram, he was nigh-hand araged out of his wit for despite of
+Sir Tristram. And so he followed him by adventure. And as he came by a
+river, in his woodness he would have made his horse to have leapt over;
+and the horse failed footing and fell in the river, wherefore Sir
+Palomides was adread lest he should have been drowned; and then he
+avoided his horse, and swam to the land, and let his horse go down by
+adventure.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV. How Palomides came to the castle where Sir Tristram was,
+and of the quest that Sir Launcelot and ten knights made for Sir
+Tristram.
+
+And when he came to the land he took off his harness, and sat roaring
+and crying as a man out of his mind. Right so came a damosel even by
+Sir Palomides, that was sent from Sir Gawaine and his brother unto Sir
+Mordred, that lay sick in the same place with that old knight where Sir
+Tristram was. For, as the French book saith, Sir Persides hurt so Sir
+Mordred a ten days afore; and had it not been for the love of Sir
+Gawaine and his brother, Sir Persides had slain Sir Mordred. And so
+this damosel came by Sir Palomides, and she and he had language
+together, the which pleased neither of them; and so the damosel rode
+her ways till she came to the old knight’s place, and there she told
+that old knight how she met with the woodest knight by adventure that
+ever she met withal. What bare he in his shield? said Sir Tristram. It
+was indented with white and black, said the damosel. Ah, said Sir
+Tristram, that was Sir Palomides, the good knight. For well I know him,
+said Sir Tristram, for one of the best knights living in this realm.
+Then that old knight took a little hackney, and rode for Sir Palomides,
+and brought him unto his own manor; and full well knew Sir Tristram Sir
+Palomides, but he said but little, for at that time Sir Tristram was
+walking upon his feet, and well amended of his hurts; and always when
+Sir Palomides saw Sir Tristram he would behold him full marvellously,
+and ever him seemed that he had seen him. Then would he say unto Sir
+Dinadan: An ever I may meet with Sir Tristram he shall not escape mine
+hands. I marvel, said Sir Dinadan, that ye boast behind Sir Tristram,
+for it is but late that he was in your hands, and ye in his hands; why
+would ye not hold him when ye had him? for I saw myself twice or thrice
+that ye gat but little worship of Sir Tristram. Then was Sir Palomides
+ashamed. So leave we them a little while in the old castle with the old
+knight Sir Darras.
+
+Now shall we speak of King Arthur, that said to Sir Launcelot: Had not
+ye been we had not lost Sir Tristram, for he was here daily unto the
+time ye met with him, and in an evil time, said Arthur, ye encountered
+with him. My lord Arthur, said Launcelot, ye put upon me that I should
+be cause of his departition; God knoweth it was against my will. But
+when men be hot in deeds of arms oft they hurt their friends as well as
+their foes. And my lord, said Sir Launcelot, ye shall understand that
+Sir Tristram is a man that I am loath to offend, for he hath done for
+me more than ever I did for him as yet. But then Sir Launcelot made
+bring forth a book: and then Sir Launcelot said: Here we are ten
+knights that will swear upon a book never to rest one night where we
+rest another this twelvemonth until that we find Sir Tristram. And as
+for me, said Sir Launcelot, I promise you upon this book that an I may
+meet with him, either with fairness or foulness I shall bring him to
+this court, or else I shall die therefore. And the names of these ten
+knights that had undertaken this quest were these following: First was
+Sir Launcelot, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Bors de Ganis, and Bleoberis,
+and Sir Blamore de Ganis, and Lucan the Butler, Sir Uwaine, Sir Galihud
+Lionel, and Galiodin. So these ten noble knights departed from the
+court of King Arthur, and so they rode upon their quest together until
+they came to a cross where departed four ways, and there departed the
+fellowship in four to seek Sir Tristram.
+
+And as Sir Launcelot rode by adventure he met with Dame Bragwaine that
+was sent into that country to seek Sir Tristram, and she fled as fast
+as her palfrey might go. So Sir Launcelot met with her and asked her
+why she fled. Ah, fair knight, said Dame Bragwaine, I flee for dread of
+my life, for here followeth me Sir Breuse Saunce Pité to slay me. Hold
+you nigh me, said Sir Launcelot. Then when Sir Launcelot saw Sir Breuse
+Saunce Pité, Sir Launcelot cried unto him, and said: False knight,
+destroyer of ladies and damosels, now thy last days be come. When Sir
+Breuse Saunce Pité saw Sir Launcelot’s shield he knew it well, for at
+that time he bare not the arms of Cornwall, but he bare his own shield.
+And then Sir Breuse fled, and Sir Launcelot followed after him. But Sir
+Breuse was so well horsed that when him list to flee he might well
+flee, and also abide when him list. And then Sir Launcelot returned
+unto Dame Bragwaine, and she thanked him of his great labour.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI. How Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan were
+taken and put in prison.
+
+Now will we speak of Sir Lucan the butler, that by fortune he came
+riding to the same place thereas was Sir Tristram, and in he came in
+none other intent but to ask harbour. Then the porter asked what was
+his name. Tell your lord that my name is Sir Lucan, the butler, a
+Knight of the Round Table. So the porter went unto Sir Darras, lord of
+the place, and told him who was there to ask harbour. Nay, nay, said
+Sir Daname, that was nephew to Sir Darras, say him that he shall not be
+lodged here, but let him wit that I, Sir Daname, will meet with him
+anon, and bid him make him ready. So Sir Daname came forth on
+horseback, and there they met together with spears, and Sir Lucan smote
+down Sir Daname over his horse’s croup, and then he fled into that
+place, and Sir Lucan rode after him, and asked after him many times.
+
+Then Sir Dinadan said to Sir Tristram: It is shame to see the lord’s
+cousin of this place defoiled. Abide, said Sir Tristram, and I shall
+redress it. And in the meanwhile Sir Dinadan was on horseback, and he
+jousted with Lucan the butler, and there Sir Lucan smote Dinadan
+through the thick of the thigh, and so he rode his way; and Sir
+Tristram was wroth that Sir Dinadan was hurt, and followed after, and
+thought to avenge him; and within a while he overtook Sir Lucan, and
+bade him turn; and so they met together so that Sir Tristram hurt Sir
+Lucan passing sore and gave him a fall. With that came Sir Uwaine, a
+gentle knight, and when he saw Sir Lucan so hurt he called Sir Tristram
+to joust with him. Fair knight, said Sir Tristram, tell me your name I
+require you. Sir knight, wit ye well my name is Sir Uwaine le Fise de
+Roy Ureine. Ah, said Sir Tristram, by my will I would not have ado with
+you at no time. Ye shall not so, said Sir Uwaine, but ye shall have ado
+with me. And then Sir Tristram saw none other bote, but rode against
+him, and overthrew Sir Uwaine and hurt him in the side, and so he
+departed unto his lodging again. And when Sir Dinadan understood that
+Sir Tristram had hurt Sir Lucan he would have ridden after Sir Lucan
+for to have slain him, but Sir Tristram would not suffer him. Then Sir
+Uwaine let ordain an horse litter, and brought Sir Lucan to the abbey
+of Ganis, and the castle thereby hight the Castle of Ganis, of the
+which Sir Bleoberis was lord. And at that castle Sir Launcelot promised
+all his fellows to meet in the quest of Sir Tristram.
+
+So when Sir Tristram was come to his lodging there came a damosel that
+told Sir Darras that three of his sons were slain at that tournament,
+and two grievously wounded that they were never like to help themself.
+And all this was done by a noble knight that bare the black shield, and
+that was he that bare the prize. Then came there one and told Sir
+Darras that the same knight was within, him that bare the black shield.
+Then Sir Darras yede unto Sir Tristram’s chamber, and there he found
+his shield and showed it to the damosel. Ah sir, said the damosel, that
+same is he that slew your three sons. Then without any tarrying Sir
+Darras put Sir Tristram, and Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan, within a
+strong prison, and there Sir Tristram was like to have died of great
+sickness; and every day Sir Palomides would reprove Sir Tristram of old
+hate betwixt them. And ever Sir Tristram spake fair and said little.
+But when Sir Palomides saw the falling of sickness of Sir Tristram,
+then was he heavy for him, and comforted him in all the best wise he
+could. And as the French book saith, there came forty knights to Sir
+Darras that were of his own kin, and they would have slain Sir Tristram
+and his two fellows, but Sir Darras would not suffer that, but kept
+them in prison, and meat and drink they had. So Sir Tristram endured
+there great pain, for sickness had undertaken him, and that is the
+greatest pain a prisoner may have. For all the while a prisoner may
+have his health of body he may endure under the mercy of God and in
+hope of good deliverance; but when sickness toucheth a prisoner’s body,
+then may a prisoner say all wealth is him bereft, and then he hath
+cause to wail and to weep. Right so did Sir Tristram when sickness had
+undertaken him, for then he took such sorrow that he had almost slain
+himself.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII. How King Mark was sorry for the good renown of Sir
+Tristram. Some of King Arthur’s knights jousted with knights of
+Cornwall.
+
+Now will we speak, and leave Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir
+Dinadan in prison, and speak we of other knights that sought after Sir
+Tristram many divers parts of this land. And some yede into Cornwall;
+and by adventure Sir Gaheris, nephew unto King Arthur, came unto King
+Mark, and there he was well received and sat at King Mark’s own table
+and ate of his own mess. Then King Mark asked Sir Gaheris what tidings
+there were in the realm of Logris. Sir, said Sir Gaheris, the king
+reigneth as a noble knight; and now but late there was a great jousts
+and tournament as ever I saw any in the realm of Logris, and the most
+noble knights were at that jousts. But there was one knight that did
+marvellously three days, and he bare a black shield, and of all knights
+that ever I saw he proved the best knight. Then, said King Mark, that
+was Sir Launcelot, or Sir Palomides the paynim. Not so, said Sir
+Gheris, for both Sir Launcelot and Sir Palomides were on the contrary
+party against the Knight with the Black Shield. Then was it Sir
+Tristram, said the king. Yea, said Sir Gaheris. And therewithal the
+king smote down his head, and in his heart he feared sore that Sir
+Tristram should get him such worship in the realm of Logris
+wherethrough that he himself should not be able to withstand him. Thus
+Sir Gaheris had great cheer with King Mark, and with Queen La Beale
+Isoud, the which was glad of Sir Gaheris’ words; for well she wist by
+his deeds and manners that it was Sir Tristram. And then the king made
+a feast royal, and to that feast came Sir Uwaine le Fise de Roy Ureine,
+and some called him Uwaine le Blanchemains. And this Sir Uwaine
+challenged all the knights of Cornwall. Then was the king wood wroth
+that he had no knights to answer him. Then Sir Andred, nephew unto King
+Mark, leapt up and said: I will encounter with Sir Uwaine. Then he yede
+and armed him and horsed him in the best manner. And there Sir Uwaine
+met with Sir Andred, and smote him down that he swooned on the earth.
+Then was King Mark sorry and wroth out of measure that he had no knight
+to revenge his nephew, Sir Andred.
+
+So the king called unto him Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, and prayed him
+for his sake to take upon him to joust with Sir Uwaine. Sir, said Sir
+Dinas, I am full loath to have ado with any knight of the Round Table.
+Yet, said the king, for my love take upon thee to joust. So Sir Dinas
+made him ready, and anon they encountered together with great spears,
+but Sir Dinas was overthrown, horse and man, a great fall. Who was
+wroth but King Mark! Alas, he said, have I no knight that will
+encounter with yonder knight? Sir, said Sir Gaheris, for your sake I
+will joust. So Sir Gaheris made him ready, and when he was armed he
+rode into the field. And when Sir Uwaine saw Sir Gaheris’ shield he
+rode to him and said: Sir, ye do not your part. For, sir, the first
+time ye were made Knight of the Round Table ye sware that ye should not
+have ado with your fellowship wittingly. And pardie, Sir Gaheris, ye
+knew me well enough by my shield, and so do I know you by your shield,
+and though ye would break your oath I would not break mine; for there
+is not one here, nor ye, that shall think I am afeard of you, but I
+durst right well have ado with you, and yet we be sisters’ sons. Then
+was Sir Gaheris ashamed, and so therewithal every knight went their
+way, and Sir Uwaine rode into the country.
+
+Then King Mark armed him, and took his horse and his spear, with a
+squire with him. And then he rode afore Sir Uwaine, and suddenly at a
+gap he ran upon him as he that was not ware of him, and there he smote
+him almost through the body, and there left him. So within a while
+there came Sir Kay and found Sir Uwaine, and asked him how he was hurt.
+I wot not, said Sir Uwaine, why nor wherefore, but by treason I am sure
+I gat this hurt; for here came a knight suddenly upon me or that I was
+ware, and suddenly hurt me. Then there was come Sir Andred to seek King
+Mark. Thou traitor knight, said Sir Kay, an I wist it were thou that
+thus traitorly hast hurt this noble knight thou shouldst never pass my
+hands. Sir, said Sir Andred, I did never hurt him, and that I will
+report me to himself. Fie on you false knight, said Sir Kay, for ye of
+Cornwall are nought worth. So Sir Kay made carry Sir Uwaine to the
+Abbey of the Black Cross, and there he was healed. And then Sir Gaheris
+took his leave of King Mark, but or he departed he said: Sir king, ye
+did a foul shame unto you and your court, when ye banished Sir Tristram
+out of this country, for ye needed not to have doubted no knight an he
+had been here. And so he departed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII. Of the treason of King Mark, and how Sir Gaheris smote
+him down and Andred his cousin.
+
+Then there came Sir Kay, the Seneschal, unto King Mark, and there he
+had good cheer showing outward. Now, fair lords, said he, will ye prove
+any adventure in the forest of Morris, in the which I know well is as
+hard an adventure as I know any. Sir, said Sir Kay, I will prove it.
+And Sir Gaheris said he would be avised for King Mark was ever full of
+treason: and therewithal Sir Gaheris departed and rode his way. And by
+the same way that Sir Kay should ride he laid him down to rest,
+charging his squire to wait upon Sir Kay; And warn me when he cometh.
+So within a while Sir Kay came riding that way, and then Sir Gaheris
+took his horse and met him, and said: Sir Kay, ye are not wise to ride
+at the request of King Mark, for he dealeth all with treason. Then said
+Sir Kay: I require you let us prove this adventure. I shall not fail
+you, said Sir Gaheris. And so they rode that time till a lake that was
+that time called the Perilous Lake, and there they abode under the shaw
+of the wood.
+
+The meanwhile King Mark within the castle of Tintagil avoided all his
+barons, and all other save such as were privy with him were avoided out
+of his chamber. And then he let call his nephew Sir Andred, and bade
+arm him and horse him lightly; and by that time it was midnight. And so
+King Mark was armed in black, horse and all; and so at a privy postern
+they two issued out with their varlets with them, and rode till they
+came to that lake. Then Sir Kay espied them first, and gat his spear,
+and proffered to joust. And King Mark rode against him, and smote each
+other full hard, for the moon shone as the bright day. And there at
+that jousts Sir Kay’s horse fell down, for his horse was not so big as
+the king’s horse, and Sir Kay’s horse bruised him full sore. Then Sir
+Gaheris was wroth that Sir Kay had a fall. Then he cried: Knight, sit
+thou fast in thy saddle, for I will revenge my fellow. Then King Mark
+was afeard of Sir Gaheris, and so with evil will King Mark rode against
+him, and Sir Gaheris gave him such a stroke that he fell down. So then
+forthwithal Sir Gaheris ran unto Sir Andred and smote him from his
+horse quite, that his helm smote in the earth, and nigh had broken his
+neck. And therewithal Sir Gaheris alighted, and gat up Sir Kay. And
+then they yode both on foot to them, and bade them yield them, and tell
+their names outher they should die. Then with great pain Sir Andred
+spake first, and said: It is King Mark of Cornwall, therefore be ye
+ware what ye do, and I am Sir Andred, his cousin. Fie on you both, said
+Sir Gaheris, for a false traitor, and false treason hast thou wrought
+and he both, under the feigned cheer that ye made us! it were pity,
+said Sir Gaheris, that thou shouldst live any longer. Save my life,
+said King Mark, and I will make amends; and consider that I am a king
+anointed. It were the more shame, said Sir Gaheris, to save thy life;
+thou art a king anointed with cream, and therefore thou shouldst hold
+with all men of worship; and therefore thou art worthy to die. With
+that he lashed at King Mark without saying any more, and covered him
+with his shield and defended him as he might. And then Sir Kay lashed
+at Sir Andred, and therewithal King Mark yielded him unto Sir Gaheris.
+And then he kneeled adown, and made his oath upon the cross of the
+sword, that never while he lived he would be against errant-knights.
+And also he sware to be good friend unto Sir Tristram if ever he came
+into Cornwall.
+
+By then Sir Andred was on the earth, and Sir Kay would have slain him.
+Let be, said Sir Gaheris, slay him not I pray you. It were pity, said
+Sir Kay, that he should live any longer, for this is nigh cousin unto
+Sir Tristram, and ever he hath been a traitor unto him, and by him he
+was exiled out of Cornwall, and therefore I will slay him, said Sir
+Kay. Ye shall not, said Sir Gaheris; sithen I have given the king his
+life, I pray you give him his life. And therewithal Sir Kay let him go.
+And so Sir Kay and Sir Gaheris rode their way unto Dinas, the
+Seneschal, for because they heard say that he loved well Sir Tristram.
+So they reposed them there, and soon after they rode unto the realm of
+Logris. And so within a little while they met with Sir Launcelot that
+always had Dame Bragwaine with him, to that intent he weened to have
+met the sooner with Sir Tristram; and Sir Launcelot asked what tidings
+in Cornwall, and whether they heard of Sir Tristram or not. Sir Kay and
+Sir Gaheris answered and said, that they heard not of him. Then they
+told Sir Launcelot word by word of their adventure. Then Sir Launcelot
+smiled and said: Hard it is to take out of the flesh that is bred in
+the bone; and so made them merry together.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX. How after that Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir
+Dinadan had been long in prison they were delivered.
+
+Now leave we off this tale, and speak we of Sir Dinas that had within
+the castle a paramour, and she loved another knight better than him.
+And so when Sir Dinas went out a-hunting she slipped down by a towel,
+and took with her two brachets, and so she yede to the knight that she
+loved, and he her again. And when Sir Dinas came home and missed his
+paramour and his brachets, then was he the more wrother for his
+brachets than for the lady. So then he rode after the knight that had
+his paramour, and bade him turn and joust. So Sir Dinas smote him down,
+that with the fall he brake his leg and his arm. And then his lady and
+paramour cried Sir Dinas mercy, and said she would love him better than
+ever she did. Nay, said Sir Dinas, I shall never trust them that once
+betrayed me, and therefore, as ye have begun, so end, for I will never
+meddle with you. And so Sir Dinas departed, and took his brachets with
+him, and so rode to his castle.
+
+Now will we turn unto Sir Launcelot, that was right heavy that he could
+never hear no tidings of Sir Tristram, for all this while he was in
+prison with Sir Darras, Palomides, and Dinadan. Then Dame Bragwaine
+took her leave to go into Cornwall, and Sir Launcelot, Sir Kay, and Sir
+Gaheris rode to seek Sir Tristram in the country of Surluse.
+
+Now speaketh this tale of Sir Tristram and of his two fellows, for
+every day Sir Palomides brawled and said language against Sir Tristram.
+I marvel, said Sir Dinadan, of thee, Sir Palomides, an thou haddest Sir
+Tristram here thou wouldst do him no harm; for an a wolf and a sheep
+were together in a prison the wolf would suffer the sheep to be in
+peace. And wit thou well, said Sir Dinadan, this same is Sir Tristram
+at a word, and now must thou do thy best with him, and let see now if
+ye can skift it with your hands. Then was Sir Palomides abashed and
+said little. Sir Palomides, then said Sir Tristram, I have heard much
+of your maugre against me, but I will not meddle with you as at this
+time by my will, because I dread the lord of this place that hath us in
+governance; for an I dread him not more than I do thee, soon it should
+be skift: so they peaced themself. Right so came in a damosel and said:
+Knights, be of good cheer, for ye are sure of your lives, and that I
+heard say my lord, Sir Darras. Then were they glad all three, for daily
+they weened they should have died.
+
+Then soon after this Sir Tristram fell sick that he weened to have
+died; then Sir Dinadan wept, and so did Sir Palomides under them both
+making great sorrow. So a damosel came in to them and found them
+mourning. Then she went unto Sir Darras, and told him how that mighty
+knight that bare the black shield was likely to die. That shall not be,
+said Sir Darras, for God defend when knights come to me for succour
+that I should suffer them to die within my prison. Therefore, said Sir
+Darras to the damosel, fetch that knight and his fellows afore me. And
+then anon Sir Darras saw Sir Tristram brought afore him. He said: Sir
+knight, me repenteth of thy sickness for thou art called a full noble
+knight, and so it seemeth by thee; and wit ye well it shall never be
+said that Sir Darras shall destroy such a noble knight as thou art in
+prison, howbeit that thou hast slain three of my sons whereby I was
+greatly aggrieved. But now shalt thou go and thy fellows, and your
+harness and horses have been fair and clean kept, and ye shall go where
+it liketh you, upon this covenant, that thou, knight, wilt promise me
+to be good friend to my sons two that be now alive, and also that thou
+tell me thy name. Sir, said he, as for me my name is Sir Tristram de
+Liones, and in Cornwall was I born, and nephew I am unto King Mark. And
+as for the death of your sons I might not do withal, for an they had
+been the next kin that I have I might have done none otherwise. And if
+I had slain them by treason or treachery I had been worthy to have
+died. All this I consider, said Sir Darras, that all that ye did was by
+force of knighthood, and that was the cause I would not put you to
+death. But sith ye be Sir Tristram, the good knight, I pray you
+heartily to be my good friend and to my sons. Sir, said Sir Tristram, I
+promise you by the faith of my body, ever while I live I will do you
+service, for ye have done to us but as a natural knight ought to do.
+Then Sir Tristram reposed him there till that he was amended of his
+sickness; and when he was big and strong they took their leave, and
+every knight took their horses, and so departed and rode together till
+they came to a cross way. Now fellows, said Sir Tristram, here will we
+depart in sundry ways. And because Sir Dinadan had the first adventure
+of him I will begin.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL. How Sir Dinadan rescued a lady from Sir Breuse Saunce Pité,
+and how Sir Tristram received a shield of Morgan le Fay.
+
+So as Sir Dinadan rode by a well he found a lady making great dole.
+What aileth you? said Sir Dinadan. Sir knight, said the lady, I am the
+wofullest lady of the world, for within these five days here came a
+knight called Sir Breuse Saunce Pité, and he slew mine own brother, and
+ever since he hath kept me at his own will, and of all men in the world
+I hate him most; and therefore I require you of knighthood to avenge
+me, for he will not tarry, but be here anon. Let him come, said Sir
+Dinadan, and because of honour of all women I will do my part. With
+this came Sir Breuse, and when he saw a knight with his lady he was
+wood wroth. And then he said: Sir knight, keep thee from me. So they
+hurtled together as thunder, and either smote other passing sore, but
+Sir Dinadan put him through the shoulder a grievous wound, and or ever
+Sir Dinadan might turn him Sir Breuse was gone and fled. Then the lady
+prayed him to bring her to a castle there beside but four mile thence;
+and so Sir Dinadan brought her there, and she was welcome, for the lord
+of that castle was her uncle; and so Sir Dinadan rode his way upon his
+adventure.
+
+Now turn we this tale unto Sir Tristram, that by adventure he came to a
+castle to ask lodging, wherein was Queen Morgan le Fay; and so when Sir
+Tristram was let into that castle he had good cheer all that night. And
+upon the morn when he would have departed the queen said: Wit ye well
+ye shall not depart lightly, for ye are here as a prisoner. Jesu
+defend! said Sir Tristram, for I was but late a prisoner. Fair knight,
+said the queen, ye shall abide with me till that I wit what ye are and
+from whence ye come. And ever the queen would set Sir Tristram on her
+own side, and her paramour on the other side. And ever Queen Morgan
+would behold Sir Tristram, and thereat the knight was jealous, and was
+in will suddenly to have run upon Sir Tristram with a sword, but he
+left it for shame. Then the queen said to Sir Tristram: Tell me thy
+name, and I shall suffer you to depart when ye will. Upon that covenant
+I tell you my name is Sir Tristram de Liones. Ah, said Morgan le Fay,
+an I had wist that, thou shouldst not have departed so soon as thou
+shalt. But sithen I have made a promise I will hold it, with that thou
+wilt promise me to bear upon thee a shield that I shall deliver thee,
+unto the castle of the Hard Rock, where King Arthur had cried a great
+tournament, and there I pray you that ye will be, and to do for me as
+much deeds of arms as ye may do. For at the Castle of Maidens, Sir
+Tristram, ye did marvellous deeds of arms as ever I heard knight do.
+Madam, said Sir Tristram, let me see the shield that I shall bear. Then
+the shield was brought forth, and the field was goldish, with a king
+and a queen therein painted, and a knight standing above them, [one
+foot] upon the king’s head, and the other upon the queen’s. Madam, said
+Sir Tristram, this is a fair shield and a mighty; but what signifieth
+this king and this queen, and the knight standing upon both their
+heads? I shall tell you, said Morgan le Fay, it signifieth King Arthur
+and Queen Guenever, and a knight who holdeth them both in bondage and
+in servage. Who is that knight? said Sir Tristram. That shall ye not
+wit as at this time, said the queen. But as the French book saith,
+Queen Morgan loved Sir Launcelot best, and ever she desired him, and he
+would never love her nor do nothing at her request, and therefore she
+held many knights together for to have taken him by strength. And
+because she deemed that Sir Launcelot loved Queen Guenever paramour,
+and she him again, therefore Queen Morgan le Fay ordained that shield
+to put Sir Launcelot to a rebuke, to that intent that King Arthur might
+understand the love between them. Then Sir Tristram took that shield
+and promised her to bear it at the tournament at the Castle of the Hard
+Rock. But Sir Tristram knew not that that shield was ordained against
+Sir Launcelot, but afterward he knew it.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLI. How Sir Tristram took with him the shield, and also how he
+slew the paramour of Morgan le Fay.
+
+So then Sir Tristram took his leave of the queen, and took the shield
+with him. Then came the knight that held Queen Morgan le Fay, his name
+was Sir Hemison, and he made him ready to follow Sir Tristram. Fair
+friend, said Morgan, ride not after that knight, for ye shall not win
+no worship of him. Fie on him, coward, said Sir Hemison, for I wist
+never good knight come out of Cornwall but if it were Sir Tristram de
+Liones. What an that be he? said she. Nay, nay, said he, he is with La
+Beale Isoud, and this is but a daffish knight. Alas, my fair friend, ye
+shall find him the best knight that ever ye met withal, for I know him
+better than ye do. For your sake, said Sir Hemison, I shall slay him.
+Ah, fair friend, said the queen, me repenteth that ye will follow that
+knight, for I fear me sore of your again coming. With this this knight
+rode his way wood wroth, and he rode after Sir Tristram as fast as he
+had been chased with knights. When Sir Tristram heard a knight come
+after him so fast he returned about, and saw a knight coming against
+him. And when he came nigh to Sir Tristram he cried on high: Sir
+knight, keep thee from me. Then they rushed together as it had been
+thunder, and Sir Hemison brised his spear upon Sir Tristram, but his
+harness was so good that he might not hurt him. And Sir Tristram smote
+him harder, and bare him through the body, and he fell over his horse’s
+croup. Then Sir Tristram turned to have done more with his sword, but
+he saw so much blood go from him that him seemed he was likely to die,
+and so he departed from him and came to a fair manor to an old knight,
+and there Sir Tristram lodged.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLII. How Morgan le Fay buried her paramour, and how Sir
+Tristram praised Sir Launcelot and his kin.
+
+Now leave to speak of Sir Tristram, and speak we of the knight that was
+wounded to the death. Then his varlet alighted, and took off his helm,
+and then he asked his lord whether there were any life in him. There is
+in me life, said the knight, but it is but little; and therefore leap
+thou up behind me when thou hast holpen me up, and hold me fast that I
+fall not, and bring me to Queen Morgan le Fay; for deep draughts of
+death draw to my heart that I may not live, for I would fain speak with
+her or I died: for else my soul will be in great peril an I die.
+For[thwith] with great pain his varlet brought him to the castle, and
+there Sir Hemison fell down dead. When Morgan le Fay saw him dead she
+made great sorrow out of reason; and then she let despoil him unto his
+shirt, and so she let him put into a tomb. And about the tomb she let
+write: Here lieth Sir Hemison, slain by the hands of Sir Tristram de
+Liones.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that asked the knight his host if he saw
+late any knights adventurous. Sir, he said, the last night here lodged
+with me Ector de Maris and a damosel with him, and that damosel told me
+that he was one of the best knights of the world. That is not so, said
+Sir Tristram, for I know four better knights of his own blood, and the
+first is Sir Launcelot du Lake, call him the best knight, and Sir Bors
+de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Blamore de Ganis, and Sir Gaheris. Nay,
+said his host, Sir Gawaine is a better knight than he. That is not so,
+said Sir Tristram, for I have met with them both, and I felt Sir
+Gaheris for the better knight, and Sir Lamorak I call him as good as
+any of them except Sir Launcelot. Why name ye not Sir Tristram? said
+his host, for I account him as good as any of them. I know not Sir
+Tristram, said Tristram. Thus they talked and bourded as long as them
+list, and then went to rest. And on the morn Sir Tristram departed, and
+took his leave of his host, and rode toward the Roche Dure, and none
+adventure had Sir Tristram but that; and so he rested not till he came
+to the castle, where he saw five hundred tents.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIII. How Sir Tristram at a tournament bare the shield that
+Morgan le Fay delivered to him.
+
+Then the King of Scots and the King of Ireland held against King
+Arthur’s knights, and there began a great medley. So came in Sir
+Tristram and did marvellous deeds of arms, for there he smote down many
+knights. And ever he was afore King Arthur with that shield. And when
+King Arthur saw that shield he marvelled greatly in what intent it was
+made; but Queen Guenever deemed as it was, wherefore she was heavy.
+Then was there a damosel of Queen Morgan in a chamber by King Arthur,
+and when she heard King Arthur speak of that shield, then she spake
+openly unto King Arthur. Sir King, wit ye well this shield was ordained
+for you, to warn you of your shame and dishonour, and that longeth to
+you and your queen. And then anon that damosel picked her away privily,
+that no man wist where she was become. Then was King Arthur sad and
+wroth, and asked from whence came that damosel. There was not one that
+knew her nor wist where she was become. Then Queen Guenever called to
+her Sir Ector de Maris, and there she made her complaint to him, and
+said: I wot well this shield was made by Morgan le Fay in despite of me
+and of Sir Launcelot, wherefore I dread me sore lest I should be
+destroyed. And ever the king beheld Sir Tristram, that did so
+marvellous deeds of arms that he wondered sore what knight he might be,
+and well he wist it was not Sir Launcelot. And it was told him that Sir
+Tristram was in Petit Britain with Isoud la Blanche Mains, for he
+deemed, an he had been in the realm of Logris, Sir Launcelot or some of
+his fellows that were in the quest of Sir Tristram that they should
+have found him or that time. So King Arthur had marvel what knight he
+might be. And ever Sir Arthur’s eye was on that shield. All that espied
+the queen, and that made her sore afeard.
+
+Then ever Sir Tristram smote down knights wonderly to behold, what upon
+the right hand and upon the left hand, that unnethe no knight might
+withstand him. And the King of Scots and the King of Ireland began to
+withdraw them. When Arthur espied that, he thought that that knight
+with the strange shield should not escape him. Then he called unto him
+Sir Uwaine le Blanche Mains, and bade him arm him and make him ready.
+So anon King Arthur and Sir Uwaine dressed them before Sir Tristram,
+and required him to tell them where he had that shield. Sir, he said, I
+had it of Queen Morgan le Fay, sister unto King Arthur.
+
+ So here endeth this history of this book, for it is the first book of
+ Sir Tristram de Liones and the second book of Sir Tristram followeth.
+
+
+GLOSSARY
+
+Abashed, abased, lowered,
+Abate, depress, calm,
+Abought, paid for,
+Abraid, started,
+Accompted, counted,
+Accorded, agreed,
+Accordment, agreement,
+Acquit, repay,
+Actually, actively,
+Adoubted, afraid,
+Advision, vision,
+Afeard, afraid,
+Afterdeal, disadvantage,
+Againsay, retract,
+Aknown, known,
+Aligement, alleviation,
+Allegeance, alleviation,
+Allow, approve,
+Almeries, chests,
+Alther, gen. pl., of all,
+Amounted, mounted,
+Anealed, anointed,
+Anguishly, in pain,
+Anon, at once,
+Apair, weaken,
+Apparelled, fitted up,
+Appeach, impeach,
+Appealed, challenged, accused,
+Appertices, displays,
+Araged, enraged, ; confused,
+Araised, raised,
+Arase, obliterate,
+Areared, reared,
+Armyvestal, martial,
+Array, plight, state of affairs,
+Arrayed, situated,
+Arson, saddle-bow,
+Askance, casually,
+Assoiled, absolved,
+Assotted, infatuated,
+Assummon, summon,
+Astonied, amazed, stunned,
+At, of, by,
+At-after, after,
+Attaint, overcome,
+Aumbries, chests,
+Avail (at), at an advantage,
+Avaled, lowered,
+Avaunt, boast,
+Aventred, couched,
+Avised, be advised, take thought,
+Avision, vision,
+Avoid, quit,
+Avoided, got clear off,
+Avow, vow,
+Await of (in), in watch for,
+Awayward, away,
+Awke, sideways,
+
+Bachelors, probationers for knighthood
+Bain, bath,
+Barbican, gate-tower,
+Barget, little ship,
+Battle, division of an army,
+Bawdy, dirty,
+Beams, trumpets,
+Be-closed, enclosed,
+Become, pp., befallen, gone to,
+Bedashed, splashed,
+Behests, promises,
+Behight, promised,
+Beholden (beholding) to, obliged to,
+Behote, promised,
+Benome, deprived, taken away,
+Besants, gold coins,
+Beseek, beseech,
+Beseen, appointed, arrayed,
+Beskift, shove off,
+Bested, beset,
+Betaken, entrusted,
+Betaught, entrusted, recommended,
+Betid, happened,
+Betook, committed, entrusted,
+Bevered, quivered,
+Board, sb., deck,
+Bobaunce, boasting, pride,
+Boishe, bush, branch of a tree,
+Boistous, rough,
+Bole, trunk of a tree,
+Boot, remedy,
+Borrow out, redeem,
+Borrows, pledges,
+Bote, remedy,
+Bound, ready,
+Bourded, jested,
+Bourder, jester,
+Braced, embraced,
+Brachet, little hound,
+Braide, quick movement,
+Brast, burst, break,
+Breaths, breathing holes,
+Brief, shorten,
+Brim, fierce, furious,
+Brised, broke,
+Broached, pierced,
+Broaches, spits,
+Bur, hand-guard of a spear,
+Burble, bubble,
+Burbling, bubbling,
+Burgenetts, buds, blossoms,
+Bushment, ambush,
+By and by, immediately,
+Bywaryed, expended, bestowed,
+
+Canel bone, collar bone,
+Cankered, inveterate,
+Cantel, slice, strip,
+Careful, sorrowful, full of troubles,
+Cast (of bread), loaves baked at the same time,
+Cast, ref: v., propose,
+Cedle, schedule, note,
+Cere, wax over, embalm,; cerel,
+Certes, certainly,
+Chafe, heat, decompose,; chafed, heated,
+Chaflet, platform, scaffold,
+Champaign, open country,
+Chariot (Fr charette), cart,
+Cheer, countenance,  entertainment,
+Chierte, dearness,
+Chrism, anointing oil,
+Clatter, talk confusedly,
+Cleight, clutched,
+Cleped, called,
+Clipping, embracing,
+Cog, small boat,
+Cognisance, badge, mark of distinction,
+Coif, head-piece,
+Comfort, strengthen, help,
+Cominal, common,
+Complished, complete,
+Con, know, be able, ; con thanlt, be grateful,
+Conserve, preserve,
+Conversant, abiding in,
+Cording, agreement,
+Coronal, circlet,
+Cost, side,
+Costed, kept up with,
+Couched, lay,
+Courage, encourage,
+Courtelage, courtyard,
+Covert, sheltered,
+Covetise, covetousness,
+Covin, deceit,
+Cream, oil,
+Credence, faith,
+Croup, crupper,
+Curteist, most courteous,
+
+Daffish, foolish,
+Danger (in), under obligation to, in the power of,
+Dawed, v tr., revived,  intr. dawned,
+Deadly, mortal, human,
+Deal, part, portion,
+Debate, quarrel, strife,
+Debonair, courteous,
+Deceivable, deceitful,
+Defaded, faded,
+Default, fault,
+Defend, forbid,; defended,; forbidden,
+Defoiled, trodden down, fouled, deflowered,
+Degree (win the), rank, superiority,
+Delibered, determined,
+Deliverly, adroitly,
+Departed, divided,
+Departition, departure,
+Dere, harm,
+Descrive, describe,
+Despoiled, stripped,
+Detrenched, cut to pieces,
+Devised, looked carefully at,
+Devoir, duty, service,
+Did off, doffed,
+Dight, prepared,
+Dindled, trembled,
+Disadventure, misfortune,
+Discover, reveal,
+Disherited, disinherited,
+Disparpled, scattered,
+Dispenses, expenses,
+Disperplyd, scattered,
+Dispoiled, stripped,
+Distained, sullied, dishonoured,
+Disworship, shame,
+Dole, gift of alms,
+Dole, sorrow,
+Domineth, dominates, rules,
+Don, gift,
+Doted, foolish,
+Doubted, redoubtable,
+Draughts, privities, secret interviews, recesses,
+Drenched, drowned,
+Dress, make ready,
+Dressed up, raised,
+Dretched, troubled in sleep,
+Dretching, being troubled in sleep,
+Dromounds, war vessels,
+Dure, endure, last,; dured,; during,
+Duresse, bondage, hardship,
+Dwined, dwindled,
+
+Eased, entertained,
+Eft, after, again,
+Eftures, passages,
+Embattled, ranged for battle,
+Embushed, concealed in the woods,
+Eme, uncle,
+Empoison, poison,
+Emprised, undertook,
+Enbraid,
+Enchafe, heat,; enchafed, heated,
+Enchieve, achieve,
+Endlong, alongside of,
+Enewed, painted,
+Enforce, constrain,
+Engine, device,
+Enow, enough,
+Enquest, enterprise,
+Ensured, assured,
+Entermete, intermeddle,
+Errant, wandering,
+Estates, ranks,
+Even hand, at an equality,
+Evenlong, along,
+Everych, each, every one,
+
+Faiter, vagabond,
+Fare, sb., ado, commotion,
+Faren, pp., treated,
+Faute, lack,; fauted, lacked,
+Fealty, oath of fidelity,
+Fear, frighten,
+Feute, trace, track,
+Feuter, set in rest, couch,
+Feutred, set in socket,
+Fiaunce, affiance, promise,
+Flang, flung,; rushed,
+Flatling, prostrate,
+Fleet, float,
+Flemed, put to flight,
+Flittered, fluttered,
+Foiled, defeated, shamed,
+Foined, thrust,
+Foining, thrusting,
+Foins, thrusts,
+Foot-hot, hastily,
+For-bled, spent with bleeding,
+Force (no), no concern,
+Fordeal, advantage,
+Fordo, destroy,; fordid,
+Forecast, preconcerted plot,
+For-fared, worsted,
+Forfend, forbid,
+Forfoughten, weary with fighting,
+Forhewn, hewn to pieces,
+Forjousted, tired with jousting,
+Forthinketh, repents,
+Fortuned, happened,
+Forward, vanguard,
+Forwowmded, sorely wounded,
+Free, noble,
+Freshed,
+Froward, away from,
+
+Gad, wedge or spike of iron,
+Gainest, readiest,
+Gar, cause,
+Gart, compelled,
+Gentily, like a gentleman,
+Gerfalcon, a fine hawk,
+Germane, closely allied,
+Gest, deed, story,
+Gisarm, halberd, battle-axe,
+Glaive, sword,
+Glasting, barking,
+Glatisant, barking, yelping,
+Gobbets, lumps,
+Graithed, made ready,
+Gree, degree, superiority,
+Greed, pp., pleased, content,
+Grescs, steps,
+Grimly, ugly,
+Grovelling, on his face,
+Guerdonless, without reward,
+Guise, fashion,
+
+Habergeon, hauberk with leggings attached,
+Hair, a hair-shirt,
+Hale and how, a sailor’s cry,
+Halp, helped,
+Halsed, embraced,
+Halsing, embracing,
+Handfast, betrothed,
+Handsel, earnest-money,
+Hangers, testicles,
+Harbingers, messengers sent to prepare lodgings,
+Harness, armour,
+Hart of greese, fat deer,
+Hauberk, coat of mail,
+Haut, high, noble,
+Hauteyn, haughty,
+Heavy, sad,
+Hete, command,
+Hide, skin,
+Hied, hurried,
+High (on), aloud,
+Higher hand, the uppermost,
+Hight, called,
+Hilled, covered, concealed,
+Holden, held,
+Holp, helped,
+Holts, woods,
+Hough-bone, back part of kneejoint,
+Houselled, to be given the Eucharist,
+Hoved, hovered, waited about,
+Hurled, dashed, staggered,; hurling,
+Hurtle, dash,
+
+Incontinent, forthwith,
+Ind, dark blue,
+Infellowship, join in fellowship,
+In like, alike,
+Intermit, interpose,
+
+Japer, jester,
+Japes, jests,
+Jesseraunt, a short cuirass,
+
+Keep, sb., care,
+Keep, s., care, reck,
+Kemps, champions,
+Kind, nature,
+Kindly, natural,
+Knights parters, marshals,
+Know, acknowledge,
+Knowledging, acknowledgment, confession,
+
+Lain, conceal,
+Langering, sauntering,
+Lapped, took in her lap,
+Large, generous,
+Largeness, liberality,
+Laton, latten, brass,
+Laund, waste plain,
+Layne, conceal,
+Lazar-cot, leper-house,
+Learn, teach,
+Lears, cheeks,
+Leaved, leafy,
+Lecher, fornicator,
+Leech, physician,
+Leman, lover,
+Let, caused to,
+Let, hinder,
+Lewdest, most ignorant,
+Licours lecherous,
+Lief, dear,
+Liefer, more gladly,
+Lieve, believe,
+Limb-meal, limb from limb,
+List, desire, pleasure,
+Lithe, joint,
+Longing unto, belonging to,
+Long on (upon), because of,
+Loos, praise,
+Lotless, without a share,
+Loveday, day for. settling disputes,
+Loving, praising,
+Lunes, leashes, strings,
+Lusk, lubber,
+Lusts, inclinations,
+
+Maims, wounds,
+Makeless, matchless,
+Makers, authors, poets,
+Mas,ease, discomfort,
+Mal engine, evil design,
+Mal-fortune, ill-luck, mishap,
+Marches, borders,
+Mass-penny, offering at mass for the dead,
+Matche old, machicolated, with holes for defence,
+Maugre, sb., despite,
+Measle, disease,
+Medled, mingled,
+Medley, melee, general encounter,
+Meiny, retinue,
+Mickle, much,
+Minever, ermine,
+Mischieved, hurt,
+Mischievous, painful,
+Miscorr fort, discomfort,
+Miscreature, unbeliever,
+Missay, revile,; missaid,
+Mo, more,
+More and less, rich and poor,
+Motes, notes on a horn,
+Mount~ lance, amount of, extent,
+Much, great,
+
+Naked, unarmed,
+Namely, especially,
+Ne, nor,
+Near-hand, nearly,; near,
+Needly, needs, on your own compulsion,
+Nesh, soft, tender,
+Nigh-hand, nearly,
+Nill, will not,
+Nilt, will not,
+Nis, ne is, is not,
+Nist, ne wist, knew not,
+Noblesse, nobleness,
+Nobley, nobility, splendour,
+Noised, reported,
+Nold, would not,
+Noseling, on his nose,
+Not for then, nevertheless,
+Notoyrly, notoriously,
+Noyous, hurtful,
+
+Obeissance, obedience,
+Or, before,
+Orgule, haughtiness,
+Orgulist, haughtiest,
+Orgulite, pride, arrogance,
+Orgulous, proud,
+Other, or,
+Ouches, jewels,
+Ought, owned,
+Outcept, except,
+Outher, or,
+Out-taken, except,
+Over-evening, last night,
+Overget, overtake,
+Overhylled, covered,
+Over-led, domineered over,
+Overlong, the length of,
+Overslip, pass,
+Overthwart, adj., cross,
+Overthwart, sb., mischance,
+Overthwart and endlong, by the breadth and length,
+
+Painture, painting,
+Paitrelles, breastplate of a horse,
+Paltocks, short coats,
+Parage, descent,
+Pareil, like,
+Passing, surpassingly,
+Paynim, pagan,
+Pensel, pennon,
+Perclos, partition,
+Perdy, par Dieu,
+Perigot, falcon,
+Perish, destroy,
+Peron, tombstone,
+Pight, pitched,
+Pike, steal away,
+Piked, stole,
+Pillers, plunderers,
+Pilling, plundering,
+Pleasaunce, pleasure,
+Plenour, complete,
+Plump, sb., cluster,
+Pointling, aiming,
+Pont, bridge,
+Port, gate,
+Posseded, possessed,
+Potestate, governor,
+Precessours, predecessors,
+Press, throng,
+Pretendeth, belongs to,
+Pricker, hard rider,
+Pricking, spurring,
+Prime, A.M.,
+Prise, capture,
+Puissance, power,
+Purfle, trimming,
+Purfled, embroidered,
+Purvey, provide,
+
+Quarrels, arrowheads,
+Questing, barking,
+Quick, alive,
+Quit, repaid,; acquitted, behaved,
+
+Raced (rased), tore,
+Rack (of bulls), herd,
+Raines, a town in Brittany famous for its cloth,
+Ramping, raging,
+Range, rank, station,
+Ransacked, searched,
+Rashed, fell headlong,
+Rashing, rushing,
+Rasing, rushing,
+Rasure,
+Raundon, impetuosity,
+Rear, raise,
+Rechate, note of recall,
+Recomforted, comforted, cheered,
+Recounter, rencontre, encounter,
+Recover, rescue,
+Rede, advise, ; sb., counsel,
+Redounded, glanced back,
+Religion, religious order,
+Reneye, deny,
+Report, refer,
+Resemblaunt; semblance,
+Retrayed, drew back,
+Rightwise, rightly,
+Rivage, shore,
+Romed, roared,
+Roted, practised,
+Rove, cleft,
+Rownsepyk, a branch,
+
+Sacring, consecrating,
+Sad, serious,
+Sadly, heartily, earnestly,
+Salle, room,
+Samite, silk stuff with gold or silver
+threads,
+Sangreal, Holy Grail,
+Sarps, girdles,
+Saw, proverb,
+Scathes, harms, hurts,
+icripture, writing,
+Search, probe wounds,
+Selar, canopy,
+Semblable, like,
+Semblant, semblance,
+Sendal, fine cloth,
+Sennight, week,
+Servage, slavery,
+Sewer, officer who set on dishes and tasted them,
+Shaft-mon, handbreadth,
+Shaw, thicket,
+Sheef, thrust,
+Sheer-Thursday, Thursday in Holy Week,
+Shend, harm,
+Shenship, disgrace,
+Shent, undone, blamed,
+Shour, attack,
+Shrew, rascal,
+Shrewd, knavish,
+Sib, akin to,
+Sideling, sideways,
+Siege, seat,
+Signified, likened,
+Siker, sure,
+Sikerness, assurance,
+Sith, since,
+Sithen, afterwards, since,
+Skift, changed,
+Slade, valley,
+Slake, glen,
+Soil (to go to), hunting term for taking the water,
+Sonds, messages,
+Sort, company,
+Sperd, bolted,
+Spere, ask, inquire,
+Spered, asked,
+Sperhawk, sparrowhawk,
+Sprent, sprinkled,
+Stale, station,
+Stark, thoroughly,
+Stead, place,
+Stert, started, rose quickly,
+Steven, appointment,; steven ser. appointment made,
+Steven, voice,
+Stigh, path,
+Stilly, silently,
+Stint, fixed revenue,
+Stonied, astonished,; became confused,
+Stour, battle,
+Strain, race, descent,
+Strait, narrow,
+Straked, blew a horn,
+Sue, pursue,
+Sued, pursued,
+Surcingles, saddle girths,
+Swang, swung,
+Sweven, dream,
+Swough, sound of wind,
+
+Talent, desire,
+Tallages, taxes,
+Tallies, taxes,
+Tamed, crushed,
+Tatches, qualities,
+Tene, sorrow,
+Term, period of time,
+Thilk, that same,
+Tho, then,
+Thrang, pushed,
+Thrulled, pushed,
+Till, to,
+To-brast, burst,
+To-fore, before,
+To-morn, to-morrow,
+Took, gave,
+To-rove, broke up,
+To-shivered, broken to pieces,
+Traced, advanced and retreated,
+Trains, devices, wiles,
+Trasing, pressing forward,
+Travers (met at), came across,
+Traverse, slantwise,
+Traversed, moved sideways,
+Tray, grief,
+Treatise, treaty,
+Tree, timber,
+Trenchant, cutting, sharp,
+Tres:, hunting term,
+Truage, tribute,
+Trussed, packed,
+
+Ubblie, wafer, Host,
+Umbecast, cast about,
+Umberere, the part of the helmet which shaded the eyes,
+Umbre, shade,
+Unavised, thoughtlessly,
+Uncouth, strange,
+Underne, - A.M.,
+Ungoodly, rudely,
+Unhappy, unlucky,
+Unhilled, uncovered,
+Unr the, scarcely,
+Unsicker, unstable,
+Unwimpled, uncovered,
+Unwrast, untwisted, unbound,
+Upright, flat on the back,
+Up-so-down, upside down,
+Ure, usage,
+Utas, octave of a festival,
+Utterance, uttermost,
+
+Varlet, servant,
+Venery, hunting,
+Ven ails, breathing holes,
+Villain, man of low birth,
+Visors, the perforated parts of helmets,
+Voided, slipped away from,
+
+Wagging, shaking,
+Waited, watched,
+Waits, watches,
+Wallop, gallop,
+Wanhope, despair,
+Wap, ripple,
+Ware, aware,
+Warison, reward,
+Warn, forbid, refuse,
+Weeds, garments,
+Weltered, rolled about,
+Wend, thought,
+Wer-wolf, a man turned into a wolf by magic,
+Where, whereas,
+Wide-where, over wide space,
+Wield, possess, have power over,
+Wield himself, come to himself,
+Wight, brave, strong,
+Wightly, swiftly,
+Wildsome, desolate,
+Wimpled, with the head covered,
+Win, make way,
+Wite, v., blame,
+Within-forth, on the inside,
+Without-forth, on the outside,
+Wittiest, cleverest,
+Wittily, cleverly,
+Witting, knowledge,
+Wold or nold, would or would not,
+Wonder, adj., wondrous,
+Wonder, adv., wondrously,
+Wonderly, wonderfully,
+Wood, mad,
+Woodness, madness,
+Wood shaw, thicket of the wood,
+Worship, honour,
+Worshipped, cause to be honoured,
+Worts, roots,
+Wot, know,
+Wrack, destruction,
+Wroken, wreaked,
+Wrothe, twisted,
+
+Yede, ran,
+Yelden, yielded,
+Yerde, stick, stem,
+Yode, went,
+Yolden, yielded,
+Y-wis, certainly,
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Le Morte D’Arthur, Volume I (of II),
+by Thomas Malory
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1251 ***
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+<body>
+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1251 ***</div>
+
+<h1>Le Morte D&rsquo;Arthur</h1>
+
+<h4>King Arthur and of his Noble Knights of the Round Table</h4>
+
+<h3>by Thomas Malory</h3>
+
+<h4>IN TWO VOLS.&mdash;VOL. I</h4>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h3>Contents</h3>
+
+<table summary="" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto">
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#bibl01">BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#pref01">PREFACE OF WILLIAM CAXTON</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#part01"><b>BOOK I.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap01">CHAPTER I. First, How Uther Pendragon sent for the duke
+of Cornwall and Igraine his wife, and of their departing suddenly again.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap02">CHAPTER II. How Uther Pendragon made war on the duke of
+Cornwall, and how by the mean of Merlin he lay by the duchess and gat Arthur.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap03">CHAPTER III. Of the birth of King Arthur and of his
+nurture.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap04">CHAPTER IV. Of the death of King Uther Pendragon.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap05">CHAPTER V. How Arthur was chosen king, and of wonders
+and marvels of a sword taken out of a stone by the said Arthur.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap06">CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur pulled out the sword divers
+times.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap07">CHAPTER VII. How King Arthur was crowned, and how he
+made officers.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap08">CHAPTER VIII. How King Arthur held in Wales, at a
+Pentecost, a great feast, and what kings and lords came to his feast.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap09">CHAPTER IX. Of the first war that King Arthur had, and
+how he won the field.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap10">CHAPTER X. How Merlin counselled King Arthur to send for
+King Ban and King Bors, and of their counsel taken for the war.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap11">CHAPTER XI. Of a great tourney made by King Arthur and
+the two kings Ban and Bors, and how they went over the sea.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap12">CHAPTER XII. How eleven kings gathered a great host
+against King Arthur.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap13">CHAPTER XIII. Of a dream of the King with the Hundred
+Knights.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap14">CHAPTER XIV. How the eleven kings with their host fought
+against Arthur and his host, and many great feats of the war.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap15">CHAPTER XV. Yet of the same battle.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap16">CHAPTER XVI. Yet more of the same battle.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap17">CHAPTER XVII. Yet more of the same battle, and how it
+was ended by Merlin.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap18">CHAPTER XVIII. How King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors
+rescued King Leodegrance, and other incidents.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap19">CHAPTER XIX. How King Arthur rode to Carlion, and of his
+dream, and how he saw the questing beast.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap20">CHAPTER XX. How King Pellinore took Arthur's horse and
+followed the Questing Beast, and how Merlin met with Arthur.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap21">CHAPTER XXI. How Ulfius impeached Queen Igraine,
+Arthur's mother, of treason; and how a knight came and desired to have the
+death of his master revenged.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap22">CHAPTER XXII. How Griflet was made knight, and jousted
+with a knight</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap23">CHAPTER XXIII. How twelve knights came from Rome and
+asked truage for this land of Arthur, and how Arthur fought with a knight.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap24">CHAPTER XXIV. How Merlin saved Arthur's life, and threw
+an enchantment on King Pellinore and made him to sleep.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap25">CHAPTER XXV. How Arthur by the mean of Merlin gat
+Excalibur his sword of the Lady of the Lake.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap26">CHAPTER XXVI. How tidings came to Arthur that King
+Rience had overcome eleven kings, and how he desired Arthur's beard to trim his
+mantle.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap27">CHAPTER XXVII. How all the children were sent for that
+were born on May-day, and how Mordred was saved.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#part02"><b>BOOK II.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap28">CHAPTER I. Of a damosel which came girt with a sword for
+to find a man of such virtue to draw it out of the scabbard.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap29">CHAPTER II. How Balin, arrayed like a poor knight,
+pulled out the sword, which afterward was the cause of his death.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap30">CHAPTER III. How the Lady of the Lake demanded the
+knight's head that had won the sword, or the maiden's head.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap31">CHAPTER IV. How Merlin told the adventure of this
+damosel.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap32">CHAPTER V. How Balin was pursued by Sir Lanceor, knight
+of Ireland, and how he jousted and slew him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap33">CHAPTER VI. How a damosel, which was love to Lanceor,
+slew herself for love, and how Balin met with his brother Balan.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap34">CHAPTER VII. How a dwarf reproved Balin for the death of
+Lanceor, and how King Mark of Cornwall found them, and made a tomb over them.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap35">CHAPTER VIII. How Merlin prophesied that two the best
+knights of the world should fight there, which were Sir Lancelot and Sir
+Tristram.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap36">CHAPTER IX. How Balin and his brother, by the counsel of
+Merlin, took King Rience and brought him to King Arthur.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap37">CHAPTER X. How King Arthur had a battle against Nero and
+King Lot of Orkney, and how King Lot was deceived by Merlin, and how twelve
+kings were slain.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap38">CHAPTER XI. Of the interment of twelve kings, and of the
+prophecy of Merlin, and how Balin should give the dolorous stroke.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap39">CHAPTER XII. How a sorrowful knight came before Arthur,
+and how Balin fetched him, and how that knight was slain by a knight invisible.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap40">CHAPTER XIII. How Balin and the damosel met with a
+knight which was in likewise slain, and how the damosel bled for the custom of
+a castle.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap41">CHAPTER XIV. How Balin met with that knight named Garlon
+at a feast, and there he slew him, to have his blood to heal therewith the son
+of his host.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap42">CHAPTER XV. How Balin fought with King Pellam, and how
+his sword brake, and how he gat a spear wherewith he smote the dolorous stroke.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap43">CHAPTER XVI. How Balin was delivered by Merlin, and
+saved a knight that would have slain himself for love.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap44">CHAPTER XVII. How that knight slew his love and a knight
+lying by her, and after, how he slew himself with his own sword, and how Balin
+rode toward a castle where he lost his life.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap45">CHAPTER XVIII. How Balin met with his brother Balan, and
+how each of them slew other unknown, till they were wounded to death.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap46">CHAPTER XIX. How Merlin buried them both in one tomb,
+and of Balin's sword.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#part03"><b>BOOK III.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap47">CHAPTER I. How King Arthur took a wife, and wedded
+Guenever, daughter to Leodegrance, King of the Land of Cameliard, with whom he
+had the Round Table.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap48">CHAPTER II. How the Knights of the Round Table were
+ordained and their sieges blessed by the Bishop of Canterbury.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap49">CHAPTER III. How a poor man riding upon a lean mare
+desired King Arthur to make his son knight.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap50">CHAPTER IV. How Sir Tor was known for son of King
+Pellinore, and how Gawaine was made knight.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap51">CHAPTER V. How at feast of the wedding of King Arthur to
+Guenever, a white hart came into the hall, and thirty couple hounds, and how a
+brachet pinched the hart which was taken away.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap52">CHAPTER VI. How Sir Gawaine rode for to fetch again the
+hart, and how two brethren fought each against other for the hart.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap53">CHAPTER VII How the hart was chased into a castle and
+there slain, and how Sir Gawaine slew a lady.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap54">CHAPTER VIII. How four knights fought against Gawaine
+and Gaheris, and how they were overcome, and their lives saved at request of
+four ladies.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap55">CHAPTER IX. How Sir Tor rode after the knight with the
+brachet, and of his adventure by the way.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap56">CHAPTER X. How Sir Tor found the brachet with a lady,
+and how a knight assailed him for the said brachet.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap57">CHAPTER XI. How Sir Tor overcame the knight, and how he
+lost his head at the request of a lady.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap58">CHAPTER XII. How King Pellinore rode after the lady and
+the knight that led her away, and how a lady desired help of him, and how he
+fought with two knights for that lady, of whom he slew the one at the first
+stroke.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap59">CHAPTER XIII. How King Pellinore gat the lady and
+brought her to Camelot to the court of King Arthur.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap60">CHAPTER XIV. How on the way he heard two knights, as he
+lay by night in a valley, and of their adventures.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap61">CHAPTER XV. How when he was come to Camelot he was sworn
+upon a book to tell the truth of his quest.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#part04"><b>BOOK IV.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap62">CHAPTER I. How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of
+the ladies of the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone and there
+died.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap63">CHAPTER II. How five kings came into this land to war
+against King Arthur, and what counsel Arthur had against them.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap64">CHAPTER III. How King Arthur had ado with them and
+overthrew them, and slew the five kings and made the remnant to flee.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap65">CHAPTER IV. How the battle was finished or he came, and
+how King Arthur founded an abbey where the battle was.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap66">CHAPTER V. How Sir Tor was made knight of the Round
+Table, and how Bagdemagus was displeased.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap67">CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur, King Uriens, and Sir
+Accolon of Gaul, chased an hart, and of their marvellous adventures.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap68">CHAPTER VII. How Arthur took upon him to fight to be
+delivered out of prison, and also for to deliver twenty knights that were in
+prison.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap69">CHAPTER VIII. How Accolon found himself by a well, and
+he took upon him to do battle against Arthur.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap70">CHAPTER IX. Of the battle between King Arthur and
+Accolon.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap71">CHAPTER X. How King Arthur's sword that he fought with
+brake, and how he recovered of Accolon his own sword Excalibur, and overcame
+his enemy.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap72">CHAPTER XI. How Accolon confessed the treason of Morgan
+le Fay, King Arthur's sister, and how she would have done slay him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap73">CHAPTER XII. How Arthur accorded the two brethren, and
+delivered the twenty knights, and how Sir Accolon died.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap74">CHAPTER XIII. How Morgan would have slain Sir Uriens her
+husband, and how Sir Uwaine her son saved him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap75">CHAPTER XIV. How Queen Morgan le Fay made great sorrow
+for the death of Accolon, and how she stole away the scabbard from Arthur.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap76">CHAPTER XV. How Morgan le Fay saved a knight that should
+have been drowned, and how King Arthur returned home again.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap77">CHAPTER XVI. How the Damosel of the Lake saved King
+Arthur from mantle that should have burnt him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap78">CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine met with
+twelve fair damosels, and how they complained on Sir Marhaus.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap79">CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Marhaus jousted with Sir Gawaine
+and Sir Uwaine, and overthrew them both.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap80">CHAPTER XIX. How Sir Marhaus, Sir Gawaine, and Sir
+Uwaine met three damosels, and each of them took one.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap81">CHAPTER XX. How a knight and a dwarf strove for a lady.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap82">CHAPTER XXI. How King Pelleas suffered himself to be
+taken prisoner because he would have a sight of his lady, and how Sir Gawaine
+promised him to get to him the love of his lady.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap83">CHAPTER XXII. How Sir Gawaine came to the Lady Ettard,
+and how Sir Pelleas found them sleeping.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap84">CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Pelleas loved no more Ettard by
+means of the Damosel of the Lake, whom he loved ever after.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap85">CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Marhaus rode with the damosel, and
+how he came to the Duke of the South Marches.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap86">CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Marhaus fought with the duke and
+his four sons and made them to yield them.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap87">CHAPTER XXVI. How Sir Uwaine rode with the damosel of
+sixty year of age, and how he gat the prize at tourneying.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap88">CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Uwaine fought with two knights
+and overcame them.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap89">CHAPTER XXVIII. How at the year's end all three knights
+with their three damosels met at the fountain.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#part05"><b>BOOK V.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap90">CHAPTER I. How twelve aged ambassadors of Rome came to
+King Arthur to demand truage for Britain.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap91">CHAPTER II. How the kings and lords promised to King
+Arthur aid and help against the Romans.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap92">CHAPTER III. How King Arthur held a parliament at York,
+and how he ordained the realm should be governed in his absence.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap93">CHAPTER IV. How King Arthur being shipped and lying in
+his cabin had a marvellous dream and of the exposition thereof.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap94">CHAPTER V. How a man of the country told to him of a
+marvellous giant, and how he fought and conquered him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap95">CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur sent Sir Gawaine and other
+to Lucius, and how they were assailed and escaped with worship.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap96">CHAPTER VII. How Lucius sent certain spies in a bushment
+for to have taken his knights being prisoners, and how they were letted.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap97">CHAPTER VIII. How a senator told to Lucius of their
+discomfiture, and also of the great battle between Arthur and Lucius.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap98">CHAPTER IX How Arthur, after he had achieved the battle
+against the Romans, entered into Almaine, and so into Italy.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap99">CHAPTER X. Of a battle done by Sir Gawaine against a
+Saracen, which after was yielden and became Christian.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap100">CHAPTER XI. How the Saracens came out of a wood for to
+rescue their beasts, and of a great battle.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap101">CHAPTER XII. How Sir Gawaine returned to King Arthur
+with his prisoners, and how the King won a city, and how he was crowned
+Emperor.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#part06"><b>BOOK VI.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap102">CHAPTER I. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel departed
+from the court, and how Sir Lionel left him sleeping and was taken.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap103">CHAPTER II. How Sir Ector followed for to seek Sir
+Launcelot, and how he was taken by Sir Turquine.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap104">CHAPTER III How four queens found Launcelot sleeping,
+and how by enchantment he was taken and led into a castle.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap105">CHAPTER IV. How Sir Launcelot was delivered by the mean
+of a damosel.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap106">CHAPTER V. How a knight found Sir Launcelot lying in his
+leman's bed, and how Sir Launcelot fought with the knight.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap107">CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot was received of King
+Bagdemagus' daughter, and how he made his complaint to her father.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap108">CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a
+tournament, and how he met with Sir Turquine leading Sir Gaheris.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap109">CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Turquine fought
+together.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap110">CHAPTER IX. How Sir Turquine was slain, and how Sir
+Launcelot bade Sir Gaheris deliver all the prisoners.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap111">CHAPTER X. How Sir Launcelot rode with a damosel and
+slew a knight that distressed all ladies and also a villain that kept a bridge.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap112">CHAPTER XI. How Sir Launcelot slew two giants, and made
+a castle free.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap113">CHAPTER XII. How Sir Launcelot rode disguised in Sir
+Kay's harness, and how he smote down a knight.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap114">CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Launcelot jousted against four
+knights of the Round Table and overthrew them.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap115">CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Launcelot followed a brachet into a
+castle, where he found a dead knight, and how he after was required of a
+damosel to heal her brother.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap116">CHAPTER XV. How Sir Launcelot came into the Chapel
+Perilous and gat there of a dead corpse a piece of the cloth and a sword.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap117">CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Launcelot at the request of a lady
+recovered a falcon, by which he was deceived.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap118">CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Launcelot overtook a knight which
+chased his wife to have slain her, and how he said to him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap119">CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Launcelot came to King Arthur's
+Court, and how there were recounted all his noble feats and acts.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#part07"><b>BOOK VII.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap120">CHAPTER I. How Beaumains came to King Arthur's Court and
+demanded three petitions of King Arthur.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap121">CHAPTER II. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine were wroth
+because Sir Kay mocked Beaumains, and of a damosel which desired a knight to
+fight for a lady.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap122">CHAPTER III. How Beaumains desired the battle, and how
+it was granted to him, and how he desired to be made knight of Sir Launcelot.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap123">CHAPTER IV. How Beaumains departed, and how he gat of
+Sir Kay a spear and a shield, and how he jousted with Sir Launcelot.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap124">CHAPTER V. How Beaumains told to Sir Launcelot his name,
+and how he was dubbed knight of Sir Launcelot, and after overtook the damosel.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap125">CHAPTER VI. How Beaumains fought and slew two knights at
+a passage.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap126">CHAPTER VII. How Beaumains fought with the Knight of the
+Black Launds, and fought with him till he fell down and died.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap127">CHAPTER VIII. How the brother of the knight that was
+slain met with Beaumains, and fought with Beaumains till he was yielden.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap128">CHAPTER IX. How the damosel again rebuked Beaumains, and
+would not suffer him to sit at her table, but called him kitchen boy.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap129">CHAPTER X. How the third brother, called the Red Knight,
+jousted and fought against Beaumains, and how Beaumains overcame him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap130">CHAPTER XI. How Sir Beaumains suffered great rebukes of
+the damosel, and he suffered it patiently.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap131">CHAPTER XII. How Beaumains fought with Sir Persant of
+Inde, and made him to be yielden.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap132">CHAPTER XIII. Of the goodly communication between Sir
+Persant and Beaumains, and how he told him that his name was Sir Gareth.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap133">CHAPTER XIV. How the lady that was besieged had word
+from her sister how she had brought a knight to fight for her, and what battles
+he had achieved.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap134">CHAPTER XV. How the damosel and Beaumains came to the
+siege; and came to a sycamore tree, and there Beaumains blew a horn, and then
+the Knight of the Red Launds came to fight with him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap135">CHAPTER XVI. How the two knights met together, and of
+their talking, and how they began their battle.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap136">CHAPTER XVII. How after long fighting Beaumains overcame
+the knight and would have slain him, but at the request of the lords he saved
+his life, and made him to yield him to the lady.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap137">CHAPTER XVIII. How the knight yielded him, and how
+Beaumains made him to go unto King Arthur's court, and to cry Sir Launcelot
+mercy.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap138">CHAPTER XIX How Beaumains came to the lady, and when he
+came to the castle the gates were closed against him, and of the words that the
+lady said to him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap139">CHAPTER XX. How Sir Beaumains rode after to rescue his
+dwarf, and came into the castle where he was.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap140">CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Gareth, otherwise called Beaumains,
+came to the presence of his lady, and how they took acquaintance, and of their
+love.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap141">CHAPTER XXII. How at night came an armed knight, and
+fought with Sir Gareth, and he, sore hurt in the thigh, smote off the knight's
+head.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap142">CHAPTER XXIII. How the said knight came again the next
+night and was beheaded again, and how at the feast of Pentecost all the knights
+that Sir Gareth had overcome came and yielded them to King Arthur.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap143">CHAPTER XXIV. How King Arthur pardoned them, and
+demanded of them where Sir Gareth was.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap144">CHAPTER XXV. How the Queen of Orkney came to this feast
+of Pentecost, and Sir Gawaine and his brethren came to ask her blessing.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap145">CHAPTER XXVI. How King Arthur sent for the Lady
+Lionesse, and how she let cry a tourney at her castle, whereas came many
+knights.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap146">CHAPTER XXVII. How King Arthur went to the tournament
+with his knights, and how the lady received him worshipfully, and how the
+knights encountered.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap147">CHAPTER XXVIII. How the knights bare them in the battle.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap148">CHAPTER XXIX. Yet of the said tournament.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap149">CHAPTER XXX. How Sir Gareth was espied by the heralds,
+and how he escaped out of the field.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap150">CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Gareth came to a castle where he
+was well lodged, and he jousted with a knight and slew him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap151">CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Gareth fought with a knight that
+held within his castle thirty ladies, and how he slew him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap152">CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Gareth and Sir Gawaine fought
+each against other, and how they knew each other by the damosel Linet.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap153">CHAPTER XXXIV. How Sir Gareth acknowledged that they
+loved each other to King Arthur, and of the appointment of their wedding.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap154">CHAPTER XXXV. Of the Great Royalty, and what officers
+were made at the feast of the wedding, and of the jousts at the feast.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#part08"><b>BOOK VIII.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap155">CHAPTER I. How Sir Tristram de Liones was born, and how
+his mother died at his birth, wherefore she named him Tristram.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap156">CHAPTER II. How the stepmother of Sir Tristram had
+ordained poison for to have poisoned Sir Tristram.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap157">CHAPTER III. How Sir Tristram was sent into France, and
+had one to govern him named Gouvernail, and how he learned to harp, hawk, and
+hunt.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap158">CHAPTER IV. How Sir Marhaus came out of Ireland for to
+ask truage of Cornwall, or else he would fight therefore.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap159">CHAPTER V. How Tristram enterprized the battle to fight
+for the truage of Cornwall, and how he was made knight.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap160">CHAPTER VI. How Sir Tristram arrived into the Island for
+to furnish the battle with Sir Marhaus.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap161">CHAPTER VII. How Sir Tristram fought against Sir Marhaus
+and achieved his battle, and how Sir Marhaus fled to his ship.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap162">CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Marhaus after that he was arrived
+in Ireland died of the stroke that Sir Tristram had given him, and how Tristram
+was hurt.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap163">CHAPTER IX. How Sir Tristram was put to the keeping of
+La Beale Isoud first for to be healed of his wound.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap164">CHAPTER X. How Sir Tristram won the degree at a
+tournament in Ireland, and there made Palamides to bear no more harness in a
+year.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap165">CHAPTER XI. How the queen espied that Sir Tristram had
+slain her brother Sir Marhaus by his sword, and in what jeopardy he was.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap166">CHAPTER XII. How Sir Tristram departed from the king and
+La Beale Isoud out of Ireland for to come into Cornwall.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap167">CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Tristram and King Mark hurted each
+other for the love of a knight's wife.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap168">CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Tristram lay with the lady, and how
+her husband fought with Sir Tristram.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap169">CHAPTER XV. How Sir Bleoberis demanded the fairest lady
+in King Mark's court, whom he took away, and how he was fought with.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap170">CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Tristram fought with two knights of
+the Round Table.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap171">CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Bleoberis
+for a lady, and how the lady was put to choice to whom she would go.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap172">CHAPTER XVIII. How the lady forsook Sir Tristram and
+abode with Sir Bleoberis, and how she desired to go to her husband.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap173">CHAPTER XIX. How King Mark sent Sir Tristram for La
+Beale Isoud toward Ireland, and how by fortune he arrived into England.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap174">CHAPTER XX. How King Anguish of Ireland was summoned to
+come to King Arthur's court for treason.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap175">CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Tristram rescued a child from a
+knight, and how Gouvernail told him of King Anguish.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap176">CHAPTER XXII. How Sir Tristram fought for Sir Anguish
+and overcame his adversary, and how his adversary would never yield him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap177">CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Blamore desired Tristram to slay
+him, and how Sir Tristram spared him, and how they took appointment.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap178">CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Tristram demanded La Beale Isoud
+for King Mark, and how Sir Tristram and Isoud drank the love drink.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap179">CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Tristram and Isoud were in prison,
+and how he fought for her beauty, and smote off another lady's head.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap180">CHAPTER XXVI. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Breunor,
+and at the last smote off his head.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap181">CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Galahad fought with Sir Tristram,
+and how Sir Tristram yielded him and promised to fellowship with Launcelot.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap182">CHAPTER XXVIII. How Sir Launcelot met with Sir Carados
+bearing away Sir Gawaine, and of the rescue of Sir Gawaine.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap183">CHAPTER XXIX. Of the wedding of King Mark to La Beale
+Isoud, and of Bragwaine her maid, and of Palamides.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap184">CHAPTER XXX. How Palamides demanded Queen Isoud, and how
+Lambegus rode after to rescue her, and of the escape of Isoud.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap185">CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Tristram rode after Palamides, and
+how he found him and fought with him, and by the means of Isoud the battle
+ceased.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap186">CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Tristram brought Queen Isoud
+home, and of the debate of King Mark and Sir Tristram.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap187">CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Lamorak jousted with thirty
+knights, and Sir Tristram at the request of King Mark smote his horse down.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap188">CHAPTER XXXIV. How Sir Lamorak sent an horn to King Mark
+in despite of Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram was driven into a chapel.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap189">CHAPTER XXXV. How Sir Tristram was holpen by his men,
+and of Queen Isoud which was put in a lazar-cote, and how Tristram was hurt.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap190">CHAPTER XXXVI. How Sir Tristram served in war King Howel
+of Brittany, and slew his adversary in the field.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap191">CHAPTER XXXVII. How Sir Suppinabiles told Sir Tristram
+how he was defamed in the court of King Arthur, and of Sir Lamorak.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap192">CHAPTER XXXVIII. How Sir Tristram and his wife arrived
+in Wales, and how he met there with Sir Lamorak.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap193">CHAPTER XXXIX. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Nabon,
+and overcame him, and made Sir Segwarides lord of the isle.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap194">CHAPTER XL</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap195">CHAPTER XLI. How Sir Lamorak slew Sir Frol, and of the
+courteous fighting with Sir Belliance his brother.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#part09"><b>BOOK IX.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap196">CHAPTER I. How a young man came into the court of King
+Arthur, and how Sir Kay called him in scorn La Cote Male Taile.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap197">CHAPTER II. How a damosel came into the court and
+desired a knight to take on him an enquest, which La Cote Male Taile emprised.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap198">CHAPTER III. How La Cote Male Taile overthrew Sir
+Dagonet the king's fool, and of the rebuke that he had of the damosel.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap199">CHAPTER IV. How La Cote Male Taile fought against an
+hundred knights, and how he escaped by the mean of a lady.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap200">CHAPTER V. How Sir Launcelot came to the court and heard
+of La Cote Male Taile, and how he followed after him, and how La Cote Male
+Taile was prisoner.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap201">CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot fought with six knights,
+and after with Sir Brian, and how he delivered the prisoners.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap202">CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot met with the damosel
+named Male disant, and named her the Damosel Bienpensant.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap203">CHAPTER VIII. How La Cote Male Taile was taken prisoner,
+and after rescued by Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot overcame four
+brethren.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap204">CHAPTER IX. How Sir Launcelot made La Cote Male Taile
+lord of the Castle of Pendragon, and after was made knight of the Round Table.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap205">CHAPTER X. How La Beale Isoud sent letters to Sir
+Tristram by her maid Bragwaine, and of divers adventures of Sir Tristram.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap206">CHAPTER XI. How Sir Tristram met with Sir Lamorak de
+Galis, and how they fought, and after accorded never to fight together.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap207">CHAPTER XII. How Sir Palomides followed the Questing
+Beast, and smote down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one spear.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap208">CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Lamorak met with Sir Meliagaunce,
+and fought together for the beauty of Dame Guenever.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap209">CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Kay met with Sir Tristram, and after
+of the shame spoken of the knights of Cornwall, and how they jousted.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap210">CHAPTER XV. How King Arthur was brought into the Forest
+Perilous, and how Sir Tristram saved his life.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap211">CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Tristram came to La Beale Isoud,
+and how Kehydius began to love Beale Isoud, and of a letter that Tristram
+found.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap212">CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Tristram departed from Tintagil,
+and how he sorrowed and was so long in a forest till he was out of his mind.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap213">CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Tristram soused Dagonet in a
+well, and how Palomides sent a damosel to seek Tristram, and how Palomides met
+with King Mark.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap214">CHAPTER XIX. How it was noised how Sir Tristram was dead,
+and how La Beale Isoud would have slain herself.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap215">CHAPTER XX. How King Mark found Sir Tristram naked, and
+made him to be borne home to Tintagil, and how he was there known by a brachet.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap216">CHAPTER XXI. How King Mark, by the advice of his
+council, banished Sir Tristram out of Cornwall the term of ten years.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap217">CHAPTER XXII. How a damosel sought help to help Sir
+Launcelot against thirty knights, and how Sir Tristram fought with them.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap218">CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan came to a
+lodging where they must joust with two knights.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap219">CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Tristram jousted with Sir Kay and
+Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and how Sir Gawaine turned Sir Tristram from Morgan
+le Fay.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap220">CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Tristram and Sir Gawaine rode to
+have foughten with the thirty knights, but they durst not come out.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap221">CHAPTER XXVI. How damosel Bragwaine found Tristram
+sleeping by a well, and how she delivered letters to him from La Beale Isoud.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap222">CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Tristram had a fall with Sir
+Palomides, and how Launcelot overthrew two knights.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap223">CHAPTER XXVIII. How Sir Launcelot jousted with Palomides
+and overthrew him, and after he was assailed with twelve knights.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap224">CHAPTER XXIX. How Sir Tristram behaved him the first day
+of the tournament, and there he had the prize.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap225">CHAPTER XXX. How Sir Tristram returned against King
+Arthur's party because he saw Sir Palomides on that party.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap226">CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Tristram found Palomides by a
+well, and brought him with him to his lodging.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap227">CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Tristram smote down Sir
+Palomides, and how he jousted with King Arthur, and other feats.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap228">CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Launcelot hurt Sir Tristram, and
+how after Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap229">CHAPTER XXXIV. How the prize of the third day was given
+to Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot gave it to Sir Tristram.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap230">CHAPTER XXXV. How Palomides came to the castle where
+Sir Tristram was, and of the quest that Sir Launcelot and ten knights made for
+Sir Tristram.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap231">CHAPTER XXXVI. How Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir
+Dinadan were taken and put in prison.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap232">CHAPTER XXXVII. How King Mark was sorry for the good
+renown of Sir Tristram. Some of King Arthur's knights jousted with knights of
+Cornwall.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap233">CHAPTER XXXVIII. Of the treason of King Mark, and how Sir
+Gaheris smote him down and Andred his cousin.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap234">CHAPTER XXXIX. How after that Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides,
+and Sir Dinadan had been long in prison they were delivered.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap235">CHAPTER XL. How Sir Dinadan rescued a lady from Sir
+Breuse Saunce Pité, and how Sir Tristram received a shield of Morgan le Fay.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap236">CHAPTER XLI. How Sir Tristram took with him the shield,
+and also how he slew the paramour of Morgan le Fay.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap237">CHAPTER XLII. How Morgan le Fay buried her paramour,
+and how Sir Tristram praised Sir Launcelot and his kin.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap238">CHAPTER XLIII. How Sir Tristram at a tournament bare the
+shield that Morgan le Fay delivered to him.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#glos01"><b>GLOSSARY</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+</table>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="bibl01"></a>BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE</h3>
+
+<p>
+The Morte D&rsquo;Arthur was finished, as the epilogue tells us, in the ninth
+year of Edward IV., i.e. between March 4, 1469 and the same date in 1470. It is
+thus, fitly enough, the last important English book written before the
+introduction of printing into this country, and since no manuscript of it has
+come down to us it is also the first English classic for our knowledge of which
+we are entirely dependent on a printed text. Caxton&rsquo;s story of how the
+book was brought to him and he was induced to print it may be read farther on
+in his own preface. From this we learn also that he was not only the printer of
+the book, but to some extent its editor also, dividing Malory&rsquo;s work into
+twenty-one books, splitting up the books into chapters, by no means skilfully,
+and supplying the &ldquo;Rubrish&rdquo; or chapter-headings. It may be added
+that Caxton&rsquo;s preface contains, moreover, a brief criticism which, on the
+points on which it touches, is still the soundest and most sympathetic that has
+been written.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Caxton finished his edition the last day of July 1485, some fifteen or sixteen
+years after Malory wrote his epilogue. It is clear that the author was then
+dead, or the printer would not have acted as a clumsy editor to the book, and
+recent discoveries (if bibliography may, for the moment, enlarge its bounds to
+mention such matters) have revealed with tolerable certainty when Malory died
+and who he was. In letters to The Athenaeum in July 1896 Mr. T. Williams
+pointed out that the name of a Sir Thomas Malorie occurred among those of a
+number of other Lancastrians excluded from a general pardon granted by Edward
+IV. in 1468, and that a William Mallerye was mentioned in the same year as
+taking part in a Lancastrian rising. In September 1897, again, in another
+letter to the same paper, Mr. A. T. Martin reported the finding of the will of
+a Thomas Malory of Papworth, a hundred partly in Cambridgeshire, partly in
+Hunts. This will was made on September 16, 1469, and as it was proved the 27th
+of the next month the testator must have been in immediate expectation of
+death. It contains the most careful provision for the education and starting in
+life of a family of three daughters and seven sons, of whom the youngest seems
+to have been still an infant. We cannot say with certainty that this Thomas
+Malory, whose last thoughts were so busy for his children, was our author, or
+that the Lancastrian knight discovered by Mr. Williams was identical with
+either or both, but such evidence as the Morte D&rsquo;Arthur offers favours
+such a belief. There is not only the epilogue with its petition, &ldquo;pray
+for me while I am alive that God send me good deliverance and when I am dead
+pray you all for my soul,&rdquo; but this very request is foreshadowed at the
+end of chap. 37 of Book ix. in the touching passage, surely inspired by
+personal experience, as to the sickness &ldquo;that is the greatest pain a
+prisoner may have&rdquo;; and the reflections on English fickleness in the
+first chapter of Book xxi., though the Wars of the Roses might have inspired
+them in any one, come most naturally from an author who was a Lancastrian
+knight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+If the Morte D&rsquo;Arthur was really written in prison and by a prisoner
+distressed by ill-health as well as by lack of liberty, surely no task was ever
+better devised to while away weary hours. Leaving abundant scope for
+originality in selection, modification, and arrangement, as a compilation and
+translation it had in it that mechanical element which adds the touch of
+restfulness to literary work. No original, it is said, has yet been found for
+Book vii., and it is possible that none will ever be forthcoming for chap. 20
+of Book xviii., which describes the arrival of the body of the Fair Maiden of
+Astolat at Arthur&rsquo;s court, or vii for chap. 25 of the same book, with its
+discourse on true love; but the great bulk of the work has been traced chapter
+by chapter to the &ldquo;Merlin&rdquo; of Robert de Borron and his successors
+(Bks. i.-iv.), the English metrical romance La Morte Arthur of the Thornton
+manuscript (Bk. v.), the French romances of Tristan (Bks. viii.-x.) and of
+Launcelot (Bks. vi., xi.-xix.), and lastly to the English prose Morte Arthur of
+Harley MS. 2252 (Bks. xviii., xx., xxi.). As to Malory&rsquo;s choice of his
+authorities critics have not failed to point out that now and again he gives a
+worse version where a better has come down to us, and if he had been able to
+order a complete set of Arthurian manuscripts from his bookseller, no doubt he
+would have done even better than he did! But of the skill, approaching to
+original genius, with which he used the books from which he worked there is
+little dispute.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Malory died leaving his work obviously unrevised, and in this condition it was
+brought to Caxton, who prepared it for the press with his usual enthusiasm in
+the cause of good literature, and also, it must be added, with his usual
+carelessness. New chapters are sometimes made to begin in the middle of a
+sentence, and in addition to simple misprints there are numerous passages in
+which it is impossible to believe that we have the text as Malory intended it
+to stand. After Caxton&rsquo;s edition Malory&rsquo;s manuscript must have
+disappeared, and subsequent editions are differentiated only by the degree of
+closeness with which they follow the first. Editions appeared printed by Wynkyn
+de Worde in 1498 and 1529, by William Copland in 1559, by Thomas East about
+1585, and by Thomas Stansby in 1634, each printer apparently taking the text of
+his immediate predecessor and reproducing it with modifications.
+Stansby&rsquo;s edition served for reprints in 1816 and 1856 (the latter edited
+by Thomas Wright); but in 1817 an edition supervised by Robert Southey went
+back to Caxton&rsquo;s text, though to a copy (only two are extant, and only
+one perfect!) in which eleven leaves were supplied from Wynkyn de Worde&rsquo;s
+reprint. In 1868 Sir Edward Strachey produced for the present publishers a
+reprint of Southey&rsquo;s text in modern spelling, with the substitution of
+current words for those now obsolete, and the softening of a handful of
+passages likely, he thought, to prevent the book being placed in the hands of
+boys. In 1889 a boon was conferred on scholars by the publication of Dr. H.
+Oskar Sommer&rsquo;s page-for-page reprint of Caxton&rsquo;s text, with an
+elaborate discussion of Malory&rsquo;s sources. Dr. Sommer&rsquo;s edition was
+used by Sir E. Strachey to revise his Globe text, and in 1897 Mr. Israel
+Gollancz produced for the &ldquo;Temple Classics&rdquo; a very pretty edition
+in which Sir Edward Strachey&rsquo;s principles of modernisation in spelling
+and punctuation were adopted, but with the restoration of obsolete words and
+omitted phrases. As to the present edition, Sir Edward Strachey altered with so
+sparing a hand that on many pages differences between his version and that here
+printed will be looked for in vain; but the most anxious care has been taken to
+produce a text modernised as to its spelling, but in other respects in accurate
+accordance with Caxton&rsquo;s text, as represented by Dr Sommer&rsquo;s
+reprint. Obvious misprints have been silently corrected, but in a few cases
+notes show where emendations have been introduced from Wynkyn de
+Worde&mdash;not that Wynkyn had any more right to emend Caxton than we, but
+because even a printer&rsquo;s conjecture gains a little sanctity after four
+centuries. The restoration of obsolete words has necessitated a much fuller
+glossary, and the index of names has therefore been separated from it and
+enlarged. In its present form the index is the work of Mr. Henry Littlehales.
+</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+A. W. POLLARD.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="pref01"></a>PREFACE OF WILLIAM CAXTON</h3>
+
+<p>
+After that I had accomplished and finished divers histories, as well of
+contemplation as of other historial and worldly acts of great conquerors and
+princes, and also certain books of ensamples and doctrine, many noble and
+divers gentlemen of this realm of England came and demanded me many and oft
+times, wherefore that I have not do made and imprint the noble history of the
+Saint Greal, and of the most renowned Christian king, first and chief of the
+three best Christian, and worthy, King Arthur, which ought most to be
+remembered among us Englishmen to-fore all other Christian kings; for it is
+notoyrly known through the universal world, that there be nine worthy and the
+best that ever were, that is to wit, three Paynims, three Jews, and three
+Christian men. As for the Paynims, they were to-fore the Incarnation of Christ,
+which were named, the first Hector of Troy, of whom the history is comen both
+in ballad and in prose, the second Alexander the Great, and the third Julius
+Caesar, Emperor of Rome, of whom the histories be well known and had. And as
+for the three Jews, which also were to-fore the incarnation of our Lord, of
+whom the first was duke Joshua which brought the children of Israel into the
+land of behest, the second David king of Jerusalem, and the third Judas
+Machabeus, of these three the Bible rehearseth all their noble histories and
+acts. And since the said Incarnation have been three noble Christian men,
+stalled and admitted through the universal world into the number of the nine
+best and worthy. Of whom was first the noble Arthur, whose noble acts I purpose
+to write in this present book here following. The second was Charlemain, or
+Charles the Great, of whom the history is had in many places, both in French
+and in English. And the third and last was Godfrey of Boloine, of whose acts
+and life I made a book unto the excellent prince and king of noble memory, King
+Edward the Fourth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The said noble gentlemen instantly required me to imprint the history of the
+said noble king and conqueror King Arthur, and of his knights, with the history
+of the Saint Greal, and of the death and ending of the said Arthur; affirming
+that I ought rather to imprint his acts and noble feats, than of Godfrey of
+Boloine, or any of the other eight, considering that he was a man born within
+this realm, and king and emperor of the same: and that there be in French
+divers and many noble volumes of his acts, and also of his knights. To whom I
+answered that divers men hold opinion that there was no such Arthur, and that
+all such books as been made of him be feigned and fables, because that some
+chronicles make of him no mention, nor remember him nothing, nor of his
+knights. Whereto they answered, and one in special said, that in him that
+should say or think that there was never such a king called Arthur might well
+be aretted great folly and blindness. For he said that there were many
+evidences of the contrary. First ye may see his sepulchre in the monastery of
+Glastonbury. And also in Policronicon, in the fifth book the sixth chapter, and
+in the seventh book the twenty-third chapter, where his body was buried, and
+after found, and translated into the said monastery. Ye shall see also in the
+history of Bochas, in his book De Casu Principum, part of his noble acts, and
+also of his fall. Also Galfridus in his British book recounteth his life: and
+in divers places of England many remembrances be yet of him, and shall remain
+perpetually, and also of his knights. First in the abbey of Westminster, at St.
+Edward&rsquo;s shrine, remaineth the print of his seal in red wax closed in
+beryl, in which is written, Patricius Arthurus Britannie, Gallie, Germanie,
+Dacie, Imperator. Item in the castle of Dover ye may see Gawaine&rsquo;s skull,
+and Cradok&rsquo;s mantle: at Winchester the Round Table: in other places
+Launcelot&rsquo;s sword and many other things. Then all these things
+considered, there can no man reasonably gainsay but there was a king of this
+land named Arthur. For in all places, Christian and heathen, he is reputed and
+taken for one of the nine worthy, and the first of the three Christian men. And
+also, he is more spoken of beyond the sea, more books made of his noble acts,
+than there be in England, as well in Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and Greekish, as
+in French. And yet of record remain in witness of him in Wales, in the town of
+Camelot, the great stones and the marvellous works of iron lying under the
+ground, and royal vaults, which divers now living have seen. Wherefore it is a
+marvel why he is no more renowned in his own country, save only it accordeth to
+the Word of God, which saith that no man is accepted for a prophet in his own
+country.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then all these things aforesaid alleged, I could not well deny but that there
+was such a noble king named Arthur, and reputed one of the nine worthy, and
+first and chief of the Christian men. And many noble volumes be made of him and
+of his noble knights in French, which I have seen and read beyond the sea,
+which be not had in our maternal tongue. But in Welsh be many and also in
+French, and some in English but nowhere nigh all. Wherefore, such as have late
+been drawn out briefly into English I have after the simple conning that God
+hath sent to me, under the favour and correction of all noble lords and
+gentlemen, enprised to imprint a book of the noble histories of the said King
+Arthur, and of certain of his knights, after a copy unto me delivered, which
+copy Sir Thomas Malorye did take out of certain books of French, and reduced it
+into English. And I, according to my copy, have done set it in imprint, to the
+intent that noble men may see and learn the noble acts of chivalry, the gentle
+and virtuous deeds that some knights used in those days, by which they came to
+honour, and how they that were vicious were punished and oft put to shame and
+rebuke; humbly beseeching all noble lords and ladies, with all other estates of
+what estate or degree they been of, that shall see and read in this said book
+and work, that they take the good and honest acts in their remembrance, and to
+follow the same. Wherein they shall find many joyous and pleasant histories,
+and noble and renowned acts of humanity, gentleness, and chivalry. For herein
+may be seen noble chivalry, courtesy, humanity, friendliness, hardiness, love,
+friendship, cowardice, murder, hate, virtue, and sin. Do after the good and
+leave the evil, and it shall bring you to good fame and renown. And for to pass
+the time this book shall be pleasant to read in, but for to give faith and
+belief that all is true that is contained herein, ye be at your liberty: but
+all is written for our doctrine, and for to beware that we fall not to vice nor
+sin, but to exercise and follow virtue, by which we may come and attain to good
+fame and renown in this life, and after this short and transitory life to come
+unto everlasting bliss in heaven; the which He grant us that reigneth in
+heaven, the blessed Trinity. Amen.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to proceed forth in this said book, which I direct unto all noble princes,
+lords and ladies, gentlemen or gentlewomen, that desire to read or hear read of
+the noble and joyous history of the great conqueror and excellent king, King
+Arthur, sometime king of this noble realm, then called Britain; I, William
+Caxton, simple person, present this book following, which I have enprised to
+imprint: and treateth of the noble acts, feats of arms of chivalry, prowess,
+hardiness, humanity, love, courtesy, and very gentleness, with many wonderful
+histories and adventures. And for to understand briefly the content of this
+volume, I have divided it into XXI Books, and every book chaptered, as
+hereafter shall by God&rsquo;s grace follow. The First Book shall treat how
+Uther Pendragon gat the noble conqueror King Arthur, and containeth xxviii
+chapters. The Second Book treateth of Balin the noble knight, and containeth
+xix chapters. The Third Book treateth of the marriage of King Arthur to Queen
+Guenever, with other matters, and containeth xv chapters. The Fourth Book, how
+Merlin was assotted, and of war made to King Arthur, and containeth xxix
+chapters. The Fifth Book treateth of the conquest of Lucius the emperor, and
+containeth xii chapters. The Sixth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and Sir
+Lionel, and marvellous adventures, and containeth xviii chapters. The Seventh
+Book treateth of a noble knight called Sir Gareth, and named by Sir Kay
+Beaumains, and containeth xxxvi chapters. The Eighth Book treateth of the birth
+of Sir Tristram the noble knight, and of his acts, and containeth xli chapters.
+The Ninth Book treateth of a knight named by Sir Kay Le Cote Male Taille, and
+also of Sir Tristram, and containeth xliv chapters. The Tenth Book treateth of
+Sir Tristram, and other marvellous adventures, and containeth lxxxviii
+chapters. The Eleventh Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and Sir Galahad, and
+containeth xiv chapters. The Twelfth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and his
+madness, and containeth xiv chapters. The Thirteenth Book treateth how Galahad
+came first to king Arthur&rsquo;s court, and the quest how the Sangreal was
+begun, and containeth xx chapters. The Fourteenth Book treateth of the quest of
+the Sangreal, and containeth x chapters. The Fifteenth Book treateth of Sir
+Launcelot, and containeth vi chapters. The Sixteenth Book treateth of Sir Bors
+and Sir Lionel his brother, and containeth xvii chapters. The Seventeenth Book
+treateth of the Sangreal, and containeth xxiii chapters. The Eighteenth Book
+treateth of Sir Launcelot and the queen, and containeth xxv chapters. The
+Nineteenth Book treateth of Queen Guenever and Launcelot, and containeth xiii
+chapters. The Twentieth Book treateth of the piteous death of Arthur, and
+containeth xxii chapters. The Twenty-first Book treateth of his last departing,
+and how Sir Launcelot came to revenge his death, and containeth xiii chapters.
+The sum is twenty-one books, which contain the sum of five hundred and seven
+chapters, as more plainly shall follow hereafter.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="part01"></a>BOOK I.</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap01"></a>CHAPTER I.<br/>First, How Uther Pendragon sent for the
+duke of Cornwall and Igraine his wife, and of their departing suddenly
+again.</h3>
+
+<p>
+It befell in the days of Uther Pendragon, when he was king of all England, and
+so reigned, that there was a mighty duke in Cornwall that held war against him
+long time. And the duke was called the Duke of Tintagil. And so by means King
+Uther sent for this duke, charging him to bring his wife with him, for she was
+called a fair lady, and a passing wise, and her name was called Igraine.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when the duke and his wife were come unto the king, by the means of great
+lords they were accorded both. The king liked and loved this lady well, and he
+made them great cheer out of measure, and desired to have lain by her. But she
+was a passing good woman, and would not assent unto the king. And then she told
+the duke her husband, and said, I suppose that we were sent for that I should
+be dishonoured; wherefore, husband, I counsel you, that we depart from hence
+suddenly, that we may ride all night unto our own castle. And in like wise as
+she said so they departed, that neither the king nor none of his council were
+ware of their departing. All so soon as King Uther knew of their departing so
+suddenly, he was wonderly wroth. Then he called to him his privy council, and
+told them of the sudden departing of the duke and his wife.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then they advised the king to send for the duke and his wife by a great charge;
+and if he will not come at your summons, then may ye do your best, then have ye
+cause to make mighty war upon him. So that was done, and the messengers had
+their answers; and that was this shortly, that neither he nor his wife would
+not come at him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then was the king wonderly wroth. And then the king sent him plain word again,
+and bade him be ready and stuff him and garnish him, for within forty days he
+would fetch him out of the biggest castle that he hath.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When the duke had this warning, anon he went and furnished and garnished two
+strong castles of his, of the which the one hight Tintagil, and the other
+castle hight Terrabil. So his wife Dame Igraine he put in the castle of
+Tintagil, and himself he put in the castle of Terrabil, the which had many
+issues and posterns out. Then in all haste came Uther with a great host, and
+laid a siege about the castle of Terrabil. And there he pight many pavilions,
+and there was great war made on both parties, and much people slain. Then for
+pure anger and for great love of fair Igraine the king Uther fell sick. So came
+to the king Uther Sir Ulfius, a noble knight, and asked the king why he was
+sick. I shall tell thee, said the king, I am sick for anger and for love of
+fair Igraine, that I may not be whole. Well, my lord, said Sir Ulfius, I shall
+seek Merlin, and he shall do you remedy, that your heart shall be pleased. So
+Ulfius departed, and by adventure he met Merlin in a beggar&rsquo;s array, and
+there Merlin asked Ulfius whom he sought. And he said he had little ado to tell
+him. Well, said Merlin, I know whom thou seekest, for thou seekest Merlin;
+therefore seek no farther, for I am he; and if King Uther will well reward me,
+and be sworn unto me to fulfil my desire, that shall be his honour and profit
+more than mine; for I shall cause him to have all his desire. All this will I
+undertake, said Ulfius, that there shall be nothing reasonable but thou shalt
+have thy desire. Well, said Merlin, he shall have his intent and desire. And
+therefore, said Merlin, ride on your way, for I will not be long behind.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap02"></a>CHAPTER II.<br/>How Uther Pendragon made war on the
+duke of Cornwall, and how by the mean of Merlin he lay by the duchess and gat
+Arthur.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Ulfius was glad, and rode on more than a pace till that he came to King
+Uther Pendragon, and told him he had met with Merlin. Where is he? said the
+king. Sir, said Ulfius, he will not dwell long. Therewithal Ulfius was ware
+where Merlin stood at the porch of the pavilion&rsquo;s door. And then Merlin
+was bound to come to the king. When King Uther saw him, he said he was welcome.
+Sir, said Merlin, I know all your heart every deal; so ye will be sworn unto me
+as ye be a true king anointed, to fulfil my desire, ye shall have your desire.
+Then the king was sworn upon the Four Evangelists. Sir, said Merlin, this is my
+desire: the first night that ye shall lie by Igraine ye shall get a child on
+her, and when that is born, that it shall be delivered to me for to nourish
+there as I will have it; for it shall be your worship, and the child&rsquo;s
+avail, as mickle as the child is worth. I will well, said the king, as thou
+wilt have it. Now make you ready, said Merlin, this night ye shall lie with
+Igraine in the castle of Tintagil; and ye shall be like the duke her husband,
+Ulfius shall be like Sir Brastias, a knight of the duke&rsquo;s, and I will be
+like a knight that hight Sir Jordanus, a knight of the duke&rsquo;s. But wait
+ye make not many questions with her nor her men, but say ye are diseased, and
+so hie you to bed, and rise not on the morn till I come to you, for the castle
+of Tintagil is but ten miles hence; so this was done as they devised. But the
+duke of Tintagil espied how the king rode from the siege of Terrabil, and
+therefore that night he issued out of the castle at a postern for to have
+distressed the king&rsquo;s host. And so, through his own issue, the duke
+himself was slain or ever the king came at the castle of Tintagil.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So after the death of the duke, King Uther lay with Igraine more than three
+hours after his death, and begat on her that night Arthur, and on day came
+Merlin to the king, and bade him make him ready, and so he kissed the lady
+Igraine and departed in all haste. But when the lady heard tell of the duke her
+husband, and by all record he was dead or ever King Uther came to her, then she
+marvelled who that might be that lay with her in likeness of her lord; so she
+mourned privily and held her peace. Then all the barons by one assent prayed
+the king of accord betwixt the lady Igraine and him; the king gave them leave,
+for fain would he have been accorded with her. So the king put all the trust in
+Ulfius to entreat between them, so by the entreaty at the last the king and she
+met together. Now will we do well, said Ulfius, our king is a lusty knight and
+wifeless, and my lady Igraine is a passing fair lady; it were great joy unto us
+all, an it might please the king to make her his queen. Unto that they all well
+accorded and moved it to the king. And anon, like a lusty knight, he assented
+thereto with good will, and so in all haste they were married in a morning with
+great mirth and joy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And King Lot of Lothian and of Orkney then wedded Margawse that was
+Gawaine&rsquo;s mother, and King Nentres of the land of Garlot wedded Elaine.
+All this was done at the request of King Uther. And the third sister Morgan le
+Fay was put to school in a nunnery, and there she learned so much that she was
+a great clerk of necromancy. And after she was wedded to King Uriens of the
+land of Gore, that was Sir Ewain&rsquo;s le Blanchemain&rsquo;s father.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap03"></a>CHAPTER III.<br/>Of the birth of King Arthur and of
+his nurture.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Queen Igraine waxed daily greater and greater, so it befell after within
+half a year, as King Uther lay by his queen, he asked her, by the faith she
+owed to him, whose was the body; then she sore abashed to give answer. Dismay
+you not, said the king, but tell me the truth, and I shall love you the better,
+by the faith of my body. Sir, said she, I shall tell you the truth. The same
+night that my lord was dead, the hour of his death, as his knights record,
+there came into my castle of Tintagil a man like my lord in speech and in
+countenance, and two knights with him in likeness of his two knights Brastias
+and Jordanus, and so I went unto bed with him as I ought to do with my lord,
+and the same night, as I shall answer unto God, this child was begotten upon
+me. That is truth, said the king, as ye say; for it was I myself that came in
+the likeness, and therefore dismay you not, for I am father of the child; and
+there he told her all the cause, how it was by Merlin&rsquo;s counsel. Then the
+queen made great joy when she knew who was the father of her child.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Soon came Merlin unto the king, and said, Sir, ye must purvey you for the
+nourishing of your child. As thou wilt, said the king, be it. Well, said
+Merlin, I know a lord of yours in this land, that is a passing true man and a
+faithful, and he shall have the nourishing of your child, and his name is Sir
+Ector, and he is a lord of fair livelihood in many parts in England and Wales;
+and this lord, Sir Ector, let him be sent for, for to come and speak with you,
+and desire him yourself, as he loveth you, that he will put his own child to
+nourishing to another woman, and that his wife nourish yours. And when the
+child is born let it be delivered to me at yonder privy postern unchristened.
+So like as Merlin devised it was done. And when Sir Ector was come he made
+fiaunce to the king for to nourish the child like as the king desired; and
+there the king granted Sir Ector great rewards. Then when the lady was
+delivered, the king commanded two knights and two ladies to take the child,
+bound in a cloth of gold, and that ye deliver him to what poor man ye meet at
+the postern gate of the castle. So the child was delivered unto Merlin, and so
+he bare it forth unto Sir Ector, and made an holy man to christen him, and
+named him Arthur; and so Sir Ector&rsquo;s wife nourished him with her own pap.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap04"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br/>Of the death of King Uther
+Pendragon.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then within two years King Uther fell sick of a great malady. And in the
+meanwhile his enemies usurped upon him, and did a great battle upon his men,
+and slew many of his people. Sir, said Merlin, ye may not lie so as ye do, for
+ye must to the field though ye ride on an horse-litter: for ye shall never have
+the better of your enemies but if your person be there, and then shall ye have
+the victory. So it was done as Merlin had devised, and they carried the king
+forth in an horse-litter with a great host towards his enemies. And at St.
+Albans there met with the king a great host of the North. And that day Sir
+Ulfius and Sir Brastias did great deeds of arms, and King Uther&rsquo;s men
+overcame the Northern battle and slew many people, and put the remnant to
+flight. And then the king returned unto London, and made great joy of his
+victory. And then he fell passing sore sick, so that three days and three
+nights he was speechless: wherefore all the barons made great sorrow, and asked
+Merlin what counsel were best. There is none other remedy, said Merlin, but God
+will have his will. But look ye all barons be before King Uther to-morn, and
+God and I shall make him to speak. So on the morn all the barons with Merlin
+came to-fore the king; then Merlin said aloud unto King Uther, 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&rsquo;s blessing and mine, and bid him pray for my soul, and righteously
+and worshipfully that he claim the crown, upon forfeiture of my blessing; and
+therewith he yielded up the ghost, and then was he interred as longed to a
+king. Wherefore the queen, fair Igraine, made great sorrow, and all the barons.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap05"></a>CHAPTER V.<br/>How Arthur was chosen king, and of
+wonders and marvels of a sword taken out of a stone by the said Arthur.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then stood the realm in great jeopardy long while, for every lord that was
+mighty of men made him strong, and many weened to have been king. Then Merlin
+went to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and counselled him for to send for all
+the lords of the realm, and all the gentlemen of arms, that they should to
+London come by Christmas, upon pain of cursing; and for this cause, that Jesus,
+that was born on that night, that he would of his great mercy show some
+miracle, as he was come to be king of mankind, for to show some miracle who
+should be rightwise king of this realm. So the Archbishop, by the advice of
+Merlin, sent for all the lords and gentlemen of arms that they should come by
+Christmas even unto London. And many of them made them clean of their life,
+that their prayer might be the more acceptable unto God. So in the greatest
+church of London, whether it were Paul&rsquo;s or not the French book maketh no
+mention, all the estates were long or day in the church for to pray. And when
+matins and the first mass was done, there was seen in the churchyard, against
+the high altar, a great stone four square, like unto a marble stone; and in
+midst thereof was like an anvil of steel a foot on high, and therein stuck a
+fair sword naked by the point, and letters there were written in gold about the
+sword that said thus:&mdash;Whoso pulleth out this sword of this stone and
+anvil, is rightwise king born of all England. Then the people marvelled, and
+told it to the Archbishop.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+I command, said the Archbishop, that ye keep you within your church and pray
+unto God still, that no man touch the sword till the high mass be all done. So
+when all masses were done all the lords went to behold the stone and the sword.
+And when they saw the scripture some assayed, such as would have been king. But
+none might stir the sword nor move it. He is not here, said the Archbishop,
+that shall achieve the sword, but doubt not God will make him known. But this
+is my counsel, said the Archbishop, that we let purvey ten knights, men of good
+fame, and they to keep this sword. So it was ordained, and then there was made
+a cry, that every man should assay that would, for to win the sword. And upon
+New Year&rsquo;s Day the barons let make a jousts and a tournament, that all
+knights that would joust or tourney there might play, and all this was ordained
+for to keep the lords together and the commons, for the Archbishop trusted that
+God would make him known that should win the sword.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So upon New Year&rsquo;s Day, when the service was done, the barons rode unto
+the field, some to joust and some to tourney, and so it happened that Sir
+Ector, that had great livelihood about London, rode unto the jousts, and with
+him rode Sir Kay his son, and young Arthur that was his nourished brother; and
+Sir Kay was made knight at All Hallowmass afore. So as they rode to the
+jousts-ward, Sir Kay lost his sword, for he had left it at his father&rsquo;s
+lodging, and so he prayed young Arthur for to ride for his sword. I will well,
+said Arthur, and rode fast after the sword, and when he came home, the lady and
+all were out to see the jousting. Then was Arthur wroth, and said to himself, I
+will ride to the churchyard, and take the sword with me that sticketh in the
+stone, for my brother Sir Kay shall not be without a sword this day. So when he
+came to the churchyard, Sir Arthur alighted and tied his horse to the stile,
+and so he went to the tent, and found no knights there, for they were at the
+jousting. And so he handled the sword by the handles, and lightly and fiercely
+pulled it out of the stone, and took his horse and rode his way until he came
+to his brother Sir Kay, and delivered him the sword. And as soon as Sir Kay saw
+the sword, he wist well it was the sword of the stone, and so he rode to his
+father Sir Ector, and said: Sir, lo here is the sword of the stone, wherefore I
+must be king of this land. When Sir Ector beheld the sword, he returned again
+and came to the church, and there they alighted all three, and went into the
+church. And anon he made Sir Kay swear upon a book how he came to that sword.
+Sir, said Sir Kay, by my brother Arthur, for he brought it to me. How gat ye
+this sword? said Sir Ector to Arthur. Sir, I will tell you. When I came home
+for my brother&rsquo;s sword, I found nobody at home to deliver me his sword;
+and so I thought my brother Sir Kay should not be swordless, and so I came
+hither eagerly and pulled it out of the stone without any pain. Found ye any
+knights about this sword? said Sir Ector. Nay, said Arthur. Now, said Sir Ector
+to Arthur, I understand 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 of
+this land. Now let me see whether ye can put the sword there as it was, and
+pull it out again. That is no mastery, said Arthur, and so he put it in the
+stone; wherewithal Sir Ector assayed to pull out the sword and failed.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap06"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br/>How King Arthur pulled out the sword
+divers times.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now assay, said Sir Ector unto Sir Kay. And anon he pulled at the sword with
+all his might; but it would not be. Now shall ye assay, said Sir Ector to
+Arthur. I will well, said Arthur, and pulled it out easily. And therewithal Sir
+Ector knelt down to the earth, and Sir Kay. Alas, said Arthur, my own dear
+father and brother, why kneel ye to me? Nay, nay, my lord Arthur, it is not so;
+I was never your father nor of your blood, but I wot well ye are of an higher
+blood than I weened ye were. And then Sir Ector told him all, how he was
+betaken him for to nourish him, and by whose commandment, and by Merlin&rsquo;s
+deliverance.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Arthur made great dole when he understood that Sir Ector was not his
+father. Sir, said Ector unto Arthur, will ye be my good and gracious lord when
+ye are king? Else were I to blame, said Arthur, for ye are the man in the world
+that I am most beholden to, and my good lady and mother your wife, that as well
+as her own hath fostered me and kept. And if ever it be God&rsquo;s will that I
+be king as ye say, ye shall desire of me what I may do, and I shall not fail
+you; God forbid I should fail you Sir, said Sir Ector, I will ask no more of
+you, but that ye will make my son, your foster brother, Sir Kay, seneschal of
+all your lands. That shall be done, said Arthur, and more, by the faith of my
+body, that never man shall have that office but he, while he and I live.
+Therewithal they went unto the Archbishop, and told him how the sword was
+achieved, and by whom; and on Twelfth-day all the barons came thither, and to
+assay to take the sword, who that would assay. But there afore them all, there
+might none take it out but Arthur; wherefore there were many lords wroth, and
+said it was great shame unto them all and the realm, to be overgoverned with a
+boy of no high blood born. And so they fell out at that time that it was put
+off till Candlemas and then all the barons should meet there again; but always
+the ten knights were ordained to watch the sword day and night, and so they set
+a pavilion over the stone and the sword, and five always watched. So at
+Candlemas many more great lords came thither for to have won the sword, but
+there might none prevail. And right as Arthur did at Christmas, he did at
+Candlemas, and pulled out the sword easily, whereof the barons were sore
+aggrieved and put it off in delay till the high feast of Easter. And as Arthur
+sped before, so did he at Easter; yet there were some of the great lords had
+indignation that Arthur should be king, and put it off in a delay till the
+feast of Pentecost.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the Archbishop of Canterbury by Merlin&rsquo;s providence let purvey then
+of the best knights that they might get, and such knights as Uther Pendragon
+loved best and most trusted in his days. And such knights were put about Arthur
+as Sir Baudwin of Britain, Sir Kay, Sir Ulfius, Sir Brastias. All these, with
+many other, were always about Arthur, day and night, till the feast of
+Pentecost.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap07"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br/>How King Arthur was crowned, and how
+he made officers.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And at the feast of Pentecost all manner of men assayed to pull at the sword
+that would assay; but none might prevail but Arthur, and 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&rsquo;s will that he shall be our king, and who that
+holdeth against it, we will slay him. And therewithal they kneeled at once,
+both rich and poor, and cried Arthur mercy because they had delayed him 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 so anon was the coronation made. And there
+was he sworn unto his lords and the commons for to be a true king, to stand
+with true justice from thenceforth the days of this life. Also then he made all
+lords that held of the crown to come in, and to do service as they ought to do.
+And many complaints were made unto Sir Arthur of great wrongs that were done
+since the death of King Uther, of many lands that were bereaved lords, knights,
+ladies, and gentlemen. Wherefore King Arthur made the lands to be given again
+unto them that owned them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When this was done, that the king had stablished all the countries about
+London, then he let make Sir Kay seneschal of England; and Sir Baudwin of
+Britain was made constable; and Sir Ulfius was made chamberlain; and Sir
+Brastias was made warden to wait upon the north from Trent forwards, for it was
+that time the most party the king&rsquo;s enemies. But within few years after
+Arthur won all the north, Scotland, and all that were under their obeissance.
+Also Wales, a part of it, held against Arthur, but he overcame them all, as he
+did the remnant, through the noble prowess of himself and his knights of the
+Round Table.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap08"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br/>How King Arthur held in Wales, at a
+Pentecost, a great feast, and what kings and lords came to his feast.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then the king removed into Wales, and let cry a great feast that it should be
+holden at Pentecost after the incoronation of him at the city of Carlion. Unto
+the feast came King Lot of Lothian and of Orkney, with five hundred knights
+with him. Also there came to the feast King Uriens of Gore with four hundred
+knights with him. Also there came to that feast King Nentres of Garlot, with
+seven hundred knights with him. Also there came to the feast the king of
+Scotland with six hundred knights with him, and he was but a young man. Also
+there came to the feast a king that was called the King with the Hundred
+Knights, but he and his men were passing well beseen at all points. Also there
+came the king of Carados with five hundred knights. And King Arthur was glad of
+their coming, for he weened that all the kings and knights had come for great
+love, and to have done him worship at his feast; wherefore the king made great
+joy, and sent the kings and knights great presents. But the kings would none
+receive, but rebuked the messengers shamefully, and said they had no joy to
+receive no gifts of a beardless boy that was come of low blood, and sent him
+word they would none of his gifts, but that they were come to give him gifts
+with hard swords betwixt the neck and the shoulders: and therefore they came
+thither, so they told to the messengers plainly, for it was great shame to all
+them to see such a boy to have a rule of so noble a realm as this land was.
+With this answer the messengers departed and told to King Arthur this answer.
+Wherefore, by the advice of his barons, he took him to a strong tower with five
+hundred good men with him. And all the kings aforesaid in a manner laid a siege
+to-fore him, but King Arthur was well victualed. And within fifteen days there
+came Merlin among them into the city of Carlion. Then all the kings were
+passing glad of Merlin, and asked him, For what cause is that boy Arthur made
+your king? Sirs, said Merlin, I shall tell you the cause, for he is King Uther
+Pendragon&rsquo;s son, born in wedlock, gotten on Igraine, the duke&rsquo;s
+wife of Tintagil. Then is he a bastard, they said all. Nay, said Merlin, after
+the death of the duke, more than three hours, was Arthur begotten, and thirteen
+days after King Uther wedded Igraine; and therefore I prove him he is no
+bastard. And who saith nay, he shall be king and overcome all his enemies; and,
+or he die, he shall be long king of all England, and have under his obeissance
+Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, and more realms than I will now rehearse. Some of
+the kings had marvel of Merlin&rsquo;s words, and deemed well that it should be
+as he said; and some of them laughed him to scorn, as King Lot; and more other
+called him a witch. But then were they accorded with Merlin, that King Arthur
+should come out and speak with the kings, and to come safe and to go safe, such
+surance there was made. So Merlin went unto King Arthur, and told him how he
+had done, and bade him fear not, but come out boldly and speak with them, and
+spare them not, but answer them as their king and chieftain; for ye shall
+overcome them all, whether they will or nill.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap09"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br/>Of the first war that King Arthur had,
+and how he won the field.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then King Arthur came out of his tower, and had under his gown a jesseraunt of
+double mail, and there went with him the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Sir
+Baudwin of Britain, and Sir Kay, and Sir Brastias: these were the men of most
+worship that were with him. And when they were met there was no meekness, but
+stout words on both sides; but always King Arthur answered them, and said he
+would make them to bow an he lived. Wherefore they departed with wrath, and
+King Arthur bade keep them well, and they bade the king keep him well. So the
+king returned him to the tower again and armed him and all his knights. What
+will ye do? said Merlin to the kings; ye were better for to stint, for ye shall
+not here prevail though ye were ten times so many. Be we well advised to be
+afeared of a dream-reader? said King Lot. With that Merlin vanished away, and
+came to King Arthur, and bade him set on them fiercely; and in the meanwhile
+there were three hundred good men, of the best that were with the kings, that
+went straight unto King Arthur, and that comforted him greatly. Sir, said
+Merlin to Arthur, fight not with the sword that ye had by miracle, till that ye
+see ye go unto the worse, then draw it out and do your best. So forthwithal
+King Arthur set upon them in their lodging. And Sir Baudwin, Sir Kay, and Sir
+Brastias slew on the right hand and on the left hand that it was marvel; and
+always King Arthur on horseback laid on with a sword, and did marvellous deeds
+of arms, that many of the kings had great joy of his deeds and hardiness.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then King Lot brake out on the back side, and the King with the Hundred
+Knights, and King Carados, and set on Arthur fiercely behind him. With that Sir
+Arthur turned with his knights, and smote behind and before, and ever Sir
+Arthur was in the foremost press till his horse was slain underneath him. And
+therewith King Lot smote down King Arthur. With that his four knights received
+him and set him on horseback. Then he drew his sword Excalibur, but it was so
+bright in his enemies&rsquo; eyes, that it gave light like thirty torches. And
+therewith he put them a-back, and slew much people. And then the commons of
+Carlion arose with clubs and staves and slew many knights; but all the kings
+held them together with their knights that were left alive, and so fled and
+departed. And Merlin came unto Arthur, and counselled him to follow them no
+further.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap10"></a>CHAPTER X.<br/>How Merlin counselled King Arthur to
+send for King Ban and King Bors, and of their counsel taken for the war.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So after the feast and journey, King Arthur drew him unto London, and so by the
+counsel of Merlin, the king let call his barons to council, for Merlin had told
+the king that the six kings that made war upon him would in all haste be awroke
+on him and on his lands. Wherefore the king asked counsel at them all. They
+could no counsel give, but said they were big enough. Ye say well, said Arthur;
+I thank you for your good courage, but will ye all that loveth me speak with
+Merlin? ye know well that he hath done much for me, and he knoweth many things,
+and when he is afore you, I would that ye prayed him heartily of his best
+advice. All the barons said they would pray him and desire him. So Merlin was
+sent for, and fair desired of all the barons to give them best counsel. I shall
+say you, said Merlin, I warn you all, your enemies are passing strong for you,
+and they are good men of arms as be alive, and by this time they have gotten to
+them four kings more, and a mighty duke; and unless that our king have more
+chivalry with him than he may make within the bounds of his own realm, an he
+fight with them in battle, he shall be overcome and slain. What were best to do
+in this cause? said all the barons. I shall tell you, said Merlin, mine advice;
+there are two brethren beyond the sea, and they be kings both, and marvellous
+good men of their hands; and that one hight King Ban of Benwick, and that other
+hight King Bors of Gaul, that is France. And on these two kings warreth a
+mighty man of men, the King Claudas, and striveth with them for a castle, and
+great war is betwixt them. But this Claudas is so mighty of goods whereof he
+getteth good knights, that he putteth these two kings most part to the worse;
+wherefore this is my counsel, that our king and sovereign lord send unto the
+kings Ban and Bors by two trusty knights with letters well devised, that an
+they will come and see King Arthur and his court, and so help him in his wars,
+that he will be sworn unto them to help them in their wars against King
+Claudas. Now, what say ye unto this counsel? said Merlin. This is well
+counselled, said the king and all the barons.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Right so in all haste there were ordained to go two knights on the message unto
+the two kings. So were there made letters in the pleasant wise according unto
+King Arthur&rsquo;s desire. Ulfius and Brastias were made the messengers, and
+so rode forth well horsed and well armed and as the guise was that time, and so
+passed the sea and rode toward the city of Benwick. And there besides were
+eight knights that espied them, and at a strait passage they met with Ulfius
+and Brastias, and would have taken them prisoners; so they prayed them that
+they might pass, for they were messengers unto King Ban and Bors sent from King
+Arthur. Therefore, said the eight knights, ye shall die or be prisoners, for we
+be knights of King Claudas. And therewith two of them dressed their spears, and
+Ulfius and Brastias dressed their spears, and ran together with great raundon.
+And Claudas&rsquo; knights brake their spears, and theirs to-held and bare the
+two knights out of their saddles to the earth, and so left them lying, and rode
+their ways. And the other six knights rode afore to a passage to meet with them
+again, and so Ulfius and Brastias smote other two down, and so passed on their
+ways. And at the fourth passage there met two for two, and both were laid unto
+the earth; so there was none of the eight knights but he was sore hurt or
+bruised. And when they come to Benwick it fortuned there were both kings, Ban
+and Bors.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when it was told the kings that there were come messengers, there were sent
+unto them two knights of worship, the one hight Lionses, lord of the country of
+Payarne, and Sir Phariance a worshipful knight. Anon they asked from whence
+they came, and they said from King Arthur, king of England; so they took them
+in their arms and made great joy each of other. But anon, as the two kings wist
+they were messengers of Arthur&rsquo;s, there was made no tarrying, but
+forthwith they spake with the knights, and welcomed them in the faithfullest
+wise, and said they were most welcome unto them before all the kings living;
+and therewith they kissed the letters and delivered them. And when Ban and Bors
+understood the letters, then they were more welcome than they were before. And
+after the haste of the letters they gave them this answer, that they would
+fulfil the desire of King Arthur&rsquo;s writing, and Ulfius and Brastias,
+tarry there as long as they would, they should have such cheer as might be made
+them in those marches. Then Ulfius and Brastias told the kings of the adventure
+at their passages of the eight knights. Ha! ah! said Ban and Bors, they were my
+good friends. I would I had wist of them; they should not have escaped so. So
+Ulfius and Brastias had good cheer and great gifts, as much as they might bear
+away; and had their answer by mouth and by writing, that those two kings would
+come unto Arthur in all the haste that they might. So the two knights rode on
+afore, and passed the sea, and came to their lord, and told him how they had
+sped, whereof King Arthur was passing glad. At what time suppose ye the two
+kings will be here? Sir, said they, afore All Hallowmass. Then the king let
+purvey for a great feast, and let cry a great jousts. And by All Hallowmass the
+two kings were come over the sea with three hundred knights well arrayed both
+for the peace and for the war. And King Arthur met with them ten mile out of
+London, and there was great joy as could be thought or made. And on All
+Hallowmass at the great feast, sat in the hall the three kings, and Sir Kay
+seneschal served in the hall, and Sir Lucas the butler, that was Duke
+Corneus&rsquo; son, and Sir Griflet, that was the son of Cardol, these three
+knights had the rule of all the service that served the kings. And anon, as
+they had washen and risen, all knights that would joust made them ready; by
+then they were ready on horseback there were seven hundred knights. And Arthur,
+Ban, and Bors, with the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Sir Ector, Kay&rsquo;s
+father, they were in a place covered with cloth of gold like an hall, with
+ladies and gentlewomen, for to behold who did best, and thereon to give
+judgment.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap11"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br/>Of a great tourney made by King Arthur
+and the two kings Ban and Bors, and how they went over the sea.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And King Arthur and the two kings let depart the seven hundred knights in two
+parties. And there were three hundred knights of the realm of Benwick and of
+Gaul turned on the other side. Then they dressed their shields, and began to
+couch their spears many good knights. So Griflet was the first that met with a
+knight, one Ladinas, and they met so eagerly that all men had wonder; and they
+so fought that their shields fell to pieces, and horse and man fell to the
+earth; and both the French knight and the English knight lay so long that all
+men weened they had been dead. When Lucas the butler saw Griflet so lie, he
+horsed him again anon, and they two did marvellous deeds of arms with many
+bachelors. Also Sir Kay came out of an ambushment with five knights with him,
+and they six smote other six down. But Sir Kay did that day marvellous deeds of
+arms, that there was none did so well as he that day. Then there came Ladinas
+and Gracian, two knights of France, and did passing well, that all men praised
+them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then came there Sir Placidas, a good knight, and met with Sir Kay, and smote
+him down horse and man, where fore Sir Griflet was wroth, and met with Sir
+Placidas so hard, that horse and man fell to the earth. But when the five
+knights wist that Sir Kay had a fall, they were wroth out of wit, and therewith
+each of them five bare down a knight. When King Arthur and the two kings saw
+them begin to wax wroth on both parties, they leapt on small hackneys, and let
+cry that all men should depart unto their lodging. And so they went home and
+unarmed them, and so to evensong and supper. And after, the three kings went
+into a garden, and gave the prize unto Sir Kay, and to Lucas the butler, and
+unto Sir Griflet. And then they went unto council, and with them Gwenbaus, the
+brother unto Sir Ban and Bors, a wise clerk, and thither went Ulfius and
+Brastias, and Merlin. And after they had been in council, they went unto bed.
+And on the morn they heard mass, and to dinner, and so to their council, and
+made many arguments what were best to do. At the last they were concluded, that
+Merlin should go with a token of King Ban, and that was a ring, unto his men
+and King Bors&rsquo;; and Gracian and Placidas should go again and keep their
+castles and their countries, as for [dread of King Claudas] King Ban of
+Benwick, and King Bors of Gaul had ordained them, and so passed the sea and
+came to Benwick. And when the people saw King Ban&rsquo;s ring, and Gracian and
+Placidas, they were glad, and asked how the kings fared, and made great joy of
+their welfare and cording, and according unto the sovereign lords desire, the
+men of war made them ready in all haste possible, so that they were fifteen
+thousand on horse and foot, and they had great plenty of victual with them, by
+Merlin&rsquo;s provision. But Gracian and Placidas were left to furnish and
+garnish the castles, for dread of King Claudas. Right so Merlin passed the sea,
+well victualled both by water and by land. And when he came to the sea he sent
+home the footmen again, and took no more with him but ten thousand men on
+horseback, the most part men of arms, and so shipped and passed the sea into
+England, and landed at Dover; and through the wit of Merlin, he had the host
+northward, the priviest way that could be thought, unto the forest of
+Bedegraine, and there in a valley he lodged them secretly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then rode Merlin unto Arthur and the two kings, and told them how he had sped;
+whereof they had great marvel, that man on earth might speed so soon, and go
+and come. So Merlin told them ten thousand were in the forest of Bedegraine,
+well armed at all points. Then was there no more to say, but to horseback went
+all the host as Arthur had afore purveyed. So with twenty thousand he passed by
+night and day, but there was made such an ordinance afore by Merlin, that there
+should no man of war ride nor go in no country on this side Trent water, but if
+he had a token from King Arthur, where through the king&rsquo;s enemies durst
+not ride as they did to-fore to espy.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap12"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br/>How eleven kings gathered a great
+host against King Arthur.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And so within a little space the three kings came unto the castle of
+Bedegraine, and found there a passing fair fellowship, and well beseen, whereof
+they had great joy, and victual they wanted none. This was the cause of the
+northern host: that they were reared for the despite and rebuke the six kings
+had at Carlion. And those six kings by their means, gat unto them five other
+kings; and thus they began to gather their people.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And now they sware that for weal nor woe, they should not leave other, till
+they had destroyed Arthur. And then they made an oath. The first that began the
+oath was the Duke of Cambenet, that he would bring with him five thousand men
+of arms, the which were ready on horseback. Then sware King Brandegoris of
+Stranggore that he would bring five thousand men of arms on horseback. Then
+sware King Clariance of Northumberland he would bring three thousand men of
+arms. Then sware the King of the Hundred Knights, that was a passing good man
+and a young, that he would bring four thousand men of arms on horseback. Then
+there swore King Lot, a passing good knight, and Sir Gawain&rsquo;s father,
+that he would bring five thousand men of arms on horseback. Also there swore
+King Urience, that was Sir Uwain&rsquo;s father, of the land of Gore, and he
+would bring six thousand men of arms on horseback. Also there swore King Idres
+of Cornwall, that he would bring five thousand men of arms on horseback. Also
+there swore King Cradelmas to bring five thousand men on horseback. Also there
+swore King Agwisance of Ireland to bring five thousand men of arms on
+horseback. Also there swore King Nentres to bring five thousand men of arms on
+horseback. Also there swore King Carados to bring five thousand men of arms on
+horseback. So their whole host was of clean men of arms on horseback fifty
+thousand, and a-foot ten thousand of good men&rsquo;s bodies. Then were they
+soon ready, and mounted upon horse and sent forth their fore-riders, for these
+eleven kings in their ways laid a siege unto the castle of Bedegraine; and so
+they departed and drew toward Arthur, and left few to abide at the siege, for
+the castle of Bedegraine was holden of King Arthur, and the men that were
+therein were Arthur&rsquo;s.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap13"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br/>Of a dream of the King with the
+Hundred Knights.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So by Merlin&rsquo;s advice there were sent fore-riders to skim the country,
+and they met with the fore-riders of the north, and made them to tell which way
+the host came, and then they told it to Arthur, and by King Ban and Bors&rsquo;
+council they let burn and destroy all the country afore them, there they should
+ride.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The King with the Hundred Knights met a wonder dream two nights afore the
+battle, that there blew a great wind, and blew down their castles and their
+towns, and after that came a water and bare it all away. All that heard of the
+sweven said it was a token of great battle. Then by counsel of Merlin, when
+they wist which way the eleven kings would ride and lodge that night, at
+midnight they set upon them, as they were in their pavilions. But the
+scout-watch by their host cried, Lords! at arms! for here be your enemies at
+your hand!
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap14"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br/>How the eleven kings with their host
+fought against Arthur and his host, and many great feats of the war.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then King Arthur and King Ban and King Bors, with their good and trusty
+knights, set on them so fiercely that they made them overthrow their pavilions
+on their heads, but the eleven kings, by manly prowess of arms, took a fair
+champaign, but there was slain that morrowtide ten thousand good men&rsquo;s
+bodies. And so they had afore them a strong passage, yet were they fifty
+thousand of hardy men. Then it drew toward day. Now shall ye do by mine advice,
+said Merlin unto the three kings: I would that King Ban and King Bors, with
+their fellowship of ten thousand men, were put in a wood here beside, in an
+ambushment, and keep them privy, and that they be laid or the light of the day
+come, and that they stir not till ye and your knights have fought with them
+long. And when it is daylight, dress your battle even afore them and the
+passage, that they may see all your host, for then will they be the more hardy,
+when they see you but about twenty thousand men, and cause them to be the
+gladder to suffer you and your host to come over the passage. All the three
+kings and the whole barons said that Merlin said passingly well, and it was
+done anon as Merlin had devised. So on the morn, when either host saw other,
+the host of the north was well comforted. Then to Ulfius and Brastias were
+delivered three thousand men of arms, and they set on them fiercely in the
+passage, and slew on the right hand and on the left hand that it was wonder to
+tell.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When that the eleven kings saw that there was so few a fellowship did such
+deeds of arms, they were ashamed and set on them again fiercely; and there was
+Sir Ulfius&rsquo;s horse slain under him, but he did marvellously well on foot.
+But the Duke Eustace of Cambenet and King Clariance of Northumberland, were
+alway grievous on Ulfius. Then Brastias saw his fellow fared so withal he smote
+the duke with a spear, that horse and man fell down. That saw King Clariance
+and returned unto Brastias, and either smote other so that horse and man went
+to the earth, and so they lay long astonied, and their horses&rsquo; knees
+brast to the hard bone. Then came Sir Kay the seneschal with six fellows with
+him, and did passing well. With that came the eleven kings, and there was
+Griflet put to the earth, horse and man, and Lucas the butler, horse and man,
+by King Brandegoris, and King Idres, and King Agwisance. Then waxed the medley
+passing hard on both parties. When Sir Kay saw Griflet on foot, he rode on King
+Nentres and smote him down, and led his horse unto Sir Griflet, and horsed him
+again. Also Sir Kay with the same spear smote down King Lot, and hurt him
+passing sore. That saw the King with the Hundred Knights, and ran unto Sir Kay
+and smote him down, and took his horse, and gave him King Lot, whereof he said
+gramercy. When Sir Griflet saw Sir Kay and Lucas the butler on foot, he took a
+sharp spear, great and square, and rode to Pinel, a good man of arms, and smote
+horse and man down, and then he took his horse, and gave him unto Sir Kay. Then
+King Lot saw King Nentres on foot, he ran unto Melot de la Roche, and smote him
+down, horse and man, and gave King Nentres the horse, and horsed him again.
+Also the King of the Hundred Knights saw King Idres on foot; then he ran unto
+Gwiniart de Bloi, and smote him down, horse and man, and gave King Idres the
+horse, and horsed him again; and King Lot smote down Clariance de la Forest
+Savage, and gave the horse unto Duke Eustace. And so when they had horsed the
+kings again they drew them, all eleven kings, together, and said they would be
+revenged of the damage that they had taken that day. The meanwhile came in Sir
+Ector with an eager countenance, and found Ulfius and Brastias on foot, in
+great peril of death, that were foul defoiled under horse-feet.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Arthur as a lion, ran unto King Cradelment of North Wales, and smote him
+through the left side, that the horse and the king fell down; and then he took
+the horse by the rein, and led him unto Ulfius, and said, Have this horse, mine
+old friend, for great need hast thou of horse. Gramercy, said Ulfius. Then Sir
+Arthur did so marvellously in arms, that all men had wonder. When the King with
+the Hundred Knights saw King Cradelment on foot, he ran unto Sir Ector, that
+was well horsed, Sir Kay&rsquo;s father, and smote horse and man down, and gave
+the horse unto the king, and horsed him again. And when King Arthur saw the
+king ride on Sir Ector&rsquo;s horse, he was wroth and with his sword he smote
+the king on the helm, that a quarter of the helm and shield fell down, and so
+the sword carved down unto the horse&rsquo;s neck, and so the king and the
+horse fell down to the ground. Then Sir Kay came unto Sir Morganore, seneschal
+with the King of the Hundred Knights, and smote him down, horse and man, and
+led the horse unto his father, Sir Ector; then Sir Ector ran unto a knight,
+hight Lardans, and smote horse and man down, and led the horse unto Sir
+Brastias, that great need had of an horse, and was greatly defoiled. When
+Brastias beheld Lucas the butler, that lay like a dead man under the
+horses&rsquo; feet, and ever Sir Griflet did marvellously for to rescue him,
+and there were always fourteen knights on Sir Lucas; then Brastias smote one of
+them on the helm, that it went to the teeth, and he rode to another and smote
+him, that the arm flew into the field. Then he went to the third and smote him
+on the shoulder, that shoulder and arm flew in the field. And when Griflet saw
+rescues, he smote a knight on the temples, that head and helm went to the
+earth, and Griflet took the horse of that knight, and led him unto Sir Lucas,
+and bade him mount upon the horse and revenge his hurts. For Brastias had slain
+a knight to-fore and horsed Griflet.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap15"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br/>Yet of the same battle.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Lucas saw King Agwisance, that late had slain Moris de la Roche, and Lucas
+ran to him with a short spear that was great, that he gave him such a fall,
+that the horse fell down to the earth. Also Lucas found there on foot, Bloias
+de La Flandres, and Sir Gwinas, two hardy knights, and in that woodness that
+Lucas was in, he slew two bachelors and horsed them again. Then waxed the
+battle passing hard on both parties, but Arthur was glad that his knights were
+horsed again, and then they fought together, that the noise and sound rang by
+the water and the wood. Wherefore King Ban and King Bors made them ready, and
+dressed their shields and harness, and they were so courageous that many
+knights shook and bevered for eagerness. All this while Lucas, and Gwinas, and
+Briant, and Bellias of Flanders, held strong medley against six kings, that was
+King Lot, King Nentres, King Brandegoris, King Idres, King Uriens, and King
+Agwisance. So with the help of Sir Kay and of Sir Griflet they held these six
+kings hard, that unnethe they had any power to defend them. But when Sir Arthur
+saw the battle would not be ended by no manner, he fared wood as a lion, and
+steered his horse here and there, on the right hand, and on the left hand, that
+he stinted not till he had slain twenty knights. Also he wounded King Lot sore
+on the shoulder, and made him to leave that ground, for Sir Kay and Griflet did
+with King Arthur there great deeds of arms. Then Ulfius, and Brastias, and Sir
+Ector encountered against the Duke Eustace, and King Cradelment, and King
+Clariance of Northumberland, and King Carados, and against the King with the
+Hundred Knights. So these knights encountered with these kings, that they made
+them to avoid the ground. Then King Lot made great dole for his damages and his
+fellows, and said unto the ten kings, But if ye will do as I devise we shall be
+slain and destroyed; let me have the King with the Hundred Knights, and King
+Agwisance, and King Idres, and the Duke of Cambenet, and we five kings will
+have fifteen thousand men of arms with us, and we will go apart while ye six
+kings hold medley with twelve thousand; an we see that ye have foughten with
+them long, then will we come on fiercely, and else shall we never match them,
+said King Lot, but by this mean. So they departed as they here devised, and six
+kings made their party strong against Arthur, and made great war long.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In the meanwhile brake the ambushment of King Ban and King Bors, and Lionses
+and Phariance had the vanguard, and they two knights met with King Idres and
+his fellowship, and there began a great medley of breaking of spears, and
+smiting of swords, with slaying of men and horses, and King Idres was near at
+discomforture.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That saw Agwisance the king, and put Lionses and Phariance in point of death;
+for the Duke of Cambenet came on withal with a great fellowship. So these two
+knights were in great danger of their lives that they were fain to return, but
+always they rescued themselves and their fellowship marvellously. When King
+Bors saw those knights put aback, it grieved him sore; then he came on so fast
+that his fellowship seemed as black as Inde. When King Lot had espied King
+Bors, he knew him well, then he said, O Jesu, defend us from death and horrible
+maims! for I see well we be in great peril of death; for I see yonder a king,
+one of the most worshipfullest men and one of the best knights of the world, is
+inclined unto his fellowship. What is he? said the King with the Hundred
+Knights. It is, said King Lot, King Bors of Gaul; I marvel how they came into
+this country without witting of us all. It was by Merlin&rsquo;s advice, said
+the knight. As for him, said King Carados, I will encounter with King Bors, an
+ye will rescue me when myster is. Go on, said they all, we will do all that we
+may. Then King Carados and his host rode on a soft pace, till that they came as
+nigh King Bors as bow-draught; then either battle let their horse run as fast
+as they might. And Bleoberis, that was godson unto King Bors, he bare his chief
+standard, that was a passing good knight. Now shall we see, said King Bors, how
+these northern Britons can bear the arms: and King Bors encountered with a
+knight, and smote him throughout with a spear that he fell dead unto the earth;
+and after drew his sword and did marvellous deeds of arms, that all parties had
+great wonder thereof; and his knights failed not, but did their part, and King
+Carados was smitten to the earth. With that came the King with the Hundred
+Knights and rescued King Carados mightily by force of arms, for he was a
+passing good knight of a king, and but a young man.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap16"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br/>Yet more of the same battle.</h3>
+
+<p>
+By then came into the field King Ban as fierce as a lion, with bands of green
+and thereupon gold. Ha! a! said King Lot, we must be discomfited, for yonder I
+see the most valiant knight of the world, and the man of the most renown, for
+such two brethren as is King Ban and King Bors are not living, wherefore we
+must needs void or die; and but if we avoid manly and wisely there is but
+death. When King Ban came into the battle, he came in so fiercely that the
+strokes redounded again from the wood and the water; wherefore King Lot wept
+for pity and dole that he saw so many good knights take their end. But through
+the great force of King Ban they made both the northern battles that were
+departed hurtled together for great dread; and the three kings and their
+knights slew on ever, that it was pity on to behold that multitude of the
+people that fled. But King Lot, and King of the Hundred Knights, and King
+Morganore gathered the people together passing knightly, and did great prowess
+of arms, and held the battle all that day, like hard.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When the King of the Hundred Knights beheld the great damage that King Ban did,
+he thrust unto him with his horse, and smote him on high upon the helm, a great
+stroke, and astonied him sore. Then King Ban was wroth with him, and followed
+on him fiercely; the other saw that, and cast up his shield, and spurred his
+horse forward, but the stroke of King Ban fell down and carved a cantel off the
+shield, and the sword slid down by the hauberk behind his back, and cut through
+the trapping of steel and the horse even in two pieces, that the sword felt the
+earth. Then the King of the Hundred Knights voided the horse lightly, and with
+his sword he broached the horse of King Ban through and through. With that King
+Ban voided lightly from the dead horse, and then King Ban smote at the other so
+eagerly, and smote him on the helm that he fell to the earth. Also in that ire
+he felled King Morganore, and there was great slaughter of good knights and
+much people. By then came into the press King Arthur, and found King Ban
+standing among dead men and dead horses, fighting on foot as a wood lion, that
+there came none nigh him, as far as he might reach with his sword, but he
+caught a grievous buffet; whereof King Arthur had great pity. And Arthur was so
+bloody, that by his shield there might no man know him, for all was blood and
+brains on his sword. And as Arthur looked by him he saw a knight that was
+passingly well horsed, and therewith Sir Arthur ran to him, and smote him on
+the helm, that his sword went unto his teeth, and the knight sank down to the
+earth dead, and anon Arthur took the horse by the rein, and led him unto King
+Ban, and said, Fair brother, have this horse, for he have great myster thereof,
+and me repenteth sore of your great damage. It shall be soon revenged, said
+King Ban, for I trust in God mine ure is not such but some of them may sore
+repent this. I will well, said Arthur, for I see your deeds full actual;
+nevertheless, I might not come at you at that time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when King Ban was mounted on horseback, then there began new battle, the
+which was sore and hard, and passing great slaughter. And so through great
+force King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors made their knights a little to
+withdraw them. But alway the eleven kings with their chivalry never turned
+back; and so withdrew them to a little wood, and so over a little river, and
+there they rested them, for on the night they might have no rest on the field.
+And then the eleven kings and knights put them on a heap all together, as men
+adread and out of all comfort. But there was no man might pass them, they held
+them so hard together both behind and before, that King Arthur had marvel of
+their deeds of arms, and was passing wroth. Ah, Sir Arthur, said King Ban and
+King Bors, blame them not, for they do as good men ought to do. For by my
+faith, said King Ban, they are the best fighting men, and knights of most
+prowess, that ever I saw or heard speak of, and those eleven kings are men of
+great worship; and if they were longing unto you there were no king under the
+heaven had such eleven knights, and of such worship. I may not love them, said
+Arthur, they would destroy me. That wot we well, said King Ban and King Bors,
+for they are your mortal enemies, and that hath been proved aforehand; and this
+day they have done their part, and that is great pity of their wilfulness.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then all the eleven kings drew them together, and then said King Lot, Lords, ye
+must other ways than ye do, or else the great loss is behind; ye may see what
+people we have lost, and what good men we lose, because we wait always on these
+foot-men, and ever in saving of one of the foot-men we lose ten horsemen for
+him; therefore this is mine advice, let us put our foot-men from us, for it is
+near night, for the noble Arthur will not tarry on the footmen, for they may
+save themselves, the wood is near hand. And when we horsemen be together, look
+every each of you kings let make such ordinance that none break upon pain of
+death. And who that seeth any man dress him to flee, lightly that he be slain,
+for it is better that we slay a coward, than through a coward all we to be
+slain. How say ye? said King Lot, answer me all ye kings. It is well said,
+quoth King Nentres; so said the King of the Hundred Knights; the same said the
+King Carados, and King Uriens; so did King Idres and King Brandegoris; and so
+did King Cradelment, and the Duke of Cambenet; the same said King Clariance and
+King Agwisance, and sware they would never fail other, neither for life nor for
+death. And whoso that fled, but did as they did, should be slain. Then they
+amended their harness, and righted their shields, and took new spears and set
+them on their thighs, and stood still as it had been a plump of wood.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap17"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br/>Yet more of the same battle, and how
+it was ended by Merlin.</h3>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Arthur and King Ban and Bors beheld them and all their knights, they
+praised them much for their noble cheer of chivalry, for the hardiest fighters
+that ever they heard or saw. With that, there dressed them a forty noble
+knights, and said unto the three kings, they would break their battle; these
+were their names: Lionses, Phariance, Ulfius, Brastias, Ector, Kay, Lucas the
+butler, Griflet le Fise de Dieu, Mariet de la Roche, Guinas de Bloi, Briant de
+la Forest Savage, Bellaus, Morians of the Castle [of] Maidens, Flannedrius of
+the Castle of Ladies, Annecians that was King Bors&rsquo; godson, a noble
+knight, Ladinas de la Rouse, Emerause, Caulas, Graciens le Castlein, one Blois
+de la Case, and Sir Colgrevaunce de Gorre; all these knights rode on afore with
+spears on their thighs, and spurred their horses mightily as the horses might
+run. And the eleven kings with part of their knights rushed with their horses
+as fast as they might with their spears, and there they did on both parties
+marvellous deeds of arms. So came into the thick of the press, Arthur, Ban, and
+Bors, and slew down right on both hands, that their horses went in blood up to
+the fetlocks. But ever the eleven kings and their host was ever in the visage
+of Arthur. Wherefore Ban and Bors had great marvel, considering the great
+slaughter that there was, but at the last they were driven aback over a little
+river. With that came Merlin on a great black horse, and said unto Arthur, Thou
+hast never done! Hast thou not done enough? of three score thousand this day
+hast thou left alive but fifteen thousand, and it is time to say Ho! For God is
+wroth with thee, that thou wilt never have done; for yonder eleven kings at
+this time will not be overthrown, but an thou tarry on them any longer, thy
+fortune will turn and they shall increase. And therefore withdraw you unto your
+lodging, and rest you as soon as ye may, and reward your good knights with gold
+and with silver, for they have well deserved it; there may no riches be too
+dear for them, for of so few men as ye have, there were never men did more of
+prowess than they have done today, for ye have matched this day with the best
+fighters of the world. That is truth, said King Ban and Bors. Also said Merlin,
+withdraw you where ye list, for this three year I dare undertake they shall not
+dere you; and by then ye shall hear new tidings. And then Merlin said unto
+Arthur, These eleven kings have more on hand than they are ware of, for the
+Saracens are landed in their countries, more than forty thousand, that burn and
+slay, and have laid siege at the castle Wandesborow, and make great
+destruction; therefore dread you not this three year. Also, sir, all the goods
+that be gotten at this battle, let it be searched, and when ye have it in your
+hands, let it be given freely unto these two kings, Ban and Bors, that they may
+reward their knights withal; and that shall cause strangers to be of better
+will to do you service at need. Also you be able to reward your own knights of
+your own goods whensomever it liketh you. It is well said, quoth Arthur, and as
+thou hast devised, so shall it be done. When it was delivered to Ban and Bors,
+they gave the goods as freely to their knights as freely as it was given to
+them. Then Merlin took his leave of Arthur and of the two kings, for to go and
+see his master Bleise, that dwelt in Northumberland; and so he departed and
+came to his master, that was passing glad of his coming; and there he told how
+Arthur and the two kings had sped at the great battle, and how it was ended,
+and told the names of every king and knight of worship that was there. And so
+Bleise wrote the battle word by word, as Merlin told him, how it began, and by
+whom, and in likewise how it was ended, and who had the worse. All the battles
+that were done in Arthur&rsquo;s days Merlin did his master Bleise do write;
+also he did do write all the battles that every worthy knight did of
+Arthur&rsquo;s court.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After this Merlin departed from his master and came to King Arthur, that was in
+the castle of Bedegraine, that was one of the castles that stand in the forest
+of Sherwood. And Merlin was so disguised that King Arthur knew him not, for he
+was all befurred in black sheep-skins, and a great pair of boots, and a bow and
+arrows, in a russet gown, and brought wild geese in his hand, and it was on the
+morn after Candlemas day; but King Arthur knew him not. Sir, said Merlin unto
+the king, will ye give me a gift? Wherefore, said King Arthur, should I give
+thee a gift, churl? Sir, said Merlin, ye were better to give me a gift that is
+not in your hand than to lose great riches, for here in the same place where
+the great battle was, is great treasure hid in the earth. Who told thee so,
+churl? said Arthur. Merlin told me so, said he. Then Ulfius and Brastias knew
+him well enough, and smiled. Sir, said these two knights, it is Merlin that so
+speaketh unto you. Then King Arthur was greatly abashed, and had marvel of
+Merlin, and so had King Ban and King Bors, and so they had great disport at
+him. So in the meanwhile there came a damosel that was an earl&rsquo;s
+daughter: his name was Sanam, and her name was Lionors, a passing fair damosel;
+and so she came thither for to do homage, as other lords did after the great
+battle. And King Arthur set his love greatly upon her, and so did she upon him,
+and the king had ado with her, and gat on her a child: his name was Borre, that
+was after a good knight, and of the Table Round. Then there came word that the
+King Rience of North Wales made great war on King Leodegrance of Cameliard, for
+the which thing Arthur was wroth, for he loved him well, and hated King Rience,
+for he was alway against him. So by ordinance of the three kings that were sent
+home unto Benwick, all they would depart for dread of King Claudas; and
+Phariance, and Antemes, and Gratian, and Lionses [of] Payarne, with the leaders
+of those that should keep the kings&rsquo; lands.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap18"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br/>How King Arthur, King Ban, and King
+Bors rescued King Leodegrance, and other incidents.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then King Arthur, and King Ban, and King Bors departed with their
+fellowship, a twenty thousand, and came within six days into the country of
+Cameliard, and there rescued King Leodegrance, and slew there much people of
+King Rience, unto the number of ten thousand men, and put him to flight. And
+then had these three kings great cheer of King Leodegrance, that thanked them
+of their great goodness, that they would revenge him of his enemies; and there
+had Arthur the first sight of Guenever, the king&rsquo;s daughter of Cameliard,
+and ever after he loved her. After they were wedded, as it telleth in the book.
+So, briefly to make an end, they took their leave to go into their own
+countries, for King Claudas did great destruction on their lands. Then said
+Arthur, I will go with you. Nay, said the kings, ye shall not at this time, for
+ye have much to do yet in these lands, therefore we will depart, and with the
+great goods that we have gotten in these lands by your gifts, we shall wage
+good knights and withstand the King Claudas&rsquo; malice, for by the grace of
+God, an we have need we will send to you for your succour; and if ye have need,
+send for us, and we will not tarry, by the faith of our bodies. It shall not,
+said Merlin, need that these two kings come again in the way of war, but I know
+well King Arthur may not be long from you, for within a year or two ye shall
+have great need, and then shall he revenge you on your enemies, as ye have done
+on his. For these eleven kings shall die all in a day, by the great might and
+prowess of arms of two valiant knights (as it telleth after); their names be
+Balin le Savage, and Balan, his brother, that be marvellous good knights as be
+any living.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we to the eleven kings that returned unto a city that hight Sorhaute,
+the which city was within King Uriens&rsquo;, and there they refreshed them as
+well as they might, and made leeches search their wounds, and sorrowed greatly
+for the death of their people. With that there came a messenger and told how
+there was come into their lands people that were lawless as well as Saracens, a
+forty thousand, and have burnt and slain all the people that they may come by,
+without mercy, and have laid siege on the castle of Wandesborow. Alas, said the
+eleven kings, here is sorrow upon sorrow, and if we had not warred against
+Arthur as we have done, he would soon revenge us. As for King Leodegrance, he
+loveth Arthur better than us, and as for King Rience, he hath enough to do with
+Leodegrance, for he hath laid siege unto him. So they consented together to
+keep all the marches of Cornwall, of Wales, and of the North. So first, they
+put King Idres in the City of Nauntes in Britain, with four thousand men of
+arms, to watch both the water and the land. Also they put in the city of
+Windesan, King Nentres of Garlot, with four thousand knights to watch both on
+water and on land. Also they had of other men of war more than eight thousand,
+for to fortify all the fortresses in the marches of Cornwall. Also they put
+more knights in all the marches of Wales and Scotland, with many good men of
+arms, and so they kept them together the space of three year, and ever allied
+them with mighty kings and dukes and lords. And to them fell King Rience of
+North Wales, the which and Nero that was a mighty man of men. And all this
+while they furnished them and garnished them of good men of arms, and victual,
+and of all manner of habiliment that pretendeth to the war, to avenge them for
+the battle of Bedegraine, as it telleth in the book of adventures following.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap19"></a>CHAPTER XIX.<br/>How King Arthur rode to Carlion, and
+of his dream, and how he saw the questing beast.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then after the departing of King Ban and of King Bors, King Arthur rode into
+Carlion. And thither came to him, King Lot&rsquo;s wife, of Orkney, in manner
+of a message, but she was sent thither to espy the court of King Arthur; and
+she came richly beseen, with her four sons, Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravine, and
+Gareth, with many other knights and ladies. For she was a passing fair lady,
+therefore the king cast great love unto her, and desired to lie by her; so they
+were agreed, and he begat upon her Mordred, and she was his sister, on his
+mother&rsquo;s side, Igraine. So there she rested her a month, and at the last
+departed. Then the king dreamed a marvellous dream whereof he was sore adread.
+But all this time King Arthur knew not that King Lot&rsquo;s wife was his
+sister. Thus was the dream of Arthur: Him thought there was come into this land
+griffins and serpents, and him thought they burnt and slew all the people in
+the land, and then him thought he fought with them, and they did him passing
+great harm, and wounded him full sore, but at the last he slew them. When the
+king awaked, he was passing heavy of his dream, and so to put it out of
+thoughts, he made him ready with many knights to ride a-hunting. As soon as he
+was in the forest the king saw a great hart afore him. This hart will I chase,
+said King Arthur, and so he spurred the horse, and rode after long, and so by
+fine force oft he was like to have smitten the hart; whereas the king had
+chased the hart so long, that his horse lost his breath, and fell down dead.
+Then a yeoman fetched the king another horse.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the king saw the hart enbushed, and his horse dead, he set him down by a
+fountain, and there he fell in great thoughts. And as he sat so, him thought he
+heard a noise of hounds, to the sum of thirty. And with that the king saw
+coming toward him the strangest beast that ever he saw or heard of; so the
+beast went to the well and drank, and the noise was in the beast&rsquo;s belly
+like unto the questing of thirty couple hounds; but all the while the beast
+drank there was no noise in the beast&rsquo;s belly: and there with the beast
+departed with a great noise, whereof the king had great marvel. And so he was
+in a great thought, and therewith he fell asleep. Right so there came a knight
+afoot unto Arthur and said, Knight full of thought and sleepy, tell me if thou
+sawest a strange beast pass this way. Such one saw I, said King Arthur, that is
+past two mile; what would ye with the beast? said Arthur. Sir, I have followed
+that beast long time, and killed mine horse, so would God I had another to
+follow my quest. Right so came one with the king&rsquo;s horse, and when the
+knight saw the horse, he prayed the king to give him the horse: for I have
+followed this quest this twelvemonth, and either I shall achieve him, or bleed
+of the best blood of my body. Pellinore, that time king, followed the Questing
+Beast, and after his death Sir Palamides followed it.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap20"></a>CHAPTER XX.<br/>How King Pellinore took Arthur&rsquo;s
+horse and followed the Questing Beast, and how Merlin met with Arthur.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Sir knight, said the king, leave that quest, and suffer me to have it, and I
+will follow it another twelvemonth. Ah, fool, said the knight unto Arthur, it
+is in vain thy desire, for it shall never be achieved but by me, or my next
+kin. Therewith he started unto the king&rsquo;s horse and mounted into the
+saddle, and said, Gramercy, this horse is my own. Well, said the king, thou
+mayst take my horse by force, but an I might prove thee whether thou were
+better on horseback or I.&mdash;Well, said the knight, seek me here when thou
+wilt, and here nigh this well thou shalt find me, and so passed on his way.
+Then the king sat in a study, and bade his men fetch his horse as fast as ever
+they might. Right so came by him Merlin like a child of fourteen year of age,
+and saluted the king, and asked him why he was so pensive. I may well be
+pensive, said the king, for I have seen the marvellest sight that ever I saw.
+That know I well, said Merlin, as well as thyself, and of all thy thoughts, but
+thou art but a fool to take thought, for it will not amend thee. Also I know
+what thou art, and who was thy father, and of whom thou wert begotten; King
+Uther Pendragon was thy father, and begat thee on Igraine. That is false, said
+King Arthur, how shouldest thou know it, for thou art not so old of years to
+know my father? Yes, said Merlin, I know it better than ye or any man living. I
+will not believe thee, said Arthur, and was wroth with the child. So departed
+Merlin, and came again in the likeness of an old man of fourscore year of age,
+whereof the king was right glad, for he seemed to be right wise.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then said the old man, Why are ye so sad? I may well be heavy, said Arthur, for
+many things. Also here was a child, and told me many things that meseemeth he
+should not know, for he was not of age to know my father. Yes, said the old
+man, the child told you truth, and more would he have told you an ye would have
+suffered him. But ye have done a thing late that God is displeased with you,
+for ye have lain by your sister, and on her ye have gotten a child that shall
+destroy you and all the knights of your realm. What are ye, said Arthur, that
+tell me these tidings? I am Merlin, and I was he in the child&rsquo;s likeness.
+Ah, said King Arthur, ye are a marvellous man, but I marvel much of thy words
+that I must die in battle. Marvel not, said Merlin, for it is God&rsquo;s will
+your body to be punished for your foul deeds; but I may well be sorry, said
+Merlin, for I shall die a shameful death, to be put in the earth quick, and ye
+shall die a worshipful death. And as they talked this, came one with the
+king&rsquo;s horse, and so the king mounted on his horse, and Merlin on
+another, and so rode unto Carlion. And anon the king asked Ector and Ulfius how
+he was begotten, and they told him Uther Pendragon was his father and Queen
+Igraine his mother. Then he said to Merlin, I will that my mother be sent for
+that I may speak with her; and if she say so herself then will I believe it. In
+all haste, the queen was sent for, and she came and brought with her Morgan le
+Fay, her daughter, that was as fair a lady as any might be, and the king
+welcomed Igraine in the best manner.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap21"></a>CHAPTER XXI.<br/>How Ulfius impeached Queen Igraine,
+Arthur&rsquo;s mother, of treason; and how a knight came and desired to have
+the death of his master revenged.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Right so came Ulfius, and said openly, that the king and all might hear that
+were feasted that day, Ye are the falsest lady of the world, and the most
+traitress unto the king&rsquo;s person. Beware, said Arthur, what thou sayest;
+thou speakest a great word. I am well ware, said Ulfius, what I speak, and here
+is my glove to prove it upon any man that will say the contrary, that this
+Queen Igraine is causer of your great damage, and of your great war. For, an
+she would have uttered it in the life of King Uther Pendragon, of the birth of
+you, and how ye were begotten ye had never had the mortal wars that ye have
+had; for the most part of your barons of your realm knew never whose son ye
+were, nor of whom ye were begotten; and she that bare you of her body should
+have made it known openly in excusing of her worship and yours, and in like
+wise to all the realm, wherefore I prove her false to God and to you and to all
+your realm, and who will say the contrary I will prove it on his body.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then spake Igraine and said, I am a woman and I may not fight, but rather than
+I should be dishonoured, there would some good man take my quarrel. More, she
+said, Merlin knoweth well, and ye Sir Ulfius, how King Uther came to me in the
+Castle of Tintagil in the likeness of my lord, that was dead three hours
+to-fore, and thereby gat a child that night upon me. And after the thirteenth
+day King Uther wedded me, and by his commandment when the child was born it was
+delivered unto Merlin and nourished by him, and so I saw the child never after,
+nor wot not what is his name, for I knew him never yet. And there, Ulfius said
+to the queen, Merlin is more to blame than ye. Well I wot, said the queen, I
+bare a child by my lord King Uther, but I wot not where he is become. Then
+Merlin took the king by the hand, saying, This is your mother. And therewith
+Sir Ector bare witness how he nourished him by Uther&rsquo;s commandment. And
+therewith King Arthur took his mother, Queen Igraine, in his arms and kissed
+her, and either wept upon other. And then the king let make a feast that lasted
+eight days.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then on a day there came in the court a squire on horseback, leading a knight
+before him wounded to the death, and told him how there was a knight in the
+forest had reared up a pavilion by a well, and hath slain my master, a good
+knight, his name was Miles; wherefore I beseech you that my master may be
+buried, and that some knight may revenge my master&rsquo;s death. Then the
+noise was great of that knight&rsquo;s death in the court, and every man said
+his advice. Then came Griflet that was but a squire, and he was but young, of
+the age of the king Arthur, so he besought the king for all his service that he
+had done him to give the order of knighthood.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap22"></a>CHAPTER XXII.<br/>How Griflet was made knight, and
+jousted with a knight.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Thou art full young and tender of age, said Arthur, for to take so high an
+order on thee. Sir, said Griflet, I beseech you make me knight. Sir, said
+Merlin, it were great pity to lose Griflet, for he will be a passing good man
+when he is of age, abiding with you the term of his life. And if he adventure
+his body with yonder knight at the fountain, it is in great peril if ever he
+come again, for he is one of the best knights of the world, and the strongest
+man of arms. Well, said Arthur. So at the desire of Griflet the king made him
+knight. Now, said Arthur unto Sir Griflet, sith I have made you knight thou
+must give me a gift. What ye will, said Griflet. Thou shalt promise me by the
+faith of thy body, when thou hast jousted with the knight at the fountain,
+whether it fall ye be on foot or on horseback, that right so ye shall come
+again unto me without making any more debate. I will promise you, said Griflet,
+as you desire. Then took Griflet his horse in great haste, and dressed his
+shield and took a spear in his hand, and so he rode a great wallop till he came
+to the fountain, and thereby he saw a rich pavilion, and thereby under a cloth
+stood a fair horse well saddled and bridled, and on a tree a shield of divers
+colours and a great spear. Then Griflet smote on the shield with the butt of
+his spear, that the shield fell 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 young, and late made knight, and your might is nothing to mine. As
+for that, said Griflet, I will joust with you. That is me loath, said the
+knight, but sith I must needs, I will dress me thereto. Of whence be ye? said
+the knight. Sir, I am of Arthur&rsquo;s court. So the two knights ran together
+that Griflet&rsquo;s spear all to-shivered; and there withal he smote Griflet
+through the shield and the left side, and brake the spear that the truncheon
+stuck in his body, that horse and knight fell down.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap23"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.<br/>How twelve knights came from Rome
+and asked truage for this land of Arthur, and how Arthur fought with a
+knight.</h3>
+
+<p>
+When the knight saw him lie so on the ground, he alighted, and was passing
+heavy, for he weened he had slain him, and then he unlaced his helm and gat him
+wind, and so with the truncheon he set him on his horse, and so betook him to
+God, and said he had a mighty heart, and if he might live he would prove a
+passing good knight. And so Sir Griflet rode to the court, where great dole was
+made for him. But through good leeches he was healed and saved. Right so came
+into the court twelve knights, and were aged men, and they came from the
+Emperor of Rome, and they asked of Arthur truage for this realm, other else the
+emperor would destroy him and his land. Well, said King Arthur, ye are
+messengers, therefore ye may say what ye will, other else ye should die
+therefore. But this is mine answer: I owe the emperor no truage, nor none will
+I hold him, but on a fair field I shall give him my truage that shall be with a
+sharp spear, or else with a sharp sword, and that shall not be long, by my
+father&rsquo;s soul, Uther Pendragon. And therewith the messengers departed
+passingly wroth, and King Arthur as wroth, for in evil time came they then; for
+the king was passingly wroth for the hurt of Sir Griflet. And so he commanded a
+privy man of his chamber that or it be day his best horse and armour, with all
+that longeth unto his person, be without the city or to-morrow day. Right so or
+to-morrow day he met with his man and his horse, and so mounted up and dressed
+his shield and took his spear, and bade his chamberlain tarry there till he
+came again. And so Arthur rode a soft pace till it was day, and then was he
+ware of three churls chasing Merlin, and would have slain him. Then the king
+rode unto them, and bade them: Flee, churls! then were they afeard when they
+saw a knight, and fled. O Merlin, said Arthur, here hadst thou been slain for
+all thy crafts had I not been. Nay, said Merlin, not so, for I could save
+myself an I would; and thou art more near thy death than I am, for thou goest
+to the deathward, an God be not thy friend.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So as they went thus talking they came to the fountain, and the rich pavilion
+there by it. Then King Arthur was ware where sat a knight armed in a chair. Sir
+knight, said Arthur, for what cause abidest thou here, that there may no knight
+ride this way but if he joust with thee? said the king. I rede thee leave that
+custom, said Arthur. This custom, said the knight, have I used and will use
+maugre who saith nay, and who is grieved with my custom let him amend it that
+will. I will amend it, said Arthur. I shall defend thee, said the knight. Anon
+he took his horse and dressed his shield and took a spear, and they met so hard
+either in other&rsquo;s shields, that all to-shivered their spears. Therewith
+anon Arthur pulled out his sword. Nay, not so, said the knight; it is fairer,
+said the knight, that we twain run more together with sharp spears. I will
+well, said Arthur, an I had any more spears. I have enow, said the knight; so
+there came a squire and brought two good spears, and Arthur chose one and he
+another; so they spurred their horses and came together with all their mights,
+that either brake their spears to their hands. Then Arthur set hand on his
+sword. Nay, said the knight, ye shall do better, ye are a passing good jouster
+as ever I met withal, and once for the love of the high order of knighthood let
+us joust once again. I assent me, said Arthur. Anon there were brought two
+great spears, and every knight gat a spear, and therewith they ran together
+that Arthur&rsquo;s spear all to-shivered. But the other knight hit him so hard
+in midst of the shield, that horse and man fell to the earth, and therewith
+Arthur was eager, and pulled out his sword, and said, I will assay thee, sir
+knight, on foot, for I have lost the honour on horseback. I will be on
+horseback, said the knight. Then was Arthur wroth, and dressed his shield
+toward him with his sword drawn. When the knight saw that, he alighted, for him
+thought no worship to have a knight at such avail, he to be on horseback and he
+on foot, and so he alighted and dressed his shield unto Arthur. And there began
+a strong battle with many great strokes, and so hewed with their swords that
+the cantels flew in the fields, and much blood they bled both, that all the
+place there as they fought was overbled with blood, and thus they fought long
+and rested them, and then they went to the battle again, and so hurtled
+together like two rams that either fell to the earth. So at the last they smote
+together that both their swords met even together. But the sword of the knight
+smote King Arthur&rsquo;s sword in two pieces, wherefore he was heavy. Then
+said the knight unto Arthur, Thou art in my daunger whether me list to save
+thee or slay thee, and but thou yield thee as overcome and recreant, thou shalt
+die. As for death, said King Arthur, welcome be it when it cometh, but to yield
+me unto thee as recreant I had liefer die than to be so shamed. And therewithal
+the king leapt unto Pellinore, and took him by the middle and threw him down,
+and raced off his helm. When the knight felt that he was adread, for he was a
+passing big man of might, and anon he brought Arthur under him, and raced off
+his helm and would have smitten off his head.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap24"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.<br/>How Merlin saved Arthur&rsquo;s
+life, and threw an enchantment on King Pellinore and made him to sleep.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Therewithal came Merlin and said, Knight, hold thy hand, for an thou slay that
+knight thou puttest this realm in the greatest damage that ever was realm: for
+this knight is a man of more worship than thou wotest of. Why, who is he? said
+the knight. It is King Arthur. Then would he have slain him for dread of his
+wrath, and heaved up his sword, and therewith Merlin cast an enchantment to the
+knight, that he fell to the earth in a great sleep. Then Merlin took up King
+Arthur, and rode forth on the knight&rsquo;s horse. Alas! said Arthur, what
+hast thou done, Merlin? hast thou slain this good knight by thy crafts? There
+liveth not so worshipful a knight as he was; I had liefer than the stint of my
+land a year that he were alive. Care ye not, said Merlin, for he is wholer than
+ye; for he is but asleep, and will awake within three hours. I told you, said
+Merlin, what a knight he was; here had ye been slain had I not been. Also there
+liveth not a bigger knight than he is one, and he shall hereafter do you right
+good service; and his name is Pellinore, and he shall have two sons that shall
+be passing good men; save one they shall have no fellow of prowess and of good
+living, and their names shall be Percivale of Wales and Lamerake of Wales, and
+he shall tell you the name of your own son, begotten of your sister, that shall
+be the destruction of all this realm.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap25"></a>CHAPTER XXV.<br/>How Arthur by the mean of Merlin gat
+Excalibur his sword of the Lady of the Lake.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Right so the king and he departed, and went unto an hermit that was a good man
+and a great leech. So the hermit searched all his wounds and gave him good
+salves; so the king was there three days, and then were his wounds well amended
+that he might ride and go, and so departed. And as they rode, Arthur said, I
+have no sword. No force, said Merlin, hereby is a sword that shall be yours, an
+I may. So they rode till they came to a lake, the which was a fair water and
+broad, and in the midst of the lake Arthur was ware of an arm clothed in white
+samite, that held a fair sword in that hand. Lo! said Merlin, yonder is that
+sword that I spake of. With that they saw a damosel going upon the lake. What
+damosel is that? said Arthur. That is the Lady of the Lake, said Merlin; and
+within that lake is a rock, and therein is as fair a place as any on earth, and
+richly beseen; and this damosel will come to you anon, and then speak ye fair
+to her that she will give you that sword. Anon withal came the damosel unto
+Arthur, and saluted him, and he her again. Damosel, said Arthur, what sword is
+that, that yonder the arm holdeth above the water? I would it were mine, for I
+have no sword. Sir Arthur, king, said the damosel, that sword is mine, and if
+ye will give me a gift when I ask it you, ye shall have it. By my faith, said
+Arthur, I will give you what gift ye will ask. Well! said the damosel, go ye
+into yonder barge, and row yourself to the sword, and take it and the scabbard
+with you, and I will ask my gift when I see my time. So Sir Arthur and Merlin
+alighted and tied their horses to two trees, and so they went into the ship,
+and when they came to the sword that the hand held, Sir Arthur took it up by
+the handles, and took it with him, and the arm and the hand went under the
+water. And so [they] came unto the land and rode forth, and then Sir Arthur saw
+a rich pavilion. What signifieth yonder pavilion? It is the knight&rsquo;s
+pavilion, said Merlin, that ye fought with last, Sir Pellinore; but he is out,
+he is not there. He hath ado with a knight of yours that hight Egglame, and
+they have foughten together, but at the last Egglame fled, and else he had been
+dead, and he hath chased him even to Carlion, and we shall meet with him anon
+in the highway. That is well said, said Arthur, now have I a sword, now will I
+wage battle with him, and be avenged on him. Sir, you shall not so, said
+Merlin, for the knight is weary of fighting and chasing, so that ye shall have
+no worship to have ado with him; also he will not be lightly matched of one
+knight living, and therefore it is my counsel, let him pass, for he shall do
+you good service in short time, and his sons after his days. Also ye shall see
+that day in short space, you shall be right glad to give him your sister to
+wed. When I see him, I will do as ye advise, said Arthur.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Arthur looked on the sword, and liked it passing well. Whether liketh
+you better, said Merlin, the sword or the scabbard? Me liketh better the sword,
+said Arthur. Ye are more unwise, said Merlin, for the scabbard is worth ten of
+the swords, for whiles ye have the scabbard upon you, ye shall never lose no
+blood, be ye never so sore wounded; therefore keep well the scabbard always
+with you. So they rode unto Carlion, and by the way they met with Sir
+Pellinore; but Merlin had done such a craft, that Pellinore saw not Arthur, and
+he passed by without any words. I marvel, said Arthur, that the knight would
+not speak. Sir, said Merlin, he saw you not, for an he had seen you, ye had not
+lightly departed. So they came unto Carlion, whereof his knights were passing
+glad. And when they heard of his adventures, they marvelled that he would
+jeopard his person so, alone. But all men of worship said it was merry to be
+under such a chieftain, that would put his person in adventure as other poor
+knights did.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap26"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.<br/>How tidings came to Arthur that King
+Rience had overcome eleven kings, and how he desired Arthur&rsquo;s beard to
+trim his mantle.</h3>
+
+<p>
+This meanwhile came a messenger from King Rience of North Wales, and king he
+was of all Ireland, and of many isles. And this was his message, greeting well
+King Arthur in this manner wise, saying that King Rience had discomfited and
+overcome eleven kings, and everych of them did him homage, and that was this,
+they gave him their beards clean flayed off, as much as there was; wherefore
+the messenger came for King Arthur&rsquo;s beard. For King Rience had purfled a
+mantle with kings&rsquo; beards, and there lacked one place of the mantle;
+wherefore he sent for his beard, or else he would enter into his lands, and
+burn and slay, and never leave till he have the head and the beard. Well, said
+Arthur, thou hast said thy message, the which is the most villainous and
+lewdest message that ever man heard sent unto a king; also thou mayest see my
+beard is full young yet to make a purfle of it. But tell thou thy king this: I
+owe him none homage, nor none of mine elders; but or it be long to, he shall do
+me homage on both his knees, or else he shall lose his head, by the faith of my
+body, for this is the most shamefulest message that ever I heard speak of. I
+have espied thy king met never yet with worshipful man, but tell him, I will
+have his head without he do me homage. Then the messenger departed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now is there any here, said Arthur, that knoweth King Rience? Then answered a
+knight that hight Naram, Sir, I know the king well; he is a passing good man of
+his body, as few be living, and a passing proud man, and Sir, doubt ye not he
+will make war on you with a mighty puissance. Well, said Arthur, I shall ordain
+for him in short time.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap27"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.<br/>How all the children were sent for
+that were born on May-day, and how Mordred was saved.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then King Arthur let send for all the children born on May-day, begotten of
+lords and born of ladies; for Merlin told King Arthur that he that should
+destroy him should be born on May-day, wherefore he sent for them all, upon
+pain of death; and so there were found many lords&rsquo; sons, and all were
+sent unto the king, and so was Mordred sent by King Lot&rsquo;s wife, and all
+were put in a ship to the sea, and some were four weeks old, and some less. And
+so by fortune the ship drave unto a castle, and was all to-riven, and destroyed
+the most part, save that Mordred was cast up, and a good man found him, and
+nourished him till he was fourteen year old, and then he brought him to the
+court, as it rehearseth afterward, toward the end of the Death of Arthur. So
+many lords and barons of this realm were displeased, for their children were so
+lost, and many put the wite on Merlin more than on Arthur; so what for dread
+and for love, they held their peace. But when the messenger came to King
+Rience, then was he wood out of measure, and purveyed him for a great host, as
+it rehearseth after in the book of Balin le Savage, that followeth next after,
+how by adventure Balin gat the sword.
+</p>
+
+<h5>Explicit liber primus.</h5>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="part02"></a>BOOK II.</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap28"></a>CHAPTER I.<br/>Of a damosel which came girt with a
+sword for to find a man of such virtue to draw it out of the scabbard.</h3>
+
+<p>
+After the death of Uther Pendragon reigned Arthur his son, the which had great
+war in his days for to get all England into his hand. For there were many kings
+within the realm of England, and in Wales, Scotland, and Cornwall. So it befell
+on a time when King Arthur was at London, there came a knight and told the king
+tidings how that the King Rience of North Wales had reared a great number of
+people, and were entered into the land, and burnt and slew the king&rsquo;s
+true liege people. If this be true, said Arthur, it were great shame unto mine
+estate but that he were mightily withstood. It is truth, said the knight, for I
+saw the host myself. Well, said the king, let make a cry, that all the lords,
+knights, and gentlemen of arms, should draw unto a castle called Camelot in
+those days, and there the king would let make a council-general and a great
+jousts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when the king was come thither with all his baronage, and lodged as they
+seemed best, there was come a damosel the which was sent on message from the
+great lady Lile of Avelion. And when she came before King Arthur, she told from
+whom she came, and how she was sent on message unto him for these causes. Then
+she let her mantle fall that was richly furred; and then was she girt with a
+noble sword whereof the king had marvel, and said, Damosel, for what cause are
+ye girt with that sword? it beseemeth you not. Now shall I tell you, said the
+damosel; this sword that I am girt withal doth me great sorrow and cumbrance,
+for I may not be delivered of this sword but by a knight, but he must be a
+passing good man of his hands and of his deeds, and without villainy or
+treachery, and without treason. And if I may find such a knight that hath all
+these virtues, he may draw out this sword out of the sheath, for I have been at
+King Rience&rsquo;s it was told me there were passing good knights, and he and
+all his knights have assayed it and none can speed. This is a great marvel,
+said Arthur, if this be sooth; I will myself assay to draw out the sword, not
+presuming upon myself that I am the best knight, but that I will begin to draw
+at your sword in giving example to all the barons that they shall assay everych
+one after other when I have assayed it. Then Arthur took the sword by the
+sheath and by the girdle and pulled at it eagerly, but the sword would not out.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sir, said the damosel, you need not to pull half so hard, for he that shall
+pull it out shall do it with little might. Ye say well, said Arthur; now assay
+ye all my barons; but beware ye be not defiled with shame, treachery, nor
+guile. Then it will not avail, said the damosel, for he must be a clean knight
+without villainy, and of a gentle strain of father side and mother side. Most
+of all the barons of the Round Table that were there at that time assayed all
+by row, but there might none speed; wherefore the damosel made great sorrow out
+of measure, and said, Alas! I weened in this court had been the best knights
+without treachery or treason. By my faith, said Arthur, here are good knights,
+as I deem, as any be in the world, but their grace is not to help you,
+wherefore I am displeased.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap29"></a>CHAPTER II.<br/>How Balin, arrayed like a poor knight,
+pulled out the sword, which afterward was the cause of his death.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then fell it so that time there was a poor knight with King Arthur, that had
+been prisoner with him half a year and more for slaying of a knight, the which
+was cousin unto King Arthur. The name of this knight was called Balin, and by
+good means of the barons he was delivered out of prison, for he was a good man
+named of his body, and he was born in Northumberland. And so he went privily
+into the court, and saw this adventure, whereof it raised his heart, and he
+would assay it as other knights did, but for he was poor and poorly arrayed he
+put him not far in press. But in his heart he was fully assured to do as well,
+if his grace happed him, as any knight that there was. And as the damosel took
+her leave of Arthur and of all the barons, so departing, this knight Balin
+called unto her, and said, Damosel, I pray you of your courtesy, suffer me as
+well to assay as these lords; though that I be so poorly clothed, in my heart
+meseemeth I am fully assured as some of these others, and meseemeth in my heart
+to speed right well. The damosel beheld the poor knight, and saw he was a
+likely man, but for his poor arrayment she thought he should be of no worship
+without villainy or treachery. And then she said unto the knight, Sir, it
+needeth not to put me to more pain or labour, for it seemeth not you to speed
+there as other have failed. Ah! fair damosel, said Balin, worthiness, and good
+tatches, and good deeds, are not only in arrayment, but manhood and worship is
+hid within man&rsquo;s person, and many a worshipful knight is not known unto
+all people, and therefore worship and hardiness is not in arrayment. By God,
+said the damosel, ye say sooth; therefore ye shall assay to do what ye may.
+Then Balin took the sword by the girdle and sheath, and drew it out easily; and
+when he looked on the sword it pleased him much. Then had the king and all the
+barons great marvel that Balin had done that adventure, and many knights had
+great despite of Balin. Certes, said the damosel, this is a passing good
+knight, and the best that ever I found, and most of worship without treason,
+treachery, or villainy, and many marvels shall he do. Now, gentle and courteous
+knight, give me the sword again. Nay, said Balin, for this sword will I keep,
+but it be taken from me with force. Well, said the damosel, ye are not wise to
+keep the sword from me, for ye shall slay with the sword the best friend that
+ye have, and the man that ye most love in the world, and the sword shall be
+your destruction. I shall take the adventure, said Balin, that God will ordain
+me, but the sword ye shall not have at this time, by the faith of my body. Ye
+shall repent it within short time, said the damosel, for I would have the sword
+more for your avail than for mine, for I am passing heavy for your sake; for ye
+will not believe that sword shall be your destruction, and that is great pity.
+With that the damosel departed, making great sorrow.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon after, Balin sent for his horse and armour, and so would depart from the
+court, and took his leave of King Arthur. Nay, said the king, I suppose ye will
+not depart so lightly from this fellowship, I suppose ye are displeased that I
+have shewed you unkindness; blame me the less, for I was misinformed against
+you, but I weened ye had not been such a knight as ye are, of worship and
+prowess, and if ye will abide in this court among my fellowship, I shall so
+advance you as ye shall be pleased. God thank your highness, said Balin, your
+bounty and highness may no man praise half to the value; but at this time I
+must needs depart, beseeching you alway of your good grace. Truly, said the
+king, I am right wroth for your departing; I pray you, fair knight, that ye
+tarry not long, and ye shall be right welcome to me, and to my barons, and I
+shall amend all miss that I have done against you; God thank your great
+lordship, said Balin, and therewith made him ready to depart. Then the most
+part of the knights of the Round Table said that Balin did not this adventure
+all only by might, but by witchcraft.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap30"></a>CHAPTER III.<br/>How the Lady of the Lake demanded the
+knight&rsquo;s head that had won the sword, or the maiden&rsquo;s head.</h3>
+
+<p>
+The meanwhile, that this knight was making him ready to depart, there came into
+the court a lady that hight the Lady of the Lake. And she came on horseback,
+richly beseen, and saluted King Arthur, and there asked him a gift that he
+promised her when she gave him the sword. That is sooth, said Arthur, a gift I
+promised you, but I have forgotten the name of my sword that ye gave me. The
+name of it, said the lady, is Excalibur, that is as much to say as Cut-steel.
+Ye say well, said the king; ask what ye will and ye shall have it, an it lie in
+my power to give it. Well, said the lady, I ask the head of the knight that
+hath won the sword, or else the damosel&rsquo;s head that brought it; I take no
+force though I have both their heads, for he slew my brother, a good knight and
+a true, and that gentlewoman was causer of my father&rsquo;s death. Truly, said
+King Arthur, I may not grant neither of their heads with my worship, therefore
+ask what ye will else, and I shall fulfil your desire. I will ask none other
+thing, said the lady. When Balin was ready to depart, he saw the Lady of the
+Lake, that by her means had slain Balin&rsquo;s mother, and he had sought her
+three years; and when it was told him that she asked his head of King Arthur,
+he went to her straight and said, Evil be you found; ye would have my head, and
+therefore ye shall lose yours, and with his sword lightly he smote off her head
+before King Arthur. Alas, for shame! said Arthur, why have 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.
+Sir, said Balin, me forthinketh of your displeasure, for this same lady was the
+untruest lady living, and by enchantment and sorcery she hath been the
+destroyer of many good knights, and she was causer that my mother was burnt,
+through her falsehood and treachery. What cause soever ye had, said Arthur, ye
+should have forborne her in my presence; therefore, think not the contrary, ye
+shall repent it, for such another despite had I never in my court; therefore
+withdraw you out of my court in all haste ye may.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Balin took up the head of the lady, and bare it with him to his hostelry,
+and there he met with his squire, that was sorry he had displeased King Arthur
+and so they rode forth out of the town. Now, said Balin, we must depart, take
+thou this head and bear it to my friends, and tell them how I have sped, and
+tell my friends in Northumberland that my most foe is dead. Also tell them how
+I am out of prison, and what adventure befell me at the getting of this sword.
+Alas! said the squire, ye are greatly to blame for to displease King Arthur. As
+for that, said Balin, I will hie me, in all the haste that I may, to meet with
+King Rience and destroy him, either else to die therefore; and if it may hap me
+to win him, then will King Arthur be my good and gracious lord. Where shall I
+meet with you? said the squire. In King Arthur&rsquo;s court, said Balin. So
+his squire and he departed at that time. Then King Arthur and all the court
+made great dole and had shame of the death of the Lady of the Lake. Then the
+king buried her richly.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap31"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br/>How Merlin told the adventure of this
+damosel.</h3>
+
+<p>
+At that time there was a knight, the which was the king&rsquo;s son of Ireland,
+and his name was Lanceor, the which was an orgulous knight, and counted himself
+one of the best of the court; and he had great despite at Balin for the
+achieving of the sword, that any should be accounted more hardy, or more of
+prowess; and he asked King Arthur if he would give him leave to ride after
+Balin and to revenge the despite that he had done. Do your best, said Arthur, I
+am right wroth with Balin; I would he were quit of the despite that he hath
+done to me and to my court. Then this Lanceor went to his hostelry to make him
+ready. In the meanwhile came Merlin unto the court of King Arthur, and there
+was told him the adventure of the sword, and the death of the Lady of the Lake.
+Now shall I say you, said Merlin; this same damosel that here standeth, that
+brought the sword unto your court, I shall tell you the cause of her coming:
+she was the falsest damosel that liveth. Say not so, said they. She hath a
+brother, a passing good knight of prowess and a full true man; and this damosel
+loved another knight that held her to paramour, and this good knight her
+brother met with the knight that held her to paramour, and slew him by force of
+his hands. When this false damosel understood this, she went to the Lady Lile
+of Avelion, and besought her of help, to be avenged on her own brother.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap32"></a>CHAPTER V.<br/>How Balin was pursued by Sir Lanceor,
+knight of Ireland, and how he jousted and slew him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And so this Lady Lile of Avelion took her this sword that she brought with her,
+and told there should no man pull it out of the sheath but if he be one of the
+best knights of this realm, and he should be hard and full of prowess, and with
+that sword he should slay her brother. This was the cause that the damosel came
+into this court. I know it as well as ye. Would God she had not come into this
+court, but she came never in fellowship of worship to do good, but always great
+harm; and that knight that hath achieved the sword shall be destroyed by that
+sword, for the which will be great damage, for there liveth not a knight of
+more prowess than he is, and he shall do unto you, my Lord Arthur, great honour
+and kindness; and it is great pity he shall not endure but a while, for of his
+strength and hardiness I know not his match living.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the knight of Ireland armed him at all points, and dressed his shield on his
+shoulder, and mounted upon horseback, and took his spear in his hand, and rode
+after a great pace, as much as his horse might go; and within a little space on
+a mountain he had a sight of Balin, and with a loud voice he cried, Abide,
+knight, for ye shall abide whether ye will or nill, and the shield that is
+to-fore you shall not help. When Balin heard the noise, he turned his horse
+fiercely, and said, Fair knight, what will ye with me, will ye joust with me?
+Yea, said the Irish knight, therefore come I after you. Peradventure, said
+Balin, it had been better to have holden you at home, for many a man weeneth to
+put his enemy to a rebuke, and oft it falleth to himself. Of what court be ye
+sent from? said Balin. I am come from the court of King Arthur, said the knight
+of Ireland, that come hither for to revenge the despite ye did this day to King
+Arthur and to his court. Well, said Balin, I see well I must have ado with you,
+that me forthinketh for to grieve King Arthur, or any of his court; and your
+quarrel is full simple, said Balin, unto me, for the lady that is dead, did me
+great damage, and else would I have been loath as any knight that liveth for to
+slay a lady. Make you ready, said the knight Lanceor, and dress you unto me,
+for that one shall abide in the field. Then they took their spears, and came
+together as much as their horses might drive, and the Irish knight smote Balin
+on the shield, that all went shivers off his spear, and Balin hit him through
+the shield, and the hauberk perished, and so pierced through his body and the
+horse&rsquo;s croup, and anon turned his horse fiercely, and drew out his
+sword, and wist not that he had slain him; and then he saw him lie as a dead
+corpse.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap33"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br/>How a damosel, which was love to
+Lanceor, slew herself for love, and how Balin met with his brother Balan.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then he looked by him, and was ware of a damosel that came riding full fast as
+the horse might ride, on a fair palfrey. And when she espied that Lanceor was
+slain, she made sorrow out of measure, and said, O Balin, two bodies thou hast
+slain and one heart, and two hearts in one body, and two souls thou hast lost.
+And therewith she took the sword from her love that lay dead, and fell to the
+ground in a swoon. And when she arose she made great dole out of measure, the
+which sorrow grieved Balin passingly sore, and he went unto her for to have
+taken the sword out of her hand, but she held it so fast he might not take it
+out of her hand unless he should have hurt her, and suddenly she set the pommel
+to the ground, and rove herself through the body. When Balin espied her deeds,
+he was passing heavy in his heart, and ashamed that so fair a damosel had
+destroyed herself for the love of his death. Alas, said Balin, me repenteth
+sore the death of this knight, for the love of this damosel, for there was much
+true love betwixt them both, and for sorrow might not longer behold him, but
+turned his horse and looked toward a great forest, and there he was ware, by
+the arms, of his brother Balan. And when they were met they put off their helms
+and kissed together, and wept for joy and pity. Then Balan said, I little
+weened to have met with you at this sudden adventure; I am right glad of your
+deliverance out of your dolorous prisonment, for a man told me, in the castle
+of Four Stones, that ye were delivered, and that man had seen you in the court
+of King Arthur, and therefore I came hither into this country, for here I
+supposed to find you. Anon the knight Balin told his brother of his adventure
+of the sword, and of the death of the Lady of the Lake, and how King Arthur was
+displeased with him. Wherefore he sent this knight after me, that lieth here
+dead, and the death of this damosel grieveth me sore. So doth it me, said
+Balan, but ye must take the adventure that God will ordain you. Truly, said
+Balin, I am right heavy that my Lord Arthur is displeased with me, for he is
+the most worshipful knight that reigneth now on earth, and his love will I get
+or else will I put my life in adventure. For the King Rience lieth at a siege
+at the Castle Terrabil, and thither will we draw in all haste, to prove our
+worship and prowess upon him. I will well, said Balan, that we do, and we will
+help each other as brethren ought to do.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap34"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br/>How a dwarf reproved Balin for the
+death of Lanceor, and how King Mark of Cornwall found them, and made a tomb
+over them.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now go we hence, said Balin, and well be we met. The meanwhile as they talked,
+there came a dwarf from the city of Camelot on horseback, as much as he might;
+and found the dead bodies, wherefore he made great dole, and pulled out his
+hair for sorrow, and said, Which of you knights have done this deed? Whereby
+askest thou it? said Balan. For I would wit it, said the dwarf. It was I, said
+Balin, that slew this knight in my defence, for hither he came to chase me, and
+either I must slay him or he me; and this damosel slew herself for his love,
+which repenteth me, and for her sake I shall owe all women the better love.
+Alas, said the dwarf, thou hast done great damage unto thyself, for this knight
+that is here dead was one of the most valiantest men that lived, and trust
+well, Balin, the kin of this knight will chase you through the world till they
+have slain you. As for that, said Balin, I fear not greatly, but I am right
+heavy that I have displeased my lord King Arthur, for the death of this knight.
+So as they talked together, there came a king of Cornwall riding, the which
+hight King Mark. And when he saw these two bodies dead, and understood how they
+were dead, by the two knights above said, then made the king great sorrow for
+the true love that was betwixt them, and said, I will not depart till I have on
+this earth made a tomb, and there he pight his pavilions and sought through all
+the country to find a tomb, and in a church they found one was fair and rich,
+and then the king let put them both in the earth, and put the tomb upon them,
+and wrote the names of them both on the tomb. How here lieth Lanceor the
+king&rsquo;s son of Ireland, that at his own request was slain by the hands of
+Balin; and how his lady, Colombe, and paramour, slew herself with her
+love&rsquo;s sword for dole and sorrow.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap35"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br/>How Merlin prophesied that two the
+best knights of the world should fight there, which were Sir Lancelot and Sir
+Tristram.</h3>
+
+<p>
+The meanwhile as this was a-doing, in came Merlin to King Mark, and seeing all
+his doing, said, Here shall be in this same place the greatest battle betwixt
+two knights that was or ever shall be, and the truest lovers, and yet none of
+them shall slay other. And there Merlin wrote their names upon the tomb with
+letters of gold that should fight in that place, whose names were Launcelot de
+Lake, and Tristram. Thou art a marvellous man, said King Mark unto Merlin, that
+speakest of such marvels, thou art a boistous man and an unlikely to tell of
+such deeds. What is thy name? said King Mark. At this time, said Merlin, I will
+not tell, but at that time when Sir Tristram is taken with his sovereign lady,
+then ye shall hear and know my name, and at that time ye shall hear tidings
+that shall not please you. Then said Merlin to Balin, Thou hast done thyself
+great hurt, because that thou savest not this lady that slew herself, that
+might have saved her an thou wouldest. By the faith of my body, said Balin, I
+might not save her, for she slew herself suddenly. Me repenteth, said Merlin;
+because of the death of that lady thou shalt strike a stroke most dolorous that
+ever man struck, except the stroke of our Lord, for thou shalt hurt the truest
+knight and the man of most worship that now liveth, and through that stroke
+three kingdoms shall be in great poverty, misery and wretchedness twelve years,
+and the knight shall not be whole of that wound for many years. Then Merlin
+took his leave of Balin. And Balin said, If I wist it were sooth that ye say I
+should do such a perilous deed as that, I would slay myself to make thee a
+liar. Therewith Merlin vanished away suddenly. And then Balan and his brother
+took their leave of King Mark. First, said the king, tell me your name. Sir,
+said Balan, ye may see he beareth two swords, thereby ye may call him the
+Knight with the Two Swords. And so departed King Mark unto Camelot to King
+Arthur, and Balin took the way toward King Rience; and as they rode together
+they met with Merlin disguised, but they knew him not. Whither ride you? said
+Merlin. We have little to do, said the two knights, to tell thee. But what is
+thy name? said Balin. At this time, said Merlin, I will not tell it thee. It is
+evil seen, said the knights, that thou art a true man that thou wilt not tell
+thy name. As for that, said Merlin, be it as it be may, I can tell you
+wherefore ye ride this way, for to meet King Rience; but it will not avail you
+without ye have my counsel. Ah! said Balin, ye are Merlin; we will be ruled by
+your counsel. Come on, said Merlin, ye shall have great worship, and look that
+ye do knightly, for ye shall have great need. As for that, said Balin, dread
+you not, we will do what we may.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap36"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br/>How Balin and his brother, by the
+counsel of Merlin, took King Rience and brought him to King Arthur.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Merlin lodged them in a wood among leaves beside the highway, and took off
+the bridles of their horses and put them to grass and laid them down to rest
+them till it was nigh midnight. Then Merlin bade them rise, and make them
+ready, for the king was nigh them, that was stolen away from his host with a
+three score horses of his best knights, and twenty of them rode to-fore to warn
+the Lady de Vance that the king was coming; for that night King Rience should
+have lain with her. Which is the king? said Balin. Abide, said Merlin, here in
+a strait way ye shall meet with him; and therewith he showed Balin and his
+brother where he rode.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon Balin and his brother met with the king, and smote him down, and wounded
+him fiercely, and laid him to the ground; and there they slew on the right hand
+and the left hand, and slew more than forty of his men, and the remnant fled.
+Then went they again to King Rience and would have slain him had he not yielded
+him unto their grace. Then said he thus: Knights full of prowess, slay me not,
+for by my life ye may win, and by my death ye shall win nothing. Then said
+these two knights, Ye say sooth and truth, and so laid him on a horse-litter.
+With that Merlin was vanished, and came to King Arthur aforehand, and told him
+how his most enemy was taken and discomfited. By whom? said King Arthur. By two
+knights, said Merlin, that would please your lordship, and to-morrow ye shall
+know what knights they are. Anon after came the Knight with the Two Swords and
+Balan his brother, and brought with them King Rience of North Wales, and there
+delivered him to the porters, and charged them with him; and so they two
+returned again in the dawning of the day. King Arthur came then to King Rience,
+and said, Sir king, ye are welcome: by what adventure come ye hither? Sir, said
+King Rience, I came hither by an hard adventure. Who won you? said King Arthur.
+Sir, said the king, the Knight with the Two Swords and his brother, which are
+two marvellous knights of prowess. I know them not, said Arthur, but much I am
+beholden to them. Ah, said Merlin, I shall tell you: it is Balin that achieved
+the sword, and his brother Balan, a good knight, there liveth not a better of
+prowess and of worthiness, and it shall be the greatest dole of him that ever I
+knew of knight, for he shall not long endure. Alas, said King Arthur, that is
+great pity; for I am much beholden unto him, and I have ill deserved it unto
+him for his kindness. Nay, said Merlin, he shall do much more for you, and that
+shall ye know in haste. But, sir, are ye purveyed, said Merlin, for to-morn the
+host of Nero, King Rience&rsquo;s brother, will set on you or noon with a great
+host, and therefore make you ready, for I will depart from you.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap37"></a>CHAPTER X.<br/>How King Arthur had a battle against
+Nero and King Lot of Orkney, and how King Lot was deceived by Merlin, and how
+twelve kings were slain.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then King Arthur made ready his host in ten battles and Nero was ready in the
+field afore the Castle Terrabil with a great host, and he had ten battles, with
+many more people than Arthur had. Then Nero had the vanguard with the most part
+of his people, and Merlin came to King Lot of the Isle of Orkney, and held him
+with a tale of prophecy, till Nero and his people were destroyed. And there Sir
+Kay the seneschal did passingly well, that the days of his life the worship
+went never from him; and Sir Hervis de Revel did marvellous deeds with King
+Arthur, and King Arthur slew that day twenty knights and maimed forty. At that
+time came in the Knight with the Two Swords and his brother Balan, but they two
+did so marvellously that the king and all the knights marvelled of them, and
+all they that beheld them said they were sent from heaven as angels, or devils
+from hell; and King Arthur said himself they were the best knights that ever he
+saw, for they gave such strokes that all men had wonder of them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In the meanwhile came one to King Lot, and told him while he tarried there Nero
+was destroyed and slain with all his people. Alas, said King Lot, I am ashamed,
+for by my default there is many a worshipful man slain, for an we had been
+together there had been none host under the heaven that had been able for to
+have matched with us; this faiter with his prophecy hath mocked me. All that
+did Merlin, for he knew well that an King Lot had been with his body there at
+the first battle, King Arthur had been slain, and all his people destroyed; and
+well Merlin knew that one of the kings should be dead that day, and loath was
+Merlin that any of them both should be slain; but of the twain, he had liefer
+King Lot had been slain than King Arthur. Now what is best to do? said King Lot
+of Orkney; whether is me better to treat with King Arthur or to fight, for the
+greater part of our people are slain and destroyed? Sir, said a knight, set on
+Arthur for they are weary and forfoughten and we be fresh. As for me, said King
+Lot, I would every knight would do his part as I would do mine. And then they
+advanced banners and smote together and all to-shivered their spears; and
+Arthur&rsquo;s knights, with the help of the Knight with the Two Swords and his
+brother Balan put King Lot and his host to the worse. But always King Lot held
+him in the foremost front, and did marvellous deeds of arms, for all his host
+was borne up by his hands, for he abode all knights. Alas he might not endure,
+the which was great pity, that so worthy a knight as he was one should be
+overmatched, that of late time afore had been a knight of King Arthur&rsquo;s,
+and wedded the sister of King Arthur; and for King Arthur lay by King
+Lot&rsquo;s wife, the which was Arthur&rsquo;s sister, and gat on her Mordred,
+therefore King Lot held against Arthur. So there was a knight that was called
+the Knight with the Strange Beast, and at that time his right name was called
+Pellinore, the which was a good man of prowess, and he smote a mighty stroke at
+King Lot as he fought with all his enemies, and he failed of his stroke, and
+smote the horse&rsquo;s neck, that he fell to the ground with King Lot. And
+therewith anon Pellinore smote him a great stroke through the helm and head
+unto the brows. And then all the host of Orkney fled for the death of King Lot,
+and there were slain many mothers&rsquo; sons. But King Pellinore bare the wite
+of the death of King Lot, wherefore Sir Gawaine revenged the death of his
+father the tenth year after he was made knight, and slew King Pellinore with
+his own hands. Also there were slain at that battle twelve kings on the side of
+King Lot with Nero, and all were buried in the Church of Saint Stephen&rsquo;s
+in Camelot, and the remnant of knights and of others were buried in a great
+rock.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap38"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br/>Of the interment of twelve kings, and
+of the prophecy of Merlin, and how Balin should give the dolorous stroke.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So at the interment came King Lot&rsquo;s wife Margawse with her four sons,
+Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris, and Gareth. Also there came thither King Uriens,
+Sir Ewaine&rsquo;s father, and Morgan le Fay his wife that was King
+Arthur&rsquo;s sister. All these came to the interment. But of all these twelve
+kings King Arthur let make the tomb of King Lot passing richly, and made his
+tomb by his own; and then Arthur let make twelve images of latten and copper,
+and over-gilt it with gold, in the sign of twelve kings, and each one of them
+held a taper of wax that burnt day and night; and King Arthur was made in sign
+of a figure standing above them with a sword drawn in his hand, and all the
+twelve figures had countenance like unto men that were overcome. All this made
+Merlin by his subtle craft, and there he told the king, When I am dead these
+tapers shall burn no longer, and soon after the adventures of the Sangreal
+shall come among you and be achieved. Also he told Arthur how Balin the
+worshipful knight shall give the dolorous stroke, whereof shall fall great
+vengeance. Oh, where is Balin and Balan and Pellinore? said King Arthur. As for
+Pellinore, said Merlin, he will meet with you soon; and as for Balin he will
+not be long from you; but the other brother will depart, ye shall see him no
+more. By my faith, said Arthur, they are two marvellous knights, and namely
+Balin passeth of prowess of any knight that ever I found, for much beholden am
+I unto him; would God he would abide with me. Sir, said Merlin, look ye keep
+well the scabbard of Excalibur, for ye shall lose no blood while ye have the
+scabbard upon you, though ye have as many wounds upon you as ye may have. So
+after, for great trust, Arthur betook the scabbard to Morgan le Fay his sister,
+and she loved another knight better than her husband King Uriens or King
+Arthur, and she would have had Arthur her brother slain, and therefore she let
+make another scabbard like it by enchantment, and gave the scabbard Excalibur
+to her love; and the knight&rsquo;s name was called Accolon, that after had
+near slain King Arthur. After this Merlin told unto King Arthur of the prophecy
+that there should be a great battle beside Salisbury, and Mordred his own son
+should be against him. Also he told him that Bagdemegus was his cousin, and
+germain unto King Uriens.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap39"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br/>How a sorrowful knight came before
+Arthur, and how Balin fetched him, and how that knight was slain by a knight
+invisible.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Within a day or two King Arthur was somewhat sick, and he let pitch his
+pavilion in a meadow, and there he laid him down on a pallet to sleep, but he
+might have no rest. Right so he heard a great noise of an horse, and therewith
+the king looked out at the porch of the pavilion, and saw a knight coming even
+by him, making great dole. Abide, fair sir, said Arthur, and tell me wherefore
+thou makest this sorrow. Ye may little amend me, said the knight, and so passed
+forth to the castle of Meliot. Anon after there came Balin, and when he saw
+King Arthur he alighted off his horse, and came to the King on foot, and
+saluted him. By my head, said Arthur, ye be welcome. Sir, right now came riding
+this way a knight making great mourn, for what cause I cannot tell; wherefore I
+would desire of you of your courtesy and of your gentleness to fetch again that
+knight either by force or else by his good will. I will do more for your
+lordship than that, said Balin; and so he rode more than a pace, and found the
+knight with a damosel in a forest, and said, Sir knight, ye must come with me
+unto King Arthur, for to tell him of your sorrow. That will I not, said the
+knight, for it will scathe me greatly, and do you none avail. Sir, said Balin,
+I pray you make you ready, for ye must go with me, or else I must fight with
+you and bring you by force, and that were me loath to do. Will ye be my
+warrant, said the knight, an I go with you? Yea, said Balin, or else I will die
+therefore. And so he made him ready to go with Balin, and left the damosel
+still. And as they were even afore King Arthur&rsquo;s pavilion, there came one
+invisible, and smote this knight that went with Balin throughout the body with
+a spear. Alas, said the knight, I am slain under your conduct with a knight
+called Garlon; therefore take my horse that is better than yours, and ride to
+the damosel, and follow the quest that I was in as she will lead you, and
+revenge my death when ye may. That shall I do, said Balin, and that I make vow
+unto knighthood; and so he departed from this knight with great sorrow. So King
+Arthur let bury this knight richly, and made a mention on his tomb, how there
+was slain Herlews le Berbeus, and by whom the treachery was done, the knight
+Garlon. But ever the damosel bare the truncheon of the spear with her that Sir
+Herlews was slain withal.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap40"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br/>How Balin and the damosel met with a
+knight which was in likewise slain, and how the damosel bled for the custom of
+a castle.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So Balin and the damosel rode into a forest, and there met with a knight that
+had been a-hunting, and that knight asked Balin for what cause he made so great
+sorrow. Me list not to tell you, said Balin. Now, said the knight, an I were
+armed as ye be I would fight with you. That should little need, said Balin, I
+am not afeard to tell you, and told him all the cause how it was. Ah, said the
+knight, is this all? here I ensure you by the faith of my body never to depart
+from you while my life lasteth. And so they went to the hostelry and armed
+them, and so rode forth with Balin. And as they came by an hermitage even by a
+churchyard, there came the knight Garlon invisible, and smote this knight,
+Perin de Mountbeliard, through the body with a spear. Alas, said the knight, I
+am slain by this traitor knight that rideth invisible. Alas, said Balin, it is
+not the first despite he hath done me; and there the hermit and Balin buried
+the knight under a rich stone and a tomb royal. And on the morn they found
+letters of gold written, how Sir Gawaine shall revenge his father&rsquo;s
+death, King Lot, on the King Pellinore. Anon after this Balin and the damosel
+rode till they came to a castle, and there Balin alighted, and he and the
+damosel went to go into the castle, and anon as Balin came within the
+castle&rsquo;s gate the portcullis fell down at his back, and there fell many
+men about the damosel, and would have slain her. When Balin saw that, he was
+sore aggrieved, for he might not help the damosel. Then he went up into the
+tower, and leapt over walls into the ditch, and hurt him not; and anon he
+pulled out his sword and would have foughten with them. And they all said nay,
+they would not fight with him, for they did nothing but the old custom of the
+castle; and told him how their lady was sick, and had lain many years, and she
+might not be whole but if she had a dish of silver full of blood of a clean
+maid and a king&rsquo;s daughter; and therefore the custom of this castle is,
+there shall no damosel pass this way but she shall bleed of her blood in a
+silver dish full. Well, said Balin, she shall bleed as much as she may bleed,
+but I will not lose the life of her whiles my life lasteth. And so Balin made
+her to bleed by her good will, but her blood helped not the lady. And so he and
+she rested there all night, and had there right good cheer, and on the morn
+they passed on their ways. And as it telleth after in the Sangreal, that Sir
+Percivale&rsquo;s sister helped that lady with her blood, whereof she was dead.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap41"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br/>How Balin met with that knight named
+Garlon at a feast, and there he slew him, to have his blood to heal therewith
+the son of his host.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then they rode three or four days and never met with adventure, and by hap they
+were lodged with a gentle man that was a rich man and well at ease. And as they
+sat at their supper Balin overheard one complain grievously by him in a chair.
+What is this noise? said Balin. Forsooth, said his host, I will tell you. I was
+but late at a jousting, and there I jousted with a knight that is brother unto
+King Pellam, and twice smote I him down, and then he promised to quit me on my
+best friend; and so he wounded my son, that cannot be whole till I have of that
+knight&rsquo;s blood, and he rideth alway invisible; but I know not his name.
+Ah! said Balin, I know that knight, his name is Garlon, he hath slain two
+knights of mine in the same manner, therefore I had liefer meet with that
+knight than all the gold in this realm, for the despite he hath done me. Well,
+said his host, I shall tell you, King Pellam of Listeneise hath made do cry in
+all this country a great feast that shall be within these twenty days, and no
+knight may come there but if he bring his wife with him, or his paramour; and
+that knight, your enemy and mine, ye shall see that day. Then I behote you,
+said Balin, part of his blood to heal your son withal. We will be forward
+to-morn, said his host. So on the morn they rode all three toward Pellam, and
+they had fifteen days&rsquo; journey or they came thither; and that same day
+began the great feast. And so they alighted and stabled their horses, and went
+into the castle; but Balin&rsquo;s host might not be let in because he had no
+lady. Then Balin was well received and brought unto a chamber and unarmed him;
+and there were brought him robes to his pleasure, and would have had Balin
+leave his sword behind him. Nay, said Balin, that do I not, for it is the
+custom of my country a knight always to keep his weapon with him, and that
+custom will I keep, or else I will depart as I came. Then they gave him leave
+to wear his sword, and so he went unto the castle, and was set among knights of
+worship, and his lady afore him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Soon Balin asked a knight, Is there not a knight in this court whose name is
+Garlon? Yonder he goeth, said a knight, he with the black face; he is the
+marvellest knight that is now living, for he destroyeth many good knights, for
+he goeth invisible. Ah well, said Balin, is that he? Then Balin advised him
+long: If I slay him here I shall not escape, and if I leave him now,
+peradventure I shall never meet with him again at such a steven, and much harm
+he will do an he live. Therewith this Garlon espied that this Balin beheld him,
+and then he came and smote Balin on the face with the back of his hand, and
+said, Knight, why beholdest me so? for shame therefore, eat thy meat and do
+that thou came for. Thou sayest sooth, said Balin, this is not the first
+despite that thou hast done me, and therefore I will do what I came for, and
+rose up fiercely and clave his head to the shoulders. Give me the truncheon,
+said Balin to his lady, wherewith he slew your knight. Anon she gave it him,
+for alway she bare the truncheon with her. And therewith Balin smote him
+through the body, and said openly, With that truncheon thou hast slain a good
+knight, and now it sticketh in thy body. And then Balin called unto him his
+host, saying, Now may ye fetch blood enough to heal your son withal.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap42"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br/>How Balin fought with King Pellam, and
+how his sword brake, and how he gat a spear wherewith he smote the dolorous
+stroke.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Anon all the knights arose from the table for to set on Balin, and King Pellam
+himself arose up fiercely, and said, Knight, hast thou slain my brother? thou
+shalt die therefore or thou depart. Well, said Balin, do it yourself. Yes, said
+King Pellam, there shall no man have ado with thee but myself, for the love of
+my brother. Then King Pellam caught in his hand a grim weapon and smote eagerly
+at Balin; but Balin put the sword betwixt his head and the stroke, and
+therewith his sword burst in sunder. And when Balin was weaponless he ran into
+a chamber for to seek some weapon, and so from chamber to chamber, and no
+weapon he could find, and always King Pellam after him. And at the last he
+entered into a chamber that was marvellously well dight and richly, and a bed
+arrayed with cloth of gold, the richest that might be thought, and one lying
+therein, and thereby stood a table of clean gold with four pillars of silver
+that bare up the table, and upon the table stood a marvellous spear strangely
+wrought. And when Balin saw that spear, he gat it in his hand and turned him to
+King Pellam, and smote him passingly sore with that spear, that King Pellam
+fell down in a swoon, and therewith the castle roof and walls brake and fell to
+the earth, and Balin fell down so that he might not stir foot nor hand. And so
+the most part of the castle, that was fallen down through that dolorous stroke,
+lay upon Pellam and Balin three days.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap43"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br/>How Balin was delivered by Merlin,
+and saved a knight that would have slain himself for love.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Merlin came thither and took up Balin, and gat him a good horse, for his
+was dead, and bade him ride out of that country. I would have my damosel, said
+Balin. Lo, said Merlin, where she lieth dead. And King Pellam lay so, many
+years sore wounded, and might never be whole till Galahad the haut prince
+healed him in the quest of the Sangreal, for in that place was part of the
+blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, that Joseph of Arimathea brought into this
+land, and there himself lay in that rich bed. And that was the same spear that
+Longius smote our Lord to the heart; and King Pellam was nigh of Joseph&rsquo;s
+kin, and that was the most worshipful man that lived in those days, and great
+pity it was of his hurt, for through that stroke, turned to great dole, tray
+and tene. Then departed Balin from Merlin, and said, In this world we meet
+never no more. So he rode forth through the fair countries and cities, and
+found the people dead, slain on every side. And all that were alive cried, O
+Balin, thou hast caused great damage in these countries; for 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 past those
+countries he was passing fain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he rode eight days or he met with adventure. And at the last he came into a
+fair forest in a valley, and was ware of a tower, and there beside he saw a
+great horse of war, tied to a tree, and there beside sat a fair knight on the
+ground and made great mourning, and he was a likely man, and a well made. Balin
+said, God save you, why be ye so heavy? tell me and I will amend it, an I may,
+to my power. Sir knight, said he again, thou dost me great grief, for I was in
+merry thoughts, and now thou puttest me to more pain. Balin went a little from
+him, and looked on his horse; then heard Balin him say thus: Ah, fair lady, why
+have ye broken my promise, for thou promisest me to meet me here by noon, and I
+may curse thee that ever ye gave me this sword, for with this sword I slay
+myself, and pulled it out. And therewith Balin stert unto him and took him by
+the hand. Let go my hand, said the knight, or else I shall slay thee. That
+shall not need, said Balin, for I shall promise you my help to get you your
+lady, an ye will tell me where she is. What is your name? said the knight. My
+name is Balin le Savage. Ah, sir, I know you well enough, ye are the Knight
+with the Two Swords, and the man of most prowess of your hands living. What is
+your name? said Balin. My name is Garnish of the Mount, a poor man&rsquo;s son,
+but by my prowess and hardiness a duke hath made me knight, and gave me lands;
+his name is Duke Hermel, and his daughter is she that I love, and she me as I
+deemed. How far is she hence? said Balin. But six mile, said the knight. Now
+ride we hence, said these two knights. So they rode more than a pace, till that
+they came to a fair castle well walled and ditched. I will into the castle,
+said Balin, and look if she be there. So he went in and searched from chamber
+to chamber, and found her bed, but she was not there. Then Balin looked into a
+fair little garden, and under a laurel tree he saw her lie upon a quilt of
+green samite and a knight in her arms, fast halsing either other, and under
+their heads grass and herbs. When Balin saw her lie so with the foulest knight
+that ever he saw, and she a fair lady, then Balin went through all the chambers
+again, and told the knight how he found her as she had slept fast, and so
+brought him in the place there she lay fast sleeping.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap44"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br/>How that knight slew his love and a
+knight lying by her, and after, how he slew himself with his own sword, and how
+Balin rode toward a castle where he lost his life.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And when Garnish beheld her so lying, for pure sorrow his mouth and nose burst
+out a-bleeding, and with his sword he smote off both their heads, and then he
+made sorrow out of measure, and said, O Balin, much sorrow hast thou brought
+unto me, for hadst thou not shewed me that sight I should have passed my
+sorrow. Forsooth, said Balin, I did it to this intent that it should better thy
+courage, and that ye might see and know her falsehood, and to cause you to
+leave love of such a lady; God knoweth I did none other but as I would ye did
+to me. Alas, said Garnish, now is my sorrow double that I may not endure, now
+have I slain that I most loved in all my life; and therewith suddenly he rove
+himself on his own sword unto the hilts. When Balin saw that, he dressed him
+thenceward, lest folk would say he had slain them; and so he rode forth, and
+within three days he came by a cross, and thereon were letters of gold written,
+that said, It is not for no knight alone to ride toward this castle. Then saw
+he an old hoar gentleman coming toward him, that said, Balin le Savage, thou
+passest thy bounds to come this way, therefore turn again and it will avail
+thee. And he vanished away anon; and so he heard an horn blow as it had been
+the death of a beast. That blast, said Balin, is blown for me, for I am the
+prize and yet am I not dead. Anon withal he saw an hundred ladies and many
+knights, that welcomed him with fair semblant, and made him passing good cheer
+unto his sight, and led him into the castle, and there was dancing and
+minstrelsy and all manner of joy. Then the chief lady of the castle said,
+Knight with the Two Swords, ye must have ado and joust with a knight hereby
+that keepeth an island, for there may no man pass this way but he must joust or
+he pass. That is an unhappy custom, said Balin, that a knight may not pass this
+way but if he joust. Ye shall not have ado but with one knight, said the lady.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Well, said Balin, since I shall thereto I am ready, but travelling men are oft
+weary and their horses too, but though my horse be weary my heart is not weary,
+I would be fain there my death should be. Sir, said a knight to Balin,
+methinketh your shield is not good, I will lend you a bigger. Thereof I pray
+you. And so he took the shield that was unknown and left his own, and so rode
+unto the island, and put him and his horse in a great boat; and when he came on
+the other side he met with a damosel, and she said, O knight Balin, why have ye
+left your own shield? alas ye have put yourself in great danger, for by your
+shield ye should have been known; it is great pity of you as ever was of
+knight, for of thy prowess and hardiness thou hast no fellow 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. And then he looked on his
+armour, and understood he was well armed, and therewith blessed him and mounted
+upon his horse.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap45"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br/>How Balin met with his brother
+Balan, and how each of them slew other unknown, till they were wounded to
+death.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then afore him he saw come riding out of a castle a knight, and his horse
+trapped all red, and himself in the same colour. When this knight in the red
+beheld Balin, him thought it should be his brother Balin by cause of his two
+swords, but by cause he knew not his shield he deemed it was not he. And so
+they aventryd their spears and came marvellously fast together, and they smote
+each other in the shields, but their spears and their course were so big that
+it bare down horse and man, that they lay both in a swoon. But Balin was
+bruised sore with the fall of his horse, for he was weary of travel. And Balan
+was the first that rose on foot and drew his sword, and went toward Balin, and
+he arose and went against him; but Balan smote Balin first, and he put up his
+shield and smote him through the shield and tamed his helm. Then Balin smote
+him again with that unhappy sword, and well-nigh had felled his brother Balan,
+and so they fought there together till their breaths failed. Then Balin looked
+up to the castle and saw the towers stand full of ladies. So they went unto
+battle again, and wounded everych other dolefully, and then they breathed
+ofttimes, and so went unto battle that all the place there as they fought was
+blood red. And at that time there was none of them both but they had either
+smitten other seven great wounds, so that the least of them might have been the
+death of the mightiest giant in this world.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then they went to battle again so marvellously that doubt it was to hear of
+that battle for the great blood-shedding, and their hauberks unnailed that
+naked they were on every side. At last Balan the younger brother withdrew him a
+little and laid him down. Then said Balin le Savage, What knight art thou? for
+or now I found never no knight that matched me. My name is, said he, Balan,
+brother unto the good knight, Balin. Alas, said Balin, that ever I should see
+this day, and therewith he fell backward in a swoon. Then Balan yede on all
+four feet and hands, and put off the helm off his brother, and might not know
+him by the visage it was so ful hewn and bled; but when he awoke he said, O
+Balan, my brother, thou hast slain me and I thee, wherefore all the wide world
+shall speak of us both. Alas, said Balan, that ever I saw this day, that
+through mishap I might not know you, for I espied well your two swords, but by
+cause ye had another shield I deemed ye had been another knight. Alas, said
+Balin, all that made an unhappy knight in the castle, for he caused me to leave
+my own shield to our both&rsquo;s destruction, and if I might live I would
+destroy that castle for ill customs. That were well done, said Balan, for I had
+never grace to depart from them since that I came hither, for here it happed me
+to slay a knight that kept this island, and since might I never depart, and no
+more should ye, brother, an ye might have slain me as ye have, and escaped
+yourself with the life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Right so came the lady of the tower with four knights and six ladies and six
+yeomen unto them, and there she heard how they made their moan either to other,
+and said, We came both out of one tomb, that is to say one mother&rsquo;s
+belly, and so shall we lie both in one pit. So Balan prayed the lady of her
+gentleness, for his true service, that she would bury them both in that same
+place there the battle was done. And she granted them, with weeping, it should
+be done richly in the best manner. Now, will ye send for a priest, that we may
+receive our sacrament, and receive the blessed body of our Lord Jesus Christ?
+Yea, said the lady, it shall be done; and so she sent for a priest and gave
+them their rights. Now, said Balin, when we are buried in one tomb, and the
+mention made over us how two brethren slew each other, there will never good
+knight, nor good man, see our tomb but they will pray for our souls. And so all
+the ladies and gentlewomen wept for pity. Then anon Balan died, but Balin died
+not till the midnight after, and so were they buried both, and the lady let
+make a mention of Balan how he was there slain by his brother&rsquo;s hands,
+but she knew not Balin&rsquo;s name.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap46"></a>CHAPTER XIX.<br/>How Merlin buried them both in one
+tomb, and of Balin&rsquo;s sword.</h3>
+
+<p>
+In the morn came Merlin and let write Balin&rsquo;s name on the tomb with
+letters of gold, that Here lieth Balin le Savage that was the Knight with the
+Two Swords, and he that smote the Dolorous Stroke. Also Merlin let make there a
+bed, that there should never man lie therein but he went out of his wit, yet
+Launcelot de Lake fordid that bed through his noblesse. And anon after Balin
+was dead, Merlin took his sword, and took off the pommel and set on another
+pommel. So Merlin bade a knight that stood afore him handle that sword, and he
+assayed, and he might not handle it. Then Merlin laughed. Why laugh ye? said
+the knight. This is the cause, said Merlin: there shall never man handle this
+sword but the best knight of the world, and that shall be Sir Launcelot or else
+Galahad his son, and Launcelot with this sword shall slay the man that in the
+world he loved best, that shall be Sir Gawaine. All this he let write in the
+pommel of the sword. Then Merlin let make a bridge of iron and of steel into
+that island, and it was but half a foot broad, and there shall never man pass
+that bridge, nor have hardiness to go over, but if he were a passing good man
+and a good knight without treachery or villainy. Also the scabbard of
+Balin&rsquo;s sword Merlin left it on this side the island, that Galahad should
+find it. Also Merlin let make by his subtilty that Balin&rsquo;s sword was put
+in a marble stone standing upright as great as a mill stone, and the stone
+hoved always above the water and did many years, and so by adventure it swam
+down the stream to the City of Camelot, that is in English Winchester. And that
+same day Galahad the haut prince came with King Arthur, and so Galahad brought
+with him the scabbard and achieved the sword that was there in the marble stone
+hoving upon the water. And on Whitsunday he achieved the sword as it is
+rehearsed in the book of Sangreal.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Soon after this was done Merlin came to King Arthur and told him of the
+dolorous stroke that Balin gave to King Pellam, and how Balin and Balan fought
+together the marvellest battle that ever was heard of, and how they were buried
+both in one tomb. Alas, said King Arthur, this is the greatest pity that ever I
+heard tell of two knights, for in the world I know not such two knights. Thus
+endeth the tale of Balin and of Balan, two brethren born in Northumberland,
+good knights.
+</p>
+
+<h5>Sequitur iii. liber.</h5>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="part03"></a>BOOK III.</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap47"></a>CHAPTER I.<br/>How King Arthur took a wife, and wedded
+Guenever, daughter to Leodegrance, King of the Land of Cameliard, with whom he
+had the Round Table.</h3>
+
+<p>
+In the beginning of Arthur, after he was chosen king by adventure and by grace;
+for the most part of the barons knew not that he was Uther Pendragon&rsquo;s
+son, but as Merlin made it openly known. But yet many kings and lords held
+great war against him for that cause, but well Arthur overcame them all, for
+the most part the days of his life he was ruled much by the counsel of Merlin.
+So it fell on a time King Arthur said unto Merlin, My barons will let me have
+no rest, but needs I must take a wife, and I will none take but by thy counsel
+and by thine advice. It is well done, said Merlin, that ye take a wife, for a
+man of your bounty and noblesse should not be without a wife. Now is there any
+that ye love more than another? Yea, said King Arthur, I love Guenever the
+king&rsquo;s daughter, Leodegrance of the land of Cameliard, the which holdeth
+in his house the Table Round that ye told he had of my father Uther. And this
+damosel is the most valiant and fairest lady that I know living, or yet that
+ever I could find. Sir, said Merlin, as of her beauty and fairness she is one
+of the fairest alive, but, an ye loved her not so well as ye do, I should find
+you a damosel of beauty and of goodness that should like you and please you, an
+your heart were not set; but there as a man&rsquo;s heart is set, he will be
+loath to return. That is truth, said King Arthur. But Merlin warned the king
+covertly that Guenever was not wholesome for him to take to wife, for he warned
+him that Launcelot should love her, and she him again; and so he turned his
+tale to the adventures of Sangreal.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Merlin desired of the king for to have men with him that should enquire of
+Guenever, and so the king granted him, and Merlin went forth unto King
+Leodegrance of Cameliard, and told him of the desires of the king that he would
+have unto his wife Guenever his daughter. That is to me, said King Leodegrance,
+the best tidings that ever I heard, that so worthy a king of prowess and
+noblesse will wed my daughter. And as for my lands, I will give him, wist I it
+might please him, but he hath lands enow, him needeth none; but I shall send
+him a gift shall please him much more, for I shall give him the Table Round,
+the which Uther Pendragon gave me, and when it is full complete, there is an
+hundred knights and fifty. And as for an hundred good knights I have myself,
+but I faute fifty, for so many have been slain in my days. And so Leodegrance
+delivered his daughter Guenever unto Merlin, and the Table Round with the
+hundred knights, and so they rode freshly, with great royalty, what by water
+and what by land, till that they came nigh unto London.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap48"></a>CHAPTER II.<br/>How the Knights of the Round Table
+were ordained and their sieges blessed by the Bishop of Canterbury.</h3>
+
+<p>
+When King Arthur heard of the coming of Guenever and the hundred knights with
+the Table Round, then King Arthur made great joy for her coming, and that rich
+present, and said openly, This fair lady is passing welcome unto me, for I have
+loved her long, and therefore there is nothing so lief to me. And these knights
+with the Round Table please me more than right great riches. And in all haste
+the king let ordain for the marriage and the coronation in the most honourable
+wise that could be devised. Now, Merlin, said King Arthur, go thou and espy me
+in all this land fifty knights which be of most prowess and worship. Within
+short time Merlin had found such knights that should fulfil twenty and eight
+knights, but no more he could find. Then the Bishop of Canterbury was fetched,
+and he blessed the sieges with great royalty and devotion, and there set the
+eight and twenty knights in their sieges. And when this was done Merlin said,
+Fair sirs, ye must all arise and come to King Arthur for to do him homage; he
+will have the better will to maintain you. And so they arose and did their
+homage, and when they were gone Merlin found in every sieges letters of gold
+that told the knights&rsquo; names that had sitten therein. But two sieges were
+void. And so anon came young Gawaine and asked the king a gift. Ask, said the
+king, and I shall grant it you. Sir, I ask that ye will make me knight that
+same day ye shall wed fair Guenever. I will do it with a good will, said King
+Arthur, and do unto you all the worship that I may, for I must by reason ye are
+my nephew, my sister&rsquo;s son.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap49"></a>CHAPTER III.<br/>How a poor man riding upon a lean
+mare desired King Arthur to make his son knight.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Forthwithal there came a poor man into the court, and brought with him a fair
+young man of eighteen years of age riding upon a lean mare; and the poor man
+asked all men that he met, Where shall I find King Arthur? Yonder he is, said
+the knights, wilt thou anything with him? Yea, said the poor man, therefore I
+came hither. Anon as he came before the king, he saluted him and said: O King
+Arthur, the flower of all knights and kings, I beseech Jesu save thee. Sir, it
+was told me that at this time of your marriage ye would give any man the gift
+that he would ask, out except that were unreasonable. That is truth, said the
+king, such cries I let make, and that will I hold, so it apair not my realm nor
+mine estate. Ye say well and graciously, said the poor man; Sir, I ask nothing
+else but that ye will make my son here a knight. It is a great thing thou
+askest of me, said the king. What is thy name? said the king to the poor man.
+Sir, my name is Aries the cowherd. Whether cometh this of thee or of thy son?
+said the king. Nay, sir, said Aries, this desire cometh of my son and not of
+me, for I shall tell you I have thirteen sons, and all they will fall to what
+labour I put them, and will be right glad to do labour, but this child will not
+labour for me, for anything that my wife or I may do, but always he will be
+shooting or casting darts, and glad for to see battles and to behold knights,
+and always day and night he desireth of me to be made a knight. What is thy
+name? said the king unto the young man. Sir, my name is Tor. The king beheld
+him fast, and saw he was passingly well-visaged and passingly well made of his
+years. Well, said King Arthur unto Aries the cowherd, fetch all thy sons afore
+me that I may see them. And so the poor man did, and all were shaped much like
+the poor man. But Tor was not like none of them all in shape nor in
+countenance, for he was much more than any of them. Now, said King Arthur unto
+the cow herd, where is the sword he shall be made knight withal? It is here,
+said Tor. Take it out of the sheath, said the king, and require me to make you
+a knight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Tor alighted off his mare and pulled out his sword, kneeling, and
+requiring the king that he would make him knight, and that he might be a knight
+of the Table Round. As for a knight I will make you, and therewith smote him in
+the neck with the sword, saying, Be ye a good knight, and so I pray to God so
+ye may be, and if ye be of prowess and of worthiness ye shall be a knight of
+the Table Round. Now Merlin, said Arthur, say whether this Tor shall be a good
+knight or no. Yea, sir, he ought to be a good knight, for he is come of as good
+a man as any is alive, and of kings&rsquo; blood. How so, sir? said the king. I
+shall tell you, said Merlin: This poor man, Aries the cowherd, is not his
+father; he is nothing sib to him, for King Pellinore is his father. I suppose
+nay, said the cowherd. Fetch thy wife afore me, said Merlin, and she shall not
+say nay. Anon the wife was fetched, which was a fair housewife, and there she
+answered Merlin full womanly, and there she told the king and Merlin that when
+she was a maid, and went to milk kine, there met with her a stern knight, and
+half by force he had my maidenhead, and at that time he begat my son Tor, and
+he took away from me my greyhound that I had that time with me, and said that
+he would keep the greyhound for my love. Ah, said the cowherd, I weened not
+this, but I may believe it well, for he had never no tatches of me. Sir, said
+Tor unto Merlin, dishonour not my mother. Sir, said Merlin, it is more for your
+worship than hurt, for your father is a good man and a king, and he may right
+well advance you and your mother, for ye were begotten or ever she was wedded.
+That is truth, said the wife. It is the less grief unto me, said the cowherd.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap50"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br/>How Sir Tor was known for son of King
+Pellinore, and how Gawaine was made knight.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So on the morn King Pellinore came to the court of King Arthur, which had great
+joy of him, and told him of Tor, how he was his son, and how he had made him
+knight at the request of the cowherd. When Pellinore beheld Tor, he pleased him
+much. So the king made Gawaine knight, but Tor was the first he made at the
+feast. What is the cause, said King Arthur, that there be two places void in
+the sieges? Sir, said Merlin, there shall no man sit in those places but they
+that shall be of most worship. But in the Siege Perilous there shall no man sit
+therein but one, and if there be any so hardy to do it he shall be destroyed,
+and he that shall sit there shall have no fellow. And therewith Merlin took
+King Pellinore by the hand, and in the one hand next the two sieges and the
+Siege Perilous he said, in open audience, This is your place and best ye are
+worthy to sit therein of any that is here. Thereat sat Sir Gawaine in great
+envy and told Gaheris his brother, yonder knight is put to great worship, the
+which grieveth me sore, for he slew our father King Lot, therefore I will slay
+him, said Gawaine, with a sword that was sent me that is passing trenchant. Ye
+shall not so, said Gaheris, at this time, for at this time I am but a squire,
+and when I am made knight I will be avenged on him, and therefore, brother, it
+is best ye suffer till another time, that we may have him out of the court, for
+an we did so we should trouble this high feast. I will well, said Gawaine, as
+ye will.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap51"></a>CHAPTER V.<br/>How at feast of the wedding of King
+Arthur to Guenever, a white hart came into the hall, and thirty couple hounds,
+and how a brachet pinched the hart which was taken away.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then was the high feast made ready, and the king was wedded at Camelot unto
+Dame Guenever in the church of Saint Stephen&rsquo;s, with great solemnity. And
+as every man was set after his degree, Merlin went to all the knights of the
+Round Table, and bade them sit still, that none of them remove. For ye shall
+see a strange and a marvellous adventure. Right so as they sat there came
+running in a white hart into the hall, and a white brachet next him, and thirty
+couple of black running hounds came after with a great cry, and the hart went
+about the Table Round as he went by other boards. The white brachet bit him by
+the buttock and pulled out a piece, wherethrough the hart leapt a great leap
+and overthrew a knight that sat at the board side; and therewith the knight
+arose and took up the brachet, and so went forth out of the hall, and took his
+horse and rode his way with the brachet. Right so anon came in a lady on a
+white palfrey, and cried aloud to King Arthur, Sir, suffer me not to have this
+despite, for the brachet was mine that the knight led away. I may not do
+therewith, said the king.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With this there came a knight riding all armed on a great horse, and took the
+lady away with him with force, and ever she cried and made great dole. When she
+was gone the king was glad, for she made such a noise. Nay, said Merlin, ye may
+not leave these adventures so lightly; for these adventures must be brought
+again or else it would be disworship to you and to your feast. I will, said the
+king, that all be done by your advice. Then, said Merlin, let call Sir Gawaine,
+for he must bring again the white hart. Also, sir, ye must let call Sir Tor,
+for he must bring again the brachet and the knight, or else slay him. Also let
+call King Pellinore, for he must bring again the lady and the knight, or else
+slay him. And these three knights shall do marvellous adventures or they come
+again. Then were they called all three as it rehearseth afore, and each of them
+took his charge, and armed them surely. But Sir Gawaine had the first request,
+and therefore we will begin at him.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap52"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br/>How Sir Gawaine rode for to fetch
+again the hart, and how two brethren fought each against other for the
+hart.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Sir Gawaine rode more than a pace, and Gaheris his brother that rode with him
+instead of a squire to do him service. So as they rode they saw two knights
+fight on horseback passing sore, so Sir Gawaine and his brother rode betwixt
+them, and asked them for what cause they fought so. The one knight answered and
+said, We fight for a simple matter, for we two be two brethren born and
+begotten of one man and of one woman. Alas, said Sir Gawaine, why do ye so?
+Sir, said the elder, there came a white hart this way this day, and many hounds
+chased him, and a white brachet was alway next him, and we understood it was
+adventure made for the high feast of King Arthur, and therefore I would have
+gone after to have won me worship; and here my younger brother said he would go
+after the hart, for he was better knight than I: and for this cause we fell at
+debate, and so we thought to prove which of us both was better knight. This is
+a simple cause, said Sir Gawaine; uncouth men ye should debate withal, and not
+brother with brother; therefore but if you will do by my counsel I will have
+ado with you, that is ye shall yield you unto me, and that ye go unto King
+Arthur and yield you unto his grace. Sir knight, said the two brethren, we are
+forfoughten and much blood have we lost through our wilfulness, and therefore
+we would be loath to have ado with you. Then do as I will have you, said Sir
+Gawaine. We will agree to fulfil your will; but by whom shall we say that we be
+thither sent? Ye may say, By the knight that followeth the quest of the hart
+that was white. Now what is your name? said Gawaine. Sorlouse of the Forest,
+said the elder. And my name is, said the younger, Brian of the Forest. And so
+they departed and went to the king&rsquo;s court, and Sir Gawaine on his quest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as Gawaine followed the hart by the cry of the hounds, even afore him there
+was a great river, and the hart swam over; and as Sir Gawaine would follow
+after, there stood a knight over the other side, and said, Sir knight, come not
+over after this hart but if thou wilt joust with me. I will not fail as for
+that, said Sir Gawaine, to follow the quest that I am in, and so made his horse
+to swim over the water. And anon they gat their spears and ran together full
+hard; but Sir Gawaine smote him off his horse, and then he turned his horse and
+bade him yield him. Nay, said the knight, not so, though thou have the better
+of me on horseback. I pray thee, valiant knight, alight afoot, and match we
+together with swords. What is your name? said Sir Gawaine. Allardin of the
+Isles, said the other. Then either dressed their shields and smote together,
+but Sir Gawaine smote him so hard through the helm that it went to the brains,
+and the knight fell down dead. Ah! said Gaheris, that was a mighty stroke of a
+young knight.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap53"></a>CHAPTER VII<br/>How the hart was chased into a castle
+and there slain, and how Sir Gawaine slew a lady.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Gawaine and Gaheris rode more than a pace after the white hart, and let
+slip at the hart three couple of greyhounds, and so they chased the hart into a
+castle, and in the chief place of the castle they slew the hart; Sir Gawaine
+and Gaheris followed after. Right so there came a knight out of a chamber with
+a sword drawn in his hand and slew two of the greyhounds, even in the sight of
+Sir Gawaine, and the remnant he chased them with his sword out of the castle.
+And when he came again, he said, O my white hart, me repenteth that thou art
+dead, for my sovereign lady gave thee to me, and evil have I kept thee, and thy
+death shall be dear bought an I live. And anon he went into his chamber and
+armed him, and came out fiercely, and there met he with Sir Gawaine. Why have
+ye slain my hounds? said Sir Gawaine, for they did but their kind, and liefer I
+had ye had wroken your anger upon me than upon a dumb beast. Thou sayest truth,
+said the knight, I have avenged me on thy hounds, and so I will on thee or thou
+go. Then Sir Gawaine alighted afoot and dressed his shield, and struck together
+mightily, and clave their shields, and stoned their helms, and brake their
+hauberks that the blood ran down to their feet.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At the last Sir Gawaine smote the knight so hard that he fell to the earth, and
+then he cried mercy, and yielded him, and besought him 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 have stricken off his head. Right
+so came his lady out of a chamber and fell over him, and so he smote off her
+head by misadventure. Alas, said Gaheris, that is foully and shamefully done,
+that shame shall never from you; also ye should give mercy unto them that ask
+mercy, for a knight without mercy is without worship. Sir Gawaine was so
+stonied of the death of this fair lady that he wist not what he did, and said
+unto the knight, Arise, I will give thee mercy. Nay, nay, said the knight, I
+take no force of mercy now, for thou hast slain my love and my lady that I
+loved best of all earthly things. Me sore repenteth it, said Sir Gawaine, for I
+thought to strike unto thee; but now thou shalt go unto King Arthur and tell
+him of thine adventures, and how thou art overcome by the knight that went in
+the quest of the white hart. I take no force, said the knight, whether I live
+or I die; but so for dread of death he swore to go unto King Arthur, and he
+made him to bear one greyhound before him on his horse, and another behind him.
+What is your name? said Sir Gawaine, or we depart. My name is, said the knight,
+Ablamar of the Marsh. So he departed toward Camelot.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap54"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br/>How four knights fought against
+Gawaine and Gaheris, and how they were overcome, and their lives saved at
+request of four ladies.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And Sir Gawaine went into the castle, and made him ready to lie there all
+night, and would have unarmed him. What will ye do, said Gaheris, will ye unarm
+you in this country? Ye may think ye have many enemies here. They had not
+sooner said that word but there came four knights well armed, and assailed Sir
+Gawaine hard, and said unto him, Thou new-made knight, thou hast shamed thy
+knighthood, for a knight without mercy is dishonoured. Also thou hast slain a
+fair lady to thy great shame to the world&rsquo;s end, and doubt thou not thou
+shalt have great need of mercy or thou depart from us. And therewith one of
+them smote Sir Gawaine a great stroke that nigh he fell to the earth, and
+Gaheris smote him again sore, and so they were on the one side and on the
+other, that Sir Gawaine and Gaheris were in jeopardy of their lives; and one
+with a bow, an archer, smote Sir Gawaine through the arm that it grieved him
+wonderly sore. And as they should have been slain, there came four fair ladies,
+and besought the knights of grace for Sir Gawaine; and goodly at request of the
+ladies they gave Sir Gawaine and Gaheris their lives, and made them to yield
+them as prisoners. Then Gawaine and Gaheris made great dole. Alas! said Sir
+Gawaine, mine arm grieveth me sore, I am like to be maimed; and so made his
+complaint piteously.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Early on the morrow there came to Sir Gawaine one of the four ladies that had
+heard all his complaint, and said, Sir knight, what cheer? Not good, said he.
+It is your own default, said the lady, for ye have done a passing foul deed in
+the slaying of the lady, the which will be great villainy unto you. But be ye
+not of King Arthur&rsquo;s kin? said the lady. Yes truly, said Sir Gawaine.
+What is your name? said the lady, ye must tell it me or ye pass. My name is
+Gawaine, the King Lot of Orkney&rsquo;s son, and my mother is King
+Arthur&rsquo;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 go to King Arthur
+for his love. And so she departed and told the four knights how their prisoner
+was King Arthur&rsquo;s nephew, and his name is Sir Gawaine, King Lot&rsquo;s
+son of Orkney. And they gave him the hart&rsquo;s head because it was in his
+quest. Then anon they delivered Sir Gawaine under this promise, that he should
+bear the dead lady with him in this manner; the head of her was hanged about
+his neck, and the whole body of her lay before him on his horse&rsquo;s mane.
+Right so rode he forth unto Camelot. And anon as he was come, Merlin desired of
+King Arthur that Sir Gawaine should be sworn to tell of all his adventures, and
+how he slew the lady, and how he would give no mercy unto the knight,
+wherethrough the lady was slain. Then the king and the queen were greatly
+displeased with Sir Gawaine for the slaying of the lady. And there by ordinance
+of the queen there was set a quest of ladies on Sir Gawaine, and they judged
+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 to refuse mercy to
+him that asketh mercy. Thus was Gawaine sworn upon the Four Evangelists that he
+should never be against lady nor gentlewoman, but if he fought for a lady and
+his adversary fought for another. And thus endeth the adventure of Sir Gawaine
+that he did at the marriage of King Arthur. Amen.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap55"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br/>How Sir Tor rode after the knight with
+the brachet, and of his adventure by the way.</h3>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Tor was ready, he mounted upon his horseback, and rode after the
+knight with the brachet. So as he rode he met with a dwarf suddenly that smote
+his horse on the head with a staff, that he went backward his spear length. Why
+dost thou so? said Sir Tor. For thou shalt not pass this way, but if thou joust
+with yonder knights of the pavilions. Then was Tor ware where two pavilions
+were, and great spears stood out, and two shields hung on trees by the
+pavilions. I may not tarry, said Sir Tor, for I am in a quest that I must needs
+follow. Thou shalt not pass, said the dwarf, and therewithal he blew his horn.
+Then there came one armed on horseback, and dressed his shield, and came fast
+toward Tor, and he dressed him against him, and so ran together that Tor bare
+him from his horse. And anon the knight yielded him to his mercy. But, sir, I
+have a fellow in yonder pavilion that will have ado with you anon. He shall be
+welcome, said Sir Tor. Then was he ware of another knight coming with great
+raundon, and each of them dressed to other, that marvel it was to see; but the
+knight smote Sir Tor a great stroke in midst of the shield that his spear all
+to-shivered. And Sir Tor smote him through the shield below of the shield that
+it went through the cost of the knight, but the stroke slew him not. And
+therewith Sir Tor alighted and smote him on the helm a great stroke, and
+therewith the knight yielded him and besought him of mercy. I will well, said
+Sir Tor, but thou and thy fellow must go unto King Arthur, and yield you
+prisoners unto him. By whom shall we say are we thither sent? Ye shall say by
+the knight that went in the quest of the knight that went with the brachet.
+Now, what be your two names? said Sir Tor. My name is, said the one, Sir Felot
+of Langduk; and my name is, said the other, Sir Petipase of Winchelsea. Now go
+ye forth, said Sir Tor, and God speed you and me. Then came the dwarf and said
+unto Sir Tor, I pray you give me a gift. I will well, said Sir Tor, ask. I ask
+no more, said the dwarf, but that ye will suffer me to do you service, for I
+will serve no more recreant knights. Take an horse, said Sir Tor, and ride on
+with me. I wot ye ride after the knight with the white brachet, and I shall
+bring you where he is, said the dwarf. And so they rode throughout a forest,
+and at the last they were ware of two pavilions, even by a priory, with two
+shields, and the one shield was enewed with white, and the other shield was
+red.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap56"></a>CHAPTER X.<br/>How Sir Tor found the brachet with a
+lady, and how a knight assailed him for the said brachet.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Therewith Sir Tor alighted and took the dwarf his glaive, and so he came to the
+white pavilion, and saw three damosels lie in it, on one pallet, sleeping, and
+so he went to the other pavilion, and found a lady lying sleeping therein, but
+there was the white brachet that bayed at her fast, and therewith the lady yede
+out of the pavilion and all her damosels. But anon as Sir Tor espied the white
+brachet, he took her by force and took her to the dwarf. What, will ye so, said
+the lady, take my brachet from me? Yea, said Sir Tor, this brachet have I
+sought from King Arthur&rsquo;s court hither. Well, said the lady, knight, ye
+shall not go far with her, but that ye shall be met and grieved. I shall abide
+what adventure that cometh by the grace of God, and so mounted upon his horse,
+and passed on his way toward Camelot; but it was so near night he might not
+pass but little further. Know ye any lodging? said Tor. I know none, said the
+dwarf, but here beside is an hermitage, and there ye must take lodging as ye
+find. And within a while they came to the hermitage and took lodging; and was
+there grass, oats and bread for their horses; soon it was sped, and full hard
+was their supper; but there they rested them all night till on the morn, and
+heard a mass devoutly, and took their leave of the hermit, and Sir Tor prayed
+the hermit to pray for him. He said he would, and betook him to God. And so
+mounted upon horseback and rode towards Camelot a long while.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With that they heard a knight call loud that came after them, and he said,
+Knight, abide and yield my brachet that thou took from my lady. Sir Tor
+returned again, and beheld him how he was a seemly knight and well horsed, and
+well armed at all points; then Sir Tor dressed his shield, and took his spear
+in his hands, and the other came fiercely upon him, and smote both horse and
+man to the earth. Anon they arose lightly and drew their swords as eagerly as
+lions, and put their shields afore them, and smote through the shields, that
+the cantels fell off both parties. Also they tamed their helms that the hot
+blood ran out, and the thick mails of their hauberks they carved and rove in
+sunder that the hot blood ran to the earth, and both they had many wounds and
+were passing weary. But Sir Tor espied that the other knight fainted, and then
+he sued fast upon him, and doubled his strokes, and gart him go to the earth on
+the one side. Then Sir Tor bade him yield him. That will I not, said Abelleus,
+while my life lasteth and the soul is within my body, unless that thou wilt
+give me the brachet. That will I not do, said Sir Tor, for it was my quest to
+bring again thy brachet, thee, or both.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap57"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br/>How Sir Tor overcame the knight, and
+how he lost his head at the request of a lady.</h3>
+
+<p>
+With that came a damosel riding on a palfrey as fast as she might drive, and
+cried with a loud voice unto Sir Tor. What will ye with me? said Sir Tor. I
+beseech thee, said the damosel, for King Arthur&rsquo;s love, give me a gift; I
+require thee, gentle knight, as thou art a gentleman. Now, said Tor, ask a gift
+and I will give it you. Gramercy, said the damosel; now I ask the head of the
+false knight Abelleus, for he is the most outrageous knight that liveth, and
+the greatest murderer. I am loath, said Sir Tor, of that gift I have given you;
+let him make amends in that he hath trespassed unto you. Now, said the damosel,
+he may not, for he slew mine own brother before mine own eyes, that was a
+better knight than he, an he had had grace; and I kneeled half an hour afore
+him in the mire for to save my brother&rsquo;s life, that had done him no
+damage, but fought with him by adventure of arms, and so for all that I could
+do he struck off his head; wherefore I require thee, as thou art a true knight,
+to give me my gift, or else I shall shame thee in all the court of King Arthur;
+for he is the falsest knight living, and a great destroyer of good knights.
+Then when Abelleus heard this, he was more afeard, and yielded him and asked
+mercy. I may not now, said Sir Tor, but if I should be found false of my
+promise; for while I would have taken you to mercy ye would none ask, but if ye
+had the brachet again, that was my quest. And therewith he took off his helm,
+and he arose and fled, and Sir Tor after him, and smote off his head quite.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now sir, said the damosel, it is near night; I pray you come and lodge with me
+here at my place, it is here fast by. I will well, said Sir Tor, for his horse
+and he had fared evil since they departed from Camelot, and so he rode with
+her, and had passing good cheer with her; and she had a passing fair old knight
+to her husband that made him passing good cheer, and well eased both his horse
+and him. And on the morn he heard his mass, and brake his fast, and took his
+leave of the knight and of the lady, that besought him to tell them his name.
+Truly, he said, my name is Sir Tor that was late made knight, and this was the
+first quest of arms that ever I did, to bring again that this knight Abelleus
+took away from King Arthur&rsquo;s court. O fair knight, said the lady and her
+husband, an ye come here in our marches, come and see our poor lodging, and it
+shall be always at your commandment. So Sir Tor departed and came to Camelot on
+the third day by noon, and the king and the queen and all the court was passing
+fain of his coming, and made great joy that he was come again; for he went from
+the court with little succour, but as King Pellinore his father gave him an old
+courser, and King Arthur gave him armour and a sword, and else had he none
+other succour, but rode so forth himself alone. And then the king and the queen
+by Merlin&rsquo;s advice made him to swear to tell of his adventures, and so he
+told and made proofs of his deeds as it is afore rehearsed, wherefore the king
+and the queen made great joy. Nay, nay, said Merlin, these be but japes to that
+he shall do; for he shall prove a noble knight of prowess, as good as any is
+living, and gentle and courteous, and of good tatches, and passing true of his
+promise, and never shall outrage. Wherethrough Merlin&rsquo;s words King Arthur
+gave him an earldom of lands that fell unto him. And here endeth the quest of
+Sir Tor, King Pellinore&rsquo;s son.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap58"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br/>How King Pellinore rode after the
+lady and the knight that led her away, and how a lady desired help of him, and
+how he fought with two knights for that lady, of whom he slew the one at the
+first stroke.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then King Pellinore armed him and mounted upon his horse, and rode more than a
+pace after the lady that the knight led away. And as he rode in a forest, he
+saw in a valley a damosel sit by a well, and a wounded knight in her arms, and
+Pellinore saluted her. And when she was ware of him, she cried overloud, Help
+me, knight; for Christ&rsquo;s sake, King Pellinore. And he would not tarry, he
+was so eager in his quest, and ever she cried an hundred times after help. When
+she saw he would not abide, she prayed unto God to send him as much need of
+help as she had, and that he might feel it or he died. So, as the book telleth,
+the knight there died that there was wounded, wherefore the lady for pure
+sorrow slew herself with his sword. As King Pellinore rode in that valley he
+met with a poor man, a labourer. Sawest thou not, said Pellinore, a knight
+riding and leading away a lady? Yea, said the man, I saw that knight, and the
+lady that made great dole; and yonder beneath in a valley there shall ye see
+two pavilions, and one of the knights of the pavilions challenged that lady of
+that knight, and said she was his cousin near, wherefore he should lead her no
+farther. And so they waged battle in that quarrel, the one said he would have
+her by force, and the other said he would have the rule of her, by cause he was
+her kinsman, and would lead her to her kin. For this quarrel he left them
+fighting. And if ye will ride a pace ye shall find them fighting, and the lady
+was beleft with the two squires in the pavilions. God thank thee, said King
+Pellinore.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then he rode a wallop till he had a sight of the two pavilions, and the two
+knights fighting. Anon he rode unto the pavilions, and saw the lady that was
+his quest, and said, Fair lady, ye must go with me unto the court of King
+Arthur. Sir knight, said the two squires that were with her, yonder are two
+knights that fight for this lady, go thither and depart them, and be agreed
+with them, and then may ye have her at your pleasure. Ye say well, said King
+Pellinore. And anon he rode betwixt them, and departed them, and asked them the
+causes why that they fought? Sir knight, said the one, I shall tell you, this
+lady is my kinswoman nigh, mine aunt&rsquo;s daughter, and when I heard her
+complain that she was with him maugre her head, I waged battle to fight with
+him. Sir knight, said the other, whose name was Hontzlake of Wentland, and this
+lady I gat by my prowess of arms this day at Arthur&rsquo;s court. That is
+untruly said, said King Pellinore, for ye came in suddenly there as we were at
+the high feast, and took away this lady or any man might make him ready; and
+therefore it was my quest to bring her again and you both, or else the one of
+us to abide in the field; therefore the lady shall go with me, or I will die
+for it, for I have promised it King Arthur. And therefore fight ye no more, for
+none of you shall have no part of her at this time; and if ye list to fight for
+her, fight with me, and I will defend her. Well, said the knights, make you
+ready, and we shall assail you with all our power. And as King Pellinore would
+have put his horse from them, Sir Hontzlake rove his horse through with a
+sword, and said: Now art thou on foot as well as we are. When King Pellinore
+espied that his horse was slain, lightly he leapt from his horse and pulled out
+his sword, and put his shield afore him, and said, Knight, keep well thy head,
+for thou shalt have a buffet for the slaying of my horse. So King Pellinore
+gave him such a stroke upon the helm that he clave the head down to the chin,
+that he fell to the earth dead.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap59"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br/>How King Pellinore gat the lady and
+brought her to Camelot to the court of King Arthur.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then he turned him to the other knight, that was sore wounded. But when he
+saw the other&rsquo;s buffet, he would not fight, but kneeled down and said,
+Take my cousin the lady with you at your request, and I require you, as ye be a
+true knight, put her to no shame nor villainy. What, said King Pellinore, will
+ye not fight for her? No, sir, said the knight, I will not fight with such a
+knight of prowess as ye be. Well, said Pellinore, ye say well; I promise you
+she shall have no villainy by me, as I am true knight; but now me lacketh an
+horse, said Pellinore, but I will have Hontzlake&rsquo;s horse. Ye shall not
+need, said the knight, for I shall give you such an horse as shall please you,
+so that you will lodge with me, for it is near night. I will well, said King
+Pellinore, abide with you all night. And there he had with him right good
+cheer, and fared of the best with passing good wine, and had merry rest that
+night. And on the morn he heard a mass and dined; and then was brought him a
+fair bay courser, and King Pellinore&rsquo;s saddle set upon him. Now, what
+shall I call you? said the knight, inasmuch as ye have my cousin at your desire
+of your quest. Sir, I shall tell you, my name is King Pellinore of the Isles
+and knight of the Table Round. Now I am glad, said the knight, that such a
+noble man shall have the rule of my cousin. Now, what is your name? said
+Pellinore, I pray you tell me. Sir, my name is Sir Meliot of Logurs, and this
+lady my cousin hight Nimue, and the knight that was in the other pavilion is my
+sworn brother, a passing good knight, and his name is Brian of the Isles, and
+he is full loath to do wrong, and full loath to fight with any man, but if he
+be sore sought on, so that for shame he may not leave it. It is marvel, said
+Pellinore, that he will not have ado with me. Sir, he will not have ado with no
+man but if it be at his request. Bring him to the court, said Pellinore, one of
+these days. Sir, we will come together. And ye shall be welcome, said
+Pellinore, to the court of King Arthur, and greatly allowed for your coming.
+And so he departed with the lady, and brought her to Camelot.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So as they rode in a valley it was full of stones, and there the lady&rsquo;s
+horse stumbled and threw her down, that her arm was sore bruised and near she
+swooned for pain. Alas! sir, said the lady, mine arm is out of lithe,
+wherethrough I must needs rest me. Ye shall well, said King Pellinore. And so
+he alighted under a fair tree where was fair grass, and he put his horse
+thereto, and so laid him under the tree and slept till it was nigh night. And
+when he awoke he would have ridden. Sir, said the lady, it is so dark that ye
+may as well ride backward as forward. So they abode still and made there their
+lodging. Then Sir Pellinore put off his armour; then a little afore midnight
+they heard the trotting of an horse. Be ye still, said King Pellinore, for we
+shall hear of some adventure.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap60"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br/>How on the way he heard two knights,
+as he lay by night in a valley, and of their adventures.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And therewith he armed him. So right even afore him there met two knights, the
+one came froward Camelot, and the other from the north, and either saluted
+other. What tidings at Camelot? said the one. By my head, said the other, there
+have I been and espied the court of King Arthur, and there is such a fellowship
+they may never be broken, and well-nigh all the world holdeth with Arthur, for
+there is the flower of chivalry. Now for this cause I am riding into the north,
+to tell our chieftains of the fellowship that is withholden with King Arthur.
+As for that, said the other knight, I have brought a remedy with me, that is
+the greatest poison that ever ye heard speak of, and to Camelot will I with it,
+for we have a friend right nigh King Arthur, and well cherished, that shall
+poison King Arthur; for so he hath promised our chieftains, and received great
+gifts for to do it. Beware, said the other knight, of Merlin, for he knoweth
+all things by the devil&rsquo;s craft. Therefore will I not let it, said the
+knight. And so they departed asunder. Anon after Pellinore made him ready, and
+his lady, [and] rode toward Camelot; and as they came by the well there as the
+wounded knight was and the lady, there he found the knight, and the lady eaten
+with lions or wild beasts, all save the head, wherefore he made great sorrow,
+and wept passing sore, and said, Alas! her life might I have saved; but I was
+so fierce in my quest, therefore I would not abide. Wherefore make ye such
+dole? said the lady. I wot not, said Pellinore, but my heart mourneth sore of
+the death of her, for she was a passing fair lady and a young. Now, will ye do
+by mine advice? said the lady, take this knight and let him be buried in an
+hermitage, and then take the lady&rsquo;s head and bear it with you unto
+Arthur. So King Pellinore took this dead knight on his shoulders, and brought
+him to the hermitage, and charged the hermit with the corpse, that service
+should be done for the soul; and take his harness for your pain. It shall be
+done, said the hermit, as I will answer unto God.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap61"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br/>How when he was come to Camelot he was
+sworn upon a book to tell the truth of his quest.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And therewith they departed, and came there as the head of the lady lay with a
+fair yellow hair that grieved King Pellinore passingly sore when he looked on
+it, for much he cast his heart on the visage. And so by noon they came to
+Camelot; and the king and the queen were passing fain of his coming to the
+court. And there he was made to swear upon the Four Evangelists, to tell the
+truth of his quest from the one to the other. Ah! Sir Pellinore, said Queen
+Guenever, ye were greatly to blame that ye saved not this lady&rsquo;s life.
+Madam, said Pellinore, ye were greatly to blame an ye would not save your own
+life an ye might, but, save your pleasure, I was so furious in my quest that I
+would not abide, and that repenteth me, and shall the days of my life. Truly,
+said Merlin, ye ought sore to repent it, for that lady was your own daughter
+begotten on the lady of the Rule, and that knight that was dead was her love,
+and should have wedded her, and he was a right good knight of a young man, and
+would have proved a good man, and to this court was he coming, and his name was
+Sir Miles of the Launds, and a knight came behind him and slew him with a
+spear, and his name is Loraine le Savage, a false knight and a coward; and she
+for great sorrow and dole slew herself with his sword, and her name was Eleine.
+And because ye would not abide and help her, ye shall see your best friend fail
+you when ye be in the greatest distress that ever ye were or shall be. And that
+penance God hath ordained you for that deed, that he that ye shall most trust
+to of any man alive, he shall leave you there ye shall be slain. Me
+forthinketh, said King Pellinore, that this shall me betide, but God may fordo
+well destiny.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus, when the quest was done of the white hart, the which followed Sir
+Gawaine; and the quest of the brachet, followed of Sir Tor, Pellinore&rsquo;s
+son; and the quest of the lady that the knight took away, the which King
+Pellinore at that time followed; then the king stablished all his knights, and
+them that were of lands not rich he gave them lands, and charged them never to
+do outrageousity nor murder, and always to flee treason; also, by no means to
+be cruel, but to give mercy unto him that asketh mercy, upon pain of forfeiture
+of their worship and lordship of King Arthur for evermore; and always to do
+ladies, damosels, and gentlewomen succour, upon pain of death. Also, that no
+man take no battles in a wrongful quarrel for no law, nor for no world&rsquo;s
+goods. Unto this were all the knights sworn of the Table Round, both old and
+young. And every year were they sworn at the high feast of Pentecost.
+</p>
+
+<h5>Explicit the Wedding of King Arthur.<br/>Sequitur quartus liber.</h5>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="part04"></a>BOOK IV.</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap62"></a>CHAPTER I.<br/>How Merlin was assotted and doted on
+one of the ladies of the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone and
+there died.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So after these quests of Sir Gawaine, Sir Tor, and King Pellinore, it fell so
+that Merlin fell in a dotage on the damosel that King Pellinore brought to
+court, and she was one of the damosels of the lake, that hight Nimue. But
+Merlin would let her have no rest, but always he would be with her. And ever
+she made Merlin good cheer till she had learned of him all manner thing that
+she desired; and he was assotted upon her, that he might not be from her. So on
+a time he told King Arthur that he should not dure long, but for all his crafts
+he should be put in the earth quick. And so he told the king many things that
+should befall, but always he warned the king to keep well his sword and the
+scabbard, for he told him how the sword and the scabbard should be stolen by a
+woman from him that he most trusted. Also he told King Arthur that he should
+miss him,&mdash;Yet had ye liefer than all your lands to have me again. Ah,
+said the king, since ye know of your adventure, purvey for it, and put away by
+your crafts that misadventure. Nay, said Merlin, it will not be; so he departed
+from the king. And within a while the Damosel of the Lake departed, and Merlin
+went with her evermore wheresomever she went. And ofttimes Merlin would have
+had her privily away by his subtle crafts; then she made him to swear that he
+should never do none enchantment upon her if he would have his will. And so he
+sware; so she and Merlin went over the sea unto the land of Benwick, whereas
+King Ban was king that had great war against King Claudas, and there Merlin
+spake with King Ban&rsquo;s wife, a fair lady and a good, and her name was
+Elaine, and there he saw young Launcelot. There the queen made great sorrow for
+the mortal war that King Claudas made on her lord and on her lands. Take none
+heaviness, said Merlin, for this same child within this twenty year shall
+revenge you on King Claudas, that all Christendom shall speak of it; and this
+same child shall be the most man of worship of the world, and his first name is
+Galahad, that know I well, said Merlin, and since ye have confirmed him
+Launcelot. That is truth, said the queen, his first name was Galahad. O Merlin,
+said the queen, shall I live to see my son such a man of prowess? Yea, lady, on
+my peril ye shall see it, and live many winters after.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so, soon after, the lady and Merlin departed, and by the way Merlin showed
+her many wonders, and came into Cornwall. And always Merlin lay about the lady
+to have her maidenhood, and she was ever passing weary of him, and fain would
+have been delivered of him, for she was afeard of him because he was a
+devil&rsquo;s son, and she could not beskift him by no mean. And so on a time
+it happed that Merlin showed to her in a rock whereas was a great wonder, and
+wrought by enchantment, that went under a great stone. So by her subtle working
+she made Merlin to go under that stone to let her wit of the marvels there; but
+she wrought so there for him that he came never out for all the craft he could
+do. And so she departed and left Merlin.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap63"></a>CHAPTER II.<br/>How five kings came into this land to
+war against King Arthur, and what counsel Arthur had against them.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And as King Arthur rode to Camelot, and held there a great feast with mirth and
+joy, so soon after he returned unto Cardoile, and there came unto Arthur new
+tidings that the king of Denmark, and the king of Ireland that was his brother,
+and the king of the Vale, and the king of Soleise, and the king of the Isle of
+Longtains, all these five kings with a great host were entered into the land of
+King Arthur, and burnt and slew clean afore them, both cities and castles, that
+it was pity to hear. Alas, said Arthur, yet had I never rest one month since I
+was crowned king of this land. Now shall I never rest till I meet with those
+kings in a fair field, that I make mine avow; for my true liege people shall
+not be destroyed in my default, go with me who will, and abide who that will.
+Then the king let write unto King Pellinore, and prayed him in all haste to
+make him ready with such people as he might lightliest rear and hie him after
+in all haste. All the barons were privily wroth that the king would depart so
+suddenly; but the king by no mean would abide, but made writing unto them that
+were not there, and bade them hie after him, such as were not at that time in
+the court. Then the king came to Queen Guenever, and said, Lady, make you
+ready, for ye shall go with me, for I may not long miss you; ye shall cause me
+to be the more hardy, what adventure so befall me; I will not wit my lady to be
+in no jeopardy. Sir, said she, I am at your commandment, and shall be ready
+what time so ye be ready. So on the morn the king and the queen departed with
+such fellowship as they had, and came into the north, into a forest beside
+Humber, and there lodged them. When the word and tiding came unto the five
+kings above said, that Arthur was beside Humber in a forest, there was a
+knight, brother unto one of the five kings, that gave them this counsel: Ye
+know well that Sir Arthur hath the flower of chivalry of the world with him, as
+it is proved by the great battle he did with the eleven kings; and therefore
+hie unto him night and day till that we be nigh him, for the longer he tarrieth
+the bigger he is, and we ever the weaker; and he is so courageous of himself
+that he is come to the field with little people, and therefore let us set upon
+him or day and we shall slay down; of his knights there shall none escape.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap64"></a>CHAPTER III.<br/>How King Arthur had ado with them and
+overthrew them, and slew the five kings and made the remnant to flee.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Unto this counsel these five kings assented, and so they passed forth with
+their host through North Wales, and came upon Arthur by night, and set upon his
+host as the king and his knights were in their pavilions. King Arthur was
+unarmed, and had laid him to rest with his Queen Guenever. Sir, said Sir Kay,
+it is not good we be unarmed. We shall have no need, said Sir Gawaine and Sir
+Griflet, that lay in a little pavilion by the king. With that they heard a
+great noise, and many cried, Treason, treason! Alas, said King Arthur, we be
+betrayed! Unto arms, fellows, then he cried. So they were armed anon at all
+points. Then came there a wounded knight unto the king, and said, Sir, save
+yourself and my lady the queen, for our host is destroyed, and much people of
+ours slain. So anon the king and the queen and the three knights took their
+horses, and rode toward Humber to pass over it, and the water was so rough that
+they were afraid to pass over. Now may ye choose, said King Arthur, whether ye
+will abide and take the adventure on this side, for an ye be taken they will
+slay you. It were me liefer, said the queen, to die in the water than to fall
+in your enemies&rsquo; hands and there be slain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as they stood so talking, Sir Kay saw the five kings coming on horseback by
+themselves alone, with their spears in their hands even toward them. Lo, said
+Sir Kay, yonder be the five kings; let us go to them and match them. That were
+folly, said Sir Gawaine, for we are but three and they be five. That is truth,
+said Sir Griflet. No force, said Sir Kay, I will undertake for two of them, and
+then may ye three undertake for the other three. And therewithal, Sir Kay let
+his horse run as fast as he might, and struck one of them through the shield
+and the body a fathom, that the king fell to the earth stark dead. That saw Sir
+Gawaine, and ran unto another king so hard that he smote him through the body.
+And therewithal King Arthur ran to another, and smote him through the body with
+a spear, that he fell to the earth dead. Then Sir Griflet ran unto the fourth
+king, and gave him such a fall that his neck brake. Anon Sir Kay ran unto the
+fifth king, and smote him so hard on the helm that the stroke clave the helm
+and the head to the earth. That was well stricken, said King Arthur, and
+worshipfully hast thou holden thy promise, therefore I shall honour thee while
+that I live. And therewithal they set the queen in a barge into Humber; but
+always Queen Guenever praised Sir Kay for his deeds, and said, What lady that
+ye love, and she love you not again she were greatly to blame; and among
+ladies, said the queen, I shall bear your noble fame, for ye spake a great
+word, and fulfilled it worshipfully. And therewith the queen departed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king and the three knights rode into the forest, for there they
+supposed to hear of them that were escaped; and there he found the most part of
+his people, and told them all how the five kings were dead. And therefore let
+us hold us together till it be day, and when their host have espied that their
+chieftains be slain, they will make such dole that they shall no more help
+themselves. And right so as the king said, so it was; for when they found the
+five kings dead, they made such dole that they fell from their horses.
+Therewithal came King Arthur but with a few people, and slew on the left hand
+and on the right hand, that well-nigh there escaped no man, but all were slain
+to the number thirty thousand. And when the battle was all ended, the king
+kneeled down and thanked God meekly. And then he sent for the queen, and soon
+she was come, and she made great joy of the overcoming of that battle.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap65"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br/>How the battle was finished or he
+came, and how King Arthur founded an abbey where the battle was.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Therewithal came one to King Arthur, and told him that King Pellinore was
+within three mile with a great host; and he said, Go unto him, and let him
+understand how we have sped. So within a while King Pellinore came with a great
+host, and saluted the people and the king, and there was great joy made on
+every side. Then the king let search how much people of his party there was
+slain; and there were found but little past two hundred men slain and eight
+knights of the Table Round in their pavilions. Then the king let rear and
+devise in the same place whereat the battle was done a fair abbey, and endowed
+it with great livelihood, and let it call the Abbey of La Beale Adventure. But
+when some of them came into their countries, whereof the five kings were kings,
+and told them how they were slain, there was made great dole. And all King
+Arthur&rsquo;s enemies, as the King of North Wales, and the kings of the North,
+[when they] wist of the battle, they were passing heavy. And so the king
+returned unto Camelot in haste.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when he was come to Camelot he called King Pellinore unto him, and said, Ye
+understand well that we have lost eight knights of the best of the Table Round,
+and by your advice we will choose eight again of the best we may find in this
+court. Sir, said Pellinore, I shall counsel you after my conceit the best:
+there are in your court full noble knights both of old and young; and therefore
+by mine advice ye shall choose half of the old and half of the young. Which be
+the old? said King Arthur. Sir, said King Pellinore, meseemeth that King Uriens
+that hath wedded your sister Morgan le Fay, and the King of the Lake, and Sir
+Hervise de Revel, a noble knight, and Sir Galagars, the fourth. This is well
+devised, said King Arthur, and right so shall it be. Now, which are the four
+young knights? said Arthur. Sir, said Pellinore, the first is Sir Gawaine, your
+nephew, that is as good a knight of his time as any is in this land; and the
+second as meseemeth best is Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu, that is a good knight
+and full desirous in arms, and who may see him live he shall prove a good
+knight; and the third as meseemeth is well to be one of the knights of the
+Round Table, Sir Kay the Seneschal, for many times he hath done full
+worshipfully, and now at your last battle he did full honourably for to
+undertake to slay two kings. By my head, said Arthur, he is best worth to be a
+knight of the Round Table of any that ye have rehearsed, an he had done no more
+prowess in his life days.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap66"></a>CHAPTER V.<br/>How Sir Tor was made knight of the
+Round Table, and how Bagdemagus was displeased.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now, said King Pellinore, I shall put to you two knights, and ye shall choose
+which is most worthy, that is Sir Bagdemagus, and Sir Tor, my son. But because
+Sir Tor is my son I may not praise him, but else, an he were not my son, I
+durst say that of his age there is not in this land a better knight than he is,
+nor of better conditions and loath to do any wrong, and loath to take any
+wrong. By my head, said Arthur, he is a passing good knight as any ye spake of
+this day, that wot I well, said the king; for I have seen him proved, but he
+saith little and he doth much more, for I know none in all this court an he
+were as well born on his mother&rsquo;s side as he is on your side, that is
+like him of prowess and of might: and therefore I will have him at this time,
+and leave Sir Bagdemagus till another time. So when they were so chosen by the
+assent of all the barons, so were there found in their sieges every
+knights&rsquo; names that here are rehearsed, and so were they set in their
+sieges; whereof Sir Bagdemagus was wonderly wroth, that Sir Tor was advanced
+afore him, and therefore suddenly he departed from the court, and took his
+squire with him, and rode long in a forest till they came to a cross, and there
+alighted and said his prayers devoutly. The meanwhile his squire found written
+upon the cross, that Bagdemagus should never return unto the court again, till
+he had won a knight&rsquo;s body of the Round Table, body for body. So, sir,
+said the squire, here I find writing of you, therefore I rede you return again
+to the court. That shall I never, said Bagdemagus, till men speak of me great
+worship, and that I be worthy to be a knight of the Round Table. And so he rode
+forth, and there by the way he found a branch of an holy herb that was the sign
+of the Sangreal, and no knight found such tokens but he were a good liver.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So, as Sir Bagdemagus rode to see many adventures, it happed him to come to the
+rock whereas the Lady of the Lake had put Merlin under the stone, and there he
+heard him make great dole; whereof Sir Bagdemagus would have holpen him, and
+went unto the great stone, and it was so heavy that an hundred men might not
+lift it up. When Merlin wist he was there, he bade leave his labour, for all
+was in vain, for he might never be holpen but by her that put him there. And so
+Bagdemagus departed and did many adventures, and proved after a full good
+knight, and came again to the court and was made knight of the Round Table. So
+on the morn there fell new tidings and other adventures.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap67"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br/>How King Arthur, King Uriens, and Sir
+Accolon of Gaul, chased an hart, and of their marvellous adventures.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then it befell that Arthur and many of his knights rode a-hunting into a great
+forest, and it happed King Arthur, King Uriens, and Sir Accolon of Gaul,
+followed a great hart, for they three were well horsed, and so they chased so
+fast that within a while they three were then ten mile from their fellowship.
+And 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 enbushed. What will we do? said King Arthur, we are hard
+bestead. Let us go on foot, said King Uriens, till we may meet with some
+lodging. Then were they ware of the hart that lay on a great water bank, and a
+brachet biting on his throat, and more other hounds came after. Then King
+Arthur blew the prise and dight the hart.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king looked about the world, and saw afore him in a great water a
+little ship, all apparelled with silk down to the water, and the ship came
+right unto them and landed on the sands. Then Arthur went to the bank and
+looked in, and saw none earthly creature therein. Sirs, said the king, come
+thence, and let us see what is in this ship. So they went in all three, and
+found it richly behanged with cloth of silk. By then 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; and therewithal there came out twelve
+fair damosels and saluted King Arthur on their knees, and called him by his
+name, and said he was right welcome, and such cheer as they had he should have
+of the best. The king thanked them fair. Therewithal they led the king and his
+two fellows into a fair chamber, and there was a cloth laid, richly beseen of
+all that longed unto a table, and there were they served of all wines and meats
+that they could think; of that the king had great marvel, for he fared never
+better in his life as for one supper. And so when they had supped at their
+leisure, King Arthur was led into a chamber, a richer beseen chamber saw he
+never none, and so was King Uriens served, and led into such another chamber,
+and Sir Accolon was led into the third chamber passing richly and well beseen;
+and so they were laid in their beds easily. And anon they fell asleep, and
+slept marvellously sore all the night. And on the morrow King Uriens was in
+Camelot abed in his wife&rsquo;s arms, Morgan le Fay. And when he awoke he had
+great marvel, how he came there, for on the even afore he was two days&rsquo;
+journey from Camelot. And when King Arthur awoke he found himself in a dark
+prison, hearing about him many complaints of woful knights.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap68"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br/>How Arthur took upon him to fight to
+be delivered out of prison, and also for to deliver twenty knights that were in
+prison.</h3>
+
+<p>
+What are ye that so complain? said King Arthur. We be here twenty knights,
+prisoners, said they, and some of us have lain here seven year, and some more
+and some less. For what cause? said Arthur. We shall tell you, said the
+knights; this lord of this castle, his name is Sir Damas, and he is the falsest
+knight that liveth, and full of treason, and a very coward as any liveth, and
+he hath a younger brother, a good knight of prowess, his name is Sir Ontzlake;
+and this traitor Damas, the elder brother will give him no part of his
+livelihood, but as Sir Ontzlake keepeth thorough prowess of his hands, and so
+he keepeth from him a full fair manor and a rich, and therein Sir Ontzlake
+dwelleth worshipfully, and is well beloved of all people. And this Sir Damas,
+our master is as evil beloved, for he is without mercy, and he is a coward, and
+great war hath been betwixt them both, but Ontzlake hath ever the better, and
+ever he proffereth Sir Damas to fight for the livelihood, body for body, but he
+will not do; other-else to find a knight to fight for him. Unto that Sir Damas
+had granted to find a knight, but he is so evil beloved and hated, that there
+is never a knight will fight for him. And when Damas saw this, that there was
+never a knight would fight for him, he hath daily lain await with many knights
+with him, and taken all the knights in this country to see and espy their
+adventures, he hath taken them by force and brought them to his prison. And so
+he took us separately as we rode on our adventures, and many good knights have
+died in this prison for hunger, to the number of eighteen knights; and if any
+of us all that here is, or hath been, would have foughten with his brother
+Ontzlake, he would have delivered us, but for because this Damas is so false
+and so full of treason we would never fight for him to die for it. And we be so
+lean for hunger that unnethe we may stand on our feet. God deliver you, for his
+mercy, said Arthur.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon, therewithal there came a damosel unto Arthur, and asked him, What cheer?
+I cannot say, said he. Sir, said she, an ye will fight for my lord, ye shall be
+delivered out of prison, and else ye escape never the life. Now, said Arthur,
+that is hard, yet had I liefer to fight with a knight than to die in prison;
+with this, said Arthur, I may be delivered and all these prisoners, I will do
+the battle. Yes, said the damosel. I am ready, said Arthur, an I had horse and
+armour. Ye shall lack none, said the damosel. Meseemeth, damosel, I should have
+seen you in the court of Arthur. Nay said the damosel, I came never there, I am
+the lord&rsquo;s daughter of this castle. Yet was she false, for she was one of
+the damosels of Morgan le Fay.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon she went unto Sir Damas, and told him how he would do battle for him, and
+so he sent for Arthur. And when he came he was well coloured, and well made of
+his limbs, that all knights that saw him said it were pity that such a knight
+should die in prison. So Sir Damas and he were agreed that he should fight for
+him upon this covenant, that all other knights should be delivered; and unto
+that was Sir Damas sworn unto Arthur, and also to do the battle to the
+uttermost. And with that all the twenty knights were brought out of the dark
+prison into the hall, and delivered, and so they all abode to see the battle.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap69"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br/>How Accolon found himself by a well,
+and he took upon him to do battle against Arthur.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Accolon of Gaul, that when he awoke he found himself by a deep
+well-side, within half a foot, in great peril of death. And there came out of
+that fountain a pipe of silver, and out of that pipe ran water all on high in a
+stone of marble. When Sir Accolon saw this, he blessed him and said, Jesus save
+my lord King Arthur, and King Uriens, for these damosels in this ship have
+betrayed us, they were devils and no women; and if I may escape this
+misadventure, I shall destroy all where I may find these false damosels that
+use enchantments. Right with that there came a dwarf with a great mouth and a
+flat nose, and saluted Sir Accolon, and said how he came from Queen Morgan le
+Fay, and she greeteth you well, and biddeth you be of strong heart, for ye
+shall fight to morrow with a knight at the hour of prime, and therefore she
+hath sent you here Excalibur, Arthur&rsquo;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 had promised her when ye spake together in privity; and what
+damosel that bringeth her the knight&rsquo;s head, which ye shall fight withal,
+she will make her a queen. Now I understand you well, said Accolon, I shall
+hold that I have promised her now I have the sword: when saw ye my lady Queen
+Morgan le Fay? Right late, said the dwarf. Then Accolon took him in his arms
+and said, Recommend me unto my lady queen, and tell her all shall be done that
+I have promised her, and else I will die for it. Now I suppose, said Accolon,
+she hath made all these crafts and enchantments for this battle. Ye may well
+believe it, said the dwarf. Right so there came a knight and a lady with six
+squires, and saluted Accolon, and prayed him for to arise, and come and rest
+him at his manor. And so Accolon mounted upon a void horse, and went with the
+knight unto a fair manor by a priory, and there he had passing good cheer.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Damas sent unto his brother Sir Ontzlake, and bade make him ready by
+to-morn at the hour of prime, and to be in the field to fight with a good
+knight, for he had found a good knight that was ready to do battle at all
+points. When this word came unto Sir Ontzlake he was passing heavy, for he was
+wounded a little to-fore through both his thighs with a spear, and made great
+dole; but as he was wounded, he would have taken the battle on hand. So it
+happed at that time, by the means of Morgan le Fay, Accolon was with Sir
+Ontzlake lodged; and when he heard of that battle, and how Ontzlake was
+wounded, he said that he would fight for him. Because Morgan le Fay had sent
+him Excalibur and the sheath for to fight with the knight on the morn: this was
+the cause Sir Accolon took the battle on hand. Then Sir Ontzlake was passing
+glad, and thanked Sir Accolon with all his heart that he would do so much for
+him. And therewithal Sir Ontzlake sent word unto his brother Sir Damas, that he
+had a knight that for him should be ready in the field by the hour of prime.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So on the morn Sir Arthur was armed and well horsed, and asked Sir Damas, When
+shall we to the field? Sir, said Sir Damas, ye shall hear mass. And so Arthur
+heard a mass, and when mass was done there came a squire on a great horse, and
+asked Sir Damas if his knight were ready, for our knight is ready in the field.
+Then Sir Arthur mounted upon horseback, and there were all the knights and
+commons of that country; and so by all advices there were chosen twelve good
+men of the country for to wait upon the two knights. And right as Arthur was on
+horseback there came a damosel from Morgan le Fay, and brought unto Sir Arthur
+a sword like unto Excalibur, and the scabbard, and said unto Arthur, Morgan le
+Fay sendeth here your sword for great love. And he thanked her, and weened it
+had been so, but she was false, for the sword and the scabbard was counterfeit,
+and brittle, and false.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap70"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br/>Of the battle between King Arthur and
+Accolon.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then they dressed them on both parties of the field, and let their horses
+run so fast that either smote other in the midst of the shield with their
+spear-heads, that both horse and man went to the earth; and then they started
+up both, and pulled out their swords. The meanwhile that they were thus at the
+battle, came the Damosel of the Lake into the field, that put Merlin under the
+stone; and she came thither for love of King Arthur, for she knew how Morgan le
+Fay had so ordained that King Arthur should have been slain that day, and
+therefore she came to save his life. And so they went eagerly to the battle,
+and gave many great strokes, but always Arthur&rsquo;s sword bit not like
+Accolon&rsquo;s sword; but for the most part, every stroke that Accolon gave he
+wounded sore Arthur, that it was marvel he stood, and always his blood fell
+from him fast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Arthur beheld the ground so sore be-bled he was dismayed, and then he
+deemed treason that his sword was changed; for his sword bit not steel as it
+was wont to do, therefore he dreaded him sore to be dead, for ever him seemed
+that the sword in Accolon&rsquo;s hand was Excalibur, for at every stroke that
+Accolon struck he drew blood on Arthur. Now, knight, said Accolon unto Arthur,
+keep thee well from me; but Arthur answered not again, and gave him such a
+buffet on the helm that it made him to stoop, nigh falling down to the earth.
+Then Sir Accolon withdrew him a little, and came on with Excalibur on high, and
+smote Sir Arthur such a buffet that he fell nigh to the earth. Then were they
+wroth both, and gave each other many sore strokes, but always Sir Arthur lost
+so much blood that it was marvel he stood on his feet, but he was so full of
+knighthood that knightly he endured the pain. And Sir Accolon lost not a deal
+of blood, therefore he waxed passing light, and Sir Arthur was passing feeble,
+and weened verily to have died; but for all that he made countenance as though
+he might endure, and held Accolon as short as he might. But Accolon was so bold
+because of Excalibur that he waxed passing hardy. But all men that beheld him
+said they saw never knight fight so well as Arthur did considering the blood
+that he bled. So was all the people sorry for him, but the two brethren would
+not accord. Then always they fought together as fierce knights, and Sir Arthur
+withdrew him a little for to rest him, and Sir Accolon called him to battle and
+said, It is no time for me to suffer thee to rest. And therewith he came
+fiercely upon Arthur, and Sir Arthur was wroth for the blood that he had lost,
+and smote Accolon on high upon the helm, so mightily, that he made him nigh to
+fall to the earth; and therewith Arthur&rsquo;s sword brast at the cross, and
+fell in the grass among the blood, and the pommel and the sure handles he held
+in his hands. When Sir Arthur saw that, he was in great fear to die, but always
+he held up his shield and lost no ground, nor bated no cheer.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap71"></a>CHAPTER X.<br/>How King Arthur&rsquo;s sword that he
+fought with brake, and how he recovered of Accolon his own sword Excalibur, and
+overcame his enemy.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Accolon began with words of treason, and said, Knight, thou art
+overcome, and mayst not endure, and also thou art weaponless, and thou hast
+lost much of thy blood, and I am full loath to slay thee, therefore yield thee
+to me 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 me lasteth the
+life, and therefore I had liefer to die with honour than to live with shame;
+and if it were possible for me to die an hundred times, I had liefer to die so
+oft than yield me to thee; for though I lack weapon, I shall lack no worship,
+and if thou slay me weaponless that shall be thy shame. Well, said Accolon, as
+for the shame I will not spare, now keep thee from me, for thou art but a dead
+man. And therewith Accolon gave him such a stroke that he fell nigh to the
+earth, and would have had Arthur to have cried him mercy. But Sir Arthur
+pressed unto Accolon with his shield, and gave him with the pommel in his hand
+such a buffet that he went three strides aback.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When the Damosel of the Lake beheld Arthur, how full of prowess his body was,
+and the false treason that was wrought for him to have had him slain, she had
+great pity that so good a knight and such a man of worship should so be
+destroyed. And at the next stroke Sir Accolon struck him such a stroke that by
+the damosel&rsquo;s enchantment the sword Excalibur fell out of Accolon&rsquo;s
+hand to the earth. And therewithal Sir Arthur lightly leapt to it, and gat it
+in his hand, and forthwithal he knew that it was his sword Excalibur, and said,
+Thou hast been from me all too long, and much damage hast thou done me; and
+therewith he espied the scabbard hanging by his side, and suddenly he sterte to
+him and pulled the scabbard from him, and threw it from him as far as he might
+throw it. O knight, said Arthur, this day hast thou done me great damage with
+this sword; now are ye come unto your death, for I shall not warrant you but ye
+shall as well be rewarded with this sword, or ever we depart, as thou hast
+rewarded me; for much pain have ye made me to endure, and much blood have I
+lost. And therewith Sir Arthur rushed on him with all his might and pulled him
+to the earth, and then rushed off his helm, and gave him such a buffet on the
+head that the blood came out at his ears, his nose, and his mouth. Now will I
+slay thee, said Arthur. Slay me ye may well, said Accolon, an it please you,
+for ye are the best knight that ever I found, and I see well that God is with
+you. But for I promised to do this battle, said Accolon, to the uttermost, and
+never to be recreant while I lived, therefore shall I never yield me with my
+mouth, but God do with my body what he will. Then Sir Arthur remembered him,
+and thought he should have seen this knight. Now tell me, said Arthur, or I
+will slay thee, of what country art thou, and of what court? Sir Knight, said
+Sir Accolon, I am of the court of King Arthur, and my name is Accolon of Gaul.
+Then was Arthur more dismayed than he was beforehand; for then he remembered
+him of his sister Morgan le Fay, and of the enchantment of the ship. O sir
+knight, said he, I pray you tell me who gave you this sword, and by whom ye had
+it.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap72"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br/>How Accolon confessed the treason of
+Morgan le Fay, King Arthur&rsquo;s sister, and how she would have done slay
+him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Accolon bethought him, and said, Woe worth this sword, for by it have
+I got my death. It may well be, said the king. Now, sir, said Accolon, I will
+tell you; this sword hath been in my keeping the most part of this twelvemonth;
+and Morgan le Fay, King Uriens&rsquo; wife, sent it me yesterday by a dwarf, to
+this intent, that I should slay King Arthur, her brother. For ye shall
+understand King Arthur is the man in the world that she most hateth, because he
+is most of worship and of prowess of any of her blood; also she loveth me out
+of measure as paramour, and I her again; and if she might bring about to slay
+Arthur by her crafts, she would slay her husband King Uriens lightly, and then
+had she me devised to be king in this land, and so to reign, and she to be my
+queen; but that is now done, said Accolon, for I am sure of my death. Well,
+said Sir Arthur, I feel by you ye would have been king in this land. It had
+been great damage to have destroyed your lord, said Arthur. It is truth, said
+Accolon, but now I have told you truth, wherefore I pray you tell me of whence
+ye are, and of what court? O Accolon, said King Arthur, now I let thee wit that
+I am King Arthur, to whom thou hast done great damage. When Accolon heard that
+he cried aloud, Fair, sweet lord, have mercy on me, for I knew not you. O Sir
+Accolon, said King Arthur, mercy shalt thou have, because I feel by thy words
+at this time thou knewest not my person; but I understand well by thy words
+that thou hast agreed to the death of my person, and therefore thou art a
+traitor; but I wite thee the less, for my sister Morgan le Fay by her false
+crafts made thee to agree and consent to her false lusts, but I shall be sore
+avenged upon her an I live, that all Christendom shall speak of it; God knoweth
+I have honoured her and worshipped her more than all my kin, and more have I
+trusted her than mine own wife and all my kin after.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Arthur called the keepers of the field, and said, Sirs, come hither,
+for here are we two knights that have fought unto a great damage unto us both,
+and like each one of us to have slain other, if it had happed so; and had any
+of us known other, here had been no battle, nor stroke stricken. Then all aloud
+cried Accolon unto all the knights and men that were then there gathered
+together, and said to them in this manner, O lords, this noble knight that I
+have fought withal, the which me sore repenteth, is the most man of prowess, of
+manhood, and of worship in the world, for it is himself King Arthur, our alther
+liege lord, and with mishap and with misadventure have I done this battle with
+the king and lord that I am holden withal.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap73"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br/>How Arthur accorded the two brethren,
+and delivered the twenty knights, and how Sir Accolon died.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then all the people fell down on their knees and cried King Arthur mercy. Mercy
+shall ye have, said Arthur: here may ye see what adventures befall ofttime of
+errant knights, how that I have fought with a knight of mine own unto my great
+damage and his both. But, sirs, because I am sore hurt, and he both, and I had
+great need of a little rest, ye shall understand the opinion betwixt you two
+brethren: As to thee, Sir Damas, for whom I have been champion and won the
+field of this knight, yet will I judge because ye, Sir Damas, are called an
+orgulous knight, and full of villainy, and not worth of prowess your deeds,
+therefore I will that ye give unto your brother all the whole manor with the
+appurtenance, under this form, that Sir Ontzlake hold the manor of you, and
+yearly to give you a palfrey to ride upon, for that will become you better to
+ride on than upon a courser. Also I charge thee, Sir Damas, upon pain of death,
+that thou never distress no knights errant that ride on their adventure. And
+also that thou restore these twenty knights that thou hast long kept prisoners,
+of all their harness, that they be content for; and if any of them come to my
+court and complain of thee, by my head thou shalt die therefore. Also, Sir
+Ontzlake, as to you, because ye are named a good knight, and full of prowess,
+and true and gentle in all your deeds, this shall be your charge I will give
+you, that in all goodly haste ye come unto me and my court, and ye shall be a
+knight of mine, and if your deeds be thereafter I shall so prefer you, by the
+grace of God, that ye shall in short time be in ease for to live as
+worshipfully as your brother Sir Damas. God thank your largeness of your
+goodness and of your bounty, I shall be from henceforward at all times at your
+commandment; for, sir, said Sir Ontzlake, as God would, as I was hurt but late
+with an adventurous knight through both my thighs, that grieved me sore, and
+else had I done this battle with you. God would, said Arthur, it had been so,
+for then had not I been hurt as I am. I shall tell you the cause why: for I had
+not been hurt as I am, had it not been mine own sword, that was stolen from me
+by treason; and this battle was ordained aforehand to have slain me, and so it
+was brought to the purpose by false treason, and by false enchantment. Alas,
+said Sir Ontzlake, that is great pity that ever so noble a man as ye are of
+your deeds and prowess, that any man or woman might find in their hearts to
+work any treason against you. I shall reward them, said Arthur, in short time,
+by the grace of God. Now, tell me, said Arthur, how far am I from Camelot? Sir,
+ye are two days&rsquo; journey therefrom. I would fain be at some place of
+worship, said Sir Arthur, that I might rest me. Sir, said Sir Ontzlake, hereby
+is a rich abbey of your elders&rsquo; foundation, of nuns, but three miles
+hence. So the king took his leave of all the people, and mounted upon
+horseback, and Sir Accolon with him. And when they were come to the abbey, he
+let fetch leeches and search his wounds and Accolon&rsquo;s both; but Sir
+Accolon died within four days, for he had bled so much blood that he might not
+live, but King Arthur was well recovered. So when Accolon was dead he let send
+him on an horse-bier with six knights unto Camelot, and said: Bear him to my
+sister Morgan le Fay, and say that I send her him to a present, and tell her I
+have my sword Excalibur and the scabbard; so they departed with the body.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap74"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br/>How Morgan would have slain Sir
+Uriens her husband, and how Sir Uwaine her son saved him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+The meanwhile Morgan le Fay had weened King Arthur had been dead. So on a day
+she espied King Uriens lay in his bed sleeping. Then she called unto her a
+maiden of her counsel, and said, Go fetch me my lord&rsquo;s sword, for I saw
+never better time to slay him than now. O madam, said the damosel, an ye slay
+my lord ye can never escape. Care not you, said Morgan le Fay, for now I see my
+time in the which it is best to do it, and therefore hie thee fast and fetch me
+the sword. Then the damosel departed, and found Sir Uwaine sleeping upon a bed
+in another chamber, so she went unto Sir Uwaine, and awaked him, and bade him,
+Arise, and wait on my lady your mother, for she will slay the king your father
+sleeping in his bed, for I go to fetch his sword. Well, said Sir Uwaine, go on
+your way, and let me deal. Anon the damosel brought Morgan the sword with
+quaking hands, and she lightly took the sword, and pulled it out, and went
+boldly unto the bed&rsquo;s side, and awaited how and where she might slay him
+best. And as she lifted up the sword to smite, Sir Uwaine leapt unto his
+mother, and caught her by the hand, and said, Ah, fiend, what wilt thou do? An
+thou wert not my mother, with this sword I should smite off thy head. Ah, said
+Sir Uwaine, men saith that Merlin was begotten of a devil, but I may say an
+earthly devil bare me. O fair son, Uwaine, have mercy upon me, I was tempted
+with a devil, wherefore I cry thee mercy; I will never more do so; and save my
+worship and discover me not. On this covenant, said Sir Uwaine, I will forgive
+it you, so ye will never be about to do such deeds. Nay, son, said she, and
+that I make you assurance.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap75"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br/>How Queen Morgan le Fay made great
+sorrow for the death of Accolon, and how she stole away the scabbard from
+Arthur.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then came tidings unto Morgan le Fay that Accolon was dead, and his body
+brought unto the church, and how King Arthur had his sword again. But when
+Queen Morgan wist that Accolon was dead, she was so sorrowful that near her
+heart to-brast. But because she would not it were known, outward she kept her
+countenance, and made no semblant of sorrow. But well she wist an she abode
+till her brother Arthur came thither, there should no gold go for her life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+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, or 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 same abbey of nuns whereas
+lay King Arthur; and she knowing he was there, she asked where he was. And they
+answered how he had laid him in his bed to sleep, for he had had but little
+rest these three nights. Well, said she, I charge you that none of you awake
+him till I do, and then she alighted off her horse, and thought for to steal
+away Excalibur his sword, and so she went straight unto his chamber, and no man
+durst disobey her commandment, and 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 she had awaked him, and then she
+wist well she had been dead. Then she took the scabbard and went her way on
+horseback. When the king awoke and missed his scabbard, he was wroth, and he
+asked who had been there, and they said his sister, Queen Morgan had been
+there, and had put the scabbard under her mantle and was gone. Alas, said
+Arthur, falsely ye have watched me. Sir, said they all, we durst not disobey
+your sister&rsquo;s commandment. Ah, said the king, let fetch the best horse
+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 found a cowherd, and they
+asked the poor man if there came any lady riding that way. Sir, said this poor
+man, right late came a lady riding with a forty horses, and to yonder forest
+she rode. Then they spurred their horses, and followed fast, and within a while
+Arthur had a sight of Morgan le Fay; then 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, and when she saw she might not escape, she rode unto a
+lake thereby, and said, Whatsoever come of me, my brother shall not have this
+scabbard. And then she let throw the scabbard in the deepest of the water so it
+sank, for it was heavy of gold and precious stones.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then she rode into a valley where many great stones were, and when she saw she
+must be overtaken, she shaped herself, horse and man, by enchantment unto a
+great marble stone. Anon withal came Sir Arthur and Sir Ontzlake whereas the
+king might know his sister and her men, and one knight from another. Ah, said
+the king, here may ye see the vengeance of God, and now am I sorry that this
+misadventure is befallen. And then he looked for the scabbard, but it would not
+be found, so he returned to the abbey where he came from. So when Arthur was
+gone she turned all into the likeliness as she and they were before, and said,
+Sirs, now may we go where we will.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap76"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br/>How Morgan le Fay saved a knight that
+should have been drowned, and how King Arthur returned home again.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then said Morgan, Saw ye Arthur, my brother? Yea, said her knights, right well,
+and that ye should have found an we might have stirred from one stead, for by
+his armyvestal countenance he would have caused us to have fled. I believe you,
+said Morgan. Anon after as she rode she met a knight leading another knight on
+his horse before him, bound hand and foot, blindfold, to have drowned him in a
+fountain. When she saw this knight so bound, she asked him, What will ye do
+with that knight? Lady, said he, I will drown him. For what cause? she asked.
+For I found him with my wife, and she shall have the same death anon. That were
+pity, said Morgan le Fay. Now, what say ye, knight, is it truth that he saith
+of you? she said to the knight that should be drowned. Nay truly, madam, he
+saith not right on me. Of whence be ye, said Morgan le Fay, and of what
+country? I am of the court of King Arthur, and my name is Manassen, cousin unto
+Accolon of Gaul. Ye say well, said she, and for the love of him ye shall be
+delivered, and ye shall have your adversary in the same case ye be in. So
+Manassen was loosed and the other knight bound. And anon Manassen unarmed him,
+and armed himself in his harness, and so mounted on horseback, and the knight
+afore him, and so threw him into the fountain and drowned him. And then he rode
+unto Morgan again, and asked if she would anything unto King Arthur. Tell him
+that I rescued thee, not for the love of him but for the love of Accolon, and
+tell him I fear him not while I can make me and them that be with me in
+likeness of stones; and let him wit I can do much more when I see my time. And
+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 dreaded much King
+Arthur.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+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, then all had marvel of the falsehood
+of Morgan le Fay; many knights wished her burnt. Then came Manassen to court
+and told the king of his adventure. Well, said the king, she is a kind sister;
+I shall so be avenged on her an I live, that all Christendom shall speak of it.
+So on the morn there came a damosel 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 damosel 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 but little.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap77"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br/>How the Damosel of the Lake saved
+King Arthur from mantle that should have burnt him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+With that came the Damosel of the Lake unto the king, and said, Sir, I must
+speak with you in privity. Say on, said the king, what ye will. Sir, said the
+damosel, put not on you this mantle till ye have seen more, and in no wise let
+it not come on you, nor on no 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 damosel that came from his sister,
+Damosel, this mantle that ye have brought me, I will see it upon you. Sir, she
+said, It will not beseem me to wear a king&rsquo;s garment. By my head, said
+Arthur, ye shall wear it or it come on my back, or any man&rsquo;s that here
+is. And so the king made it to be put upon her, and forth withal she fell down
+dead, and never more spake word after and burnt to coals. Then was the king
+wonderly wroth, more than he was to-forehand, and said unto King Uriens, My
+sister, your wife, is alway about to betray me, and well I wot either ye, or my
+nephew, your son, 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
+Accolon confessed to me by his own mouth, that she would have destroyed you as
+well as me, therefore I hold you excused; but as for your son, Sir Uwaine, I
+hold him suspect, therefore I charge you put him out of my court. So Sir Uwaine
+was discharged. And when Sir Gawaine wist that, he made him ready to go with
+him; and said, Whoso banisheth my cousin-germain shall banish me. So they two
+departed, and rode into a great forest, and so they came to an abbey of monks,
+and there 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&rsquo;s brother, we have lost two good knights for
+the love of one. So on the morn they heard their masses in the abbey, and so
+they rode forth till that they came to a great forest. Then was Sir Gawaine
+ware in a valley by a turret [of] twelve fair damosels, and two knights armed
+on great horses, and the damosels went to and fro by a tree. And then was Sir
+Gawaine ware how there hung a white shield on that tree, and ever as the
+damosels came by it they spit upon it, and some threw mire upon the shield.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap78"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br/>How Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine met
+with twelve fair damosels, and how they complained on Sir Marhaus.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine went and saluted them, and asked why they did
+that despite to the shield. Sir, said the damosels, we shall tell you. There is
+a knight in this country that owneth this white shield, and he is a passing
+good man of his hands, but he hateth all ladies and gentlewomen, and therefore
+we do all this despite to the shield. I shall say you, said Sir Gawaine, it
+beseemeth evil a good knight to despise all ladies and gentlewomen, and
+peradventure though he hate you he hath some certain cause, and peradventure he
+loveth in some other places ladies and gentlewomen, and to be loved again, an
+he be such a man of prowess as ye speak of. Now, what is his name? Sir, said
+they, his name is Marhaus, the king&rsquo;s son of Ireland. I know him well,
+said Sir Uwaine, he is a passing good knight as any is alive, for I saw him
+once proved at a jousts where many knights were gathered, and that time there
+might no man withstand him. Ah! said Sir Gawaine, damosels, methinketh ye are
+to blame, for it is to suppose, he that hung that shield there, he will not be
+long therefrom, and then may those knights match him on horseback, and that is
+more your worship than thus; for I will abide no longer to see a knight&rsquo;s
+shield dishonoured. And therewith Sir Uwaine and Gawaine departed a little from
+them, and then were they ware where Sir Marhaus came riding on a great horse
+straight toward them. And when the twelve damosels saw Sir Marhaus they fled
+into the turret as they were wild, so that some of them fell by the way. Then
+the one of the knights of the tower dressed his shield, and said on high, Sir
+Marhaus, defend thee. And so they ran together that the knight brake his spear
+on Marhaus, and Marhaus smote him so hard that he brake his neck and the
+horse&rsquo;s back. That saw the other knight of the turret, and dressed him
+toward Marhaus, and they met so eagerly together that the knight of the turret
+was soon smitten down, horse and man, stark dead.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap79"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br/>How Sir Marhaus jousted with Sir
+Gawaine and Sir Uwaine, and overthrew them both.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then Sir Marhaus rode unto his shield, and saw how it was defouled, and
+said, Of this despite I am a part avenged, but for her love that gave me this
+white shield I shall wear thee, and hang mine where thou wast; and so he hanged
+it about his neck. Then he rode straight unto Sir Gawaine and to Sir Uwaine,
+and asked them what they did there? They answered him that they came from King
+Arthur&rsquo;s court to see adventures. Well, said Sir Marhaus, here am I
+ready, an adventurous knight that will fulfil any adventure that ye will
+desire; and so departed from them, to fetch his range. Let him go, said Sir
+Uwaine unto Sir Gawaine, for he is a passing good knight as any is living; I
+would not by my will that any of us were matched with him. Nay, said Sir
+Gawaine, not so, it were shame to us were he not assayed, were he never so good
+a knight. Well, said Sir Uwaine, I will assay him afore you, for I am more
+weaker than ye, and if he smite me down then may ye revenge me. So these two
+knights came together with great raundon, that Sir Uwaine smote Sir Marhaus
+that his spear brast in pieces on the shield, and Sir Marhaus smote him so sore
+that horse and man he bare to the earth, and hurt Sir Uwaine on the left side.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Marhaus turned his horse and rode toward Gawaine with his spear, and
+when Sir Gawaine saw that he dressed his shield, and they aventred their
+spears, and they came together with all the might of their horses, that either
+knight smote other so hard in midst of their shields, but Sir Gawaine&rsquo;s
+spear brake, but Sir Marhaus&rsquo; spear held; and therewith Sir Gawaine and
+his horse rushed down to the earth. And lightly Sir Gawaine rose on his feet,
+and pulled out his sword, and dressed him toward Sir Marhaus on foot, and Sir
+Marhaus saw that, and pulled out his sword and began to come to Sir Gawaine on
+horseback. Sir knight, said Sir Gawaine, alight on foot, or else I will slay
+thy horse. Gramercy, said Sir Marhaus, of your gentleness ye teach me courtesy,
+for it is not for one knight to be on foot, and the other on horseback. And
+therewith Sir Marhaus set his spear against a tree and alighted and tied his
+horse to a tree, and dressed his shield, and either came unto other eagerly,
+and smote together with their swords that their shields flew in cantels, and
+they bruised their helms and their hauberks, and wounded either other. But Sir
+Gawaine from it passed nine of the clock waxed ever stronger and stronger, for
+then it came to the hour of noon, and thrice his might was increased. All this
+espied Sir Marhaus and had great wonder how his might increased, and so they
+wounded other passing sore. And then when it was past noon, and when it drew
+toward evensong, Sir Gawaine&rsquo;s strength feebled, and waxed passing faint
+that unnethes he might dure any longer, and Sir Marhaus was then bigger and
+bigger. Sir knight, said Sir Marhaus, I have well felt that ye are a passing
+good knight and a marvellous man of might as ever I felt any, while it lasteth,
+and our quarrels are not great, and therefore it were pity to do you hurt, for
+I feel ye are passing feeble. Ah, said Sir Gawaine, gentle knight, ye say the
+word that I should say. And therewith they took off their helms, and either
+kissed other, and there they swore together either to love other as brethren.
+And Sir Marhaus prayed Sir Gawaine to lodge with him that night. And so they
+took their horses, and rode toward Sir Marhaus&rsquo; house. And as they rode
+by the way, Sir knight, said Sir Gawaine, I have marvel that so valiant a man
+as ye be love no ladies nor damosels. Sir, said Sir Marhaus, they name me
+wrongfully those that give me that name, but well I wot it be the damosels of
+the turret that so name me, and other such as they be. Now shall I tell you for
+what cause I hate them: for they be sorceresses and enchanters many of them,
+and be a knight never so good of his body and full of prowess as man may be,
+they will make him a stark coward to have the better of him, and this is the
+principal cause that I hate them; and to all good ladies and gentlewomen I owe
+my service as a knight ought to do.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As the book rehearseth in French, there were many knights that overmatched Sir
+Gawaine, for all the thrice might that he had: Sir Launcelot de Lake, Sir
+Tristram, Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Percivale, Sir Pelleas, and Sir Marhaus, these
+six knights had the better of Sir Gawaine. Then within a little while they came
+to Sir Marhaus&rsquo; place, which was in a little priory, and there they
+alighted, and ladies and damosels unarmed them, and hastily looked to their
+hurts, for they were all three hurt. And so they had all three good lodging
+with Sir Marhaus, and good cheer; for when he wist that they were King
+Arthur&rsquo;s sister&rsquo;s sons he made them all the cheer that lay in his
+power, and so they sojourned there a sennight, and were well eased of their
+wounds, and at the last departed. Now, said Sir Marhaus, we will not depart so
+lightly, for I will bring you through the forest; and rode day by day well a
+seven days or they found any adventure. At the last they came into a great
+forest, that was named the country and forest of Arroy, and the country of
+strange adventures. In this country, said Sir Marhaus, came never knight since
+it was christened but he found strange adventures; and so they rode, and came
+into a deep valley full of stones, and thereby they saw a fair stream of water;
+above thereby was the head of the stream a fair fountain, and three damosels
+sitting thereby. And then they rode to them, and either saluted other, and the
+eldest had a garland of gold about her head, and she was three score winter of
+age or more, and her hair was white under the garland. The second damosel was
+of thirty winter of age, with a circlet of gold about her head. The third
+damosel was but fifteen year of age, and a garland of flowers about her head.
+When these knights had so beheld them, they asked them the cause why they sat
+at that fountain? We be here, said the damosels, for this cause: if we may see
+any errant knights, to teach them unto strange adventures; and ye be three
+knights that seek adventures, and we be three damosels, and therefore each one
+of you must choose one of us; and when ye have done so we will lead you unto
+three highways, and there each of you shall choose a way and his damosel with
+him. And this day twelvemonth ye must meet here again, and God send you your
+lives, and thereto ye must plight your troth. This is well said, said Sir
+Marhaus.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap80"></a>CHAPTER XIX.<br/>How Sir Marhaus, Sir Gawaine, and Sir
+Uwaine met three damosels, and each of them took one.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now shall everych of us choose a damosel. I shall tell you, said Sir Uwaine, I
+am the youngest and most weakest of you both, therefore I will have the eldest
+damosel, for she hath seen much, and can best help me when I have need, for I
+have most need of help of you both. Now, said Sir Marhaus, I will have the
+damosel of thirty winter age, for she falleth best to me. Well, said Sir
+Gawaine, I thank you, for ye have left me the youngest and the fairest, and she
+is most liefest to me. Then every damosel took her knight by the reins of his
+bridle, and brought him to the three ways, and there was their oath made to
+meet at the fountain that day twelvemonth an they were living, and so they
+kissed and departed, and each knight set his lady behind him. And Sir Uwaine
+took the way that lay west, and Sir Marhaus took the way that lay south, and
+Sir Gawaine took the way that lay north. Now will we begin at Sir Gawaine, that
+held that way till that he came unto a fair manor, where dwelled an old knight
+and a good householder, and there Sir Gawaine asked the knight if he knew any
+adventures in that country. I shall show you some to-morn, said the old knight,
+and that marvellous. So, on the morn they rode into the forest of adventures to
+a laund, and thereby they found a cross, and as they stood and hoved there came
+by them the fairest knight and the seemliest man that ever they saw, making the
+greatest dole that ever man made. And then he was ware of Sir Gawaine, and
+saluted him, and prayed God to send him much worship. As to that, said Sir
+Gawaine, gramercy; also I pray to God that he send you honour and worship. Ah,
+said the knight, I may lay that aside, for sorrow and shame cometh to me after
+worship.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap81"></a>CHAPTER XX.<br/>How a knight and a dwarf strove for a
+lady.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And therewith he passed unto the one side of the laund; and on the other side
+saw Sir Gawaine ten knights that hoved still and made them ready with their
+shields and spears against that one knight that came by Sir Gawaine.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then this one knight aventred a great spear, and one of the ten knights
+encountered with him, but this woful knight smote him so hard that he fell over
+his horse&rsquo;s tail. So this same dolorous knight served them all, that at
+the leastway he smote down horse and man, and all he did with one spear; and so
+when they were all ten on foot, they went to that one knight, and he stood
+stone still, and suffered them to pull him down off his horse, and bound him
+hand and foot, and tied him under the horse&rsquo;s belly, and so led him with
+them. O Jesu! said Sir Gawaine, this is a doleful sight, to see the yonder
+knight so to be entreated, and it seemeth by the knight that he suffereth them
+to bind him so, for he maketh no resistance. No, said his host, that is truth,
+for an he would they all were too weak so to do him. Sir, said the damosel unto
+Sir Gawaine, meseemeth it were your worship to help that dolorous knight, for
+methinketh he is one of the best knights that ever I saw. I would do for him,
+said Sir Gawaine, but it seemeth he will have no help. Then, said the damosel,
+methinketh ye have no lust to help him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus as they talked they saw a knight on the other side of the laund all armed
+save the head. And on the other side there came a dwarf on horseback all armed
+save the head, with a great mouth and a short nose; and when the dwarf came
+nigh he said, Where is the lady should meet us here? and therewithal she came
+forth out of the wood. And then they began to strive for the lady; for the
+knight said he would have her, and the dwarf said he would have her. Will we do
+well? said the dwarf; yonder is a knight at the cross, let us put it both upon
+him, and as he deemeth so shall it be. I will well, said the knight, and so
+they went all three unto Sir Gawaine and told him wherefore they strove. Well,
+sirs, said he, will ye put the matter in my hand? Yea, they said both. Now
+damosel, said Sir Gawaine, ye shall stand betwixt them both, and whether ye
+list better to go to, he shall have you. And when she was set between them
+both, she left the knight and went to the dwarf, and the dwarf took her and
+went his way singing, and the knight went his way with great mourning.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then came there two knights all armed, and cried on high, Sir Gawaine! knight
+of King Arthur&rsquo;s, make thee ready in all haste and joust with me. So they
+ran together, that either fell down, and then on foot they drew their swords,
+and did full actually. The meanwhile the other knight went to the damosel, and
+asked her why she abode with that knight, and if ye would abide with me, I will
+be your faithful knight. And with you will I be, said the damosel, for with Sir
+Gawaine I may not find in mine heart to be with him; for now here was one
+knight discomfited ten knights, and at the last he was cowardly led away; and
+therefore let us two go whilst they fight. And Sir Gawaine fought with that
+other knight long, but at the last they accorded both. And then the knight
+prayed Sir Gawaine to lodge with him that night. So as Sir Gawaine went with
+this knight he asked him, What knight is he in this country that smote down the
+ten knights? For when he had done so manfully he suffered them to bind him hand
+and foot, and so led him away. Ah, said the knight, that is the best knight I
+trow in the world, and the most man of prowess, and he hath been served so as
+he was even more than ten times, and his name hight Sir Pelleas, and he loveth
+a great lady in this country and her name is Ettard. And so when he loved her
+there was cried in this country a great jousts three days, and all the knights
+of this country were there and gentlewomen, and who that proved him the best
+knight should have a passing good sword and a circlet of gold, and the circlet
+the knight should give it to the fairest lady that was at the jousts. And this
+knight Sir Pelleas was the best knight that was there, and there were five
+hundred knights, but there was never man that ever Sir Pelleas met withal but
+he struck him down, or else from his horse; and every day of three days he
+struck down twenty knights, therefore they gave him the prize, and forthwithal
+he went thereas the Lady Ettard was, and gave her the circlet, and said openly
+she was the fairest lady that there was, and that would he prove upon any
+knight that would say nay.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap82"></a>CHAPTER XXI.<br/>How King Pelleas suffered himself to
+be taken prisoner because he would have a sight of his lady, and how Sir
+Gawaine promised him to get to him the love of his lady.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And so he chose her for his sovereign lady, and never to love other but her,
+but she was so proud that she had scorn of him, and said that she would never
+love him though he would die for her. Wherefore all ladies and gentlewomen had
+scorn of her that she was so proud, for there were fairer than she, and there
+was none that was there but an Sir Pelleas would have proffered them love, they
+would have loved him for his noble prowess. And so this knight promised the
+Lady Ettard to follow her into this country, and never to leave her till she
+loved him. And thus he is here the most part nigh her, and lodged by a priory,
+and every week she sendeth knights to fight with him. And when he hath put them
+to the worse, then will he suffer them wilfully to take him prisoner, because
+he would have a sight of this lady. And always she doth him great despite, for
+sometime she maketh her knights to tie him to his horse&rsquo;s tail, and some
+to bind him under the horse&rsquo;s belly; thus in the most shamefullest ways
+that she can think he is brought to her. And all she doth it for to cause him
+to leave this country, and to leave his loving; but all this cannot make him to
+leave, for an he would have fought on foot he might have had the better of the
+ten knights as well on foot as on horseback. Alas, said Sir Gawaine, it is
+great pity of him; and after this night I will seek him to-morrow, in this
+forest, to do him all the help I can. So on the morn Sir Gawaine took his leave
+of his host Sir Carados, and rode into the forest; and at the last he met with
+Sir Pelleas, making great moan out of measure, so each of them saluted other,
+and asked him why he made such sorrow. And as it is above rehearsed, Sir
+Pelleas told Sir Gawaine: But always I suffer her knights to fare so with me as
+ye saw yesterday, in trust at the last to win her love, for she knoweth well
+all her knights should not lightly win me, an me list to fight with them to the
+uttermost. Wherefore an I loved her not so sore, I had liefer die an hundred
+times, an I might die so oft, rather than I would suffer that despite; but I
+trust she will have pity upon me at the last, for love causeth many a good
+knight to suffer to have his entent, but alas I am unfortunate. And therewith
+he made so great dole and sorrow that unnethe he might hold him on horseback.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now, said Sir Gawaine, leave your mourning and I shall promise you by the faith
+of my body to do all that lieth in my power to get you the love of your lady,
+and thereto I will plight you my troth. Ah, said Sir Pelleas, of what court are
+ye? tell me, I pray you, my good friend. And then Sir Gawaine said, I am of the
+court of King Arthur, and his sister&rsquo;s son, and King Lot of Orkney was my
+father, and my name is Sir Gawaine. And then he said, My name is Sir Pelleas,
+born in the Isles, and of many isles I am lord, and never have I loved lady nor
+damosel till now in an unhappy time; and, sir knight, since ye are so nigh
+cousin unto King Arthur, and a king&rsquo;s son, therefore betray me not but
+help me, for I may never come by her but by some good knight, for she is in a
+strong castle here, fast by within this four mile, and over all this country
+she is lady of. And so I may never come to her presence, but as I suffer her
+knights to take me, and but if I did so that I might have a sight of her, I had
+been dead long or this time; and yet fair word had I never of her, but when I
+am brought to-fore her she rebuketh me in the foulest manner. And then they
+take my horse and harness and put me out of the gates, and she will not suffer
+me to eat nor drink; and always I offer me to be her prisoner, but that she
+will not suffer me, for I would desire no more, what pains so ever I had, so
+that I might have a sight of her daily. Well, said Sir Gawaine, all this shall
+I amend an ye will do as I shall devise: I will have your horse and your
+armour, and so will I ride unto her castle and tell her that I have slain you,
+and so shall I come within her to cause her to cherish me, and then shall I do
+my true part that ye shall not fail to have the love of her.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap83"></a>CHAPTER XXII.<br/>How Sir Gawaine came to the Lady
+Ettard, and how Sir Pelleas found them sleeping.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And therewith Sir Gawaine plight his troth unto Sir Pelleas to be true and
+faithful unto him; so each one plight their troth to other, and so they changed
+horses and harness, and Sir Gawaine departed, and came to the castle whereas
+stood the pavilions of this lady without the gate. And as soon as Ettard had
+espied Sir Gawaine she fled in toward the castle. Sir Gawaine spake on high,
+and bade her abide, for he was not Sir Pelleas; I am another knight that have
+slain Sir Pelleas. Do off your helm, said the Lady Ettard, that I may see your
+visage. And so when she saw that it was not Sir Pelleas, she bade him alight
+and led him unto her castle, and asked him faithfully whether he had slain Sir
+Pelleas. And he said her yea, and told her his name was Sir Gawaine of the
+court of King Arthur, and his sister&rsquo;s son. Truly, said she, that is
+great pity, for he was a passing good knight of his body, but of all men alive
+I hated him most, for I could never be quit of him; and for ye have slain him I
+shall be your woman, and to do anything that might please you. So she made Sir
+Gawaine good cheer. Then Sir Gawaine said that he loved a lady and by no means
+she would love him. She is to blame, said Ettard, an she will not love you, for
+ye that be so well born a man, and such a man of prowess, there is no lady in
+the world too good for you. Will ye, said Sir Gawaine, promise me to do all
+that ye may, by the faith of your body, to get me the love of my lady? Yea,
+sir, said she, and that I promise you by the faith of my body. Now, said Sir
+Gawaine, it is yourself that I love so well, therefore I pray you hold your
+promise. I may not choose, said the Lady Ettard, but if I should be forsworn;
+and so she granted him to fulfil all his desire.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So it was then in the month of May that she and Sir Gawaine went out of the
+castle and supped in a pavilion, and there was made a bed, and there Sir
+Gawaine and the Lady Ettard went to bed together, and in another pavilion she
+laid her damosels, and in the third pavilion she laid part of her knights, for
+then she had no dread of Sir Pelleas. And there Sir Gawaine lay with her in
+that pavilion two days and two nights. And on the third day, in the morning
+early, Sir Pelleas armed him, for he had never slept since Sir Gawaine departed
+from him; for Sir Gawaine had promised him by the faith of his body, to come to
+him unto his pavilion by that priory within the space of a day and a night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Pelleas mounted upon horseback, and came to the pavilions that stood
+without the castle, and found in the first pavilion three knights in three
+beds, and three squires lying at their feet. Then went he to the second
+pavilion and found four gentlewomen lying in four beds. And then he yede to the
+third pavilion and found Sir Gawaine lying in bed with his Lady Ettard, and
+either clipping other in arms, and when he saw that his heart well-nigh brast
+for sorrow, and said: Alas! that ever a knight should be found so false; and
+then he took his horse and might not abide no longer for pure sorrow. And when
+he had ridden nigh half a mile he turned again and thought to slay them both;
+and when he saw them both so lie sleeping fast, unnethe he might hold him on
+horseback for sorrow, and said thus to himself, Though this knight be never so
+false, I will never slay him sleeping, for I will never destroy the high order
+of knighthood; and therewith he departed again. And or he had ridden half a
+mile he returned again, and thought then to slay them both, making the greatest
+sorrow that ever man made. And when he came to the pavilions, he tied his horse
+unto a tree, and pulled out his sword naked in his hand, and went to them
+thereas they lay, and yet he thought it were shame to slay them sleeping, and
+laid the naked sword overthwart both their throats, and so took his horse and
+rode his way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when Sir Pelleas came to his pavilions he told his knights and his squires
+how he had sped, and said thus to them, For your true and good service ye have
+done me I shall give you all my goods, for I will go unto my bed and never
+arise until I am dead. And when that I am dead I charge you that ye take the
+heart out of my body and bear it her betwixt two silver dishes, and tell her
+how I saw her lie with the false knight Sir Gawaine. Right so Sir Pelleas
+unarmed himself, and went unto his bed making marvellous dole and sorrow.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Gawaine and Ettard awoke of their sleep, and found the naked sword
+overthwart their throats, then she knew well it was Sir Pelleas&rsquo; sword.
+Alas! said she to Sir Gawaine, ye have betrayed me and Sir Pelleas both, for ye
+told me ye had slain him, and now I know well it is not so, he is alive. And if
+Sir Pelleas had been as uncourteous to you as ye have been to him ye had been a
+dead knight; but ye have deceived me and betrayed me falsely, that all ladies
+and damosels may beware by you and me. And therewith Sir Gawaine made him
+ready, and went into the forest. So it happed then that the Damosel of the
+Lake, Nimue, met with a knight of Sir Pelleas, that went on his foot in the
+forest making great dole, and she asked him the cause. And so the woful knight
+told her how his master and lord was betrayed through a knight and lady, and
+how he will never arise out of his bed till he be dead. Bring me to him, said
+she anon, and I will warrant his life he shall not die for love, and she that
+hath caused him so to love, she shall be in as evil plight as he is or it be
+long to, for it is no joy of such a proud lady that will have no mercy of such
+a valiant knight. Anon that knight brought her unto him, and when she saw him
+lie in his bed, she thought she saw never so likely a knight; and therewith she
+threw an enchantment upon him, and he fell asleep. And therewhile she rode unto
+the Lady Ettard, and charged no man to awake him till she came again. So within
+two hours she brought the Lady Ettard thither, and both ladies found him
+asleep: Lo, said the Damosel of the Lake, ye ought to be ashamed for to murder
+such a knight. And therewith she threw such an enchantment upon her that she
+loved him sore, that well-nigh she was out of her mind. O Lord Jesu, said the
+Lady Ettard, how is it befallen unto me that I love now him that I have most
+hated of any man alive? That is the righteous judgment of God, said the
+damosel. And then anon Sir Pelleas awaked and looked upon Ettard; and when he
+saw her he knew her, and then he hated her more than any woman alive, and said:
+Away, traitress, come never in my sight. And when she heard him say so, she
+wept and made great sorrow out of measure.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap84"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.<br/>How Sir Pelleas loved no more
+Ettard by means of the Damosel of the Lake, whom he loved ever after.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Sir knight Pelleas, said the Damosel of the Lake, take your horse and come
+forth with me out of this country, and ye shall love a lady that shall love
+you. I will well, said Sir Pelleas, for this Lady Ettard hath done me great
+despite and shame, and there he told her the beginning and ending, and how he
+had purposed never to have arisen till that he had been dead. And now such
+grace God hath sent me, that I hate her as much as ever I loved her, thanked be
+our Lord Jesus! Thank me, said the Damosel of the Lake. Anon Sir Pelleas armed
+him, and took his horse, and commanded his men to bring after his pavilions and
+his stuff where the Damosel of the Lake would assign. So the Lady Ettard died
+for sorrow, and the Damosel of the Lake rejoiced Sir Pelleas, and loved
+together during their life days.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap85"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.<br/>How Sir Marhaus rode with the
+damosel, and how he came to the Duke of the South Marches.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Marhaus, that rode with the damosel of thirty winter of
+age, southward. And so they came into a deep forest, and by fortune they were
+nighted, and rode long in a deep way, and at the last they came unto a
+courtelage, and there they asked harbour. But the man of the courtelage would
+not lodge them for no treatise that they could treat, but thus much the good
+man said, An ye will take the adventure of your lodging, I shall bring you
+where ye shall be lodged. What adventure is that that I shall have for my
+lodging? said Sir Marhaus. Ye shall wit when ye come there, said the good man.
+Sir, what adventure so it be, bring me thither I pray thee, said Sir Marhaus;
+for I am weary, my damosel, and my horse. So the good man went and opened the
+gate, and within an hour he brought him unto a fair castle, and then the poor
+man called the porter, and anon he was let into the castle, and so he told the
+lord how he brought him a knight errant and a damosel that would be lodged with
+him. Let him in, said the lord, it may happen he shall repent that they took
+their lodging here.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So Sir Marhaus was let in with torchlight, and there was a goodly sight of
+young men that welcomed him. And then his horse was led into the stable, and he
+and the damosel were brought into the hall, and there stood a mighty duke and
+many goodly men about him. Then this lord asked him what he hight, and from
+whence he came, and with whom he dwelt. Sir, he said, I am a knight of King
+Arthur&rsquo;s and knight of the Table Round, and my name is Sir Marhaus, and
+born I am in Ireland. And then said the duke to him, That me sore repenteth:
+the cause is this, for I love not thy lord nor none of thy fellows of the Table
+Round; and therefore ease thyself this night as well as thou mayest, for as
+to-morn I and my six sons shall match with you. Is there no remedy but that I
+must have ado with you and your six sons at once? said Sir Marhaus. No, said
+the duke, for this cause I made mine avow, for Sir Gawaine slew my seven sons
+in a recounter, therefore I made mine avow, there should never knight of King
+Arthur&rsquo;s court lodge with me, or come thereas I might have ado with him,
+but that I would have a revenging of my sons&rsquo; death. What is your name?
+said Sir Marhaus; I require you tell me, an it please you. Wit thou well I am
+the Duke of South Marches. Ah, said Sir Marhaus, I have heard say that ye have
+been long time a great foe unto my lord Arthur and to his knights. That shall
+ye feel to-morn, said the duke. Shall I have ado with you? said Sir Marhaus.
+Yea, said the duke, thereof shalt thou not choose, and therefore take you to
+your chamber, and ye shall have all that to you longeth. So Sir Marhaus
+departed and was led to a chamber, and his damosel was led unto her chamber.
+And on the morn the duke sent unto Sir Marhaus and bade make him ready. And so
+Sir Marhaus arose and armed him, and then there was a mass sung afore him, and
+brake his fast, and so mounted on horseback in the court of the castle where
+they should do the battle. So there was the duke all ready on horseback, clean
+armed, and his six sons by him, and everych had a spear in his hand, and so
+they encountered, whereas the duke and his two sons brake their spears upon
+him, but Sir Marhaus held up his spear and touched none of them.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap86"></a>CHAPTER XXV.<br/>How Sir Marhaus fought with the duke
+and his four sons and made them to yield them.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then came the four sons by couple, and two of them brake their spears, and so
+did the other two. And all this while Sir Marhaus touched them not. Then Sir
+Marhaus ran to the duke, and smote him with his spear that horse and man fell
+to the earth, and so he served his sons; and then Sir Marhaus alighted down and
+bade the duke yield him or else he would slay him. And then some of his sons
+recovered, and would have set upon Sir Marhaus; then Sir Marhaus said to the
+duke, Cease thy sons, or else I will do the uttermost to you all. Then the duke
+saw he might not escape the death, he cried to his sons, and charged them to
+yield them to Sir Marhaus; and they kneeled all down and put the pommels of
+their swords to the knight, and so he received them. And then they helped up
+their father, and so by their cominal assent promised to Sir Marhaus never to
+be foes unto King Arthur, and thereupon at Whitsuntide after to come, he and
+his sons, and put them in the king&rsquo;s grace.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Marhaus departed, and within two days his damosel brought him whereas
+was a great tournament that the Lady de Vawse had cried. And who that did best
+should have a rich circlet of gold worth a thousand besants. And there Sir
+Marhaus did so nobly that he was renowned, and had sometime down forty knights,
+and so the circlet of gold was rewarded him. Then he departed from them with
+great worship; and so within seven nights his damosel brought him to an
+earl&rsquo;s place, his name was the Earl Fergus, that after was Sir
+Tristram&rsquo;s knight; and this earl was but a young man, and late come into
+his lands, and there was a giant fast by him that hight Taulurd, and he had
+another brother in Cornwall that hight Taulas, that Sir Tristram slew when he
+was out of his mind. So this earl made his complaint unto Sir Marhaus, that
+there was a giant by him that destroyed all his lands, and how he durst nowhere
+ride nor go for him. Sir, said the knight, whether useth he to fight on
+horseback or on foot? Nay, said the earl, there may no horse bear him. Well,
+said Sir Marhaus, then will I fight with him on foot; so on the morn Sir
+Marhaus prayed the earl that one of his men might bring him whereas the giant
+was; and so he was, for he saw him sit under a tree of holly, and many clubs of
+iron and gisarms about him. So this knight dressed him to the giant, putting
+his shield afore him, and the giant took an iron club in his hand, and at the
+first stroke he clave Sir Marhaus&rsquo; shield in two pieces. And there he was
+in great peril, for the giant was a wily fighter, but at last Sir Marhaus smote
+off his right arm above the elbow.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the giant fled and the knight after him, and so he drove him into a water,
+but the giant was so high that he might not wade after him. And then Sir
+Marhaus made the Earl Fergus&rsquo; man to fetch him stones, and with those
+stones the knight gave the giant many sore knocks, till at the last he made him
+fall down into the water, and so was he there dead. Then Sir Marhaus went unto
+the giant&rsquo;s castle, and there he delivered twenty-four ladies and twelve
+knights out of the giant&rsquo;s prison, and there he had great riches without
+number, so that the days of his life he was never poor man. Then he returned to
+the Earl Fergus, the which thanked him greatly, and would have given him half
+his lands, but he would none take. So Sir Marhaus dwelled with the earl nigh
+half a year, for he was sore bruised with the giant, and at the last he took
+his leave. And as he rode by the way, he met with Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine,
+and so by adventure he met with four knights of Arthur&rsquo;s court, the first
+was Sir Sagramore le Desirous, Sir Osanna, Sir Dodinas le Savage, and Sir Felot
+of Listinoise; and there Sir Marhaus with one spear smote down these four
+knights, and hurt them sore. So he departed to meet at his day aforeset.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap87"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.<br/>How Sir Uwaine rode with the damosel
+of sixty year of age, and how he gat the prize at tourneying.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Uwaine, that rode westward with his damosel of three score
+winter of age, and she brought him thereas was a tournament nigh the march of
+Wales. And at that tournament Sir Uwaine smote down thirty knights, therefore
+was given him the prize, and that was a gerfalcon, and a white steed trapped
+with cloth of gold. So then Sir Uwaine did many strange adventures by the means
+of the old damosel, and so she brought him to a lady that was called the Lady
+of the Rock, the which was much courteous. So there were in the country two
+knights that were brethren, and they were called two perilous knights, the one
+knight hight Sir Edward of the Red Castle, and the other Sir Hue of the Red
+Castle; and these two brethren had disherited the Lady of the Rock of a barony
+of lands by their extortion. And as this knight was lodged with this lady she
+made her complaint to him of these two knights.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Madam, said Sir Uwaine, they are to blame, for they do against the high order
+of knighthood, and the oath that they made; and if it like you I will speak
+with them, because I am a knight of King Arthur&rsquo;s, and I will entreat
+them with fairness; and if they will not, I shall do battle with them, and in
+the defence of your right. Gramercy said the lady, and thereas I may not acquit
+you, God shall. So on the morn the two knights were sent for, that they should
+come thither to speak with the Lady of the Rock, and wit ye well they failed
+not, for they came with an hundred horse. But when this lady saw them in this
+manner so big, she would not suffer Sir Uwaine to go out to them upon no surety
+nor for no fair language, but she made him speak with them over a tower, but
+finally these two brethren would not be entreated, and answered that they would
+keep that they had. Well, said Sir Uwaine, then will I fight with one of you,
+and prove that ye do this lady wrong. That will we not, said they, for an we do
+battle, we two will fight with one knight at once, and therefore if ye will
+fight so, we will be ready at what hour ye will assign. And if ye win us in
+battle the lady shall have her lands again. Ye say well, said Sir Uwaine,
+therefore make you ready so that ye be here to-morn in the defence of the
+lady&rsquo;s right.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap88"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.<br/>How Sir Uwaine fought with two
+knights and overcame them.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So was there sikerness made on both parties that no treason should be wrought
+on neither party; so then the knights departed and made them ready, and that
+night Sir Uwaine had great cheer. And on the morn he arose early and heard
+mass, and brake his fast, and so he rode unto the plain without the gates,
+where hoved the two brethren abiding him. So they rode together passing sore,
+that Sir Edward and Sir Hue brake their spears upon Sir Uwaine. And Sir Uwaine
+smote Sir Edward that he fell over his horse and yet his spear brast not. And
+then he spurred his horse and came upon Sir Hue and overthrew him, but they
+soon recovered and dressed their shields and drew their swords and bade Sir
+Uwaine alight and do his battle to the uttermost. Then Sir Uwaine devoided his
+horse suddenly, and put his shield afore him and drew his sword, and so they
+dressed together, and either gave other such strokes, and there these two
+brethren wounded Sir Uwaine passing grievously that the Lady of the Rock weened
+he should have died. And thus they fought together five hours as men raged out
+of reason. And at the last Sir Uwaine smote Sir Edward upon the helm such a
+stroke that his sword carved unto his canel bone, and then Sir Hue abated his
+courage, but Sir Uwaine pressed fast to have slain him. That saw Sir Hue: he
+kneeled down and yielded him to Sir Uwaine. And he of his gentleness received
+his sword, and took him by the hand, and went into the castle together. Then
+the Lady of the Rock was passing glad, and the other brother made great sorrow
+for his brother&rsquo;s death. Then the lady was restored of all her lands, and
+Sir Hue was commanded to be at the court of King Arthur at the next feast of
+Pentecost. So Sir Uwaine dwelt with the lady nigh half a year, for it was long
+or he might be whole of his great hurts. And so when it drew nigh the term-day
+that Sir Gawaine, Sir Marhaus, and Sir Uwaine should meet at the cross-way,
+then every knight drew him thither to hold his promise that they had made; and
+Sir Marhaus and Sir Uwaine brought their damosels with them, but Sir Gawaine
+had lost his damosel, as it is afore rehearsed.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap89"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.<br/>How at the year&rsquo;s end all
+three knights with their three damosels met at the fountain.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Right so at the twelvemonths&rsquo; end they met all three knights at the
+fountain and their damosels, but the damosel that Sir Gawaine had could say but
+little worship of him so they departed from the damosels and rode through a
+great forest, and there they met with a messenger that came from King Arthur,
+that had sought them well-nigh a twelvemonth throughout all England, Wales, and
+Scotland, and charged if ever he might find Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine to bring
+them to the court again. And then were they all glad, and so prayed they Sir
+Marhaus to ride with them to the king&rsquo;s court. And so within twelve days
+they came to Camelot, and the king was passing glad of their coming, and so was
+all the court. Then the king made them to swear upon a book to tell him all
+their adventures that had befallen them that twelvemonth, and so they did. And
+there was Sir Marhaus well known, for there were knights that he had matched
+aforetime, and he was named one of the best knights living.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Against the feast of Pentecost came the Damosel of the Lake and brought with
+her Sir Pelleas; and at that high feast there was great jousting of knights,
+and of all knights that were at that jousts, Sir Pelleas had the prize, and Sir
+Marhaus was named the next; but Sir Pelleas was so strong there might but few
+knights sit him a buffet with a spear. And at that next feast Sir Pelleas and
+Sir Marhaus were made knights of the Table Round, for there were two sieges
+void, for two knights were slain that twelvemonth, and great joy had King
+Arthur of Sir Pelleas and of Sir Marhaus. But Pelleas loved never after Sir
+Gawaine, but as he spared him for the love of King Arthur; but ofttimes at
+jousts and tournaments Sir Pelleas quit Sir Gawaine, for so it rehearseth in
+the book of French. So Sir Tristram many days after fought with Sir Marhaus in
+an island, and there they did a great battle, but at the last Sir Tristram slew
+him, so Sir Tristram was wounded that unnethe he might recover, and lay at a
+nunnery half a year. And Sir Pelleas was a worshipful knight, and was one of
+the four that achieved the Sangreal, and the Damosel of the Lake made by her
+means that never he had ado with Sir Launcelot de Lake, for where Sir Launcelot
+was at any jousts or any tournament, she would not suffer him be there that
+day, but if it were on the side of Sir Launcelot.
+</p>
+
+<h5>Explicit liber quartus.<br/>
+Incipit liber quintus.</h5>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="part05"></a>BOOK V.</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap90"></a>CHAPTER I.<br/>How twelve aged ambassadors of Rome
+came to King Arthur to demand truage for Britain.</h3>
+
+<p>
+When King Arthur had after long war rested, and held a royal feast and Table
+Round with his allies of kings, princes, and noble knights all of the Round
+Table, there came into his hall, he sitting in his throne royal, twelve ancient
+men, bearing each of them a branch of olive, in token that they came as
+ambassadors and messengers from the Emperor Lucius, which was called at that
+time, Dictator or Procuror of the Public Weal of Rome. Which said messengers,
+after their entering and coming into the presence of King Arthur, did to him
+their obeisance in making to him reverence, and said to him in this wise: The
+high and mighty Emperor Lucius sendeth to the King of Britain greeting,
+commanding thee to acknowledge him for thy lord, and to send him the truage due
+of this realm unto the Empire, which thy father and other to-fore thy
+precessors have paid as is of record, and thou as rebel not knowing him as thy
+sovereign, withholdest and retainest contrary to the statutes and decrees made
+by the noble and worthy Julius Cesar, 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, that it shall be ensample perpetual unto
+all kings and princes, for to deny their truage unto that noble empire which
+domineth upon the universal world. Then when they had showed the effect of
+their message, the king commanded them to withdraw them, and said he should
+take advice of council and give to them an answer. Then some of the young
+knights, hearing this their message, would have run on them to have slain them,
+saying that it was a rebuke to all the knights there being present to suffer
+them to say so to the king. And anon the king commanded that none of them, upon
+pain of death, to missay them nor do them any harm, and commanded a knight to
+bring them to their lodging, and see that they have all that is necessary and
+requisite for them, with the best cheer, and that no dainty be spared, for the
+Romans be great lords, and though their message please me not nor my court, yet
+I must remember mine honour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After this the king let call all his lords and knights of the Round Table to
+counsel upon this matter, and desired them to say their advice. Then Sir Cador
+of Cornwall spake first and said, Sir, this message liketh me well, for we have
+many days rested us and have been idle, and now I hope ye shall make sharp war
+on the Romans, where I doubt not we shall get honour. I believe well, said
+Arthur, that this matter pleaseth thee well, but these answers may not be
+answered, for the demand grieveth me sore, for truly I will never pay truage to
+Rome, wherefore I pray you to counsel me. I have understood that Belinus and
+Brenius, kings of Britain, have had the empire in their hands many days, and
+also Constantine the son of Heleine, which is an open evidence that we owe no
+tribute to Rome but of right we that be descended of them have right to claim
+the title of the empire.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap91"></a>CHAPTER II.<br/>How the kings and lords promised to
+King Arthur aid and help against the Romans.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then answered King Anguish of Scotland, Sir, ye ought of right to be above all
+other kings, for unto you is none like nor pareil in Christendom, of knighthood
+nor of dignity, and I counsel you never to obey the Romans, for when they
+reigned on us they distressed our elders, and put this land to great extortions
+and tallies, wherefore I make here mine avow to avenge me on them; and for to
+strengthen your quarrel I shall furnish twenty thousand good men of war, and
+wage them on my costs, which shall await on you with myself when it shall
+please you. And the king of Little Britain granted him to the same thirty
+thousand; wherefore King Arthur thanked them. And then every man agreed to make
+war, and to aid after their power; that is to wit, the lord of West Wales
+promised to bring thirty thousand men, and Sir Uwaine, Sir Ider his son, with
+their cousins, promised to bring thirty thousand. Then Sir Launcelot with all
+other promised in likewise every man a great multitude.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when King Arthur understood their courages and good wills he thanked them
+heartily, and after let call the ambassadors to hear their answer. And in
+presence of all his lords and knights he said to them in this wise: I will that
+ye return unto your lord and Procuror of the Common Weal for the Romans, and
+say ye to him, Of his demand and commandment I set nothing, and that I know of
+no truage nor tribute that I owe to him, nor to none earthly prince, Christian
+nor heathen; but I pretend to have and occupy the sovereignty of the empire,
+wherein I am entitled by the right of my predecessors, sometime kings of this
+land; and say to him that I am delibered and fully concluded, to go with mine
+army with strength and power unto Rome, by the grace of God, to take possession
+in the empire and subdue them that be rebel. Wherefore I command him and all
+them of Rome, that incontinent they make to me their homage, and to acknowledge
+me for their Emperor and Governor, upon pain that shall ensue. And then he
+commanded his treasurer to give to them great and large gifts, and to pay all
+their dispenses, and assigned Sir Cador to convey them out of the land. And so
+they took their leave and departed, and took their shipping at Sandwich, and
+passed forth by Flanders, Almaine, the mountains, and all Italy, until they
+came unto Lucius. And after the reverence made, they made relation of their
+answer, like as ye to-fore have heard.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When the Emperor Lucius had well understood their credence, he was sore moved
+as he had been all araged, and said, I had supposed that Arthur would have
+obeyed to my commandment, and have served you himself, as him well beseemed or
+any other king to do. O Sir, said one of the senators, let be such vain words,
+for we let you wit that I and my fellows were full sore afeard to behold his
+countenance; I fear me ye have made a rod for yourself, for he intendeth to be
+lord of this empire, which sore is to be doubted if he come, for he is all
+another man than ye ween, and holdeth the most noble court of the world, all
+other kings nor princes may not compare unto his noble maintenance. On New
+Year&rsquo;s Day we saw him in his estate, which was the royalest that ever we
+saw, for he was served at his table with nine kings, and the noblest fellowship
+of other princes, lords, and knights that be in the world, and every knight
+approved and like a lord, and holdeth Table Round: and in his person the most
+manly man that liveth, and is like to conquer all the world, for unto his
+courage it is too little: wherefore I advise you to keep well your marches and
+straits in the mountains; for certainly he is a lord to be doubted. Well, said
+Lucius, before Easter I suppose to pass the mountains, and so forth into
+France, and there bereave him his lands with Genoese and other mighty warriors
+of Tuscany and Lombardy. And I shall send for them all that be subjects and
+allied to the empire of Rome to come to mine aid. And forthwith sent old wise
+knights unto these countries following: first to Ambage and Arrage, to
+Alexandria, to India, to Armenia, whereas the river of Euphrates runneth into
+Asia, to Africa, and Europe the Large, to Ertayne and Elamye, to Araby, Egypt,
+and to Damascus, to Damietta and Cayer, to Cappadocia, to Tarsus, Turkey,
+Pontus and Pamphylia, to Syria and Galatia. And all these were subject to Rome
+and many more, as Greece, Cyprus, Macedonia, Calabria, Cateland, Portugal, with
+many thousands of Spaniards. Thus all these kings, dukes, and admirals,
+assembled about Rome, with sixteen kings at once, with great multitude of
+people. When the emperor understood their coming he made ready his Romans and
+all the people between him and Flanders.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he had gotten with him fifty giants which had been engendered of fiends;
+and they were ordained to guard his person, and to break the front of the
+battle of King Arthur. And thus departed from Rome, and came down the mountains
+for to destroy the lands that Arthur had conquered, and came unto Cologne, and
+besieged a castle thereby, and won it soon, and stuffed it with two hundred
+Saracens or Infidels, and after destroyed many fair countries which Arthur had
+won of King Claudas. And thus Lucius came with all his host, which were
+disperplyd sixty mile in breadth, and commanded them to meet with him in
+Burgoyne, for he purposed to destroy the realm of Little Britain.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap92"></a>CHAPTER III.<br/>How King Arthur held a parliament at
+York, and how he ordained the realm should be governed in his absence.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now leave we of Lucius the Emperor and speak we of King Arthur, that commanded
+all them of his retinue to be ready at the utas of Hilary for to hold a
+parliament at York. And at that parliament was concluded to arrest all the navy
+of the land, and to be ready within fifteen days at Sandwich, and there he
+showed to his army how he purposed to conquer the empire which he ought to have
+of right. And there he ordained two governors of this realm, that is to say,
+Sir Baudwin of Britain, for to counsel to the best, and Sir Constantine, son to
+Sir Cador of Cornwall, which after the death of Arthur was king of this realm.
+And in the presence of all his lords he resigned the rule of the realm and
+Guenever his queen to them, wherefore Sir Launcelot was wroth, for he left Sir
+Tristram with King Mark for the love of Beale Isould. Then the Queen Guenever
+made great sorrow for the departing of her lord and other, and swooned in such
+wise that the ladies bare her into her chamber. Thus the king with his great
+army departed, leaving the queen and realm in the governance of Sir Baudwin and
+Constantine. And when he was on his horse he said with an high voice, If I die
+in this journey I will that Sir Constantine be mine heir and king crowned of
+this realm as next of my blood. And after departed and entered into the sea at
+Sandwich with all his army, with a great multitude of ships, galleys, cogs, and
+dromounds, sailing on the sea.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap93"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br/>How King Arthur being shipped and
+lying in his cabin had a marvellous dream and of the exposition thereof.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And as the king lay in his cabin in the ship, he fell in a slumbering and
+dreamed a marvellous dream: him seemed that a dreadful dragon did drown much of
+his people, and he came flying out of the west, and his head was enamelled with
+azure, and his shoulders shone as gold, his belly like mails of a marvellous
+hue, his tail full of tatters, his feet full of fine sable, and his claws like
+fine gold; and an hideous flame of fire flew out of his mouth, like as the land
+and water had flamed all of fire. After, him seemed there came out of the
+orient, a grimly boar all black in a cloud, and his paws as big as a post; he
+was rugged looking roughly, he was the foulest beast that ever man saw, he
+roared and romed so hideously that it were marvel to hear. Then the dreadful
+dragon advanced him and came in the wind like a falcon giving great strokes on
+the boar, and the boar hit him again with his grizzly tusks that his breast was
+all bloody, and that the hot blood made all the sea red of his blood. Then the
+dragon flew away all on an height, and came down with such a swough, and smote
+the boar on the ridge, which was ten foot large from the head to the tail, and
+smote the boar all to powder both flesh and bones, that it flittered all abroad
+on the sea.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And therewith the king awoke anon, and was sore abashed of this dream, and sent
+anon for a wise philosopher, commanding to tell him the signification of his
+dream. Sir, said the philosopher, the dragon that thou dreamedst of betokeneth
+thine own person that sailest here, and the colours of his wings be thy realms
+that thou hast won, and his tail which is all to-tattered signifieth the noble
+knights of the Round Table; and the boar that the dragon slew coming from the
+clouds betokeneth some tyrant that tormenteth the people, or else thou art like
+to fight with some giant thyself, being horrible and abominable, whose peer ye
+saw never in your days, wherefore of this dreadful dream doubt thee nothing,
+but as a conqueror come forth thyself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then after this soon they had sight of land, and sailed till they arrived at
+Barflete in Flanders, and when they were there he found many of his great lords
+ready, as they had been commanded to wait upon him.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap94"></a>CHAPTER V.<br/>How a man of the country told to him of
+a marvellous giant, and how he fought and conquered him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then came to him an husbandman of the country, and told him how there was in
+the country of Constantine beside Brittany, a great giant which had slain,
+murdered and devoured much people of the country, and had been sustained seven
+year with the children of the commons of that land, insomuch that all the
+children be all slain and destroyed; and now late he hath taken the Duchess of
+Brittany as she rode with her meiny, and hath led her to his lodging which is
+in a mountain, for to ravish and lie by her to her life&rsquo;s end, and many
+people followed her, more than five hundred, but all they might not rescue her,
+but they left her shrieking and crying lamentably, wherefore I suppose that he
+hath slain her in fulfilling his foul lust of lechery. She was wife unto thy
+cousin Sir Howell, whom we call full nigh of thy blood. Now, as thou art a
+rightful king, have pity on this lady, and revenge us all as thou art a noble
+conqueror. Alas, said King Arthur, this is a great mischief, I had liefer than
+the best realm that I have that I had been a furlong way to-fore him for to
+have rescued that lady. Now, fellow, said King Arthur, canst thou bring me
+thereas this giant haunteth? Yea, Sir, said the good man, look yonder whereas
+thou seest those two great fires, there shalt thou find him, and more treasure
+than I suppose is in all France. When the king had understood this piteous
+case, he returned into his tent.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then he called to him Sir Kay and Sir Bedivere, and commanded them secretly to
+make ready horse and harness for himself and them twain; for after evensong he
+would ride on pilgrimage with them two only unto Saint Michael&rsquo;s mount.
+And then anon he made him ready, and armed him at all points, and took his
+horse and his shield. And so they three departed thence and rode forth as fast
+as ever they might till that they came to the foreland of that mount. And there
+they alighted, and the king commanded them to tarry there, for he would himself
+go up into that mount. And so he ascended up into that hill till he came to a
+great fire, and there he found a careful widow wringing her hands and making
+great sorrow, sitting by a grave new made. And then King Arthur saluted her,
+and demanded of her wherefore she made such lamentation, to whom she answered
+and said, Sir knight, speak soft, for yonder is a devil, if he hear thee speak
+he will come and destroy thee; I hold thee unhappy; what dost thou here in this
+mountain? for if ye were such fifty as ye be, ye were not able to make
+resistance against this devil: here lieth a duchess dead, the which was the
+fairest of all the world, wife to Sir Howell, Duke of Brittany, he hath
+murdered her in forcing her, and hath slit her unto the navel.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Dame, said the king, I come from the noble conqueror King Arthur, for to treat
+with that tyrant for his liege people. Fie on such treaties, said she, he
+setteth not by the king nor by no man else; but an if thou have brought
+Arthur&rsquo;s wife, dame Guenever, he shall be gladder than thou hadst given
+to him half France. Beware, approach him not too nigh, for he hath vanquished
+fifteen kings, and hath made him a coat full of precious stones embroidered
+with their beards, which they sent him to have his love for salvation of their
+people at this last Christmas. And if thou wilt, speak with him at yonder great
+fire at supper. Well, said Arthur, I will accomplish my message for all your
+fearful words; and went forth by the crest of that hill, and saw where he sat
+at supper gnawing on a limb of a man, baking his broad limbs by the fire, and
+breechless, and three fair damosels turning three broaches whereon were
+broached twelve young children late born, like young birds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When King Arthur beheld that piteous sight he had great compassion on them, so
+that his heart bled for sorrow, and hailed him, saying in this wise: He that
+all the world wieldeth give thee short life and shameful death; and the devil
+have thy soul; why hast thou murdered these young innocent children, and
+murdered this duchess? Therefore, arise and dress thee, thou glutton, for this
+day shalt thou die of my hand. Then the glutton anon started up, and took a
+great club in his hand, and smote at the king that his coronal fell to the
+earth. And the king hit him again that he carved his belly and cut off his
+genitours, that his guts and his entrails fell down to the ground. Then the
+giant threw away his club, and caught the king in his arms that he crushed his
+ribs. Then the three maidens kneeled down and called to Christ for help and
+comfort of Arthur. And then Arthur weltered and wrung, that he was other while
+under and another time above. And so weltering and wallowing they rolled down
+the hill till they came to the sea mark, and ever as they so weltered Arthur
+smote him with his dagger.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And it fortuned they came to the place whereas the two knights were and kept
+Arthur&rsquo;s horse; then when they saw the king fast in the giant&rsquo;s
+arms they came and loosed him. And then the king commanded Sir Kay to smite off
+the giant&rsquo;s head, and to set it upon a truncheon of a spear, and bear it
+to Sir Howell, and tell him that his enemy was slain; and after let this head
+be bound to a barbican that all the people may see and behold it; and go ye two
+up to the mountain, and fetch me my shield, my sword, and the club of iron; and
+as for the treasure, take ye it, for ye shall find there goods out of number;
+so I have the kirtle and the club I desire no more. This was the fiercest giant
+that ever I met with, save one in the mount of Araby, which I overcame, but
+this was greater and fiercer. Then the knights fetched the club and the kirtle,
+and some of the treasure they took to themselves, and returned again to the
+host. And anon this was known through all the country, wherefore the people
+came and thanked the king. And he said again, Give the thanks to God, and
+depart the goods among you.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And after that King Arthur said and commanded his cousin Howell, that he should
+ordain for a church to be builded on the same hill in the worship of Saint
+Michael. And on the morn the king removed with his great battle, and came into
+Champayne and in a valley, and there they pight their tents; and the king being
+set at his dinner, there came in two messengers, of whom that one was Marshal
+of France, and said to the king that the emperor was entered into France, and
+had destroyed a great part, and was in Burgoyne, and had destroyed and made
+great slaughter of people, and burnt towns and boroughs; wherefore, if thou
+come not hastily, they must yield up their bodies and goods.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap95"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br/>How King Arthur sent Sir Gawaine and
+other to Lucius, and how they were assailed and escaped with worship.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then the king did do call Sir Gawaine, Sir Bors, Sir Lionel, and Sir Bedivere,
+and commanded them to go straight to Sir Lucius, and say ye to him that hastily
+he remove out of my land; and if he will not, bid him make him ready to battle
+and not distress the poor people. Then anon these noble knights dressed them to
+horseback, and when they came to the green wood, they saw many pavilions set in
+a meadow, of silk of divers colours, beside a river, and the emperor&rsquo;s
+pavilion was in the middle with an eagle displayed above. To the which tent our
+knights rode toward, and ordained Sir Gawaine and Sir Bors to do the message,
+and left in a bushment Sir Lionel and Sir Bedivere. And then Sir Gawaine and
+Sir Bors did their message, and commanded Lucius, in Arthur&rsquo;s name to
+avoid his land, or shortly to address him to battle. To whom Lucius answered
+and said, Ye shall return to your lord, and say ye to him that I shall subdue
+him and all his lands. Then Sir Gawaine was wroth and said, I had liefer than
+all France fight against thee; and so had I, said Sir Bors, liefer than all
+Brittany or Burgoyne.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then a knight named Sir Gainus, nigh cousin to the emperor, said, Lo, how these
+Britons be full of pride and boast, and they brag as though they bare up all
+the world. Then Sir Gawaine was sore grieved with these words, and pulled out
+his sword and smote off his head. And therewith turned their horses and rode
+over waters and through woods till they came to their bushment, whereas Sir
+Lionel and Sir Bedivere were hoving. The Romans followed fast after, on
+horseback and on foot, over a champaign unto a wood; then Sir Bors turned his
+horse and saw a knight come fast on, whom he smote through the body with a
+spear that he fell dead down to the earth; then came Caliburn one of the
+strongest of Pavie, and smote down many of Arthur&rsquo;s knights. And when Sir
+Bors saw him do so much harm, he addressed toward him, and smote him through
+the breast, that he fell down dead to the earth. Then Sir Feldenak thought to
+revenge the death of Gainus upon Sir Gawaine, but Sir Gawaine was ware thereof,
+and smote him on the head, which stroke stinted not till it came to his breast.
+And then he returned and came to his fellows in the bushment. And there was a
+recounter, for the bushment brake on the Romans, and slew and hew down the
+Romans, and forced the Romans to flee and return, whom the noble knights chased
+unto their tents.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the Romans gathered more people, and also footmen came on, and there was a
+new battle, and so much people that Sir Bors and Sir Berel were taken. But when
+Sir Gawaine saw that, he took with him Sir Idrus the good knight, and said he
+would never see King Arthur but if he rescued them, and pulled out Galatine his
+good sword, and followed them that led those two knights away; and he smote him
+that led Sir Bors, and took Sir Bors from him and delivered him to his fellows.
+And Sir Idrus in likewise rescued Sir Berel. Then began the battle to be great,
+that our knights were in great jeopardy, wherefore Sir Gawaine sent to King
+Arthur for succour, and that he hie him, for I am sore wounded, and that our
+prisoners may pay goods out of number. And the messenger came to the king and
+told him his message. And anon the king did do assemble his army, but anon, or
+he departed the prisoners were come, and Sir Gawaine and his fellows gat the
+field and put the Romans to flight, and after returned and came with their
+fellowship in such wise that no man of worship was lost of them, save that Sir
+Gawaine was sore hurt. Then the king did do ransack his wounds and comforted
+him. And thus was the beginning of the first journey of the Britons and Romans,
+and there were slain of the Romans more than ten thousand, and great joy and
+mirth was made that night in the host of King Arthur. And on the morn he sent
+all the prisoners into Paris under the guard of Sir Launcelot, with many
+knights, and of Sir Cador.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap96"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br/>How Lucius sent certain spies in a
+bushment for to have taken his knights being prisoners, and how they were
+letted.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we to the Emperor of Rome, which espied that these prisoners should be
+sent to Paris, and anon he sent to lie in a bushment certain knights and
+princes with sixty thousand men, for to rescue his knights and lords that were
+prisoners. And so on the morn as Launcelot and Sir Cador, chieftains and
+governors of all them that conveyed the prisoners, as they should pass through
+a wood, Sir Launcelot sent certain knights to espy if any were in the woods to
+let them. And when the said knights came into the wood, anon they espied and
+saw the great embushment, and returned and told Sir Launcelot that there lay in
+await for them three score thousand Romans. And then Sir Launcelot with such
+knights as he had, and men of war to the number of ten thousand, put them in
+array, and met with them and fought with them manly, and slew and detrenched
+many of the Romans, and slew many knights and admirals of the party of the
+Romans and Saracens; there was slain the king of Lyly and three great lords,
+Aladuke, Herawd, and Heringdale. But Sir Launcelot fought so nobly that no man
+might endure a stroke of his hand, but where he came he showed his prowess and
+might, for he slew down right on every side; and the Romans and Saracens fled
+from him as the sheep from the wolf or from the lion, and put them, all that
+abode alive, to flight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so long they fought that tidings came to King Arthur, and anon he graithed
+him and came to the battle, and saw his knights how they had vanquished the
+battle, he embraced them knight by knight in his arms, and said, Ye be worthy
+to wield all your honour and worship; there was never king save myself that had
+so noble knights. Sir, said Cador, there was none of us failed other, but of
+the prowess and manhood of Sir Launcelot were more than wonder to tell, and
+also of his cousins which did that day many noble feats of war. And also Sir
+Cador told who of his knights were slain, as Sir Berel, and other Sir Moris and
+Sir Maurel, two good knights. Then the king wept, and dried his eyes with a
+kerchief, and said, Your courage had near-hand destroyed you, for though ye had
+returned again, ye had lost no worship; for I call it folly, knights to abide
+when they be overmatched. Nay, said Launcelot and the other, for once shamed
+may never be recovered.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap97"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br/>How a senator told to Lucius of
+their discomfiture, and also of the great battle between Arthur and
+Lucius.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now leave we King Arthur and his noble knights which had won the field, and had
+brought their prisoners to Paris, and speak we of a senator which escaped from
+the battle, and came to Lucius the emperor, and said to him, Sir emperor, I
+advise thee for to withdraw thee; what dost thou here? thou shalt win nothing
+in these marches but great strokes out of all measure, for this day one of
+Arthur&rsquo;s knights was worth in the battle an hundred of ours. Fie on thee,
+said Lucius, thou speakest cowardly; for thy words grieve me more than all the
+loss that I had this day. And anon he sent forth a king, which hight Sir
+Leomie, with a great army, and bade him hie him fast to-fore, and he would
+follow hastily after. King Arthur was warned privily, and sent his people to
+Sessoine, and took up the towns and castles from the Romans. Then the king
+commanded Sir Cador to take the rearward, and to take with him certain knights
+of the Round Table, and Sir Launcelot, Sir Bors, Sir Kay, Sir Marrok, with Sir
+Marhaus, shall await on our person. Thus the King Arthur disperpled his host in
+divers parties, to the end that his enemies should not escape.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When the emperor was entered into the vale of Sessoine, he might see where King
+Arthur was embattled and his banner displayed; and he was beset round about
+with his enemies, that needs he must fight or yield him, for he might not flee,
+but said openly unto the Romans, Sirs, I admonish you that this day ye fight
+and acquit you as men, and remember how Rome domineth and is chief and head
+over all the earth and universal world, and suffer not these Britons this day
+to abide against us; and therewith he did command his trumpets to blow the
+bloody sounds, in such wise that the ground trembled and dindled.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the battles approached and shoved and shouted on both sides, and great
+strokes were smitten on both sides, many men overthrown, hurt, and slain; and
+great valiances, prowesses and appertices of war were that day showed, which
+were over long to recount the noble feats of every man, for they should contain
+an whole volume. But in especial, King Arthur rode in the battle exhorting his
+knights to do well, and himself did as nobly with his hands as was possible a
+man to do; he drew out Excalibur his sword, and awaited ever whereas the Romans
+were thickest and most grieved his people, and anon he addressed him on that
+part, and hew and slew down right, and rescued his people; and he slew a great
+giant named Galapas, which was a man of an huge quantity and height, he shorted
+him and smote off both his legs by the knees, saying, Now art thou better of a
+size to deal with than thou were, and after smote off his head. There Sir
+Gawaine fought nobly and slew three admirals in that battle. And so did all the
+knights of the Round Table. Thus the battle between King Arthur and Lucius the
+Emperor endured long. Lucius had on his side many Saracens which were slain.
+And thus the battle was great, and oftsides that one party was at a fordeal and
+anon at an afterdeal, which endured so long till at the last King Arthur espied
+where Lucius the Emperor fought, and did wonder with his own hands. And anon he
+rode to him. And either smote other fiercely, and at last Lucius smote Arthur
+thwart the visage, and gave him a large wound. And when King Arthur felt
+himself hurt, anon he smote him again with Excalibur that it cleft his head,
+from the summit of his head, and stinted not till it came to his breast. And
+then the emperor fell down dead and there ended his life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when it was known that the emperor was slain, anon all the Romans with all
+their host put them to flight, and King Arthur with all his knights followed
+the chase, and slew down right all them that they might attain. And thus was
+the victory given to King Arthur, and the triumph; and there were slain on the
+part of Lucius more than an hundred thousand. And after King Arthur did do
+ransack the dead bodies, and did do bury them that were slain of his retinue,
+every man according to the estate and degree that he was of. And them that were
+hurt he let the surgeons do search their hurts and wounds, and commanded to
+spare no salves nor medicines till they were whole.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king rode straight to the place where the Emperor Lucius lay dead, and
+with him he found slain the Soudan of Syria, the King of Egypt and of Ethiopia,
+which were two noble kings, with seventeen other kings of divers regions, and
+also sixty senators of Rome, all noble men, whom the king did do balm and gum
+with many good gums aromatic, and after did do cere them in sixty fold of cered
+cloth of sendal, and laid them in chests of lead, because they should not chafe
+nor savour, and upon all these bodies their shields with their arms and banners
+were set, to the end they should be known of what country they were. And after
+he found three senators which were alive, to whom he said, For to save your
+lives I will that ye take these dead bodies, and carry them with you unto great
+Rome, and present them to the Potestate on my behalf, shewing him my letters,
+and tell them that I in my person shall hastily be at Rome. And I suppose the
+Romans shall beware how they shall demand any tribute of me. And I command you
+to say when ye shall come to Rome, to the Potestate and all the Council and
+Senate, that I send to them these dead bodies for the tribute that they have
+demanded. And if they be not content with these, I shall pay more at my coming,
+for other tribute owe I none, nor none other will I pay. And methinketh this
+sufficeth for Britain, Ireland and all Almaine with Germany. And furthermore, I
+charge you to say to them, that I command them upon pain of their heads never
+to demand tribute nor tax of me nor of my lands. Then with this charge and
+commandment, the three senators aforesaid departed with all the said dead
+bodies, laying the body of Lucius in a car covered with the arms of the Empire
+all alone; and after alway two bodies of kings in a chariot, and then the
+bodies of the senators after them, and so went toward Rome, and showed their
+legation and message to the Potestate and Senate, recounting the battle done in
+France, and how the field was lost and much people and innumerable slain.
+Wherefore they advised them in no wise to move no more war against that noble
+conqueror Arthur, for his might and prowess is most to be doubted, seen the
+noble kings and great multitude of knights of the Round Table, to whom none
+earthly prince may compare.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap98"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br/>How Arthur, after he had achieved the
+battle against the Romans, entered into Almaine, and so into Italy.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto King Arthur and his noble knights, which, after the great
+battle achieved against the Romans, entered into Lorraine, Brabant and
+Flanders, and sithen returned into Haut Almaine, and so over the mountains into
+Lombardy, and after, into Tuscany wherein was a city which in no wise would
+yield themself nor obey, wherefore King Arthur besieged it, and lay long about
+it, and gave many assaults to the city; and they within defended them
+valiantly. Then, on a time, the king called Sir Florence, a knight, and said to
+him they lacked victual, And not far from hence be great forests and woods,
+wherein be many of mine enemies with much bestial: I will that thou make thee
+ready and go thither in foraying, and take with thee Sir Gawaine my nephew, Sir
+Wisshard, Sir Clegis, Sir Cleremond, and the Captain of Cardiff with other, and
+bring with you all the beasts that ye there can get.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And anon these knights made them ready, and rode over holts and hills, through
+forests and woods, till they came into a fair meadow full of fair flowers and
+grass; and there they rested them and their horses all that night. And in the
+springing of the day in the next morn, Sir Gawaine took his horse and stole
+away from his fellowship, to seek some adventures. And anon he was ware of a
+man armed, walking his horse easily by a wood&rsquo;s side, and his shield
+laced to his shoulder, sitting on a strong courser, without any man saving a
+page bearing a mighty spear. The knight bare in his shield three griffins of
+gold, in sable carbuncle, the chief of silver. When Sir Gawaine espied this gay
+knight, he feutred his spear, and rode straight to him, and demanded of him
+from whence that he was. That other answered and said he was of Tuscany, and
+demanded of Sir Gawaine, What, profferest thou, proud knight, thee so boldly?
+here gettest thou no prey, thou mayest prove what thou wilt, for thou shalt be
+my prisoner or thou depart. Then said Gawaine, thou avauntest thee greatly and
+speakest proud words, I counsel thee for all thy boast that thou make thee
+ready, and take thy gear to thee, to-fore greater grame fall to thee.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap99"></a>CHAPTER X.<br/>Of a battle done by Sir Gawaine against
+a Saracen, which after was yielden and became Christian.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then they took their spears and ran each at other with all the might they had,
+and smote each other through their shields into their shoulders, wherefore anon
+they pulled out their swords, and smote great strokes that the fire sprang out
+of their helms. Then Sir Gawaine was all abashed, and with Galatine his good
+sword he smote through shield and thick hauberk made of thick mails, and all
+to-rushed and break the precious stones, and made him a large wound, that men
+might see both liver and lung. Then groaned that knight, and addressed him to
+Sir Gawaine, and with an awk stroke gave him a great wound and cut a vein,
+which grieved Gawaine sore, and he bled sore. Then the knight said to Sir
+Gawaine, bind thy wound or thy blee[ding] change, for thou be-bleedest all thy
+horse and thy fair arms, for all the barbers of Brittany shall not con staunch
+thy blood, for whosomever is hurt with this blade he shall never be staunched
+of bleeding. Then answered Gawaine, it grieveth me but little, thy great words
+shall not fear me nor lessen my courage, but thou shalt suffer teen and sorrow
+or we depart, but tell me in haste who may staunch my bleeding. That may I do,
+said the knight, if I will, and so will I if thou wilt succour and aid me, that
+I may be christened and believe on God, and thereof I require thee of thy
+manhood, and it shall be great merit for thy soul. I grant, said Gawaine, so
+God help me, to accomplish all thy desire, but first tell me what thou
+soughtest here thus alone, and of what land and liegiance thou art of. Sir, he
+said, my name is Priamus, and a great prince is my father, and he hath been
+rebel unto Rome and overridden many of their lands. My father is lineally
+descended of Alexander and of Hector by right line. And Duke Joshua and
+Maccabaeus were of our lineage. I am right inheritor of Alexandria and Africa,
+and all the out isles, yet will I believe on thy Lord that thou believest on;
+and for thy labour I shall give thee treasure enough. I was so elate and
+hauteyn in my heart that I thought no man my peer, nor to me semblable. I was
+sent into this war with seven score knights, and now I have encountered with
+thee, which hast given to me of fighting my fill, wherefore sir knight, I pray
+thee to tell me what thou art. I am no knight, said Gawaine, I have been
+brought up in the guardrobe with the noble King Arthur many years, for to take
+heed to his armour and his other array, and to point his paltocks that long to
+himself. At Yule last he made me yeoman, and gave to me horse and harness, and
+an hundred pound in money; and if fortune be my friend, I doubt not but to be
+well advanced and holpen by my liege lord. Ah, said Priamus, if his knaves be
+so keen and fierce, his knights be passing good: now for the King&rsquo;s love
+of Heaven, whether thou be a knave or a knight, tell thou me thy name. By God,
+said Sir Gawaine, now I will say thee sooth, my name is Sir Gawaine, and known
+I am in his court and in his chamber, and one of the knights of the Round
+Table, he dubbed me a duke with his own hand. Therefore grudge not if this
+grace is to me fortuned, it is the goodness of God that lent to me my strength.
+Now am I better pleased, said Priamus, than thou hadst given to me all the
+Provence and Paris the rich. I had liefer to have been torn with wild horses,
+than any varlet had won such loos, or any page or priker should have had prize
+on me. But now sir knight I warn thee that hereby is a Duke of Lorraine with
+his army, and the noblest men of Dolphiny, and lords of Lombardy, with the
+garrison of Godard, and Saracens of Southland, y-numbered sixty thousand of
+good men of arms; wherefore but if we hie us hence, it will harm us both, for
+we be sore hurt, never like to recover; but take heed to my page, that he no
+horn blow, for if he do, there be hoving here fast by an hundred knights
+awaiting on my person, and if they take thee, there shall no ransom of gold nor
+silver acquit thee.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Gawaine rode over a water for to save him, and the knight followed
+him, and so rode forth till they came to his fellows which were in the meadow,
+where they had been all the night. Anon as Sir Wisshard was ware of Sir Gawaine
+and saw that he was hurt, he ran to him sorrowfully weeping, and demanded of
+him who had so hurt him; and Gawaine told how he had foughten with that man,
+and each of them had hurt other, and how he had salves to heal them; but I can
+tell you other tidings, that soon we shall have ado with many enemies.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Priamus and Sir Gawaine alighted, and let their horses graze in the
+meadow, and unarmed them, and then the blood ran freshly from their wounds. And
+Priamus took from his page a vial full of the four waters that came out of
+Paradise, and with certain balm anointed their wounds, and washed them with
+that water, and within an hour after they were both as whole as ever they were.
+And then with a trumpet were they all assembled to council, and there Priamus
+told unto them what lords and knights had sworn to rescue him, and that without
+fail they should be assailed with many thousands, wherefore he counselled them
+to withdraw them. Then Sir Gawaine said, it were great shame to them to avoid
+without any strokes; Wherefore I advise to take our arms and to make us ready
+to meet with these Saracens and misbelieving men, and with the help of God we
+shall overthrow them and have a fair day on them. And Sir Florence shall abide
+still in this field to keep the stale as a noble knight, and we shall not
+forsake yonder fellows. Now, said Priamus, cease your words, for I warn you ye
+shall find in yonder woods many perilous knights; they will put forth beasts to
+call you on, they be out of number, and ye are not past seven hundred, which be
+over few to fight with so many. Nevertheless, said Sir Gawaine, we shall once
+encounter them, and see what they can do, and the best shall have the victory.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap100"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br/>How the Saracens came out of a wood
+for to rescue their beasts, and of a great battle.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Florence called to him Sir Floridas, with an hundred knights, and
+drove forth the herd of beasts. Then followed him seven hundred men of arms;
+and Sir Ferant of Spain on a fair steed came springing out of the woods, and
+came to Sir Florence and asked him why he fled. Then Sir Florence took his
+spear and rode against him, and smote him in the forehead and brake his neck
+bone. Then all the other were moved, and thought to avenge the death of Sir
+Ferant, and smote in among them, and there was great fight, and many slain and
+laid down to ground, and Sir Florence with his hundred knights alway kept the
+stale, and fought manly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when Priamus the good knight perceived the great fight, he went to Sir
+Gawaine, and bade him that he should go and succour his fellowship, which were
+sore bestead with their enemies. Sir, grieve you not, said Sir Gawaine, for
+their gree shall be theirs. I shall not once move my horse to them ward, but if
+I see more than there be; for they be strong enough to match them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And with that he saw an earl called Sir Ethelwold and the duke of Dutchmen,
+came leaping out of a wood with many thousands, and Priamus&rsquo; knights, and
+came straight unto the battle. Then Sir Gawaine comforted his knights, and bade
+them not to be abashed, for all shall be ours. Then they began to wallop and
+met with their enemies, there were men slain and overthrown on every side. Then
+thrust in among them the knights of the Table Round, and smote down to the
+earth all them that withstood them, in so much that they made them to recoil
+and flee. By God, said Sir Gawaine, this gladdeth my heart, for now be they
+less in number by twenty thousand. Then entered into the battle Jubance a
+giant, and fought and slew down right, and distressed many of our knights,
+among whom was slain Sir Gherard, a knight of Wales. Then our knights took
+heart to them, and slew many Saracens. And then came in Sir Priamus with his
+pennon, and rode with the knights of the Round Table, and fought so manfully
+that many of their enemies lost their lives. And there Sir Priamus slew the
+Marquis of Moises land, and Sir Gawaine with his fellows so quit them that they
+had the field, but in that stour was Sir Chestelaine, a child and ward of Sir
+Gawaine slain, wherefore was much sorrow made, and his death was soon avenged.
+Thus was the battle ended, and many lords of Lombardy and Saracens left dead in
+the field.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Florence and Sir Gawaine harboured surely their people, and took great
+plenty of bestial, of gold and silver, and great treasure and riches, and
+returned unto King Arthur, which lay still at the siege. And when they came to
+the king they presented their prisoners and recounted their adventures, and how
+they had vanquished their enemies.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap101"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br/>How Sir Gawaine returned to King
+Arthur with his prisoners, and how the King won a city, and how he was crowned
+Emperor.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now thanked be God, said the noble King Arthur. But what manner man is he that
+standeth by himself, him seemeth no prisoner. Sir, said Gawaine, this is a good
+man of arms, he hath matched me, but he is yielden unto God, and to me, for to
+become Christian; had not he have been we should never have returned, wherefore
+I pray you that he may be baptised, for there liveth not a nobler man nor
+better knight of his hands. Then the king let him anon be christened, and did
+do call him his first name Priamus, and made him a duke and knight of the Table
+Round. And then anon the king let do cry assault to the city, and there was
+rearing of ladders, breaking of walls, and the ditch filled, that men with
+little pain might enter into the city. Then came out a duchess, and Clarisin
+the countess, with many ladies and damosels, and kneeling before King Arthur,
+required him for the love of God to receive the city, and not to take it by
+assault, for then should many guiltless be slain. Then the king avaled his
+visor with a meek and noble countenance, and said, Madam, there shall none of
+my subjects misdo you nor your maidens, nor to none that to you belong, but the
+duke shall abide my judgment. Then anon the king commanded to leave the
+assault, and anon the duke&rsquo;s oldest son brought out the keys, and
+kneeling delivered them to the king, and besought him of grace; and the king
+seized the town by assent of his lords, and took the duke and sent him to
+Dover, there for to abide prisoner term of his life, and assigned certain rents
+for the dower of the duchess and for her children.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then he made lords to rule those lands, and laws as a lord ought to do in his
+own country; and after he took his journey toward Rome, and sent Sir Floris and
+Sir Floridas to-fore, with five hundred men of arms, and they came to the city
+of Urbino and laid there a bushment, thereas them seemed most best for them,
+and rode to-fore the town, where anon issued out much people and skirmished
+with the fore-riders. Then brake out the bushment and won the bridge, and after
+the town, and set upon the walls the king&rsquo;s banner. Then came the king
+upon an hill, and saw the city and his banner on the walls, by which he knew
+that the city was won. And anon he sent and commanded that none of his liege
+men should defoul nor lie by no lady, wife nor maid; and when he came into the
+city, he passed to the castle, and comforted them that were in sorrow, and
+ordained there a captain, a knight of his own country.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when they of Milan heard that thilk city was won, they sent to King Arthur
+great sums of money, and besought him as their lord to have pity on them,
+promising to be his subjects for ever, and yield to him homage and fealty for
+the lands of Pleasance and Pavia, Petersaint, and the Port of Tremble, and to
+give him yearly a million of gold all his lifetime. Then he rideth into
+Tuscany, and winneth towns and castles, and wasted all in his way that to him
+will not obey, and so to Spolute and Viterbe, and from thence he rode into the
+Vale of Vicecount among the vines. And from thence he sent to the senators, to
+wit whether they would know him for their lord. But soon after on a Saturday
+came unto King Arthur all the senators that were left alive, and the noblest
+cardinals that then dwelt in Rome, and prayed him of peace, and proferred him
+full large, and besought him as governor to give licence for six weeks for to
+assemble all the Romans, and then to crown him emperor with chrism as it
+belongeth to so high estate. I assent, said the king, like as ye have devised,
+and at Christmas there to be crowned, and to hold my Round Table with my
+knights as me liketh. And then the senators made ready for his enthronization.
+And at the day appointed, as the romance telleth, he came into Rome, and was
+crowned emperor by the pope&rsquo;s hand, with all the royalty that could be
+made, and sojourned there a time, and established all his lands from Rome into
+France, and gave lands and realms unto his servants and knights, to everych
+after his desert, in such wise that none complained, rich nor poor. And he gave
+to Sir Priamus the duchy of Lorraine; and he thanked him, and said he would
+serve him the days of his life; and after made dukes and earls, and made every
+man rich.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then after this all his knights and lords assembled them afore him, and said:
+Blessed be God, your war is finished and your conquest achieved, in so much
+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 and worship. Then said the king, Ye say truth, and for to tempt God it
+is no wisdom, and therefore make you ready and return we into England. Then
+there was trussing of harness and baggage and great carriage. And after licence
+given, he returned and commanded that no man in pain of death should not rob
+nor take victual, nor other thing by the way but that he should pay therefore.
+And thus he came over the sea and landed at Sandwich, against whom Queen
+Guenever his wife came and met him, and he was nobly received of all his
+commons in every city and burgh, and great gifts presented to him at his
+home-coming to welcome him with.
+</p>
+
+<h5>Thus endeth the fifth book of the conquest that King Arthur had against
+Lucius the Emperor of Rome, and here followeth the sixth book, which is of Sir
+Launcelot du Lake.</h5>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="part06"></a>BOOK VI.</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap102"></a>CHAPTER I.<br/>How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel
+departed from the court, and how Sir Lionel left him sleeping and was
+taken.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Soon after that King Arthur was come from Rome into England, then all the
+knights of the Table Round resorted unto the king, and made many jousts and
+tournaments, and some there were that were but knights, which increased so in
+arms and worship that they passed all their fellows in prowess and noble deeds,
+and that was well proved on many; but in especial it was proved on Sir
+Launcelot du Lake, for in all tournaments and jousts and deeds of arms, both
+for life and death, he passed all other knights, and at no time he was never
+overcome but if it were by treason or enchantment; so Sir Launcelot increased
+so marvellously in worship, and in honour, therefore is he the first knight
+that the French book maketh mention of after King Arthur came from Rome.
+Wherefore Queen Guenever had him in great favour above all other knights, and
+in certain he loved the queen again above all other ladies and damosels of his
+life, and for her he did many deeds of arms, and saved her from the fire
+through his noble chivalry.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus Sir Launcelot rested him long with play and game. And then he thought
+himself to prove himself in strange adventures, then he bade his nephew, Sir
+Lionel, for to make him ready; for we two will seek adventures. So they mounted
+on their horses, armed at all rights, and rode into a deep forest and so into a
+deep plain. And then the weather was hot about noon, and Sir Launcelot had
+great lust to sleep. Then Sir Lionel espied a great apple-tree that stood by an
+hedge, and said, Brother, yonder is a fair shadow, there may we rest us [and]
+our horses. It is well said, fair brother, said Sir Launcelot, for this eight
+year I was not so sleepy as I am now; and so they there alighted and tied their
+horses unto sundry trees, and so Sir Launcelot laid him down under an
+appletree, and his helm he laid under his head. And Sir Lionel waked while he
+slept. So Sir Launcelot was asleep passing fast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And in the meanwhile there came three knights riding, as fast fleeing as ever
+they might ride. And there followed them three but one knight. And when Sir
+Lionel saw him, him thought he saw never so great a knight, nor so well faring
+a man, neither so well apparelled unto all rights. So within a while this
+strong knight had overtaken one of these knights, and there he smote him to the
+cold earth that he lay still. And then he rode unto the second knight, and
+smote him so that man and horse fell down. And then straight to the third
+knight he rode, and smote him behind his horse&rsquo;s arse a spear length. And
+then he alighted down and reined his horse on the bridle, and bound all the
+three knights fast with the reins of their own bridles. When Sir Lionel saw him
+do thus, he thought to assay him, and made him ready, and stilly and privily he
+took his horse, and thought not for to awake Sir Launcelot. And when he was
+mounted upon his horse, he overtook this strong knight, and bade him turn, and
+the other smote Sir Lionel so hard that horse and man he bare to the earth, and
+so he alighted down and bound him fast, and threw him overthwart his own horse,
+and so he served them all four, and rode with them away to his own castle. And
+when he came there he gart unarm them, and beat them with thorns all naked, and
+after put them in a deep prison where were many more knights, that made great
+dolour.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap103"></a>CHAPTER II.<br/>How Sir Ector followed for to seek
+Sir Launcelot, and how he was taken by Sir Turquine.</h3>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Ector de Maris wist that Sir Launcelot was passed out of the court to
+seek adventures, he was wroth with himself, and made him ready to seek Sir
+Launcelot, and as he had ridden long in a great forest he met with a man was
+like a forester. Fair fellow, said Sir Ector, knowest thou in this country any
+adventures that be here nigh hand? Sir, said the forester, this country know I
+well, and hereby, within this mile, is a strong manor, and well dyked, and by
+that manor, on the left hand, there is a fair ford for horses to drink of, and
+over that ford there groweth a fair tree, and thereon hang many fair shields
+that wielded sometime good knights, and at the hole of the tree hangeth a basin
+of copper and latten, and strike upon that basin with the butt of thy spear
+thrice, and soon after thou shalt hear new tidings, and else hast thou the
+fairest grace that many a year had ever knight that passed through this forest.
+Gramercy, said Sir Ector, and departed and came to the tree, and saw many fair
+shields. And among them he saw his brother&rsquo;s shield, Sir Lionel, and many
+more that he knew that were his fellows of the Round Table, the which grieved
+his heart, and promised to revenge his brother.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then anon Sir Ector beat on the basin as he were wood, and then he gave his
+horse drink at the ford, and there came a knight behind him and bade him come
+out of the water and make him ready; and Sir Ector anon turned him shortly, and
+in feuter cast his spear, and smote the other knight a great buffet that his
+horse turned twice about. This was well done, said the strong knight, and
+knightly thou hast stricken me; and therewith he rushed his horse on Sir Ector,
+and cleight him under his right arm, and bare him clean out of the saddle, and
+rode with him away into his own hall, and threw him down in midst of the floor.
+The name of this knight was Sir Turquine. Then he said unto Sir Ector, For thou
+hast done this day more unto me than any knight did these twelve years, now
+will I grant thee thy life, so thou wilt be sworn to be my prisoner all thy
+life days. Nay, said Sir Ector, that will I never promise thee, but that I will
+do mine advantage. That me repenteth, said Sir Turquine. And then he gart to
+unarm him, and beat him with thorns all naked, and sithen put him down in a
+deep dungeon, where he knew many of his fellows. But when Sir Ector saw Sir
+Lionel, then made he great sorrow. Alas, brother, said Sir Ector, where is my
+brother Sir Launcelot? Fair brother, I left him asleep when that I from him
+yode, under an apple-tree, and what is become of him I cannot tell you. Alas,
+said the knights, but Sir Launcelot help us we may never be delivered, for we
+know now no knight that is able to match our master Turquine.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap104"></a>CHAPTER III.<br/>How four queens found Launcelot
+sleeping, and how by enchantment he was taken and led into a castle.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now leave we these knights prisoners, and speak we of Sir Launcelot du Lake
+that lieth under the apple-tree sleeping. Even about the noon there came by him
+four queens of great estate; and, for the heat should not annoy them, there
+rode four knights about them, and bare a cloth of green silk on four spears,
+betwixt them and the sun, and the queens rode on four white mules. Thus as they
+rode they heard by them a great horse grimly neigh, then were they ware of a
+sleeping knight, that lay all armed under an apple-tree; anon as these queens
+looked on his face, they knew it was Sir Launcelot. Then they began for to
+strive for that knight, everych one said they would have him to her love. We
+shall not strive, said Morgan le Fay, that was King Arthur&rsquo;s sister, I
+shall put an enchantment upon him that he shall not awake in six hours, and
+then I will lead him away unto my castle, and when he is surely within my hold,
+I shall take the enchantment from him, and then let him choose which of us he
+will have unto paramour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So this enchantment was cast upon Sir Launcelot, and then they laid him upon
+his shield, and bare him so on horseback betwixt two knights, and brought him
+unto the castle Chariot, and there they laid him in a chamber cold, and at
+night they sent unto him a fair damosel with his supper ready dight. By that
+the enchantment was past, and when she came she saluted him, and asked him what
+cheer. I cannot say, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, for I wot not how I came
+into this castle but it be by an enchantment. Sir, said she, ye must make good
+cheer, and if ye be such a knight as it is said ye be, I shall tell you more
+to-morn by prime of the day. Gramercy, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, of
+your good will I require you. And so she departed. And there he lay all that
+night without comfort of anybody. And on the morn early came these four queens,
+passingly well beseen, all they bidding him good morn, and he them again.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sir knight, the four queens said, thou must understand thou art our prisoner,
+and we here know thee well that thou art Sir Launcelot du Lake, King
+Ban&rsquo;s son, and because we understand your worthiness, that thou art the
+noblest knight living, and as we know well there can no lady have thy love but
+one, and that is Queen Guenever, and now thou shalt lose her for ever, and she
+thee, and therefore thee behoveth now to choose one of us four. I am the Queen
+Morgan le Fay, queen of the land of Gore, and here is the queen of Northgalis,
+and the queen of Eastland, and the queen of the Out Isles; now choose one of us
+which thou wilt have to thy paramour, for thou mayest not choose or else in
+this prison to die. This is an hard case, said Sir Launcelot, that either I
+must die or else choose one of you, yet had I liefer to die in this prison with
+worship, than to have one of you to my paramour maugre my head. And therefore
+ye be answered, I will none of you, for ye be false enchantresses, and as for
+my lady, Dame Guenever, were I at my liberty as I was, I would prove it on you
+or on yours, that she is the truest lady unto her lord living. Well, said the
+queens, is this your answer, that ye will refuse us. Yea, on my life, said Sir
+Launcelot, refused ye be of me. So they departed and left him there alone that
+made great sorrow.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap105"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br/>How Sir Launcelot was delivered by
+the mean of a damosel.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Right so at the noon came the damosel unto him with his dinner, and asked him
+what cheer. Truly, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, in my life days never so
+ill. Sir, she said, that me repenteth, but an ye will be ruled by me, I shall
+help you out of this distress, and ye shall have no shame nor villainy, so that
+ye hold me a promise. Fair damosel, I will grant you, and sore I am of these
+queen-sorceresses afeard, for they have destroyed many a good knight. Sir, said
+she, that is sooth, and for the renown and bounty that they hear of you they
+would have your love, and Sir, they say, your name is Sir Launcelot du Lake,
+the flower of knights, and they be passing wroth with you that ye have refused
+them. But Sir, an ye would promise me to help my father on Tuesday next coming,
+that hath made a tournament betwixt him and the King of Northgalis&mdash;for
+the last Tuesday past my father lost the field through three knights of
+Arthur&rsquo;s court&mdash;an ye will be there on Tuesday next coming, and help
+my father, to-morn or prime, by the grace of God, I shall deliver you clean.
+Fair maiden, said Sir Launcelot, tell me what is your father&rsquo;s name, and
+then shall I give you an answer. Sir knight, she said, my father is King
+Bagdemagus, that was foul rebuked at the last tournament. I know your father
+well, said Sir Launcelot, for a noble king and a good knight, and by the faith
+of my body, ye shall have my body ready to do your father and you service at
+that day. Sir, she said, gramercy, and to-morn await ye be ready betimes and I
+shall be she that shall deliver you and take you your armour and your horse,
+shield and spear, and hereby within this ten mile, is an abbey of white monks,
+there I pray you that ye me abide, and thither shall I bring my father unto
+you. All this shall be done, said Sir Launcelot as I am true knight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so she departed, and came on the morn early, and found him ready; then she
+brought him out of twelve locks, and brought him unto his armour, and when he
+was clean armed, she brought him until his own horse, and lightly he saddled
+him and took a great spear in his hand and so rode forth, and said, Fair
+damosel, I shall not fail you, by the grace of God. And so he rode into a great
+forest all that day, and never could find no highway and so the night fell on
+him, and then was he ware in a slade, of a pavilion of red sendal. By my faith,
+said Sir Launcelot, in that pavilion will I lodge all this night, and so there
+he alighted down, and tied his horse to the pavilion, and there he unarmed him,
+and there he found a bed, and laid him therein and fell asleep sadly.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap106"></a>CHAPTER V.<br/>How a knight found Sir Launcelot lying
+in his leman&rsquo;s bed, and how Sir Launcelot fought with the knight.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then within an hour there came the knight to whom the pavilion ought, and he
+weened that his leman had lain in that bed, and so he laid him down beside Sir
+Launcelot, and took him in his arms and began to kiss him. And when Sir
+Launcelot felt a rough beard kissing him, he started out of the bed lightly,
+and the other knight after him, and either of them gat their swords in their
+hands, and out at the pavilion door went the knight of the pavilion, and Sir
+Launcelot followed him, and there by a little slake Sir Launcelot wounded him
+sore, nigh unto the death. And then he yielded him unto Sir Launcelot, and so
+he granted him, so that he would tell him why he came into the bed. Sir, said
+the knight, the pavilion is mine own, and there this night I had assigned my
+lady to have slept with me, and now I am likely to die of this wound. That me
+repenteth, said Launcelot, of your hurt, but I was adread of treason, for I was
+late beguiled, and therefore come on your way into your pavilion and take your
+rest, and as I suppose I shall staunch your blood. And so they went both into
+the pavilion, and anon Sir Launcelot staunched his blood.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewithal came the knight&rsquo;s lady, that was a passing fair lady, and
+when she espied that her lord Belleus was sore wounded, she cried out on Sir
+Launcelot, and made great dole out of measure. Peace, my lady and my love, said
+Belleus, for this knight is a good man, and a knight adventurous, and there he
+told her all the cause how he was wounded; And when that I yielded me unto him,
+he left me goodly and hath staunched my blood. Sir, said the lady, I require
+thee tell me what knight ye be, and what is your name? Fair lady, he said, my
+name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. So me thought ever by your speech, said the
+lady, for I have seen you oft or this, and I know you better than ye ween. But
+now an ye would promise me of your courtesy, for the harms that ye have done to
+me and my Lord Belleus, that when he cometh unto Arthur&rsquo;s court for to
+cause him to be made knight of the Round Table, for he is a passing good man of
+arms, and a mighty lord of lands of many out isles.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Fair lady, said Sir Launcelot, let him come unto the court the next high feast,
+and look that ye come with him, and I shall do my power, an ye prove you
+doughty of your hands, that ye shall have your desire. So thus within a while,
+as they thus talked, the night passed, and the day shone, and then Sir
+Launcelot armed him, and took his horse, and they taught him to the Abbey, and
+thither he rode within the space of two hours.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap107"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br/>How Sir Launcelot was received of
+King Bagdemagus&rsquo; daughter, and how he made his complaint to her
+father.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And soon as Sir Launcelot came within the abbey yard, the daughter of King
+Bagdemagus heard a great horse go on the pavement. And she then arose and yede
+unto a window, and there she saw Sir Launcelot, and anon she made men fast to
+take his horse from him and let lead him into a stable, and himself was led
+into a fair chamber, and unarmed him, and the lady sent him a long gown, and
+anon she came herself. And then she made Launcelot passing good cheer, and she
+said he was the knight in the world was most welcome to her. Then in all haste
+she sent for her father Bagdemagus that was within twelve mile of that Abbey,
+and afore even he came, with a fair fellowship of knights with him. And when
+the king was alighted off his horse he yode straight unto Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s
+chamber and there he found his daughter, and then the king embraced Sir
+Launcelot in his arms, and either made other good cheer.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon Sir Launcelot made his complaint unto the king how he was betrayed, and
+how his brother Sir Lionel was departed from him he wist not where, and how his
+daughter had delivered him out of prison; Therefore while I live I shall do her
+service and all her kindred. Then am I sure of your help, said the king, on
+Tuesday next coming. Yea, sir, said Sir Launcelot, I shall not fail you, for so
+I have promised my lady your daughter. But, sir, what knights be they of my
+lord Arthur&rsquo;s that were with the King of Northgalis? And the king said it
+was Sir Mador de la Porte, and Sir Mordred and Sir Gahalantine that all
+for-fared my knights, for against them three I nor my knights might bear no
+strength. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, as I hear say that the tournament shall be
+here within this three mile of this abbey, ye shall send unto me three knights
+of yours, such as ye trust, and look that the three knights have all white
+shields, and I also, and no painture on the shields, and we four will come out
+of a little wood in midst of both parties, and we shall fall in the front of
+our enemies and grieve them that we may; and thus shall I not be known what
+knight I am.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they took their rest that night, and this was on the Sunday, and so the king
+departed, and sent unto Sir Launcelot three knights with the four white
+shields. And on the Tuesday they lodged them in a little leaved wood beside
+there the tournament should be. And there were scaffolds and holes that lords
+and ladies might behold and to give the prize. Then came into the field the
+King of Northgalis with eight score helms. And then the three knights of
+Arthur&rsquo;s stood by themselves. Then came into the field King Bagdemagus
+with four score of helms. And then they feutred their spears, and came together
+with a great dash, and there were slain of knights at the first recounter
+twelve of King Bagdemagus&rsquo; party, and six of the King of
+Northgalis&rsquo; party, and King Bagdemagus&rsquo; party was far set aback.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap108"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br/>How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a
+tournament, and how he met with Sir Turquine leading Sir Gaheris.</h3>
+
+<p>
+With that came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he thrust in with his spear in the
+thickest of the press, and there he smote down with one spear five knights, and
+of four of them he brake their backs. And in that throng he smote down the King
+of Northgalis, and brake his thigh in that fall. All this doing of Sir
+Launcelot saw the three knights of Arthur&rsquo;s. Yonder is a shrewd guest,
+said Sir Mador de la Porte, therefore have here once at him. So they
+encountered, and Sir Launcelot bare him down horse and man, so that his
+shoulder went out of lith. Now befalleth it to me to joust, said Mordred, for
+Sir Mador hath a sore fall. Sir Launcelot was ware of him, and gat a great
+spear in his hand, and met him, and Sir Mordred brake a spear upon him, and Sir
+Launcelot gave him such a buffet that the arson of his saddle brake, and so he
+flew over his horse&rsquo;s tail, that his helm butted into the earth a foot
+and more, that nigh his neck was broken, and there he lay long in a swoon.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then came in Sir Gahalantine with a great spear and Launcelot against him, with
+all their strength that they might drive, that both their spears to-brast even
+to their hands, and then they flang out with their swords and gave many a grim
+stroke. Then was Sir Launcelot wroth out of measure, and then he smote Sir
+Gahalantine on the helm that his nose brast out on blood, and ears and mouth
+both, and therewith his head hung low. And therewith his horse ran away with
+him, and he fell down to the earth. Anon therewithal Sir Launcelot gat a great
+spear in his hand, and or ever that great spear brake, he bare down to the
+earth sixteen knights, some horse and man, and some the man and not the horse,
+and there was none but that he hit surely, he bare none arms that day. And then
+he gat another great spear, and smote down twelve knights, and the most part of
+them never throve after. And then the knights of the King of Northgalis would
+joust no more. And there the gree was given to King Bagdemagus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So either party departed unto his own place, and Sir Launcelot rode forth with
+King Bagdemagus unto his castle, and there he had passing good cheer both with
+the king and with his daughter, and they proffered him great gifts. And on the
+morn he took his leave, and told the king that he would go and seek his brother
+Sir Lionel, that went from him when that he slept, so he took his horse, and
+betaught them all to God. And there he said unto the king&rsquo;s daughter, If
+ye have need any time of my service I pray you let me have knowledge, and I
+shall not fail you as I am true knight. And so Sir Launcelot departed, and by
+adventure he came into the same forest there he was taken sleeping. And in the
+midst of a highway he met a damosel riding on a white palfrey, and there either
+saluted other. Fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, know ye in this country any
+adventures? Sir knight, said that damosel, here are adventures near hand, an
+thou durst prove them. Why should I not prove adventures? said Sir Launcelot
+for that cause come I hither. Well, said she, thou seemest well to be a good
+knight, and if thou dare meet with a good knight, I shall bring thee where is
+the best knight, and the mightiest that ever thou found, so thou wilt tell me
+what is thy name, and what knight thou art. Damosel, as for to tell thee my
+name I take no great force; truly my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Sir, thou
+beseemest well, here be adventures by that fall for thee, for hereby dwelleth a
+knight that will not be overmatched for no man I know but ye overmatch him, and
+his name is Sir Turquine. And, as I understand, he hath in his prison, of
+Arthur&rsquo;s court, good knights three score and four, that he hath won with
+his own hands. But when ye have done that journey ye shall promise me as ye are
+a true knight for to go with me, and to help me and other damosels that are
+distressed daily with a false knight. All your intent, damosel, and desire I
+will fulfil, so ye will bring me unto this knight. Now, fair knight, come on
+your way; and so she brought him unto the ford and the tree where hung the
+basin.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So Sir Launcelot let his horse drink, and then he beat on the basin with the
+butt of his spear so hard with all his might till the bottom fell out, and long
+he did so, but he saw nothing. Then he rode endlong the gates of that manor
+nigh half-an-hour. And then was he ware of a great knight that drove an horse
+afore him, and overthwart the horse there lay an armed knight bound. And ever
+as they came near and near, Sir Launcelot thought he should know him. Then Sir
+Launcelot was ware that it was Sir Gaheris, Gawaine&rsquo;s brother, a knight
+of the Table Round. Now, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, I see yonder cometh
+a knight fast bounden that is a fellow of mine, and brother he is unto Sir
+Gawaine. And at the first beginning I promise you, by the leave of God, to
+rescue that knight; but if his master sit better in the saddle I shall deliver
+all the prisoners that he hath out of danger, for I am sure he hath two
+brethren of mine prisoners with him. By that time that either had seen other,
+they gripped their spears unto them. Now, fair knight, said Sir Launcelot, put
+that wounded knight off the horse, and let him rest awhile, and let us two
+prove our strengths; for as it is informed me, thou doest and hast done great
+despite and shame unto knights of the Round Table, and therefore now defend
+thee. An thou be of the Table Round, said Turquine, I defy thee and all thy
+fellowship. That is overmuch said, said Sir Launcelot.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap109"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br/>How Sir Launcelot and Sir Turquine
+fought together.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then they put their spears in the rests, and came together with their
+horses as fast as they might run, and either smote other in midst of their
+shields, that both their horses&rsquo; backs brast under them, and the knights
+were both stonied. And as soon as they might avoid their horses, they took
+their shields afore them, and drew out their swords, and came together eagerly,
+and either gave other many strong strokes, for there might neither shields nor
+harness hold their strokes. And so within a while they had both grimly wounds,
+and bled passing grievously. Thus they fared two hours or more trasing and
+rasing either other, where they might hit any bare place.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then at the last they were breathless both, and stood leaning on their swords.
+Now fellow, said Sir Turquine, hold thy hand a while, and tell me what I shall
+ask thee. Say on. Then Turquine said, Thou art the biggest man that ever I met
+withal, and the best breathed, and like one knight that I hate above all other
+knights; so be it that thou be not he I will lightly accord with thee, and for
+thy love I will deliver all the prisoners that I have, that is three score and
+four, so thou wilt tell me thy name. And thou and I we will be fellows
+together, and never to fail thee while that I live. It is well said, said Sir
+Launcelot, but sithen it is so that I may have thy friendship, what knight is
+he that thou so hatest above all other? Faithfully, said Sir Turquine, his name
+is Sir Launcelot du Lake, for he slew my brother, Sir Carados, at the dolorous
+tower, that was one of the best knights alive; and therefore him I except of
+all knights, for may I once meet with him, the one of us shall make an end of
+other, I make mine avow. And for Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s sake I have slain an
+hundred good knights, and as many I have maimed all utterly that they might
+never after help themselves, and many have died in prison, and yet have I three
+score and four, and all shall be delivered so thou wilt tell me thy name, so be
+it that thou be not Sir Launcelot.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now, see I well, said Sir Launcelot, that such a man I might be, I might have
+peace, and such a man I might be, that there should be war mortal betwixt us.
+And now, sir knight, at thy request I will that thou wit and know that I am
+Launcelot du Lake, King Ban&rsquo;s son of Benwick, and very knight of the
+Table Round. And now I defy thee, and do thy best. Ah, said Turquine,
+Launcelot, thou art unto me most welcome that ever was knight, for we shall
+never depart till the one of us be dead. Then they hurtled together as two wild
+bulls rushing and lashing with their shields and swords, that sometime they
+fell both over their noses. Thus they fought still two hours and more, and
+never would have rest, and Sir Turquine gave Sir Launcelot many wounds that all
+the ground thereas they fought was all bespeckled with blood.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap110"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br/>How Sir Turquine was slain, and how
+Sir Launcelot bade Sir Gaheris deliver all the prisoners.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then at the last Sir Turquine waxed faint, and gave somewhat aback, and bare
+his shield low for weariness. That espied Sir Launcelot, and leapt upon him
+fiercely and gat him by the beaver of his helmet, and plucked him down on his
+knees, and anon he raced off his helm, and smote his neck in sunder. And when
+Sir Launcelot had done this, he yode unto the damosel and said, Damosel, I am
+ready to go with you where ye will have me, but I have no horse. Fair sir, said
+she, take this wounded knight&rsquo;s horse and send him into this manor, and
+command him to deliver all the prisoners. So Sir Launcelot went unto Gaheris,
+and prayed him not to be aggrieved for to lend him his horse. Nay, fair lord,
+said Gaheris, I will that ye take my horse at your own commandment, for ye have
+both saved me and my horse, and this day I say ye are the best knight in the
+world, for ye have slain this day in my sight the mightiest man and the best
+knight except you that ever I saw, and, fair sir, said Gaheris, I pray you tell
+me your name. Sir, my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake, that ought to help you of
+right for King Arthur&rsquo;s sake, and in especial for my lord Sir
+Gawaine&rsquo;s sake, your own dear brother; and when that ye come within
+yonder manor, I am sure ye shall find there many knights of the Round Table,
+for I have seen many of their shields that I know on yonder tree. There is
+Kay&rsquo;s shield, and Sir Brandel&rsquo;s shield, and Sir Marhaus&rsquo;
+shield, and Sir Galind&rsquo;s shield, and Sir Brian de Listnois&rsquo; shield,
+and Sir Aliduke&rsquo;s shield, with many more that I am not now advised of,
+and also my two brethren&rsquo;s shields, Sir Ector de Maris and Sir Lionel;
+wherefore I pray you greet them all from me, and say that I bid them take such
+stuff there as they find, and that in any wise my brethren go unto the court
+and abide me there till that I come, for by the feast of Pentecost I cast me to
+be there, for as at this time I must ride with this damosel for to save my
+promise.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so he departed from Gaheris, and Gaheris yede in to the manor, and there he
+found a yeoman porter keeping there many keys. Anon withal Sir Gaheris threw
+the porter unto the ground and took the keys from him, and hastily he opened
+the prison door, and there he let out all the prisoners, and every man loosed
+other of their bonds. And when they saw Sir Gaheris, all they thanked him, for
+they weened that he was wounded. Not so, said Gaheris, it was Launcelot that
+slew him worshipfully with his own hands. I saw it with mine own eyes. And he
+greeteth you all well, and prayeth you to haste you to the court; and as unto
+Sir Lionel and Ector de Maris he prayeth you to abide him at the court. That
+shall we not do, says his brethren, we will find him an we may live. So shall
+I, said Sir Kay, find him or I come at the court, as I am true knight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then all those knights sought the house thereas the armour was, and then they
+armed them, and every knight found his own horse, and all that ever longed unto
+him. And when this was done, there came a forester with four horses laden with
+fat venison. Anon, Sir Kay said, Here is good meat for us for one meal, for we
+had not many a day no good repast. And so that venison was roasted, baken, and
+sodden, and so after supper some abode there all night, but Sir Lionel and
+Ector de Maris and Sir Kay rode after Sir Launcelot to find him if they might.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap111"></a>CHAPTER X.<br/>How Sir Launcelot rode with a damosel
+and slew a knight that distressed all ladies and also a villain that kept a
+bridge.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot, that rode with the damosel in a fair highway.
+Sir, said the damosel, here by this way haunteth a knight that distressed all
+ladies and gentlewomen, and at the least he robbeth them or lieth by them.
+What, said Sir Launcelot, is he a thief and a knight and a ravisher of women?
+he doth shame unto the order of knighthood, and contrary unto his oath; it is
+pity that he liveth. But, fair damosel, ye shall ride on afore, yourself, and I
+will keep myself in covert, and if that he trouble you or distress you I shall
+be your rescue and learn him to be ruled as a knight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the maid rode on by the way a soft ambling pace, and within a while came out
+that knight on horseback out of the wood, and his page with him, and there he
+put the damosel from her horse, and then she cried. With that came Launcelot as
+fast as he might till he came to that knight, saying, O thou false knight and
+traitor unto knighthood, who did learn thee to distress ladies and gentlewomen?
+When the knight saw Sir Launcelot thus rebuking him he answered not, but drew
+his sword and rode unto Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot threw his spear from
+him, and drew out his sword, and struck him such a buffet on the helmet that he
+clave his head and neck unto the throat. Now hast thou thy payment that long
+thou hast deserved! That is truth, said the damosel, for like as Sir Turquine
+watched to destroy knights, so did this knight attend to destroy and distress
+ladies, damosels, and gentlewomen, and his name was Sir Peris de Forest Savage.
+Now, damosel, said Sir Launcelot, will ye any more service of me? Nay, sir, she
+said, at this time, but almighty Jesu preserve you wheresomever ye ride or go,
+for the curteist knight thou art, and meekest unto all ladies and gentlewomen,
+that now liveth. But one thing, sir knight, methinketh ye lack, ye that are a
+knight wifeless, that he will not love some maiden or gentlewoman, for I could
+never hear say that ever ye loved any of no manner degree, and that is great
+pity; but it is noised that ye love Queen Guenever, and that she hath ordained
+by enchantment that ye shall never love none other but her, nor none other
+damosel nor lady shall rejoice you; wherefore many in this land, of high estate
+and low, make great sorrow.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, I may not warn people to speak of me what it
+pleaseth them; but for to be a wedded man, I think it not; for then I must
+couch with her, and leave arms and tournaments, battles, and adventures; and as
+for to say for to take my pleasaunce with paramours, that will I refuse in
+principal for dread of God; for knights that be adventurous or lecherous shall
+not be happy nor fortunate unto the wars, for other they shall be overcome with
+a simpler knight than they be themselves, other else they shall by unhap and
+their cursedness slay better men than they be themselves. And so who that useth
+paramours shall be unhappy, and all thing is unhappy that is about them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so Sir Launcelot and she departed. And then he rode in a deep forest two
+days and more, and had strait lodging. So on the third day he rode over a long
+bridge, and there stert upon him suddenly a passing foul churl, and he smote
+his horse on the nose that he turned about, and asked him why he rode over that
+bridge without his licence. Why should I not ride this way? said Sir Launcelot,
+I may not ride beside. Thou shalt not choose, said the churl, and lashed at him
+with a great club shod with iron. Then Sir Launcelot drew his sword and put the
+stroke aback, and clave his head unto the paps. At the end of the bridge was a
+fair village, and all the people, men and women, cried on Sir Launcelot, and
+said, A worse deed didst thou never for thyself, for thou hast slain the chief
+porter of our castle. Sir Launcelot let them say what they would, and straight
+he went into the castle; and when he came into the castle he alighted, and tied
+his horse to a ring on the wall and there he saw a fair green court, and
+thither he dressed him, for there him thought was a fair place to fight in. So
+he looked about, and saw much people in doors and windows that said, Fair
+knight, thou art unhappy.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap112"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br/>How Sir Launcelot slew two giants,
+and made a castle free.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Anon withal came there upon him two great giants, well armed all save the
+heads, with two horrible clubs in their hands. Sir Launcelot put his shield
+afore him and put the stroke away of the one giant, and with his sword he clave
+his head asunder. When his fellow saw that, he ran away as he were wood, for
+fear of the horrible strokes, and Launcelot after him with all his might, and
+smote him on the shoulder, and clave him to the navel. Then Sir Launcelot went
+into the hall, and there came afore him three score ladies and damosels, and
+all kneeled unto him, and thanked God and him of their deliverance; For sir,
+said they, the most party of us have been here this seven year their prisoners,
+and we have worked all manner of silk works for our meat, and we are all great
+gentlewomen born; and blessed be the time, knight, that ever thou be born, for
+thou hast done the most worship that ever did knight in this world, that will
+we bear record, and we all pray you to tell us your name, that we may tell our
+friends who delivered us out of prison. Fair damosel, he said, my name is Sir
+Launcelot du Lake. Ah, sir, said they all, well mayest thou be he, for else
+save yourself, as we deemed, there might never knight have the better of these
+two giants; for many fair knights have assayed it, and here have ended, and
+many times have we wished after you, and these two giants dread never knight
+but you. Now may ye say, said Sir Launcelot, unto your friends how and who hath
+delivered you, and greet them all from me, and if that I come in any of your
+marches, show me such cheer as ye have cause, and what treasure that there in
+this castle is I give it you for a reward for your grievance, and the lord that
+is owner of this castle I would he received it as is right. Fair sir, said
+they, the name of this castle is Tintagil, and a duke ought it sometime that
+had wedded fair Igraine, and after wedded her Uther Pendragon, and gat on her
+Arthur. Well, said Sir Launcelot, I understand to whom this castle longeth; and
+so he departed from them, and betaught them unto God.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And then he mounted upon his horse, and rode into many strange and wild
+countries, and through many waters and valleys, and evil was he lodged. And at
+the last by fortune him happened, against a night, to come to a fair
+courtelage, and therein he found an old gentlewoman that lodged him with good
+will, and there he had good cheer for him and his horse. And when time was, his
+host brought him into a fair garret, over the gate, to his bed. There Sir
+Launcelot unarmed him, and set his harness by him, and went to bed, and anon he
+fell asleep. So, soon after, there came one on horseback, and knocked at the
+gate in great haste, and when Sir Launcelot heard this, he arose up and looked
+out at the window, and saw by the moonlight three knights came riding after
+that one man, and all three lashed on him at once with swords, and that one
+knight turned on them knightly again, and defended him. Truly, said Sir
+Launcelot, yonder one knight shall I help, for it were shame for me to see
+three knights on one, and if he be slain I am partner of his death; and
+therewith he took his harness, and went out at a window by a sheet down to the
+four knights, and then Sir Launcelot said on high, Turn you knights unto me,
+and leave your fighting with that knight. And then they all three left Sir Kay,
+and turned unto Sir Launcelot, and there began great battle, for they alighted
+all three, and struck many great strokes at Sir Launcelot, and assailed him on
+every side. Then Sir Kay dressed him for to have holpen Sir Launcelot. Nay,
+sir, said he, I will none of your help; therefore as ye will have my help, let
+me alone with them. Sir Kay, for the pleasure of the knight, suffered him for
+to do his will, and so stood aside. And then anon within six strokes, Sir
+Launcelot had stricken them to the earth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And then they all three cried: Sir knight, we yield us unto you as a man of
+might makeless. As to that, said Sir Launcelot, I will not take your yielding
+unto me. But so that ye will yield you unto Sir Kay the Seneschal, on that
+covenant I will save your lives, and else not. Fair knight, said they, that
+were we loath to do; for as for Sir Kay, we chased him hither, and had overcome
+him had not ye been, therefore to yield us unto him it were no reason. Well, as
+to that, said Launcelot, advise you well, for ye may choose whether ye will die
+or live, for an ye be yolden it shall be unto Sir Kay. Fair knight, then they
+said, in saving of our lives we will do as thou commandest us. Then shall ye,
+said Sir Launcelot, on Whitsunday next coming, go unto the court of King
+Arthur, and there shall ye yield you unto Queen Guenever, and put you all three
+in her grace and mercy, and say that Sir Kay sent you thither to be her
+prisoners. Sir, they said, it shall be done by the faith of our bodies, an we
+be living, and there they swore every knight upon his sword. And so Sir
+Launcelot suffered them so to depart. And then Sir Launcelot knocked at the
+gate with the pommel of his sword, and with that came his host, and in they
+entered Sir Kay and he. Sir, said his host, I weened ye had been in your bed.
+So I was, said Sir Launcelot, but I rose and leapt out at my window for to help
+an old fellow of mine. And so when they came nigh the light, Sir Kay knew well
+that it was Sir Launcelot, and therewith he kneeled down and thanked him of all
+his kindness that he had holpen him twice from the death. Sir, he said, I have
+nothing done but that me ought for to do, and ye are welcome, and here shall ye
+repose you and take your rest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when Sir Kay was unarmed, he asked after meat; so there was meat fetched
+him, and he ate strongly. And when he had supped they went to their beds and
+were lodged together in one bed. On the morn Sir Launcelot arose early, and
+left Sir Kay sleeping, and Sir Launcelot took Sir Kay&rsquo;s armour and his
+shield, and armed him, and so he went to the stable, and took his horse, and
+took his leave of his host, and so he departed. Then soon after arose Sir Kay
+and missed Sir Launcelot. And then he espied that he had his armour and his
+horse. Now by my faith I know well that he will grieve some of the court of
+King Arthur; for on him knights will be bold, and deem that it is I, and that
+will beguile them. And because of his armour and shield I am sure I shall ride
+in peace. And then soon after departed Sir Kay and thanked his host.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap113"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br/>How Sir Launcelot rode disguised in
+Sir Kay&rsquo;s harness, and how he smote down a knight.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot that had ridden long in a great forest, and at
+the last he came into a low country, full of fair rivers and meadows. And afore
+him he saw a long bridge, and three pavilions stood thereon, of silk and sendal
+of divers hue. And without the pavilions hung three white shields on truncheons
+of spears, and great long spears stood upright by the pavilions, and at every
+pavilion&rsquo;s door stood three fresh squires, and so Sir Launcelot passed by
+them and spake no word. When he was passed the three knights said them that it
+was the proud Kay; He weeneth no knight so good as he, and the contrary is
+ofttime proved. By my faith, said one of the knights, his name was Sir Gaunter,
+I will ride after him and assay him for all his pride, and ye may behold how
+that I speed. So this knight, Sir Gaunter, armed him, and hung his shield upon
+his shoulder, and mounted upon a great horse, and gat his spear in his hand,
+and walloped after Sir Launcelot. And when he came nigh him, he cried, Abide,
+thou proud knight Sir Kay, for thou shalt not pass quit. So Sir Launcelot
+turned him, and either feutred their spears, and came together with all their
+mights, and Sir Gaunter&rsquo;s spear brake, but Sir Launcelot smote him down
+horse and man. And when Sir Gaunter was at the earth his brethren said each one
+to other, Yonder knight is not Sir Kay, for he is bigger than he. I dare lay my
+head, said Sir Gilmere, yonder knight hath slain Sir Kay and hath taken his
+horse and his harness. Whether it be so or no, said Sir Raynold, the third
+brother, let us now go mount upon our horses and rescue our brother Sir
+Gaunter, upon pain of death. We all shall have work enough to match that
+knight, for ever meseemeth by his person it is Sir Launcelot, or Sir Tristram,
+or Sir Pelleas, the good knight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then anon they took their horses and overtook Sir Launcelot, and Sir Gilmere
+put forth his spear, and ran to Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot smote him down
+that he lay in a swoon. Sir knight, said Sir Raynold, thou art a strong man,
+and as I suppose thou hast slain my two brethren, for the which raseth my heart
+sore against thee, and if I might with my worship I would not have ado with
+you, but needs I must take part as they do, and therefore, knight, he said,
+keep thyself. And so they hurtled together with all their mights, and all
+to-shivered both their spears. And then they drew their swords and lashed
+together eagerly. Anon therewith arose Sir Gaunter, and came unto his brother
+Sir Gilmere, and bade him, Arise, and help we our brother Sir Raynold, that
+yonder marvellously matched yonder good knight. Therewithal, they leapt on
+their horses and hurtled unto Sir Launcelot.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when he saw them come he smote a sore stroke unto Sir Raynold, that he fell
+off his horse to the ground, and then he struck to the other two brethren, and
+at two strokes he struck them down to the earth. With that Sir Raynold began to
+start up with his head all bloody, and came straight unto Sir Launcelot. Now
+let be, said Sir Launcelot, I was not far from thee when thou wert made knight,
+Sir Raynold, and also I know thou art a good knight, and loath I were to slay
+thee. Gramercy, said Sir Raynold, as for your goodness; and I dare say as for
+me and my brethren, we will not be loath to yield us unto you, with that we
+knew your name, for well we know ye are not Sir Kay. As for that be it as it be
+may, for ye shall yield you unto dame Guenever, and look that ye be with her on
+Whitsunday, and yield you unto her as prisoners, and say that Sir Kay sent you
+unto her. Then they swore it should be done, and so passed forth Sir Launcelot,
+and each one of the brethren holp other as well as they might.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap114"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br/>How Sir Launcelot jousted against
+four knights of the Round Table and overthrew them.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So Sir Launcelot rode into a deep forest, and thereby in a slade, he saw four
+knights hoving under an oak, and they were of Arthur&rsquo;s court, one was Sir
+Sagramour le Desirous, and Ector de Maris, and Sir Gawaine, and Sir Uwaine.
+Anon as these four knights had espied Sir Launcelot, they weened by his arms it
+had been Sir Kay. Now by my faith, said Sir Sagramour, I will prove Sir
+Kay&rsquo;s might, and gat his spear in his hand, and came toward Sir
+Launcelot. Therewith Sir Launcelot was ware and knew him well, and feutred his
+spear against him, and smote Sir Sagramour so sore that horse and man fell both
+to the earth. Lo, my fellows, said he, 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 gat his spear in his hand and walloped toward Sir
+Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot smote him through the shield and shoulder, that
+man and horse went to the earth, and ever his spear held.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+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.
+And therewithal, Sir Uwaine gat his spear in his hand and rode toward Sir
+Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot knew him well, and so he met him on the plain, and
+gave him such a buffet that he was astonied, that long he wist not where he
+was. Now see I well, said Sir Gawaine, I must encounter with that knight. Then
+he dressed his shield and gat a good spear in his hand, and Sir Launcelot knew
+him well; and then they let run their horses with all their mights, and either
+knight smote other in midst of the shield. But Sir Gawaine&rsquo;s spear
+to-brast, and Sir Launcelot charged so sore upon him that his horse reversed
+up-so-down. And much sorrow had Sir Gawaine to avoid his horse, and so Sir
+Launcelot passed on a pace and smiled, and said, God give him joy that this
+spear made, for there came never a better in my hand.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the four knights went each one to other and comforted each other. What say
+ye by this guest? said Sir Gawaine, that one spear hath felled us all four. We
+commend him unto the devil, they said all, for he is a man of great might. Ye
+may well say it, said Sir Gawaine, that he is a man of might, for I dare lay my
+head it is Sir Launcelot, I know it by his riding. Let him go, said Sir
+Gawaine, for when we come to the court then shall we wit; and then had they
+much sorrow to get their horses again.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap115"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br/>How Sir Launcelot followed a brachet
+into a castle, where he found a dead knight, and how he after was required of a
+damosel to heal her brother.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now leave we there and speak of Sir Launcelot that rode a great while in a deep
+forest, where he saw a black brachet, seeking in manner as it had been in the
+feute of an hurt deer. And therewith he rode after the brachet, and he saw lie
+on the ground a large feute of blood. And then Sir Launcelot rode after. And
+ever the brachet looked behind her, and so she went through a great marsh, and
+ever Sir Launcelot followed. And then was he ware of an old manor, and thither
+ran the brachet, and so over the bridge. So Sir Launcelot rode over that bridge
+that was old and feeble; and when he came in midst of a great hall, there he
+saw lie a dead knight that was a seemly man, and that brachet licked his
+wounds. And therewithal came out a lady weeping and wringing her hands; and
+then she said, O knight, too much sorrow hast thou brought me. Why say ye so?
+said Sir Launcelot, I did never this knight no harm, for hither by feute of
+blood this brachet brought me; and therefore, fair lady, be not displeased with
+me, for I am full sore aggrieved of your grievance. Truly, sir, she said, I
+trow it be not ye that hath slain my husband, for he that did that deed is sore
+wounded, and he is never likely to recover, that shall I ensure him. What was
+your husband&rsquo;s name? said Sir Launcelot. Sir, said she, his name was
+called Sir Gilbert the Bastard, one of the best knights of the world, and he
+that hath slain him I know not his name. Now God send you better comfort, said
+Sir Launcelot; and so he departed and went into the forest again, and there he
+met with a damosel, the which knew him well, and she said aloud, Well be ye
+found, my lord; and now I require thee, on thy knighthood, help my brother that
+is sore wounded, and never stinteth bleeding; for this day he fought with Sir
+Gilbert the Bastard and slew him in plain battle, and there was my brother sore
+wounded, and there is a lady a sorceress that dwelleth in a castle here beside,
+and this day she told me my brother&rsquo;s wounds should never be whole till I
+could find a knight that would go into the Chapel Perilous, and there he should
+find a sword and a bloody cloth that the wounded knight was lapped in, and a
+piece of that cloth and sword should heal my brother&rsquo;s wounds, so that
+his wounds were searched with the sword and the cloth. This is a marvellous
+thing, said Sir Launcelot, but what is your brother&rsquo;s name? Sir, she
+said, his name was Sir Meliot de Logres. That me repenteth, said Sir Launcelot,
+for he is a fellow of the Table Round, and to his help I will do my power.
+Then, sir, said she, follow even this highway, and it will bring you unto the
+Chapel Perilous; and here I shall abide till God send you here again, and, but
+you speed, I know no knight living that may achieve that adventure.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap116"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br/>How Sir Launcelot came into the
+Chapel Perilous and gat there of a dead corpse a piece of the cloth and a
+sword.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Right so Sir Launcelot departed, and when he came unto the Chapel Perilous he
+alighted down, and tied his horse unto a little gate. And as soon as he was
+within the churchyard he saw on the front of the chapel many fair rich shields
+turned up-so-down, and many of the shields Sir Launcelot had seen knights bear
+beforehand. With that he saw by him there stand a thirty great knights, more by
+a yard than any man that ever he had seen, and all those grinned and gnashed at
+Sir Launcelot. And when he saw their countenance he dreaded him sore, and so
+put his shield afore him, and took his sword ready in his hand ready unto
+battle, and they were all armed in black harness ready with their shields and
+their swords drawn. And when Sir Launcelot would have gone throughout them,
+they scattered on every side of him, and gave him the way, and therewith he
+waxed all bold, and entered into the chapel, and then he saw no light but a dim
+lamp burning, and then was he ware of a corpse hilled with a cloth of silk.
+Then Sir Launcelot stooped down, and cut a piece away of that cloth, and then
+it fared under him as the earth had quaked a little; therewithal he feared. And
+then he saw a fair sword lie by the dead knight, and that he gat in his hand
+and hied him out of the chapel.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon as ever he was in the chapel yard all the knights spake to him with a
+grimly voice, and said, Knight, Sir Launcelot, lay that sword from thee or else
+thou shalt die. Whether that I live or die, said Sir Launcelot, with no great
+word get ye it again, therefore fight for it an ye list. Then right so he
+passed throughout them, and beyond the chapel yard there met him a fair
+damosel, and said, Sir Launcelot, leave that sword behind thee, or thou wilt
+die for it. I leave it not, said Sir Launcelot, for no treaties. No, said she,
+an thou didst leave that sword, Queen Guenever should thou never see. Then were
+I a fool an I would leave this sword, said Launcelot. Now, gentle knight, said
+the damosel, I require thee to kiss me but once. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, that
+God me forbid. Well, sir, said she, an thou hadst kissed me thy life days had
+been done, but now, alas, she said, I have lost all my labour, for I ordained
+this chapel for thy sake, and for Sir Gawaine. And once I had Sir Gawaine
+within me, and at that time he fought with that knight that lieth there dead in
+yonder chapel, Sir Gilbert the Bastard; and at that time he smote the left hand
+off of Sir Gilbert the Bastard. And, Sir Launcelot, now I tell thee, I have
+loved thee this seven year, but there may no woman have thy love but Queen
+Guenever. But sithen I may not rejoice thee to have thy body alive, I had kept
+no more joy in this world but to have thy body dead. Then would I have balmed
+it and served it, and so have kept it my life days, and daily I should have
+clipped thee, and kissed thee, in despite of Queen Guenever. Ye say well, said
+Sir Launcelot, Jesu preserve me from your subtle crafts. And therewithal he
+took his horse and so departed from her. And as the book saith, when Sir
+Launcelot was departed she took such sorrow that she died within a fourteen
+night, and her name was Hellawes the sorceress, Lady of the Castle Nigramous.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon Sir Launcelot met with the damosel, Sir Meliot&rsquo;s sister. And when
+she saw him she clapped her hands, and wept for joy. And then they rode unto a
+castle thereby where lay Sir Meliot. And anon as Sir Launcelot saw him he knew
+him, but he was passing pale, as the earth, for bleeding. When Sir Meliot saw
+Sir Launcelot he kneeled upon his knees and cried on high: O lord Sir
+Launcelot, help me! Anon Sir Launcelot leapt unto him and touched his wounds
+with Sir Gilbert&rsquo;s sword. And then he wiped his wounds with a part of the
+bloody cloth that Sir Gilbert was wrapped in, and anon an wholer man in his
+life was he never. And then there was great joy between them, and they made Sir
+Launcelot all the cheer that they might, and so on the morn Sir Launcelot took
+his leave, and bade Sir Meliot hie him to the court of my lord Arthur, for it
+draweth nigh to the Feast of Pentecost, and there by the grace of God ye shall
+find me. And therewith they departed.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap117"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br/>How Sir Launcelot at the request of
+a lady recovered a falcon, by which he was deceived.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And so Sir Launcelot rode through many strange countries, over marshes and
+valleys, till by fortune he came to a fair castle, and as he passed beyond the
+castle him thought he heard two bells ring. And then was he ware of a falcon
+came flying over his head toward an high elm, and long lunes about her feet,
+and as she flew unto the elm to take her perch the lunes over-cast about a
+bough. And when she would have taken her flight she hung by the legs fast; and
+Sir Launcelot saw how she hung, and beheld the fair falcon perigot, and he was
+sorry for her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The meanwhile came a lady out of the castle and cried on high: O Launcelot,
+Launcelot, as thou art flower of all knights, help me to get my hawk, for an my
+hawk be lost my lord will destroy me; for I kept the hawk and she slipped from
+me, and if my lord my husband wit it he is so hasty that he will slay me. What
+is your lord&rsquo;s name? said Sir Launcelot. Sir, she said, his name is Sir
+Phelot, a knight that longeth unto the King of Northgalis. Well, fair lady,
+since that ye know my name, and require me of knighthood to help you, I will do
+what I may to get your hawk, and yet God knoweth I am an ill climber, and the
+tree is passing high, and few boughs to help me withal. And therewith Sir
+Launcelot alighted, and tied his horse to the same tree, and prayed the lady to
+unarm him. And so when he was unarmed, he put off all his clothes unto his
+shirt and breech, and with might and force he clomb up to the falcon, and tied
+the lines to a great rotten boyshe, and threw the hawk down and it withal.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon the lady gat the hawk in her hand; and therewithal came out Sir Phelot out
+of the groves suddenly, that was her husband, all armed and with his naked
+sword in his hand, and said: O knight Launcelot, now have I found thee as I
+would, and stood at the bole 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, and therefore there nis none other boot but thine hour is come
+that thou must die. That were shame unto thee, said Sir Launcelot, thou an
+armed knight to slay a naked man by treason. Thou gettest none other grace,
+said Sir Phelot, and therefore help thyself an thou canst. Truly, said Sir
+Launcelot, that shall be thy shame, but since thou wilt do none other, take
+mine harness with thee, and hang my sword upon a bough that I may get it, and
+then do thy best to slay me an thou canst. Nay, nay, said Sir Phelot, for I
+know thee better than thou weenest, therefore thou gettest no weapon, an I may
+keep you therefrom. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, that ever a knight should die
+weaponless. And therewith he waited above him and under him, and over his head
+he saw a rownsepyk, a big bough leafless, and therewith he brake it off by the
+body. And then he came lower and awaited how his own horse stood, and suddenly
+he leapt on the further side of the horse, fro-ward the knight. And then Sir
+Phelot lashed at him eagerly, weening to have slain him. But Sir Launcelot put
+away the stroke with the rownsepyk, and therewith he smote him on the one side
+of the head, that he fell down in a swoon to the ground. So then Sir Launcelot
+took his sword out of his hand, and struck his neck from the body. Then cried
+the lady, Alas! why hast thou slain my husband? I am not causer, said Sir
+Launcelot, for with falsehood ye would have had slain me with treason, and now
+it is fallen on you both. And then she swooned as though she would die. And
+therewithal Sir Launcelot gat all his armour as well as he might, and put it
+upon him for dread of more resort, for he dreaded that the knight&rsquo;s
+castle was so nigh. And so, as soon as he might, he took his horse and
+departed, and thanked God that he had escaped that adventure.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap118"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br/>How Sir Launcelot overtook a knight
+which chased his wife to have slain her, and how he said to him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So Sir Launcelot rode many wild ways, throughout marches and many wild ways.
+And as he rode in a valley he saw a knight chasing a lady, with a naked sword,
+to have slain her. And by fortune as this knight should have slain this lady,
+she cried on Sir Launcelot and prayed him to rescue her. When Sir Launcelot saw
+that mischief, he took his horse and rode between them, saying, Knight, fie for
+shame, why wilt thou slay this lady? thou dost shame unto thee and all knights.
+What hast thou to do betwixt me and my wife? said the knight. I will slay her
+maugre thy head. That shall ye not, said Sir Launcelot, for rather we two will
+have ado together. Sir Launcelot, said the knight, thou dost not thy part, for
+this lady hath betrayed me. It is not so, said the lady, truly he saith wrong
+on me. And for because I love and cherish my cousin germain, he is jealous
+betwixt him and me; and as I shall answer to God there was never sin betwixt
+us. But, sir, said the lady, as thou art called the worshipfullest knight of
+the world, I require thee of true knighthood, keep me and save me. For
+whatsomever ye say he will slay me, for he is without mercy. Have ye no doubt,
+said Launcelot, it shall not lie in his power. Sir, said the knight, in your
+sight I will be ruled as ye will have me. And so Sir Launcelot rode on the one
+side and she on the other: he had not ridden but a while, but the knight bade
+Sir Launcelot turn him and look behind him, and said, Sir, yonder come men of
+arms after us riding. And so Sir Launcelot turned him and thought no treason,
+and therewith was the knight and the lady on one side, and suddenly he swapped
+off his lady&rsquo;s head.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when Sir Launcelot had espied him what he had done, he said, and called
+him, Traitor, thou hast shamed me for ever. And suddenly Sir Launcelot alighted
+off his horse, and pulled out his sword to slay him, and therewithal he fell
+flat to the earth, and gripped Sir Launcelot by the thighs, and cried mercy.
+Fie on thee, said Sir Launcelot, thou shameful knight, thou mayest have no
+mercy, and therefore arise and fight with me. Nay, said the knight, I will
+never arise till ye grant me mercy. Now will I proffer thee fair, said
+Launcelot, I will unarm me unto my shirt, and I will have nothing upon me but
+my shirt, and my sword and my hand. And if thou canst slay me, quit be thou for
+ever. Nay, sir, said Pedivere, that will I never. Well, said Sir Launcelot,
+take this lady and the head, and bear it upon thee, and here shalt thou swear
+upon my sword, to bear it always upon thy back, and never to rest till thou
+come to Queen Guenever. Sir, said he, that will I do, by the faith of my body.
+Now, said Launcelot, tell me what is your name? Sir, my name is Pedivere. In a
+shameful hour wert thou born, said Launcelot.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So Pedivere departed with the dead lady and the head, and found the queen with
+King Arthur at Winchester, and there he told all the truth. Sir knight, said
+the queen, this is an horrible deed and a shameful, and a great rebuke unto Sir
+Launcelot; but notwithstanding his worship is not known in many divers
+countries; but this shall I give you in penance, make ye as good shift as ye
+can, ye shall bear this lady with you on horseback unto the Pope of Rome, and
+of him receive your penance for your foul deeds; and ye shall never rest one
+night whereas ye do another; an ye go to any bed the dead body shall lie with
+you. This oath there he made, and so departed. And as it telleth in the French
+book, when he came to Rome, the Pope bade him go again unto Queen Guenever, and
+in Rome was his lady buried by the Pope&rsquo;s commandment. And after this Sir
+Pedivere fell to great goodness, and was an holy man and an hermit.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap119"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br/>How Sir Launcelot came to King
+Arthur&rsquo;s Court, and how there were recounted all his noble feats and
+acts.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot du Lake, that came home two days afore the Feast
+of Pentecost; and the king and all the court were passing fain of his coming.
+And when Sir Gawaine, Sir Uwaine, Sir Sagramore, Sir Ector de Maris, saw Sir
+Launcelot in Kay&rsquo;s armour, then they wist well it was he that smote them
+down all with one spear. Then there was laughing and smiling among them. And
+ever now and now came all the knights home that Sir Turquine had prisoners, and
+they all honoured and worshipped Sir Launcelot.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Gaheris heard them speak, he said, I saw all the battle from the
+beginning to the ending, and there he told King Arthur all how it was, and how
+Sir Turquine was the strongest knight that ever he saw except Sir Launcelot:
+there were many knights bare him record, nigh three score. Then Sir Kay told
+the king how Sir Launcelot had rescued him when he should have been slain, and
+how he made the knights yield them to me, and not to him. And there they were
+all three, and bare record. And by Jesu, said Sir Kay, because Sir Launcelot
+took my harness and left me his I rode in good peace, and no man would have ado
+with me.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon therewithal there came the three knights that fought with Sir Launcelot at
+the long bridge. And there they yielded them unto Sir Kay, and Sir Kay forsook
+them and said he fought never with them. But I shall ease your heart, said Sir
+Kay, yonder is Sir Launcelot that overcame you. When they wist that they were
+glad. And then Sir Meliot de Logres came home, and told the king how Sir
+Launcelot had saved him from the death. And all his deeds were known, how four
+queens, sorceresses, had him in prison, and how he was delivered by King
+Bagdemagus&rsquo; daughter. Also there were told all the great deeds of arms
+that Sir Launcelot did betwixt the two kings, that is for to say the King of
+Northgalis and King Bagdemagus. All the truth Sir Gahalantine did tell, and Sir
+Mador de la Porte and Sir Mordred, for they were at that same tournament. Then
+came in the lady that knew Sir Launcelot when that he wounded Sir Belleus at
+the pavilion. And there, at request of Sir Launcelot, Sir Belleus was made
+knight of the Round Table. And so at that time Sir Launcelot had the greatest
+name of any knight of the world, and most he was honoured of high and low.
+</p>
+
+<h5> Explicit the noble tale of Sir Launcelot du Lake, which is the vi. book.
+Here followeth the tale of Sir Gareth of Orkney that was called Beaumains by
+Sir Kay, and is the seventh book. </h5>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="part07"></a>BOOK VII.</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap120"></a>CHAPTER I.<br/>How Beaumains came to King
+Arthur&rsquo;s Court and demanded three petitions of King Arthur.</h3>
+
+<p>
+When Arthur held his Round Table most plenour, it fortuned that he commanded
+that the high feast of Pentecost should be holden at a city and a castle, the
+which in those days was called Kynke Kenadonne, upon the sands that marched
+nigh Wales. So ever the king had a custom that at the feast of Pentecost in
+especial, afore other feasts in the year, he would not go that day to meat
+until he had heard or seen of a great marvel. And for that custom all manner of
+strange adventures came before Arthur as at that feast before all other feasts.
+And so Sir Gawaine, a little to-fore noon of the day of Pentecost, espied at a
+window three men upon horseback, and a dwarf on foot, and so the three men
+alighted, and the dwarf kept their horses, and one of the three men was higher
+than the other twain by a foot and an half. Then Sir Gawaine went unto the king
+and said, Sir, go to your meat, for here at the hand come strange adventures.
+So Arthur went unto his meat with many other kings. And there were all the
+knights of the Round Table, [save] only those that were prisoners or slain at a
+recounter. Then at the high feast evermore they should be fulfilled the whole
+number of an hundred and fifty, for then was the Round Table fully complished.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Right so 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 they
+all saw, and he was large and long, and broad in the shoulders, and well
+visaged, and the fairest and the largest handed that ever man saw, but he fared
+as though he might not go nor bear himself but if he leaned upon their
+shoulders. Anon as Arthur saw him there was made peace and room, and right so
+they yede with him unto the high dais, without saying of any words. Then this
+much young man pulled him aback, and easily stretched up straight, saying, King
+Arthur, God you bless and all your fair fellowship, and in especial the
+fellowship of the Table Round. And for this cause I am come hither, to pray you
+and require you to give me three gifts, and they shall not be unreasonably
+asked, but that ye may worshipfully and honourably grant them me, and to you no
+great hurt nor loss. And the first don and gift I will ask now, and the other
+two gifts I will ask this day twelvemonth, wheresomever ye hold your high
+feast. Now ask, said Arthur, and ye shall have your asking.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now, sir, this is my petition for this feast, that ye will give me meat and
+drink sufficiently for this twelvemonth, and at that day I will ask mine other
+two gifts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+My fair son, said Arthur, ask better, I counsel thee, for this is but a simple
+asking; for my heart giveth me to thee greatly, that thou art come of men of
+worship, and greatly my conceit faileth me but thou shalt prove a man of right
+great worship. Sir, he said, thereof be as it be may, I have asked that I will
+ask. Well, said the king, ye shall have meat and drink enough; I never defended
+that none, neither my friend nor my foe. But what is thy name I would wit? I
+cannot tell you, said he. That is marvel, said the king, that thou knowest not
+thy name, and thou art the goodliest young man that ever I saw. Then the king
+betook him to Sir Kay the steward, and charged him that he should give him of
+all manner of meats and drinks of the best, and also that he had all manner of
+finding as though he were a lord&rsquo;s son. That shall little need, said Sir
+Kay, to do such cost upon him; for I dare undertake he is a villain born, and
+never will make man, for an he had come of gentlemen he would have asked of you
+horse and armour, but such as he is, so he asketh. And sithen he hath no name,
+I shall give him a name that shall be Beaumains, that is Fair-hands, and into
+the kitchen I shall bring him, and there he shall have fat brose every day,
+that he shall be as fat by the twelvemonths&rsquo; end as a pork hog. Right so
+the two men departed and beleft him to Sir Kay, that scorned him and mocked
+him.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap121"></a>CHAPTER II.<br/>How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine
+were wroth because Sir Kay mocked Beaumains, and of a damosel which desired a
+knight to fight for a lady.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Thereat was Sir Gawaine wroth, and in especial Sir Launcelot bade Sir Kay leave
+his mocking, for I dare lay my head he shall prove a man of great worship. Let
+be said Sir Kay, it may not be by no reason, for as he is, so he hath asked.
+Beware, said Sir Launcelot, so ye gave the good knight Brewnor, Sir
+Dinadan&rsquo;s brother, a name, and ye called him La Cote Male Taile, and that
+turned you to anger afterward. As for that, said Sir Kay, this shall never
+prove none such. For Sir Brewnor desired ever worship, and this desireth bread
+and drink and broth; upon pain of my life he was fostered up in some abbey,
+and, howsomever it was, they failed meat and drink, and so hither he is come
+for his sustenance.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so Sir Kay bade get him a place, and sit down to meat; so Beaumains went to
+the hall door, and set him down among boys and lads, and there he ate sadly.
+And then Sir Launcelot after meat bade him come to his chamber, and there 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, for no proffer. But
+as touching Sir Gawaine, he had reason to proffer him lodging, meat, and drink,
+for that proffer came of his blood, for he was nearer kin to him than he wist.
+But that as Sir Launcelot did was of his great gentleness and courtesy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So thus he 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 that he saw any jousting
+of knights, that would he see an he might. And ever Sir Launcelot would give
+him gold to spend, and clothes, and so did Sir Gawaine, and where there 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 liketh you my boy of the
+kitchen? So it passed on till the feast of Whitsuntide. And at that time the
+king held it at Carlion in the most royallest wise that might be, like as he
+did yearly. But the king would no meat eat upon the Whitsunday, until he heard
+some adventures. Then came there a squire to the king and said, Sir, ye may go
+to your meat, for here cometh a damosel with some strange adventures. Then was
+the king glad and sat him down.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Right so there came a damosel into the hall and saluted the king, and prayed
+him of succour. For whom? said the king, what is the adventure?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sir, she said, I have a lady of great worship and renown, and she is besieged
+with a tyrant, so that she may not out of her castle; and because here are
+called the noblest knights of the world, I come to you to pray you of succour.
+What hight your lady, and where dwelleth she, and who is she, and what is his
+name that hath besieged her? Sir king, she said, as for my lady&rsquo;s name
+that shall not ye know for me as at this time, but I let you wit she is a lady
+of great worship and of great lands; and as for the tyrant that besiegeth her
+and destroyeth her lands, he is called the Red Knight of the Red Launds. I know
+him not, said the king. Sir, said Sir Gawaine, I know him well, for he is one
+of the perilloust knights of the world; men say that he hath seven men&rsquo;s
+strength, and from him I escaped once full hard with my life. Fair damosel,
+said the king, there be knights here would do their power for to rescue your
+lady, but because you will not tell her name, nor where she dwelleth, therefore
+none of my knights that here be now shall go with you by my will. Then must I
+speak further, said the damosel.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap122"></a>CHAPTER III.<br/>How Beaumains desired the battle,
+and how it was granted to him, and how he desired to be made knight of Sir
+Launcelot.</h3>
+
+<p>
+With these words came before the king Beaumains, while the damosel was there,
+and thus he said, Sir king, God thank you, I have been this twelvemonth 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, this shall be my two gifts,
+first that ye will grant me to have this adventure of the damosel, for it
+belongeth unto me. Thou shalt have it, said the king, I grant it thee. Then,
+sir, this is the other gift, that ye shall bid Launcelot du Lake to make me
+knight, for of him I will be made knight and else of none. And when I am passed
+I pray you let him ride after me, and make me knight when I require him. All
+this shall be done, said the king. Fie on thee, said the damosel, shall I have
+none but one that is your kitchen page? Then was she wroth and took her horse
+and departed. And with that there came one to Beaumains and told him his horse
+and armour was come for him; and there was the dwarf come with all thing that
+him needed, in the richest manner; thereat all the court had much marvel from
+whence came all that gear. So when he was armed there was none but few so
+goodly a man as he was; and right so as he came into the hall and took his
+leave of King Arthur, and Sir Gawaine, and Sir Launcelot, and prayed that he
+would hie after him, and so departed and rode after the damosel.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap123"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br/>How Beaumains departed, and how he
+gat of Sir Kay a spear and a shield, and how he jousted with Sir
+Launcelot.</h3>
+
+<p>
+But there went many after 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 open in the
+hall, I will ride after my boy in the kitchen, to wit whether he will know me
+for his better. Said Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine, Yet abide at home. So Sir
+Kay made him ready and took his horse and his spear, and rode after him. And
+right as Beaumains overtook the damosel, right so came Sir Kay and said,
+Beaumains, 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 ye have heard afore. Yea, said
+Beaumains, I know you for an ungentle knight of the court, and therefore beware
+of me. Therewith Sir Kay put his spear in the rest, and ran straight upon him;
+and Beaumains came as fast upon him with his sword in his hand, and so he put
+away his spear with his sword, and with a foin thrust him through the side,
+that Sir Kay fell down as he had been dead; and he alighted down and took Sir
+Kay&rsquo;s shield and his spear, and stert upon his own horse and rode his
+way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+All that saw Sir Launcelot, and so did the damosel. And then he bade his dwarf
+stert upon Sir Kay&rsquo;s horse, and so he did. By that Sir Launcelot was
+come, then he proffered Sir Launcelot to joust; and either made them ready, and
+they came together so fiercely that either bare down other to the earth, and
+sore were they bruised. Then Sir Launcelot arose and helped him from his horse.
+And then Beaumains threw his shield from him, and proffered to fight with Sir
+Launcelot on foot; and so they rushed together like boars, tracing, rasing, and
+foining to the mountenance of an hour; and Sir Launcelot felt him so big that
+he marvelled of his strength, for he fought more liker a giant than a knight,
+and that his fighting was durable and passing perilous. For Sir Launcelot had
+so much ado with him that he dreaded himself to be shamed, and said, Beaumains,
+fight not so sore, your quarrel and mine is not so great but we may leave off.
+Truly that is truth, said Beaumains, but it doth me good to feel your might,
+and yet, my lord, I showed not the utterance.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap124"></a>CHAPTER V.<br/>How Beaumains told to Sir Launcelot
+his name, and how he was dubbed knight of Sir Launcelot, and after overtook the
+damosel.</h3>
+
+<p>
+In God&rsquo;s name, said Sir Launcelot, for I promise you, by the faith of my
+body, I had as much to do as I might to save myself from you unshamed, and
+therefore have ye no doubt of none earthly knight. Hope ye so that I may any
+while stand a proved knight? said Beaumains. Yea, said Launcelot, do as ye have
+done, and I shall be your warrant. Then, I pray you, said Beaumains, give me
+the order of knighthood. Then must ye tell me your name, said Launcelot, and of
+what kin ye be born. Sir, so that ye will not discover me I shall, said
+Beaumains. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, and that I promise you by the faith of my
+body, until it be openly known. Then, sir, he said, my name is Gareth, and
+brother unto Sir Gawaine of father and mother. Ah, sir, said Sir Launcelot, I
+am more gladder of you than I was; for ever me thought ye should be of great
+blood, and that ye came not to the court neither for meat nor for drink. And
+then Sir Launcelot gave him the order of knighthood, and then Sir Gareth prayed
+him for to depart and let him go.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So Sir Launcelot departed from him and came to Sir Kay, and made him to be
+borne home upon his shield, and so he was healed hard with the life; and all
+men scorned Sir Kay, and in especial Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot said it was
+not his part to rebuke no young man, for full little knew he of what birth he
+is come, and for what cause he came to this court; and so we leave Sir Kay and
+turn we unto Beaumains.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When he had overtaken the damosel, anon she said, What dost thou here? thou
+stinkest all of the kitchen, thy clothes be bawdy of the grease and tallow that
+thou gainest in King Arthur&rsquo;s kitchen; weenest thou, said she, that I
+allow thee, for yonder knight that thou killest. Nay truly, for thou slewest
+him unhappily and cowardly; therefore turn again, bawdy kitchen page, I know
+thee well, for Sir Kay named thee Beaumains. What art thou but a lusk and a
+turner of broaches and a ladle-washer? Damosel, said Beaumains, say to me what
+ye will, I will not go from you whatsomever ye say, for I have undertaken to
+King Arthur for to achieve your adventure, and so shall I finish it to the end,
+either I shall die therefore. Fie on thee, kitchen knave, wilt thou finish mine
+adventure? thou shalt anon be met withal, that thou wouldest not for all the
+broth that ever thou suppest once look him in the face. I shall assay, said
+Beaumains.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So thus as they rode in the wood, there came a man flying all that ever he
+might. Whither wilt thou? said Beaumains. O lord, he said, help me, for here by
+in a slade are six thieves that have taken my lord and bound him, so I am
+afeard lest they will slay him. Bring me thither, said Beaumains. And so they
+rode together until they came thereas was the knight bounden; and then he rode
+unto them, and struck one unto the death, and then another, and at the third
+stroke he slew the third thief, and then the other three fled. And he rode
+after them, and he overtook them; and then those three thieves turned again and
+assailed Beaumains hard, but at the last he slew them, and returned and unbound
+the knight. And the knight thanked him, and prayed him to ride with him to his
+castle there a little beside, and he should worshipfully reward him for his
+good deeds. Sir, said Beaumains, I will no reward have: I was this day made
+knight of noble Sir Launcelot, and therefore I will no reward have, but God
+reward me. And also I must follow this damosel.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when he came nigh her she bade him ride from her, For thou smellest all of
+the kitchen: weenest thou that I have joy of thee, for all this deed that thou
+hast done is but mishapped thee: but thou shalt see a sight shall make thee
+turn again, and that lightly. Then the same knight which was rescued of the
+thieves rode after that damosel, and prayed her to lodge with him all that
+night. And because it was near night the damosel rode with him to his castle,
+and there they had great cheer, and at supper the knight sat Sir Beaumains
+afore the damosel. 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 damosel of high parage. Then the knight was ashamed at her words, and took
+him up, and set him at a sideboard, and set himself afore him, and so all that
+night they had good cheer and merry rest.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap125"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br/>How Beaumains fought and slew two
+knights at a passage.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And on the morn the damosel and he took their leave and thanked the knight, and
+so departed, and rode on their way until they came to a great forest. And there
+was a great river and but one passage, and there were ready two knights on the
+farther side to let them the passage. What sayest thou, said the damosel, wilt
+thou match yonder knights or turn again? Nay, said Sir Beaumains, I will not
+turn again an they were six more. And therewithal he rushed into the water, and
+in midst of the water either brake their spears upon other to their hands, and
+then they drew their swords, and smote eagerly at other. And at the last Sir
+Beaumains smote the other upon the helm that his head stonied, and therewithal
+he fell down in the water, and there was he drowned. And then he spurred his
+horse upon the land, where the other knight fell upon him, and brake his spear,
+and so they drew their swords and fought long together. At the last Sir
+Beaumains clave his helm and his head down to the shoulders; and so he rode
+unto the damosel and bade her ride forth on her way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Alas, she said, that ever a kitchen page should have that fortune to destroy
+such two doughty knights: thou weenest thou hast done doughtily, that is not
+so; for the first knight his horse stumbled, and there he was drowned in the
+water, and never it was by thy force, nor by thy might. And the last knight by
+mishap thou camest behind him and mishappily thou slew him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Damosel, said Beaumains, ye may say what ye will, but with whomsomever I have
+ado withal, I trust to God to serve him or he depart. And therefore I reck not
+what ye say, so that I may win your lady. Fie, fie, foul kitchen knave, thou
+shalt see knights that shall abate thy boast. Fair damosel, give me goodly
+language, and then my care is past, for what knights somever they be, I care
+not, nor I doubt them not. Also, said she, I say it for thine avail, yet mayest
+thou turn again with thy worship; for an thou follow me, thou art but slain,
+for I see all that ever thou dost is but by misadventure, and not by prowess of
+thy hands. Well, damosel, ye may say what ye will, but wheresomever ye go I
+will follow you. So this Beaumains rode with that lady till evensong time, and
+ever she chid him, and would not rest. And they came to a black laund; 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.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap126"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br/>How Beaumains fought with the Knight
+of the Black Launds, and fought with him till he fell down and died.</h3>
+
+<p>
+There sat a knight all armed in black harness, and his name was the Knight of
+the Black Laund. Then the damosel, when she saw that knight, she bade him flee
+down that valley, for his horse was not saddled. Gramercy, said Beaumains, for
+always ye would have me a coward. With that the Black Knight, when she came
+nigh him, spake and said, Damosel, 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&rsquo;s kitchen for alms. Why cometh he, said the
+knight, in such array? it is shame that he beareth you company. Sir, I cannot
+be delivered of him, said she, for with me he rideth maugre mine head: God
+would that ye should put him from me, other to slay him an ye may, for he is an
+unhappy knave, and unhappily he hath done this day: through mishap I saw him
+slay two knights at the passage of the water; and other deeds he did before
+right marvellous and through unhappiness. That marvelleth me, said the Black
+Knight, that any man that is of worship will have ado with him. They know him
+not, said the damosel, and for because he rideth with me, they ween that he be
+some man of worship born. That may be, said the Black Knight; howbeit as ye say
+that he be no man of worship, he is a full likely person, and full like to be a
+strong man: but 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.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Beaumains heard him say thus, he said, Sir knight, thou art full large
+of my horse and my harness; I let thee wit it cost thee nought, and whether it
+liketh thee or not, this laund will I pass maugre thine head. And horse nor
+harness gettest thou none of mine, but if thou win them with thy hands; and
+therefore let see what thou canst do. Sayest thou that? said the Black Knight,
+now yield thy lady from thee, for it beseemeth never a kitchen page to ride
+with such a lady. Thou liest, said Beaumains, I am a gentleman born, and of
+more high lineage than thou, and that will I prove on thy body.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then in great wrath they departed with their horses, and came together as it
+had been the thunder, and the Black Knight&rsquo;s spear brake, and Beaumains
+thrust him through both his sides, and therewith his spear brake, and the
+truncheon left still in his side. But nevertheless the Black Knight drew his
+sword, and smote many eager strokes, and of great might, and hurt Beaumains
+full sore. But at the last the Black Knight, within an hour and an half, he
+fell down off his horse in swoon, and there he died. And when Beaumains saw him
+so well horsed and armed, then he alighted down and armed him in his armour,
+and so took his horse and rode after the damosel.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When she saw him come nigh, she said, Away, kitchen knave, out of the wind, for
+the smell of thy bawdy clothes grieveth me. Alas, she said, that ever such a
+knave should by mishap slay so good a knight as thou hast done, but all this is
+thine unhappiness. But here by is one shall pay thee all thy payment, and
+therefore yet I counsel thee, flee. It may happen me, said Beaumains, to be
+beaten or slain, but I warn you, fair damosel, I will not flee away, a nor
+leave your company, for all that ye can say; for ever ye say that they will
+kill me or beat me, but howsomever it happeneth I escape, and they lie on the
+ground. And therefore it were as good for you to hold you still thus all day
+rebuking me, for away will I not till I see the uttermost of this journey, or
+else I will be slain, other truly beaten; therefore ride on your way, for
+follow you I will whatsomever happen.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap127"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br/>How the brother of the knight that
+was slain met with Beaumains, and fought with Beaumains till he was
+yielden.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Thus as they rode together, they saw a knight come driving by them all in
+green, both his horse and his harness; and when he came nigh the damosel, he
+asked her, Is that my brother the Black Knight that ye have brought with you?
+Nay, nay, she said, this unhappy kitchen knave hath slain your brother through
+unhappiness. Alas, said the Green Knight, that is great pity, that so noble a
+knight as he was should so unhappily be slain, and namely of a knave&rsquo;s
+hand, as ye say that he is. Ah! traitor, said the Green Knight, thou shalt die
+for slaying of my brother; he was a full noble knight, and his name was Sir
+Perard. I defy thee, said Beaumains, for I let thee wit I slew him knightly and
+not shamefully.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewithal the Green Knight rode unto an horn that was green, and it hung upon
+a thorn, and there he blew three deadly motes, and there came two damosels and
+armed him lightly. And then he took a great horse, and a green shield and a
+green spear. And then they ran together with all their mights, and brake their
+spears unto their hands. And then they drew their swords, and gave many sad
+strokes, and either of them wounded other full ill. And at the last, at an
+overthwart, Beaumains with his horse struck the Green Knight&rsquo;s horse upon
+the side, that he fell to the earth. And then the Green Knight avoided his
+horse lightly, and dressed him upon foot. That saw Beaumains, and therewithal
+he alighted, and they rushed together like two mighty kemps a long while, and
+sore they bled both. With that came the damosel, 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 to match such a
+knight, as the weed overgrew the corn. Therewith the Green Knight was ashamed,
+and therewithal he gave a great stroke of might, and clave his shield through.
+When Beaumains saw his shield cloven asunder he was a little ashamed of that
+stroke and of her language; and then he gave him such a buffet upon the helm
+that he fell on his knees. And so suddenly Beaumains pulled him upon the ground
+grovelling. And then the Green Knight cried him mercy, and yielded him unto Sir
+Beaumains, and prayed him to slay him not. All is in vain, said Beaumains, for
+thou shalt die but if this damosel that came with me pray me to save thy life.
+And therewithal he unlaced his helm like as he would slay him. Fie upon thee,
+false kitchen page, I will never pray thee to save his life, for I will never
+be so much in thy danger. Then shall he die, said Beaumains. Not so hardy, thou
+bawdy knave, said the damosel, that thou slay him. Alas, said the Green Knight,
+suffer me not to die for a fair word may save me. Fair knight, said the Green
+Knight, save my life, and I will forgive thee the death of my brother, and for
+ever to become thy man, and thirty knights that hold of me for ever shall do
+you service. In the devil&rsquo;s name, said the damosel, that such a bawdy
+kitchen knave should have thee and thirty knights&rsquo; service.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sir knight, said Beaumains, all this availeth thee not, but if my damosel speak
+with me for thy life. And therewithal he made a semblant to slay him. Let be,
+said the damosel, thou bawdy knave; slay him not, for an thou do thou shalt
+repent it. Damosel, said Beaumains, your charge is to me a pleasure, and at
+your commandment his life shall be saved, and else not. Then he said, Sir
+knight with the green arms, I release thee quit at this damosel&rsquo;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. Then
+said the damosel, Me repenteth, Green Knight, of your damage, and of your
+brother&rsquo;s death, the Black Knight, for of your help I had great mister,
+for I dread me sore to pass this forest. Nay, dread you 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.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap128"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br/>How the damosel again rebuked
+Beaumains, and would not suffer him to sit at her table, but called him kitchen
+boy.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And ever she rebuked Beaumains, and would not suffer him to sit at her table,
+but as the Green Knight took him and sat him at a side table. Marvel
+methinketh, said the Green Knight to the damosel, why ye rebuke this noble
+knight as ye do, for I warn you, damosel, he is a full noble knight, and I know
+no knight is able to match him; therefore ye do great wrong to rebuke him, for
+he shall do you right good service, for whatsomever he maketh himself, ye shall
+prove at the end that he is come of a noble blood and of king&rsquo;s lineage.
+Fie, fie, said the damosel, it is shame for you to say of him such worship.
+Truly, said the Green Knight, it were shame for me to say of him any
+disworship, for he hath proved himself a better knight than I am, yet have I
+met with many knights in my days, and never or this time have I found no knight
+his match. And so that night they yede unto rest, and all that night the Green
+Knight commanded thirty knights privily to watch Beaumains, for to keep him
+from all treason.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so on the morn they all arose, and heard their mass and brake their fast;
+and then they took their horses and rode on their way, and the Green Knight
+conveyed them through the forest; and there the Green Knight said, My lord
+Beaumains, I and these thirty knights shall be always at your summons, both
+early and late, at your calling and whither that ever ye will send us. It is
+well said, said Beaumains; when that I call upon you ye must yield you unto
+King Arthur, and all your knights. If that ye so command us, we shall be ready
+at all times, said the Green Knight. Fie, fie upon thee, in the devil&rsquo;s
+name, said the damosel, that any good knights should be obedient unto a kitchen
+knave. So then departed the Green Knight and the damosel. And then she said
+unto Beaumains, Why followest thou me, thou kitchen boy? Cast away thy shield
+and thy spear, and flee away; yet I counsel thee betimes or thou shalt say
+right soon, alas; for wert thou as wight as ever was Wade or Launcelot,
+Tristram, or the good knight Sir Lamorak, thou shalt not pass a pass here that
+is called the Pass Perilous. Damosel, said Beaumains, who is afeard let him
+flee, for it were shame to turn again sithen I have ridden so long with you.
+Well, said the damosel, ye shall soon, whether ye will or not.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap129"></a>CHAPTER X.<br/>How the third brother, called the Red
+Knight, jousted and fought against Beaumains, and how Beaumains overcame
+him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So within a while they saw a tower as white as any snow, well matchecold all
+about, and double dyked. And over the tower gate there hung a fifty shields of
+divers colours, and under that tower there was a fair meadow. And therein were
+many knights and squires to behold, scaffolds and pavilions; for there upon the
+morn should be a great tournament: and the lord of the tower was in his castle
+and looked out at a window, and saw a damosel, a dwarf, and a knight armed at
+all points. So God me help, said the lord, with that knight will I joust, for I
+see that he is a knight-errant. And so he armed him and horsed him hastily. And
+when he was on horseback with his shield and his spear, it was all red, both
+his horse and his harness, and all that to him longeth. And when that he came
+nigh him he weened it had been his brother the Black Knight; and then he cried
+aloud, Brother, what do ye in these marches? Nay, nay, said the damosel, it is
+not he; this is but a kitchen knave that was brought up for alms in King
+Arthur&rsquo;s court. Nevertheless, said the Red Knight, I will speak with him
+or he depart. Ah, said the damosel, this knave hath killed thy brother, and Sir
+Kay named him Beaumains, and this horse and this harness was thy
+brother&rsquo;s, the Black Knight. Also I saw thy brother the Green Knight
+overcome of his hands. Now may ye be revenged upon him, for I may never be quit
+of him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With this either knights departed in sunder, and they came together with all
+their might, and either of their horses fell to the earth, and they avoided
+their horses, and put their shields afore them and drew their swords, and
+either gave other sad strokes, now here, now there, rasing, tracing, foining,
+and hurling like two boars, the space of two hours. And then she cried on high
+to the Red Knight, Alas, thou noble Red Knight, think what worship hath
+followed thee, let never a kitchen knave endure thee so long as he doth. Then
+the Red Knight waxed wroth and doubled his strokes, and hurt Beaumains wonderly
+sore, that the blood ran down to the ground, that it was wonder to see that
+strong battle. Yet at the last Sir Beaumains struck him to the earth, and as he
+would have slain the Red Knight, he cried mercy, saying, Noble knight, slay me
+not, and I shall yield me to thee with fifty knights with me that be at my
+commandment. And I forgive thee all the despite that thou hast done to me, and
+the death of my brother the Black Knight. All this availeth not, said
+Beaumains, but if my damosel pray me to save thy life. And therewith he made
+semblant to strike off his head. Let be, thou Beaumains, slay him not, for he
+is a noble knight, and not so hardy, upon thine head, but thou save him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Beaumains bade the Red Knight, Stand up, and thank the damosel now of thy
+life. Then the Red Knight prayed him to see his castle, and to be there all
+night. So the damosel then granted him, and there they had merry cheer. But
+always the damosel spake many foul words unto Beaumains, whereof the Red Knight
+had great marvel; and all that night the Red Knight made three score knights to
+watch Beaumains, that he should have no shame nor villainy. And upon the morn
+they heard mass and dined, and the Red Knight came before Beaumains with his
+three score knights, and there he proffered him his homage and fealty at all
+times, he and his knights to do him service. I thank you, said Beaumains, but
+this ye shall grant me: when I call upon you, to come afore my lord King
+Arthur, and yield you unto him to be his knights. Sir, said the Red Knight, I
+will be ready, and my fellowship, at your summons. So Sir Beaumains departed
+and the damosel, and ever she rode chiding him in the foulest manner.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap130"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br/>How Sir Beaumains suffered great
+rebukes of the damosel, and he suffered it patiently.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Damosel, said Beaumains, ye are uncourteous so to rebuke me as ye do, for
+meseemeth 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 boast they lie in the
+dust or in the mire, and therefore I pray you rebuke me no more; and when ye
+see me beaten or yielden 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 an I would depart from you all the while that I win worship.
+Well, said she, right soon there shall meet a knight shall pay thee all thy
+wages, for he is the most man of worship of the world, except King Arthur. I
+will well, said Beaumains, the more he is of worship, the more shall be my
+worship to have ado with him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then anon they were ware where was afore them a city rich and fair. And betwixt
+them and the city a mile and an half there was a fair meadow that seemed new
+mown, and therein were many pavilions fair to behold. Lo, said the damosel,
+yonder is a lord that owneth yonder city, and his custom is, when the weather
+is fair, to lie in this meadow to joust and tourney. And ever there be about
+him five hundred knights and gentlemen of arms, and there be all manner of
+games that any gentleman can devise. That goodly lord, said Beaumains, would I
+fain see. Thou shalt see him time enough, said the damosel, and so as she rode
+near she espied the pavilion where he was. Lo, said she, seest thou yonder
+pavilion that is all of the colour of Inde, and all manner of thing that there
+is about, men and women, and horses trapped, shields and spears were all of the
+colour of Inde, and his name is Sir Persant of Inde, the most lordliest knight
+that ever thou lookedst on. It may well be, said Beaumains, but be he never so
+stout a knight, in this field I shall abide till that I see him under his
+shield. Ah, fool, said she, thou wert better flee betimes. Why, said Beaumains,
+an he be such a knight as ye make him, he will not set upon me with all his
+men, or with his five hundred knights. For an there come no more but one at
+once, I shall him not fail whilst my life lasteth. Fie, fie, said the damosel,
+that ever such a stinking knave should blow such a boast. Damosel, he said, ye
+are to blame so to rebuke me, for I had liefer do five battles than so to be
+rebuked, let him come and then let him do his worst.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sir, she said, I marvel what thou art and of what kin thou art come; boldly
+thou speakest, and boldly thou hast done, that have I seen; therefore I pray
+thee save thyself an thou mayest, for thy horse and thou have had great
+travail, and I dread we dwell over long from the siege, for it is but hence
+seven mile, and all perilous passages we are passed save all only this passage;
+and here I dread me sore lest ye shall catch some hurt, therefore I would ye
+were hence, that ye were not bruised nor hurt with this strong knight. But I
+let you wit that Sir Persant of Inde is nothing of might nor strength unto the
+knight that laid the siege about my lady. As for that, said Sir Beaumains, be
+it as it be may. For sithen I am come so nigh this knight I will prove his
+might or I depart from him, and else I shall be shamed an I now withdraw me
+from him. And therefore, damosel, have ye no doubt by the grace of God I shall
+so deal with this knight that within two hours after noon I shall deliver him.
+And then shall we come to the siege by daylight. O Jesu, marvel have I, said
+the damosel, what manner a man ye be, for it may never be otherwise but that ye
+be come of a noble blood, for so foul nor 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 a gentle blood.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Damosel, said Beaumains, a knight may little do that may not suffer a damosel,
+for whatsomever ye said unto me I took none 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&rsquo;s kitchen, yet I might
+have had meat enough in other places, but all that I did it for to prove and
+assay my friends, and that shall be known another day; and whether that I be a
+gentleman born or none, I let you wit, fair damosel, I have done you
+gentleman&rsquo;s service, and peradventure better service yet will I do or I
+depart from you. Alas, she said, fair Beaumains, forgive me all that I have
+missaid or done against thee. With all my heart, said he, I forgive it you, for
+ye did nothing but as ye should do, for all your evil words pleased me; and
+damosel, said Beaumains, since it liketh you to say thus fair unto me, wit ye
+well it gladdeth my heart greatly, and now meseemeth there is no knight living
+but I am able enough for him.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap131"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br/>How Beaumains fought with Sir
+Persant of Inde, and made him to be yielden.</h3>
+
+<p>
+With this Sir Persant of Inde had espied them as they hoved in the field, and
+knightly he sent to them whether he came in war or in peace. Say to thy lord,
+said Beaumains, I take no force, but whether as him list himself. So the
+messenger went again unto Sir Persant and told him all his answer. Well then
+will I have ado with him to the utterance, and so he purveyed him and rode
+against him. And Beaumains saw him and made him ready, and there they met with
+all that ever their horses might run, and brast their spears either in three
+pieces, and their horses rushed so together that both their horses fell dead to
+the earth; and lightly they avoided their horses and put their shields afore
+them, and drew their swords, and gave many great strokes that sometime they
+hurtled together that they fell grovelling on the ground. Thus they fought two
+hours and more, that their shields and their hauberks were all forhewen, and in
+many steads they were wounded. So at the last Sir Beaumains smote him through
+the cost of the body, and then he retrayed him here and there, and knightly
+maintained his battle long time. And at the last, though him loath were,
+Beaumains smote Sir Persant above upon the helm, that he fell grovelling to the
+earth; and then he leapt upon him overthwart and unlaced his helm to have slain
+him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Persant yielded him and asked him mercy. With that came the damosel
+and prayed to save his life. I will well, for it were pity this noble knight
+should die. Gramercy, said Persant, gentle knight and damosel. For certainly
+now I wot well it was ye that slew my brother the Black Knight at the black
+thorn; he was a full noble knight, his name was Sir Percard. Also I am sure
+that ye are he that won mine other brother the Green Knight, his name was Sir
+Pertolepe. Also ye won my brother the Red Knight, Sir Perimones. And now since
+ye have won these, this shall I do for to please you: ye shall have homage and
+fealty of me, and an hundred knights to be always at your commandment, to go
+and ride where ye will command us. And so they went unto Sir Persant&rsquo;s
+pavilion and drank the wine, and ate spices, and afterward Sir Persant made him
+to rest upon a bed until supper time, and after supper to bed again. When
+Beaumains was abed, Sir Persant had a lady, a fair daughter of eighteen year of
+age, and there he called her unto him, and charged her and commanded her upon
+his blessing to go unto the knight&rsquo;s bed, and lie down by his side, and
+make him no strange cheer, but good cheer, and take him in thine arms and kiss
+him, and look that this be done, I charge you, as ye will have my love and my
+good will. So Sir Persant&rsquo;s daughter did as her father bade her, and so
+she went unto Sir Beaumains&rsquo; bed, and privily she dispoiled her, and laid
+her down by him, and then he awoke and saw her, and asked her what she was.
+Sir, she said, I am Sir Persant&rsquo;s daughter, that by the commandment of my
+father am come hither. Be ye a maid or a wife? said he. Sir, she said, I am a
+clean maiden. God defend, said he, that I should defoil you to do Sir Persant
+such a shame; therefore, fair damosel, arise out of this bed or else I will.
+Sir, she said, I came not to you by mine own will, but as I was commanded.
+Alas, said Sir Beaumains, I were a shameful knight an I would do your father
+any disworship; and so he kissed her, and so she departed and came unto Sir
+Persant her father, and told him all how she had sped. Truly, said Sir Persant,
+whatsomever he be, he is come of a noble blood. And so we leave them there till
+on the morn.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap132"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br/>Of the goodly communication between
+Sir Persant and Beaumains, and how he told him that his name was Sir
+Gareth.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And so on the morn the damosel and Sir Beaumains heard mass and brake their
+fast, and so took their leave. Fair damosel, said Persant, whitherward are ye
+way-leading this knight? Sir, she said, this knight is going to the siege that
+besiegeth my sister in the Castle Dangerous. Ah, ah, said Persant, that is the
+Knight of the Red Laund, the which is the most perilous knight that I know now
+living, and a man that is without mercy, and men say that he hath seven
+men&rsquo;s strength. God save you, said he to Beaumains, from that knight, for
+he doth great wrong to that lady, and that is great pity, for she is one of the
+fairest ladies of the world, and meseemeth that your damosel is her sister: is
+not your name Linet? said he. Yea, sir, said she, and my lady my sister&rsquo;s
+name is Dame Lionesse. Now shall I tell you, said Sir Persant, this Red Knight
+of the Red Laund hath lain long at the siege, well-nigh this two years, and
+many times he might have had her an he had would, but he prolongeth the time to
+this intent, for to have Sir Launcelot du Lake to do battle with him, or Sir
+Tristram, or Sir Lamorak de Galis, or Sir Gawaine, and this is his tarrying so
+long at the siege.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now my lord Sir Persant of Inde, said the damosel Linet, I require you that ye
+will make this gentleman knight or ever he fight with the Red Knight. I will
+with all my heart, said Sir Persant, an it please him to take the order of
+knighthood of so simple a man as I am. Sir, said Beaumains, I thank you for
+your good will, for I am better sped, for certainly the noble knight Sir
+Launcelot made me knight. Ah, said Sir Persant, of a more renowned knight might
+ye not be made knight; for of all knights he may be called chief of knighthood;
+and so all the world saith, that betwixt three knights is departed clearly
+knighthood, that is Launcelot du Lake, Sir Tristram de Liones, and Sir Lamorak
+de Galis: these bear now the renown. There be many other knights, as Sir
+Palamides the Saracen and Sir Safere his brother; also Sir Bleoberis and Sir
+Blamore de Ganis his brother; also Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir Ector de Maris and
+Sir Percivale de Galis; these and many more be noble knights, but there be none
+that pass the three above said; therefore God speed you well, said Sir Persant,
+for an ye may match the Red Knight ye shall be called the fourth of the world.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sir, said Beaumains, I would fain be of good fame and of knighthood. And I let
+you wit I came of good men, for I dare say my father was a noble man, and so
+that ye will keep it in close, and this damosel, I will tell you of what kin I
+am. We will not discover you, said they both, till ye command us, by the faith
+we owe unto God. Truly then, said he, my name is Gareth of Orkney, and King Lot
+was my father, and my mother is King Arthur&rsquo;s sister, her name is Dame
+Morgawse, and Sir Gawaine is my brother, and Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, and
+I am the youngest of them all. And yet wot not King Arthur nor Sir Gawaine what
+I am.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap133"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br/>How the lady that was besieged had
+word from her sister how she had brought a knight to fight for her, and what
+battles he had achieved.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So the book saith that the lady that was besieged had word of her
+sister&rsquo;s coming by the dwarf, and a knight with her, and how he had
+passed all the perilous passages. What manner a man is he? said the lady. He is
+a noble knight, truly, madam, said the dwarf, and but a young man, but he is as
+likely a man as ever ye saw any. What is he? said the damosel, and of what kin
+is he come, and of whom was he made knight? Madam, said the dwarf, he is the
+king&rsquo;s son of Orkney, but his name I will not tell you as at this time;
+but wit ye well, of Sir Launcelot was he made knight, for of none other would
+he be made knight, and Sir Kay named him Beaumains. How escaped he, said the
+lady, from the brethren of Persant? Madam, he said, as a noble knight should.
+First, he slew two brethren at a passage of a water. Ah! said she, they were
+good knights, but they were murderers, the one hight Gherard le Breuse, and the
+other knight hight Sir Arnold le Breuse. Then, madam, he recountered with the
+Black Knight, and slew him in plain battle, and so he took his horse and his
+armour and fought with the Green Knight and won him in plain battle, and in
+like wise he served the Red Knight, and after in the same wise he served the
+Blue Knight and won him in plain battle. Then, said the lady, he hath overcome
+Sir Persant of Inde, one of the noblest knights of the world, and the dwarf
+said, He hath won all the four brethren and slain the Black Knight, and yet he
+did more to-fore: he overthrew Sir Kay and left him nigh dead upon the ground;
+also he did a great battle with Sir Launcelot, and there they departed on even
+hands: and then Sir Launcelot made him knight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Dwarf, said the lady, I am glad of these tidings, therefore go thou in an
+hermitage of mine hereby, and there shalt thou bear with thee of my wine in two
+flagons of silver, they are of two gallons, and also two cast of bread with fat
+venison baked, and dainty fowls; and a cup of gold here I deliver thee, that is
+rich and precious; and bear all this to mine hermitage, and put it in the
+hermit&rsquo;s hands. And sithen go thou unto my sister and greet her well, and
+commend me unto that gentle knight, and pray him to eat and to drink and make
+him strong, and say ye him I thank him of his courtesy and goodness, that he
+would take upon him such labour for me that never did him bounty nor courtesy.
+Also pray him that he be of good heart and courage, for he shall meet with a
+full noble knight, but he is neither of bounty, courtesy, nor gentleness; for
+he attendeth unto nothing but to murder, and that is the cause I cannot praise
+him nor love him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So this dwarf departed, and came to Sir Persant, where he found the damosel
+Linet and Sir Beaumains, and there he told them all as ye have heard; and then
+they took their leave, but Sir Persant took an ambling hackney and conveyed
+them on their ways, and then beleft them to God; and so within a little while
+they came to that hermitage, and there they drank the wine, and ate the venison
+and the fowls baken. And so when they had repasted them well, the dwarf
+returned again with his vessel unto the castle again; and there met with him
+the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and asked him from whence that he came, and
+where he had been. Sir, said the dwarf, I have been with my lady&rsquo;s sister
+of this castle, and she hath been at King Arthur&rsquo;s court, and brought a
+knight with her. Then I account her travail but lost; for though she had
+brought with her Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram, Sir Lamorak, or Sir Gawaine, I
+would think myself good enough for them all.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It may well be, said the dwarf, but this knight hath passed all the perilous
+passages, and slain the Black Knight and other two more, and won the Green
+Knight, the Red Knight, and the Blue Knight. Then is he one of these four that
+I have afore rehearsed. He is none of those, said the dwarf, but he is a
+king&rsquo;s son. What is his name? said the Red Knight of the Red Launds. That
+will I not tell you, said the dwarf, but Sir Kay upon scorn named him
+Beaumains. I care not, said the knight, what knight so ever he be, for I shall
+soon deliver him. And if I ever match him he shall have a shameful death as
+many other have had. That were pity, said the dwarf, and it is marvel that ye
+make such shameful war upon noble knights.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap134"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br/>How the damosel and Beaumains came to
+the siege; and came to a sycamore tree, and there Beaumains blew a horn, and
+then the Knight of the Red Launds came to fight with him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now leave we the knight and the dwarf, and speak we of Beaumains, that all
+night lay in the hermitage; and upon the morn he and the damosel Linet heard
+their mass and brake their fast. And then they took their horses and rode
+throughout a fair forest; and then they came to a plain, and saw where were
+many pavilions and tents, and a fair castle, and there was much smoke and great
+noise; and when they came near the siege Sir Beaumains espied upon great trees,
+as he rode, how there hung full goodly armed knights by the neck, and their
+shields about their necks with their swords, and gilt spurs upon their heels,
+and so there hung nigh a forty knights shamefully with full rich arms.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Beaumains abated his countenance and said, What meaneth this? Fair
+sir, said the damosel, abate not your cheer for all this sight, for ye must
+courage yourself, or else ye be all shent, for all these knights came hither to
+this siege to rescue my sister Dame Lionesse, and when the Red Knight of the
+Red Launds had overcome them, he put them to this shameful death without mercy
+and pity. And in the same wise he will serve you but if you quit you the
+better.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Jesu defend me, said Beaumains, from such a villainous death and shenship
+of arms. For rather than I should so be faren withal, I would rather be slain
+manly in plain battle. So were ye better, said the damosel; for trust not, in
+him is no courtesy, but all goeth to the death or shameful murder, and that is
+pity, for he is a full likely man, well made of body, and a full noble knight
+of prowess, and a lord of great lands and possessions. Truly, said Beaumains,
+he may well be a good knight, but he useth shameful customs, and it is marvel
+that he endureth so long that none of the noble knights of my lord
+Arthur&rsquo;s have not dealt with him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And then they rode to the dykes, and saw them double dyked with full warlike
+walls; and there were lodged many great lords nigh the walls; and there was
+great noise of minstrelsy; and the sea beat upon the one side of the walls,
+where were many ships and mariners&rsquo; noise with &ldquo;hale and
+how.&rdquo; And also there was fast by a sycamore tree, and there hung an horn,
+the greatest that ever they saw, of an elephant&rsquo;s bone; and this Knight
+of the Red Launds had hanged it up there, that if there came any errant-knight,
+he must blow that horn, and then will he make him ready and come to him to do
+battle. But, sir, I pray you, said the damosel Linet, blow ye not the horn till
+it be high noon, for now it is about prime, and now increaseth his might, that
+as men say he hath seven men&rsquo;s strength. Ah, fie for shame, fair damosel,
+say ye never so more to me; for, an he were as good a knight as ever was, I
+shall never fail him in his most might, for either I will win worship
+worshipfully, or die knightly in the field. And therewith he spurred his horse
+straight to the sycamore tree, and blew so the horn eagerly that all the siege
+and the castle rang thereof. And then there leapt out knights out of their
+tents and pavilions, and they within the castle looked over the walls and out
+at windows.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the Red Knight of the Red Launds armed him hastily, and two barons set on
+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
+spear and 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.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap135"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br/>How the two knights met together,
+and of their talking, and how they began their battle.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Sir, said the damosel Linet unto Sir Beaumains, look ye be glad and light, for
+yonder is your deadly enemy, and at yonder window is my lady, my sister, Dame
+Lionesse. Where? said Beaumains. Yonder, said the damosel, and pointed with her
+finger. That is truth, said Beaumains. She beseemeth afar the fairest lady that
+ever I looked upon; and truly, he said, I ask no better quarrel than now for to
+do battle, for truly she shall be my lady, and for her I will fight. And ever
+he looked up to the window with glad countenance, and the Lady Lionesse made
+curtsey to him down to the earth, with holding up both their hands.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With that the Red Knight of the Red Launds called to Sir Beaumains, Leave, sir
+knight, thy looking, and behold me, I counsel thee; for I warn thee well she is
+my lady, and for her I have done many strong battles. If thou have so done,
+said Beaumains, meseemeth it was but waste labour, for she loveth none of thy
+fellowship, and thou to love that loveth not thee is but great folly. For an I
+understood that she were not glad of my coming, I would be advised or I did
+battle for her. But I understand by the besieging of this castle she may
+forbear thy fellowship. And therefore wit thou well, thou Red Knight of the Red
+Launds, I love her, and will rescue her, or else to die. Sayst thou that? said
+the Red Knight, meseemeth thou ought of reason to be ware by yonder knights
+that thou sawest hang upon yonder trees. Fie for shame, said Beaumains, that
+ever thou shouldest say or do so evil, for in that thou shamest thyself and
+knighthood, and thou mayst be sure there will no lady love thee that knoweth
+thy wicked customs. And now thou weenest that the sight of these hanged knights
+should fear me. Nay truly, not so; that shameful sight causeth me to have
+courage and hardiness against thee, more than I would have had against thee an
+thou wert a well-ruled knight. Make thee ready, said the Red Knight of the Red
+Launds, and talk no longer with me.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Beaumains bade the damosel go from him; and then they put their spears
+in their rests, and came together with all their might that they had both, and
+either smote other in midst of their shields that the paitrelles, surcingles,
+and cruppers brast, and fell to the earth both, and the reins of their bridles
+in their hands; and so they lay a great while sore astonied, that all that were
+in the castle and in the siege weened their necks had been broken; and then
+many a stranger and other said the strange knight was a big man, and a noble
+jouster, for or now we saw never no knight match the Red Knight of the Red
+Launds: thus they said, both within the castle and without. Then lightly they
+avoided their horses and put their shields afore them, and drew their swords
+and ran together like two fierce lions, and either gave other such buffets upon
+their helms that they reeled backward both two strides; and then they recovered
+both, and hewed great pieces off their harness and their shields that a great
+part fell into the fields.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap136"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br/>How after long fighting Beaumains
+overcame the knight and would have slain him, but at the request of the lords
+he saved his life, and made him to yield him to the lady.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then thus they fought till it was past noon, and never would stint, till at
+the last they lacked wind both; and then they stood wagging and scattering,
+panting, blowing and bleeding, that all that beheld them for the most part wept
+for pity. So when they had rested them a while they yede to battle again,
+tracing, racing, foining as two boars. And at some time they took their run as
+it had been two rams, and hurtled together that sometime they fell grovelling
+to the earth: and at some time they were so amazed that either took
+other&rsquo;s sword instead of his own.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they endured till evensong time, that there was none that beheld them
+might know whether was like to win the battle; and their armour was so forhewn
+that men might see their naked sides; and in other places they were naked, but
+ever the naked places they did defend. And the Red Knight was a wily knight of
+war, and his wily fighting taught Sir Beaumains to be wise; but he abought it
+full sore or he did espy his fighting.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And thus by assent of them both they granted either other to rest; and so they
+set them down upon two mole-hills there beside the fighting place, and either
+of them unlaced his helm, and took the cold wind; for either of their pages was
+fast by them, to come when they called to unlace their harness and to set them
+on again at their commandment. And then when Sir Beaumains&rsquo; helm was off,
+he looked up to the window, and there he saw the fair lady Dame Lionesse, and
+she made him such countenance that his heart waxed light and jolly; and
+therewith he bade the Red Knight of the Red Launds make him ready, and let us
+do the battle to the utterance. I will well, said the knight, and then they
+laced up their helms, and their pages avoided, and they stepped together and
+fought freshly; but the Red Knight of the Red Launds awaited him, and at an
+overthwart smote him within the hand, that his sword fell out of his hand; and
+yet he gave him another buffet upon the helm that he fell grovelling to the
+earth, and the Red Knight fell over him, for to hold him down.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then cried the maiden Linet on high: O Sir Beaumains, where is thy courage
+become? Alas, my lady my sister beholdeth thee, and she sobbeth and weepeth,
+that maketh mine heart heavy. When Sir Beaumains heard her say so, he abraid up
+with a great might and gat him upon his feet, and lightly he leapt to his sword
+and gripped it in his hand, and doubled his pace unto the Red Knight, and there
+they fought a new battle together. But Sir Beaumains then doubled his strokes,
+and smote so thick that he smote the sword out of his hand, and then he smote
+him upon the helm that he fell to the earth, and Sir Beaumains fell upon him,
+and unlaced his helm to have slain him; and then he yielded him and asked
+mercy, and said with a loud voice: O noble knight, I yield me to thy mercy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Beaumains bethought him upon the knights that he had made to be hanged
+shamefully, and then he said: I may not with my worship save thy life, for the
+shameful deaths that thou hast caused many full good knights to die. Sir, said
+the Red Knight of the Red Launds, hold your hand and ye shall know the causes
+why I put them to so shameful a death. Say on, said Sir Beaumains. Sir, I loved
+once a lady, a fair damosel, and she had her brother slain; and she said it was
+Sir Launcelot du Lake, or else Sir Gawaine; and she prayed me as that I loved
+her heartily, that I would make her a promise by the faith of my knighthood,
+for to labour daily in arms unto I met with one of them; and all that I might
+overcome I should put them unto a villainous death; and this is the cause that
+I have put all these knights to death, and so I ensured her to do all the
+villainy unto King Arthur&rsquo;s knights, and that I should take vengeance
+upon all these knights. And, sir, now I will thee tell that every day my
+strength increaseth till noon, and all this time have I seven men&rsquo;s
+strength.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap137"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br/>How the knight yielded him, and
+how Beaumains made him to go unto King Arthur&rsquo;s court, and to cry Sir
+Launcelot mercy.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then came there many earls, and barons, and noble knights, and prayed that
+knight to save his life, and take him to your prisoner. And all they fell upon
+their knees, and prayed him of mercy, and that he would save his life; and,
+Sir, they all said, it were fairer of him to take homage and fealty, and let
+him hold his lands of you than for to slay him; by his death ye shall have none
+advantage, and his misdeeds that be done may not be undone; and therefore he
+shall make amends to all parties, and we all will become your men and do you
+homage and fealty. Fair lords, said Beaumains, wit you well I am full loath to
+slay this knight, nevertheless he hath done passing ill and shamefully; but
+insomuch all that he did was at a lady&rsquo;s request I blame him the less;
+and so for your sake I will release him that he shall have his life upon this
+covenant, that he go within the castle, and yield him there to the lady, and if
+she will forgive and quit him, I will well; with this he make her amends of all
+the trespass he hath done against her and her lands. And also, when that is
+done, that ye go unto the court of King Arthur, and there that ye ask Sir
+Launcelot mercy, and Sir Gawaine, for the evil will ye have had against them.
+Sir, said the Red Knight of the Red Launds, all this will I do as ye command,
+and siker assurance and borrows ye shall have. And so then when the assurance
+was made, he made his homage and fealty, and all those earls and barons with
+him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And then the maiden Linet came to Sir Beaumains, and unarmed him and searched
+his wounds, and stinted his blood, and in likewise she did to the Red Knight of
+the Red Launds. And there they sojourned ten days in their tents; and the Red
+Knight made his lords and servants to do all the pleasure that they might unto
+Sir Beaumains. And so within a while the Red Knight of the Red Launds yede unto
+the castle, and put him in her grace. And so she received him upon sufficient
+surety, so all her hurts were well restored of all that she could complain. And
+then he departed unto the court of King Arthur, and there openly the Red Knight
+of the Red Launds put him in the mercy of Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine, and
+there he told openly how he was overcome and by whom, and also he told all the
+battles from the beginning unto the ending. Jesu mercy, said King Arthur and
+Sir Gawaine, we marvel much of what blood he is come, for he is a noble knight.
+Have ye no marvel, said Sir Launcelot, for ye shall right well wit that he is
+come of a full noble blood; and as for his might and hardiness, there be but
+few now living that is so mighty as he is, and so noble of prowess. It seemeth
+by you, said King Arthur, that ye know his name, and from whence he is come,
+and of what blood he is. I suppose I do so, said Launcelot, or else I would not
+have given him the order of knighthood; but he gave me such charge at that time
+that I should never discover him until he required me, or else it be known
+openly by some other.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap138"></a>CHAPTER XIX.<br/>How Beaumains came to the lady, and
+when he came to the castle the gates were closed against him, and of the words
+that the lady said to him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Beaumains that desired of Linet that he might see her
+sister, his lady. Sir, she said, I would fain ye saw her. Then Sir Beaumains
+all armed him, and took his horse and his spear, and rode straight unto the
+castle. And when he came to the gate he found there many men armed, and pulled
+up the drawbridge and drew the port close.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then marvelled he why they would not suffer him to enter. And then he looked up
+to the window; and there he saw the fair Lionesse that said on high: Go thy
+way, Sir Beaumains, for as yet thou shalt not have wholly my love, unto the
+time that thou be called one of the number of the worthy knights. And therefore
+go labour in worship this twelvemonth, and then thou shalt hear new tidings.
+Alas, fair lady, said Beaumains, I have not deserved that ye should show me
+this strangeness, and I had weened that I should have right good cheer with
+you, and unto my power I have deserved thank, and well I am sure I have bought
+your love with part of the best blood within my body. Fair courteous knight,
+said Dame Lionesse, be not displeased nor over-hasty; for wit you well your
+great travail nor good love shall not be lost, for I consider your great
+travail and labour, your bounty and your goodness as me ought to do. And
+therefore go on your way, and look that ye be of good comfort, for all shall be
+for your worship and for the best, and perdy a twelvemonth will soon be done,
+and trust me, fair knight, I shall be true to you, and never to betray you, but
+to my death I shall love you and none other. And therewithal she turned her
+from the window, and Sir Beaumains rode awayward from the castle, making great
+dole, and so he rode here and there and wist not where he rode, till it was
+dark night. And then it happened him to come to a poor man&rsquo;s house, and
+there he was harboured all that night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Sir Beaumains had no rest, but wallowed and writhed for the love of the
+lady of the castle. And so upon the morrow he took his horse and rode until
+underne, and then he came to a broad water, and thereby was a great lodge, and
+there he alighted to sleep and laid his head upon the shield, and betook his
+horse to the dwarf, and commanded him to watch all night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we to the lady of the same castle, that thought much upon Beaumains,
+and then she called unto her Sir Gringamore her brother, and prayed him in all
+manner, as he loved her heartily, that he would ride after Sir Beaumains: And
+ever have ye wait upon him till ye may find him sleeping, for I am sure in his
+heaviness he will alight down in some place, and lie him down to sleep; and
+therefore have ye your wait upon him, and in the priviest manner ye can, take
+his dwarf, and go ye your way with him as fast as ever ye may or Sir Beaumains
+awake. For my sister Linet telleth me that he can tell of what kindred he is
+come, and what is his right name. And the meanwhile I and my sister will ride
+unto your castle to await when ye bring with you the dwarf. And then when ye
+have brought him unto your castle, I will have him in examination myself. Unto
+the time that I know what is his right name, and of what kindred he is come,
+shall I never be merry at my heart. Sister, said Sir Gringamore, all this shall
+be done after your intent.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so he rode all the other day and the night till that he found Sir Beaumains
+lying by a water, and his head upon his shield, for to sleep. And then when he
+saw Sir Beaumains fast asleep, he came stilly stalking behind the dwarf, and
+plucked him fast under his arm, and so he rode away with him as fast as ever he
+might unto his own castle. And this Sir Gringamore&rsquo;s arms were all black,
+and that to him longeth. But ever as he rode with the dwarf toward his castle,
+he cried unto his lord and prayed him of help. And therewith awoke Sir
+Beaumains, and up he leapt lightly, and saw where Sir Gringamore rode his way
+with the dwarf, and so Sir Gringamore rode out of his sight.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap139"></a>CHAPTER XX.<br/>How Sir Beaumains rode after to
+rescue his dwarf, and came into the castle where he was.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Beaumains put on his helm anon, and buckled his shield, and took his
+horse, and rode after him all that ever he might ride through marshes, and
+fields, and great dales, that many times his horse and he plunged over the head
+in deep mires, for he knew not the way, but took the gainest way in that
+woodness, that many times he was like to perish. And at the last him happened
+to come to a fair green way, and there he met with a poor man of the country,
+whom he saluted and asked him whether he met not with a knight upon a black
+horse and all black harness, a little dwarf sitting behind him with heavy
+cheer. Sir, said the poor man, here by me came Sir Gringamore the knight, with
+such a dwarf mourning as ye say; and therefore I rede you not follow him, for
+he is one of the periloust knights of the world, and his castle is here nigh
+hand but two mile; therefore we advise you ride not after Sir Gringamore, but
+if ye owe him good will.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So leave we Sir Beaumains riding toward the castle, and speak we of Sir
+Gringamore and the dwarf. Anon as the dwarf was come to the castle, Dame
+Lionesse and Dame Linet her sister, asked the dwarf where was his master born,
+and of what lineage he was come. And but if thou tell me, said Dame Lionesse,
+thou shalt never escape this castle, but ever here to be prisoner. As for that,
+said the dwarf, I fear not greatly to tell his name and of what kin he is come.
+Wit you well he is a king&rsquo;s son, and his mother is sister to King Arthur,
+and he is brother to the good knight Sir Gawaine, and his name is Sir Gareth of
+Orkney. And now I have told you his right name, I pray you, fair lady, let me
+go to my lord again, for he will never out of this country until that he have
+me again. And if he be angry he will do much harm or that he be stint, and work
+you wrack in this country. As for that threatening, said Sir Gringamore, be it
+as it be may, we will go to dinner. And so they washed and went to meat, and
+made them merry and well at ease, and because the Lady Lionesse of the castle
+was there, they made great joy. Truly, madam, said Linet unto her sister, well
+may he be a king&rsquo;s son, for he hath many good tatches on him, for he is
+courteous and mild, and the most suffering man that ever I met withal. For I
+dare say there was never gentlewoman reviled man in so foul a manner as I have
+rebuked him; and at all times he gave me goodly and meek answers again.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as they sat thus talking, there came Sir Gareth in at the gate with an
+angry countenance, and his sword drawn in his hand, and cried aloud that all
+the castle might hear it, saying: Thou traitor, Sir Gringamore, deliver me my
+dwarf again, or by the faith that I owe to the order of knighthood, I shall do
+thee all the harm that I can. Then Sir Gringamore looked out at a window and
+said, Sir Gareth of Orkney, leave thy boasting words, for thou gettest not thy
+dwarf again. Thou coward knight, said Sir Gareth, bring him with thee, and come
+and do battle with me, and win him and take him. So will I do, said Sir
+Gringamore, an me list, but for all thy great words thou gettest him not. Ah!
+fair brother, said Dame Lionesse, I would he had his dwarf again, for I would
+he were not wroth, for now he hath told me all my desire I keep no more of the
+dwarf. And also, brother, he hath done much for me, and delivered me from the
+Red Knight of the Red Launds, and therefore, brother, I owe him my service
+afore all knights living. And wit ye well that I love him before all other, and
+full fain I would speak with him. But in nowise I would that he wist what I
+were, but that I were another strange lady.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Well, said Sir Gringamore, sithen I know now your will, I will obey now unto
+him. And right therewithal he went down unto Sir Gareth, and said: Sir, I cry
+you mercy, and all that I have misdone I will amend it at your will. And
+therefore I pray you that ye would alight, and take such cheer as I can make
+you in this castle. Shall I have my dwarf? said Sir Gareth. Yea, sir, and all
+the pleasaunce that I can make you, for as soon as your dwarf told me what ye
+were and of what blood ye are come, and what noble deeds ye have done in these
+marches, then I repented of my deeds. And then Sir Gareth alighted, and there
+came his dwarf and took his horse. O my fellow, said Sir Gareth, I have had
+many adventures for thy sake. And so Sir Gringamore took him by the hand and
+led him into the hall where his own wife was.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap140"></a>CHAPTER XXI.<br/>How Sir Gareth, otherwise called
+Beaumains, came to the presence of his lady, and how they took acquaintance,
+and of their love.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then came forth Dame Lionesse arrayed like a princess, and there she made
+him passing good cheer, and he her again; and they had goodly language and
+lovely countenance together. And Sir Gareth thought many times, Jesu, would
+that the lady of the Castle Perilous were so fair as she was. There were all
+manner of games and plays, of dancing and singing. And ever the more Sir Gareth
+beheld that lady, the more he loved her; and so he burned in love that he was
+past himself in his reason; and forth toward night they yede unto supper, and
+Sir Gareth might not eat, for his love was so hot that he wist not where he
+was.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+All these looks espied Sir Gringamore, and then at-after supper he called his
+sister Dame Lionesse into a chamber, and said: Fair sister, I have well espied
+your countenance betwixt you and this knight, and I will, sister, that ye wit
+he is a full noble knight, and if ye can make him to abide here I will do him
+all the pleasure that I can, for an ye were better than ye are, ye were well
+bywaryd upon him. Fair brother, said Dame Lionesse, I understand well that the
+knight is good, and come he is of a noble house. Notwithstanding, I will assay
+him better, howbeit I am most beholden to him of any earthly man; for he hath
+had great labour for my love, and passed many a dangerous passage.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Right so Sir Gringamore went unto Sir Gareth, and said, Sir, make ye good
+cheer, for ye shall have none other cause, for this lady, my sister, is yours
+at all times, her worship saved, for wit ye well she loveth you as well as ye
+do her, and better if better may be. An I wist that, said Sir Gareth, there
+lived not a gladder man than I would be. Upon my worship, said Sir Gringamore,
+trust unto my promise; and as long as it liketh you ye shall sojourn with me,
+and this lady shall be with us daily and nightly to make you all the cheer that
+she can. I will well, said Sir Gareth, for I have promised to be nigh this
+country this twelvemonth. And well I am sure King Arthur and other noble
+knights will find me where that I am within this twelvemonth. For I shall be
+sought and found, if that I be alive. And then the noble knight Sir Gareth went
+unto the Dame Lionesse, which he then much loved, and kissed her many times,
+and either made great joy of other. And there she promised him her love
+certainly, to love him and none other the days of her life. Then this lady,
+Dame Lionesse, by the assent of her brother, told Sir Gareth all the truth what
+she was, and how she was the same lady that he did battle for, and how she was
+lady of the Castle Perilous, and there she told him how she caused her brother
+to take away his dwarf.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap141"></a>CHAPTER XXII.<br/>How at night came an armed knight,
+and fought with Sir Gareth, and he, sore hurt in the thigh, smote off the
+knight&rsquo;s head.</h3>
+
+<p>
+For this cause, to know the certainty what was your name, and of what kin ye
+were come.
+</p
+>
+<p>
+And then she let fetch to-fore him Linet, the damosel that had ridden with him
+many wildsome ways. Then was Sir Gareth more gladder than he was to-fore. And
+then they troth-plight each other to love, and never to fail whiles their life
+lasteth. And so they burnt both in love, that they were accorded to abate their
+lusts secretly. And there Dame Lionesse counselled Sir Gareth to sleep in none
+other place but in the hall. And there she promised him to come to his bed a
+little afore midnight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This counsel was not so privily kept but it was understood; for they were but
+young both, and tender of age, and had not used none such crafts to-fore.
+Wherefore the damosel Linet was a little displeased, and she thought her sister
+Dame Lionesse was a little over-hasty, that she might not abide the time of her
+marriage; and for saving their worship, she thought to abate their hot lusts.
+And so she let ordain by her subtle crafts that they had not their intents
+neither with other, as in their delights, until they were married. And so it
+passed on. At-after supper was made clean avoidance, that every lord and lady
+should go unto his rest. But Sir Gareth said plainly he would go no farther
+than the hall, for in such places, he said, was convenient for an errant-knight
+to take his rest in; and so there were ordained great couches, and thereon
+feather beds, and there laid him down to sleep; and within a while came Dame
+Lionesse, wrapped in a mantle furred with ermine, and laid her down beside Sir
+Gareth. And therewithal he began to kiss her. And then he looked afore him, and
+there he apperceived and saw come an armed knight, with many lights about him;
+and this knight had a long gisarm in his hand, and made grim countenance to
+smite him. When Sir Gareth saw him come in that wise, he leapt out of his bed,
+and gat in his hand his sword, and leapt straight toward that knight. And when
+the knight saw Sir Gareth come so fiercely upon him, he smote him with a foin
+through the thick of the thigh that the wound was a shaftmon broad and had cut
+a-two many veins and sinews. And therewithal Sir Gareth smote him upon the helm
+such a buffet that he fell grovelling; and then he leapt over him and unlaced
+his helm, and smote off his head from the body. And then he bled so fast that
+he might not stand, but so he laid him down upon his bed, and there he swooned
+and lay as he had been dead.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Dame Lionesse cried aloud, that her brother Sir Gringamore heard, and came
+down. And when he saw Sir Gareth so shamefully wounded he was sore displeased,
+and said: I am shamed that this noble knight is thus honoured. Sir, said Sir
+Gringamore, how may this be, that ye be here, and this noble knight wounded?
+Brother, she said, I can not tell you, for it was not done by me, nor by mine
+assent. For he is my lord and I am his, and he must be mine husband; therefore,
+my brother, I will that ye wit I shame me not to be with him, nor to do him all
+the pleasure that I can. Sister, said Sir Gringamore, and I will that ye wit
+it, and Sir Gareth both, that it was never done by me, nor by my assent that
+this unhappy deed was done. And there they staunched his bleeding as well as
+they might, and great sorrow made Sir Gringamore and Dame Lionesse.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And forthwithal came Dame Linet, and took up the head in the sight of them all,
+and anointed it with an ointment thereas it was smitten off; and in the same
+wise she did to the other part thereas the head stuck, and then she set it
+together, and it stuck as fast as ever it did. And the knight arose lightly up,
+and the damosel Linet put him in her chamber. All this saw Sir Gringamore and
+Dame Lionesse, and so did Sir Gareth; and well he espied that it was the
+damosel Linet, that rode with him through the perilous passages. Ah well,
+damosel, said Sir Gareth, I weened ye would not have done as ye have done. My
+lord Gareth, said Linet, all that I have done I will avow, and all that I have
+done shall be for your honour and worship, and to us all. And so within a while
+Sir Gareth was nigh whole, and waxed light and jocund, and sang, danced, and
+gamed; and he and Dame Lionesse were so hot in burning love that they made
+their covenant at the tenth night after, that she should come to his bed. And
+because he was wounded afore, he laid his armour and his sword nigh his
+bed&rsquo;s side.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap142"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.<br/>How the said knight came again the
+next night and was beheaded again, and how at the feast of Pentecost all the
+knights that Sir Gareth had overcome came and yielded them to King Arthur.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Right as she promised she came; and she was not so soon in his bed but she
+espied an armed knight coming toward the bed: therewithal she warned Sir
+Gareth, and lightly through the good help of Dame Lionesse he was armed; and
+they hurtled together with great ire and malice all about the hall; and there
+was great light as it had been the number of twenty torches both before and
+behind, so that Sir Gareth strained him, so that his old wound brast again
+a-bleeding; but he was hot and courageous and took no keep, but with his great
+force he struck down that knight, and voided his helm, and struck off his head.
+Then he hewed the head in an hundred pieces. And when he had done so he took up
+all those pieces, and threw them out at a window into the ditches of the
+castle; and by this done he was so faint that unnethes he might stand for
+bleeding. And by when he was almost unarmed he fell in a deadly swoon on the
+floor; and then Dame Lionesse cried so that Sir Gringamore heard; and when he
+came and found Sir Gareth in that plight he made great sorrow; and there he
+awaked Sir Gareth, and gave him a drink that relieved him wonderly well; but
+the sorrow that Dame Lionesse made there may no tongue tell, for she so fared
+with herself as she would have died.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Right so came this damosel Linet before them all, and she had fetched all the
+gobbets of the head that Sir Gareth had thrown out at a window, and there she
+anointed them as she had done to-fore, and set them together again. Well,
+damosel Linet, said Sir Gareth, I have not deserved all this despite that ye do
+unto me. Sir knight, she said, I have nothing done but I will avow, and all
+that I have done shall be to your worship, and to us all. And then was Sir
+Gareth staunched of his bleeding. But the leeches said that there was no man
+that bare the life should heal him throughout of his wound but if they healed
+him that caused that stroke by enchantment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So leave we Sir Gareth there with Sir Gringamore and his sisters, and turn we
+unto King Arthur, that at the next feast of Pentecost held his feast; and there
+came the Green Knight with fifty knights, and yielded them all unto King
+Arthur. And so there came the Red Knight his brother, and yielded him to King
+Arthur, and three score knights with him. Also there came the Blue Knight,
+brother to them, with an hundred knights, and yielded them unto King Arthur;
+and the Green Knight&rsquo;s name was Pertolepe, and the Red Knight&rsquo;s
+name was Perimones, and the Blue Knight&rsquo;s name was Sir Persant of Inde.
+These three brethren told King Arthur how they were overcome by a knight that a
+damosel had with her, and called him Beaumains. Jesu, said the king, I marvel
+what knight he is, and of what lineage he is come. He was with me a
+twelvemonth, and poorly and shamefully he was fostered, and Sir Kay in scorn
+named him Beaumains. So right as the king stood so talking with these three
+brethren, there came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and told the king that there was
+come a goodly lord with six hundred knights with him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king went out of Carlion, for there was the feast, and there came to
+him this lord, and saluted the king in a goodly manner. What will ye, said King
+Arthur, and what is your errand? Sir, he said, my name is the Red Knight of the
+Red Launds, but my name is Sir Ironside; and sir, wit ye well, here I am sent
+to you of a knight that is called Beaumains, for he won me in plain battle hand
+for hand, and so did never no knight but he, that ever had the better of me
+this thirty winter; the which commanded to yield me to you at your will. Ye are
+welcome, said the king, for ye have been long a great foe to me and my court,
+and now I trust to God I shall so entreat you that ye shall be my friend. Sir,
+both I and these five hundred knights shall always be at your summons to do you
+service as may lie in our powers. Jesu mercy, said King Arthur, I am much
+beholden unto that knight that hath put so his body in devoir to worship me and
+my court. And as to thee, Ironside, that art called the Red Knight of the Red
+Launds, thou art called a perilous knight; and if thou wilt hold of me I shall
+worship thee and make thee knight of the Table Round; but then thou must be no
+more a murderer. Sir, as to that, I have promised unto Sir Beaumains never more
+to use such customs, for all the shameful customs that I used I did at the
+request of a lady that I loved; and therefore I must go unto Sir Launcelot, and
+unto Sir Gawaine, and ask them forgiveness of the evil will I had unto them;
+for all that I put to death was all only for the love of Sir Launcelot and of
+Sir Gawaine. They be here now, said the king, afore thee, now may ye say to
+them what ye will. And then he kneeled down unto Sir Launcelot, and to Sir
+Gawaine, and prayed them of forgiveness of his enmity that ever he had against
+them.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap143"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.<br/>How King Arthur pardoned them, and
+demanded of them where Sir Gareth was.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then goodly they said all at once, God forgive you, and we do, and pray you
+that ye will tell us where we may find Sir Beaumains. Fair lords, said Sir
+Ironside, I cannot tell you, for it is full hard to find him; for such young
+knights as he is one, when they be in their adventures be never abiding in no
+place. But to say the worship that the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and Sir
+Persant and his brother said of Beaumains, it was marvel to hear. Well, my fair
+lords, said King Arthur, wit you well I shall do you honour for the love of Sir
+Beaumains, and as soon as ever I meet with him I shall make you all upon one
+day knights of the Table Round. And as to thee, Sir Persant of Inde, thou hast
+been ever called a full noble knight, and so have ever been thy three brethren
+called. But I marvel, said the king, that I hear not of the Black Knight your
+brother, he was a full noble knight. Sir, said Pertolepe, the Green Knight, Sir
+Beaumains slew him in a recounter with his spear, his name was Sir Percard.
+That was great pity, said the king, and so said many knights. For these four
+brethren were full well known in the court of King Arthur for noble knights,
+for long time they had holden war against the knights of the Round Table. Then
+said Pertolepe, the Green Knight, to the king: At a passage of the water of
+Mortaise there encountered Sir Beaumains with two brethren that ever for the
+most part kept that passage, and they were two deadly knights, and there he
+slew the eldest brother in the water, and smote him upon the head such a buffet
+that he fell down in the water, and there he was drowned, and his name was Sir
+Gherard le Breusse; and after he slew the other brother upon the land, his name
+was Sir Arnold le Breusse.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap144"></a>CHAPTER XXV.<br/>How the Queen of Orkney came to this
+feast of Pentecost, and Sir Gawaine and his brethren came to ask her blessing.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+So then the king and they went to meat, and were served in the best manner. And
+as they sat at the meat, there came in the Queen of Orkney, with ladies and
+knights a great number. And then Sir Gawaine, Sir Agravaine, and Gaheris arose,
+and went to her and saluted her upon their knees, and asked her blessing; for
+in fifteen year 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, the which is shame to
+you all. Alas, where have ye done my dear son that was my joy and bliss? O dear
+mother, said Sir Gawaine, I knew him not. Nor I, said the king, that now me
+repenteth, but thanked be God he is proved a worshipful knight as any is now
+living of his years, and I shall never be glad till I may find him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ah, brother, said the Queen unto King Arthur, and unto Sir Gawaine, and to all
+her sons, ye did yourself great shame when ye amongst you kept my son in the
+kitchen and fed him like a poor hog. Fair sister, said King Arthur, ye shall
+right well wit I knew him not, nor no more did Sir Gawaine, nor his brethren;
+but sithen it is so, said the king, that he is thus gone from us all, we must
+shape a remedy to find him. Also, sister, meseemeth ye might have done me to
+wit of his coming, and then an I had not done well to him ye might have blamed
+me. For when he came to this court he came leaning upon two men&rsquo;s
+shoulders, as though he might not have gone. And then he asked me three gifts;
+and one he asked the same day, that was that I would give him meat enough that
+twelvemonth; and the other two gifts he asked that day a twelvemonth, and that
+was that he might have the adventure of the damosel Linet, and the third was
+that Sir Launcelot should make him knight when he desired him. And so I granted
+him all his desire, and many in this court marvelled that he desired his
+sustenance for a twelvemonth. And thereby, we deemed, many of us, that he was
+not come of a noble house.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sir, said the Queen of Orkney unto King Arthur her brother, wit ye well that I
+sent him unto you right well armed and horsed, and worshipfully beseen of his
+body, and gold and silver plenty to spend. It may be, said the King, but
+thereof saw we none, save that same day as he departed from us, knights told me
+that there came a dwarf hither suddenly, and brought him armour and a good
+horse full well and richly beseen; and thereat we all had marvel from whence
+that riches came, that we deemed all that he was come of men of worship.
+Brother, said the queen, all that ye say I believe, for ever sithen he was
+grown he was marvellously witted, and ever he was faithful and true of his
+promise. But I marvel, said she, that Sir Kay did mock him and scorn him, and
+gave him that name Beaumains; yet, Sir Kay, said the queen, named him more
+righteously than he weened; for I dare say an he be alive, he is as fair an
+handed man and well disposed as any is living. Sir, said Arthur, let this
+language be still, and by the grace of God he shall be found an he be within
+this seven realms, and let all this pass and be merry, for he is proved to be a
+man of worship, and that is my joy.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap145"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.<br/>How King Arthur sent for the Lady
+Lionesse, and how she let cry a tourney at her castle, whereas came many
+knights.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then said Sir Gawaine and his brethren unto Arthur, Sir, an ye will give us
+leave, we will go and seek our brother. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, that shall ye
+not need; and so said Sir Baudwin of Britain: for as by our advice the king
+shall send unto Dame Lionesse a messenger, and pray her that she will come to
+the court in all the haste that she may, and doubt ye not she will come; and
+then she may give you best counsel where ye shall find him. This is well said
+of you, said the king. So then goodly letters were made, and the messenger sent
+forth, that night and day he went till he came unto the Castle Perilous. And
+then the lady Dame Lionesse was sent for, thereas she was with Sir Gringamore
+her brother and Sir Gareth. And when she understood this message, she bade him
+ride on his way unto King Arthur, and she would come after in all goodly haste.
+Then when she came to Sir Gringamore and to Sir Gareth, she told them all how
+King Arthur had sent for her. That is because of me, said Sir Gareth. Now
+advise me, said Dame Lionesse, what shall I say, and in what manner I shall
+rule me. My lady and my love, said Sir Gareth, I pray you in no wise be ye
+aknowen where I am; but well I wot my mother is there and all my brethren, and
+they will take upon them to seek me, I wot well that they do. But this, madam,
+I would ye said and advised the king when he questioned with you of me. Then
+may ye say, this is your advice that, an it like his good grace, ye will do
+make a cry against the feast of the Assumption of our Lady, that what knight
+there proveth him best he shall wield you and all your land. And if so be that
+he be a wedded man, that his wife shall have the degree, and a coronal of gold
+beset with stones of virtue to the value of a thousand pound, and a white
+gerfalcon.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So Dame Lionesse departed and came to King Arthur, where she was nobly
+received, and there she was sore questioned of the king and of the Queen of
+Orkney. And she answered, where Sir Gareth was she could not tell. But thus
+much she said unto Arthur: Sir, I will let cry a tournament that shall be done
+before my castle at the Assumption of our Lady, and the cry shall be this: that
+you, my lord Arthur, shall be there, and your knights, and I will purvey that
+my knights shall be against yours; and then I am sure ye shall hear of Sir
+Gareth. This is well advised, said King Arthur; and so she departed. And the
+king and she made great provision to that tournament.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Dame Lionesse was come to the Isle of Avilion, that was the same isle
+thereas her brother Sir Gringamore dwelt, then she told them all how she had
+done, and what promise she had made to King Arthur. Alas, said Sir Gareth, I
+have been so wounded with unhappiness sithen I came into this castle that I
+shall not be able to do at that tournament like a knight; for I was never
+thoroughly whole since I was hurt. Be ye of good cheer, said the damosel Linet,
+for I undertake within these fifteen days to make ye whole, and as lusty as
+ever ye were. And then she laid an ointment and a salve to him as it pleased to
+her, that he was never so fresh nor so lusty. Then said the damosel Linet: Send
+you unto Sir Persant of Inde, and assummon him and his knights to be here with
+you as they have promised. Also, that ye send unto Sir Ironside, that is the
+Red Knight of the Red Launds, and charge him that he be ready with you with his
+whole sum of knights, and then shall ye be able to match with King Arthur and
+his knights. So this was done, and all knights were sent for unto the Castle
+Perilous; and then the Red Knight answered and said unto Dame Lionesse, and to
+Sir Gareth, Madam, and my lord Sir Gareth, ye shall understand that I have been
+at the court of King Arthur, and Sir Persant of Inde and his brethren, and
+there we have done our homage as ye commanded us. Also Sir Ironside said, I
+have taken upon me with Sir Persant of Inde and his brethren to hold part
+against my lord Sir Launcelot and the knights of that court. And this have I
+done for the love of my lady Dame Lionesse, and you my lord Sir Gareth. Ye have
+well done, said Sir Gareth; but wit you well ye shall be full sore matched with
+the most noble knights of the world; therefore we must purvey us of good
+knights, where we may get them. That is well said, said Sir Persant, and
+worshipfully.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so the cry was made in England, Wales, and Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall, and
+in all the Out Isles, and in Brittany and in many countries; that at the feast
+of our Lady the Assumption next coming, men should come to the Castle Perilous
+beside the Isle of Avilion; and there all the knights that there came should
+have the choice whether them list to be on the one party with the knights of
+the castle, or on the other party with King Arthur. And two months was to the
+day that the tournament should be. And so there came many good knights that
+were at their large, and held them for the most part against King Arthur and
+his knights of the Round Table and came in the side of them of the castle. For
+Sir Epinogrus was the first, and he was the king&rsquo;s son of Northumberland,
+and Sir Palamides the Saracen was another, and Sir Safere his brother, and Sir
+Segwarides his brother, but they were christened, and Sir Malegrine another,
+and Sir Brian de les Isles, a noble knight, and Sir Grummore Grummursum, a good
+knight of Scotland, and Sir Carados of the dolorous tower, a noble knight, and
+Sir Turquine his brother, and Sir Arnold and Sir Gauter, two brethren, good
+knights of Cornwall. There came Sir Tristram de Liones, and with him Sir Dinas,
+the Seneschal, and Sir Sadok; but this Sir Tristram was not at that time knight
+of the Table Round, but he was one of the best knights of the world. And so all
+these noble knights accompanied them with the lady of the castle, and with the
+Red Knight of the Red Launds; but as for Sir Gareth, he would not take upon him
+more but as other mean knights.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap146"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.<br/>How King Arthur went to the
+tournament with his knights, and how the lady received him worshipfully, and
+how the knights encountered.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then there came with King Arthur Sir Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris, his
+brethren. And then his nephews Sir Uwaine le Blanchemains, and Sir Aglovale,
+Sir Tor, Sir Percivale de Galis, and Sir Lamorak de Galis. Then came Sir
+Launcelot du Lake with his brethren, nephews, and cousins, as Sir Lionel, Sir
+Ector de Maris, Sir Bors de Ganis, and Sir Galihodin, Sir Galihud, and many
+more of Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s blood, and Sir Dinadan, Sir La Cote Male Taile,
+his brother, a good knight, and Sir Sagramore, a good knight; and all the most
+part of the Round Table. Also there came with King Arthur these knights, the
+King of Ireland, King Agwisance, and the King of Scotland, King Carados and
+King Uriens of the land of Gore, and King Bagdemagus and his son Sir
+Meliaganus, and Sir Galahault the noble prince. All these kings, princes, and
+earls, barons, and other noble knights, as Sir Brandiles, Sir Uwaine les
+Avoutres, and Sir Kay, Sir Bedivere, Sir Meliot de Logres, Sir Petipase of
+Winchelsea, Sir Godelake: all these came with King Arthur, and more that cannot
+be rehearsed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now leave we of these kings and knights, and let us speak of the great array
+that was made within the castle and about the castle for both parties. The Lady
+Dame Lionesse ordained great array upon her part for her noble knights, for all
+manner of lodging and victual that came by land and by water, that there lacked
+nothing for her party, nor for the other, but there was plenty to be had for
+gold and silver for King Arthur and his knights. And then there came the
+harbingers from King Arthur for to harbour him, and his kings, dukes, earls,
+barons, and knights. And then Sir Gareth prayed Dame Lionesse and the Red
+Knight of the Red Launds, and Sir Persant and his brother, and Sir Gringamore,
+that in no wise there should none of them tell not his name, and make no more
+of him than of the least knight that there was, For, he said, I will not be
+known of neither more nor less, neither at the beginning neither at the ending.
+Then Dame Lionesse said unto Sir Gareth: Sir, I will lend you a ring, but I
+would pray you as you love me heartily let me have it again when the tournament
+is done, for that ring increaseth my beauty much more than it is of himself.
+And the virtue of my ring is that, that is green it will turn to red, and that
+is red it will turn in likeness to green, and that is blue it will turn to
+likeness of white, and that is white it will turn in likeness to blue, and so
+it will do of all manner of colours. Also who that beareth my ring shall lose
+no blood, and for great love I will give you this ring. Gramercy, said Sir
+Gareth, mine own lady, for this ring is passing meet for me, for it will turn
+all manner of likeness that I am in, and that shall cause me that I shall not
+be known. Then Sir Gringamore gave Sir Gareth a bay courser that was a passing
+good horse; also he gave him good armour and sure, and a noble sword that
+sometime Sir Gringamore&rsquo;s father won upon an heathen tyrant. And so thus
+every knight made him ready to that tournament. And King Arthur was come two
+days to-fore the Assumption of our Lady. And there was all manner of royalty of
+all minstrelsy that might be found. Also there came Queen Guenever and the
+Queen of Orkney, Sir Gareth&rsquo;s mother.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And upon the Assumption Day, when mass and matins were done, there were heralds
+with trumpets commanded to blow to the field. And so there came out Sir
+Epinogrus, the king&rsquo;s son of Northumberland, from the castle, and there
+encountered with him Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and either of them brake their
+spears to their hands. And then came in Sir Palamides out of the castle, and
+there encountered with him Gawaine, and either of them smote other so hard that
+both the good knights and their horses fell to the earth. And then knights of
+either party rescued their knights. And then came in Sir Safere and Sir
+Segwarides, brethren to Sir Palamides; and there encountered Sir Agravaine with
+Sir Safere and Sir Gaheris encountered with Sir Segwarides. So Sir Safere smote
+down Agravaine, Sir Gawaine&rsquo;s brother; and Sir Segwarides, Sir
+Safere&rsquo;s brother. And Sir Malegrine, a knight of the castle, encountered
+with Sir Uwaine le Blanchemains, and there Sir Uwaine gave Sir Malegrine a
+fall, that he had almost broke his neck.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap147"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.<br/>How the knights bare them in the
+battle.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Brian de les Isles and Grummore Grummursum, knights of the castle,
+encountered with Sir Aglovale, and Sir Tor smote down Sir Grummore Grummursum
+to the earth. Then came in Sir Carados of the dolorous tower, and Sir Turquine,
+knights of the castle; and there encountered with them Sir Percivale de Galis
+and Sir Lamorak de Galis, that were two brethren. And there encountered Sir
+Percivale with Sir Carados, and either brake their spears unto their hands, and
+then Sir Turquine with Sir Lamorak, and either of them smote down other&rsquo;s
+horse and all to the earth, and either parties rescued other, and horsed them
+again. And Sir Arnold and Sir Gauter, knights of the castle, encountered with
+Sir Brandiles and Sir Kay, and these four knights encountered mightily, and
+brake their spears to their hands. Then came in Sir Tristram, Sir Sadok, and
+Sir Dinas, knights of the castle, and there encountered Sir Tristram with Sir
+Bedivere, and there Sir Bedivere was smitten to the earth both horse and man.
+And Sir Sadok encountered with Sir Petipase, and there Sir Sadok was
+overthrown. And there Uwaine les Avoutres smote down Sir Dinas, the Seneschal.
+Then came in Sir Persant of Inde, a knight of the castle, and there encountered
+with him Sir Launcelot du Lake, and there he smote Sir Persant, horse and man,
+to the earth. Then came Sir Pertolepe from the castle, and there encountered
+with him Sir Lionel, and there Sir Pertolepe, the Green Knight, smote down Sir
+Lionel, brother to Sir Launcelot. All this was marked by noble heralds, who
+bare him best, and their names.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And then came into the field Sir Perimones, the Red Knight, Sir Persant&rsquo;s
+brother, that was a knight of the castle, and he encountered with Sir Ector de
+Maris, and either smote other so hard that both their horses and they fell to
+the earth. And then came in the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and Sir Gareth,
+from the castle, and there encountered with them Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir
+Bleoberis, and there the Red Knight and Sir Bors [either] smote other so hard
+that their spears brast, and their horses fell grovelling to the earth. Then
+Sir Bleoberis brake his spear upon Sir Gareth, but of that stroke Sir Bleoberis
+fell to the earth. When Sir Galihodin saw that he bade Sir Gareth keep him, and
+Sir Gareth smote him to the earth. Then Sir Galihud gat a spear to avenge his
+brother, and in the same wise Sir Gareth served him, and Sir Dinadan and his
+brother, La Cote Male Taile, and Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and Sir Dodinas le
+Savage. All these he bare down with one spear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When King Agwisance of Ireland saw Sir Gareth fare so, he marvelled what he
+might be that one time seemed green, and another time, at his again coming, he
+seemed blue. And thus at every course that he rode to and fro he changed his
+colour, so that there might neither king nor knight have ready cognisance of
+him. Then Sir Agwisance, the King of Ireland, encountered with Sir Gareth, and
+there Sir Gareth smote him from his horse, saddle and all. And then came King
+Carados of Scotland, and Sir Gareth smote him down horse and man. And in the
+same wise he served King Uriens of the land of Gore. And then came in Sir
+Bagdemagus, and Sir Gareth smote him down, horse and man, to the earth. And
+Bagdemagus&rsquo; son, Meliganus, brake a spear upon Sir Gareth mightily and
+knightly. And then Sir Galahault, the noble prince, cried on high: Knight with
+the many colours, well hast thou jousted; now make thee ready that I may joust
+with thee. Sir Gareth heard him, and he gat a great spear, and so they
+encountered together, and there the prince brake his spear; but Sir Gareth
+smote him upon the left side of the helm that he reeled here and there, and he
+had fallen down had not his men recovered him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So God me help, said King Arthur, that same knight with the many colours is a
+good knight. Wherefore the king called unto him Sir Launcelot, and prayed him
+to encounter with that knight. Sir, said Launcelot, I may well find in my heart
+for to forbear him as at this time, for he hath had travail enough this day;
+and when a good knight doth so well upon some day, it is no good knight&rsquo;s
+part to let him of his worship, and namely, when he seeth a knight hath done so
+great labour; for peradventure, said Sir Launcelot, his quarrel is here this
+day, and peradventure he is best beloved with this lady of all that be here;
+for I see well he paineth him and enforceth him to do great deeds, and
+therefore, said Sir Launcelot, as for me, this day he shall have the honour;
+though it lay in my power to put him from it I would not.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap148"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.<br/>Yet of the said tournament.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then when this was done there was drawing of swords, and then there began a
+sore tournament. And there did Sir Lamorak marvellous deeds of arms; and
+betwixt Sir Lamorak and Sir Ironside, that was the Red Knight of the Red
+Launds, there was strong battle; and betwixt Sir Palamides and Bleoberis there
+was a strong battle; and Sir Gawaine and Sir Tristram met, and there Sir
+Gawaine had the worse, for he pulled Sir Gawaine from his horse, and there he
+was long upon foot, and defouled. Then came in Sir Launcelot, and he smote Sir
+Turquine, and he him; and then came Sir Carados his brother, and both at once
+they assailed him, and he as the most noblest knight of the world worshipfully
+fought with them both, that all men wondered of the noblesse of Sir Launcelot.
+And then came in Sir Gareth, and knew that it was Sir Launcelot that fought
+with the two perilous knights. And then Sir Gareth came with his good horse and
+hurtled them in-sunder, and no stroke would he smite to Sir Launcelot. That
+espied Sir Launcelot, and deemed it should be the good knight Sir Gareth: and
+then Sir Gareth rode here and there, and smote on the right hand and on the
+left hand, and all the folk might well espy where that he rode. And by fortune
+he met with his brother Sir Gawaine, and there he put Sir Gawaine to the worse,
+for he put off his helm, and so he served five or six knights of the Round
+Table, that all men said he put him in the most pain, and best he did his
+devoir. For when Sir Tristram beheld him how he first jousted and after fought
+so well with a sword, then he rode unto Sir Ironside and to Sir Persant of
+Inde, and asked them, by their faith, What manner a knight is yonder knight
+that seemeth in so many divers colours? Truly, meseemeth, said Tristram, that
+he putteth himself in great pain, for he never ceaseth. Wot ye not what he is?
+said Sir Ironside. No, said Sir Tristram. Then shall ye know that this is he
+that loveth the lady of the castle, and she him again; and this is he that won
+me when I besieged the lady of this castle, and this is he that won Sir Persant
+of Inde, and his three brethren. What is his name, said Sir Tristram, and of
+what blood is he come? He was called in the court of King Arthur, Beaumains,
+but his right name is Sir Gareth of Orkney, brother to Sir Gawaine. By my head,
+said Sir Tristram, he is a good knight, and a big man of arms, and if he be
+young he shall prove a full noble knight. He is but a child, they all said, and
+of Sir Launcelot he was made knight. Therefore he is mickle the better, said
+Tristram. And then Sir Tristram, Sir Ironside, Sir Persant, and his brother,
+rode together for to help Sir Gareth; and then there were given many strong
+strokes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And then Sir Gareth rode out on the one side to amend his helm; and then said
+his dwarf: Take me your ring, that ye lose it not while that ye drink. And so
+when he had drunk he gat on his helm, and eagerly took his horse and rode into
+the field, and left his ring with his dwarf; and the dwarf was glad the ring
+was from him, for then he wist well he should be known. And then when Sir
+Gareth was in the field all folks saw him well and plainly that he was in
+yellow colours; and there he rased off helms and pulled down knights, that King
+Arthur had marvel what knight he was, for the king saw by his hair that it was
+the same knight.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap149"></a>CHAPTER XXX.<br/>How Sir Gareth was espied by the
+heralds, and how he escaped out of the field.</h3>
+
+<p>
+But before he was in so many colours, and now he is but in one colour; that is
+yellow. Now go, said King Arthur unto divers heralds, and ride about him, and
+espy what manner knight he is, for I have spered of many knights this day that
+be upon his party, and all say they know him not.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so an herald rode nigh Gareth as he could; and there he saw written about
+his helm in gold, This helm is Sir Gareth of Orkney.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the herald cried as he were wood, and many heralds with him:&mdash;This is
+Sir Gareth of Orkney in the yellow arms; that by all kings and knights of
+Arthur&rsquo;s beheld him and awaited; and then they pressed all to behold him,
+and ever the heralds cried: This is Sir Gareth of Orkney, King Lot&rsquo;s son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when Sir Gareth espied that he was discovered, then he doubled his strokes,
+and smote down Sir Sagramore, and his brother Sir Gawaine.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+O brother, said Sir Gawaine, I weened ye would not have stricken me.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when he heard him say so he thrang here and there, and so with great pain he
+gat out of the press, and there he met with his dwarf. O boy, said Sir Gareth,
+thou hast beguiled me foul this day that thou kept my ring; give it me anon
+again, that I may hide my body withal; and so he took it him. And then they all
+wist not where he was become; and Sir Gawaine had in manner espied where Sir
+Gareth rode, and then he rode after with all his might. That espied Sir Gareth,
+and rode lightly into the forest, that Sir Gawaine wist not where he was
+become. And when Sir Gareth wist that Sir Gawaine was passed, he asked the
+dwarf of best counsel. Sir, said the dwarf, meseemeth it were best, now that ye
+are escaped from spying, that ye send my lady Dame Lionesse her ring. It is
+well advised, said Sir Gareth; now have it here and bear it to her, and say
+that I recommend me unto her good grace, and say her I will come when I may,
+and I pray her to be true and faithful to me as I will be to her. Sir, said the
+dwarf, it shall be done as ye command: and so he rode his way, and did his
+errand unto the lady. Then she said, Where is my knight, Sir Gareth? Madam,
+said the dwarf, he bade me say that he would not be long from you. And so
+lightly the dwarf came again unto Sir Gareth, that would full fain have had a
+lodging, for he had need to be reposed. And then fell there a thunder and a
+rain, as heaven and earth should go together. And Sir Gareth was not a little
+weary, for of all that day he had but little rest, neither his horse nor he. So
+this Sir Gareth rode so long in that forest until the night came. And ever it
+lightened and thundered, as it had been wood. At the last by fortune he came to
+a castle, and there he heard the waits upon the walls.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap150"></a>CHAPTER XXXI.<br/>How Sir Gareth came to a castle
+where he was well lodged, and he jousted with a knight and slew him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Gareth rode unto the barbican of the castle, and prayed the porter
+fair to let him into the castle. The porter answered ungoodly again, and said,
+Thou gettest no lodging here. Fair sir, say not so, for I am a knight of King
+Arthur&rsquo;s, and pray the lord or the lady of this castle to give me harbour
+for the love of King Arthur. Then the porter went unto the duchess, and told
+her how there was a knight of King Arthur&rsquo;s would have harbour. Let him
+in, said the duchess, for I will see that knight, and for King Arthur&rsquo;s
+sake he shall not be harbourless. Then she yode up into a tower over the gate,
+with great torchlight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Gareth saw that torch-light he cried on high: Whether thou be lord or
+lady, giant or champion, I take no force so that I may have harbour this night;
+and if it so be that I must needs fight, spare me not to-morn when I have
+rested me, for both I and mine horse be weary. Sir knight, said the lady, thou
+speakest knightly and boldly; but wit thou well the lord of this castle loveth
+not King Arthur, nor none of his court, for my lord hath ever been against him;
+and therefore thou were better not to come within this castle; for an thou come
+in this night, thou must come in under such form, that wheresomever thou meet
+my lord, by stigh or by street, thou must yield thee to him as prisoner. Madam,
+said Sir Gareth, what is your lord, and what is his name? Sir, my lord&rsquo;s
+name is the Duke de la Rowse. Well madam, said Sir Gareth, I shall promise you
+in what place I meet your lord I shall yield me unto him and to his good grace;
+with that I understand he will do me no harm: and if I understand that he will,
+I will release myself an I can with my spear and my sword. Ye say well, said
+the duchess; and then she let the drawbridge down, and so he rode into the
+hall, and there he alighted, and his horse was led into a stable; and in the
+hall he unarmed him and said, Madam, I will not out of this hall this night;
+and when it is daylight, let see who will have ado with me, he shall find me
+ready. Then was he set unto supper, and had many good dishes. Then Sir Gareth
+list well to eat, and knightly he ate his meat, and eagerly; there was many a
+fair lady by him, and some said they never saw a goodlier man nor so well of
+eating. Then they made him passing good cheer, and shortly when he had supped
+his bed was made there; so he rested him all night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And on the morn he heard mass, and brake his fast and took his leave at the
+duchess, and at them all; and thanked her goodly of her lodging, and of his
+good cheer; and then she asked him his name. Madam, he said, truly my name is
+Gareth of Orkney, and some men call me Beaumains. Then knew she well it was the
+same knight that fought for Dame Lionesse. So Sir Gareth departed and rode up
+into a mountain, and there met him a knight, his name was Sir Bendelaine, and
+said to Sir Gareth: Thou shalt not pass this way, for either thou shalt joust
+with me, or else be my prisoner. Then will I joust, said Sir Gareth. And so
+they let their horses run, and there Sir Gareth smote him throughout the body;
+and Sir Bendelaine rode forth to his castle there beside, and there died. So
+Sir Gareth would have rested him, and he came riding to Bendelaine&rsquo;s
+castle. Then his knights and servants espied that it was he that had slain
+their lord. Then they armed twenty good men, and came out and assailed Sir
+Gareth; and so he had no spear, but his sword, and put his shield afore him;
+and there they brake their spears upon him, and they assailed him passingly
+sore. But ever Sir Gareth defended him as a knight.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap151"></a>CHAPTER XXXII.<br/>How Sir Gareth fought with a
+knight that held within his castle thirty ladies, and how he slew him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So when they saw that they might not overcome him, they rode from him, and took
+their counsel to slay his horse; and so they came in upon Sir Gareth, and with
+spears they slew his horse, and then they assailed him hard. But when he was on
+foot, there was none that he fought but he gave him such a buffet that he did
+never recover. So he slew them by one and one till they were but four, and
+there they fled; and Sir Gareth took a good horse that was one of theirs, and
+rode his way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then he rode a great pace till that he came to a castle, and there he heard
+much mourning of ladies and gentlewomen. So there came by him a page. What
+noise is this, said Sir Gareth, that I hear within this castle? Sir knight,
+said the page, here be within this castle thirty ladies, and all they be
+widows; for here is a knight that waiteth daily upon this castle, and his name
+is the Brown Knight without Pity, and he is the periloust knight that now
+liveth; and therefore sir, said the page, I rede you flee. Nay, said Sir
+Gareth, I will not flee though thou be afeard of him. And then the page saw
+where came the Brown Knight: Lo, said the page, yonder he cometh. Let me deal
+with him, said Sir Gareth. And when either of other had a sight they let their
+horses run, and the Brown Knight brake his spear, and Sir Gareth smote him
+throughout the body, that he overthrew him to the ground stark dead. So Sir
+Gareth rode into the castle, and prayed the ladies that he might repose him.
+Alas, said the ladies, ye may not be lodged here. Make him good cheer, said the
+page, for this knight hath slain your enemy. Then they all made him good cheer
+as lay in their power. But wit ye well they made him good cheer, for they might
+none otherwise do, for they were but poor.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so on the morn he went to mass, and there he saw the thirty ladies kneel,
+and lay grovelling upon divers tombs, making great dole and sorrow. Then Sir
+Gareth wist well that in the tombs lay their lords. Fair ladies, said Sir
+Gareth, ye must at the next feast of Pentecost be at the court of King Arthur,
+and say that I, Sir Gareth, sent you thither. We shall do this, said the
+ladies. So he departed, and by fortune he came to a mountain, and there he
+found a goodly knight that bade him, Abide sir knight, and joust with me. What
+are ye? said Sir Gareth. My name is, said he, the Duke de la Rowse. Ah sir, ye
+are the same knight that I lodged once in your castle; and there I made promise
+unto your lady that I should yield me unto you. Ah, said the duke, art thou
+that proud knight that profferest to fight with my knights; therefore make thee
+ready, for I will have ado with you. So they let their horses run, and there
+Sir Gareth smote the duke down from his horse. But the duke lightly avoided his
+horse, and dressed his shield and drew his sword, and bade Sir Gareth alight
+and fight with him. So he did alight, and they did great battle together more
+than an hour, and either hurt other full sore. At the last Sir Gareth gat the
+duke to the earth, and would have slain him, and then he yield him to him. Then
+must ye go, said Sir Gareth, unto Sir Arthur my lord at the next feast, and say
+that I, Sir Gareth of Orkney, sent you unto him. It shall be done, said the
+duke, and I will do to you homage and fealty with an hundred knights with me;
+and all the days of my life to do you service where ye will command me.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap152"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII.<br/>How Sir Gareth and Sir Gawaine
+fought each against other, and how they knew each other by the damosel
+Linet.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So the duke departed, and Sir Gareth stood there alone; and there he saw an
+armed knight coming toward him. Then Sir Gareth took the duke&rsquo;s shield,
+and mounted upon horseback, and so without biding they ran together as it had
+been the thunder. And there that knight hurt Sir Gareth under the side with his
+spear. And then they alighted and drew their swords, and gave great strokes
+that the blood trailed to the ground. And so they fought two hours.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At the last there came the damosel Linet, that some men called the damosel
+Savage, and she came riding upon an ambling mule; and there she cried all on
+high, Sir Gawaine, Sir Gawaine, leave thy fighting with thy brother Sir Gareth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when he heard her say so he threw away his shield and his sword, and ran to
+Sir Gareth, and took him in his arms, and sithen kneeled down and asked him
+mercy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+What are ye, said Sir Gareth, that right now were so strong and so mighty, and
+now so suddenly yield you to me? O Gareth, I am your brother Sir Gawaine, that
+for your sake have had great sorrow and labour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Gareth unlaced his helm, and kneeled down to him, and asked him mercy.
+Then they rose both, and embraced either other in their arms, and wept a great
+while or they might speak, and either of them gave other the prize of the
+battle. And there were many kind words between them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Alas, my fair brother, said Sir Gawaine, perdy I owe of right to worship you an
+ye were not my brother, for ye have worshipped King Arthur and all his court,
+for ye have sent me more worshipful knights this twelvemonth than six the best
+of the Round Table have done, except Sir Launcelot.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then came the damosel Savage that was the Lady Linet, that rode with Sir Gareth
+so long, and there she did staunch Sir Gareth&rsquo;s wounds and Sir
+Gawaine&rsquo;s. Now what will ye do? said the damosel Savage; meseemeth that
+it were well done that Arthur had witting of you both, for your horses are so
+bruised that they may not bear. Now, fair damosel, said Sir Gawaine, I pray you
+ride unto my lord mine uncle, King Arthur, and tell him what adventure is to me
+betid here, and I suppose he will not tarry long. Then she took her mule, and
+lightly she came to King Arthur that was but two mile thence. And when she had
+told him tidings the king bade get him a palfrey. And when he was upon his back
+he bade the lords and ladies come after, who that would; and there was saddling
+and bridling of queens&rsquo; horses and princes&rsquo; horses, and well was
+him that soonest might be ready.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when the king came thereas they were, he saw Sir Gawaine and Sir Gareth sit
+upon a little hill-side, and then the king avoided his horse. And when he came
+nigh Sir Gareth he would have spoken but he might not; and therewith he sank
+down in a swoon for gladness. And so they stert unto their uncle, and required
+him of his good grace to be of good comfort. Wit ye well the king made great
+joy, and many a piteous complaint he made to Sir Gareth, and ever he wept as he
+had been a child. With that came his mother, the Queen of Orkney, Dame
+Morgawse, and when she saw Sir Gareth readily in the visage she might not weep,
+but suddenly fell down in a swoon, and lay there a great while like as she had
+been dead. And then Sir Gareth recomforted his mother in such wise that she
+recovered and made good cheer. Then the king commanded that all manner of
+knights that were under his obeissance should make their lodging right there
+for the love of his nephews. And so it was done, and all manner of purveyance
+purveyed, that there lacked nothing that might be gotten of tame nor wild for
+gold or silver. And then by the means of the damosel Savage Sir Gawaine and Sir
+Gareth were healed of their wounds; and there they sojourned eight days.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then said King Arthur unto the damosel Savage: I marvel that your sister, Dame
+Lionesse, cometh not here to me, and in especial that she cometh not to visit
+her knight, my nephew Sir Gareth, that hath had so much travail for her love.
+My lord, said the damosel Linet, ye must of your good grace hold her excused,
+for she knoweth not that my lord, Sir Gareth, is here. Go then for her, said
+King Arthur, that we may be appointed what is best to be done, according to the
+pleasure of my nephew. Sir, said the damosel, that shall be done, and so she
+rode unto her sister. And as lightly as she might she made her ready; and she
+came on the morn with her brother Sir Gringamore, and with her forty knights.
+And so when she was come she had all the cheer that might be done, both of the
+king, and of many other kings and queens.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap153"></a>CHAPTER XXXIV.<br/>How Sir Gareth acknowledged that
+they loved each other to King Arthur, and of the appointment of their
+wedding.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And among all these ladies she was named the fairest, and peerless. Then when
+Sir Gawaine saw her there was many a goodly look and goodly words, that all men
+of worship had joy to behold them. Then came King Arthur and many other kings,
+and Dame Guenever, and the Queen of Orkney. And there the king asked his
+nephew, Sir Gareth, whether he would have that lady as paramour, or to have her
+to his wife. My lord, wit you well that I love her above all ladies living.
+Now, fair lady, said King Arthur, what say ye? Most noble King, said Dame
+Lionesse, wit you well that my lord, Sir Gareth, is to me more liefer to have
+and wield as my husband, than any king or prince that is christened; and if I
+may not have him I promise you I will never have none. For, my lord Arthur,
+said Dame Lionesse, wit ye well he is my first love, and he shall be the last;
+and if ye will suffer him to have his will and free choice I dare say he will
+have me. That is truth, said Sir Gareth; an I have not you and wield not you as
+my wife, there shall never lady nor gentlewoman rejoice me. What, nephew, said
+the king, is the wind in that door? for wit ye well I would not for the stint
+of my crown to be causer to withdraw your hearts; and wit ye well ye cannot
+love so well but I shall rather increase it than distress it. And also ye shall
+have my love and my lordship in the uttermost wise that may lie in my power.
+And in the same wise said Sir Gareth&rsquo;s mother.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then there was made a provision for the day of marriage; and by the
+king&rsquo;s advice it was provided that it should be at Michaelmas following,
+at Kink Kenadon by the seaside, for there is a plentiful country. And so it was
+cried in all the places through the realm. And then Sir Gareth sent his summons
+to all these knights and ladies that he had won in battle to-fore, that they
+should be at his day of marriage at Kink Kenadon by the sands.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And then Dame Lionesse, and the damosel Linet with Sir Gringamore, rode to
+their castle; and a goodly and a rich ring she gave to Sir Gareth, and he gave
+her another. And King Arthur gave her a rich pair of bee of gold; and so she
+departed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And King Arthur and his fellowship rode toward Kink Kenadon, and Sir Gareth
+brought his lady on the way, and so came to the king again and rode with him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Lord! the great cheer that Sir Launcelot made of Sir Gareth and he of him, for
+there was never no knight that Sir Gareth loved so well as he did Sir
+Launcelot; and ever for the most part he would be in Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s
+company; for after Sir Gareth had espied Sir Gawaine&rsquo;s conditions, he
+withdrew himself from his brother, Sir Gawaine&rsquo;s, fellowship, for he was
+vengeable, and where he hated he would be avenged with murder, and that hated
+Sir Gareth.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap154"></a>CHAPTER XXXV.<br/>Of the Great Royalty, and what
+officers were made at the feast of the wedding, and of the jousts at the
+feast.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So it drew fast to Michaelmas; and thither came Dame Lionesse, the lady of the
+Castle Perilous, and her sister, Dame Linet, with Sir Gringamore, her brother,
+with them for he had the conduct of these ladies. And there they were lodged at
+the device of King Arthur. And upon Michaelmas Day the Bishop of Canterbury
+made the wedding betwixt Sir Gareth and the Lady Lionesse with great solemnity.
+And King Arthur made Gaheris to wed the Damosel Savage, that was Dame Linet;
+and King Arthur made Sir Agravaine to wed Dame Lionesse&rsquo;s niece, a fair
+lady, her name was Dame Laurel.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so when this solemnization was done, then came in the Green Knight, Sir
+Pertolepe, with thirty knights, and there he did homage and fealty to Sir
+Gareth, and these knights to hold of him for evermore. Also Sir Pertolepe said:
+I pray you that at this feast I may be your chamberlain. With a good will, said
+Sir Gareth sith it liketh you to take so simple an office. Then came in the Red
+Knight, with three score knights with him, and did to Sir Gareth homage and
+fealty, and all those knights to hold of him for evermore. And then this Sir
+Perimones prayed Sir Gareth to grant him to be his chief butler at that high
+feast. I will well, said Sir Gareth, that ye have this office, and it were
+better. Then came in Sir Persant of Inde, with an hundred knights with him, and
+there he did homage and fealty, and all his knights should do him service, and
+hold their lands of him for ever; and there he prayed Sir Gareth to make him
+his sewer-chief at the feast. I will well, said Sir Gareth, that ye have it and
+it were better. Then came the Duke de la Rowse with an hundred knights with
+him, and there he did homage and fealty to Sir Gareth, and so to hold their
+lands of him for ever. And he required Sir Gareth that he might serve him of
+the wine that day of that feast. I will well, said Sir Gareth, and it were
+better. Then came in the Red Knight of the Red Launds, that was Sir Ironside,
+and he brought with him three hundred knights, and there he did homage and
+fealty, and all these knights to hold their lands of him for ever. And then he
+asked Sir Gareth to be his carver. I will well, said Sir Gareth, an it please
+you.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then came into the court thirty ladies, and all they seemed widows, and those
+thirty ladies brought with them many fair gentlewomen. And all they kneeled
+down at once unto King Arthur and unto Sir Gareth, and there all those ladies
+told the king how Sir Gareth delivered them from the dolorous tower, and slew
+the Brown Knight without Pity: And therefore we, and our heirs for evermore,
+will do homage unto Sir Gareth of Orkney. So then the kings and queens, princes
+and earls, barons and many bold knights, went unto meat; and well may ye wit
+there were all manner of meat plenteously, all manner revels and games, with
+all manner of minstrelsy that was used in those days. Also there was great
+jousts three days. But the king would not suffer Sir Gareth to joust, because
+of his new bride; for, as the French book saith, that Dame Lionesse desired of
+the king that none that were wedded should joust at that feast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the first day there jousted Sir Lamorak de Galis, for he overthrew thirty
+knights, and did passing marvellously deeds of arms; and then King Arthur made
+Sir Persant and his two brethren Knights of the Round Table to their
+lives&rsquo; end, and gave them great lands. Also the second day there jousted
+Tristram best, and he overthrew forty knights, and did there marvellous deeds
+of arms. And there King Arthur made Ironside, that was the Red Knight of the
+Red Launds, a Knight of the Table Round to his life&rsquo;s end, and gave him
+great lands. The third day there jousted Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he
+overthrew fifty knights, and did many marvellous deeds of arms, that all men
+wondered on him. And there King Arthur made the Duke de la Rowse a Knight of
+the Round Table to his life&rsquo;s end, and gave him great lands to spend. But
+when these jousts were done, Sir Lamorak and Sir Tristram departed suddenly,
+and would not be known, for the which King Arthur and all the court were sore
+displeased. And 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.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus endeth this tale of Sir Gareth of Orkney that wedded Dame Lionesse of the
+Castle Perilous. And also Sir Gaheris wedded her sister, Dame Linet, that was
+called the Damosel Sabage. And Sir Agrabaine wedded Dame Laurel, a fair lady
+and great, and mighty lands with great riches gave with them King Arthur, that
+royally they might live till their lives&rsquo; end.
+</p>
+
+<h5> Here followeth the viii. book, the which is the first book of Sir Tristram
+de Liones, and who was his father and his mother, and how he was born and
+fostered, and how he was made knight. </h5>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="part08"></a>BOOK VIII.</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap155"></a>CHAPTER I.<br/>How Sir Tristram de Liones was born,
+and how his mother died at his birth, wherefore she named him Tristram.</h3>
+
+<p>
+It was a king that hight Meliodas, and he was lord and king of the country of
+Liones, and this Meliodas was a likely knight as any was that time living. And
+by fortune he wedded King Mark&rsquo;s sister of Cornwall, and she was called
+Elizabeth, that was called both good and fair. And at that time King Arthur
+reigned, and he was whole king of England, Wales, and Scotland, and of many
+other realms: howbeit there were many kings that were lords of many countries,
+but all they held their lands of King Arthur; for in Wales were two kings, and
+in the north were many kings; and in Cornwall and in the west were two kings;
+also in Ireland were two or three kings, and all were under the obeissance of
+King Arthur. So was the King of France, and the King of Brittany, and all the
+lordships unto Rome.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when this King Meliodas had been with his wife, within a while she waxed
+great with child, and she was a full meek lady, and well she loved her lord,
+and he her again, so there was great joy betwixt them. Then there was a lady in
+that country that had loved King Meliodas long, and by no mean she never could
+get his love; therefore she let ordain upon a day, as King Meliodas rode
+a-hunting, for he was a great chaser, and there by an enchantment she made him
+chase an hart by himself alone till that he came to an old castle, and there
+anon he was taken prisoner by the lady that him loved. When Elizabeth, King
+Meliodas&rsquo; wife, missed her lord, and she was nigh out of her wit, and
+also as great with child as she was, she took a gentlewoman with her, and ran
+into the forest to seek her lord. And when she was far in the forest she might
+no farther, for she began to travail fast of her child. And she had many grimly
+throes; her gentlewoman helped her all that she might, and so by miracle of Our
+Lady of Heaven she was delivered with great pains. But she had taken such cold
+for the default of help that deep draughts of death took her, that needs she
+must die and depart out of this world; there was none other bote.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when this Queen Elizabeth saw that there was none other bote, then she made
+great dole, and said unto her gentlewoman: When ye see my lord, King Meliodas,
+recommend me unto him, and tell him what pains I endure here for his love, and
+how I must die here for his sake for default of good help; and let him wit that
+I am full sorry to depart out of this world from him, therefore pray him to be
+friend to my soul. Now let me see my little child, for whom I have had all this
+sorrow. And when she saw him she said thus: Ah, my little son, thou hast
+murdered thy mother, and therefore I suppose, thou that art a murderer so
+young, thou art full likely to be a manly man in thine age. And because I shall
+die of the birth of thee, I charge thee, gentlewoman, that thou pray my lord,
+King Meliodas, that when he is christened let call him Tristram, that is as
+much to say as a sorrowful birth. And therewith this queen gave up the ghost
+and died. Then the gentlewoman laid her under an umbre of a great tree, and
+then she lapped the child as well as she might for cold. Right so there came
+the barons, following after the queen, and when they saw that she was dead, and
+understood none other but the king was destroyed.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap156"></a>CHAPTER II.<br/>How the stepmother of Sir Tristram
+had ordained poison for to have poisoned Sir Tristram.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then certain of them would have slain the child, because they would have been
+lords of the country of Liones. But then through the fair speech of the
+gentlewoman, and by the means that she made, the most part of the barons would
+not assent thereto. And then they let carry home the dead queen, and much dole
+was made for her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then this meanwhile Merlin delivered King Meliodas out of prison on the morn
+after his queen was dead. And so when the king was come home the most part of
+the barons made great joy. But the sorrow that the king made for his queen that
+might no tongue tell. So then the king let inter her richly, and after he let
+christen his child as his wife had commanded afore her death. And then he let
+call him Tristram, the sorrowful born child. Then the King Meliodas endured
+seven years without a wife, and all this time Tristram was nourished well. Then
+it befell that King Meliodas wedded King Howell&rsquo;s daughter of Brittany,
+and anon she had children of King Meliodas: then was she heavy and wroth that
+her children should not rejoice the country of Liones, wherefore this queen
+ordained for to poison young Tristram. So she let poison be put in a piece of
+silver in the chamber whereas Tristram and her children were together, unto
+that intent that when Tristram were thirsty he should drink that drink. And so
+it fell upon a day, the queen&rsquo;s son, as he was in that chamber, espied
+the piece with poison, and he weened it had been good drink, and because the
+child was thirsty he took the piece with poison and drank freely; and
+therewithal suddenly the child brast and was dead.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When the queen of Meliodas wist of the death of her son, wit ye well that she
+was heavy. But yet the king understood nothing of her treason. Notwithstanding
+the queen would not leave this, but eft she let ordain more poison, and put it
+in a piece. And by fortune King Meliodas, her husband, found the piece with
+wine where was the poison, and he that was much thirsty took the piece for to
+drink thereout. And as he would have drunken thereof the queen espied him, and
+then she ran unto him, and pulled the piece from him suddenly. The king
+marvelled why she did so, and remembered him how her son was suddenly slain
+with poison. And then he took her by the hand, and said: Thou false traitress,
+thou shalt tell me what manner of drink this is, or else I shall slay thee. And
+therewith he pulled out his sword, and sware a great oath that he should slay
+her but if she told him truth. Ah! mercy, my lord, said she, and I shall tell
+you all. And then she told him why she would have slain Tristram, because her
+children should rejoice his land. Well, said King Meliodas, and therefore shall
+ye have the law. And so she was condemned by the assent of the barons to be
+burnt; and then was there made a great fire, and right as she was at the fire
+to take her execution, young Tristram kneeled afore King Meliodas, and besought
+him to give him a boon. I will well, said the king again. Then said young
+Tristram, Give me the life of thy queen, my stepmother. That is unrightfully
+asked, said King Meliodas, for thou ought of right to hate her, for she would
+have slain thee with that poison an she might have had her will; and for thy
+sake most is my cause that she should die.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sir, said Tristram, as for that, I beseech you of your mercy that you will
+forgive it her, and as for my part, God forgive it her, and I do; and so much
+it liked your highness to grant me my boon, for God&rsquo;s love I require you
+hold your promise. Sithen it is so, said the king, I will that ye have her
+life. Then, said the king, I give her to you, and 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 the death. But after that King
+Meliodas would never have ado with her, as at bed and board. But by the good
+means of young Tristram he made the king and her accorded. But then the king
+would not suffer young Tristram to abide no longer in his court.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap157"></a>CHAPTER III.<br/>How Sir Tristram was sent into
+France, and had one to govern him named Gouvernail, and how he learned to harp,
+hawk, and hunt.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then he let ordain a gentleman that was well learned and taught, his name
+was Gouvernail; and then he sent young Tristram with Gouvernail into France to
+learn the language, and nurture, and deeds of arms. And there was Tristram more
+than seven years. And then when he well could speak the language, and had
+learned all that he might learn in that country, then he came home to his
+father, King Meliodas, again. And so Tristram learned to be an harper passing
+all other, that there was none such called in no country, and so on harping and
+on instruments of music he applied him in his youth for to learn.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And after, as he grew in might and strength, he laboured ever in hunting and in
+hawking, so that never gentleman more, that ever we heard read of. And as the
+book saith, he began good measures of blowing of beasts of venery, and beasts
+of chase, and all manner of vermin, and all these terms we have yet of hawking
+and hunting. And therefore the book of venery, of hawking, and hunting, is
+called the book of Sir Tristram. Wherefore, as meseemeth, all gentlemen that
+bear old arms ought of right to honour Sir Tristram for the goodly terms that
+gentlemen have and use, and shall to the day of doom, that thereby in a manner
+all men of worship may dissever a gentleman from a yeoman, and from a yeoman a
+villain. For he that gentle is will draw him unto gentle tatches, and to follow
+the customs of noble gentlemen.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus Sir Tristram endured in Cornwall until he was big and strong, of the age
+of eighteen years. And then the King Meliodas had great joy of Sir Tristram,
+and so had the queen, his wife. For ever after in her life, because Sir
+Tristram saved her from the fire, she did never hate him more after, but loved
+him ever after, and gave Tristram many great gifts; for every estate loved him,
+where that he went.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap158"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br/>How Sir Marhaus came out of Ireland
+for to ask truage of Cornwall, or else he would fight therefore.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then it befell that King Anguish of Ireland sent unto King Mark of Cornwall for
+his truage, that Cornwall had paid many winters. And all that time King Mark
+was behind of the truage for seven years. And King Mark and his barons gave
+unto the messenger of Ireland these words and answer, that they would none pay;
+and bade the messenger go unto his King Anguish, and tell him we will pay him
+no truage, but tell your lord, an he will always have truage of us of Cornwall,
+bid him send a trusty knight of his land, that will fight for his right, and we
+shall find another for to defend our right. With this answer the messengers
+departed into Ireland. And when King Anguish understood the answer of the
+messengers he was wonderly wroth. And then he called unto him Sir Marhaus, the
+good knight, that was nobly proved, and a Knight of the Table Round. And this
+Marhaus was brother unto the queen of Ireland. Then the king said thus: Fair
+brother, Sir Marhaus, I pray you go into Cornwall for my sake, and do battle
+for our truage that of right we ought to have; and whatsomever ye spend ye
+shall have sufficiently, more than ye shall need. Sir, said Marhaus, wit ye
+well that I shall not be loath to do battle in the right of you and your land
+with the best knight of the Table Round; for I know them, for the most part,
+what be their deeds; and for to advance my deeds and to increase my worship I
+will right gladly go unto this journey for our right.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So in all haste there was made purveyance for Sir Marhaus, and he had all
+things that to him needed; and so he departed out of Ireland, and arrived up in
+Cornwall even fast by the Castle of Tintagil. And when King Mark understood
+that he was there arrived to fight for Ireland, then made King Mark great
+sorrow when he understood that the good and noble knight Sir Marhaus was come.
+For they knew no knight that durst have ado with him. For at that time Sir
+Marhaus was called one of the famousest and renowned knights of the world. And
+thus Sir Marhaus abode in the sea, and every day he sent unto King Mark for to
+pay the truage that was behind of seven year, other else to find a knight to
+fight with him for the truage. This manner of message Sir Marhaus sent daily
+unto King Mark.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then they of Cornwall let make cries in every place, that what knight would
+fight for to save the truage of Cornwall, he should be rewarded so that he
+should fare the better, term of his life. Then some of the barons said to King
+Mark, and counselled him to send to the court of King Arthur for to seek Sir
+Launcelot du Lake, that was that time named for the marvelloust knight of all
+the world. Then there were some other barons that counselled the king not to do
+so, and said that it was labour in vain, because Sir Marhaus was a knight of
+the Round Table, therefore any of them will be loath to have ado with other,
+but if it were any knight at his own request would fight disguised and unknown.
+So the king and all his barons assented that it was no bote to seek any knight
+of the Round Table. This mean while came the language and the noise unto King
+Meliodas, how that Sir Marhaus abode battle fast by Tintagil, and how King Mark
+could find no manner knight to fight for him. When young Tristram heard of this
+he was wroth, and sore ashamed that there durst no knight in Cornwall have ado
+with Sir Marhaus of Ireland.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap159"></a>CHAPTER V.<br/>How Tristram enterprized the battle to
+fight for the truage of Cornwall, and how he was made knight.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Therewithal Tristram went unto his father, King Meliodas, and asked him counsel
+what was best to do for to recover Cornwall from truage. For, as meseemeth,
+said Sir Tristram, it were shame that Sir Marhaus, the queen&rsquo;s brother of
+Ireland, should go away unless that he were foughten withal. As for that, said
+King Meliodas, wit you well, son Tristram, that Sir Marhaus is called one of
+the best knights of the world, and Knight of the Table Round; and therefore I
+know no knight in this country that is able to match with him. Alas, said Sir
+Tristram, that I am not made knight; and if Sir Marhaus should thus depart into
+Ireland, God let me never have worship: an I were made knight I should match
+him. And sir, said Tristram, I pray you give me leave to ride to King Mark;
+and, so ye be not displeased, of King Mark will I be made knight. I will well,
+said King Meliodas, that ye be ruled as your courage will rule you. Then Sir
+Tristram thanked his father much. And then he made him ready to ride into
+Cornwall.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In the meanwhile there came a messenger with letters of love from King Faramon
+of France&rsquo;s daughter unto Sir Tristram, that were full piteous letters,
+and in them were written many complaints of love; but Sir Tristram had no joy
+of her letters nor regard unto her. Also she sent him a little brachet that was
+passing fair. But when the king&rsquo;s daughter understood that Sir Tristram
+would not love her, as the book saith, she died for sorrow. And then the same
+squire that brought the letter and the brachet came again unto Sir Tristram, as
+after ye shall hear in the tale.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So this young Sir Tristram rode unto his eme, King Mark of Cornwall. And when
+he came there he heard say that there would no knight fight with Sir Marhaus.
+Then yede Sir Tristram unto his eme and said: Sir, if ye will give me the order
+of knighthood, I will do battle with Sir Marhaus. What are ye, said the king,
+and from whence be ye come? Sir, said Tristram, I come from King Meliodas that
+wedded your sister, and a gentleman wit ye well I am. King Mark beheld Sir
+Tristram and saw that he was but a young man of age, but he was passingly well
+made and big. Fair sir, said the king, what is your name, and where were ye
+born? Sir, said he again, my name is Tristram, and in the country of Liones was
+I born. Ye say well, said the king; and if ye will do this battle I shall make
+you knight. Therefore I come to you, said Sir Tristram, and for none other
+cause. But then King Mark made him knight. And therewithal, anon as he had made
+him knight, he sent a messenger unto Sir Marhaus with letters that said that he
+had found a young knight ready for to take the battle to the uttermost. It may
+well be, said Sir Marhaus; but tell King Mark I will not fight with no knight
+but he be of blood royal, that is to say, other king&rsquo;s son, other
+queen&rsquo;s son, born of a prince or princess.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When King Mark understood that, he sent for Sir Tristram de Liones and told him
+what was the answer of Sir Marhaus. Then said Sir Tristram: Sithen that he
+saith so, let him wit that I am come of father side and mother side of as noble
+blood as he is: for, sir, now shall ye know that I am King Meliodas&rsquo; son,
+born of your own sister, Dame Elizabeth, that died in the forest in the birth
+of me. O Jesu, said King Mark, ye are welcome fair nephew to me. Then in all
+the haste the king let horse Sir Tristram, and armed him in the best manner
+that might be had or gotten for gold or silver. And then King Mark sent unto
+Sir Marhaus, and did him to wit that a better born man than he was himself
+should fight with him, and his name is Sir Tristram de Liones, gotten of King
+Meliodas, and born of King Mark&rsquo;s sister. Then was Sir Marhaus glad and
+blithe that he should fight with such a gentleman. And so by the assent of King
+Mark and of Sir Marhaus they let ordain that they should fight within an island
+nigh Sir Marhaus&rsquo; ships; and so was Sir Tristram put into a vessel both
+his horse and he, and all that to him longed both for his body and for his
+horse. Sir Tristram lacked nothing. And when King Mark and his barons of
+Cornwall beheld how young Sir Tristram departed with such a carriage to fight
+for the right of Cornwall, there was neither man nor woman of worship but they
+wept to see and understand so young a knight to jeopardy himself for their
+right.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap160"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br/>How Sir Tristram arrived into the
+Island for to furnish the battle with Sir Marhaus.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So to shorten this tale, when Sir Tristram was arrived within the island he
+looked to the farther side, and there he saw at an anchor six ships nigh to the
+land; and under the shadow of the ships upon the land, there hoved the noble
+knight, Sir Marhaus of Ireland. Then Sir Tristram commanded his servant
+Gouvernail to bring his horse to the land, and dress his harness at all manner
+of rights. And then when he had so done he mounted upon his horse; and when he
+was in his saddle well apparelled, and his shield dressed upon his shoulder,
+Tristram asked Gouvernail, Where is this knight that I shall have ado withal?
+Sir, said Gouvernail, see ye him not? I weened ye had seen him; yonder he
+hoveth under the umbre of his ships on horseback, with his spear in his hand
+and his shield upon his shoulder. That is truth, said the noble knight, Sir
+Tristram, now I see him well enough.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then he commanded his servant Gouvernail to go to his vessel again: And commend
+me unto mine eme King Mark, and pray him, if that I be slain in this battle,
+for to inter my body as him seemed best; and as for me, let him wit that I will
+never yield me for cowardice; and if I be slain and flee not, then they have
+lost no truage for me; and if so be that I flee or yield me as recreant, bid
+mine eme never bury me in Christian burials. And upon thy life, said Sir
+Tristram to Gouvernail, come thou not nigh this island till that thou see me
+overcome or slain, or else that I win yonder knight. So either departed from
+other sore weeping.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap161"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br/>How Sir Tristram fought against Sir
+Marhaus and achieved his battle, and how Sir Marhaus fled to his ship.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then Sir Marhaus avised Sir Tristram, and said thus: Young knight, Sir
+Tristram, what dost thou here? me sore repenteth of thy courage, for wit thou
+well I have been assayed, and the best knights of this land have been assayed
+of my hand; and also I have matched with the best knights of the world, and
+therefore by my counsel return again unto thy vessel. And fair knight, and
+well-proved knight, said Sir Tristram, thou shalt well wit I may not forsake
+thee in this quarrel, for I am for thy sake made knight. And thou shalt well
+wit that I am a king&rsquo;s son born, and gotten upon a queen; and such
+promise I have made at my uncle&rsquo;s request and mine own seeking, that I
+shall fight with thee unto the uttermost, and deliver Cornwall from the old
+truage. And also wit thou well, Sir Marhaus, that this is the greatest cause
+that thou couragest me to have ado with thee, for thou art called one of the
+most renowned knights of the world, and because of that noise and fame that
+thou hast thou givest me courage to have ado with thee, for never yet was I
+proved with good knight; and sithen I took the order of knighthood this day, I
+am well pleased that I may have ado with so good a knight as thou art. And now
+wit thou well, Sir Marhaus, that I cast me to get worship on thy body; and if
+that I be not proved, I trust to God that I shall be worshipfully proved upon
+thy body, and to deliver the country of Cornwall for ever from all manner of
+truage from Ireland for ever.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Marhaus had heard him say what he would, he said then thus again: Fair
+knight, sithen it is so that thou castest to win worship of me, I let thee wit
+worship may 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.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then they began to feutre their spears, and they met so fiercely together that
+they smote either other down, both horse and all. But Sir Marhaus smote Sir
+Tristram a great wound in the side with his spear, and then they avoided their
+horses, and pulled out their swords, and threw their shields afore them. And
+then they lashed together as men that were wild and courageous. And when they
+had stricken so together long, then they left their strokes, and foined at
+their breaths and visors; and when they saw that that might not prevail them,
+then they hurtled together like rams to bear either other down. Thus they
+fought still more than half a day, and either were wounded passing sore, that
+the blood ran down freshly from them upon the ground. By then Sir Tristram
+waxed more fresher than Sir Marhaus, and better winded and bigger; and with a
+mighty stroke he smote Sir Marhaus upon the helm such a buffet that it went
+through his helm, and through the coif of steel, and through the brain-pan, and
+the sword stuck so fast in the helm and in his brain-pan that Sir Tristram
+pulled thrice at his sword or ever he might pull it out from his head; and
+there Marhaus fell down on his knees, the edge of Tristram&rsquo;s sword left
+in his brain-pan. And suddenly Sir Marhaus rose grovelling, and threw his sword
+and his shield from him, and so ran to his ships and fled his way, and Sir
+Tristram had ever his shield and his sword.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when Sir Tristram saw Sir Marhaus withdraw him, he said: Ah! Sir Knight of
+the Round Table, why withdrawest thou thee? thou dost thyself and thy kin great
+shame, for I am but a young knight, or now I was never proved, and rather than
+I should withdraw me from thee, I had rather be hewn in an hundred pieces. Sir
+Marhaus answered no word but yede his way sore groaning. Well, Sir Knight, said
+Sir Tristram, I promise thee thy sword and thy shield shall be mine; and thy
+shield shall I wear in all places where I ride on mine adventures, and in the
+sight of King Arthur and all the Round Table.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap162"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br/>How Sir Marhaus after that he was
+arrived in Ireland died of the stroke that Sir Tristram had given him, and how
+Tristram was hurt.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Anon Sir Marhaus and his fellowship departed into Ireland. And as soon as he
+came to the king, his brother, he let search his wounds. And when his head was
+searched a piece of Sir Tristram&rsquo;s sword was found therein, and might
+never be had out of his head for no surgeons, and so he died of Sir
+Tristram&rsquo;s sword; and that piece of the sword the queen, his sister, kept
+it for ever with her, for she thought to be revenged an she might.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we again unto Sir Tristram, that was sore wounded, and full sore bled
+that he might not within a little while, when he had taken cold, unnethe stir
+him of his limbs. And then he set him down softly upon a little hill, and bled
+fast. Then anon came Gouvernail, his man, with his vessel; and the king and his
+barons came with procession against him. And when he was come unto the land,
+King Mark took him in his arms, and the king and Sir Dinas, the seneschal, led
+Sir Tristram into the castle of Tintagil. And then was he searched in the best
+manner, and laid in his bed. And when King Mark saw his wounds he wept
+heartily, and so did all his lords. So God me help, said King Mark, I would not
+for all my lands that my nephew died. So Sir Tristram lay there a month and
+more, and ever he was like to die of that stroke that Sir Marhaus smote him
+first with the spear. For, as the French book saith, the spear&rsquo;s head was
+envenomed, that Sir Tristram might not be whole. Then was King Mark and all his
+barons passing heavy, for they deemed none other but that Sir Tristram should
+not recover. Then the king let send after all manner of leeches and surgeons,
+both unto men and women, and there was none that would behote him the life.
+Then came there a lady that was a right wise lady, and she said plainly unto
+King Mark, and to Sir Tristram, and to all his barons, that he should never be
+whole but if Sir Tristram went in the same country that the venom came from,
+and in that country should he be holpen or else never. Thus said the lady unto
+the king.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When King Mark understood that, he let purvey for Sir Tristram a fair vessel,
+well victualled, and therein was put Sir Tristram, and Gouvernail with him, and
+Sir Tristram took his harp with him, and so he was put into the sea to sail
+into Ireland; and so by good fortune he arrived up in Ireland, even fast by a
+castle where the king and the queen was; and at his arrival he sat and harped
+in his bed a merry lay, such one heard they never none in Ireland before that
+time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when it was told the king and the queen of such a knight that was such an
+harper, anon the king sent for him, and let search his wounds, and then asked
+him his name. Then he answered, I am of the country of Liones, and my name is
+Tramtrist, that thus was wounded in a battle as I fought for a lady&rsquo;s
+right. So God me help, said King Anguish, ye shall have all the help in this
+land that ye may have here; but I let you wit, in Cornwall I had a great loss
+as ever had king, for there I lost the best knight of the world; his name was
+Marhaus, a full noble knight, and Knight of the Table Round; and there he told
+Sir Tristram wherefore Sir Marhaus was slain. Sir Tristram made semblant as he
+had been sorry, and better knew he how it was than the king.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap163"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br/>How Sir Tristram was put to the
+keeping of La Beale Isoud first for to be healed of his wound.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then the king for great favour made Tramtrist to be put in his daughter&rsquo;s
+ward and keeping, because she was a noble surgeon. And when she had searched
+him she found in the bottom of his wound that therein was poison, and so she
+healed him within a while; and therefore Tramtrist cast great love to La Beale
+Isoud, for she was at that time the fairest maid and lady of the world. And
+there Tramtrist learned her to harp, and she began to have a great fantasy unto
+him. And at that time Sir Palamides, the Saracen, was in that country, and well
+cherished with the king and the queen. And every day Sir Palamides drew unto La
+Beale Isoud and proffered her many gifts, for he loved her passingly well. All
+that espied Tramtrist, and full well knew he Sir Palamides for a noble knight
+and a mighty man. And wit you well Sir Tramtrist had great despite at Sir
+Palamides, for La Beale Isoud told Tramtrist that Palamides was in will to be
+christened for her sake. Thus was there great envy betwixt Tramtrist and Sir
+Palamides.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then it befell that King Anguish let cry a great jousts and a great tournament
+for a lady that was called the Lady of the Launds, and she was nigh cousin unto
+the king. And what man won her, three days after he should wed her and have all
+her lands. This cry was made in England, Wales, Scotland, and also in France
+and in Brittany. It befell upon a day La Beale Isoud came unto Sir Tramtrist,
+and told him of this tournament. He answered and said: Fair lady, I am but a
+feeble knight, and but late I had been dead had not your good ladyship been.
+Now, fair lady, what would ye I should do in this matter? well ye wot, my lady,
+that I may not joust. Ah, Tramtrist, said La Beale Isoud, why will ye not have
+ado at that tournament? well I wot Sir Palamides shall be there, and to do what
+he may; and therefore Tramtrist, I pray you for to be there, for else Sir
+Palamides is like to win the degree. Madam, said Tramtrist, as for that, it may
+be so, for he is a proved knight, and I am but a young knight and late made;
+and the first battle that I did it mishapped me to be sore wounded as ye see.
+But an I wist ye would be my better lady, at that tournament I will be, so that
+ye will keep my counsel and let no creature have knowledge that I shall joust
+but yourself, and such as ye will to keep your counsel, my poor person shall I
+jeopard there for your sake, that, peradventure, Sir Palamides shall know when
+that I come. Thereto, said La Beale Isoud, do your best, and as I can, said La
+Beale Isoud, I shall purvey horse and armour for you at my device. As ye will
+so be it, said Sir Tramtrist, I will be at your commandment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So at the day of jousts there came Sir Palamides with a black shield, and he
+overthrew many knights, that all the people had marvel of him. For he put to
+the worse Sir Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravaine, Bagdemagus, Kay, Dodinas le Savage,
+Sagramore le Desirous, Gumret le Petit, and Griflet le Fise de Dieu. All these
+the first day Sir Palamides struck down to the earth. And then all manner of
+knights were adread of Sir Palamides, and many called him the Knight with the
+Black Shield. So that day Sir Palamides had great worship.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then came King Anguish unto Tramtrist, and asked him why he would not joust.
+Sir, he said, I was but late hurt, and as yet I dare not adventure me. Then
+came there the same squire that was sent from the king&rsquo;s daughter of
+France unto Sir Tristram. And when he had espied Sir Tristram he fell flat to
+his feet. All that espied La Beale Isoud, what courtesy the squire made unto
+Sir Tristram. And therewithal suddenly Sir Tristram ran unto his squire, whose
+name was Hebes le Renoumes, and prayed him heartily in no wise to tell his
+name. Sir, said Hebes, I will not discover your name but if ye command me.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap164"></a>CHAPTER X.<br/>How Sir Tristram won the degree at a
+tournament in Ireland, and there made Palamides to bear no more harness in a
+year.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram asked him what he did in those countries. Sir, he said, I
+came hither with Sir Gawaine for to be made knight, and if it please you, of
+your hands that I may be made knight. Await upon me as to-morn secretly, and in
+the field I shall make you a knight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then had La Beale Isoud great suspicion unto Tramtrist, that he was some man of
+worship proved, and therewith she comforted herself, and cast more love unto
+him than she had done to-fore. And so on the morn Sir Palamides made him ready
+to come into the field as he did the first day. And there he smote down the
+King with the Hundred Knights, and the King of Scots. Then had La Beale Isoud
+ordained and well arrayed Sir Tristram in white horse and harness. And right so
+she let put him out at a privy postern, and so he came into the field as it had
+been a bright angel. And anon Sir Palamides espied him, and therewith he
+feutred a spear unto Sir Tramtrist, and he again unto him. And there Sir
+Tristram smote down Sir Palamides unto the earth. And then there was a great
+noise of people: some said Sir Palamides had a fall, some said the Knight with
+the Black Shield had a fall. And wit you well La Beale Isoud was passing glad.
+And then Sir Gawaine and his fellows nine had marvel what knight it might be
+that had smitten down Sir Palamides. Then would there none joust with
+Tramtrist, but all that there were forsook him, most and least. Then Sir
+Tristram made Hebes a knight, and caused him to put himself forth, and did
+right well that day. So after Sir Hebes held him with Sir Tristram.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when Sir Palamides had received this fall, wit ye well that he was sore
+ashamed, and as privily as he might he withdrew him out of the field. All that
+espied Sir Tristram, and lightly he rode after Sir Palamides and overtook him,
+and bade him turn, for better he would assay him or ever he departed. Then Sir
+Palamides turned him, and either lashed at other with their swords. But at the
+first stroke Sir Tristram smote down Palamides, and gave him such a stroke upon
+the head that he fell to the earth. So then Tristram bade yield him, and do his
+commandment, or else he would slay him. When Sir Palamides beheld his
+countenance, he dread his buffets so, that he granted all his askings. Well
+said, said Sir Tristram, this shall be your charge. First, upon pain of your
+life that ye forsake my lady La Beale Isoud, and in no manner wise that ye draw
+not to her. Also this twelvemonth and a day that ye bear none armour nor none
+harness of war. Now promise me this, or here shalt thou die. Alas, said
+Palamides, for ever am I ashamed. Then he sware as Sir Tristram had commanded
+him. Then for despite and anger Sir Palamides cut off his harness, and threw
+them away.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so Sir Tristram turned again to the castle where was La Beale Isoud; and by
+the way he met with a damosel that asked after Sir Launcelot, that won the
+Dolorous Guard worshipfully; and this damosel asked Sir Tristram what he was.
+For it was told her that it was he that smote down Sir Palamides, by whom the
+ten knights of King Arthur&rsquo;s were smitten down. Then the damosel prayed
+Sir Tristram to tell her what he was, and whether that he were Sir Launcelot du
+Lake, for she deemed that there was no knight in the world might do such deeds
+of arms but if it were Launcelot. Fair damosel, said Sir Tristram, wit ye well
+that I am not Sir Launcelot, for I was never of such prowess, but in God is all
+that he may make me as good a knight as the good knight Sir Launcelot. Now,
+gentle knight, said she, put up thy visor; and when she beheld his visage she
+thought she saw never a better man&rsquo;s visage, nor a better faring knight.
+And then when the damosel knew certainly that he was not Sir Launcelot, then
+she took her leave, and departed from him. And then Sir Tristram rode privily
+unto the postern, where kept him La Beale Isoud, and there she made him good
+cheer, and thanked God of his good speed. So anon, within a while the king and
+the queen understood that it was Tramtrist that smote down Sir Palamides; then
+was he much made of, more than he was before.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap165"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br/>How the queen espied that Sir
+Tristram had slain her brother Sir Marhaus by his sword, and in what jeopardy
+he was.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Thus was Sir Tramtrist long there well cherished with the king and the queen,
+and namely with La Beale Isoud. So upon a day the queen and La Beale Isoud made
+a bain for Sir Tramtrist. And when he was in his bain the queen and Isoud, her
+daughter, roamed up and down in the chamber; and therewhiles Gouvernail and
+Hebes attended upon Tramtrist, and the queen beheld his sword thereas it lay
+upon his bed. And then by unhap the queen drew out his sword and beheld it a
+long while, and both they thought it a passing fair sword; but within a foot
+and an half of the point there was a great piece thereof out-broken of the
+edge. And 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, the good
+knight that was her brother. Alas then, said she unto her daughter, La Beale
+Isoud, this is the same traitor knight that slew my brother, thine eme. When
+Isoud heard her say so she was passing sore abashed, for passing well she loved
+Tramtrist, and full well she knew the cruelness of her mother the queen.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon therewithal the queen went unto her own chamber, and sought her coffer,
+and there she took out the piece or the sword that was pulled out of Sir
+Marhaus&rsquo; head after that he was dead. And then she ran with that piece of
+iron to the sword that lay upon the bed. And when she put that piece of steel
+and iron unto the sword, it was as meet as it might be when it was new broken.
+And then the queen gripped that sword in her hand fiercely, and with all her
+might she ran straight upon Tramtrist where he sat in his bain, and there she
+had rived him through had not Sir Hebes gotten her in his arms, and pulled the
+sword from her, and else she had thrust him through.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when she was let of her evil will she ran to the King Anguish, her
+husband, and said on her knees: O my lord, here have ye in your house that
+traitor knight that slew my brother and your servant, that noble knight, Sir
+Marhaus. Who is that, said King Anguish, and where is he? Sir, she said, it is
+Sir Tramtrist, the same knight that my daughter healed. Alas, said the king,
+therefore am I right heavy, for he is a full noble knight as ever I saw in
+field. But I charge you, said the king to the queen, that ye have not ado with
+that knight, but let me deal with him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king went into the chamber unto Sir Tramtrist, and then was he gone
+unto his chamber, and the king found him all ready armed to mount upon his
+horse. When the king saw him all ready armed to go unto horseback, the king
+said: Nay, Tramtrist, it will not avail to compare thee against me; but thus
+much I shall do for my worship and for thy love; in so much as thou art within
+my court it were no worship for me to slay thee: therefore upon this condition
+I will give thee leave for to depart from this court in safety, so thou wilt
+tell me who was thy father, and what is thy name, and if thou slew Sir Marhaus,
+my brother.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap166"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br/>How Sir Tristram departed from the
+king and La Beale Isoud out of Ireland for to come into Cornwall.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Sir, said Tristram, now I shall tell you all the truth: my father&rsquo;s name
+is Sir Meliodas, King of Liones, and my mother hight Elizabeth, that was sister
+unto King Mark of Cornwall; and my mother died of me in the forest, and because
+thereof she commanded, or she died, that when I were christened they should
+christen me Tristram; and because I would not be known in this country I turned
+my name and let me call Tramtrist; and for the truage of Cornwall I fought for
+my eme&rsquo;s sake, and for the right of Cornwall that ye had posseded many
+years. And wit ye well, said Tristram unto the king, I did the battle for the
+love of mine uncle, King Mark, and for the love of the country of Cornwall, and
+for to increase mine honour; for that same day that I fought with Sir Marhaus I
+was made knight, and never or then did I battle with no knight, and from me he
+went alive, and left his shield and his sword behind.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So God me help, said the king, I may not say but ye did as a knight should, and
+it was your part to do for your quarrel, and to increase your worship as a
+knight should; howbeit I may not maintain you in this country with my worship,
+unless that I should displease my barons, and my wife and her kin. Sir, said
+Tristram, I thank you of your good lordship that I have had with you here, and
+the great goodness my lady, your daughter, hath shewed me, and therefore, said
+Sir Tristram, it may so happen that ye shall win more by my life than by my
+death, for in the parts of England it may happen I may do you service at some
+season, that ye shall be glad that ever ye shewed me your good lordship. With
+more I promise you as I am true knight, that in all places I shall be my lady
+your daughter&rsquo;s servant and knight in right and in wrong, and I shall
+never fail her, to do as much as a knight may do. Also I beseech your good
+grace that I may take my leave at my lady, your daughter, and at all the barons
+and knights. I will well, said the king.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram went unto La Beale Isoud and took his leave of her. And then
+he told her all, what he was, and how he had changed his name because he would
+not be known, and how a lady told him that he should never be whole till he
+came into this country where the poison was made, wherethrough I was near my
+death had not your ladyship been. O gentle knight, said La Beale Isoud, full
+woe am I of thy departing, for I saw never man that I owed so good will to. And
+therewithal she wept heartily. Madam, said Sir Tristram, ye shall understand
+that my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, gotten of King Meliodas, and born of
+his queen. And I promise you faithfully that I shall be all the days of my life
+your knight. Gramercy, said La Beale Isoud, and I promise you there-against
+that I shall not be married this seven years but by your assent; and to whom
+that ye will I shall be married to him will I have, and he will have me if ye
+will consent.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And 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
+at most and least, and openly he said among them all: Fair lords, now it is so
+that I must depart: if there be any man here that I have offended unto, or that
+any man be with me grieved, let complain him here afore me or that ever I
+depart, and I shall amend it unto my power. And if there be any that will
+proffer me wrong, or say of me wrong or shame behind my back, say it now or
+never, and here is my body to make it good, body against body. And all they
+stood still, there was not one that would say one word; yet were there some
+knights that were of the queen&rsquo;s blood, and of Sir Marhaus&rsquo; blood,
+but they would not meddle with him.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap167"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br/>How Sir Tristram and King Mark
+hurted each other for the love of a knight&rsquo;s wife.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So Sir Tristram departed, and took the sea, and with good wind he arrived up at
+Tintagil in Cornwall; and when King Mark was whole in his prosperity there came
+tidings that Sir Tristram was arrived, and whole of his wounds: thereof was
+King Mark passing glad, and so were all the barons; and when he saw his time he
+rode unto his father, King Meliodas, and there he had all the cheer that the
+king and the queen could make him. And then largely King Meliodas and his queen
+departed of their lands and goods to Sir Tristram.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then by the license of King Meliodas, his father, he returned again unto the
+court of King Mark, and there he lived in great joy long time, until at the
+last there befell a jealousy and an unkindness betwixt King Mark and Sir
+Tristram, for they loved both one lady. And she was an earl&rsquo;s wife that
+hight Sir Segwarides. And this lady loved Sir Tristram passingly well. And he
+loved her again, for she was a passing fair lady, and that espied Sir Tristram
+well. Then King Mark understood that and was jealous, for King Mark loved her
+passingly well.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So it fell upon a day this lady sent a dwarf unto Sir Tristram, and bade him,
+as he loved her, that he would be with her the night next following. Also she
+charged you that ye come not to her but if ye be well armed, for her lover was
+called a good knight. Sir Tristram answered to the dwarf: Recommend me unto my
+lady, and tell her I will not fail but I will be with her the term that she
+hath set me. And with this answer the dwarf departed. And King Mark espied that
+the dwarf was with Sir Tristram upon message from Segwarides&rsquo; wife; then
+King Mark sent for the dwarf, and when he was come he made the dwarf by force
+to tell him all, why and wherefore that he came on message from Sir Tristram.
+Now, said King Mark, go where thou wilt, and upon pain of death that thou say
+no word that thou spakest with me; so the dwarf departed from the king.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And that same night that the steven was set betwixt Segwarides&rsquo; wife and
+Sir Tristram, King Mark armed him, and made him ready, and took two knights of
+his counsel with him; and so he rode afore for to abide by the way for to wait
+upon Sir Tristram. And as Sir Tristram came riding upon his way with his spear
+in his hand, King Mark came hurtling upon him with his two knights suddenly.
+And all three smote him with their spears, and King Mark hurt Sir Tristram on
+the breast right sore. And then Sir Tristram feutred his spear, and smote his
+uncle, King Mark, so sore, that he rashed him to the earth, and bruised him
+that he lay still in a swoon, and long it was or ever he might wield himself.
+And then he ran to the one knight, and eft to the other, and smote them to the
+cold earth, that they lay still. And therewithal Sir Tristram rode forth sore
+wounded to the lady, and found her abiding him at a postern.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap168"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br/>How Sir Tristram lay with the lady,
+and how her husband fought with Sir Tristram.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And there she welcomed him fair, and either halsed other in arms, and so she
+let put up his horse in the best wise, and then she unarmed him. And so they
+supped lightly, and went to bed with great joy and pleasaunce; and so in his
+raging he took no keep of his green wound that King Mark had given him. And so
+Sir Tristram be-bled both the over sheet and the nether, and pillows, and head
+sheet. And within a while there came one afore, that warned her that her lord
+was near-hand within a bow-draught. So she made Sir Tristram to arise, and so
+he armed him, and took his horse, and so departed. By then was come Segwarides,
+her lord, and when he found her bed troubled and broken, and went near and
+beheld it by candle light, then he saw that there had lain a wounded knight.
+Ah, false traitress, then he said, why hast thou betrayed me? And therewithal
+he swang out a sword, and said: But if thou tell me who hath been here, here
+thou shalt die. Ah, my lord, mercy, said the lady, and held up her hands,
+saying: Slay me not, and I shall tell you all who hath been here. Tell anon,
+said Segwarides, to me all the truth. Anon for dread she said: Here was Sir
+Tristram with me, and by the way as he came to me ward, he was sore wounded.
+Ah, false traitress, said Segwarides, where is he become? Sir, she said, he is
+armed, and departed on horseback, not yet hence half a mile. Ye say well, said
+Segwarides.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then he armed him lightly, and gat his horse, and rode after Sir Tristram that
+rode straightway unto Tintagil. And within a while he overtook Sir Tristram,
+and then he bade him, Turn, false traitor knight. And Sir Tristram anon turned
+him against him. And therewithal Segwarides smote Sir Tristram with a spear
+that it all to-brast; and then he swang out his sword and smote fast at Sir
+Tristram. Sir knight, said Sir Tristram, I counsel you that ye smite no more,
+howbeit for the wrongs that I have done you I will forbear you as long as I
+may. Nay, said Segwarides, that shall not be, for either thou shalt die or I.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram drew out his sword, and hurtled his horse unto him fiercely,
+and through the waist of the body he smote Sir Segwarides that he fell to the
+earth in a swoon. And so Sir Tristram departed and left him there. And so he
+rode unto Tintagil and took his lodging secretly, for he would not be known
+that he was hurt. Also Sir Segwarides&rsquo; men rode after their master, whom
+they found lying in the field sore wounded, and brought him home on his shield,
+and there he lay long or that he were whole, but at the last he recovered. Also
+King Mark would not be aknown of that Sir Tristram and he had met that night.
+And as for Sir Tristram, he knew not that King Mark had met with him. And so
+the king askance came to Sir Tristram, to comfort him as he lay sick in his
+bed. But as long as King Mark lived he loved never Sir Tristram after that;
+though there was fair speech, love was there none. And thus it passed many
+weeks and days, and all was forgiven and forgotten; for Sir Segwarides durst
+not have ado with Sir Tristram, because of his noble prowess, and also because
+he was nephew unto King Mark; therefore he let it overslip: for he that hath a
+privy hurt is loath to have a shame outward.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap169"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br/>How Sir Bleoberis demanded the
+fairest lady in King Mark&rsquo;s court, whom he took away, and how he was
+fought with.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then it befell upon a day that the good knight Bleoberis de Ganis, brother to
+Blamore de Ganis, and nigh cousin unto the good knight Sir Launcelot du Lake,
+this Bleoberis came unto the court of King Mark, and there he asked of King
+Mark a boon, to give him what gift that he would ask in his court. When the
+king heard him ask so, he marvelled of his asking, but because he was a knight
+of the Round Table, and of a great renown, King Mark granted him his whole
+asking. Then, said Sir Bleoberis, I will have the fairest lady in your court
+that me list to choose. I may not say nay, said King Mark; now choose at your
+adventure. And so Sir Bleoberis did choose Sir Segwarides&rsquo; wife, and took
+her by the hand, and so went his way with her; and so he took his horse and
+gart set her behind his squire, and rode upon his way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Segwarides heard tell that his lady was gone with a knight of King
+Arthur&rsquo;s court, then he armed him and rode after that knight for to
+rescue his lady. So when Bleoberis was gone with this lady, King Mark and all
+the court was wroth that she was away. Then were there certain ladies that knew
+that there were great love between Sir Tristram and her, and also that lady
+loved Sir Tristram above all other knights. Then there was one lady that
+rebuked Sir Tristram in the horriblest wise, and called him coward knight, that
+he would for shame of his knighthood see a lady so shamefully be taken away
+from his uncle&rsquo;s court. But she meant that either of them had loved other
+with entire heart. But Sir Tristram answered her thus: Fair lady, it is not my
+part to have ado in such matters while her lord and husband is present here;
+and if it had been that her lord had not been here in this court, then for the
+worship of this court peradventure I would have been her champion, and if so be
+Sir Segwarides speed not well, it may happen that I will speak with that good
+knight or ever he pass from this country.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then within a while came one of Sir Segwarides&rsquo; squires, and told in the
+court that Sir Segwarides was beaten sore and wounded to the point of death; as
+he would have rescued his lady Sir Bleoberis overthrew him and sore hath
+wounded him. Then was King Mark heavy thereof, and all the court. When Sir
+Tristram heard of this he was ashamed and sore grieved; and then was he soon
+armed and on horseback, and Gouvernail, his servant, bare his shield and spear.
+And so as Sir Tristram rode fast he met with Sir Andred his cousin, that by the
+commandment of King Mark was sent to bring forth, an ever it lay in his power,
+two knights of Arthur&rsquo;s court, that rode by the country to seek their
+adventures. When Sir Tristram saw Sir Andred he asked him what tidings. So God
+me help, said Sir Andred, there was never worse with me, for here by the
+commandment of King Mark I was sent to fetch two knights of King Arthur&rsquo;s
+court, and that one beat me and wounded me, and set nought by my message. Fair
+cousin, said Sir Tristram, ride on your way, and if I may meet them it may
+happen I shall revenge you. So Sir Andred rode into Cornwall, and Sir Tristram
+rode after the two knights, the which one hight Sagramore le Desirous, and the
+other hight Dodinas le Savage.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap170"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br/>How Sir Tristram fought with two
+knights of the Round Table.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then within a while Sir Tristram saw them afore him, two likely knights. Sir,
+said Gouvernail unto his master, Sir, I would counsel you not to have ado with
+them, for they be two proved knights of Arthur&rsquo;s court. As for that, said
+Sir Tristram, have ye no doubt but I will have ado with them to increase my
+worship, for it is many day sithen I did any deeds of arms. Do as ye list, said
+Gouvernail. And therewithal anon Sir Tristram asked them from whence they came,
+and whither they would, and what they did in those marches. Sir Sagramore
+looked upon Sir Tristram, and had scorn of his words, and asked him again, Fair
+knight, be ye a knight of Cornwall? Whereby ask ye it? said Sir Tristram. For
+it is seldom seen, said Sir Sagramore, that ye Cornish knights be valiant men
+of arms; for within these two hours there met us one of your Cornish knights,
+and great words he spake, and anon with little might he was laid to the earth.
+And, as I trow, said Sir Sagramore, ye shall have the same handsel that he had.
+Fair lords, said Sir Tristram, it may so happen that I may better withstand
+than he did, and whether ye will or nill I will have ado with you, because he
+was my cousin that ye beat. And therefore here do your best, and wit ye well
+but if ye quit you the better here upon this ground, one knight of Cornwall
+shall beat you both.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Dodinas le Savage heard him say so he gat a spear in his hand, and
+said, Sir knight, keep well thyself: And then they departed and came together
+as it had been thunder. And Sir Dodinas&rsquo; spear brast in-sunder, but Sir
+Tristram smote him with a more might, that he smote him clean over the
+horse-croup, that nigh he had broken his neck. When Sir Sagramore saw his
+fellow have such a fall he marvelled what knight he might be. And he dressed
+his spear with all his might, and Sir Tristram against him, and they came
+together as the thunder, and there Sir Tristram smote Sir Sagramore a strong
+buffet, that he bare his horse and him to the earth, and in the falling he
+brake his thigh.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When this was done Sir Tristram asked them: Fair knights, will ye any more? Be
+there no bigger knights in the court of King Arthur? it is to you shame to say
+of us knights of Cornwall dishonour, for it may happen a Cornish knight may
+match you. That is truth, said Sir Sagramore, that have we well proved; but I
+require thee, said Sir Sagramore, tell us your right name, by the faith and
+troth that ye owe to the high order of knighthood. Ye charge me with a great
+thing, said Sir Tristram, and sithen ye list to wit it, ye shall know and
+understand that my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, King Meliodas&rsquo; son,
+and nephew unto King Mark. Then were they two knights fain that they had met
+with Tristram, and so they prayed him to abide in their fellowship. Nay, said
+Sir Tristram, for I must have ado with one of your fellows, his name is Sir
+Bleoberis de Ganis. God speed you well, said Sir Sagramore and Dodinas. Sir
+Tristram departed and rode onward on his way. And then was he ware before him
+in a valley where rode Sir Bleoberis, with Sir Segwarides&rsquo; lady, that
+rode behind his squire upon a palfrey.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap171"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br/>How Sir Tristram fought with Sir
+Bleoberis for a lady, and how the lady was put to choice to whom she would
+go.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram rode more than a pace until that he had overtaken him. Then
+spake Sir Tristram: Abide, he said, Knight of Arthur&rsquo;s court, bring again
+that lady, or deliver her to me. I will do neither, said Bleoberis, for I dread
+no Cornish knight so sore that me list to deliver her. Why, said Sir Tristram,
+may not a Cornish knight do as well as another knight? this same day two
+knights of your court within this three mile met with me, and or ever we
+departed they found a Cornish knight good enough for them both. What were their
+names? said Bleoberis. They told me, said Sir Tristram, that the one of them
+hight Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and the other hight Dodinas le Savage. Ah,
+said Sir Bleoberis, have ye met with them? so God me help, they were two good
+knights and men of great worship, and if ye have beat them both ye must needs
+be a good knight; but if it so be ye have beat them both, yet shall ye not fear
+me, but ye shall beat me or ever ye have this lady. Then defend you, said Sir
+Tristram. So they departed and came together like thunder, and either bare
+other down, horse and all, to the earth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then they avoided their horses, and lashed together eagerly with swords, and
+mightily, now tracing and traversing on the right hand and on the left hand
+more than two hours. And sometime they rushed together with such a might that
+they lay both grovelling on the ground. Then Sir Bleoberis de Ganis stert
+aback, and said thus: Now, gentle good knight, a while hold your hands, and let
+us speak together. Say what ye will, said Tristram, and I will answer you. Sir,
+said Bleoberis, I would wit of whence ye be, and of whom ye be come, and what
+is your name? So God me help, said Sir Tristram, I fear not to tell you my
+name. Wit ye well I am King Meliodas&rsquo; son, and my mother is King
+Mark&rsquo;s sister, and my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and King Mark is
+mine uncle. Truly, said Bleoberis, I am right glad of you, for ye are he that
+slew Marhaus the knight, hand for hand in an island, for the truage of
+Cornwall; also ye overcame Sir Palamides the good knight, at a tournament in an
+island, where ye beat Sir Gawaine and his nine fellows. So God me help, said
+Sir Tristram, wit ye well that I am the same knight; now I have told you my
+name, tell me yours with good will. Wit ye well that my name is Sir Bleoberis
+de Ganis, and my brother hight Sir Blamore de Ganis, that is called a good
+knight, and we be sister&rsquo;s children unto my lord Sir Launcelot du Lake,
+that we call one of the best knights of the world. That is truth, said Sir
+Tristram, Sir Launcelot is called peerless of courtesy and of knighthood; and
+for his sake, said Sir Tristram, I will not with my good will fight no more
+with you, for the great love I have to Sir Launcelot du Lake. In good faith,
+said Bleoberis, as for me I will be loath to fight with you; but sithen ye
+follow me here to have this lady, I shall proffer you kindness, courtesy, and
+gentleness right here upon this ground. This lady shall be betwixt us both, and
+to whom that she will go, let him have her in peace. I will well, said
+Tristram, for, as I deem, she will leave you and come to me. Ye shall prove it
+anon, said Bleoberis.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap172"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br/>How the lady forsook Sir Tristram
+and abode with Sir Bleoberis, and how she desired to go to her husband.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So when she was set betwixt them both she said these words unto Sir Tristram:
+Wit ye well, Sir Tristram de Liones, that but late thou wast the man in the
+world that I most loved and trusted, and I weened thou hadst loved me again
+above all ladies; but when thou sawest this knight lead me away thou madest no
+cheer to rescue me, but suffered my lord Segwarides ride after me; but until
+that time I weened thou haddest loved me, and therefore now I will leave thee,
+and never love thee more. And therewithal she went unto Sir Bleoberis.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Tristram saw her do so he was wonderly wroth with that lady, and
+ashamed to come to the court. Sir Tristram, said Sir Bleoberis, ye are in the
+default, for I hear by this lady&rsquo;s words she before this day trusted you
+above all earthly knights, and, as she saith, ye have deceived her, therefore
+wit ye well, there may no man hold that will away; and rather than ye should be
+heartily displeased with me I would ye had her, an she would abide with you.
+Nay, said the lady, so God me help I will never go with him; for he that I
+loved most I weened he had loved me. And therefore, Sir Tristram, she said,
+ride as thou came, for though thou haddest overcome this knight, as ye was
+likely, with thee never would I have gone. And I shall pray this knight so fair
+of his knighthood, that or ever he pass this country, that he will lead me to
+the abbey where my lord Sir Segwarides lieth. So God me help, said Bleoberis, I
+let you wit, good knight Sir Tristram, because King Mark gave me the choice of
+a gift in this court, and so this lady liked me best&mdash;notwithstanding, she
+is wedded and hath a lord, and I have fulfilled my quest, she shall be sent
+unto her husband again, and in especial most for your sake, Sir Tristram; and
+if she would go with you I would ye had her. I thank you, said Sir Tristram,
+but for her love I shall beware what manner a lady I shall love or trust; for
+had her lord, Sir Segwarides, been away from the court, I should have been the
+first that should have followed you; but sithen that ye have refused me, as I
+am true knight I shall her know passingly well that I shall love or trust. And
+so they took their leave one from the other and departed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so Sir Tristram rode unto Tintagil, and Sir Bleoberis rode unto the abbey
+where Sir Segwarides lay sore wounded, and there he delivered his lady, and
+departed as a noble knight; and when Sir Segwarides saw his lady, he was
+greatly comforted; and then she told him that Sir Tristram had done great
+battle with Sir Bleoberis, and caused him to bring her again. These words
+pleased Sir Segwarides right well, that Sir Tristram would do so much; and so
+that lady told all the battle unto King Mark betwixt Sir Tristram and Sir
+Bleoberis.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap173"></a>CHAPTER XIX.<br/>How King Mark sent Sir Tristram for
+La Beale Isoud toward Ireland, and how by fortune he arrived into England.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then when this was done King Mark cast always in his heart how he might destroy
+Sir Tristram. And then he imagined in himself to send Sir Tristram into Ireland
+for La Beale Isoud. For Sir Tristram had so praised her beauty and her goodness
+that King Mark said that he would wed her, whereupon he prayed Sir Tristram to
+take his way into Ireland for him on message. And all this was done to the
+intent to slay Sir Tristram. Notwithstanding, Sir Tristram would not refuse the
+message for no danger nor peril that might fall, for the pleasure of his uncle,
+but to go he made him ready in the most goodliest wise that might be devised.
+For Sir Tristram took with him the most goodliest knights that he might find in
+the court; and they were arrayed, after the guise that was then used, in the
+goodliest manner. So Sir Tristram departed and took the sea with all his
+fellowship. And anon, as he was in the broad sea a tempest took him and his
+fellowship, and drove them back into the coast of England; and there they
+arrived fast by Camelot, and full fain they were to take the land.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when they were landed Sir Tristram set up his pavilion upon the land of
+Camelot, and there he let hang his shield upon the pavilion. And that same day
+came two knights of King Arthur&rsquo;s, that one was Sir Ector de Maris, and
+Sir Morganor. And they touched the shield, and bade him come out of the
+pavilion for to joust, an he would joust. Ye shall be answered, said Sir
+Tristram, an ye will tarry a little while. So he made him ready, and first he
+smote down Sir Ector de Maris, and after he smote down Sir Morganor, all with
+one spear, and sore bruised them. And when they lay upon the earth they asked
+Sir Tristram what he was, and of what country he was knight. Fair lords, said
+Sir Tristram, wit ye well that I am of Cornwall. Alas, said Sir Ector, now am I
+ashamed that ever any Cornish knight should overcome me. And then for despite
+Sir Ector put off his armour from him, and went on foot, and would not ride.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap174"></a>CHAPTER XX.<br/>How King Anguish of Ireland was
+summoned to come to King Arthur&rsquo;s court for treason.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then it fell that Sir Bleoberis and Sir Blamore de Ganis, that were brethren,
+they had summoned the King Anguish of Ireland for to come to Arthur&rsquo;s
+court upon pain of forfeiture of King Arthur&rsquo;s good grace. And if the
+King of Ireland came not in, at the day assigned and set, the king should lose
+his lands. So it happened that at the day assigned, King Arthur neither Sir
+Launcelot might not be there for to give the judgment, for King Arthur was with
+Sir Launcelot at the Castle Joyous Garde. And so King Arthur assigned King
+Carados and the King of Scots to be there that day as judges. So when the kings
+were at Camelot King Anguish of Ireland was come to know his accusers. Then was
+there Sir Blamore de Ganis, and appealed the King of Ireland of treason, that
+he had slain a cousin of his in his court in Ireland by treason. The king was
+sore abashed of his accusation, for-why he was come at the summons of King
+Arthur, and or he came at Camelot he wist not wherefore he was sent after. And
+when the king heard Sir Blamore say his will, he understood well there was none
+other remedy but for to answer him knightly; for the custom was such in those
+days, that an any man were appealed of any treason or murder he should fight
+body for body, or else to find another knight for him. And all manner of
+murders in those days were called treason.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when King Anguish understood his accusing he was passing heavy, for he knew
+Sir Blamore de Ganis that he was a noble knight, and of noble knights come.
+Then the King of Ireland was simply purveyed of his answer; therefore the
+judges gave him respite by the third day to give his answer. So the king
+departed unto his lodging. The meanwhile there came a lady by Sir
+Tristram&rsquo;s pavilion making great dole. What aileth you, said Sir
+Tristram, that ye make such dole? Ah, fair knight, said the lady, I am ashamed
+unless that some good knight help me; for a great lady of worship sent by me a
+fair child and a rich, unto Sir Launcelot du Lake, and hereby there met with me
+a knight, and threw me down from my palfrey, and took away the child from me.
+Well, my lady, said Sir Tristram, and for my lord Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s sake I
+shall get you that child again, or else I shall be beaten for it. And so Sir
+Tristram took his horse, and asked the lady which way the knight rode; and then
+she told him. And he rode after him, and within a while he overtook that
+knight. And then Sir Tristram bade him turn and give again the child.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap175"></a>CHAPTER XXI.<br/>How Sir Tristram rescued a child
+from a knight, and how Gouvernail told him of King Anguish.</h3>
+
+<p>
+The knight turned his horse and made him ready to fight. And then Sir Tristram
+smote him with a sword such a buffet that he tumbled to the earth. And then he
+yielded him unto Sir Tristram. Then come thy way, said Sir Tristram, and bring
+the child to the lady again. So he took his horse meekly and rode with Sir
+Tristram; and then by the way Sir Tristram asked him his name. Then he said, My
+name is Breuse Saunce Pité. So when he had delivered that child to the lady, he
+said: Sir, as in this the child is well remedied. Then Sir Tristram let him go
+again that sore repented him after, for he was a great foe unto many good
+knights of King Arthur&rsquo;s court.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when Sir Tristram was in his pavilion Gouvernail, his man, came and told
+him how that King Anguish of Ireland was come thither, and he was put in great
+distress; and there Gouvernail told Sir Tristram how King Anguish was summoned
+and appealed of murder. So God me help, said Sir Tristram, these be the best
+tidings that ever came to me this seven years, for now shall the King of
+Ireland have need of my help; for I daresay there is no knight in this country
+that is not of Arthur&rsquo;s court dare do battle with Sir Blamore de Ganis;
+and for to win the love of the King of Ireland I will take the battle upon me;
+and therefore Gouvernail bring me, I charge thee, to the king.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Gouvernail went unto King Anguish of Ireland, and saluted him fair. The
+king welcomed him and asked him what he would. Sir, said Gouvernail, here is a
+knight near hand that desireth to speak with you: he bade me say he would do
+you service. What knight is he? said the king. Sir, said he, it is Sir Tristram
+de Liones, that for your good grace that ye showed him in your lands will
+reward you in this country. Come on, fellow, said the king, with me anon and
+show me unto Sir Tristram. So the king took a little hackney and but few
+fellowship with him, until he came unto Sir Tristram&rsquo;s pavilion. And when
+Sir Tristram saw the king he ran unto him and would have holden his stirrup.
+But the king leapt from his horse lightly, and either halsed other in their
+arms. My gracious lord, said Sir Tristram, gramercy of your great goodnesses
+showed unto me in your marches and lands: and at that time I promised you to do
+you service an ever it lay in my power. And, gentle knight, said the king unto
+Sir Tristram, now have I great need of you, never had I so great need of no
+knight&rsquo;s help. How so, my good lord? said Sir Tristram. I shall tell you,
+said the king: I am summoned and appealed from my country for the death of a
+knight that was kin unto the good knight Sir Launcelot; wherefore Sir Blamore
+de Ganis, brother to Sir Bleoberis hath appealed me to fight with him, outher
+to find a knight in my stead. And well I wot, said the king, these that are
+come of King Ban&rsquo;s blood, as Sir Launcelot and these other, are passing
+good knights, and hard men for to win in battle as any that I know now living.
+Sir, said Sir Tristram, for the good lordship ye showed me in Ireland, and for
+my lady your daughter&rsquo;s sake, La Beale Isoud, I will take the battle for
+you upon this condition that ye shall grant me two things: that one is that ye
+shall swear to me that ye are in the right, that ye were never consenting to
+the knight&rsquo;s death; Sir, then said Sir Tristram, when that I have done
+this battle, if God give me grace that I speed, that ye shall give me a reward,
+what thing reasonable that I will ask of you. So God me help, said the king, ye
+shall have whatsomever ye will ask. It is well said, said Sir Tristram.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap176"></a>CHAPTER XXII.<br/>How Sir Tristram fought for Sir
+Anguish and overcame his adversary, and how his adversary would never yield
+him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now make your answer that your champion is ready, for I shall die in your
+quarrel rather than to be recreant. I have no doubt of you, said the king,
+that, an ye should have ado with Sir Launcelot du Lake&mdash; Sir, said Sir
+Tristram, as for Sir Launcelot, he is called the noblest knight of the world,
+and wit ye well that the knights of his blood are noble men, and dread shame;
+and as for Bleoberis, brother unto Sir Blamore, I have done battle with him,
+therefore upon my head it is no shame to call him a good knight. It is noised,
+said the king, that Blamore is the hardier knight. Sir, as for that let him be,
+he shall never be refused, an as he were the best knight that now beareth
+shield or spear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So King Anguish departed unto King Carados and the kings that were that time as
+judges, and told them that he had found his champion ready. Then by the
+commandment of the kings Sir Blamore de Ganis and Sir Tristram were sent for to
+hear the charge. And when they were come before the judges there were many
+kings and knights beheld Sir Tristram, and much speech they had of him because
+that he slew Sir Marhaus, the good knight, and because he for-jousted Sir
+Palamides the good knight. So when they had taken their charge they withdrew
+them to make them ready to do battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then said Sir Bleoberis unto his brother, Sir Blamore: Fair dear brother,
+remember of what kin we be come of, and what a man is Sir Launcelot du Lake,
+neither farther nor nearer but brother&rsquo;s children, and there was never
+none of our kin that ever was shamed in battle; and rather suffer death,
+brother, than to be shamed. Brother, said Blamore, have ye no doubt of me, for
+I shall never shame none of my blood; howbeit I am sure that yonder knight is
+called a passing good knight as of his time one of the world, yet shall I never
+yield me, nor say the loath word: well may he happen to smite me down with his
+great might of chivalry, but rather shall he slay me than I shall yield me as
+recreant. God speed you well, said Sir Bleoberis, for ye shall find him the
+mightiest knight that ever ye had ado withal, for I know him, for I have had
+ado with him. God me speed, said Sir Blamore de Ganis; and therewith he took
+his horse at the one end of the lists, and Sir Tristram at the other end of the
+lists, and so they feutred their spears and came together as it had been
+thunder; and there Sir Tristram through great might smote down Sir Blamore and
+his horse to the earth. Then anon Sir Blamore avoided his horse and pulled out
+his sword and threw his shield afore him, and bade Sir Tristram alight: For
+though an horse hath failed me, I trust to God the earth will not fail me. And
+then Sir Tristram alighted, and dressed him unto battle; and there they lashed
+together strongly as racing and tracing, foining and dashing, many sad strokes,
+that the kings and knights had great wonder that they might stand; for ever
+they fought like wood men, so that there was never knights seen fight more
+fiercely than they did; for Sir Blamore was so hasty that he would have no
+rest, that all men wondered that they had breath to stand on their feet; and
+all the place was bloody that they fought in. And at the last, Sir Tristram
+smote Sir Blamore such a buffet upon the helm that he there fell down upon his
+side, and Sir Tristram stood and beheld him.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap177"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.<br/>How Sir Blamore desired Tristram
+to slay him, and how Sir Tristram spared him, and how they took
+appointment.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then when Sir Blamore might speak, he said thus: Sir Tristram de Liones, I
+require thee, as thou art a noble knight, and the best knight that ever I
+found, that thou wilt slay me out, for I would not live to be made lord of all
+the earth, for I have liefer die with worship than live with shame; and needs,
+Sir Tristram, thou must slay me, or else thou shalt never win the field, for I
+will never say the loath word. And therefore if thou dare slay me, slay me, I
+require thee. When Sir Tristram heard him say so knightly, he wist not what to
+do with him; he remembering him of both parties, of what blood he was come, and
+for Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s sake he would be loath to slay him; and in the other
+party in no wise he might not choose, but that he must make him to say the
+loath word, or else to slay him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram stert aback, and went to the kings that were judges, and
+there he kneeled down to-fore them, and besought them for their worships, and
+for King Arthur&rsquo;s and Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s sake, that they would take
+this matter in their hands. For, my fair lords, said Sir Tristram, it were
+shame and pity that this noble knight that yonder lieth should be slain; for ye
+hear well, shamed will he not be, and I pray to God that he never be slain nor
+shamed for me. And as for the king for whom I fight for, I shall require him,
+as I am his true champion and true knight in this field, that he will have
+mercy upon this good knight. So God me help, said King Anguish, I will for your
+sake; Sir Tristram, be ruled as ye will have me, for I know you for my true
+knight; and therefore I will heartily pray the kings that be here as judges to
+take it in their hands. And the kings that were judges called Sir Bleoberis to
+them, and asked him his advice. My lords, said Bleoberis, though my brother be
+beaten, and hath the worse through might of arms, I dare say, though Sir
+Tristram hath beaten his body he hath not beaten his heart, and I thank God he
+is not shamed this day; and rather than he should be shamed I require you, said
+Bleoberis, let Sir Tristram slay him out. It shall not be so, said the kings,
+for his part adversary, both the king and the champion, have pity of Sir
+Blamore&rsquo;s knighthood. My lords, said Bleoberis, I will right well as ye
+will.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the kings called the King of Ireland, and found him goodly and treatable.
+And then, by all their advices, Sir Tristram and Sir Bleoberis took up Sir
+Blamore, and the two brethren were accorded with King Anguish, and kissed and
+made friends for ever. And then Sir Blamore and Sir Tristram kissed together,
+and there they made their oaths that they would never none of them two brethren
+fight with Sir Tristram, and Sir Tristram made the same oath. And for that
+gentle battle all the blood of Sir Launcelot loved Sir Tristram for ever.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then King Anguish and Sir Tristram took their leave, and sailed into Ireland
+with great noblesse and joy. So 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 there were made the most of him that they
+might. But the joy that La Beale Isoud made of Sir Tristram there might no
+tongue tell, for of all men earthly she loved him most.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap178"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.<br/>How Sir Tristram demanded La Beale
+Isoud for King Mark, and how Sir Tristram and Isoud drank the love drink.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then upon a day King Anguish asked Sir Tristram why he asked not his boon, for
+whatsomever he had promised him he should have it without fail. Sir, said Sir
+Tristram, now is it time; this is all that I will desire, that ye will give me
+La Beale 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 liefer than all the land that I have ye would wed her yourself. Sir, an I
+did then I were shamed for ever in this world, and false of my promise.
+Therefore, said Sir I Tristram, I pray you hold your promise that ye promised
+me; for this is my desire, that ye will give me La Beale Isoud to go with me
+into Cornwall for to be wedded to King Mark, mine uncle. As for that, said King
+Anguish, ye shall have her with you to do with her what it please you; that is
+for to say if that ye list to wed her yourself, that is me liefest, and if ye
+will give her unto King Mark, your uncle, that is in your choice. So, to make
+short conclusion, La Beale Isoud was made ready to go with Sir Tristram, and
+Dame Bragwaine went with her for her chief gentlewoman, with many other.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the queen, Isoud&rsquo;s mother, gave to her and Dame Bragwaine, her
+daughter&rsquo;s gentlewoman, and unto Gouvernail, a drink, and charged them
+that what day King Mark should wed, that same day they should give him that
+drink, so that King Mark should drink to La Beale Isoud, 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, and La Beale Isoud; and when they were in their cabin,
+it happed so that they were thirsty, and they saw a little flasket of gold
+stand by them, and it seemed by the colour and the taste that it was noble
+wine. Then Sir Tristram took the flasket in his hand, and said, Madam Isoud,
+here is the best drink that ever ye drank, that Dame Bragwaine, your maiden,
+and Gouvernail, my servant, have kept for themselves. Then they laughed and
+made good cheer, and either drank to other freely, and they thought never drink
+that ever they drank to other was so sweet nor so good. But by that their drink
+was in their bodies, they loved either other so well that never their love
+departed for weal neither for woe. And thus it happed the love first betwixt
+Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud, the which love never departed the days of
+their life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So then they sailed till by fortune they came nigh a castle that hight Pluere,
+and thereby arrived for to repose them, weening to them to have had good
+harbourage. But anon as Sir Tristram was within the castle they were taken
+prisoners; for the custom of the castle was such; who that rode by that castle
+and brought any lady, he must needs fight with the lord, that hight Breunor.
+And if it were so that Breunor won the field, then should the knight stranger
+and his lady be put to death, what that ever they were; and if it were so that
+the strange knight won the field of Sir Breunor, then should he die and his
+lady both. This custom was used many winters, for it was called the Castle
+Pluere, that is to say the Weeping Castle.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap179"></a>CHAPTER XXV.<br/>How Sir Tristram and Isoud were in
+prison, and how he fought for her beauty, and smote off another lady&rsquo;s
+head.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Thus as Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud were in prison, it happed a knight and
+a lady came unto them where they were, to cheer them. I have marvel, said
+Tristram unto the knight and the lady, what is the cause the lord of this
+castle holdeth us in prison: it was never the custom of no place of worship
+that ever I came in, when a knight and a lady asked harbour, and they to
+receive them, and after to destroy them that be his guests. Sir, said the
+knight, this is the old custom of this castle, that when a knight cometh here
+he must needs fight with our lord, and he that is weaker must lose his head.
+And when that is done, if his lady that he bringeth be fouler than our
+lord&rsquo;s wife, she must lose her head: and if she be fairer proved than is
+our lady, then shall the lady of this castle lose her head. So God me help,
+said Sir Tristram, this is a foul custom and a shameful. But one advantage have
+I, said Sir Tristram, I have a lady is fair enough, fairer saw I never in all
+my life-days, and I doubt not for lack of beauty she shall not lose her head;
+and rather than I should lose my head I will fight for it on a fair field.
+Wherefore, sir knight, I pray you tell your lord that I will be ready as
+to-morn with my lady, and myself to do battle, if it be so I may have my horse
+and mine armour. Sir, said that knight, I undertake that your desire shall be
+sped right well. And then he said: Take your rest, and look that ye be up
+betimes and make you ready and your lady, for ye shall want no thing that you
+behoveth. And therewith he departed, and on the morn betimes that same knight
+came to Sir Tristram, and fetched him out and his lady, and brought him horse
+and armour that was his own, and bade him make him ready to the field, for all
+the estates and commons of that lordship were there ready to behold that battle
+and judgment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then came Sir Breunor, the lord of that castle, with his lady in his hand,
+muffled, and asked Sir Tristram where was his lady: For an thy lady be fairer
+than mine, with thy sword smite off my lady&rsquo;s head; and if my lady be
+fairer than thine, with my sword I must strike off her head. And if I may win
+thee, yet shall thy lady be mine, and thou shalt lose thy head. Sir, said
+Tristram, this is a foul custom and horrible; and rather than my lady should
+lose her head, yet had I liefer lose my head. Nay, nay, said Sir Breunor, the
+ladies shall be first showed together, and the one shall have her judgment.
+Nay, I will not so, said Sir Tristram, for here is none that will give
+righteous judgment. But I doubt not, said Sir Tristram, my lady is fairer than
+thine, and that will I prove and make good with my hand. And whosomever he be
+that will say the contrary I will prove it on his head. And therewith Sir
+Tristram showed La Beale Isoud, and turned her thrice about with his naked
+sword in his hand. And when Sir Breunor saw that, he did the same wise turn his
+lady. But when Sir Breunor beheld La Beale Isoud, him thought he saw never a
+fairer lady, and then he dread his lady&rsquo;s head should be off. And so all
+the people that were there present gave judgment that La Beale Isoud was the
+fairer lady and the better made. How now, said Sir Tristram, meseemeth it were
+pity that my lady should lose her head, but because thou and she of long time
+have used this wicked custom, and by you both have many good knights and ladies
+been destroyed, for that cause it were no loss to destroy you both. So God me
+help, said Sir Breunor, for to say the sooth, thy lady is fairer than mine, and
+that me sore repenteth. And so I hear the people privily say, for of all women
+I saw none so fair; and therefore, an thou wilt slay my lady, I doubt not but I
+shall slay thee and have thy lady. Thou shalt win her, said Sir Tristram, as
+dear as ever knight won lady. And because of thine own judgment, as thou
+wouldst have done to my lady if that she had been fouler, and because of the
+evil custom, give me thy lady, said Sir Tristram. And therewithal Sir Tristram
+strode unto him and took his lady from him, and with an awk stroke he smote off
+her head clean. Well, knight, said Sir Breunor, now hast thou done me a
+despite.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap180"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.<br/>How Sir Tristram fought with Sir
+Breunor, and at the last smote off his head.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now take thine horse: sithen I am ladyless I will win thy lady an I may.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then they took their horses and came together as it had been the thunder; and
+Sir Tristram smote Sir Breunor clean from his horse, and lightly he rose up;
+and as Sir Tristram came again by him he thrust his horse throughout both the
+shoulders, that his horse hurled here and there and fell dead to the ground.
+And ever Sir Breunor ran after to have slain Sir Tristram, but Sir Tristram was
+light and nimble, and voided his horse lightly. And or ever Sir Tristram might
+dress his shield and his sword the other gave him three or four sad strokes.
+Then they rushed together like two boars, tracing and traversing mightily and
+wisely as two noble knights. For this Sir Breunor was a proved knight, and had
+been or then the death of many good knights, that it was pity that he had so
+long endured.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they fought, hurling here and there nigh two hours, and either were
+wounded sore. Then at the last Sir Breunor rashed upon Sir Tristram and took
+him in his arms, for he trusted much in his strength. Then was Sir Tristram
+called the strongest and the highest knight of the world; for he was called
+bigger than Sir Launcelot, but Sir Launcelot was better breathed. So anon Sir
+Tristram thrust Sir Breunor down grovelling, and then he unlaced his helm and
+struck off his head. And then all they that longed to the castle came to him,
+and did him homage and fealty, praying him that he would abide there still a
+little while to fordo that foul custom. Sir Tristram granted thereto. The
+meanwhile one of the knights of the castle rode unto Sir Galahad, the haut
+prince, the which was Sir Breunor&rsquo;s son, which was a noble knight, and
+told him what misadventure his father had and his mother.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap181"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.<br/>How Sir Galahad fought with Sir
+Tristram, and how Sir Tristram yielded him and promised to fellowship with
+Launcelot.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then came Sir Galahad, and the King with the Hundred Knights with him; and this
+Sir Galahad proffered to fight with Sir Tristram hand for hand. And so they
+made them ready to go unto battle on horseback with great courage. Then Sir
+Galahad and Sir Tristram met together so hard that either bare other down,
+horse and all, to the earth. And then they avoided their horses as noble
+knights, and dressed their shields, and drew their swords with ire and rancour,
+and they lashed together many sad strokes, and one while striking, another
+while foining, tracing and traversing as noble knights; thus they fought long,
+near half a day, and either were sore wounded. At the last Sir Tristram waxed
+light and big, and doubled his strokes, and drove Sir Galahad aback on the one
+side and on the other, so that he was like to have been slain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With that came the King with the Hundred Knights, and all that fellowship went
+fiercely upon Sir Tristram. When Sir Tristram saw them coming upon him, then he
+wist well he might not endure. Then as a wise knight of war, he said to Sir
+Galahad, the haut prince: Sir, ye show to me no knighthood, for to suffer all
+your men to have ado with me all at once; and as meseemeth ye be a noble knight
+of your hands it is great shame to you. So God me help, said Sir Galahad, there
+is none other way but thou must yield thee to me, other else to die, said Sir
+Galahad to Sir Tristram. I will rather yield me to you than die for that is
+more for the might of your men than of your hands. And therewithal Sir Tristram
+took his own sword by the point, and put the pommel in the hand of Sir Galahad.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewithal came the King with the Hundred Knights, and hard began to assail
+Sir Tristram. Let be, said Sir Galahad, be ye not so hardy to touch him, for I
+have given this knight his life. That is your shame, said the King with the
+Hundred Knights; hath he not slain your father and your mother? As for that,
+said Sir Galahad, I may not wite him greatly, for my father had him in prison,
+and enforced him to do battle with him; and my father had such a custom that
+was a shameful custom, that what knight came there to ask harbour his lady must
+needs die but if she were fairer than my mother; and if my father overcame that
+knight he must needs die. This was a shameful custom and usage, a knight for
+his harbour-asking to have such harbourage. And for this custom I would never
+draw about him. So God me help, said the King, this was a shameful custom.
+Truly, said Sir Galahad, so seemed me; and meseemed it had been great pity that
+this knight should have been slain, for I dare say he is the noblest man that
+beareth life, but if it were Sir Launcelot du Lake. Now, fair knight, said Sir
+Galahad, I require thee tell me thy name, and of whence thou art, and whither
+thou wilt. Sir, he said, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and from King Mark
+of Cornwall I was sent on message unto King Anguish of Ireland, for to fetch
+his daughter to be his wife, and here she is ready to go with me into Cornwall,
+and her name is La Beale Isoud. And, Sir Tristram, said Sir Galahad, the haut
+prince, well be ye found in these marches, and so ye will promise me to go unto
+Sir Launcelot du Lake, and accompany with him, ye shall go where ye will, and
+your fair lady with you; and I shall promise you never in all my days shall
+such customs be used in this castle as have been used. Sir, said Sir Tristram,
+now I let you wit, so God me help, I weened ye had been Sir Launcelot du Lake
+when I saw you first, and therefore I dread you the more; and sir, I promise
+you, said Sir Tristram, as soon as I may I will see Sir Launcelot and in
+fellowship me with him; for of all the knights of the world I most desire his
+fellowship.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap182"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.<br/>How Sir Launcelot met with Sir
+Carados bearing away Sir Gawaine, and of the rescue of Sir Gawaine.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then Sir Tristram took his leave when he saw his time, and took the sea.
+And in the meanwhile word came unto Sir Launcelot and to Sir Tristram that Sir
+Carados, the mighty king, that was made like a giant, fought with Sir Gawaine,
+and gave him such strokes that he swooned in his saddle, and after that he took
+him by the collar and pulled him out of his saddle, and fast bound him to the
+saddle-bow, and so rode his way with him toward his castle. And as he rode, by
+fortune Sir Launcelot met with Sir Carados, and anon he knew Sir Gawaine that
+lay bound after him. Ah, said Sir Launcelot unto Sir Gawaine, how stands it
+with you? Never so hard, said Sir Gawaine, unless that ye help me, for so God
+me help, without ye rescue me I know no knight that may, but outher you or Sir
+Tristram. Wherefore Sir Launcelot was heavy of Sir Gawaine&rsquo;s words. And
+then Sir Launcelot bade Sir Carados: Lay down that knight and fight with me.
+Thou art but a fool, said Sir Carados, for I will serve you in the same wise.
+As for that, said Sir Launcelot, spare me not, for I warn thee I will not spare
+thee. And then he bound Sir Gawaine hand and foot, and so threw him to the
+ground. And then he gat his spear of his squire, and departed from Sir
+Launcelot to fetch his course. And so either met with other, and brake their
+spears to their hands; and then they pulled out swords, and hurtled together on
+horseback more than an hour. And at the last Sir Launcelot smote Sir Carados
+such a buffet upon the helm that it pierced his brain-pan. So then Sir
+Launcelot took Sir Carados by the collar and pulled him under his horse&rsquo;s
+feet, and then he alighted and pulled off his helm and struck off his head. And
+then Sir Launcelot unbound Sir Gawaine. So this same tale was told to Sir
+Galahad and to Sir Tristram:&mdash;here may ye hear the nobleness that
+followeth Sir Launcelot. Alas, said Sir Tristram, an I had not this message in
+hand with this fair lady, truly I would never stint or I had found Sir
+Launcelot. Then Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud went to the sea and came into
+Cornwall, and there all the barons met them.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap183"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.<br/>Of the wedding of King Mark to La
+Beale Isoud, and of Bragwaine her maid, and of Palamides.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And anon they were richly wedded with great noblesse. But ever, as the French
+book saith, Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud loved ever together. Then was there
+great jousts and great tourneying, and many lords and ladies were at that
+feast, and Sir Tristram was most praised of all other. Thus dured the feast
+long, and after the feast was done, within a little while after, by the assent
+of two ladies that were with Queen Isoud, they ordained for hate and envy for
+to destroy Dame Bragwaine, that was maiden and lady unto La Beale Isoud; and
+she was sent into the forest for to fetch herbs, and there she was met, and
+bound feet and hand to a tree, and so she was bounden three days. And by
+fortune, Sir Palamides found Dame Bragwaine, and there he delivered her from
+the death, and brought her to a nunnery there beside, for to be recovered. When
+Isoud the queen missed her maiden, wit ye well she was right heavy as ever was
+any queen, for of all earthly women she loved her best: the cause was for she
+came with her out of her country. And so upon a day Queen Isoud walked into the
+forest to put away her thoughts, and there she went herself unto a well and
+made great moan. And suddenly there came Palamides to her, and had heard all
+her complaint, and said: Madam Isoud, an ye will grant me my boon, I shall
+bring to you Dame Bragwaine safe and sound. And the queen was so glad of his
+proffer that suddenly unadvised she granted all his asking. Well, Madam, said
+Palamides, I trust to your promise, and if ye will abide here half an hour I
+shall bring her to you. I shall abide you, said La Beale Isoud. And Sir
+Palamides rode forth his way to that nunnery, and lightly he came again with
+Dame Bragwaine; but by her good will she would not have come again, because for
+love of the queen she stood in adventure of her life. Notwithstanding, half
+against her will, she went with Sir Palamides unto the queen. And when the
+queen saw her she was passing glad. Now, Madam, said Palamides, remember upon
+your promise, for I have fulfilled my promise. Sir Palamides, said the queen, I
+wot not what is your desire, but I will that ye wit, howbeit I promised you
+largely, I thought none evil, nor I warn you none evil will I do. Madam, said
+Sir Palamides, as at this time, ye shall not know my desire, but before my lord
+your husband there shall ye know that I will have my desire that ye have
+promised me. And therewith the queen departed, and rode home to the king, and
+Sir Palamides rode after her. And when Sir Palamides came before the king, he
+said: Sir King, I require you as ye be a righteous king, that ye will judge me
+the right. Tell me your cause, said the king, and ye shall have right.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap184"></a>CHAPTER XXX.<br/>How Palamides demanded Queen Isoud,
+and how Lambegus rode after to rescue her, and of the escape of Isoud.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Sir, said Palamides, I promised your Queen Isoud to bring again Dame Bragwaine
+that she had lost, upon this covenant, that she should grant me a boon that I
+would ask, and without grudging, outher advisement, she granted me. What say
+ye, my lady? said the king. It is as he saith, so God me help, said the queen;
+to say thee sooth I promised him his asking for love and joy that I had to see
+her. Well, Madam, said the king, and if ye were hasty to grant him what boon he
+would ask, I will well that ye perform your promise. Then, said Palamides, I
+will that ye wit that I will have your queen to lead her and govern her whereas
+me list. Therewith the king stood still, and bethought him of Sir Tristram, and
+deemed that he would rescue her. And then hastily the king answered: Take her
+with the adventures that shall fall of it, for as I suppose thou wilt not enjoy
+her no while. As for that, said Palamides, I dare right well abide the
+adventure. And so, to make short tale, Sir Palamides took her by the hand and
+said: Madam, grudge not to go with me, for I desire nothing but your own
+promise. As for that, said the queen, I fear not greatly to go with thee,
+howbeit thou hast me at advantage upon my promise, for I doubt not I shall be
+worshipfully rescued from thee. As for that, said Sir Palamides, be it as it be
+may. So Queen Isoud was set behind Palamides, and rode his way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon the king sent after Sir Tristram, but in no wise he could be found, for he
+was in the forest a-hunting; for that was always his custom, but if he used
+arms, to chase and to hunt in the forests. Alas, said the king, now I am shamed
+for ever, that by mine own assent my lady and my queen shall be devoured. Then
+came forth a knight, his name was Lambegus, and he was a knight of Sir
+Tristram. My lord, said this knight, sith ye have trust in my lord, Sir
+Tristram, wit ye well for his sake I will ride after your queen and rescue her,
+or else I shall be beaten. Gramercy, said the king, as I live, Sir Lambegus, I
+shall deserve it. And then Sir Lambegus armed him, and rode after as fast as he
+might. And then within a while he overtook Sir Palamides. And then Sir
+Palamides left the queen. What art thou, said Palamides, art thou Tristram?
+Nay, he said, I am his servant, and my name is Sir Lambegus. That me repenteth,
+said Palamides. I had liefer thou hadst been Sir Tristram. I believe you well,
+said Lambegus, but when thou meetest with Sir Tristram thou shalt have thy
+hands full. And then they hurtled together and all to-brast their spears, and
+then they pulled out their swords, and hewed on helms and hauberks. At the last
+Sir Palamides gave Sir Lambegus such a wound that he fell down like a dead
+knight to the earth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then he looked after La Beale Isoud, and then she was gone he nist where. Wit
+ye well Sir Palamides was never so heavy. So the queen ran into the forest, and
+there she found a well, and therein she had thought to have drowned herself.
+And as good fortune would, there came a knight to her that had a castle
+thereby, his name was Sir Adtherp. And when he found the queen in that mischief
+he rescued her, and brought her to his castle. And when he wist what she was he
+armed him, and took his horse, and said he would be avenged upon Palamides; and
+so he rode on till he met with him, and there Sir Palamides wounded him sore,
+and by force he made him to tell him the cause why he did battle with him, and
+how he had led the queen unto his castle. Now bring me there, said Palamides,
+or thou shalt die of my hands. Sir, said Sir Adtherp, I am so wounded I may not
+follow, but ride you this way and it shall bring you into my castle, and there
+within is the queen. Then Sir Palamides rode still till he came to the castle.
+And at a window La Beale Isoud saw Sir Palamides; then she made the gates to be
+shut strongly. And when he saw he might not come within the castle, he put off
+his bridle and his saddle, and put his horse to pasture, and set himself down
+at the gate like a man that was out of his wit that recked not of himself.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap185"></a>CHAPTER XXXI.<br/>How Sir Tristram rode after
+Palamides, and how he found him and fought with him, and by the means of Isoud
+the battle ceased.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that when he was come home and wist La Beale
+Isoud was gone with Sir Palamides, wit ye well he was wroth out of measure.
+Alas, said Sir Tristram, I am this day shamed. Then he cried to Gouvernail his
+man: Haste thee that I were armed and on horseback, for well I wot Lambegus
+hath no might nor strength to withstand Sir Palamides: alas that I have not
+been in his stead! So anon as he was armed and horsed Sir Tristram and
+Gouvernail rode after into the forest, and within a while he found his knight
+Lambegus almost wounded to the death; and Sir Tristram bare him to a forester,
+and charged him to keep him well. And then he rode forth, and there he found
+Sir Adtherp sore wounded, and he told him how the queen would have drowned
+herself had he not been, and how for her sake and love he had taken upon him to
+do battle with Sir Palamides. Where is my lady? said Sir Tristram. Sir, said
+the knight, she is sure enough within my castle, an she can hold her within it.
+Gramercy, said Sir Tristram, of thy great goodness. And so he rode till he came
+nigh to that castle; and then Sir Tristram saw where Sir Palamides sat at the
+gate sleeping, and his horse pastured fast afore him. Now go thou, Gouvernail,
+said Sir Tristram, and bid him awake, and make him ready. So Gouvernail rode
+unto him and said: Sir Palamides, arise, and take to thee thine harness. But he
+was in such a study he heard not what Gouvernail said. So Gouvernail came again
+and told Sir Tristram he slept, or else he was mad. Go thou again, said Sir
+Tristram, and bid him arise, and tell him that I am here, his mortal foe. So
+Gouvernail rode again and put upon him the butt of his spear, and said: Sir
+Palamides, make thee ready, for wit ye well Sir Tristram hoveth yonder, and
+sendeth thee word he is thy mortal foe. And therewithal Sir Palamides arose
+stilly, without words, and gat his horse, and saddled him and bridled him, and
+lightly he leapt upon, and gat his spear in his hand, and either feutred their
+spears and hurtled fast together; and there Tristram smote down Sir Palamides
+over his horse&rsquo;s tail. Then lightly Sir Palamides put his shield afore
+him and drew his sword. And there began strong battle on both parts, for both
+they fought for the love of one lady, and ever she lay on the walls and beheld
+them how they fought out of measure, and either were wounded passing sore, but
+Palamides was much sorer wounded. Thus they fought tracing and traversing more
+than two hours, that well-nigh for dole and sorrow La Beale Isoud swooned.
+Alas, she said, that one I loved and yet do, and the other I love not, yet it
+were great pity that I should see Sir Palamides slain; for well I know by that
+time the end be done Sir Palamides is but a dead knight: because he is not
+christened I would be loath that he should die a Saracen. And therewithal she
+came down and besought Sir Tristram to fight no more. Ah, madam, said he, what
+mean you, will ye have me shamed? Well ye know I will be ruled by you. I will
+not your dishonour, said La Beale Isoud, but I would that ye would for my sake
+spare this unhappy Saracen Palamides. Madam, said Sir Tristram, I will leave
+fighting at this time for your sake. Then she said to Sir Palamides: This shall
+be your charge, that thou shalt go out of this country while I am therein. I
+will obey your commandment, said Sir Palamides, the which is sore against my
+will. Then take thy way, said La Beale Isoud, unto the court of King Arthur,
+and there recommend me unto Queen Guenever, and tell her that I send her word
+that there be within this land but four lovers, that is, Sir Launcelot du Lake
+and Queen Guenever, and Sir Tristram de Liones and Queen Isoud.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap186"></a>CHAPTER XXXII.<br/>How Sir Tristram brought Queen
+Isoud home, and of the debate of King Mark and Sir Tristram.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And so Sir Palamides departed with great heaviness. And Sir Tristram took the
+queen and brought her again to King Mark, and then was there made great joy of
+her home-coming. Who was cherished but Sir Tristram! Then Sir Tristram let
+fetch Sir Lambegus, his knight, from the forester&rsquo;s house, and it was
+long or he was whole, but at the last he was well recovered. Thus they lived
+with joy and play a long while. But ever Sir Andred, that was nigh cousin to
+Sir Tristram, lay in a watch to wait betwixt Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud,
+for to take them and slander them. So upon a day Sir Tristram talked with La
+Beale 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 was nigh him,
+and 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 at that
+time there was not one would move for his words. When Sir Tristram saw that
+there was not one would be against him, he shook the sword to the king, and
+made countenance as though he would have stricken him. And then King Mark fled,
+and Sir Tristram followed him, and smote upon him five or six strokes flatling
+on the neck, that he made him to fall upon the nose. And then Sir Tristram yede
+his way and armed him, and took his horse and his man, and so he rode into that
+forest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And there upon a day Sir Tristram met with two brethren that were knights with
+King Mark, and there he struck off the head of the one, and wounded the other
+to the death; and he made him to bear his brother&rsquo;s head in his helm unto
+the king, and thirty more there he wounded. And when that knight came before
+the king to say his message, he there died afore the king and the queen. Then
+King Mark called his council unto him, and asked advice of his barons what was
+best to do with Sir Tristram. Sir, said the barons, in especial Sir Dinas, the
+Seneschal, Sir, we will give you counsel for to send for Sir Tristram, for we
+will that ye wit many men will hold with Sir Tristram an he were hard bestead.
+And sir, said Sir Dinas, ye shall understand that Sir Tristram is called
+peerless and makeless of any Christian knight, and of his might and hardiness
+we knew none so good a knight, but if it be Sir Launcelot du Lake. And if he
+depart from your court and go to King Arthur&rsquo;s court, wit ye well he will
+get him such friends there that he will not set by your malice. And therefore,
+sir, I counsel you to take him to your grace. I will well, said the king, that
+he be sent for, that we may be friends. Then the barons sent for Sir Tristram
+under a safe conduct. And so when Sir Tristram came to the king he was welcome,
+and no rehearsal was made, and there was game and play. And then the king and
+the queen went a-hunting, and Sir Tristram.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap187"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII.<br/>How Sir Lamorak jousted with
+thirty knights, and Sir Tristram at the request of King Mark smote his horse
+down.</h3>
+
+<p>
+The king and the queen made their pavilions and their tents in that forest
+beside a river, and there was daily hunting and jousting, for there were ever
+thirty knights ready to joust unto all them that came in at that time. And
+there by fortune came Sir Lamorak de Galis and Sir Driant; and there Sir Driant
+jousted right well, but at the last he had a fall. Then Sir Lamorak proffered
+to joust. And when he began he fared so with the thirty knights that there was
+not one of them but that he gave him a fall, and some of them were sore hurt. I
+marvel, said King Mark, what knight he is that doth such deeds of arms. Sir,
+said Sir Tristram, I know him well for a noble knight as few now be living, and
+his name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. It were great shame, said the king, that he
+should go thus away, unless that some of you meet with him better. Sir, said
+Sir Tristram, meseemeth it were no worship for a noble man to have ado with
+him: and for because at this time he hath done over much for any mean knight
+living, therefore, as meseemeth, it were great shame and villainy to tempt him
+any more at this time, insomuch as he and his horse are weary both; for the
+deeds of arms that he hath done this day, an they be well considered, it were
+enough for Sir Launcelot du Lake. As for that, said King Mark, I require you,
+as ye love me and my lady the queen, La Beale Isoud, take your arms and joust
+with Sir Lamorak de Galis. Sir, said Sir Tristram, ye bid me do a thing that is
+against knighthood, and well I can deem that I shall give him a fall, for it is
+no mastery, for my horse and I be fresh both, and so is not his horse and he;
+and wit ye well that he will take it for great unkindness, for ever one good
+knight is loath to take another at disadvantage; but because I will not
+displease you, as ye require me so will I do, and obey your commandment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so Sir Tristram armed him and took his horse, and put him forth, and there
+Sir Lamorak met him mightily, and what with the might of his own spear, and of
+Sir Tristram&rsquo;s spear, Sir Lamorak&rsquo;s horse fell to the earth, and he
+sitting in the saddle. Then anon as lightly as he might he avoided the saddle
+and his horse, and put his shield afore him and drew his sword. And then he
+bade Sir Tristram: Alight, thou knight, an thou durst. Nay, said Sir Tristram,
+I will no more have ado with thee, for I have done to thee over much unto my
+dishonour and to thy worship. As for that, said Sir Lamorak, I can thee no
+thank; since thou hast for-jousted me on horseback I require thee and I beseech
+thee, an thou be Sir Tristram, fight with me on foot. I will not so, said Sir
+Tristram; and wit ye well my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and well I know ye
+be Sir Lamorak de Galis, and this that I have done to you was against my will,
+but I was required thereto; but to say that I will do at your request as at
+this time, I will have no more ado with you, for me shameth of that I have
+done. As for the shame, said Sir Lamorak, on thy part or on mine, bear thou it
+an thou wilt, for though a mare&rsquo;s son hath failed me, now a queen&rsquo;s
+son shall not fail thee; and therefore, an thou be such a knight as men call
+thee, I require thee, alight, and fight with me. Sir Lamorak, said Sir
+Tristram, I understand your heart is great, and cause why ye have, to say thee
+sooth; for it would grieve me an any knight should keep him fresh and then to
+strike down a weary knight, for that knight nor horse was never formed that
+alway might stand or endure. And therefore, said Sir Tristram, I will not have
+ado with you, for me forthinketh of that I have done. As for that, said Sir
+Lamorak, I shall quit you, an ever I see my time.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap188"></a>CHAPTER XXXIV.<br/>How Sir Lamorak sent an horn to
+King Mark in despite of Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram was driven into a
+chapel.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So he departed from him with Sir Driant, and by the way they met with a knight
+that was sent from Morgan le Fay unto King Arthur; and this knight had a fair
+horn harnessed with gold, and the horn had such a virtue that there might no
+lady nor gentlewoman drink of that horn but if she were true to her husband,
+and if she were false she should spill all the drink, and if she were true to
+her lord she might drink peaceable. And because of the Queen Guenever, and in
+the despite of Sir Launcelot, this horn was sent unto King Arthur; and by force
+Sir Lamorak made that knight to tell all the cause why he bare that horn. Now
+shalt thou bear this horn, said Lamorak, unto King Mark, or else choose thou to
+die for it; for I tell thee plainly, in despite and reproof of Sir Tristram
+thou shalt bear that horn unto King Mark, his uncle, and say thou to him that I
+sent it him for to assay his lady, and if she be true to him he shall prove
+her. So the knight went his way unto King Mark, and brought him that rich horn,
+and said that Sir Lamorak sent it him, and thereto he told him the virtue of
+that horn. Then the king made Queen Isoud to drink thereof, and an hundred
+ladies, and there were but four ladies of all those that drank clean. Alas,
+said King Mark, this is a great despite, and sware a great oath that she should
+be burnt and the other ladies.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the barons gathered them together, and said plainly they would not have
+those ladies burnt for an horn made by sorcery, that came from as false a
+sorceress and witch as then was living. For that horn did never good, but
+caused strife and debate, and always in her days she had been an enemy to all
+true lovers. So there were many knights made their avow, an ever they met with
+Morgan le Fay, that they would show her short courtesy. Also Sir Tristram was
+passing wroth that Sir Lamorak sent that horn unto King Mark, for well he knew
+that it was done in the despite of him. And therefore he thought to quite Sir
+Lamorak.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram used daily and nightly to go to Queen Isoud when he might,
+and ever Sir Andred his cousin watched him night and day for to take him with
+La Beale Isoud. And so upon a night Sir Andred espied the hour and the time
+when Sir Tristram went to his lady. Then Sir Andred gat unto him twelve
+knights, and at midnight he set upon Sir Tristram secretly and suddenly and
+there Sir Tristram was taken naked abed with La Beale Isoud, and then was he
+bound hand and foot, and so was he kept until day. And then by the assent of
+King Mark, and of Sir Andred, and of some of the barons, Sir Tristram was led
+unto a chapel that stood upon the sea rocks, there for to take his judgment:
+and so he was led bounden with forty knights. And when Sir Tristram saw that
+there was none other boot but needs that he must die, then said he: Fair lords,
+remember what I have done for the country of Cornwall, and in what jeopardy I
+have been in for the weal of you all; for when I fought for the truage of
+Cornwall with Sir Marhaus, the good knight, I was promised for to be better
+rewarded, when ye all refused to take the battle; therefore, as ye be good
+gentle knights, see me not thus shamefully to die, for it is shame to all
+knighthood thus to see me die; for I dare say, said Sir Tristram, that I never
+met with no knight but I was as good as he, or better. Fie upon thee, said Sir
+Andred, false traitor that thou art, with thine avaunting; for all thy boast
+thou shalt die this day. O Andred, Andred, said Sir Tristram, thou shouldst be
+my kinsman, and now thou art to me full unfriendly, but an there were no more
+but thou and I, thou wouldst not put me to death. No! said Sir Andred, and
+therewith he drew his sword, and would have slain him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Tristram saw him make such countenance he looked upon both his hands
+that were fast bounden unto two knights, and suddenly he pulled them both to
+him, and unwrast his hands, and then he leapt unto his cousin, Sir Andred, and
+wrested his sword out of his hands; then he smote Sir Andred that he fell to
+the earth, and so Sir Tristram fought till that he had killed ten knights. So
+then Sir Tristram gat the chapel and kept it mightily. Then the cry was great,
+and the people drew fast unto Sir Andred, mo than an hundred. When Sir Tristram
+saw the people draw unto him, he remembered he was naked, and sperd fast the
+chapel door, and brake the bars of a window, and so he leapt out and fell upon
+the crags in the sea. And so at that time Sir Andred nor none of his fellows
+might get to him, at that time.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap189"></a>CHAPTER XXXV.<br/>How Sir Tristram was holpen by his
+men, and of Queen Isoud which was put in a lazar-cote, and how Tristram was
+hurt.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So when they were departed, Gouvernail, and Sir Lambegus, and Sir Sentraille de
+Lushon, that were Sir Tristram&rsquo;s men, sought their master. When they
+heard he was escaped then they were passing glad; and on the rocks they found
+him, and with towels they pulled him up. And then Sir Tristram asked them where
+was La Beale Isoud, for he weened she had been had away of Andred&rsquo;s
+people. Sir, said Gouvernail, she is put in a lazar-cote. Alas, said Sir
+Tristram, this is a full ungoodly place for such a fair lady, and if I may she
+shall not be long there. And so he took his men and went thereas was La Beale
+Isoud, and fetched her away, and brought her into a forest to a fair manor, and
+Sir Tristram there abode with her. So the good knight bade his men go from him:
+For at this time I may not help you. So they departed all save Gouvernail. And
+so upon a day Sir Tristram yede into the forest for to disport him, and then it
+happened that there he fell sleep; and there came a man that Sir Tristram
+aforehand had slain his brother, and when this man had found him he shot him
+through the shoulder with an arrow, and Sir Tristram leapt up and killed that
+man. And in the meantime it was told King Mark how Sir Tristram and La Beale
+Isoud were in that same manor, and as soon as ever he might thither he came
+with many knights to slay Sir Tristram. And when he came there he found him
+gone; and there he took La Beale Isoud home with him, and kept her strait that
+by no means never she might wit nor send unto Tristram, nor he unto her. And
+then when Sir Tristram came toward the old manor he found the track of many
+horses, and thereby he wist his lady was gone. And then Sir Tristram took great
+sorrow, and endured with great pain long time, for the arrow that he was hurt
+withal was envenomed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then by the mean of La Beale Isoud she told a lady that was cousin unto Dame
+Bragwaine, and she came to Sir Tristram, and told him that he might not be
+whole by no means. For thy lady, La Beale Isoud, may not help thee, therefore
+she biddeth you haste into Brittany to King Howel, and there ye shall find his
+daughter, Isoud la Blanche Mains, and she shall help thee. Then Sir Tristram
+and Gouvernail gat them shipping, and so sailed into Brittany. And when King
+Howel wist that it was Sir Tristram he was full glad of him. Sir, he said, I am
+come into this country to have help of your daughter, for it is told me that
+there is none other may heal me but she; and so within a while she healed him.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap190"></a>CHAPTER XXXVI.<br/>How Sir Tristram served in war
+King Howel of Brittany, and slew his adversary in the field.</h3>
+
+<p>
+There was an earl that hight Grip, and this earl made great war upon the king,
+and put the king to the worse, and besieged him. And on a time Sir Kehydius,
+that was son to King Howel, as he issued out he was sore wounded, nigh to the
+death. Then Gouvernail went to the king and said: Sir, I counsel you to desire
+my lord, Sir Tristram, as in your need to help you. I will do by your counsel,
+said the king. And so he yede unto Sir Tristram, and prayed him in his wars to
+help him: For my son, Sir Kehydius, may not go into the field. Sir, said Sir
+Tristram, I will go to the field and do what I may. Then Sir Tristram issued
+out of the town with such fellowship as he might make, and did such deeds that
+all Brittany spake of him. And then, at the last, by great might and force, he
+slew the Earl Grip with his own hands, and more than an hundred knights he slew
+that day. And then Sir Tristram was received worshipfully with procession. Then
+King Howel embraced him in his arms, and said: Sir Tristram, all my kingdom I
+will resign to thee. God defend, said Sir Tristram, for I am beholden unto you
+for your daughter&rsquo;s sake to do for you.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then by the great means of King Howel and Kehydius his son, by great proffers,
+there grew great love betwixt Isoud and Sir Tristram, for that lady was both
+good and fair, and a woman of noble blood and fame. And for because Sir
+Tristram had such cheer and riches, and all other pleasaunce that he had,
+almost he had forsaken La Beale Isoud. And so upon a time Sir Tristram agreed
+to wed Isoud la Blanche Mains. And at the last they were wedded, and solemnly
+held their marriage. And so when they were abed both Sir Tristram remembered
+him of his old lady La Beale Isoud. And then he took such a thought suddenly
+that he was all dismayed, and other cheer made he none but with clipping and
+kissing; as for other fleshly lusts Sir Tristram never thought nor had ado with
+her: such mention maketh the French book; also it maketh mention that the lady
+weened there had been no pleasure but kissing and clipping. And in the meantime
+there was a knight in Brittany, his name was Suppinabiles, and he came over the
+sea into England, and then he came into the court of King Arthur, and there he
+met with Sir Launcelot du Lake, and told him of the marriage of Sir Tristram.
+Then said Sir Launcelot: Fie upon him, untrue knight to his lady, that so noble
+a knight as Sir Tristram is should be found to his first lady false, La Beale
+Isoud, Queen of Cornwall; but say ye him this, said Sir Launcelot, that of all
+knights in the world I loved him most, and had most joy of him, and all was for
+his noble deeds; and let him wit the love between him and me is done for ever,
+and that I give him warning from this day forth as his mortal enemy.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap191"></a>CHAPTER XXXVII.<br/>How Sir Suppinabiles told Sir
+Tristram how he was defamed in the court of King Arthur, and of Sir
+Lamorak.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then departed Sir Suppinabiles unto Brittany again, and there he found Sir
+Tristram, and told him that he had been in King Arthur&rsquo;s court. Then said
+Sir Tristram: Heard ye anything of me? So God me help, said Sir Suppinabiles,
+there I heard Sir Launcelot speak of you great shame, and that ye be a false
+knight to your lady and he bade me do you to wit that he will be your mortal
+enemy in every place where he may meet you. That me repenteth, said Tristram,
+for of all knights I loved to be in his fellowship. So Sir Tristram made great
+moan and was ashamed that noble knights should defame him for the sake of his
+lady. And in this meanwhile La Beale Isoud made a letter unto Queen Guenever,
+complaining her of the untruth of Sir Tristram, and how he had wedded the
+king&rsquo;s daughter of Brittany. Queen Guenever sent her another letter, and
+bade her be of good cheer, for she should have joy after sorrow, for Sir
+Tristram was so noble a knight called, that by crafts of sorcery ladies would
+make such noble men to wed them. But in the end, Queen Guenever said, it shall
+be thus, that he shall hate her, and love you better than ever he did to-fore.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So leave we Sir Tristram in Brittany, and speak we of Sir Lamorak de Galis,
+that as he sailed his ship fell on a rock and perished all, save Sir Lamorak
+and his squire; and there he swam mightily, and fishers of the Isle of Servage
+took him up, and his squire was drowned, and the shipmen had great labour to
+save Sir Lamorak&rsquo;s life, for all the comfort that they could do.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the lord of that isle, hight Sir Nabon le Noire, a great mighty giant. And
+this Sir Nabon hated all the knights of King Arthur&rsquo;s, and in no wise he
+would do them favour. And these fishers told Sir Lamorak all the guise of Sir
+Nabon; how there came never knight of King Arthur&rsquo;s but he destroyed him.
+And at the last battle that he did was slain Sir Nanowne le Petite, the which
+he put to a shameful death in despite of King Arthur, for he was drawn
+limb-meal. That forthinketh me, said Sir Lamorak, for that knight&rsquo;s
+death, for he was my cousin; and if I were at mine ease as well as ever I was,
+I would revenge his death. Peace, said the fishers, and make here no words, for
+or ever ye depart from hence Sir Nabon must know that ye have been here, or
+else we should die for your sake. So that I be whole, said Lamorak, of my
+disease that I have taken in the sea, I will that ye tell him that I am a
+knight of King Arthur&rsquo;s, for I was never afeard to reneye my lord.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap192"></a>CHAPTER XXXVIII.<br/>How Sir Tristram and his wife
+arrived in Wales, and how he met there with Sir Lamorak.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that upon a day he took a little barget, and his
+wife Isoud la Blanche Mains, with Sir Kehydius her brother, to play them in the
+coasts. And when they were from the land, there was a wind drove them in to the
+coast of Wales upon this Isle of Servage, whereas was Sir Lamorak, and there
+the barget all to-rove; and there Dame Isoud was hurt; and as well as they
+might they gat into the forest, and there by a well he saw Segwarides and a
+damosel. And then either saluted other. Sir, said Segwarides, I know you for
+Sir Tristram de Liones, the man in the world that I have most cause to hate,
+because ye departed the love between me and my wife; but as for that, said Sir
+Segwarides, I will never hate a noble knight for a light lady; and therefore, I
+pray you, be my friend, and I will be yours unto my power; for wit ye well ye
+are hard bestead in this valley, and we shall have enough to do either of us to
+succour other. And then Sir Segwarides brought Sir Tristram to a lady thereby
+that was born in Cornwall, and she told him all the perils of that valley, and
+how there came never knight there but he were taken prisoner or slain. Wit you
+well, fair lady, said Sir Tristram, that I slew Sir Marhaus and delivered
+Cornwall from the truage of Ireland, and I am he that delivered the King of
+Ireland from Sir Blamore de Ganis, and I am he that beat Sir Palamides; and wit
+ye well I am Sir Tristram de Liones, that by the grace of God shall deliver
+this woful Isle of Servage. So Sir Tristram was well eased.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then one told him there was a knight of King Arthur&rsquo;s that was wrecked on
+the rocks. What is his name? said Sir Tristram. We wot not, said the fishers,
+but he keepeth it no counsel but that he is a knight of King Arthur&rsquo;s,
+and by the mighty lord of this isle he setteth nought. I pray you, said Sir
+Tristram, an ye may, bring him hither that I may see him, and if he be any of
+the knights of Arthur&rsquo;s I shall know him. Then the lady prayed the
+fishers to bring him to her place. So on the morrow they brought him thither in
+a fisher&rsquo;s raiment; and as soon as Sir Tristram saw him he smiled upon
+him and knew him well, but he knew not Sir Tristram. Fair sir, said Sir
+Tristram, meseemeth by your cheer ye have been diseased but late, and also
+methinketh I should know you heretofore. I will well, said Sir Lamorak, that ye
+have seen me and met with me. Fair sir, said Sir Tristram, tell me your name.
+Upon a covenant I will tell you, said Sir Lamorak, that is, that ye will tell
+me whether ye be lord of this island or no, that is called Nabon le Noire.
+Forsooth, said Sir Tristram, I am not he, nor I hold not of him; I am his foe
+as well as ye be, and so shall I be found or I depart out of this isle. Well,
+said Sir Lamorak, since ye have said so largely unto me, my name is Sir Lamorak
+de Galis, son unto King Pellinore. Forsooth, I trow well, said Sir Tristram,
+for an ye said other I know the contrary. What are ye, said Sir Lamorak, that
+knoweth me? I am Sir Tristram de Liones. Ah, sir, remember ye not of the fall
+ye did give me once, and after ye refused me to fight on foot. That was not for
+fear I had of you, said Sir Tristram, but me shamed at that time to have more
+ado with you, for meseemed ye had enough; but, Sir Lamorak, for my kindness
+many ladies ye put to a reproof when ye sent the horn from Morgan le Fay to
+King Mark, whereas ye did this in despite of me. Well, said he, an it were to
+do again, so would I do, for I had liefer strife and debate fell in King
+Mark&rsquo;s court rather than Arthur&rsquo;s court, for the honour of both
+courts be not alike. As to that, said Sir Tristram, I know well; but that that
+was done it was for despite of me, but all your malice, I thank God, hurt not
+greatly. Therefore, said Sir Tristram, ye shall leave all your malice, and so
+will I, and let us assay how we may win worship between you and me upon this
+giant Sir Nabon le Noire that is lord of this island, to destroy him. Sir, said
+Sir Lamorak, now I understand your knighthood, it may not be false that all men
+say, for of your bounty, noblesse, and worship, of all knights ye are peerless,
+and for your courtesy and gentleness I showed you ungentleness, and that now me
+repenteth.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap193"></a>CHAPTER XXXIX.<br/>How Sir Tristram fought with Sir
+Nabon, and overcame him, and made Sir Segwarides lord of the isle.</h3>
+
+<p>
+In the meantime there came word that Sir Nabon had made a cry that all the
+people of that isle should be at his castle the fifth day after. And the same
+day the son of Nabon should be made knight, and all the knights of that valley
+and thereabout should be there to joust, and all those of the realm of Logris
+should be there to joust with them of North Wales: and thither came five
+hundred knights, and they of the country brought thither Sir Lamorak, and Sir
+Tristram, and Sir Kehydius, and Sir Segwarides, for they durst none otherwise
+do; and then Sir Nabon lent Sir Lamorak horse and armour at Sir Lamorak&rsquo;s
+desire, and Sir Lamorak jousted and did such deeds of arms that Nabon and all
+the people said there was never knight that ever they saw do such deeds of
+arms; for, as the French book saith, he for-jousted all that were there, for
+the most part of five hundred knights, that none abode him in his saddle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Nabon proffered to play with him his play: For I saw never no knight
+do so much upon a day. I will well, said Sir Lamorak, play as I may, but I am
+weary and sore bruised. And there either gat a spear, but Nabon would not
+encounter with Sir Lamorak, but smote his horse in the forehead, and so slew
+him; and then Sir Lamorak yede on foot, and turned his shield and drew his
+sword, and there began strong battle on foot. But Sir Lamorak was so sore
+bruised and short breathed, that he traced and traversed somewhat aback. Fair
+fellow, said Sir Nabon, hold thy hand and I shall show thee more courtesy than
+ever I showed knight, because I have seen this day thy noble knighthood, and
+therefore stand thou by, and I will wit whether any of thy fellows will have
+ado with me. Then when Sir Tristram heard that, he stepped forth and said:
+Nabon, lend me horse and sure armour, and I will have ado with thee. Well,
+fellow, said Sir Nabon, go thou to yonder pavilion, and arm thee of the best
+thou findest there, and I shall play a marvellous play with thee. Then said Sir
+Tristram: Look ye play well, or else peradventure I shall learn you a new play.
+That is well said, fellow, said Sir Nabon. So when Sir Tristram was armed as
+him liked best, and well shielded and sworded, he dressed to him on foot; for
+well he knew that Sir Nabon would not abide a stroke with a spear, therefore he
+would slay all knights&rsquo; horses. Now, fair fellow, Sir Nabon, let us play.
+So then they fought long on foot, tracing and traversing, smiting and foining
+long without any rest. At the last Sir Nabon prayed him to tell him his name.
+Sir Nabon, I tell thee my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, a knight of Cornwall
+under King Mark. Thou art welcome, said Sir Nabon, for of all knights I have
+most desired to fight with thee or with Sir Launcelot.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So then they went eagerly together, and Sir Tristram slew Sir Nabon, and so
+forthwith he leapt to his son, and struck off his head; and then all the
+country said they would hold of Sir Tristram. Nay, said Sir Tristram, I will
+not so; here is a worshipful knight, Sir Lamorak de Galis, that for me he shall
+be lord of this country, for he hath done here great deeds of arms. Nay, said
+Sir Lamorak, I will not be lord of this country, for I have not deserved it as
+well as ye, therefore give ye it where ye will, for I will none have. Well,
+said Sir Tristram, since ye nor I will not have it, let us give it to him that
+hath not so well deserved it. Do as ye list, said Segwarides, for the gift is
+yours, for I will none have an I had deserved it. So was it given to
+Segwarides, whereof he thanked them; and so was he lord, and worshipfully he
+did govern it. And then Sir Segwarides delivered all prisoners, and set good
+governance in that valley; and so he returned into Cornwall, and told King Mark
+and La Beale Isoud how Sir Tristram had advanced him to the Isle of Servage,
+and there he proclaimed in all Cornwall of all the adventures of these two
+knights, so was it openly known. But full woe was La Beale Isoud when she heard
+tell that Sir Tristram was wedded to Isoud la Blanche Mains.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap194"></a>CHAPTER XL.<br/>How Sir Lamorak departed from Sir
+Tristram, and how he met with Sir Frol, and after with Sir Launcelot.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So turn we unto Sir Lamorak, that rode toward Arthur&rsquo;s court, and Sir
+Tristram&rsquo;s wife and Kehydius took a vessel and sailed into Brittany, unto
+King Howel, where he was welcome. And when he heard of these adventures they
+marvelled of his noble deeds. Now turn we unto Sir Lamorak, that when he was
+departed from Sir Tristram he rode out of the forest, till he came to an
+hermitage. When the hermit saw him, he asked him from whence he came. Sir, said
+Sir Lamorak, I come from this valley. Sir, said the hermit: thereof I marvel.
+For this twenty winter I saw never no knight pass this country but he was
+either slain or villainously wounded, or pass as a poor prisoner. Those ill
+customs, said Sir Lamorak, are fordone, for Sir Tristram slew your lord, Sir
+Nabon, and his son. Then was the hermit glad, and all his brethren, for he said
+there was never such a tyrant among Christian men. And therefore, said the
+hermit, this valley and franchise we will hold of Sir Tristram.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So on the morrow Sir Lamorak departed; and as he rode he saw four knights fight
+against one, and that one knight defended him well, but at the last the four
+knights had him down. And then Sir Lamorak went betwixt them, and asked them
+why they would slay that one knight, and said it was shame, four against one.
+Thou shalt well wit, said the four knights, that he is false. That is your
+tale, said Sir Lamorak, and when I hear him also speak, I will say as ye say.
+Then said Lamorak: Ah, knight, can ye not excuse you, but that ye are a false
+knight. Sir, said he, yet can I excuse me both with my word and with my hands,
+that I will make good upon one of the best of them, my body to his body. Then
+spake they all at once: We will not jeopardy our bodies as for thee. But wit
+thou well, they said, an King Arthur were here himself, it should not lie in
+his power to save his life. That is too much said, said Sir Lamorak, but many
+speak behind a man more than they will say to his face; and because of your
+words ye shall understand that I am one of the simplest of King Arthur&rsquo;s
+court; in the worship of my lord now do your best, and in despite of you I
+shall rescue him. And then they lashed all at once to Sir Lamorak, but anon at
+two strokes Sir Lamorak had slain two of them, and then the other two fled. So
+then Sir Lamorak turned again to that knight, and asked him his name. Sir, he
+said, my name is Sir Frol of the Out Isles. Then he rode with Sir Lamorak and
+bare him company.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as they rode by the way they saw a seemly knight riding against them, and
+all in white. Ah, said Frol, yonder knight jousted late with me and smote me
+down, therefore I will joust with him. Ye shall not do so, said Sir Lamorak, by
+my counsel, an ye will tell me your quarrel, whether ye jousted at his request,
+or he at yours. Nay, said Sir Frol, I jousted with him at my request. Sir, said
+Lamorak, then will I counsel you deal no more with him, for meseemeth by his
+countenance he should be a noble knight, and no japer; for methinketh he should
+be of the Table Round. Therefore I will not spare, said Sir Frol. And then he
+cried and said: Sir knight, make thee ready to joust. That needeth not, said
+the White Knight, for I have no lust to joust with thee; but yet they feutred
+their spears, and the White Knight overthrew Sir Frol, and then he rode his way
+a soft pace. Then Sir Lamorak rode after him, and prayed him to tell him his
+name: For meseemeth ye should be of the fellowship of the Round Table. Upon a
+covenant, said he, I will tell you my name, so that ye will not discover my
+name, and also that ye will tell me yours. Then, said he, my name is Sir
+Lamorak de Galis. And my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Then they put up their
+swords, and kissed heartily together, and either made great joy of other. Sir,
+said Sir Lamorak, an it please you I will do you service. God defend, said
+Launcelot, that any of so noble a blood as ye be should do me service. Then he
+said: More, I am in a quest that I must do myself alone. Now God speed you,
+said Sir Lamorak, and so they departed. Then Sir Lamorak came to Sir Frol and
+horsed him again. What knight is that? said Sir Frol. Sir, he said, it is not
+for you to know, nor it is no point of my charge. Ye are the more uncourteous,
+said Sir Frol, and therefore I will depart from you. Ye may do as ye list, said
+Sir Lamorak, and yet by my company ye have saved the fairest flower of your
+garland; so they departed.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap195"></a>CHAPTER XLI.<br/>How Sir Lamorak slew Sir Frol, and
+of the courteous fighting with Sir Belliance his brother.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then within two or three days Sir Lamorak found a knight at a well sleeping,
+and his lady sat with him and waked. Right so came Sir Gawaine and took the
+knight&rsquo;s lady, and set her up behind his squire. So Sir Lamorak rode
+after Sir Gawaine, and said: Sir Gawaine, turn again. And then said Sir
+Gawaine: What will ye do with me? for I am nephew unto King Arthur. Sir, said
+he, for that cause I will spare you, else that lady should abide with me, or
+else ye should joust with me. Then Sir Gawaine turned him and ran to him that
+ought the lady, with his spear, but the knight with pure might smote down Sir
+Gawaine, and took his lady with him. All this Sir Lamorak saw, and said to
+himself: But I revenge my fellow he will say of me dishonour in King
+Arthur&rsquo;s court. Then Sir Lamorak returned and proffered that knight to
+joust. Sir, said he, I am ready. And there they came together with all their
+might, and there Sir Lamorak smote the knight through both sides that he fell
+to the earth dead.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then that lady rode to that knight&rsquo;s brother that hight Belliance le
+Orgulus, that dwelt fast thereby, and then she told him how his brother was
+slain. Alas, said he, I will be revenged. And so he horsed him, and armed him,
+and within a while he overtook Sir Lamorak, and bade him: Turn and leave that
+lady, for thou and I must play a new play; for thou hast slain my brother Sir
+Frol, that was a better knight than ever wert thou. It might well be, said Sir
+Lamorak, but this day in the field I was found the better. So they rode
+together, and unhorsed other, and turned their shields, and drew their swords,
+and fought mightily as noble knights proved, by the space of two hours. So then
+Sir Belliance prayed him to tell him his name. Sir, said he, my name is Sir
+Lamorak de Galis. Ah, said Sir Belliance, thou art the man in the world that I
+most hate, for I slew my sons for thy sake, where I saved thy life, and now
+thou hast slain my brother Sir Frol. Alas, how should I be accorded with thee;
+therefore defend thee, for thou shalt die, there is none other remedy. Alas,
+said Sir Lamorak, full well me ought to know you, for ye are the man that most
+have done for me. And therewithal Sir Lamorak kneeled down, and besought him of
+grace. Arise, said Sir Belliance, or else thereas thou kneelest I shall slay
+thee. That shall not need, said Sir Lamorak, for I will yield me unto you, not
+for fear of you, nor for your strength, but your goodness maketh me full loath
+to have ado with you; wherefore I require you for God&rsquo;s sake, and for the
+honour of knighthood, forgive me all that I have offended unto you. Alas, said
+Belliance, leave thy kneeling, or else I shall slay thee without mercy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then they yede again unto battle, and either wounded other, that all the ground
+was bloody thereas they fought. And at the last Belliance withdrew him aback
+and set him down softly upon a little hill, for he was so faint for bleeding
+that he might not stand. Then Sir Lamorak threw his shield upon his back, and
+asked him what cheer. Well, said Sir Belliance. Ah, Sir, yet shall I show you
+favour in your mal-ease. Ah, Knight Sir Belliance, said Sir Lamorak, thou art a
+fool, for an I had had thee at such advantage as thou hast done me, I should
+slay thee; but thy gentleness is so good and so large, that I must needs
+forgive thee mine evil will. And then Sir Lamorak kneeled down, and unlaced
+first his umberere, and then his own, and then either kissed other with weeping
+tears. Then Sir Lamorak led Sir Belliance to an abbey fast by, and there Sir
+Lamorak would not depart from Belliance till he was whole. And then they sware
+together that none of them should never fight against other. So Sir Lamorak
+departed and went to the court of King Arthur.
+</p>
+
+<h5> Here leave we of Sir Lamorak and of Sir Tristram. And here beginneth the
+history of La Cote Male Taile. </h5>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="part09"></a>BOOK IX.</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap196"></a>CHAPTER I.<br/>How a young man came into the court of
+King Arthur, and how Sir Kay called him in scorn La Cote Male Taile.</h3>
+
+<p>
+At the court of King Arthur there came a young man and bigly made, and he was
+richly beseen: and he desired to be made knight of the king, but his
+over-garment sat over-thwartly, howbeit it was rich cloth of gold. What is your
+name? said King Arthur. Sir, said he, my name is Breunor le Noire, and within
+short space ye shall know that I am of good kin. It may well be, said Sir Kay,
+the Seneschal, but in mockage ye shall be called La Cote Male Taile, that is as
+much to say, the evil-shapen coat. It is a great thing that thou askest, said
+the king; and for what cause wearest thou that rich coat? tell me, for I can
+well think for some cause it is. Sir, he answered, I had a father, a noble
+knight, and as he rode a-hunting, upon a day it happed him to lay him down to
+sleep; and there came a knight that had been long his enemy, and when he saw he
+was fast asleep he all to-hew him; and this same coat had my father on the same
+time; and that maketh this coat to sit so evil upon me, for the strokes be on
+it as I found it, and never shall be amended for me. Thus to have my
+father&rsquo;s death in remembrance I wear this coat till I be revenged; and
+because ye are called the most noblest king of the world I come to you that ye
+should make me knight. Sir, said Sir Lamorak and Sir Gaheris, it were well done
+to make him knight; for him beseemeth well of person and of countenance, that
+he shall prove a good man, and a good knight, and a mighty; for, Sir, an ye be
+remembered, even such one was Sir Launcelot du Lake when he came first into
+this court, and full few of us knew from whence he came; and now is he proved
+the man of most worship in the world; and all your court and all your Round
+Table is by Sir Launcelot worshipped and amended more than by any knight now
+living. That is truth, said the king, and to-morrow at your request I shall
+make him knight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So on the morrow there was an hart found, and thither rode King Arthur with a
+company of his knights to slay the hart. And this young man that Sir Kay named
+La Cote Male Taile was there left behind with Queen Guenever; and by sudden
+adventure there was an horrible lion kept in a strong tower of stone, and it
+happened that he at that time brake loose, and came hurling afore the queen and
+her knights. And when the queen saw the lion she cried and fled, and prayed her
+knights to rescue her. And there was none of them all but twelve that abode,
+and all the other fled. Then said La Cote Male Taile: Now I see well that all
+coward knights be not dead; and therewithal he drew his sword and dressed him
+afore the lion. And that lion gaped wide and came upon him ramping to have
+slain him. And he then smote him in the midst of the head such a mighty stroke
+that it clave his head in sunder, and dashed to the earth. Then was it told the
+queen how the young man that Sir Kay named by scorn La Cote Male Taile had
+slain the lion. With that the king came home. And when the queen told him of
+that adventure, he was well pleased, and said: Upon pain of mine head he shall
+prove a noble man and a faithful knight, and true of his promise: then the king
+forthwithal made him knight. Now Sir, said this young knight, I require you and
+all the knights of your court, that ye call me by none other name but La Cote
+Male Taile: in so much as Sir Kay hath so named me so will I be called. I
+assent me well thereto, said the king.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap197"></a>CHAPTER II.<br/>How a damosel came into the court and
+desired a knight to take on him an enquest, which La Cote Male Taile
+emprised.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then that same day there came a damosel into the court, and she brought with
+her a great black shield, with a white hand in the midst holding a sword. Other
+picture was there none in that shield. When King Arthur saw her he asked her
+from whence she came and what she would. Sir, she said, I have ridden long and
+many a day with this shield many ways, and for this cause I am come to your
+court: there was a good knight that ought this shield, and this knight had
+undertaken a great deed of arms to enchieve it; and so it misfortuned him
+another strong knight met with him by sudden adventure, and there they fought
+long, and either wounded other passing sore; and they were so weary that they
+left that battle even hand. So this knight that ought this shield saw none
+other way but he must die; and then he commanded me to bear this shield to the
+court of King Arthur, he requiring and praying some good knight to take this
+shield, and that he would fulfil the quest that he was in. Now what say ye to
+this quest? said King Arthur; is there any of you here that will take upon him
+to wield this shield? Then was there not one that would speak one word. Then
+Sir Kay took the shield in his hands. Sir knight, said the damosel, what is
+your name? Wit ye well, said he, my name is Sir Kay, the Seneschal, that
+wide-where is known. Sir, said that damosel, lay down that shield, for wit ye
+well it falleth not for you, for he must be a better knight than ye that shall
+wield this shield. Damosel, said Sir Kay, wit ye well I took this shield in my
+hands by your leave for to behold it, not to that intent; but go wheresomever
+thou wilt, for I will not go with you.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the damosel stood still a great while and beheld many of those knights.
+Then spake the knight, La Cote Male Taile: Fair damosel, I will take the shield
+and that adventure upon me, so I wist I should know whitherward my journey
+might be; for because I was this day made knight I would take this adventure
+upon me. What is your name, fair young man? said the damosel. My name is, said
+he, La Cote Male Taile. Well mayest thou be called so, said the damosel, the
+knight with the evil-shapen coat; but an thou be so hardy to take upon thee to
+bear that shield and to follow me, wit thou well thy skin shall be as well hewn
+as thy coat. As for that, said La Cote Male Taile, when I am so hewn I will ask
+you no salve to heal me withal. And forthwithal there came into the court two
+squires and brought him great horses, and his armour, and his spears, and anon
+he was armed and took his leave. I would not by my will, said the king, that ye
+took upon you that hard adventure. Sir, said he, this adventure is mine, and
+the first that ever I took upon me, and that will I follow whatsomever come of
+me. Then that damosel departed, and La Cote Male Taile fast followed after. And
+within a while he overtook the damosel, and anon she missaid him in the foulest
+manner.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap198"></a>CHAPTER III.<br/>How La Cote Male Taile overthrew Sir
+Dagonet the king&rsquo;s fool, and of the rebuke that he had of the
+damosel.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Kay ordained Sir Dagonet, King Arthur&rsquo;s fool, to follow after La
+Cote Male Taile; and there Sir Kay ordained that Sir Dagonet was horsed and
+armed, and bade him follow La Cote Male Taile and proffer him to joust, and so
+he did; and when he saw La Cote Male Taile, he cried and bade him make him
+ready to joust. So Sir La Cote Male Taile smote Sir Dagonet over his
+horse&rsquo;s croup. Then the damosel mocked La Cote Male Taile, and said: Fie
+for shame! now art thou shamed in Arthur&rsquo;s court, when they send a fool
+to have ado with thee, and specially at thy first jousts; thus she rode long,
+and chid. And within a while there came Sir Bleoberis, the good knight, and
+there he jousted with La Cote Male Taile, and there Sir Bleoberis smote him so
+sore, that horse and all fell to the earth. Then La Cote Male Taile arose up
+lightly, and dressed his shield, and drew his sword, and would have done battle
+to the utterance, for he was wood wroth. Not so, said Sir Bleoberis de Ganis,
+as at this time I will not fight upon foot. Then the damosel Maledisant rebuked
+him in the foulest manner, and bade him: Turn again, coward. Ah, damosel, he
+said, I pray you of mercy to missay me no more, my grief is enough though ye
+give me no more; I call myself never the worse knight when a mare&rsquo;s son
+faileth me, and also I count me never the worse knight for a fall of Sir
+Bleoberis.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So thus he rode with her two days; and by fortune there came Sir Palomides and
+encountered with him, and he in the same wise served him as did Bleoberis
+to-forehand. What dost thou here in my fellowship? said the damosel Maledisant,
+thou canst not sit no knight, nor withstand him one buffet, but if it were Sir
+Dagonet. Ah, fair damosel, I am not the worse to take a fall of Sir Palomides,
+and yet great disworship have I none, for neither Bleoberis nor yet Palomides
+would not fight with me on foot. As for that, said the damosel, wit thou well
+they have disdain and scorn to light off their horses to fight with such a lewd
+knight as thou art. So in the meanwhile there came Sir Mordred, Sir
+Gawaine&rsquo;s brother, and so he fell in the fellowship with the damosel
+Maledisant. And then they came afore the Castle Orgulous, and there was such a
+custom that there might no knight come by that castle but either he must joust
+or be prisoner, or at the least to lose his horse and his harness. And there
+came out two knights against them, and Sir Mordred jousted with the foremost,
+and that knight of the castle smote Sir Mordred down off his horse. And then La
+Cote Male Taile jousted with that other, and either of them smote other down,
+horse and all, to the earth. And when they avoided their horses, then either of
+them took other&rsquo;s horses. And then La Cote Male Taile rode unto that
+knight that smote down Sir Mordred, and jousted with him. And there Sir La Cote
+Male Taile hurt and wounded him passing sore, and put him from his horse as he
+had been dead. So he turned unto him that met him afore, and he took the flight
+towards the castle, and Sir La Cote Male Taile rode after him into the Castle
+Orgulous, and there La Cote Male Taile slew him.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap199"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br/>How La Cote Male Taile fought against
+an hundred knights, and how he escaped by the mean of a lady.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And anon there came an hundred knights about him and assailed him; and when he
+saw his horse should be slain he alighted and voided his horse, and put the
+bridle under his feet, and so put him out of the gate. And when he had so done
+he hurled in among them, and dressed his back unto a lady&rsquo;s chamber-wall,
+thinking himself that he had liefer die there with worship than to abide the
+rebukes of the damosel Maledisant. And in the meantime as he stood and fought,
+that lady whose was the chamber went out slily at her postern, and without the
+gates she found La Cote Male Taile&rsquo;s horse, and lightly she gat him by
+the bridle, and tied him to the postern. And then she went unto her chamber
+slily again for to behold how that one knight fought against an hundred
+knights. And when she had beheld him long she went to a window behind his back,
+and said: Thou knight, thou fightest wonderly well, but for all that at the
+last thou must needs die, but, an thou canst through thy mighty prowess, win
+unto yonder postern, for there have I fastened thy horse to abide thee: but wit
+thou well thou must think on thy worship, and think not to die, for thou mayst
+not win unto that postern without thou do nobly and mightily. When La Cote Male
+Taile heard her say so he gripped his sword in his hands, and put his shield
+fair afore him, and through the thickest press he thrulled through them. And
+when he came to the postern he found there ready four knights, and at two the
+first strokes he slew two of the knights, and the other fled; and so he won his
+horse and rode from them. And all as it was it was rehearsed in King
+Arthur&rsquo;s court, how he slew twelve knights within the Castle Orgulous;
+and so he rode on his way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And in the meanwhile the damosel said to Sir Mordred: I ween my foolish knight
+be either slain or taken prisoner: then were they ware where he came riding.
+And when he was come unto them he told all how he had sped and escaped in
+despite of them all: And some of the best of them will tell no tales. Thou
+liest falsely, said the damosel, that dare I make good, but as a fool and a
+dastard to all knighthood they have let thee pass. That may ye prove, said La
+Cote Male Taile. With that she sent a courier of hers, that rode alway with
+her, for to know the truth of this deed; and so he rode thither lightly, and
+asked how and in what manner that La Cote Male Taile was escaped out of the
+castle. Then all the knights cursed him, and said that he was a fiend and no
+man: For he hath slain here twelve of our best knights, and we weened unto this
+day that it had been too much for Sir Launcelot du Lake or for Sir Tristram de
+Liones. And in despite of us all he is departed from us and maugre our heads.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With this answer the courier departed and came to Maledisant his lady, and told
+her all how Sir La Cote Male Taile had sped at the Castle Orgulous. Then she
+smote down her head, and said little. By my head, said Sir Mordred to the
+damosel, ye are greatly to blame so to rebuke him, for I warn you plainly he is
+a good knight, and I doubt not but he shall prove a noble knight; but as yet he
+may not yet sit sure on horseback, for he that shall be a good horseman it must
+come of usage and exercise. But when he cometh to the strokes of his sword he
+is then noble and mighty, and that saw Sir Bleoberis and Sir Palomides, for wit
+ye well they are wily men of arms, and anon they know when they see a young
+knight by his riding, how they are sure to give him a fall from his horse or a
+great buffet. But for the most part they will not light on foot with young
+knights, for they are wight and strongly armed. For in likewise Sir Launcelot
+du Lake, when he was first made knight, he was often put to the worse upon
+horseback, but ever upon foot he recovered his renown, and slew and defoiled
+many knights of the Round Table. And therefore the rebukes that Sir Launcelot
+did unto many knights causeth them that be men of prowess to beware; for often
+I have seen the old proved knights rebuked and slain by them that were but
+young beginners. Thus they rode sure talking by the way together.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Here leave we off a while of this tale, and speak we of Sir Launcelot du Lake.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap200"></a>CHAPTER V.<br/>How Sir Launcelot came to the court
+and heard of La Cote Male Taile, and how he followed after him, and how La Cote
+Male Taile was prisoner.</h3>
+
+<p>
+That when he was come to the court of King Arthur, then heard he tell of the
+young knight La Cote Male Taile, how he slew the lion, and how he took upon him
+the adventure of the black shield, the which was named at that time the
+hardiest adventure of the world. So God me save, said Sir Launcelot unto many
+of his fellows, it was shame to all the noble knights to suffer such a young
+knight to take such adventure upon him for his destruction; for I will that ye
+wit, said Sir Launcelot, that that damosel Maledisant hath borne that shield
+many a day for to seek the most proved knights, and that was she that Breuse
+Saunce Pité took that shield from her, and after Tristram de Liones rescued
+that shield from him and gave it to the damosel again, a little afore that time
+that Sir Tristram fought with my nephew Sir Blamore de Ganis, for a quarrel
+that was betwixt the King of Ireland and him. Then many knights were sorry that
+Sir La Cote Male Taile was gone forth to that adventure. Truly, said Sir
+Launcelot, I cast me to ride after him. And within seven days Sir Launcelot
+overtook La Cote Male Taile, and then he saluted him and the damosel
+Maledisant. And when Sir Mordred saw Sir Launcelot, then he left their
+fellowship; and so Sir Launcelot rode with them all a day, and ever that
+damosel rebuked La Cote Male Taile; and then Sir Launcelot answered for him,
+then she left off, and rebuked Sir Launcelot.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So this meantime Sir Tristram sent by a damosel a letter unto Sir Launcelot,
+excusing him of the wedding of Isoud la Blanche Mains; and said in the letter,
+as he was a true knight he had never ado fleshly with Isoud la Blanche Mains;
+and passing courteously and gentily Sir Tristram wrote unto Sir Launcelot, ever
+beseeching him to be his good friend and unto La Beale Isoud of Cornwall, and
+that Sir Launcelot would excuse him if that ever he saw her. And within short
+time by the grace of God, said Sir Tristram, that he would speak with La Beale
+Isoud, and with him right hastily. Then Sir Launcelot departed from the damosel
+and from Sir La Cote Male Taile, for to oversee that letter, and to write
+another letter unto Sir Tristram de Liones.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And in the meanwhile La Cote Male Taile rode with the damosel until they came
+to a castle that hight Pendragon; and there were six knights stood afore him,
+and one of them proffered to joust with La Cote Male Taile. And there La Cote
+Male Taile smote him over his horse&rsquo;s croup. And then the five knights
+set upon him all at once with their spears, and there they smote La Cote Male
+Taile down, horse and man. And then they alighted suddenly, and set their hands
+upon him all at once, and took him prisoner, and so led him unto the castle and
+kept him as prisoner.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And on the morn Sir Launcelot arose, and delivered the damosel with letters
+unto Sir Tristram, and then he took his way after La Cote Male Taile; and by
+the way upon a bridge there was a knight proffered Sir Launcelot to joust, and
+Sir Launcelot smote him down, and then they fought upon foot a noble battle
+together, and a mighty; and at the last Sir Launcelot smote him down grovelling
+upon his hands and his knees. And then that knight yielded him, and Sir
+Launcelot received him fair. Sir, said the knight, I require thee tell me your
+name, for much my heart giveth unto you. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, as at this
+time I will not tell you my name, unless then that ye tell me your name.
+Certainly, said the knight, my name is Sir Nerovens, that was made knight of my
+lord Sir Launcelot du Lake. Ah, Nerovens de Lile, said Sir Launcelot, I am
+right glad that ye are proved a good knight, for now wit ye well my name is Sir
+Launcelot du Lake. Alas, said Sir Nerovens de Lile, what have I done! And
+therewithal flatling he fell to his feet, and would have kissed them, but Sir
+Launcelot would not let him; and then either made great joy of other. And then
+Sir Nerovens told Sir Launcelot that he should not go by the Castle of
+Pendragon: For there is a lord, a mighty knight, and many knights with him, and
+this night I heard say that they took a knight prisoner yesterday that rode
+with a damosel, and they say he is a Knight of the Round Table.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap201"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br/>How Sir Launcelot fought with six
+knights, and after with Sir Brian, and how he delivered the prisoners.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Ah, said Sir Launcelot, that knight is my fellow, and him shall I rescue or
+else I shall lose my life therefore. And therewithal he rode fast till he came
+before the Castle of Pendragon; and anon therewithal there came six knights,
+and all made them ready to set upon Sir Launcelot at once; then Sir Launcelot
+feutred his spear, and smote the foremost that he brake his back in-sunder, and
+three of them hit and three failed. And then Sir Launcelot passed through them,
+and lightly he turned in again, and smote another knight through the breast and
+throughout the back more than an ell, and therewithal his spear brake. So then
+all the remnant of the four knights drew their swords and lashed at Sir
+Launcelot. And at every stroke Sir Launcelot bestowed so his strokes that at
+four strokes sundry they avoided their saddles, passing sore wounded; and
+forthwithal he rode hurling into that castle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And anon the lord of the castle, that was that time cleped Sir Brian de les
+Isles, the which was a noble man and a great enemy unto King Arthur, within a
+while he was armed and upon horseback. And then they feutred their spears and
+hurled together so strongly that both their horses rashed to the earth. And
+then they avoided their saddles, and dressed their shields, and drew their
+swords, and flang together as wood men, and there were many strokes given in a
+while. At the last Sir Launcelot gave to Sir Brian such a buffet that he
+kneeled upon his knees, and then Sir Launcelot rashed upon him, and with great
+force he pulled off his helm; and when Sir Brian saw that he should be slain he
+yielded him, and put him in his mercy and in his grace. Then Sir Launcelot made
+him to deliver all his prisoners that he had within his castle, and therein Sir
+Launcelot found of Arthur&rsquo;s knights thirty, and forty ladies, and so he
+delivered them; and then he rode his way. And anon as La Cote Male Taile was
+delivered he gat his horse, and his harness, and his damosel Maledisant.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The meanwhile Sir Nerovens, that Sir Launcelot had foughten withal afore at the
+bridge, he sent a damosel after Sir Launcelot to wit how he sped at the Castle
+of Pendragon. And then they within the castle marvelled what knight he was,
+when Sir Brian and his knights delivered all those prisoners. Have ye no
+marvel, said the damosel, for the best knight in this world was here, and did
+this journey, and wit ye well, she said, it was Sir Launcelot. Then was Sir
+Brian full glad, and so was his lady, and all his knights, that such a man
+should win them. And when the damosel and La Cote Male Taile understood that it
+was Sir Launcelot du Lake that had ridden with them in fellowship, and that she
+remembered her how she had rebuked him and called him coward, then was she
+passing heavy.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap202"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br/>How Sir Launcelot met with the
+damosel named Male disant, and named her the Damosel Bienpensant.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So then they took their horses and rode forth a pace after Sir Launcelot. And
+within two mile they overtook him, and saluted him, and thanked him, and the
+damosel cried Sir Launcelot mercy of her evil deed and saying: For now I know
+the flower of all knighthood is departed even between Sir Tristram and you. For
+God knoweth, said the damosel, that I have sought you my lord, Sir Launcelot,
+and Sir Tristram long, and now I thank God I have met with you; and once at
+Camelot I met with Sir Tristram, and there he rescued this black shield with
+the white hand holding a naked sword that Sir Breuse Saunce Pité had taken from
+me. Now, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, who told you my name? Sir, said she,
+there came a damosel from a knight that ye fought withal at the bridge, and she
+told me your name was Sir Launcelot du Lake. Blame have she then, said Sir
+Launcelot, but her lord, Sir Nerovens, hath told her. But, damosel, said Sir
+Launcelot, upon this covenant I will ride with you, so that ye will not rebuke
+this knight Sir La Cote Male Taile no more; for he is a good knight, and I
+doubt not he shall prove a noble knight, and for his sake and pity that he
+should not be destroyed I followed him to succour him in this great need. Ah,
+Jesu thank you, said the damosel, for now I will say unto you and to him both,
+I rebuked him never for no hate that I hated him, but for great love that I had
+to him. For ever I supposed that he had been too young and too tender to take
+upon him these adventures. And therefore by my will I would have driven him
+away for jealousy that I had of his life, for it may be no young knight&rsquo;s
+deed that shall enchieve this adventure to the end. Pardieu, said Sir
+Launcelot, it is well said, and where ye are called the Damosel Maledisant I
+will call you the Damosel Bienpensant.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so they rode forth a great while unto they came to the border of the
+country of Surluse, and there they found a fair village with a strong bridge
+like a fortress. And when Sir Launcelot and they were at the bridge there stert
+forth afore them of gentlemen and yeomen many, that said: Fair lords, ye may
+not pass this bridge and this fortress because of that black shield that I see
+one of you bear, and therefore there shall not pass but one of you at once;
+therefore choose you which of you shall enter within this bridge first. Then
+Sir Launcelot proffered himself first to enter within this bridge. Sir, said La
+Cote Male Taile, I beseech you let me enter within this fortress, and if I may
+speed well I will send for you, and if it happened that I be slain, there it
+goeth. And if so be that I am a prisoner taken, then may ye rescue me. I am
+loath, said Sir Launcelot, to let you pass this passage. Sir, said La Cote Male
+Taile, I pray you let me put my body in this adventure. Now go your way, said
+Sir Launcelot, and Jesu be your speed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he entered, and anon there met with him two brethren, the one hight Sir
+Plaine de Force, and the other hight Sir Plaine de Amours. And anon they met
+with Sir La Cote Male Taile; and first La Cote Male Taile smote down Plaine de
+Force, and after he smote down Plaine de Amours; and then they dressed them to
+their shields and swords, and bade La Cote Male Taile alight, and so he did;
+and there was dashing and foining with swords, and so they began to assail full
+hard La Cote Male Taile, and many great wounds they gave him upon his head, and
+upon his breast, and upon his shoulders. And as he might ever among he gave sad
+strokes again. And then the two brethren traced and traversed for to be of both
+hands of Sir La Cote Male Taile, but he by fine force and knightly prowess gat
+them afore him. And then when he felt himself so wounded, then he doubled his
+strokes, and gave them so many wounds that he felled them to the earth, and
+would have slain them had they not yielded them. And right so Sir La Cote Male
+Taile took the best horse that there was of them three, and so rode forth his
+way to the other fortress and bridge; and there he met with the third brother
+whose name was Sir Plenorius, a full noble knight, and there they jousted
+together, and either smote other down, horse and man, to the earth. And then
+they avoided their horses, and dressed their shields, and drew their swords,
+and gave many sad strokes, and one while the one knight was afore on the
+bridge, and another while the other. And thus they fought two hours and more,
+and never rested. And ever Sir Launcelot and the damosel beheld them. Alas,
+said the damosel, my knight fighteth passing sore and over long. Now may ye
+see, said Sir Launcelot, that he is a noble knight, for to consider his first
+battle, and his grievous wounds; and even forthwithal so wounded as he is, it
+is marvel that he may endure this long battle with that good knight.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap203"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br/>How La Cote Male Taile was taken
+prisoner, and after rescued by Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot overcame
+four brethren.</h3>
+
+<p>
+This meanwhile Sir La Cote Male Taile sank right down upon the earth, what
+for-wounded and what for-bled he might not stand. Then the other knight had
+pity of him, and said: Fair young knight, dismay you not, for had ye been fresh
+when ye met with me, as I was, I wot well that I should not have endured so
+long as ye have done; and therefore for your noble deeds of arms I shall show
+to you kindness and gentleness in all that I may. And forthwithal this noble
+knight, Sir Plenorius, took him up in his arms, and led him into his tower. And
+then he commanded him the wine, and made to search him and to stop his bleeding
+wounds. Sir, said La Cote Male Taile, withdraw you from me, and hie you to
+yonder bridge again, for there will meet with you another manner knight than
+ever was I. Why, said Plenorius, is there another manner knight behind of your
+fellowship? Yea, said La Cote Male Taile, there is a much better knight than I
+am. What is his name? said Plenorius. Ye shall not know for me, said La Cote
+Male Taile. Well, said the knight, he shall be encountered withal whatsomever
+he be.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Plenorius heard a knight call that said: Sir Plenorius, where art
+thou? either thou must deliver me the prisoner that thou hast led unto thy
+tower, or else come and do battle with me. Then Plenorius gat his horse, and
+came with a spear in his hand walloping toward Sir Launcelot; and then they
+began to feutre their spears, and came together as thunder, and smote either
+other so mightily that their horses fell down under them. And then they avoided
+their horses, and pulled out their swords, and like two bulls they lashed
+together with great strokes and foins; but ever Sir Launcelot recovered ground
+upon him, and Sir Plenorius traced to have gone about him. But Sir Launcelot
+would not suffer that, but bare him backer and backer, till he came nigh his
+tower gate. And then said Sir Launcelot: I know thee well for a good knight,
+but wit thou well thy life and death is in my hand, and therefore yield thee to
+me, and thy prisoner. The other answered no word, but struck mightily upon Sir
+Launcelot&rsquo;s helm, that the fire sprang out of his eyes. Then Sir
+Launcelot doubled his strokes so thick, and smote at him so mightily, that he
+made him kneel upon his knees. And therewith Sir Launcelot leapt upon him, and
+pulled him grovelling down. Then Sir Plenorius yielded him, and his tower, and
+all his prisoners at his will.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Launcelot received him and took his troth; and then he rode to the
+other bridge, and there Sir Launcelot jousted with other three of his brethren,
+the one hight Pillounes, and the other hight Pellogris, and the third Sir
+Pellandris. And first upon horseback Sir Launcelot smote them down, and
+afterward he beat them on foot, and made them to yield them unto him; and then
+he returned unto Sir Plenorius, and there he found in his prison King Carados
+of Scotland, and many other knights, and all they were delivered. And then Sir
+La Cote Male Taile came to Sir Launcelot, and then Sir Launcelot would have
+given him all these fortresses and these bridges. Nay, said La Cote Male Taile,
+I will not have Sir Plenorius&rsquo; livelihood; with that he will grant you,
+my lord Sir Launcelot, to come unto King Arthur&rsquo;s court, and to be his
+knight, and all his brethren, I will pray you, my lord, to let him have his
+livelihood. I will well, said Sir Launcelot, with this that he will come to the
+court of King Arthur and become his man, and his brethren five. And as for you,
+Sir Plenorius, I will undertake, said Sir Launcelot, at the next feast, so
+there be a place voided, that ye shall be Knight of the Round Table. Sir, said
+Plenorius, at the next feast of Pentecost I will be at Arthur&rsquo;s court,
+and at that time I will be guided and ruled as King Arthur and ye will have me.
+Then Sir Launcelot and Sir La Cote Male Taile reposed them there, unto the time
+that Sir La Cote Male Taile was whole of his wounds, and there they had merry
+cheer, and good rest, and many good games, and there were many fair ladies.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap204"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br/>How Sir Launcelot made La Cote Male
+Taile lord of the Castle of Pendragon, and after was made knight of the Round
+Table.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And in the meanwhile came Sir Kay, the Seneschal, and Sir Brandiles, and anon
+they fellowshipped with them. And then within ten days, then departed those
+knights of Arthur&rsquo;s court from these fortresses. And as Sir Launcelot
+came by the Castle of Pendragon there he put Sir Brian de les Isles from his
+lands, for cause he would never be withhold with King Arthur; and all that
+Castle of Pendragon and all the lands thereof he gave to Sir La Cote Male
+Taile. And then Sir Launcelot sent for Nerovens that he made once knight, and
+he made him to have all the rule of that castle and of that country, under La
+Cote Male Taile; and so they rode to Arthur&rsquo;s court all wholly together.
+And at Pentecost next following there was Sir Plenorius and Sir La Cote Male
+Taile, called otherwise by right Sir Breunor le Noire, both made Knights of the
+Table Round; and great lands King Arthur gave them, and there Breunor le Noire
+wedded that damosel Maledisant. And after she was called Beauvivante, but ever
+after for the more part he was called La Cote Male Taile; and he proved a
+passing noble knight, and mighty; and many worshipful deeds he did after in his
+life; and Sir Plenorius proved a noble knight and full of prowess, and all the
+days of their life for the most part they awaited upon Sir Launcelot; and Sir
+Plenorius&rsquo; brethren were ever knights of King Arthur. And also, as the
+French book maketh mention, Sir La Cote Male Taile avenged his father&rsquo;s
+death.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap205"></a>CHAPTER X.<br/>How La Beale Isoud sent letters to Sir
+Tristram by her maid Bragwaine, and of divers adventures of Sir Tristram.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now leave we here Sir La Cote Male Taile, and turn we unto Sir Tristram de
+Liones that was in Brittany. When La Beale Isoud understood that he was wedded
+she sent to him by her maiden Bragwaine as piteous letters as could be thought
+and made, and her conclusion was that, an it pleased Sir Tristram, that he
+would come to her court, and bring with him Isoud la Blanche Mains, and they
+should be kept as well as she herself. Then Sir Tristram called unto him Sir
+Kehydius, and asked him whether he would go with him into Cornwall secretly. He
+answered him that he was ready at all times. And then he let ordain privily a
+little vessel, and therein they went, Sir Tristram, Kehydius, Dame Bragwaine,
+and Gouvernail, Sir Tristram&rsquo;s squire. So when they were in the sea a
+contrarious wind blew them on the coasts of North Wales, nigh the Castle
+Perilous. Then said Sir Tristram: Here shall ye abide me these ten days, and
+Gouvernail, my squire, with you. And if so be I come not again by that day take
+the next way into Cornwall; for in this forest are many strange adventures, as
+I have heard say, and some of them I cast me to prove or I depart. And when I
+may I shall hie me after you.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram and Kehydius took their horses and departed from their
+fellowship. And so they rode within that forest a mile and more; and at the
+last Sir Tristram saw afore him a likely knight, armed, sitting by a well, and
+a strong mighty horse passing nigh him tied to an oak, and a man hoving and
+riding by him leading an horse laden with spears. And this knight that sat at
+the well seemed by his countenance to be passing heavy. Then Sir Tristram rode
+near him and said: Fair knight, why sit ye so drooping? ye seem to be a
+knight-errant by your arms and harness, and therefore dress you to joust with
+one of us, or with both. Therewithal that knight made no words, but took his
+shield and buckled it about his neck, and lightly he took his horse and leapt
+upon him. And then he took a great spear of his squire, and departed his way a
+furlong. Sir Kehydius asked leave of Sir Tristram to joust first. Do your best,
+said Sir Tristram. So they met together, and there Sir Kehydius had a fall, and
+was sore wounded on high above the paps. Then Sir Tristram said: Knight, that
+is well jousted, now make you ready unto me. I am ready, said the knight. And
+then that knight took a greater spear in his hand, and encountered with Sir
+Tristram, and there by great force that knight smote down Sir Tristram from his
+horse and had a great fall. Then Sir Tristram was sore ashamed, and lightly he
+avoided his horse, and put his shield afore his shoulder, and drew his sword.
+And then Sir Tristram required that knight of his knighthood to alight upon
+foot and fight with him. I will well, said the knight; and so he alighted upon
+foot, and avoided his horse, and cast his shield upon his shoulder, and drew
+his sword, and there they fought a long battle together full nigh two hours.
+Then Sir Tristram said: Fair knight, hold thine hand, and tell me of whence
+thou art, and what is thy name. As for that, said the knight, I will be avised;
+but an thou wilt tell me thy name peradventure I will tell thee mine.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap206"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br/>How Sir Tristram met with Sir Lamorak
+de Galis, and how they fought, and after accorded never to fight together.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now fair knight, he said, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones. Sir, said the
+other knight, and my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. Ah, Sir Lamorak, said Sir
+Tristram, well be we met, and bethink thee now of the despite thou didst me of
+the sending of the horn unto King Mark&rsquo;s court, to the intent to have
+slain or dishonoured my lady the queen, La Beale Isoud; and therefore wit thou
+well, said Sir Tristram, the one of us shall die or we depart. Sir, said Sir
+Lamorak, remember that we were together in the Isle of Servage, and at that
+time ye promised me great friendship. Then Sir Tristram would make no longer
+delays, but lashed at Sir Lamorak; and thus they fought long till either were
+weary of other. Then Sir Tristram said to Sir Lamorak: In all my life met I
+never with such a knight that was so big and well breathed as ye be, therefore,
+said Sir Tristram, it were pity that any of us both should here be mischieved.
+Sir, said Sir Lamorak, for your renown and name I will that ye have the worship
+of this battle, and therefore I will yield me unto you. And therewith he took
+the point of his sword to yield him. Nay, said Sir Tristram, ye shall not do
+so, for well I know your proffers, and more of your gentleness than for any
+fear or dread ye have of me. And therewithal Sir Tristram proffered him his
+sword and said: Sir Lamorak, as an overcome knight I yield me unto you as to a
+man of the most noble prowess that ever I met withal. Nay, said Sir Lamorak, I
+will do you gentleness; I require you let us be sworn together that never none
+of us shall after this day have ado with other. And therewithal Sir Tristram
+and Sir Lamorak sware that never none of them should fight against other, nor
+for weal nor for woe.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap207"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br/>How Sir Palomides followed the
+Questing Beast, and smote down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one
+spear.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And this meanwhile there came Sir Palomides, the good knight, following the
+Questing Beast that had in shape a head like a serpent&rsquo;s head, and a body
+like a leopard, buttocks like a lion, and footed like an hart; and in his body
+there was such a noise as it had been the noise of thirty couple of hounds
+questing, and such a noise that beast made wheresomever he went; and this beast
+ever more Sir Palomides followed, for it was called his quest. And right so as
+he followed this beast it came by Sir Tristram, and soon after came Palomides.
+And to brief this matter he smote down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak both with
+one spear; and so he departed after the beast Galtisant, that was called the
+Questing Beast; wherefore these two knights were passing wroth that Sir
+Palomides would not fight on foot with them. Here men may understand that be of
+worship, that he was never formed that all times might stand, but sometime he
+was put to the worse by mal-fortune; and at sometime the worse knight put the
+better knight to a rebuke.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak gat Sir Kehydius upon a shield betwixt them
+both, and led him to a forester&rsquo;s lodge, and there they gave him in
+charge to keep him well, and with him they abode three days. Then the two
+knights took their horses and at the cross they departed. And then said Sir
+Tristram to Sir Lamorak: I require you if ye hap to meet with Sir Palomides,
+say him that he shall find me at the same well where I met him, and there I,
+Sir Tristram, shall prove whether he be better knight than I. And so either
+departed from other a sundry way, and Sir Tristram rode nigh thereas was Sir
+Kehydius; and Sir Lamorak rode until he came to a chapel, and there he put his
+horse unto pasture. And anon there came Sir Meliagaunce, that was King
+Bagdemagus&rsquo; son, and he there put his horse to pasture, and was not ware
+of Sir Lamorak; and then this knight Sir Meliagaunce made his moan of the love
+that he had to Queen Guenever, and there he made a woful complaint. All this
+heard Sir Lamorak, and on the morn Sir Lamorak took his horse and rode unto the
+forest, and there he met with two knights hoving under the wood-shaw. Fair
+knights, said Sir Lamorak, what do ye hoving here and watching? and if ye be
+knights-errant that will joust, lo I am ready. Nay, sir knight, they said, not
+so, we abide not here to joust with you, but we lie here in await of a knight
+that slew our brother. What knight was that, said Sir Lamorak, that you would
+fain meet withal? Sir, they said, it is Sir Launcelot that slew our brother,
+and if ever we may meet with him he shall not escape, but we shall slay him. Ye
+take upon you a great charge, said Sir Lamorak, for Sir Launcelot is a noble
+proved knight. As for that we doubt not, for there nis none of us but we are
+good enough for him. I will not believe that, said Sir Lamorak, for I heard
+never yet of no knight the days of my life but Sir Launcelot was too big for
+him.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap208"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br/>How Sir Lamorak met with Sir
+Meliagaunce, and fought together for the beauty of Dame Guenever.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Right so as they stood talking thus Sir Lamorak was ware how Sir Launcelot came
+riding straight toward them; then Sir Lamorak saluted him, and he him again.
+And then Sir Lamorak asked Sir Launcelot if there were anything that he might
+do for him in these marches. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, not at this time I thank
+you. Then either departed from other, and Sir Lamorak rode again thereas he
+left the two knights, and then he found them hid in the leaved wood. Fie on
+you, said Sir Lamorak, false cowards, pity and shame it is that any of you
+should take the high order of knighthood. So Sir Lamorak departed from them,
+and within a while he met with Sir Meliagaunce. And then Sir Lamorak asked him
+why he loved Queen Guenever as he did: For I was not far from you when ye made
+your complaint by the chapel. Did ye so? said Sir Meliagaunce, then will I
+abide by it: I love Queen Guenever, what will ye with it? I will prove and make
+good that she is the fairest lady and most of beauty in the world. As to that,
+said Sir Lamorak, I say nay thereto, for Queen Morgawse of Orkney, mother to
+Sir Gawaine, and his mother is the fairest queen and lady that beareth the
+life. That is not so, said Sir Meliagaunce, and that will I prove with my hands
+upon thy body. Will ye so? said Sir Lamorak, and in a better quarrel keep I not
+to fight. Then they departed either from other in great wrath. And then they
+came riding together as it had been thunder, and either smote other so sore
+that their horses fell backward to the earth. And then they avoided their
+horses, and dressed their shields, and drew their swords. And then they hurtled
+together as wild boars, and thus they fought a great while. For Meliagaunce was
+a good man and of great might, but Sir Lamorak was hard big for him, and put
+him always aback, but either had wounded other sore.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as they stood thus fighting, by fortune came Sir Launcelot and Sir
+Bleoberis riding. And then Sir Launcelot rode betwixt them, and asked them for
+what cause they fought so together: And ye are both knights of King Arthur!
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sir, said Meliagaunce, I shall tell you for what cause we do this battle. I
+praised my lady, Queen Guenever, and said she was the fairest lady of the
+world, and Sir Lamorak said nay thereto, for he said Queen Morgawse of Orkney
+was fairer than she and more of beauty. Ah, Sir Lamorak, why sayest thou so? it
+is not thy part to dispraise thy princess that thou art under her obeissance,
+and we all. And therewith he alighted on foot, and said: For this quarrel, make
+thee ready, for I will prove upon thee that Queen Guenever is the fairest lady
+and most of bounty in the world. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, I am loath to have ado
+with you in this quarrel, for every man thinketh his own lady fairest; and
+though I praise the lady that I love most ye should not be wroth; for though my
+lady, Queen Guenever, be fairest in your eye, wit ye well Queen Morgawse of
+Orkney is fairest in mine eye, and so every knight thinketh his own lady
+fairest; and wit ye well, sir, ye are the man in the world except Sir Tristram
+that I am most loathest to have ado withal, but, an ye will needs fight with me
+I shall endure you as long as I may. Then spake Sir Bleoberis and said: My lord
+Sir Launcelot, I wist you never so misadvised as ye are now, for Sir Lamorak
+sayeth you but reason and knightly; for I warn you I have a lady, and
+methinketh that she is the fairest lady of the world. Were this a great reason
+that ye should be wroth with me for such language? And well ye wot, that Sir
+Lamorak is as noble a knight as I know, and he hath ought you and us ever good
+will, and therefore I pray you be good friends. Then Sir Launcelot said unto
+Sir Lamorak. I pray you forgive me mine evil will, and if I was misadvised I
+will amend it. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, the amends is soon made betwixt you and
+me. And so Sir Launcelot and Sir Bleoberis departed, and Sir Meliagaunce and
+Sir Lamorak took their horses, and either departed from other.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And within a while came King Arthur, and met with Sir Lamorak, and jousted with
+him; and there he smote down Sir Lamorak, and wounded him sore with a spear,
+and so he rode from him; wherefore Sir Lamorak was wroth that he would not
+fight with him on foot, howbeit that Sir Lamorak knew not King Arthur.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap209"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br/>How Sir Kay met with Sir Tristram,
+and after of the shame spoken of the knights of Cornwall, and how they
+jousted.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now leave we of this tale, and speak we of Sir Tristram, that as he rode he met
+with Sir Kay, the Seneschal; and there Sir Kay asked Sir Tristram of what
+country he was. He answered that he was of the country of Cornwall. It may well
+be, said Sir Kay, for yet heard I never that ever good knight came out of
+Cornwall. That is evil spoken, said Sir Tristram, but an it please you to tell
+me your name I require you. Sir, wit ye well, said Sir Kay, that my name is Sir
+Kay, the Seneschal. Is that your name? said Sir Tristram, now wit ye well that
+ye are named the shamefullest knight of your tongue that now is living; howbeit
+ye are called a good knight, but ye are called unfortunate, and passing
+overthwart of your tongue. And thus they rode together till they came to a
+bridge. And there was a knight would not let them pass till one of them jousted
+with him; and so that knight jousted with Sir Kay, and there that knight gave
+Sir Kay a fall: his name was Sir Tor, Sir Lamorak&rsquo;s half-brother. And
+then they two rode to their lodging, and there they found Sir Brandiles, and
+Sir Tor came thither anon after. And as they sat at supper these four knights,
+three of them spake all shame by Cornish knights. Sir Tristram heard all that
+they said and he said but little, but he thought the more, but at that time he
+discovered not his name.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Upon the morn Sir Tristram took his horse and abode them upon their way. And
+there Sir Brandiles proffered to joust with Sir Tristram, and Sir Tristram
+smote him down, horse and all, to the earth. Then Sir Tor le Fise de Vayshoure
+encountered with Sir Tristram and there Sir Tristram smote him down, and then
+he rode his way, and Sir Kay followed him, but he would not of his fellowship.
+Then Sir Brandiles came to Sir Kay and said: I would wit fain what is that
+knight&rsquo;s name. Come on with me, said Sir Kay, and we shall pray him to
+tell us his name. So they rode together till they came nigh him, and then they
+were ware where he sat by a well, and had put off his helm to drink at the
+well. And when he saw them come he laced on his helm lightly, and took his
+horse, and proffered them to joust. Nay, said Sir Brandiles, we jousted late
+enough with you, we come not in that intent. But for this we come to require
+you of knighthood to tell us your name. My fair knights, sithen that is your
+desire, and to please you, ye shall wit that my name is Sir Tristram de Liones,
+nephew unto King Mark of Cornwall. In good time, said Sir Brandiles, and well
+be ye found, and wit ye well that we be right glad that we have found you, and
+we be of a fellowship that would be right glad of your company. For ye are the
+knight in the world that the noble fellowship of the Round Table most desireth
+to have the company of. God thank them, said Sir Tristram, of their great
+goodness, but as yet I feel well that I am unable to be of their fellowship,
+for I was never yet of such deeds of worthiness to be in the company of such a
+fellowship. Ah, said Sir Kay, an ye be Sir Tristram de Liones, ye are the man
+called now most of prowess except Sir Launcelot du Lake; for he beareth not the
+life, Christian nor heathen, that can find such another knight, to speak of his
+prowess, and of his hands, and his truth withal. For yet could there never
+creature say of him dishonour and make it good. Thus they talked a great while,
+and then they departed either from other such ways as them seemed best.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap210"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br/>How King Arthur was brought into the
+Forest Perilous, and how Sir Tristram saved his life.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now shall ye hear what was the cause that King Arthur came into the Forest
+Perilous, that was in North Wales, by the means of a lady. Her name was
+Annowre, and this lady came to King Arthur at Cardiff; and she by fair promise
+and fair behests made King Arthur to ride with her into that Forest Perilous;
+and she was a great sorceress; and many days she had loved King Arthur, and
+because she would have him to lie by her she came into that country. So when
+the king was gone with her many of his knights followed after King Arthur when
+they missed him, as Sir Launcelot, Brandiles, and many other; and when she had
+brought him to her tower she desired him to lie by her; and then the king
+remembered him of his lady, and would not lie by her for no craft that she
+could do. Then every day she would make him ride into that forest with his own
+knights, to the intent to have had King Arthur slain. For when this Lady
+Annowre saw that she might not have him at her will, then she laboured by false
+means to have destroyed King Arthur, and slain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the Lady of the Lake that was alway friendly to King Arthur, she
+understood by her subtle crafts that King Arthur was like to be destroyed. And
+therefore this Lady of the Lake, that hight Nimue, came into that forest to
+seek after Sir Launcelot du Lake or Sir Tristram for to help King Arthur; foras
+that same day this Lady of the Lake knew well that King Arthur should be slain,
+unless that he had help of one of these two knights. And thus she rode up and
+down till she met with Sir Tristram, and anon as she saw him she knew him. O my
+lord Sir Tristram, she said, well be ye met, and blessed be the time that I
+have met with you; for this same day, and within these two hours, shall be done
+the foulest deed that ever was done in this land. O fair damosel, said Sir
+Tristram, may I amend it. Come on with me, she said, and that in all the haste
+ye may, for ye shall see the most worshipfullest knight of the world hard
+bestead. Then said Sir Tristram: I am ready to help such a noble man. He is
+neither better nor worse, said the Lady of the Lake, but the noble King Arthur
+himself. God defend, said Sir Tristram, that ever he should be in such
+distress. Then they rode together a great pace, until they came to a little
+turret or castle; and underneath that castle they saw a knight standing upon
+foot fighting with two knights; and so Sir Tristram beheld them, and at the
+last the two knights smote down the one knight, and that one of them unlaced
+his helm to have slain him. And the Lady Annowre gat King Arthur&rsquo;s sword
+in her hand to have stricken off his head. And therewithal came Sir Tristram
+with all his might, crying: Traitress, traitress, leave that. And anon there
+Sir Tristram smote the one of the knights through the body that he fell dead;
+and then he rashed to the other and smote his back asunder; and in the
+meanwhile the Lady of the Lake cried to King Arthur: Let not that false lady
+escape. Then King Arthur overtook her, and with the same sword he smote off her
+head, and the Lady of the Lake took up her head and hung it up by the hair of
+her saddle-bow. And then Sir Tristram horsed King Arthur and rode forth with
+him, but he charged the Lady of the Lake not to discover his name as at that
+time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When the king was horsed he thanked heartily Sir Tristram, and desired to wit
+his name; but he would not tell him, but that he was a poor knight adventurous;
+and so he bare King Arthur fellowship till he met with some of his knights. And
+within a while he met with Sir Ector de Maris, and he knew not King Arthur nor
+Sir Tristram, and he desired to joust with one of them. Then Sir Tristram rode
+unto Sir Ector, and smote him from his horse. And when he had done so he came
+again to the king and said: My lord, yonder is one of your knights, he may bare
+you fellowship, and another day that deed that I have done for you I trust to
+God ye shall understand that I would do you service. Alas, said King Arthur,
+let me wit what ye are? Not at this time, said Sir Tristram. So he departed and
+left King Arthur and Sir Ector together.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap211"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br/>How Sir Tristram came to La Beale
+Isoud, and how Kehydius began to love Beale Isoud, and of a letter that
+Tristram found.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then at a day set Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak met at the well; and then
+they took Kehydius at the forester&rsquo;s house, and so they rode with him to
+the ship where they left Dame Bragwaine and Gouvernail, and so they sailed into
+Cornwall all wholly together. And by assent and information of Dame Bragwaine
+when they were landed they rode unto Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, a trusty friend
+of Sir Tristram&rsquo;s. And so Dame Bragwaine and Sir Dinas rode to the court
+of King Mark, and told the queen, La Beale Isoud, that Sir Tristram was nigh
+her in that country. Then for very pure joy La Beale Isoud swooned; and when
+she might speak she said: Gentle knight Seneschal, help that I might speak with
+him, outher my heart will brast. Then Sir Dinas and Dame Bragwaine brought Sir
+Tristram and Kehydius privily unto the court, unto a chamber whereas La Beale
+Isoud had assigned it; and to tell the joys that were betwixt La Beale Isoud
+and Sir Tristram, there is no tongue can tell it, nor heart think it, nor pen
+write it. And as the French book maketh mention, at the first time that ever
+Sir Kehydius saw La Beale Isoud he was so enamoured upon her that for very pure
+love he might never withdraw it. And at the last, as ye shall hear or the book
+be ended, Sir Kehydius died for the love of La Beale Isoud. And then privily he
+wrote unto her letters and ballads of the most goodliest that were used in
+those days. And when La Beale Isoud understood his letters she had pity of his
+complaint, and unavised she wrote another letter to comfort him withal.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Sir Tristram was all this while in a turret at the commandment of La Beale
+Isoud, and when she might she came unto Sir Tristram. So on a day King Mark
+played at the chess under a chamber window; and at that time Sir Tristram and
+Sir Kehydius were within the chamber over King Mark, and as it mishapped Sir
+Tristram found the letter that Kehydius sent unto La Beale Isoud, also he had
+found the letter that she wrote unto Kehydius, and at that same time La Beale
+Isoud was in the same chamber. Then Sir Tristram came unto La Beale Isoud and
+said: Madam, here is a letter that was sent unto you, and here is the letter
+that ye sent unto him that sent you that letter. Alas, Madam, the good love
+that I have loved you; and many lands and riches have I forsaken for your love,
+and now ye are a traitress to me, the which doth me great pain. But as for
+thee, Sir Kehydius, I brought thee out of Brittany into this country, and thy
+father, King Howel, I won his lands, howbeit I wedded thy sister Isoud la
+Blanche Mains for the goodness she did unto me. And yet, as I am true knight,
+she is a clean maiden for me; but wit thou well, Sir Kehydius, for this
+falsehood and treason thou hast done me, I will revenge it upon thee. And
+therewithal Sir Tristram drew out his sword and said: Sir Kehydius, keep thee,
+and then La Beale Isoud swooned to the earth. And when Sir Kehydius saw Sir
+Tristram come upon him he saw none other boot, but leapt out at a bay-window
+even over the head where sat King Mark playing at the chess. And when the king
+saw one come hurling over his head he said: Fellow, what art thou, and what is
+the cause thou leapest out at that window? My lord the king, said Kehydius, it
+fortuned me that I was asleep in the window above your head, and as I slept I
+slumbered, and so I fell down. And thus Sir Kehydius excused him.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap212"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br/>How Sir Tristram departed from
+Tintagil, and how he sorrowed and was so long in a forest till he was out of
+his mind.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram dread sore lest he were discovered unto the king that he was
+there; wherefore he drew him to the strength of the Tower, and armed him in
+such armour as he had for to fight with them that would withstand him. And so
+when Sir Tristram saw there was no resistance against him he sent Gouvernail
+for his horse and his spear, and knightly he rode forth out of the castle
+openly, that was called the Castle of Tintagil. And even at gate he met with
+Gingalin, Sir Gawaine&rsquo;s son. And anon Sir Gingalin put his spear in his
+rest, and ran upon Sir Tristram and brake his spear; and Sir Tristram at that
+time had but a sword, and gave him such a buffet upon the helm that he fell
+down from his saddle, and his sword slid adown, and carved asunder his
+horse&rsquo;s neck. And so Sir Tristram rode his way into the forest, and all
+this doing saw King Mark. And then he sent a squire unto the hurt knight, and
+commanded him to come to him, and so he did. And when King Mark wist that it
+was Sir Gingalin he welcomed him and gave him an horse, and asked him what
+knight it was that had encountered with him. Sir, said Gingalin, I wot not what
+knight he was, but well I wot that he sigheth and maketh great dole.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram within a while met with a knight of his own, that hight Sir
+Fergus. And when he had met with him he made great sorrow, insomuch that he
+fell down off his horse in a swoon, and in such sorrow he was in three days and
+three nights. Then at the last Sir Tristram sent unto the court by Sir Fergus,
+for to spere what tidings. And so as he rode by the way he met with a damosel
+that came from Sir Palomides, to know and seek how Sir Tristram did. Then Sir
+Fergus told her how he was almost out of his mind. Alas, said the damosel,
+where shall I find him? In such a place, said Sir Fergus. Then Sir Fergus found
+Queen Isoud sick in her bed, making the greatest dole that ever any earthly
+woman made. And when the damosel found Sir Tristram she made great dole because
+she might not amend him, for the more she made of him the more was his pain.
+And at the last Sir Tristram took his horse and rode away from her. And then
+was it three days or that she could find him, and then she brought him meat and
+drink, but he would none; and then another time Sir Tristram escaped away from
+the damosel, and it happed him to ride by the same castle where Sir Palomides
+and Sir Tristram did battle when La Beale Isoud departed them. And there by
+fortune the damosel met with Sir Tristram again, making the greatest dole that
+ever earthly creature made; and she yede to the lady of that castle and told
+her of the misadventure of Sir Tristram. Alas, said the lady of that castle,
+where is my lord, Sir Tristram? Right here by your castle, said the damosel. In
+good time, said the lady, is he so nigh me; he shall have meat and drink of the
+best; and an harp I have of his whereupon he taught me, for of goodly harping
+he beareth the prize in the world. So this lady and damosel brought him meat
+and drink, but he ate little thereof. Then upon a night he put his horse from
+him, and then he unlaced his armour, and then Sir Tristram would go into the
+wilderness, and brast down the trees and boughs; and otherwhile when he found
+the harp that the lady sent him, then would he harp, and play thereupon and
+weep together. And sometime when Sir Tristram was in the wood that the lady
+wist not where he was, then would she sit her down and play upon that harp:
+then would Sir Tristram come to that harp, and hearken thereto, and sometime he
+would harp himself. Thus he there endured a quarter of a year. Then at the last
+he ran his way, and she wist not where he was become. And then was he naked and
+waxed lean and poor of flesh; and so he fell in the fellowship of herdmen and
+shepherds, and daily they would give him some of their meat and drink. And when
+he did any shrewd deed they would beat him with rods, and so they clipped him
+with shears and made him like a fool.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap213"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br/>How Sir Tristram soused Dagonet in a
+well, and how Palomides sent a damosel to seek Tristram, and how Palomides met
+with King Mark.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And upon a day Dagonet, King Arthur&rsquo;s fool, came into Cornwall with two
+squires with him; and as they rode through that forest they came by a fair well
+where Sir Tristram was wont to be; and the weather was hot, and they alighted
+to drink of that well, and in the meanwhile their horses brake loose. Right so
+Sir Tristram came unto them, and first he soused Sir Dagonet in that well, and
+after his squires, and thereat laughed the shepherds; and forthwithal he ran
+after their horses and brought them again one by one, and right so, wet as they
+were, he made them leap up and ride their ways. Thus Sir Tristram endured there
+an half year naked, and would never come in town nor village. The meanwhile the
+damosel that Sir Palomides sent to seek Sir Tristram, she yede unto Sir
+Palomides and told him all the mischief that Sir Tristram endured. Alas, said
+Sir Palomides, it is great pity that ever so noble a knight should be so
+mischieved for the love of a lady; but nevertheless, I will go and seek him,
+and comfort him an I may. Then a little before that time La Beale Isoud had
+commanded Sir Kehydius out of the country of Cornwall. So Sir Kehydius departed
+with a dolorous heart, and by adventure he met with Sir Palomides, and they
+enfellowshipped together; and either complained to other of their hot love that
+they loved La Beale Isoud. Now let us, said Sir Palomides, seek Sir Tristram,
+that loved her as well as we, and let us prove whether we may recover him. So
+they rode into that forest, and three days and three nights they would never
+take their lodging, but ever sought Sir Tristram.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And upon a time, by adventure, they met with King Mark that was ridden from his
+men all alone. When they saw him Sir Palomides knew him, but Sir Kehydius knew
+him not. Ah, false king, said Sir Palomides, it is pity thou hast thy life, for
+thou art a destroyer of all worshipful knights, and by thy mischief and thy
+vengeance thou hast destroyed that most noble knight, Sir Tristram de Liones.
+And therefore defend thee, said Sir Palomides, for thou shalt die this day.
+That were shame, said King Mark, for ye two are armed and I am unarmed. As for
+that, said Sir Palomides, I shall find a remedy therefore; here is a knight
+with me, and thou shalt have his harness. Nay, said King Mark, I will not have
+ado with you, for cause have ye none to me; for all the misease that Sir
+Tristram hath was for a letter that he found; for as to me I did to him no
+displeasure, and God knoweth I am full sorry for his disease and malady. So
+when the king had thus excused him they were friends, and King Mark would have
+had them unto Tintagil; but Sir Palomides would not, but turned unto the realm
+of Logris, and Sir Kehydius said that he would go into Brittany.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Dagonet again, that when he and his squires were upon
+horseback he deemed that the shepherds had sent that fool to array them so,
+because that they laughed at them, and so they rode unto the keepers of beasts
+and all to-beat them. Sir Tristram saw them beat that were wont to give him
+meat and drink, then he ran thither and gat Sir Dagonet by the head, and gave
+him such a fall to the earth that he bruised him sore so that he lay still. And
+then he wrast his sword out of his hand, and therewith he ran to one of his
+squires and smote off his head, and the other fled. And so Sir Tristram took
+his way with that sword in his hand, running as he had been wild wood. Then Sir
+Dagonet rode to King Mark and told him how he had sped in that forest. And
+therefore, said Sir Dagonet, beware, King Mark, that thou come not about that
+well in the forest, for there is a fool naked, and that fool and I fool met
+together, and he had almost slain me. Ah, said King Mark, that is Sir Matto le
+Breune, that fell out of his wit because he lost his lady; for when Sir Gaheris
+smote down Sir Matto and won his lady of him, never since was he in his mind,
+and that was pity, for he was a good knight.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap214"></a>CHAPTER XIX.<br/>How it was noised how Sir Tristram
+was dead, and how La Beale Isoud would have slain herself.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Andred, that was cousin unto Sir Tristram, made a lady that was his
+paramour to say and to noise it that she was with Sir Tristram or ever he died.
+And this tale she brought unto King Mark&rsquo;s court, that she buried him by
+a well, and that or he died he besought King Mark to make his cousin, Sir
+Andred, king of the country of Liones, of the which Sir Tristram was lord of.
+All this did Sir Andred because he would have had Sir Tristram&rsquo;s lands.
+And when King Mark heard tell that Sir Tristram was dead he wept and made great
+dole. But when Queen Isoud heard of these tidings she made such sorrow that she
+was nigh out of her mind; and so upon a day she thought to slay herself and
+never to live after Sir Tristram&rsquo;s death. And so upon a day La Beale
+Isoud gat a sword privily and bare it to her garden, and there she pight the
+sword through a plum tree up to the hilt, so that it stuck fast, and it stood
+breast high. And as she would have run upon the sword and to have slain herself
+all this espied King Mark, how she kneeled down and said: Sweet Lord Jesu, have
+mercy upon me, for I may not live after the death of Sir Tristram de Liones,
+for he was my first love and he shall be the last. And with these words came
+King Mark and took her in his arms, and then he took up the sword, and bare her
+away with him into a tower; and there he made her to be kept, and watched her
+surely, and after that she lay long sick, nigh at the point of death.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This meanwhile ran Sir Tristram naked in the forest with the sword in his hand,
+and so he came to an hermitage, and there he laid him down and slept; and in
+the meanwhile the hermit stole away his sword, and laid meat down by him. Thus
+was he kept there ten days; and at the last he departed and came to the herdmen
+again. And there was a giant in that country that hight Tauleas, and for fear
+of Sir Tristram more than seven year he durst never much go at large, but for
+the most part he kept him in a sure castle of his own; and so this Tauleas
+heard tell that Sir Tristram was dead, by the noise of the court of King Mark.
+Then this Tauleas went daily at large. And so he happed upon a day he came to
+the herdmen wandering and langering, and there he set him down to rest among
+them. The meanwhile there came a knight of Cornwall that led a lady with him,
+and his name was Sir Dinant; and when the giant saw him he went from the
+herdmen and hid him under a tree, and so the knight came to that well, and
+there he alighted to repose him. And as soon as he was from his horse this
+giant Tauleas came betwixt this knight and his horse, and took the horse and
+leapt upon him. So forthwith he rode unto Sir Dinant and took him by the
+collar, and pulled him afore him upon his horse, and there would have stricken
+off his head. Then the herdmen said unto Sir Tristram: Help yonder knight. Help
+ye him, said Sir Tristram. We dare not, said the herdmen. Then Sir Tristram was
+ware of the sword of the knight thereas it lay; and so thither he ran and took
+up the sword and struck off Sir Tauleas&rsquo; head, and so he yede his way to
+the herdmen.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap215"></a>CHAPTER XX.<br/>How King Mark found Sir Tristram
+naked, and made him to be borne home to Tintagil, and how he was there known by
+a brachet.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then the knight took up the giant&rsquo;s head and bare it with him unto King
+Mark, and told him what adventure betid him in the forest, and how a naked man
+rescued him from the grimly giant, Tauleas. Where had ye this adventure? said
+King Mark. Forsooth, said Sir Dinant, at the fair fountain in your forest where
+many adventurous knights meet, and there is the mad man. Well, said King Mark,
+I will see that wild man. So within a day or two King Mark commanded his
+knights and his hunters that they should be ready on the morn for to hunt, and
+so upon the morn he went unto that forest. And when the king came to that well
+he found there lying by that well a fair naked man, and a sword by him. Then
+King Mark blew and straked, and therewith his knights came to him; and then the
+king commanded his knights to: Take that naked man with fairness, and bring him
+to my castle. So they did softly and fair, and cast mantles upon Sir Tristram,
+and so led him unto Tintagil; and there they bathed him, and washed him, and
+gave him hot suppings till they had brought him well to his remembrance; but
+all this while there was no creature that knew Sir Tristram, nor what man he
+was.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So it fell upon a day that the queen, La Beale Isoud, heard of such a man, that
+ran naked in the forest, and how the king had brought him home to the court.
+Then La Beale Isoud called unto her Dame Bragwaine and said: Come on with me,
+for we will go see this man that my lord brought from the forest the last day.
+So they passed forth, and spered where was the sick man. And then a squire told
+the queen that he was in the garden taking his rest, and reposing him against
+the sun. So when the queen looked upon Sir Tristram she was not remembered of
+him. But ever she said unto Dame Bragwaine: Meseemeth I should have seen him
+heretofore in many places. But as soon as Sir Tristram saw her he knew her well
+enough. And then he turned away his visage and wept.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the queen had always a little brachet with her that Sir Tristram gave her
+the first time that ever she came into Cornwall, and never would that brachet
+depart from her but if Sir Tristram was nigh thereas was La Beale Isoud; and
+this brachet was sent from the king&rsquo;s daughter of France unto Sir
+Tristram for great love. And anon as this little brachet felt a savour of Sir
+Tristram, she leapt upon him and licked his lears and his ears, and then she
+whined and quested, and she smelled at his feet and at his hands, and on all
+parts of his body that she might come to. Ah, my lady, said Dame Bragwaine unto
+La Beale Isoud, alas, alas, said she, I see it is mine own lord, Sir Tristram.
+And thereupon Isoud fell down in a swoon, and so lay a great while. And when
+she might speak she said: My lord Sir Tristram, blessed be God ye have your
+life, and now I am sure ye shall be discovered by this little brachet, for she
+will never leave you. And also I am sure as soon as my lord, King Mark, do know
+you he will banish you out of the country of Cornwall, or else he will destroy
+you; for God&rsquo;s sake, mine own lord, grant King Mark his will, and then
+draw you unto the court of King Arthur, for there are ye beloved, and ever when
+I may I shall send unto you; and when ye list ye may come to me, and at all
+times early and late I will be at your commandment, to live as poor a life as
+ever did queen or lady. O Madam, said Sir Tristram, go from me, for mickle
+anger and danger have I escaped for your love.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap216"></a>CHAPTER XXI.<br/>How King Mark, by the advice of his
+council, banished Sir Tristram out of Cornwall the term of ten years.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then the queen departed, but the brachet would not from him; and therewithal
+came King Mark, and the brachet set upon him, and bayed at them all. There
+withal Sir Andred spake and said: Sir, this is Sir Tristram, I see by the
+brachet. Nay, said the king, I cannot suppose that. Then the king asked him
+upon his faith what he was, and what was his name. So God me help, said he, my
+name is Sir Tristram de Liones; now do by me what ye list. Ah, said King Mark,
+me repenteth of your recovery. And then he let call his barons to judge Sir
+Tristram to the death. Then many of his barons would not assent thereto, and in
+especial Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, and Sir Fergus. And so by the advice of them
+all Sir Tristram was banished out of the country for ten year, and thereupon he
+took his oath upon a book before the king and his barons. And so he was made to
+depart out of the country of Cornwall; and there were many barons brought him
+unto his ship, of the which some were his friends and some his foes. And in the
+meanwhile there came a knight of King Arthur&rsquo;s, his name was Dinadan, and
+his coming was for to seek after Sir Tristram; then they showed him where he
+was armed at all points going to the ship. Now fair knight, said Sir Dinadan,
+or ye pass this court that ye will joust with me I require thee. With a good
+will, said Sir Tristram, an these lords will give me leave. Then the barons
+granted thereto, and so they ran together, and there Sir Tristram gave Sir
+Dinadan a fall. And then he prayed Sir Tristram to give him leave to go in his
+fellowship. Ye shall be right welcome, said then Sir Tristram.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so they took their horses and rode to their ships together, and when Sir
+Tristram was in the sea he said: Greet well King Mark and all mine enemies, and
+say them I will come again when I may; and well am I rewarded for the fighting
+with Sir Marhaus, and delivered all this country from servage; and well am I
+rewarded for the fetching and costs of Queen Isoud out of Ireland, and the
+danger that I was in first and last, and by the way coming home what danger I
+had to bring again Queen Isoud from the Castle Pluere; and well am I rewarded
+when I fought with Sir Bleoberis for Sir Segwarides&rsquo; wife; and well am I
+rewarded when I fought with Sir Blamore de Ganis for King Anguish, father unto
+La Beale Isoud; and well am I rewarded when I smote down the good knight, Sir
+Lamorak de Galis, at King Mark&rsquo;s request; and well am I rewarded when I
+fought with the King with the Hundred Knights, and the King of Northgalis, and
+both these would have put his land in servage, and by me they were put to a
+rebuke; and well am I rewarded for the slaying of Tauleas, the mighty giant,
+and many other deeds have I done for him, and now have I my warison. And tell
+King Mark that many noble knights of the Table Round have spared the barons of
+this country for my sake. Also am I not well rewarded when I fought with the
+good knight Sir Palomides and rescued Queen Isoud from him; and at that time
+King Mark said afore all his barons I should have been better rewarded. And
+forthwithal he took the sea.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap217"></a>CHAPTER XXII.<br/>How a damosel sought help to help
+Sir Launcelot against thirty knights, and how Sir Tristram fought with
+them.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And at the next landing, fast by the sea, there met with Sir Tristram and with
+Sir Dinadan, Sir Ector de Maris and Sir Bors de Ganis; and there Sir Ector
+jousted with Sir Dinadan, and he smote him and his horse down. And then Sir
+Tristram would have jousted with Sir Bors, and Sir Bors said that he would not
+joust with no Cornish knights, for they are not called men of worship; and all
+this was done upon a bridge. And with this came Sir Bleoberis and Sir Driant,
+and Sir Bleoberis proffered to joust with Sir Tristram, and there Sir Tristram
+smote down Sir Bleoberis. Then said Sir Bors de Ganis: I wist never Cornish
+knight of so great valour nor so valiant as that knight that beareth the
+trappings embroidered with crowns. And then Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan
+departed from them into a forest, and there met them a damosel that came for
+the love of Sir Launcelot to seek after some noble knights of King
+Arthur&rsquo;s court for to rescue Sir Launcelot. And so Sir Launcelot was
+ordained, for-by the treason of Queen Morgan le Fay to have slain Sir
+Launcelot, and for that cause she ordained thirty knights to lie in await for
+Sir Launcelot, and this damosel knew this treason. And for this cause the
+damosel came for to seek noble knights to help Sir Launcelot. For that night,
+or the day after, Sir Launcelot should come where these thirty knights were.
+And so this damosel met with Sir Bors and Sir Ector and with Sir Driant, and
+there she told them all four of the treason of Morgan le Fay; and then they
+promised her that they would be nigh where Sir Launcelot should meet with the
+thirty knights. And if so be they set upon him we will do rescues as we can.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the damosel departed, and by adventure the damosel met with Sir Tristram and
+with Sir Dinadan, and there the damosel told them all the treason that was
+ordained for Sir Launcelot. Fair damosel, said Sir Tristram, bring me to that
+same place where they should meet with Sir Launcelot. Then said Sir Dinadan:
+What will ye do? it is not for us to fight with thirty knights, and wit you
+well I will not thereof; as to match one knight two or three is enough an they
+be men, but for to match fifteen knights that will I never undertake. Fie for
+shame, said Sir Tristram, do but your part. Nay, said Sir Dinadan, I will not
+thereof but if ye will lend me your shield, for ye bear a shield of Cornwall;
+and for the cowardice that is named to the knights of Cornwall, by your shields
+ye be ever forborne. Nay, said Sir Tristram, I will not depart from my shield
+for her sake that gave it me. But one thing, said Sir Tristram, I promise thee,
+Sir Dinadan, but if thou wilt promise me to abide with me, here I shall slay
+thee, for I desire no more of thee but answer one knight. And if thy heart will
+not serve thee, stand by and look upon me and them. Sir, said Sir Dinadan, I
+promise you to look upon and to do what I may to save myself, but I would I had
+not met with you.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So then anon these thirty knights came fast by these four knights, and they
+were ware of them, and either of other. And so these thirty knights let them
+pass, for this cause, that they would not wrath them, if case be that they had
+ado with Sir Launcelot; and the four knights let them pass to this intent, that
+they would see and behold what they would do with Sir Launcelot. And so the
+thirty knights passed on and came by Sir Tristram and by Sir Dinadan, and then
+Sir Tristram cried on high: Lo, here is a knight against you for the love of
+Sir Launcelot. And there he slew two with one spear and ten with his sword. And
+then came in Sir Dinadan and he did passing well, and so of the thirty knights
+there went but ten away, and they fled. All this battle saw Sir Bors de Ganis
+and his three fellows, and then they saw well it was the same knight that
+jousted with them at the bridge; then they took their horses and rode unto Sir
+Tristram, and praised him and thanked him of his good deeds, and they all
+desired Sir Tristram to go with them to their lodging; and he said: Nay, he
+would not go to no lodging. Then they all four knights prayed him to tell them
+his name. Fair lords, said Sir Tristram, as at this time I will not tell you my
+name.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap218"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.<br/>How Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan
+came to a lodging where they must joust with two knights.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan rode forth their way till they came to the
+shepherds and to the herdmen, and there they asked them if they knew any
+lodging or harbour there nigh hand. Forsooth, sirs, said the herdmen, hereby is
+good lodging in a castle; but there is such a custom that there shall no knight
+be harboured but if he joust with two knights, and if he be but one knight he
+must joust with two. And as ye be therein soon shall ye be matched. There is
+shrewd harbour, said Sir Dinadan; lodge where ye will, for I will not lodge
+there. Fie for shame, said Sir Tristram, are ye not a knight of the Table
+Round? wherefore ye may not with your worship refuse your lodging. Not so, said
+the herdmen, for an ye be beaten and have the worse ye shall not be lodged
+there, and if ye beat them ye shall be well harboured. Ah, said Sir Dinadan,
+they are two sure knights. Then Sir Dinadan would not lodge there in no manner
+but as Sir Tristram required him of his knighthood; and so they rode thither.
+And to make short tale, Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan smote them down both, and
+so they entered into the castle and had good cheer as they could think or
+devise.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when they were unarmed, and thought to be merry and in good rest, there
+came in at the gates Sir Palomides and Sir Gaheris, requiring to have the
+custom of the castle. What array is this? said Sir Dinadan, I would have my
+rest. That may not be, said Sir Tristram; now must we needs defend the custom
+of this castle, insomuch as we have the better of the lords of this castle, and
+therefore, said Sir Tristram, needs must ye make you ready. In the
+devil&rsquo;s name, said Sir Dinadan, came I into your company. And so they
+made them ready; and Sir Gaheris encountered with Sir Tristram, and Sir Gaheris
+had a fall; and Sir Palomides encountered with Sir Dinadan, and Sir Dinadan had
+a fall: then was it fall for fall. So then must they fight on foot. That would
+not Sir Dinadan, for he was so sore bruised of the fall that Sir Palomides gave
+him. Then Sir Tristram unlaced Sir Dinadan&rsquo;s helm, and prayed him to help
+him. I will not, said Sir Dinadan, for I am sore wounded of the thirty knights
+that we had but late ago to do withal. But ye fare, said Sir Dinadan unto Sir
+Tristram, as a madman and as a man that is out of his mind that would cast
+himself away, and I may curse the time that ever I saw you, for in all the
+world are not two such knights that be so wood as is Sir Launcelot and ye Sir
+Tristram; for once I fell in the fellowship of Sir Launcelot as I have done now
+with you, and he set me a work that a quarter of a year I kept my bed. Jesu
+defend me, said Sir Dinadan, from such two knights, and specially from your
+fellowship. Then, said Sir Tristram, I will fight with them both. Then Sir
+Tristram bade them come forth both, for I will fight with you. Then Sir
+Palomides and Sir Gaheris dressed them, and smote at them both. Then Dinadan
+smote at Sir Gaheris a stroke or two, and turned from him. Nay, said Sir
+Palomides, it is too much shame for us two knights to fight with one. And then
+he did bid Sir Gaheris stand aside with that knight that hath no list to fight.
+Then they rode together and fought long, and at the last Sir Tristram doubled
+his strokes, and drove Sir Palomides aback more than three strides. And then by
+one assent Sir Gaheris and Sir Dinadan went betwixt them, and departed them
+in-sunder. And then by assent of Sir Tristram they would have lodged together.
+But Sir Dinadan would not lodge in that castle. And then he cursed the time
+that ever he came in their fellowship, and so he took his horse, and his
+harness, and departed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram prayed the lords of that castle to lend him a man to bring
+him to a lodging, and so they did, and overtook Sir Dinadan, and rode to their
+lodging two mile thence with a good man in a priory, and there they were well
+at ease. And that same night Sir Bors and Sir Bleoberis, and Sir Ector and Sir
+Driant, abode still in the same place thereas Sir Tristram fought with the
+thirty knights; and there they met with Sir Launcelot the same night, and had
+made promise to lodge with Sir Colgrevance the same night.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap219"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.<br/>How Sir Tristram jousted with Sir
+Kay and Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and how Sir Gawaine turned Sir Tristram from
+Morgan le Fay.</h3>
+
+<p>
+But anon as the noble knight, Sir Launcelot, heard of the shield of Cornwall,
+then wist he well that it was Sir Tristram that fought with his enemies. And
+then Sir Launcelot praised Sir Tristram, and called him the man of most worship
+in the world. So there was a knight in that priory that hight Pellinore, and he
+desired to wit the name of Sir Tristram, but in no wise he could not; and so
+Sir Tristram departed and left Sir Dinadan in the priory, for he was so weary
+and so sore bruised that he might not ride. Then this knight, Sir Pellinore,
+said to Sir Dinadan: Sithen that ye will not tell me that knight&rsquo;s name I
+will ride after him and make him to tell me his name, or he shall die
+therefore. Beware, sir knight, said Sir Dinadan, for an ye follow him ye shall
+repent it. So that knight, Sir Pellinore, rode after Sir Tristram and required
+him of jousts. Then Sir Tristram smote him down and wounded him through the
+shoulder, and so he passed on his way. And on the next day following Sir
+Tristram met with pursuivants, and they told him that there was made a great
+cry of tournament between King Carados of Scotland and the King of North Wales,
+and either should joust against other at the Castle of Maidens; and these
+pursuivants sought all the country after the good knights, and in especial King
+Carados let make seeking for Sir Launcelot du Lake, and the King of Northgalis
+let seek after Sir Tristram de Liones. And at that time Sir Tristram thought to
+be at that jousts; and so by adventure they met with Sir Kay, the Seneschal,
+and Sir Sagramore le Desirous; and Sir Kay required Sir Tristram to joust, and
+Sir Tristram in a manner refused him, because he would not be hurt nor bruised
+against the great jousts that should be before the Castle of Maidens, and
+therefore thought to repose him and to rest him. And alway Sir Kay cried: Sir
+knight of Cornwall, joust with me, or else yield thee to me as recreant. When
+Sir Tristram heard him say so he turned to him, and then Sir Kay refused him
+and turned his back. Then Sir Tristram said: As I find thee I shall take thee.
+Then Sir Kay turned with evil will, and Sir Tristram smote Sir Kay down, and so
+he rode forth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Sagramore le Desirous rode after Sir Tristram, and made him to joust
+with him, and there Sir Tristram smote down Sir Sagramore le Desirous from his
+horse, and rode his way; and the same day he met with a damosel that told him
+that he should win great worship of a knight adventurous that did much harm in
+all that country. When Sir Tristram heard her say so, he was glad to go with
+her to win worship. So Sir Tristram rode with that damosel a six mile, and then
+met him Sir Gawaine, and therewithal Sir Gawaine knew the damosel, that she was
+a damosel of Queen Morgan le Fay. Then Sir Gawaine understood that she led that
+knight to some mischief. Fair knight, said Sir Gawaine, whither ride you now
+with that damosel? Sir, said Sir Tristram, I wot not whither I shall ride but
+as the damosel will lead me. Sir, said Sir Gawaine, ye shall not ride with her,
+for she and her lady did never good, but ill. And then Sir Gawaine pulled out
+his sword and said: Damosel, but if thou tell me anon for what cause thou
+leadest this knight with thee thou shalt die for it right anon: I know all your
+lady&rsquo;s treason, and yours. Mercy, Sir Gawaine, she said, and if ye will
+save my life I will tell you. Say on, said Sir Gawaine, and thou shalt have thy
+life. Sir, she said, Queen Morgan le Fay, my lady, hath ordained a thirty
+ladies to seek and espy after Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram, and by the trains
+of these ladies, who that may first meet any of these two knights they should
+turn them unto Morgan le Fay&rsquo;s castle, saying that they should do deeds
+of worship; and if any of the two knights came there, there be thirty knights
+lying and watching in a tower to wait upon Sir Launcelot or upon Sir Tristram.
+Fie for shame, said Sir Gawaine, that ever such false treason should be wrought
+or used in a queen, and a king&rsquo;s sister, and a king and queen&rsquo;s
+daughter.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap220"></a>CHAPTER XXV.<br/>How Sir Tristram and Sir Gawaine
+rode to have foughten with the thirty knights, but they durst not come
+out.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Sir, said Sir Gawaine, will ye stand with me, and we will see the malice of
+these thirty knights. Sir, said Sir Tristram, go ye to them, an it please you,
+and ye shall see I will not fail you, for it is not long ago since I and a
+fellow met with thirty knights of that queen&rsquo;s fellowship; and God speed
+us so that we may win worship. So then Sir Gawaine and Sir Tristram rode toward
+the castle where Morgan le Fay was, and ever Sir Gawaine deemed well that he
+was Sir Tristram de Liones, because he heard that two knights had slain and
+beaten thirty knights. And when they came afore the castle Sir Gawaine spake on
+high and said: Queen Morgan le Fay, send out your knights that ye have laid in
+a watch for Sir Launcelot and for Sir Tristram. Now, said Sir Gawaine, I know
+your false treason, and through all places where that I ride men shall know of
+your false treason; and now let see, said Sir Gawaine, whether ye dare come out
+of your castle, ye thirty knights. Then the queen spake and all the thirty
+knights at once, and said: Sir Gawaine, full well wottest thou what thou dost
+and sayest; for by God we know thee passing well, but all that thou speakest
+and dost, thou sayest it upon pride of that good knight that is there with
+thee. For there be some of us that know full well the hands of that knight over
+all well. And wit thou well, Sir Gawaine, it is more for his sake than for
+thine that we will not come out of this castle. For wit ye well, Sir Gawaine,
+the knight that beareth the arms of Cornwall, we know him and what he is.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Gawaine and Sir Tristram departed and rode on their ways a day or two
+together; and there by adventure, they met with Sir Kay and Sir Sagramore le
+Desirous. And then they were glad of Sir Gawaine, and he of them, but they wist
+not what he was with the shield of Cornwall, but by deeming. And thus they rode
+together a day or two. And then they were ware of Sir Breuse Saunce Pité
+chasing a lady for to have slain her, for he had slain her paramour afore. Hold
+you all still, said Sir Gawaine, and show none of you forth, and ye shall see
+me reward yonder false knight; for an he espy you he is so well horsed that he
+will escape away. And then Sir Gawaine rode betwixt Sir Breuse and the lady,
+and said: False knight, leave her, and have ado with me. When Sir Breuse saw no
+more but Sir Gawaine he feutred his spear, and Sir Gawaine against him; and
+there Sir Breuse overthrew Sir Gawaine, and then he rode over him, and
+overthwart him twenty times to have destroyed him; and when Sir Tristram saw
+him do so villainous a deed, he hurled out against him. And when Sir Breuse saw
+him with the shield of Cornwall he knew him well that it was Sir Tristram, and
+then he fled, and Sir Tristram followed after him; and Sir Breuse Saunce Pité
+was so horsed that he went his way quite, and Sir Tristram followed him long,
+for he would fain have been avenged upon him. And so when he had long chased
+him, he saw a fair well, and thither he rode to repose him, and tied his horse
+till a tree.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap221"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.<br/>How damosel Bragwaine found
+Tristram sleeping by a well, and how she delivered letters to him from La Beale
+Isoud.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then he pulled off his helm and washed his visage and his hands, and so he
+fell asleep. In the meanwhile came a damosel that had sought Sir Tristram many
+ways and days within this land. And when she came to the well she looked upon
+him, and had forgotten him as in remembrance of Sir Tristram, but by his horse
+she knew him, that hight Passe-Brewel that had been Sir Tristram&rsquo;s horse
+many years. For when he was mad in the forest Sir Fergus kept him. So this
+lady, Dame Bragwaine, abode still till he was awake. So when she saw him wake
+she saluted him, and he her again, for either knew other of old acquaintance;
+then she told him how she had sought him long and broad, and there she told him
+how she had letters from Queen La Beale Isoud. Then anon Sir Tristram read
+them, and wit ye well he was glad, for therein was many a piteous complaint.
+Then Sir Tristram said: Lady Bragwaine, ye shall ride with me till that
+tournament be done at the Castle of Maidens, and then shall bear letters and
+tidings with you. And then Sir Tristram took his horse and sought lodging, and
+there he met with a good ancient knight and prayed him to lodge with him. Right
+so came Gouvernail unto Sir Tristram, that was glad of that lady. So this old
+knight&rsquo;s name was Sir Pellounes, and he told of the great tournament that
+should be at the Castle of Maidens. And there Sir Launcelot and thirty-two
+knights of his blood had ordained shields of Cornwall. And right so there came
+one unto Sir Pellounes, and told him that Sir Persides de Bloise was come home;
+then that knight held up his hands and thanked God of his coming home. And
+there Sir Pellounes told Sir Tristram that in two years he had not seen his
+son, Sir Persides. Sir, said Sir Tristram, I know your son well enough for a
+good knight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So on a time Sir Tristram and Sir Persides came to their lodging both at once,
+and so they unarmed them, and put upon them their clothing. And then these two
+knights each welcomed other. And when Sir Persides understood that Sir Tristram
+was of Cornwall, he said he was once in Cornwall: And there I jousted afore
+King Mark; and so it happed me at that time to overthrow ten knights, and then
+came to me Sir Tristram de Liones and overthrew me, and took my lady away from
+me, and that shall I never forget, but I shall remember me an ever I see my
+time. Ah, said Sir Tristram, now I understand that ye hate Sir Tristram. What
+deem ye, ween ye that Sir Tristram is not able to withstand your malice? Yes,
+said Sir Persides, I know well that Sir Tristram is a noble knight and a much
+better knight than I, yet shall I not owe him my good will. Right as they stood
+thus talking at a bay-window of that castle, they saw many knights riding to
+and fro toward the tournament. And then was Sir Tristram ware of a likely
+knight riding upon a great black horse, and a black-covered shield. What knight
+is that, said Sir Tristram, with the black horse and the black shield? he
+seemeth a good knight. I know him well, said Sir Persides, he is one of the
+best knights of the world. Then is it Sir Launcelot, said Tristram. Nay, said
+Sir Persides, it is Sir Palomides, that is yet unchristened.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap222"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.<br/>How Sir Tristram had a fall with
+Sir Palomides, and how Launcelot overthrew two knights.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then they saw much people of the country salute Sir Palomides. And within a
+while after there came a squire of the castle, that told Sir Pellounes that was
+lord of that castle, that a knight with a black shield had smitten down
+thirteen knights. Fair brother, said Sir Tristram unto Sir Persides, let us
+cast upon us cloaks, and let us go see the play. Not so, said Sir Persides, we
+will not go like knaves thither, but we will ride like men and good knights to
+withstand our enemies. So they armed them, and took their horses and great
+spears, and thither they went thereas many knights assayed themself before the
+tournament. And anon Sir Palomides saw Sir Persides, and then he sent a squire
+unto him and said: Go thou to the yonder knight with the green shield and
+therein a lion of gold, and say him I require him to joust with me, and tell
+him that my name is Sir Palomides. When Sir Persides understood that request of
+Sir Palomides, he made him ready, and there anon they met together, but Sir
+Persides had a fall. Then Sir Tristram dressed him to be revenged upon Sir
+Palomides, and that saw Sir Palomides that was ready and so was not Sir
+Tristram, and took him at an advantage and smote him over his horse&rsquo;s
+tail when he had no spear in his rest. Then stert up Sir Tristram and took his
+horse lightly, and was wroth out of measure, and sore ashamed of that fall.
+Then Sir Tristram sent unto Sir Palomides by Gouvernail, and prayed him to
+joust with him at his request. Nay, said Sir Palomides, as at this time I will
+not joust with that knight, for I know him better than he weeneth. And if he be
+wroth he may right it to-morn at the Castle of Maidens, where he may see me and
+many other knights.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With that came Sir Dinadan, and when he saw Sir Tristram wroth he list not to
+jape. Lo, said Sir Dinadan, here may a man prove, be a man never so good yet
+may he have a fall, and he was never so wise but he might be overseen, and he
+rideth well that never fell. So Sir Tristram was passing wroth, and said to Sir
+Persides and to Sir Dinadan: I will revenge me. Right so as they stood talking
+there, there came by Sir Tristram a likely knight riding passing soberly and
+heavily with a black shield. What knight is that? said Sir Tristram unto Sir
+Persides. I know him well, said Sir Persides, for his name is Sir Briant of
+North Wales; so he passed on among other knights of North Wales. And there came
+in Sir Launcelot du Lake with a shield of the arms of Cornwall, and he sent a
+squire unto Sir Briant, and required him to joust with him. Well, said Sir
+Briant, sithen I am required to joust I will do what I may; and there Sir
+Launcelot smote down Sir Briant from his horse a great fall. And then Sir
+Tristram marvelled what knight he was that bare the shield of Cornwall.
+Whatsoever he be, said Sir Dinadan, I warrant you he is of King Ban&rsquo;s
+blood, the which be knights of the most noble prowess in the world, for to
+account so many for so many. Then there came two knights of Northgalis, that
+one hight Hew de la Montaine, and the other Sir Madok de la Montaine, and they
+challenged Sir Launcelot foot-hot. Sir Launcelot not refusing them but made him
+ready, with one spear he smote them down both over their horses&rsquo; croups;
+and so Sir Launcelot rode his way. By the good lord, said Sir Tristram, he is a
+good knight that beareth the shield of Cornwall, and meseemeth he rideth in the
+best manner that ever I saw knight ride.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the King of Northgalis rode unto Sir Palomides and prayed him heartily for
+his sake to joust with that knight that hath done us of Northgalis despite.
+Sir, said Sir Palomides, I am full loath to have ado with that knight, and
+cause why is, for as to-morn the great tournament shall be; and therefore I
+will keep myself fresh by my will. Nay, said the King of Northgalis, I pray you
+require him of jousts. Sir, said Sir Palomides, I will joust at your request,
+and require that knight to joust with me, and often I have seen a man have a
+fall at his own request.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap223"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.<br/>How Sir Launcelot jousted with
+Palomides and overthrew him, and after he was assailed with twelve
+knights.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Palomides sent unto Sir Launcelot a squire, and required him of
+jousts. Fair fellow, said Sir Launcelot, tell me thy lord&rsquo;s name. Sir,
+said the squire, my lord&rsquo;s name is Sir Palomides, the good knight. In
+good hour, said Sir Launcelot, for there is no knight that I saw this seven
+years that I had liefer ado withal than with him. And so either knights made
+them ready with two great spears. Nay, said Sir Dinadan, ye shall see that Sir
+Palomides will quit him right well. It may be so, said Sir Tristram, but I
+undertake that knight with the shield of Cornwall shall give him a fall. I
+believe it not, said Sir Dinadan. Right so they spurred their horses and
+feutred their spears, and either hit other, and Sir Palomides brake a spear
+upon Sir Launcelot, and he sat and moved not; but Sir Launcelot smote him so
+lightly that he made his horse to avoid the saddle, and the stroke brake his
+shield and the hauberk, and had he not fallen he had been slain. How now, said
+Sir Tristram, I wist well by the manner of their riding both that Sir Palomides
+should have a fall.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Right so Sir Launcelot rode his way, and rode to a well to drink and to repose
+him, and they of Northgalis espied him whither he rode; and then there followed
+him twelve knights for to have mischieved him, for this cause that upon the
+morn at the tournament of the Castle of Maidens that he should not win the
+victory. So they came upon Sir Launcelot suddenly, and unnethe he might put
+upon him his helm and take his horse, but they were in hands with him; and then
+Sir Launcelot gat his spear, and rode through them, and there he slew a knight
+and brake a spear in his body. Then he drew his sword and smote upon the right
+hand and upon the left hand, so that within a few strokes he had slain other
+three knights, and the remnant that abode he wounded them sore all that did
+abide. Thus Sir Launcelot escaped from his enemies of North Wales, and then Sir
+Launcelot rode his way till a friend, and lodged him till on the morn; for he
+would not the first day have ado in the tournament because of his great labour.
+And on the first day he was with King Arthur thereas he was set on high upon a
+scaffold to discern who was best worthy of his deeds. So Sir Launcelot was with
+King Arthur, and jousted not the first day.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap224"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.<br/>How Sir Tristram behaved him the
+first day of the tournament, and there he had the prize.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Tristram de Liones, that commanded Gouvernail, his
+servant, to ordain him a black shield with none other remembrance therein. And
+so Sir Persides and Sir Tristram departed from their host Sir Pellounes, and
+they rode early toward the tournament, and then they drew them to King
+Carados&rsquo; side, of Scotland; and anon knights began the field what of King
+Northgalis&rsquo; part, and what of King Carados&rsquo; part, and there began
+great party. Then there was hurling and rashing. Right so came in Sir Persides
+and Sir Tristram and so they did fare that they put the King of Northgalis
+aback. Then came in Sir Bleoberis de Ganis and Sir Gaheris with them of
+Northgalis, and then was Sir Persides smitten down and almost slain, for more
+than forty horse men went over him. For Sir Bleoberis did great deeds of arms,
+and Sir Gaheris failed him not. When Sir Tristram beheld them, and saw them do
+such deeds of arms, he marvelled what they were. Also Sir Tristram thought
+shame that Sir Persides was so done to; and then he gat a great spear in his
+hand, and then he rode to Sir Gaheris and smote him down from his horse. And
+then was Sir Bleoberis wroth, and gat a spear and rode against Sir Tristram in
+great ire; and there Sir Tristram met with him, and smote Sir Bleoberis from
+his horse. So then the King with the Hundred Knights was wroth, and he horsed
+Sir Bleoberis and Sir Gaheris again, and there began a great medley; and ever
+Sir Tristram held them passing short, and ever Sir Bleoberis was passing busy
+upon Sir Tristram; and there came Sir Dinadan against Sir Tristram, and Sir
+Tristram gave him such a buffet that he swooned in his saddle. Then anon Sir
+Dinadan came to Sir Tristram and said: Sir, I know thee better than thou
+weenest; but here I promise thee my troth I will never come against thee more,
+for I promise thee that sword of thine shall never come on mine helm.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With that came Sir Bleoberis, and Sir Tristram gave him such a buffet that down
+he laid his head; and then he caught him so sore by the helm that he pulled him
+under his horse&rsquo;s feet. And then King Arthur blew to lodging. Then Sir
+Tristram departed to his pavilion, and Sir Dinadan rode with him; and Sir
+Persides and King Arthur then, and the kings upon both parties, marvelled what
+knight that was with the black shield. Many said their advice, and some knew
+him for Sir Tristram, and held their peace and would nought say. So that first
+day King Arthur, and all the kings and lords that were judges, gave Sir
+Tristram the prize; howbeit they knew him not, but named him the Knight with
+the Black Shield.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap225"></a>CHAPTER XXX.<br/>How Sir Tristram returned against
+King Arthur&rsquo;s party because he saw Sir Palomides on that party.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then upon the morn Sir Palomides returned from the King of Northgalis, and rode
+to King Arthur&rsquo;s side, where was King Carados, and the King of Ireland,
+and Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s kin, and Sir Gawaine&rsquo;s kin. So Sir Palomides
+sent the damosel unto Sir Tristram that he sent to seek him when he was out of
+his mind in the forest, and this damosel asked Sir Tristram what he was and
+what was his name?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As for that, said Sir Tristram, tell Sir Palomides ye shall not wit as at this
+time unto the time I have broken two spears upon him. But let him wit thus
+much, said Sir Tristram, that I am the same knight that he smote down in over
+evening at the tournament; and tell him plainly on what party that Sir
+Palomides be I will be of the contrary party.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sir, said the damosel, ye shall understand that Sir Palomides will be on King
+Arthur&rsquo;s side, where the most noble knights of the world be. In the name
+of God, said Sir Tristram, then will I be with the King of Northgalis, because
+Sir Palomides will be on King Arthur&rsquo;s side, and else I would not but for
+his sake. So when King Arthur was come they blew unto the field; and then there
+began a great party, and so King Carados jousted with the King of the Hundred
+Knights, and there King Carados had a fall: then was there hurling and rushing,
+and right so came in knights of King Arthur&rsquo;s, and they bare aback the
+King of Northgalis&rsquo; knights.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram came in, and began so roughly and so bigly that there was
+none might withstand him, and thus Sir Tristram dured long. And at the last Sir
+Tristram fell among the fellowship of King Ban, and there fell upon him Sir
+Bors de Ganis, and Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Blamore de Ganis, and many other
+knights. And then Sir Tristram smote on the right hand and on the left hand,
+that all lords and ladies spake of his noble deeds. But at the last Sir
+Tristram should have had the worse had not the King with the Hundred Knights
+been. And then he came with his fellowship and rescued Sir Tristram, and
+brought him away from those knights that bare the shields of Cornwall. And then
+Sir Tristram saw another fellowship by themself, and there were a forty knights
+together, and Sir Kay, the Seneschal, was their governor. Then Sir Tristram
+rode in amongst them, and there he smote down Sir Kay from his horse; and there
+he fared among those knights like a greyhound among conies.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Launcelot found a knight that was sore wounded upon the head. Sir,
+said Sir Launcelot, who wounded you so sore? Sir, he said, a knight that
+beareth a black shield, and I may curse the time that ever I met with him, for
+he is a devil and no man. So Sir Launcelot departed from him and thought to
+meet with Sir Tristram, and so he rode with his sword drawn in his hand to seek
+Sir Tristram; and then he espied him how he hurled here and there, and at every
+stroke Sir Tristram wellnigh smote down a knight. O mercy Jesu! said the king,
+sith the times I bare arms saw I never no knight do so marvellous deeds of
+arms. And if I should set upon this knight, said Sir Launcelot to himself, I
+did shame to myself, and therewithal Sir Launcelot put up his sword. And then
+the King with the Hundred Knights and an hundred more of North Wales set upon
+the twenty of Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s kin: and they twenty knights held them ever
+together as wild swine, and none would fail other. And so when Sir Tristram
+beheld the noblesse of these twenty knights he marvelled of their good deeds,
+for he saw by their fare and by their rule that they had liefer die than avoid
+the field. Now Jesu, said Sir Tristram, well may he be valiant and full of
+prowess that hath such a sort of noble knights unto his kin, and full like is
+he to be a noble man that is their leader and governor. He meant it by Sir
+Launcelot du Lake. So when Sir Tristram had beholden them long he thought shame
+to see two hundred knights battering upon twenty knights. Then Sir Tristram
+rode unto the King with the Hundred Knights and said: Sir, leave your fighting
+with those twenty knights, for ye win no worship of them, ye be so many and
+they so few; and wit ye well they will not out of the field I see by their
+cheer and countenance; and worship get ye none an ye slay them. Therefore leave
+your fighting with them, for I to increase my worship I will ride to the twenty
+knights and help them with all my might and power. Nay, said the King with the
+Hundred Knights, ye shall not do so; now I see your courage and courtesy I will
+withdraw my knights for your pleasure, for evermore a good knight will favour
+another, and like will draw to like.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap226"></a>CHAPTER XXXI.<br/>How Sir Tristram found Palomides
+by a well, and brought him with him to his lodging.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then the King with the Hundred Knights withdrew his knights. And all this
+while, and long to-fore, Sir Launcelot had watched upon Sir Tristram with a
+very purpose to have fellowshipped with him. And then suddenly Sir Tristram,
+Sir Dinadan, and Gouvernail, his man, rode their way into the forest, that no
+man perceived where they went. So then King Arthur blew unto lodging, and gave
+the King of Northgalis the prize because Sir Tristram was upon his side. Then
+Sir Launcelot rode here and there, so wood as lion that fauted his fill,
+because he had lost Sir Tristram, and so he returned unto King Arthur. And then
+in all the field was a noise that with the wind it might be heard two mile
+thence, how the lords and ladies cried: The Knight with the Black Shield hath
+won the field. Alas, said King Arthur, where is that knight become? It is shame
+to all those in the field so to let him escape away from you; but with
+gentleness and courtesy ye might have brought him unto me to the Castle of
+Maidens. Then the noble King Arthur went unto his knights and comforted them in
+the best wise that he could, and said: My fair fellows, be not dismayed,
+howbeit ye have lost the field this day. And many were hurt and sore wounded,
+and many were whole. My fellows, said King Arthur, look that ye be of good
+cheer, for to-morn I will be in the field with you and revenge you of your
+enemies. So that night King Arthur and his knights reposed themself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The damosel that came from La Beale Isoud unto Sir Tristram, all the while the
+tournament was a-doing she was with Queen Guenever, and ever the queen asked
+her for what cause she came into that country. Madam, she answered, I come for
+none other cause but from my lady La Beale Isoud to wit of your welfare. For in
+no wise she would not tell the queen that she came for Sir Tristram&rsquo;s
+sake. So this lady, Dame Bragwaine, took her leave of Queen Guenever, and she
+rode after Sir Tristram. And as she rode through the forest she heard a great
+cry; then she commanded her squire to go into the forest to wit what was that
+noise. And so he came to a well, and there he found a knight bounden till a
+tree crying as he had been wood, and his horse and his harness standing by him.
+And when he espied that squire, therewith he abraid and brake himself loose,
+and took his sword in his hand, and ran to have slain the squire. Then he took
+his horse and fled all that ever he might unto Dame Bragwaine, and told her of
+his adventure. Then she rode unto Sir Tristram&rsquo;s pavilion, and told Sir
+Tristram what adventure she had found in the forest. Alas, said Sir Tristram,
+upon my head there is some good knight at mischief.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram took his horse and his sword and rode thither, and there he
+heard how the knight complained unto himself and said: I, woful knight Sir
+Palomides, what misadventure befalleth me, that thus am defoiled with falsehood
+and treason, through Sir Bors and Sir Ector. Alas, he said, why live I so long!
+And then he gat his sword in his hands, and made many strange signs and tokens;
+and so through his raging he threw his sword into that fountain. Then Sir
+Palomides wailed and wrang his hands. And at the last for pure sorrow he ran
+into that fountain, over his belly, and sought after his sword. Then Sir
+Tristram saw that, and ran upon Sir Palomides, and held him in his arms fast.
+What art thou, said Palomides, that holdeth me so? I am a man of this forest
+that would thee none harm. Alas, said Sir Palomides, I may never win worship
+where Sir Tristram is; for ever where he is an I be there, then get I no
+worship; and if he be away for the most part I have the gree, unless that Sir
+Launcelot be there or Sir Lamorak. Then Sir Palomides said: Once in Ireland Sir
+Tristram put me to the worse, and another time in Cornwall, and in other places
+in this land. What would ye do, said Sir Tristram, an ye had Sir Tristram? I
+would fight with him, said Sir Palomides, and ease my heart upon him; and yet,
+to say thee sooth, Sir Tristram is the gentlest knight in this world living.
+What will ye do, said Sir Tristram, will ye go with me to your lodging? Nay,
+said he, I will go to the King with the Hundred Knights, for he rescued me from
+Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir Ector and else had I been slain traitorly. Sir
+Tristram said him such kind words that Sir Palomides went with him to his
+lodging. Then Gouvernail went to-fore, and charged Dame Bragwaine to go out of
+the way to her lodging. And bid ye Sir Persides that he make him no quarrels.
+And so they rode together till they came to Sir Tristram&rsquo;s pavilion, and
+there Sir Palomides had all the cheer that might be had all that night. But in
+no wise Sir Palomides might not know what was Sir Tristram; and so after supper
+they yede to rest, and Sir Tristram for great travail slept till it was day.
+And Sir Palomides might not sleep for anguish; and in the dawning of the day he
+took his horse privily, and rode his way unto Sir Gaheris and unto Sir
+Sagramore le Desirous, where they were in their pavilions; for they three were
+fellows at the beginning of the tournament. And then upon the morn the king
+blew unto the tournament upon the third day.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap227"></a>CHAPTER XXXII.<br/>How Sir Tristram smote down Sir
+Palomides, and how he jousted with King Arthur, and other feats.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So the King of Northgalis and the King with the Hundred Knights, they two
+encountered with King Carados and with the King of Ireland; and there the King
+with the Hundred Knights smote down King Carados, and the King of Northgalis
+smote down the King of Ireland. With that came in Sir Palomides, and when he
+came he made great work, for by his indented shield he was well known. So came
+in King Arthur, and did great deeds of arms together, and put the King of
+Northgalis and the King with the Hundred Knights to the worse. With this came
+in Sir Tristram with his black shield, and anon he jousted with Sir Palomides,
+and there by fine force Sir Tristram smote Sir Palomides over his horse&rsquo;s
+croup. Then King Arthur cried: Knight with the Black Shield, make thee ready to
+me, and in the same wise Sir Tristram smote King Arthur. And then by force of
+King Arthur&rsquo;s knights the King and Sir Palomides were horsed again. Then
+King Arthur with a great eager heart he gat a spear in his hand, and there upon
+the one side he smote Sir Tristram over his horse. Then foot-hot Sir Palomides
+came upon Sir Tristram, as he was upon foot, to have overridden him. Then Sir
+Tristram was ware of him, and there he stooped aside, and with great ire he gat
+him by the arm, and pulled him down from his horse. Then Sir Palomides lightly
+arose, and then they dashed together mightily with their swords; and many
+kings, queens, and lords, stood and beheld them. And at the last Sir Tristram
+smote Sir Palomides upon the helm three mighty strokes, and at every stroke
+that he gave him he said: This for Sir Tristram&rsquo;s sake. With that Sir
+Palomides fell to the earth grovelling.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then came the King with the Hundred Knights, and brought Sir Tristram an horse,
+and so was he horsed again. By then was Sir Palomides horsed, and with great
+ire he jousted upon Sir Tristram with his spear as it was in the rest, and gave
+him a great dash with his sword. Then Sir Tristram avoided his spear, and gat
+him by the neck with his both hands, and pulled him clean out of his saddle,
+and so he bare him afore him the length of ten spears, and then in the presence
+of them all he let him fall at his adventure. Then Sir Tristram was ware of
+King Arthur with a naked sword in his hand, and with his spear Sir Tristram ran
+upon King Arthur; and then King Arthur boldly abode him and with his sword he
+smote a-two his spear, and therewithal Sir Tristram stonied; and so King Arthur
+gave him three or four strokes or he might get out his sword, and at the last
+Sir Tristram drew his sword and [either] assailed other passing hard. With that
+the great press departed [them]. Then Sir Tristram rode here and there and did
+his great pain, that eleven of the good knights of the blood of King Ban, that
+was of Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s kin, that day Sir Tristram smote down; that all
+the estates marvelled of his great deeds and all cried upon the Knight with the
+Black Shield.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap228"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII.<br/>How Sir Launcelot hurt Sir
+Tristram, and how after Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then this cry was so large that Sir Launcelot heard it. And then he gat a great
+spear in his hand and came towards the cry. Then Sir Launcelot cried: The
+Knight with the Black Shield, make thee ready to joust with me. When Sir
+Tristram heard him say so he gat his spear in his hand, and either abashed down
+their heads, and came together as thunder; and Sir Tristram&rsquo;s spear brake
+in pieces, and Sir Launcelot by malfortune struck Sir Tristram on the side a
+deep wound nigh to the death; but yet Sir Tristram avoided not his saddle, and
+so the spear brake. Therewithal Sir Tristram that was wounded gat out his
+sword, and he rushed to Sir Launcelot, and gave him three great strokes upon
+the helm that the fire sprang thereout, and Sir Launcelot abashed his head
+lowly toward his saddle-bow. And therewithal Sir Tristram departed from the
+field, for he felt him so wounded that he weened he should have died; and Sir
+Dinadan espied him and followed him into the forest. Then Sir Launcelot abode
+and did many marvellous deeds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when Sir Tristram was departed by the forest&rsquo;s side he alighted, and
+unlaced his harness and freshed his wound; then weened Sir Dinadan that he
+should have died. Nay, nay, said Sir Tristram, Dinadan never dread thee, for I
+am heart-whole, and of this wound I shall soon be whole, by the mercy of God.
+By that Sir Dinadan was ware where came Palomides riding straight upon them.
+And then Sir Tristram was ware that Sir Palomides came to have destroyed him.
+And so Sir Dinadan gave him warning, and said: Sir Tristram, my lord, ye are so
+sore wounded that ye may not have ado with him, therefore I will ride against
+him and do to him what I may, and if I be slain ye may pray for my soul; and in
+the meanwhile ye may withdraw you and go into the castle, or in the forest,
+that he shall not meet with you. Sir Tristram smiled and said: I thank you, Sir
+Dinadan, of your good will, but ye shall wit that I am able to handle him. And
+then anon hastily he armed him, and took his horse, and a great spear in his
+hand, and said to Sir Dinadan: Adieu; and rode toward Sir Palomides a soft
+pace. Then when Sir Palomides saw that, he made countenance to amend his horse,
+but he did it for this cause, for he abode Sir Gaheris that came after him. And
+when he was come he rode toward Sir Tristram. Then Sir Tristram sent unto Sir
+Palomides, and required him to joust with him; and if he smote down Sir
+Palomides he would do no more to him; and if it so happened that Sir Palomides
+smote down Sir Tristram, he bade him do his utterance. So they were accorded.
+Then they met together, and Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides that he had a
+grievous fall, so that he lay still as he had been dead. And then Sir Tristram
+ran upon Sir Gaheris, and he would not have jousted; but whether he would or
+not Sir Tristram smote him over his horse&rsquo;s croup, that he lay still as
+though he had been dead. And then Sir Tristram rode his way and left Sir
+Persides&rsquo; squire within the pavilions, and Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan
+rode to an old knight&rsquo;s place to lodge them. And that old knight had five
+sons at the tournament, for whom he prayed God heartily for their coming home.
+And so, as the French book saith, they came home all five well beaten.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when Sir Tristram departed into the forest Sir Launcelot held alway the
+stour like hard, as a man araged that took no heed to himself, and wit ye well
+there was many a noble knight against him. And when King Arthur saw Sir
+Launcelot do so marvellous deeds of arms he then armed him, and took his horse
+and his armour, and rode into the field to help Sir Launcelot; and so many
+knights came in with King Arthur. And to make short tale in conclusion, the
+King of Northgalis and the King of the Hundred Knights were put to the worse;
+and because Sir Launcelot abode and was the last in the field the prize was
+given him. But Sir Launcelot would neither for king, queen, nor knight, have
+the prize, but where the cry was cried through the field: Sir Launcelot, Sir
+Launcelot hath won the field this day, Sir Launcelot let make another cry
+contrary: Sir Tristram hath won the field, for he began first, and last he hath
+endured, and so hath he done the first day, the second, and the third day.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap229"></a>CHAPTER XXXIV.<br/>How the prize of the third day was
+given to Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot gave it to Sir Tristram.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then all the estates and degrees high and low said of Sir Launcelot great
+worship, for the honour that he did unto Sir Tristram; and for that honour
+doing to Sir Tristram he was at that time more praised and renowned than an he
+had overthrown five hundred knights; and all the people wholly for this
+gentleness, first the estates both high and low, and after the commonalty cried
+at once: Sir Launcelot hath won the field whosoever say nay. Then was Sir
+Launcelot wroth and ashamed, and so therewithal he rode to King Arthur. Alas,
+said the king, we are all dismayed that Sir Tristram is thus departed from us.
+By God, said King Arthur, he is one of the noblest knights that ever I saw hold
+spear or sword in hand, and the most courteoust knight in his fighting; for
+full hard I saw him, said King Arthur, when he smote Sir Palomides upon the
+helm thrice, that he abashed his helm with his strokes, and also he said: Here
+is a stroke for Sir Tristram, and thus thrice he said. Then King Arthur, Sir
+Launcelot, and Sir Dodinas le Savage took their horses to seek Sir Tristram,
+and by the means of Sir Persides he had told King Arthur where Sir Tristram was
+in his pavilion. But when they came there, Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan were
+gone.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then King Arthur and Sir Launcelot were heavy, and returned again to the Castle
+of Maidens making great dole for the hurt of Sir Tristram, and his sudden
+departing. So God me help, said King Arthur, I am more heavy that I cannot meet
+with him than for all the hurts that all my knights have had at the tournament.
+Right so came Sir Gaheris and told King Arthur how Sir Tristram had smitten
+down Sir Palomides, and it was at Sir Palomides&rsquo; own request. Alas, said
+King Arthur, that was great dishonour to Sir Palomides, inasmuch as Sir
+Tristram was sore wounded, and now may we all, kings, and knights, and men of
+worship, say that Sir Tristram may be called a noble knight, and one of the
+best knights that ever I saw the days of my life. For I will that ye all, kings
+and knights, know, said King Arthur, that I never saw knight do so marvellously
+as he hath done these three days; for he was the first that began and that
+longest held on, save this last day. And though he was hurt, it was a manly
+adventure of two noble knights, and when two noble men encounter needs must the
+one have the worse, like as God will suffer at that time. As for me, said Sir
+Launcelot, for all the lands that ever my father left me I would not have hurt
+Sir Tristram an I had known him at that time; that I hurt him was for I saw not
+his shield. For an I had seen his black shield, I would not have meddled with
+him for many causes; for late he did as much for me as ever did knight, and
+that is well known that he had ado with thirty knights, and no help save Sir
+Dinadan. And one thing shall I promise, said Sir Launcelot, Sir Palomides shall
+repent it as in his unkindly dealing for to follow that noble knight that I by
+mishap hurted thus. Sir Launcelot said all the worship that might be said by
+Sir Tristram. Then King Arthur made a great feast to all that would come. And
+thus we let pass King Arthur, and a little we will turn unto Sir Palomides,
+that after he had a fall of Sir Tristram, he was nigh-hand araged out of his
+wit for despite of Sir Tristram. And so he followed him by adventure. And as he
+came by a river, in his woodness he would have made his horse to have leapt
+over; and the horse failed footing and fell in the river, wherefore Sir
+Palomides was adread lest he should have been drowned; and then he avoided his
+horse, and swam to the land, and let his horse go down by adventure.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap230"></a>CHAPTER XXXV.<br/>How Palomides came to the castle
+where Sir Tristram was, and of the quest that Sir Launcelot and ten knights
+made for Sir Tristram.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And when he came to the land he took off his harness, and sat roaring and
+crying as a man out of his mind. Right so came a damosel even by Sir Palomides,
+that was sent from Sir Gawaine and his brother unto Sir Mordred, that lay sick
+in the same place with that old knight where Sir Tristram was. For, as the
+French book saith, Sir Persides hurt so Sir Mordred a ten days afore; and had
+it not been for the love of Sir Gawaine and his brother, Sir Persides had slain
+Sir Mordred. And so this damosel came by Sir Palomides, and she and he had
+language together, the which pleased neither of them; and so the damosel rode
+her ways till she came to the old knight&rsquo;s place, and there she told that
+old knight how she met with the woodest knight by adventure that ever she met
+withal. What bare he in his shield? said Sir Tristram. It was indented with
+white and black, said the damosel. Ah, said Sir Tristram, that was Sir
+Palomides, the good knight. For well I know him, said Sir Tristram, for one of
+the best knights living in this realm. Then that old knight took a little
+hackney, and rode for Sir Palomides, and brought him unto his own manor; and
+full well knew Sir Tristram Sir Palomides, but he said but little, for at that
+time Sir Tristram was walking upon his feet, and well amended of his hurts; and
+always when Sir Palomides saw Sir Tristram he would behold him full
+marvellously, and ever him seemed that he had seen him. Then would he say unto
+Sir Dinadan: An ever I may meet with Sir Tristram he shall not escape mine
+hands. I marvel, said Sir Dinadan, that ye boast behind Sir Tristram, for it is
+but late that he was in your hands, and ye in his hands; why would ye not hold
+him when ye had him? for I saw myself twice or thrice that ye gat but little
+worship of Sir Tristram. Then was Sir Palomides ashamed. So leave we them a
+little while in the old castle with the old knight Sir Darras.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now shall we speak of King Arthur, that said to Sir Launcelot: Had not ye been
+we had not lost Sir Tristram, for he was here daily unto the time ye met with
+him, and in an evil time, said Arthur, ye encountered with him. My lord Arthur,
+said Launcelot, ye put upon me that I should be cause of his departition; God
+knoweth it was against my will. But when men be hot in deeds of arms oft they
+hurt their friends as well as their foes. And my lord, said Sir Launcelot, ye
+shall understand that Sir Tristram is a man that I am loath to offend, for he
+hath done for me more than ever I did for him as yet. But then Sir Launcelot
+made bring forth a book: and then Sir Launcelot said: Here we are ten knights
+that will swear upon a book never to rest one night where we rest another this
+twelvemonth until that we find Sir Tristram. And as for me, said Sir Launcelot,
+I promise you upon this book that an I may meet with him, either with fairness
+or foulness I shall bring him to this court, or else I shall die therefore. And
+the names of these ten knights that had undertaken this quest were these
+following: First was Sir Launcelot, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Bors de Ganis, and
+Bleoberis, and Sir Blamore de Ganis, and Lucan the Butler, Sir Uwaine, Sir
+Galihud Lionel, and Galiodin. So these ten noble knights departed from the
+court of King Arthur, and so they rode upon their quest together until they
+came to a cross where departed four ways, and there departed the fellowship in
+four to seek Sir Tristram.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as Sir Launcelot rode by adventure he met with Dame Bragwaine that was sent
+into that country to seek Sir Tristram, and she fled as fast as her palfrey
+might go. So Sir Launcelot met with her and asked her why she fled. Ah, fair
+knight, said Dame Bragwaine, I flee for dread of my life, for here followeth me
+Sir Breuse Saunce Pité to slay me. Hold you nigh me, said Sir Launcelot. Then
+when Sir Launcelot saw Sir Breuse Saunce Pité, Sir Launcelot cried unto him,
+and said: False knight, destroyer of ladies and damosels, now thy last days be
+come. When Sir Breuse Saunce Pité saw Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s shield he knew it
+well, for at that time he bare not the arms of Cornwall, but he bare his own
+shield. And then Sir Breuse fled, and Sir Launcelot followed after him. But Sir
+Breuse was so well horsed that when him list to flee he might well flee, and
+also abide when him list. And then Sir Launcelot returned unto Dame Bragwaine,
+and she thanked him of his great labour.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap231"></a>CHAPTER XXXVI.<br/>How Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides,
+and Sir Dinadan were taken and put in prison.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now will we speak of Sir Lucan the butler, that by fortune he came riding to
+the same place thereas was Sir Tristram, and in he came in none other intent
+but to ask harbour. Then the porter asked what was his name. Tell your lord
+that my name is Sir Lucan, the butler, a Knight of the Round Table. So the
+porter went unto Sir Darras, lord of the place, and told him who was there to
+ask harbour. Nay, nay, said Sir Daname, that was nephew to Sir Darras, say him
+that he shall not be lodged here, but let him wit that I, Sir Daname, will meet
+with him anon, and bid him make him ready. So Sir Daname came forth on
+horseback, and there they met together with spears, and Sir Lucan smote down
+Sir Daname over his horse&rsquo;s croup, and then he fled into that place, and
+Sir Lucan rode after him, and asked after him many times.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Dinadan said to Sir Tristram: It is shame to see the lord&rsquo;s
+cousin of this place defoiled. Abide, said Sir Tristram, and I shall redress
+it. And in the meanwhile Sir Dinadan was on horseback, and he jousted with
+Lucan the butler, and there Sir Lucan smote Dinadan through the thick of the
+thigh, and so he rode his way; and Sir Tristram was wroth that Sir Dinadan was
+hurt, and followed after, and thought to avenge him; and within a while he
+overtook Sir Lucan, and bade him turn; and so they met together so that Sir
+Tristram hurt Sir Lucan passing sore and gave him a fall. With that came Sir
+Uwaine, a gentle knight, and when he saw Sir Lucan so hurt he called Sir
+Tristram to joust with him. Fair knight, said Sir Tristram, tell me your name I
+require you. Sir knight, wit ye well my name is Sir Uwaine le Fise de Roy
+Ureine. Ah, said Sir Tristram, by my will I would not have ado with you at no
+time. Ye shall not so, said Sir Uwaine, but ye shall have ado with me. And then
+Sir Tristram saw none other bote, but rode against him, and overthrew Sir
+Uwaine and hurt him in the side, and so he departed unto his lodging again. And
+when Sir Dinadan understood that Sir Tristram had hurt Sir Lucan he would have
+ridden after Sir Lucan for to have slain him, but Sir Tristram would not suffer
+him. Then Sir Uwaine let ordain an horse litter, and brought Sir Lucan to the
+abbey of Ganis, and the castle thereby hight the Castle of Ganis, of the which
+Sir Bleoberis was lord. And at that castle Sir Launcelot promised all his
+fellows to meet in the quest of Sir Tristram.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when Sir Tristram was come to his lodging there came a damosel that told Sir
+Darras that three of his sons were slain at that tournament, and two grievously
+wounded that they were never like to help themself. And all this was done by a
+noble knight that bare the black shield, and that was he that bare the prize.
+Then came there one and told Sir Darras that the same knight was within, him
+that bare the black shield. Then Sir Darras yede unto Sir Tristram&rsquo;s
+chamber, and there he found his shield and showed it to the damosel. Ah sir,
+said the damosel, that same is he that slew your three sons. Then without any
+tarrying Sir Darras put Sir Tristram, and Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan,
+within a strong prison, and there Sir Tristram was like to have died of great
+sickness; and every day Sir Palomides would reprove Sir Tristram of old hate
+betwixt them. And ever Sir Tristram spake fair and said little. But when Sir
+Palomides saw the falling of sickness of Sir Tristram, then was he heavy for
+him, and comforted him in all the best wise he could. And as the French book
+saith, there came forty knights to Sir Darras that were of his own kin, and
+they would have slain Sir Tristram and his two fellows, but Sir Darras would
+not suffer that, but kept them in prison, and meat and drink they had. So Sir
+Tristram endured there great pain, for sickness had undertaken him, and that is
+the greatest pain a prisoner may have. For all the while a prisoner may have
+his health of body he may endure under the mercy of God and in hope of good
+deliverance; but when sickness toucheth a prisoner&rsquo;s body, then may a
+prisoner say all wealth is him bereft, and then he hath cause to wail and to
+weep. Right so did Sir Tristram when sickness had undertaken him, for then he
+took such sorrow that he had almost slain himself.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap232"></a>CHAPTER XXXVII.<br/>How King Mark was sorry for the
+good renown of Sir Tristram. Some of King Arthur&rsquo;s knights jousted with
+knights of Cornwall.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now will we speak, and leave Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan in
+prison, and speak we of other knights that sought after Sir Tristram many
+divers parts of this land. And some yede into Cornwall; and by adventure Sir
+Gaheris, nephew unto King Arthur, came unto King Mark, and there he was well
+received and sat at King Mark&rsquo;s own table and ate of his own mess. Then
+King Mark asked Sir Gaheris what tidings there were in the realm of Logris.
+Sir, said Sir Gaheris, the king reigneth as a noble knight; and now but late
+there was a great jousts and tournament as ever I saw any in the realm of
+Logris, and the most noble knights were at that jousts. But there was one
+knight that did marvellously three days, and he bare a black shield, and of all
+knights that ever I saw he proved the best knight. Then, said King Mark, that
+was Sir Launcelot, or Sir Palomides the paynim. Not so, said Sir Gheris, for
+both Sir Launcelot and Sir Palomides were on the contrary party against the
+Knight with the Black Shield. Then was it Sir Tristram, said the king. Yea,
+said Sir Gaheris. And therewithal the king smote down his head, and in his
+heart he feared sore that Sir Tristram should get him such worship in the realm
+of Logris wherethrough that he himself should not be able to withstand him.
+Thus Sir Gaheris had great cheer with King Mark, and with Queen La Beale Isoud,
+the which was glad of Sir Gaheris&rsquo; words; for well she wist by his deeds
+and manners that it was Sir Tristram. And then the king made a feast royal, and
+to that feast came Sir Uwaine le Fise de Roy Ureine, and some called him Uwaine
+le Blanchemains. And this Sir Uwaine challenged all the knights of Cornwall.
+Then was the king wood wroth that he had no knights to answer him. Then Sir
+Andred, nephew unto King Mark, leapt up and said: I will encounter with Sir
+Uwaine. Then he yede and armed him and horsed him in the best manner. And there
+Sir Uwaine met with Sir Andred, and smote him down that he swooned on the
+earth. Then was King Mark sorry and wroth out of measure that he had no knight
+to revenge his nephew, Sir Andred.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the king called unto him Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, and prayed him for his
+sake to take upon him to joust with Sir Uwaine. Sir, said Sir Dinas, I am full
+loath to have ado with any knight of the Round Table. Yet, said the king, for
+my love take upon thee to joust. So Sir Dinas made him ready, and anon they
+encountered together with great spears, but Sir Dinas was overthrown, horse and
+man, a great fall. Who was wroth but King Mark! Alas, he said, have I no knight
+that will encounter with yonder knight? Sir, said Sir Gaheris, for your sake I
+will joust. So Sir Gaheris made him ready, and when he was armed he rode into
+the field. And when Sir Uwaine saw Sir Gaheris&rsquo; shield he rode to him and
+said: Sir, ye do not your part. For, sir, the first time ye were made Knight of
+the Round Table ye sware that ye should not have ado with your fellowship
+wittingly. And pardie, Sir Gaheris, ye knew me well enough by my shield, and so
+do I know you by your shield, and though ye would break your oath I would not
+break mine; for there is not one here, nor ye, that shall think I am afeard of
+you, but I durst right well have ado with you, and yet we be sisters&rsquo;
+sons. Then was Sir Gaheris ashamed, and so therewithal every knight went their
+way, and Sir Uwaine rode into the country.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then King Mark armed him, and took his horse and his spear, with a squire with
+him. And then he rode afore Sir Uwaine, and suddenly at a gap he ran upon him
+as he that was not ware of him, and there he smote him almost through the body,
+and there left him. So within a while there came Sir Kay and found Sir Uwaine,
+and asked him how he was hurt. I wot not, said Sir Uwaine, why nor wherefore,
+but by treason I am sure I gat this hurt; for here came a knight suddenly upon
+me or that I was ware, and suddenly hurt me. Then there was come Sir Andred to
+seek King Mark. Thou traitor knight, said Sir Kay, an I wist it were thou that
+thus traitorly hast hurt this noble knight thou shouldst never pass my hands.
+Sir, said Sir Andred, I did never hurt him, and that I will report me to
+himself. Fie on you false knight, said Sir Kay, for ye of Cornwall are nought
+worth. So Sir Kay made carry Sir Uwaine to the Abbey of the Black Cross, and
+there he was healed. And then Sir Gaheris took his leave of King Mark, but or
+he departed he said: Sir king, ye did a foul shame unto you and your court,
+when ye banished Sir Tristram out of this country, for ye needed not to have
+doubted no knight an he had been here. And so he departed.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap233"></a>CHAPTER XXXVIII.<br/>Of the treason of King Mark, and
+how Sir Gaheris smote him down and Andred his cousin.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then there came Sir Kay, the Seneschal, unto King Mark, and there he had good
+cheer showing outward. Now, fair lords, said he, will ye prove any adventure in
+the forest of Morris, in the which I know well is as hard an adventure as I
+know any. Sir, said Sir Kay, I will prove it. And Sir Gaheris said he would be
+avised for King Mark was ever full of treason: and therewithal Sir Gaheris
+departed and rode his way. And by the same way that Sir Kay should ride he laid
+him down to rest, charging his squire to wait upon Sir Kay; And warn me when he
+cometh. So within a while Sir Kay came riding that way, and then Sir Gaheris
+took his horse and met him, and said: Sir Kay, ye are not wise to ride at the
+request of King Mark, for he dealeth all with treason. Then said Sir Kay: I
+require you let us prove this adventure. I shall not fail you, said Sir
+Gaheris. And so they rode that time till a lake that was that time called the
+Perilous Lake, and there they abode under the shaw of the wood.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The meanwhile King Mark within the castle of Tintagil avoided all his barons,
+and all other save such as were privy with him were avoided out of his chamber.
+And then he let call his nephew Sir Andred, and bade arm him and horse him
+lightly; and by that time it was midnight. And so King Mark was armed in black,
+horse and all; and so at a privy postern they two issued out with their varlets
+with them, and rode till they came to that lake. Then Sir Kay espied them
+first, and gat his spear, and proffered to joust. And King Mark rode against
+him, and smote each other full hard, for the moon shone as the bright day. And
+there at that jousts Sir Kay&rsquo;s horse fell down, for his horse was not so
+big as the king&rsquo;s horse, and Sir Kay&rsquo;s horse bruised him full sore.
+Then Sir Gaheris was wroth that Sir Kay had a fall. Then he cried: Knight, sit
+thou fast in thy saddle, for I will revenge my fellow. Then King Mark was
+afeard of Sir Gaheris, and so with evil will King Mark rode against him, and
+Sir Gaheris gave him such a stroke that he fell down. So then forthwithal Sir
+Gaheris ran unto Sir Andred and smote him from his horse quite, that his helm
+smote in the earth, and nigh had broken his neck. And therewithal Sir Gaheris
+alighted, and gat up Sir Kay. And then they yode both on foot to them, and bade
+them yield them, and tell their names outher they should die. Then with great
+pain Sir Andred spake first, and said: It is King Mark of Cornwall, therefore
+be ye ware what ye do, and I am Sir Andred, his cousin. Fie on you both, said
+Sir Gaheris, for a false traitor, and false treason hast thou wrought and he
+both, under the feigned cheer that ye made us! it were pity, said Sir Gaheris,
+that thou shouldst live any longer. Save my life, said King Mark, and I will
+make amends; and consider that I am a king anointed. It were the more shame,
+said Sir Gaheris, to save thy life; thou art a king anointed with cream, and
+therefore thou shouldst hold with all men of worship; and therefore thou art
+worthy to die. With that he lashed at King Mark without saying any more, and
+covered him with his shield and defended him as he might. And then Sir Kay
+lashed at Sir Andred, and therewithal King Mark yielded him unto Sir Gaheris.
+And then he kneeled adown, and made his oath upon the cross of the sword, that
+never while he lived he would be against errant-knights. And also he sware to
+be good friend unto Sir Tristram if ever he came into Cornwall.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+By then Sir Andred was on the earth, and Sir Kay would have slain him. Let be,
+said Sir Gaheris, slay him not I pray you. It were pity, said Sir Kay, that he
+should live any longer, for this is nigh cousin unto Sir Tristram, and ever he
+hath been a traitor unto him, and by him he was exiled out of Cornwall, and
+therefore I will slay him, said Sir Kay. Ye shall not, said Sir Gaheris; sithen
+I have given the king his life, I pray you give him his life. And therewithal
+Sir Kay let him go. And so Sir Kay and Sir Gaheris rode their way unto Dinas,
+the Seneschal, for because they heard say that he loved well Sir Tristram. So
+they reposed them there, and soon after they rode unto the realm of Logris. And
+so within a little while they met with Sir Launcelot that always had Dame
+Bragwaine with him, to that intent he weened to have met the sooner with Sir
+Tristram; and Sir Launcelot asked what tidings in Cornwall, and whether they
+heard of Sir Tristram or not. Sir Kay and Sir Gaheris answered and said, that
+they heard not of him. Then they told Sir Launcelot word by word of their
+adventure. Then Sir Launcelot smiled and said: Hard it is to take out of the
+flesh that is bred in the bone; and so made them merry together.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap234"></a>CHAPTER XXXIX.<br/>How after that Sir Tristram, Sir
+Palomides, and Sir Dinadan had been long in prison they were delivered.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now leave we off this tale, and speak we of Sir Dinas that had within the
+castle a paramour, and she loved another knight better than him. And so when
+Sir Dinas went out a-hunting she slipped down by a towel, and took with her two
+brachets, and so she yede to the knight that she loved, and he her again. And
+when Sir Dinas came home and missed his paramour and his brachets, then was he
+the more wrother for his brachets than for the lady. So then he rode after the
+knight that had his paramour, and bade him turn and joust. So Sir Dinas smote
+him down, that with the fall he brake his leg and his arm. And then his lady
+and paramour cried Sir Dinas mercy, and said she would love him better than
+ever she did. Nay, said Sir Dinas, I shall never trust them that once betrayed
+me, and therefore, as ye have begun, so end, for I will never meddle with you.
+And so Sir Dinas departed, and took his brachets with him, and so rode to his
+castle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now will we turn unto Sir Launcelot, that was right heavy that he could never
+hear no tidings of Sir Tristram, for all this while he was in prison with Sir
+Darras, Palomides, and Dinadan. Then Dame Bragwaine took her leave to go into
+Cornwall, and Sir Launcelot, Sir Kay, and Sir Gaheris rode to seek Sir Tristram
+in the country of Surluse.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now speaketh this tale of Sir Tristram and of his two fellows, for every day
+Sir Palomides brawled and said language against Sir Tristram. I marvel, said
+Sir Dinadan, of thee, Sir Palomides, an thou haddest Sir Tristram here thou
+wouldst do him no harm; for an a wolf and a sheep were together in a prison the
+wolf would suffer the sheep to be in peace. And wit thou well, said Sir
+Dinadan, this same is Sir Tristram at a word, and now must thou do thy best
+with him, and let see now if ye can skift it with your hands. Then was Sir
+Palomides abashed and said little. Sir Palomides, then said Sir Tristram, I
+have heard much of your maugre against me, but I will not meddle with you as at
+this time by my will, because I dread the lord of this place that hath us in
+governance; for an I dread him not more than I do thee, soon it should be
+skift: so they peaced themself. Right so came in a damosel and said: Knights,
+be of good cheer, for ye are sure of your lives, and that I heard say my lord,
+Sir Darras. Then were they glad all three, for daily they weened they should
+have died.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then soon after this Sir Tristram fell sick that he weened to have died; then
+Sir Dinadan wept, and so did Sir Palomides under them both making great sorrow.
+So a damosel came in to them and found them mourning. Then she went unto Sir
+Darras, and told him how that mighty knight that bare the black shield was
+likely to die. That shall not be, said Sir Darras, for God defend when knights
+come to me for succour that I should suffer them to die within my prison.
+Therefore, said Sir Darras to the damosel, fetch that knight and his fellows
+afore me. And then anon Sir Darras saw Sir Tristram brought afore him. He said:
+Sir knight, me repenteth of thy sickness for thou art called a full noble
+knight, and so it seemeth by thee; and wit ye well it shall never be said that
+Sir Darras shall destroy such a noble knight as thou art in prison, howbeit
+that thou hast slain three of my sons whereby I was greatly aggrieved. But now
+shalt thou go and thy fellows, and your harness and horses have been fair and
+clean kept, and ye shall go where it liketh you, upon this covenant, that thou,
+knight, wilt promise me to be good friend to my sons two that be now alive, and
+also that thou tell me thy name. Sir, said he, as for me my name is Sir
+Tristram de Liones, and in Cornwall was I born, and nephew I am unto King Mark.
+And as for the death of your sons I might not do withal, for an they had been
+the next kin that I have I might have done none otherwise. And if I had slain
+them by treason or treachery I had been worthy to have died. All this I
+consider, said Sir Darras, that all that ye did was by force of knighthood, and
+that was the cause I would not put you to death. But sith ye be Sir Tristram,
+the good knight, I pray you heartily to be my good friend and to my sons. Sir,
+said Sir Tristram, I promise you by the faith of my body, ever while I live I
+will do you service, for ye have done to us but as a natural knight ought to
+do. Then Sir Tristram reposed him there till that he was amended of his
+sickness; and when he was big and strong they took their leave, and every
+knight took their horses, and so departed and rode together till they came to a
+cross way. Now fellows, said Sir Tristram, here will we depart in sundry ways.
+And because Sir Dinadan had the first adventure of him I will begin.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap235"></a>CHAPTER XL.<br/>How Sir Dinadan rescued a lady from
+Sir Breuse Saunce Pité, and how Sir Tristram received a shield of Morgan le
+Fay.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So as Sir Dinadan rode by a well he found a lady making great dole. What aileth
+you? said Sir Dinadan. Sir knight, said the lady, I am the wofullest lady of
+the world, for within these five days here came a knight called Sir Breuse
+Saunce Pité, and he slew mine own brother, and ever since he hath kept me at
+his own will, and of all men in the world I hate him most; and therefore I
+require you of knighthood to avenge me, for he will not tarry, but be here
+anon. Let him come, said Sir Dinadan, and because of honour of all women I will
+do my part. With this came Sir Breuse, and when he saw a knight with his lady
+he was wood wroth. And then he said: Sir knight, keep thee from me. So they
+hurtled together as thunder, and either smote other passing sore, but Sir
+Dinadan put him through the shoulder a grievous wound, and or ever Sir Dinadan
+might turn him Sir Breuse was gone and fled. Then the lady prayed him to bring
+her to a castle there beside but four mile thence; and so Sir Dinadan brought
+her there, and she was welcome, for the lord of that castle was her uncle; and
+so Sir Dinadan rode his way upon his adventure.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we this tale unto Sir Tristram, that by adventure he came to a castle
+to ask lodging, wherein was Queen Morgan le Fay; and so when Sir Tristram was
+let into that castle he had good cheer all that night. And upon the morn when
+he would have departed the queen said: Wit ye well ye shall not depart lightly,
+for ye are here as a prisoner. Jesu defend! said Sir Tristram, for I was but
+late a prisoner. Fair knight, said the queen, ye shall abide with me till that
+I wit what ye are and from whence ye come. And ever the queen would set Sir
+Tristram on her own side, and her paramour on the other side. And ever Queen
+Morgan would behold Sir Tristram, and thereat the knight was jealous, and was
+in will suddenly to have run upon Sir Tristram with a sword, but he left it for
+shame. Then the queen said to Sir Tristram: Tell me thy name, and I shall
+suffer you to depart when ye will. Upon that covenant I tell you my name is Sir
+Tristram de Liones. Ah, said Morgan le Fay, an I had wist that, thou shouldst
+not have departed so soon as thou shalt. But sithen I have made a promise I
+will hold it, with that thou wilt promise me to bear upon thee a shield that I
+shall deliver thee, unto the castle of the Hard Rock, where King Arthur had
+cried a great tournament, and there I pray you that ye will be, and to do for
+me as much deeds of arms as ye may do. For at the Castle of Maidens, Sir
+Tristram, ye did marvellous deeds of arms as ever I heard knight do. Madam,
+said Sir Tristram, let me see the shield that I shall bear. Then the shield was
+brought forth, and the field was goldish, with a king and a queen therein
+painted, and a knight standing above them, [one foot] upon the king&rsquo;s
+head, and the other upon the queen&rsquo;s. Madam, said Sir Tristram, this is a
+fair shield and a mighty; but what signifieth this king and this queen, and the
+knight standing upon both their heads? I shall tell you, said Morgan le Fay, it
+signifieth King Arthur and Queen Guenever, and a knight who holdeth them both
+in bondage and in servage. Who is that knight? said Sir Tristram. That shall ye
+not wit as at this time, said the queen. But as the French book saith, Queen
+Morgan loved Sir Launcelot best, and ever she desired him, and he would never
+love her nor do nothing at her request, and therefore she held many knights
+together for to have taken him by strength. And because she deemed that Sir
+Launcelot loved Queen Guenever paramour, and she him again, therefore Queen
+Morgan le Fay ordained that shield to put Sir Launcelot to a rebuke, to that
+intent that King Arthur might understand the love between them. Then Sir
+Tristram took that shield and promised her to bear it at the tournament at the
+Castle of the Hard Rock. But Sir Tristram knew not that that shield was
+ordained against Sir Launcelot, but afterward he knew it.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap236"></a>CHAPTER XLI.<br/>How Sir Tristram took with him the
+shield, and also how he slew the paramour of Morgan le Fay.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So then Sir Tristram took his leave of the queen, and took the shield with him.
+Then came the knight that held Queen Morgan le Fay, his name was Sir Hemison,
+and he made him ready to follow Sir Tristram. Fair friend, said Morgan, ride
+not after that knight, for ye shall not win no worship of him. Fie on him,
+coward, said Sir Hemison, for I wist never good knight come out of Cornwall but
+if it were Sir Tristram de Liones. What an that be he? said she. Nay, nay, said
+he, he is with La Beale Isoud, and this is but a daffish knight. Alas, my fair
+friend, ye shall find him the best knight that ever ye met withal, for I know
+him better than ye do. For your sake, said Sir Hemison, I shall slay him. Ah,
+fair friend, said the queen, me repenteth that ye will follow that knight, for
+I fear me sore of your again coming. With this this knight rode his way wood
+wroth, and he rode after Sir Tristram as fast as he had been chased with
+knights. When Sir Tristram heard a knight come after him so fast he returned
+about, and saw a knight coming against him. And when he came nigh to Sir
+Tristram he cried on high: Sir knight, keep thee from me. Then they rushed
+together as it had been thunder, and Sir Hemison brised his spear upon Sir
+Tristram, but his harness was so good that he might not hurt him. And Sir
+Tristram smote him harder, and bare him through the body, and he fell over his
+horse&rsquo;s croup. Then Sir Tristram turned to have done more with his sword,
+but he saw so much blood go from him that him seemed he was likely to die, and
+so he departed from him and came to a fair manor to an old knight, and there
+Sir Tristram lodged.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap237"></a>CHAPTER XLII.<br/>How Morgan le Fay buried her
+paramour, and how Sir Tristram praised Sir Launcelot and his kin.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now leave to speak of Sir Tristram, and speak we of the knight that was wounded
+to the death. Then his varlet alighted, and took off his helm, and then he
+asked his lord whether there were any life in him. There is in me life, said
+the knight, but it is but little; and therefore leap thou up behind me when
+thou hast holpen me up, and hold me fast that I fall not, and bring me to Queen
+Morgan le Fay; for deep draughts of death draw to my heart that I may not live,
+for I would fain speak with her or I died: for else my soul will be in great
+peril an I die. For[thwith] with great pain his varlet brought him to the
+castle, and there Sir Hemison fell down dead. When Morgan le Fay saw him dead
+she made great sorrow out of reason; and then she let despoil him unto his
+shirt, and so she let him put into a tomb. And about the tomb she let write:
+Here lieth Sir Hemison, slain by the hands of Sir Tristram de Liones.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that asked the knight his host if he saw late
+any knights adventurous. Sir, he said, the last night here lodged with me Ector
+de Maris and a damosel with him, and that damosel told me that he was one of
+the best knights of the world. That is not so, said Sir Tristram, for I know
+four better knights of his own blood, and the first is Sir Launcelot du Lake,
+call him the best knight, and Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Blamore de
+Ganis, and Sir Gaheris. Nay, said his host, Sir Gawaine is a better knight than
+he. That is not so, said Sir Tristram, for I have met with them both, and I
+felt Sir Gaheris for the better knight, and Sir Lamorak I call him as good as
+any of them except Sir Launcelot. Why name ye not Sir Tristram? said his host,
+for I account him as good as any of them. I know not Sir Tristram, said
+Tristram. Thus they talked and bourded as long as them list, and then went to
+rest. And on the morn Sir Tristram departed, and took his leave of his host,
+and rode toward the Roche Dure, and none adventure had Sir Tristram but that;
+and so he rested not till he came to the castle, where he saw five hundred
+tents.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap238"></a>CHAPTER XLIII.<br/>How Sir Tristram at a tournament
+bare the shield that Morgan le Fay delivered to him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then the King of Scots and the King of Ireland held against King Arthur&rsquo;s
+knights, and there began a great medley. So came in Sir Tristram and did
+marvellous deeds of arms, for there he smote down many knights. And ever he was
+afore King Arthur with that shield. And when King Arthur saw that shield he
+marvelled greatly in what intent it was made; but Queen Guenever deemed as it
+was, wherefore she was heavy. Then was there a damosel of Queen Morgan in a
+chamber by King Arthur, and when she heard King Arthur speak of that shield,
+then she spake openly unto King Arthur. Sir King, wit ye well this shield was
+ordained for you, to warn you of your shame and dishonour, and that longeth to
+you and your queen. And then anon that damosel picked her away privily, that no
+man wist where she was become. Then was King Arthur sad and wroth, and asked
+from whence came that damosel. There was not one that knew her nor wist where
+she was become. Then Queen Guenever called to her Sir Ector de Maris, and there
+she made her complaint to him, and said: I wot well this shield was made by
+Morgan le Fay in despite of me and of Sir Launcelot, wherefore I dread me sore
+lest I should be destroyed. And ever the king beheld Sir Tristram, that did so
+marvellous deeds of arms that he wondered sore what knight he might be, and
+well he wist it was not Sir Launcelot. And it was told him that Sir Tristram
+was in Petit Britain with Isoud la Blanche Mains, for he deemed, an he had been
+in the realm of Logris, Sir Launcelot or some of his fellows that were in the
+quest of Sir Tristram that they should have found him or that time. So King
+Arthur had marvel what knight he might be. And ever Sir Arthur&rsquo;s eye was
+on that shield. All that espied the queen, and that made her sore afeard.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then ever Sir Tristram smote down knights wonderly to behold, what upon the
+right hand and upon the left hand, that unnethe no knight might withstand him.
+And the King of Scots and the King of Ireland began to withdraw them. When
+Arthur espied that, he thought that that knight with the strange shield should
+not escape him. Then he called unto him Sir Uwaine le Blanche Mains, and bade
+him arm him and make him ready. So anon King Arthur and Sir Uwaine dressed them
+before Sir Tristram, and required him to tell them where he had that shield.
+Sir, he said, I had it of Queen Morgan le Fay, sister unto King Arthur.
+</p>
+
+<h5> So here endeth this history of this book, for it is the first book of Sir
+Tristram de Liones and the second book of Sir Tristram followeth. </h5>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="glos01"></a>GLOSSARY</h2>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+Abashed, abased, lowered,<br/>
+Abate, depress, calm,<br/>
+Abought, paid for,<br/>
+Abraid, started,<br/>
+Accompted, counted,<br/>
+Accorded, agreed,<br/>
+Accordment, agreement,<br/>
+Acquit, repay,<br/>
+Actually, actively,<br/>
+Adoubted, afraid,<br/>
+Advision, vision,<br/>
+Afeard, afraid,<br/>
+Afterdeal, disadvantage,<br/>
+Againsay, retract,<br/>
+Aknown, known,<br/>
+Aligement, alleviation,<br/>
+Allegeance, alleviation,<br/>
+Allow, approve,<br/>
+Almeries, chests,<br/>
+Alther, gen. pl., of all,<br/>
+Amounted, mounted,<br/>
+Anealed, anointed,<br/>
+Anguishly, in pain,<br/>
+Anon, at once,<br/>
+Apair, weaken,<br/>
+Apparelled, fitted up,<br/>
+Appeach, impeach,<br/>
+Appealed, challenged, accused,<br/>
+Appertices, displays,<br/>
+Araged, enraged, ; confused,<br/>
+Araised, raised,<br/>
+Arase, obliterate,<br/>
+Areared, reared,<br/>
+Armyvestal, martial,<br/>
+Array, plight, state of affairs,<br/>
+Arrayed, situated,<br/>
+Arson, saddle-bow,<br/>
+Askance, casually,<br/>
+Assoiled, absolved,<br/>
+Assotted, infatuated,<br/>
+Assummon, summon,<br/>
+Astonied, amazed, stunned,<br/>
+At, of, by,<br/>
+At-after, after,<br/>
+Attaint, overcome,<br/>
+Aumbries, chests,<br/>
+Avail (at), at an advantage,<br/>
+Avaled, lowered,<br/>
+Avaunt, boast,<br/>
+Aventred, couched,<br/>
+Avised, be advised, take thought,<br/>
+Avision, vision,<br/>
+Avoid, quit,<br/>
+Avoided, got clear off,<br/>
+Avow, vow,<br/>
+Await of (in), in watch for,<br/>
+Awayward, away,<br/>
+Awke, sideways,<br/>
+<br/>
+Bachelors, probationers for knighthood<br/>
+Bain, bath,<br/>
+Barbican, gate-tower,<br/>
+Barget, little ship,<br/>
+Battle, division of an army,<br/>
+Bawdy, dirty,<br/>
+Beams, trumpets,<br/>
+Be-closed, enclosed,<br/>
+Become, pp., befallen, gone to,<br/>
+Bedashed, splashed,<br/>
+Behests, promises,<br/>
+Behight, promised,<br/>
+Beholden (beholding) to, obliged to,<br/>
+Behote, promised,<br/>
+Benome, deprived, taken away,<br/>
+Besants, gold coins,<br/>
+Beseek, beseech,<br/>
+Beseen, appointed, arrayed,<br/>
+Beskift, shove off,<br/>
+Bested, beset,<br/>
+Betaken, entrusted,<br/>
+Betaught, entrusted, recommended,<br/>
+Betid, happened,<br/>
+Betook, committed, entrusted,<br/>
+Bevered, quivered,<br/>
+Board, sb., deck,<br/>
+Bobaunce, boasting, pride,<br/>
+Boishe, bush, branch of a tree,<br/>
+Boistous, rough,<br/>
+Bole, trunk of a tree,<br/>
+Boot, remedy,<br/>
+Borrow out, redeem,<br/>
+Borrows, pledges,<br/>
+Bote, remedy,<br/>
+Bound, ready,<br/>
+Bourded, jested,<br/>
+Bourder, jester,<br/>
+Braced, embraced,<br/>
+Brachet, little hound,<br/>
+Braide, quick movement,<br/>
+Brast, burst, break,<br/>
+Breaths, breathing holes,<br/>
+Brief, shorten,<br/>
+Brim, fierce, furious,<br/>
+Brised, broke,<br/>
+Broached, pierced,<br/>
+Broaches, spits,<br/>
+Bur, hand-guard of a spear,<br/>
+Burble, bubble,<br/>
+Burbling, bubbling,<br/>
+Burgenetts, buds, blossoms,<br/>
+Bushment, ambush,<br/>
+By and by, immediately,<br/>
+Bywaryed, expended, bestowed,<br/>
+<br/>
+Canel bone, collar bone,<br/>
+Cankered, inveterate,<br/>
+Cantel, slice, strip,<br/>
+Careful, sorrowful, full of troubles,<br/>
+Cast (of bread), loaves baked at the same time,<br/>
+Cast, ref: v., propose,<br/>
+Cedle, schedule, note,<br/>
+Cere, wax over, embalm,; cerel,<br/>
+Certes, certainly,<br/>
+Chafe, heat, decompose,; chafed, heated,<br/>
+Chaflet, platform, scaffold,<br/>
+Champaign, open country,<br/>
+Chariot (Fr charette), cart,<br/>
+Cheer, countenance,  entertainment,<br/>
+Chierte, dearness,<br/>
+Chrism, anointing oil,<br/>
+Clatter, talk confusedly,<br/>
+Cleight, clutched,<br/>
+Cleped, called,<br/>
+Clipping, embracing,<br/>
+Cog, small boat,<br/>
+Cognisance, badge, mark of distinction,<br/>
+Coif, head-piece,<br/>
+Comfort, strengthen, help,<br/>
+Cominal, common,<br/>
+Complished, complete,<br/>
+Con, know, be able, ; con thanlt, be grateful,<br/>
+Conserve, preserve,<br/>
+Conversant, abiding in,<br/>
+Cording, agreement,<br/>
+Coronal, circlet,<br/>
+Cost, side,<br/>
+Costed, kept up with,<br/>
+Couched, lay,<br/>
+Courage, encourage,<br/>
+Courtelage, courtyard,<br/>
+Covert, sheltered,<br/>
+Covetise, covetousness,<br/>
+Covin, deceit,<br/>
+Cream, oil,<br/>
+Credence, faith,<br/>
+Croup, crupper,<br/>
+Curteist, most courteous,<br/>
+<br/>
+Daffish, foolish,<br/>
+Danger (in), under obligation to, in the power of,<br/>
+Dawed, v tr., revived,  intr. dawned,<br/>
+Deadly, mortal, human,<br/>
+Deal, part, portion,<br/>
+Debate, quarrel, strife,<br/>
+Debonair, courteous,<br/>
+Deceivable, deceitful,<br/>
+Defaded, faded,<br/>
+Default, fault,<br/>
+Defend, forbid,; defended,; forbidden,<br/>
+Defoiled, trodden down, fouled, deflowered,<br/>
+Degree (win the), rank, superiority,<br/>
+Delibered, determined,<br/>
+Deliverly, adroitly,<br/>
+Departed, divided,<br/>
+Departition, departure,<br/>
+Dere, harm,<br/>
+Descrive, describe,<br/>
+Despoiled, stripped,<br/>
+Detrenched, cut to pieces,<br/>
+Devised, looked carefully at,<br/>
+Devoir, duty, service,<br/>
+Did off, doffed,<br/>
+Dight, prepared,<br/>
+Dindled, trembled,<br/>
+Disadventure, misfortune,<br/>
+Discover, reveal,<br/>
+Disherited, disinherited,<br/>
+Disparpled, scattered,<br/>
+Dispenses, expenses,<br/>
+Disperplyd, scattered,<br/>
+Dispoiled, stripped,<br/>
+Distained, sullied, dishonoured,<br/>
+Disworship, shame,<br/>
+Dole, gift of alms,<br/>
+Dole, sorrow,<br/>
+Domineth, dominates, rules,<br/>
+Don, gift,<br/>
+Doted, foolish,<br/>
+Doubted, redoubtable,<br/>
+Draughts, privities, secret interviews, recesses,<br/>
+Drenched, drowned,<br/>
+Dress, make ready,<br/>
+Dressed up, raised,<br/>
+Dretched, troubled in sleep,<br/>
+Dretching, being troubled in sleep,<br/>
+Dromounds, war vessels,<br/>
+Dure, endure, last,; dured,; during,<br/>
+Duresse, bondage, hardship,<br/>
+Dwined, dwindled,<br/>
+<br/>
+Eased, entertained,<br/>
+Eft, after, again,<br/>
+Eftures, passages,<br/>
+Embattled, ranged for battle,<br/>
+Embushed, concealed in the woods,<br/>
+Eme, uncle,<br/>
+Empoison, poison,<br/>
+Emprised, undertook,<br/>
+Enbraid,<br/>
+Enchafe, heat,; enchafed, heated,<br/>
+Enchieve, achieve,<br/>
+Endlong, alongside of,<br/>
+Enewed, painted,<br/>
+Enforce, constrain,<br/>
+Engine, device,<br/>
+Enow, enough,<br/>
+Enquest, enterprise,<br/>
+Ensured, assured,<br/>
+Entermete, intermeddle,<br/>
+Errant, wandering,<br/>
+Estates, ranks,<br/>
+Even hand, at an equality,<br/>
+Evenlong, along,<br/>
+Everych, each, every one,<br/>
+<br/>
+Faiter, vagabond,<br/>
+Fare, sb., ado, commotion,<br/>
+Faren, pp., treated,<br/>
+Faute, lack,; fauted, lacked,<br/>
+Fealty, oath of fidelity,<br/>
+Fear, frighten,<br/>
+Feute, trace, track,<br/>
+Feuter, set in rest, couch,<br/>
+Feutred, set in socket,<br/>
+Fiaunce, affiance, promise,<br/>
+Flang, flung,; rushed,<br/>
+Flatling, prostrate,<br/>
+Fleet, float,<br/>
+Flemed, put to flight,<br/>
+Flittered, fluttered,<br/>
+Foiled, defeated, shamed,<br/>
+Foined, thrust,<br/>
+Foining, thrusting,<br/>
+Foins, thrusts,<br/>
+Foot-hot, hastily,<br/>
+For-bled, spent with bleeding,<br/>
+Force (no), no concern,<br/>
+Fordeal, advantage,<br/>
+Fordo, destroy,; fordid,<br/>
+Forecast, preconcerted plot,<br/>
+For-fared, worsted,<br/>
+Forfend, forbid,<br/>
+Forfoughten, weary with fighting,<br/>
+Forhewn, hewn to pieces,<br/>
+Forjousted, tired with jousting,<br/>
+Forthinketh, repents,<br/>
+Fortuned, happened,<br/>
+Forward, vanguard,<br/>
+Forwowmded, sorely wounded,<br/>
+Free, noble,<br/>
+Freshed,<br/>
+Froward, away from,<br/>
+<br/>
+Gad, wedge or spike of iron,<br/>
+Gainest, readiest,<br/>
+Gar, cause,<br/>
+Gart, compelled,<br/>
+Gentily, like a gentleman,<br/>
+Gerfalcon, a fine hawk,<br/>
+Germane, closely allied,<br/>
+Gest, deed, story,<br/>
+Gisarm, halberd, battle-axe,<br/>
+Glaive, sword,<br/>
+Glasting, barking,<br/>
+Glatisant, barking, yelping,<br/>
+Gobbets, lumps,<br/>
+Graithed, made ready,<br/>
+Gree, degree, superiority,<br/>
+Greed, pp., pleased, content,<br/>
+Grescs, steps,<br/>
+Grimly, ugly,<br/>
+Grovelling, on his face,<br/>
+Guerdonless, without reward,<br/>
+Guise, fashion,<br/>
+<br/>
+Habergeon, hauberk with leggings attached,<br/>
+Hair, a hair-shirt,<br/>
+Hale and how, a sailor&rsquo;s cry,<br/>
+Halp, helped,<br/>
+Halsed, embraced,<br/>
+Halsing, embracing,<br/>
+Handfast, betrothed,<br/>
+Handsel, earnest-money,<br/>
+Hangers, testicles,<br/>
+Harbingers, messengers sent to prepare lodgings,<br/>
+Harness, armour,<br/>
+Hart of greese, fat deer,<br/>
+Hauberk, coat of mail,<br/>
+Haut, high, noble,<br/>
+Hauteyn, haughty,<br/>
+Heavy, sad,<br/>
+Hete, command,<br/>
+Hide, skin,<br/>
+Hied, hurried,<br/>
+High (on), aloud,<br/>
+Higher hand, the uppermost,<br/>
+Hight, called,<br/>
+Hilled, covered, concealed,<br/>
+Holden, held,<br/>
+Holp, helped,<br/>
+Holts, woods,<br/>
+Hough-bone, back part of kneejoint,<br/>
+Houselled, to be given the Eucharist,<br/>
+Hoved, hovered, waited about,<br/>
+Hurled, dashed, staggered,; hurling,<br/>
+Hurtle, dash,<br/>
+<br/>
+Incontinent, forthwith,<br/>
+Ind, dark blue,<br/>
+Infellowship, join in fellowship,<br/>
+In like, alike,<br/>
+Intermit, interpose,<br/>
+<br/>
+Japer, jester,<br/>
+Japes, jests,<br/>
+Jesseraunt, a short cuirass,<br/>
+<br/>
+Keep, sb., care,<br/>
+Keep, s., care, reck,<br/>
+Kemps, champions,<br/>
+Kind, nature,<br/>
+Kindly, natural,<br/>
+Knights parters, marshals,<br/>
+Know, acknowledge,<br/>
+Knowledging, acknowledgment, confession,<br/>
+<br/>
+Lain, conceal,<br/>
+Langering, sauntering,<br/>
+Lapped, took in her lap,<br/>
+Large, generous,<br/>
+Largeness, liberality,<br/>
+Laton, latten, brass,<br/>
+Laund, waste plain,<br/>
+Layne, conceal,<br/>
+Lazar-cot, leper-house,<br/>
+Learn, teach,<br/>
+Lears, cheeks,<br/>
+Leaved, leafy,<br/>
+Lecher, fornicator,<br/>
+Leech, physician,<br/>
+Leman, lover,<br/>
+Let, caused to,<br/>
+Let, hinder,<br/>
+Lewdest, most ignorant,<br/>
+Licours lecherous,<br/>
+Lief, dear,<br/>
+Liefer, more gladly,<br/>
+Lieve, believe,<br/>
+Limb-meal, limb from limb,<br/>
+List, desire, pleasure,<br/>
+Lithe, joint,<br/>
+Longing unto, belonging to,<br/>
+Long on (upon), because of,<br/>
+Loos, praise,<br/>
+Lotless, without a share,<br/>
+Loveday, day for. settling disputes,<br/>
+Loving, praising,<br/>
+Lunes, leashes, strings,<br/>
+Lusk, lubber,<br/>
+Lusts, inclinations,<br/>
+<br/>
+Maims, wounds,<br/>
+Makeless, matchless,<br/>
+Makers, authors, poets,<br/>
+Mas,ease, discomfort,<br/>
+Mal engine, evil design,<br/>
+Mal-fortune, ill-luck, mishap,<br/>
+Marches, borders,<br/>
+Mass-penny, offering at mass for the dead,<br/>
+Matche old, machicolated, with holes for defence,<br/>
+Maugre, sb., despite,<br/>
+Measle, disease,<br/>
+Medled, mingled,<br/>
+Medley, melee, general encounter,<br/>
+Meiny, retinue,<br/>
+Mickle, much,<br/>
+Minever, ermine,<br/>
+Mischieved, hurt,<br/>
+Mischievous, painful,<br/>
+Miscorr fort, discomfort,<br/>
+Miscreature, unbeliever,<br/>
+Missay, revile,; missaid,<br/>
+Mo, more,<br/>
+More and less, rich and poor,<br/>
+Motes, notes on a horn,<br/>
+Mount~ lance, amount of, extent,<br/>
+Much, great,<br/>
+<br/>
+Naked, unarmed,<br/>
+Namely, especially,<br/>
+Ne, nor,<br/>
+Near-hand, nearly,; near,<br/>
+Needly, needs, on your own compulsion,<br/>
+Nesh, soft, tender,<br/>
+Nigh-hand, nearly,<br/>
+Nill, will not,<br/>
+Nilt, will not,<br/>
+Nis, ne is, is not,<br/>
+Nist, ne wist, knew not,<br/>
+Noblesse, nobleness,<br/>
+Nobley, nobility, splendour,<br/>
+Noised, reported,<br/>
+Nold, would not,<br/>
+Noseling, on his nose,<br/>
+Not for then, nevertheless,<br/>
+Notoyrly, notoriously,<br/>
+Noyous, hurtful,<br/>
+<br/>
+Obeissance, obedience,<br/>
+Or, before,<br/>
+Orgule, haughtiness,<br/>
+Orgulist, haughtiest,<br/>
+Orgulite, pride, arrogance,<br/>
+Orgulous, proud,<br/>
+Other, or,<br/>
+Ouches, jewels,<br/>
+Ought, owned,<br/>
+Outcept, except,<br/>
+Outher, or,<br/>
+Out-taken, except,<br/>
+Over-evening, last night,<br/>
+Overget, overtake,<br/>
+Overhylled, covered,<br/>
+Over-led, domineered over,<br/>
+Overlong, the length of,<br/>
+Overslip, pass,<br/>
+Overthwart, adj., cross,<br/>
+Overthwart, sb., mischance,<br/>
+Overthwart and endlong, by the breadth and length,<br/>
+<br/>
+Painture, painting,<br/>
+Paitrelles, breastplate of a horse,<br/>
+Paltocks, short coats,<br/>
+Parage, descent,<br/>
+Pareil, like,<br/>
+Passing, surpassingly,<br/>
+Paynim, pagan,<br/>
+Pensel, pennon,<br/>
+Perclos, partition,<br/>
+Perdy, par Dieu,<br/>
+Perigot, falcon,<br/>
+Perish, destroy,<br/>
+Peron, tombstone,<br/>
+Pight, pitched,<br/>
+Pike, steal away,<br/>
+Piked, stole,<br/>
+Pillers, plunderers,<br/>
+Pilling, plundering,<br/>
+Pleasaunce, pleasure,<br/>
+Plenour, complete,<br/>
+Plump, sb., cluster,<br/>
+Pointling, aiming,<br/>
+Pont, bridge,<br/>
+Port, gate,<br/>
+Posseded, possessed,<br/>
+Potestate, governor,<br/>
+Precessours, predecessors,<br/>
+Press, throng,<br/>
+Pretendeth, belongs to,<br/>
+Pricker, hard rider,<br/>
+Pricking, spurring,<br/>
+Prime, A.M.,<br/>
+Prise, capture,<br/>
+Puissance, power,<br/>
+Purfle, trimming,<br/>
+Purfled, embroidered,<br/>
+Purvey, provide,<br/>
+<br/>
+Quarrels, arrowheads,<br/>
+Questing, barking,<br/>
+Quick, alive,<br/>
+Quit, repaid,; acquitted, behaved,<br/>
+<br/>
+Raced (rased), tore,<br/>
+Rack (of bulls), herd,<br/>
+Raines, a town in Brittany famous for its cloth,<br/>
+Ramping, raging,<br/>
+Range, rank, station,<br/>
+Ransacked, searched,<br/>
+Rashed, fell headlong,<br/>
+Rashing, rushing,<br/>
+Rasing, rushing,<br/>
+Rasure,<br/>
+Raundon, impetuosity,<br/>
+Rear, raise,<br/>
+Rechate, note of recall,<br/>
+Recomforted, comforted, cheered,<br/>
+Recounter, rencontre, encounter,<br/>
+Recover, rescue,<br/>
+Rede, advise, ; sb., counsel,<br/>
+Redounded, glanced back,<br/>
+Religion, religious order,<br/>
+Reneye, deny,<br/>
+Report, refer,<br/>
+Resemblaunt; semblance,<br/>
+Retrayed, drew back,<br/>
+Rightwise, rightly,<br/>
+Rivage, shore,<br/>
+Romed, roared,<br/>
+Roted, practised,<br/>
+Rove, cleft,<br/>
+Rownsepyk, a branch,<br/>
+<br/>
+Sacring, consecrating,<br/>
+Sad, serious,<br/>
+Sadly, heartily, earnestly,<br/>
+Salle, room,<br/>
+Samite, silk stuff with gold or silver<br/>
+threads,<br/>
+Sangreal, Holy Grail,<br/>
+Sarps, girdles,<br/>
+Saw, proverb,<br/>
+Scathes, harms, hurts,<br/>
+icripture, writing,<br/>
+Search, probe wounds,<br/>
+Selar, canopy,<br/>
+Semblable, like,<br/>
+Semblant, semblance,<br/>
+Sendal, fine cloth,<br/>
+Sennight, week,<br/>
+Servage, slavery,<br/>
+Sewer, officer who set on dishes and tasted them,<br/>
+Shaft-mon, handbreadth,<br/>
+Shaw, thicket,<br/>
+Sheef, thrust,<br/>
+Sheer-Thursday, Thursday in Holy Week,<br/>
+Shend, harm,<br/>
+Shenship, disgrace,<br/>
+Shent, undone, blamed,<br/>
+Shour, attack,<br/>
+Shrew, rascal,<br/>
+Shrewd, knavish,<br/>
+Sib, akin to,<br/>
+Sideling, sideways,<br/>
+Siege, seat,<br/>
+Signified, likened,<br/>
+Siker, sure,<br/>
+Sikerness, assurance,<br/>
+Sith, since,<br/>
+Sithen, afterwards, since,<br/>
+Skift, changed,<br/>
+Slade, valley,<br/>
+Slake, glen,<br/>
+Soil (to go to), hunting term for taking the water,<br/>
+Sonds, messages,<br/>
+Sort, company,<br/>
+Sperd, bolted,<br/>
+Spere, ask, inquire,<br/>
+Spered, asked,<br/>
+Sperhawk, sparrowhawk,<br/>
+Sprent, sprinkled,<br/>
+Stale, station,<br/>
+Stark, thoroughly,<br/>
+Stead, place,<br/>
+Stert, started, rose quickly,<br/>
+Steven, appointment,; steven ser. appointment made,<br/>
+Steven, voice,<br/>
+Stigh, path,<br/>
+Stilly, silently,<br/>
+Stint, fixed revenue,<br/>
+Stonied, astonished,; became confused,<br/>
+Stour, battle,<br/>
+Strain, race, descent,<br/>
+Strait, narrow,<br/>
+Straked, blew a horn,<br/>
+Sue, pursue,<br/>
+Sued, pursued,<br/>
+Surcingles, saddle girths,<br/>
+Swang, swung,<br/>
+Sweven, dream,<br/>
+Swough, sound of wind,<br/>
+<br/>
+Talent, desire,<br/>
+Tallages, taxes,<br/>
+Tallies, taxes,<br/>
+Tamed, crushed,<br/>
+Tatches, qualities,<br/>
+Tene, sorrow,<br/>
+Term, period of time,<br/>
+Thilk, that same,<br/>
+Tho, then,<br/>
+Thrang, pushed,<br/>
+Thrulled, pushed,<br/>
+Till, to,<br/>
+To-brast, burst,<br/>
+To-fore, before,<br/>
+To-morn, to-morrow,<br/>
+Took, gave,<br/>
+To-rove, broke up,<br/>
+To-shivered, broken to pieces,<br/>
+Traced, advanced and retreated,<br/>
+Trains, devices, wiles,<br/>
+Trasing, pressing forward,<br/>
+Travers (met at), came across,<br/>
+Traverse, slantwise,<br/>
+Traversed, moved sideways,<br/>
+Tray, grief,<br/>
+Treatise, treaty,<br/>
+Tree, timber,<br/>
+Trenchant, cutting, sharp,<br/>
+Tres:, hunting term,<br/>
+Truage, tribute,<br/>
+Trussed, packed,<br/>
+<br/>
+Ubblie, wafer, Host,<br/>
+Umbecast, cast about,<br/>
+Umberere, the part of the helmet which shaded the eyes,<br/>
+Umbre, shade,<br/>
+Unavised, thoughtlessly,<br/>
+Uncouth, strange,<br/>
+Underne, - A.M.,<br/>
+Ungoodly, rudely,<br/>
+Unhappy, unlucky,<br/>
+Unhilled, uncovered,<br/>
+Unr the, scarcely,<br/>
+Unsicker, unstable,<br/>
+Unwimpled, uncovered,<br/>
+Unwrast, untwisted, unbound,<br/>
+Upright, flat on the back,<br/>
+Up-so-down, upside down,<br/>
+Ure, usage,<br/>
+Utas, octave of a festival,<br/>
+Utterance, uttermost,<br/>
+<br/>
+Varlet, servant,<br/>
+Venery, hunting,<br/>
+Ven ails, breathing holes,<br/>
+Villain, man of low birth,<br/>
+Visors, the perforated parts of helmets,<br/>
+Voided, slipped away from,<br/>
+<br/>
+Wagging, shaking,<br/>
+Waited, watched,<br/>
+Waits, watches,<br/>
+Wallop, gallop,<br/>
+Wanhope, despair,<br/>
+Wap, ripple,<br/>
+Ware, aware,<br/>
+Warison, reward,<br/>
+Warn, forbid, refuse,<br/>
+Weeds, garments,<br/>
+Weltered, rolled about,<br/>
+Wend, thought,<br/>
+Wer-wolf, a man turned into a wolf by magic,<br/>
+Where, whereas,<br/>
+Wide-where, over wide space,<br/>
+Wield, possess, have power over,<br/>
+Wield himself, come to himself,<br/>
+Wight, brave, strong,<br/>
+Wightly, swiftly,<br/>
+Wildsome, desolate,<br/>
+Wimpled, with the head covered,<br/>
+Win, make way,<br/>
+Wite, v., blame,<br/>
+Within-forth, on the inside,<br/>
+Without-forth, on the outside,<br/>
+Wittiest, cleverest,<br/>
+Wittily, cleverly,<br/>
+Witting, knowledge,<br/>
+Wold or nold, would or would not,<br/>
+Wonder, adj., wondrous,<br/>
+Wonder, adv., wondrously,<br/>
+Wonderly, wonderfully,<br/>
+Wood, mad,<br/>
+Woodness, madness,<br/>
+Wood shaw, thicket of the wood,<br/>
+Worship, honour,<br/>
+Worshipped, cause to be honoured,<br/>
+Worts, roots,<br/>
+Wot, know,<br/>
+Wrack, destruction,<br/>
+Wroken, wreaked,<br/>
+Wrothe, twisted,<br/>
+<br/>
+Yede, ran,<br/>
+Yelden, yielded,<br/>
+Yerde, stick, stem,<br/>
+Yode, went,<br/>
+Yolden, yielded,<br/>
+Y-wis, certainly,<br/>
+<br/>
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1251 ***</div>
+</body>
+
+</html>
+
+
+
+
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+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
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+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
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+status under the laws that apply to them.
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+++ b/README.md
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #1251 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1251)
diff --git a/old/1251-0.txt b/old/1251-0.txt
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+Project Gutenberg’s Le Morte D’Arthur, Volume I (of II), by Thomas Malory
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Le Morte D’Arthur, Volume I (of II)
+       King Arthur and of his Noble Knights of the Round Table
+
+Author: Thomas Malory
+
+Editor: William Caxton
+
+Release Date: November 6, 2009 [EBook #1251]
+Last Updated: August 3, 2020
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LE MORTE D’ARTHUR, VOLUME I ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Mike Lough, and David Widger
+
+
+
+
+Le Morte D’Arthur
+King Arthur and of his Noble Knights of the Round Table
+
+by Thomas Malory
+
+
+IN TWO VOLS.—VOL. I
+
+
+Contents
+
+ BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
+ PREFACE OF WILLIAM CAXTON
+
+ BOOK I.
+
+ CHAPTER I. First, How Uther Pendragon sent for the duke of Cornwall
+ and Igraine his wife, and of their departing suddenly again.
+
+ CHAPTER II. How Uther Pendragon made war on the duke of Cornwall, and
+ how by the mean of Merlin he lay by the duchess and gat Arthur.
+
+ CHAPTER III. Of the birth of King Arthur and of his nurture.
+
+ CHAPTER IV. Of the death of King Uther Pendragon.
+
+ CHAPTER V. How Arthur was chosen king, and of wonders and marvels of a
+ sword taken out of a stone by the said Arthur.
+
+ CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur pulled out the sword divers times.
+
+ CHAPTER VII. How King Arthur was crowned, and how he made officers.
+
+ CHAPTER VIII. How King Arthur held in Wales, at a Pentecost, a great
+ feast, and what kings and lords came to his feast.
+
+ CHAPTER IX. Of the first war that King Arthur had, and how he won the
+ field.
+
+ CHAPTER X. How Merlin counselled King Arthur to send for King Ban and
+ King Bors, and of their counsel taken for the war.
+
+ CHAPTER XI. Of a great tourney made by King Arthur and the two kings
+ Ban and Bors, and how they went over the sea.
+
+ CHAPTER XII. How eleven kings gathered a great host against King
+ Arthur.
+
+ CHAPTER XIII. Of a dream of the King with the Hundred Knights.
+
+ CHAPTER XIV. How the eleven kings with their host fought against
+ Arthur and his host, and many great feats of the war.
+
+ CHAPTER XV. Yet of the same battle.
+
+ CHAPTER XVI. Yet more of the same battle.
+
+ CHAPTER XVII. Yet more of the same battle, and how it was ended by
+ Merlin.
+
+ CHAPTER XVIII. How King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors rescued King
+ Leodegrance, and other incidents.
+
+ CHAPTER XIX. How King Arthur rode to Carlion, and of his dream, and
+ how he saw the questing beast.
+
+ CHAPTER XX. How King Pellinore took Arthur's horse and followed the
+ Questing Beast, and how Merlin met with Arthur.
+
+ CHAPTER XXI. How Ulfius impeached Queen Igraine, Arthur's mother, of
+ treason; and how a knight came and desired to have the death of his
+ master revenged.
+
+ CHAPTER XXII. How Griflet was made knight, and jousted with a knight
+
+ CHAPTER XXIII. How twelve knights came from Rome and asked truage for
+ this land of Arthur, and how Arthur fought with a knight.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIV. How Merlin saved Arthur's life, and threw an enchantment
+ on King Pellinore and made him to sleep.
+
+ CHAPTER XXV. How Arthur by the mean of Merlin gat Excalibur his sword
+ of the Lady of the Lake.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVI. How tidings came to Arthur that King Rience had overcome
+ eleven kings, and how he desired Arthur's beard to trim his mantle.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVII. How all the children were sent for that were born on
+ May-day, and how Mordred was saved.
+
+ BOOK II.
+
+ CHAPTER I. Of a damosel which came girt with a sword for to find a man
+ of such virtue to draw it out of the scabbard.
+
+ CHAPTER II. How Balin, arrayed like a poor knight, pulled out the
+ sword, which afterward was the cause of his death.
+
+ CHAPTER III. How the Lady of the Lake demanded the knight's head that
+ had won the sword, or the maiden's head.
+
+ CHAPTER IV. How Merlin told the adventure of this damosel.
+
+ CHAPTER V. How Balin was pursued by Sir Lanceor, knight of Ireland,
+ and how he jousted and slew him.
+
+ CHAPTER VI. How a damosel, which was love to Lanceor, slew herself for
+ love, and how Balin met with his brother Balan.
+
+ CHAPTER VII. How a dwarf reproved Balin for the death of Lanceor, and
+ how King Mark of Cornwall found them, and made a tomb over them.
+
+ CHAPTER VIII. How Merlin prophesied that two the best knights of the
+ world should fight there, which were Sir Lancelot and Sir Tristram.
+
+ CHAPTER IX. How Balin and his brother, by the counsel of Merlin, took
+ King Rience and brought him to King Arthur.
+
+ CHAPTER X. How King Arthur had a battle against Nero and King Lot of
+ Orkney, and how King Lot was deceived by Merlin, and how twelve kings
+ were slain.
+
+ CHAPTER XI. Of the interment of twelve kings, and of the prophecy of
+ Merlin, and how Balin should give the dolorous stroke.
+
+ CHAPTER XII. How a sorrowful knight came before Arthur, and how Balin
+ fetched him, and how that knight was slain by a knight invisible.
+
+ CHAPTER XIII. How Balin and the damosel met with a knight which was in
+ likewise slain, and how the damosel bled for the custom of a castle.
+
+ CHAPTER XIV. How Balin met with that knight named Garlon at a feast,
+ and there he slew him, to have his blood to heal therewith the son of
+ his host.
+
+ CHAPTER XV. How Balin fought with King Pellam, and how his sword
+ brake, and how he gat a spear wherewith he smote the dolorous stroke.
+
+ CHAPTER XVI. How Balin was delivered by Merlin, and saved a knight
+ that would have slain himself for love.
+
+ CHAPTER XVII. How that knight slew his love and a knight lying by her,
+ and after, how he slew himself with his own sword, and how Balin rode
+ toward a castle where he lost his life.
+
+ CHAPTER XVIII. How Balin met with his brother Balan, and how each of
+ them slew other unknown, till they were wounded to death.
+
+ CHAPTER XIX. How Merlin buried them both in one tomb, and of Balin's
+ sword.
+
+ BOOK III.
+
+ CHAPTER I. How King Arthur took a wife, and wedded Guenever, daughter
+ to Leodegrance, King of the Land of Cameliard, with whom he had the
+ Round Table.
+
+ CHAPTER II. How the Knights of the Round Table were ordained and their
+ sieges blessed by the Bishop of Canterbury.
+
+ CHAPTER III. How a poor man riding upon a lean mare desired King
+ Arthur to make his son knight.
+
+ CHAPTER IV. How Sir Tor was known for son of King Pellinore, and how
+ Gawaine was made knight.
+
+ CHAPTER V. How at feast of the wedding of King Arthur to Guenever, a
+ white hart came into the hall, and thirty couple hounds, and how a
+ brachet pinched the hart which was taken away.
+
+ CHAPTER VI. How Sir Gawaine rode for to fetch again the hart, and how
+ two brethren fought each against other for the hart.
+
+ CHAPTER VII How the hart was chased into a castle and there slain, and
+ how Sir Gawaine slew a lady.
+
+ CHAPTER VIII. How four knights fought against Gawaine and Gaheris, and
+ how they were overcome, and their lives saved at request of four
+ ladies.
+
+ CHAPTER IX. How Sir Tor rode after the knight with the brachet, and of
+ his adventure by the way.
+
+ CHAPTER X. How Sir Tor found the brachet with a lady, and how a knight
+ assailed him for the said brachet.
+
+ CHAPTER XI. How Sir Tor overcame the knight, and how he lost his head
+ at the request of a lady.
+
+ CHAPTER XII. How King Pellinore rode after the lady and the knight
+ that led her away, and how a lady desired help of him, and how he
+ fought with two knights for that lady, of whom he slew the one at the
+ first stroke.
+
+ CHAPTER XIII. How King Pellinore gat the lady and brought her to
+ Camelot to the court of King Arthur.
+
+ CHAPTER XIV. How on the way he heard two knights, as he lay by night
+ in a valley, and of their adventures.
+
+ CHAPTER XV. How when he was come to Camelot he was sworn upon a book
+ to tell the truth of his quest.
+
+ BOOK IV.
+
+ CHAPTER I. How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of the ladies of
+ the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone and there died.
+
+ CHAPTER II. How five kings came into this land to war against King
+ Arthur, and what counsel Arthur had against them.
+
+ CHAPTER III. How King Arthur had ado with them and overthrew them, and
+ slew the five kings and made the remnant to flee.
+
+ CHAPTER IV. How the battle was finished or he came, and how King
+ Arthur founded an abbey where the battle was.
+
+ CHAPTER V. How Sir Tor was made knight of the Round Table, and how
+ Bagdemagus was displeased.
+
+ CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur, King Uriens, and Sir Accolon of Gaul,
+ chased an hart, and of their marvellous adventures.
+
+ CHAPTER VII. How Arthur took upon him to fight to be delivered out of
+ prison, and also for to deliver twenty knights that were in prison.
+
+ CHAPTER VIII. How Accolon found himself by a well, and he took upon
+ him to do battle against Arthur.
+
+ CHAPTER IX. Of the battle between King Arthur and Accolon.
+
+ CHAPTER X. How King Arthur's sword that he fought with brake, and how
+ he recovered of Accolon his own sword Excalibur, and overcame his
+ enemy.
+
+ CHAPTER XI. How Accolon confessed the treason of Morgan le Fay, King
+ Arthur's sister, and how she would have done slay him.
+
+ CHAPTER XII. How Arthur accorded the two brethren, and delivered the
+ twenty knights, and how Sir Accolon died.
+
+ CHAPTER XIII. How Morgan would have slain Sir Uriens her husband, and
+ how Sir Uwaine her son saved him.
+
+ CHAPTER XIV. How Queen Morgan le Fay made great sorrow for the death
+ of Accolon, and how she stole away the scabbard from Arthur.
+
+ CHAPTER XV. How Morgan le Fay saved a knight that should have been
+ drowned, and how King Arthur returned home again.
+
+ CHAPTER XVI. How the Damosel of the Lake saved King Arthur from mantle
+ that should have burnt him.
+
+ CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine met with twelve fair
+ damosels, and how they complained on Sir Marhaus.
+
+ CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Marhaus jousted with Sir Gawaine and Sir
+ Uwaine, and overthrew them both.
+
+ CHAPTER XIX. How Sir Marhaus, Sir Gawaine, and Sir Uwaine met three
+ damosels, and each of them took one.
+
+ CHAPTER XX. How a knight and a dwarf strove for a lady.
+
+ CHAPTER XXI. How King Pelleas suffered himself to be taken prisoner
+ because he would have a sight of his lady, and how Sir Gawaine
+ promised him to get to him the love of his lady.
+
+ CHAPTER XXII. How Sir Gawaine came to the Lady Ettard, and how Sir
+ Pelleas found them sleeping.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Pelleas loved no more Ettard by means of the
+ Damosel of the Lake, whom he loved ever after.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Marhaus rode with the damosel, and how he came
+ to the Duke of the South Marches.
+
+ CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Marhaus fought with the duke and his four sons
+ and made them to yield them.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVI. How Sir Uwaine rode with the damosel of sixty year of
+ age, and how he gat the prize at tourneying.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Uwaine fought with two knights and overcame
+ them.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVIII. How at the year's end all three knights with their
+ three damosels met at the fountain.
+
+ BOOK V.
+
+ CHAPTER I. How twelve aged ambassadors of Rome came to King Arthur to
+ demand truage for Britain.
+
+ CHAPTER II. How the kings and lords promised to King Arthur aid and
+ help against the Romans.
+
+ CHAPTER III. How King Arthur held a parliament at York, and how he
+ ordained the realm should be governed in his absence.
+
+ CHAPTER IV. How King Arthur being shipped and lying in his cabin had a
+ marvellous dream and of the exposition thereof.
+
+ CHAPTER V. How a man of the country told to him of a marvellous giant,
+ and how he fought and conquered him.
+
+ CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur sent Sir Gawaine and other to Lucius, and
+ how they were assailed and escaped with worship.
+
+ CHAPTER VII. How Lucius sent certain spies in a bushment for to have
+ taken his knights being prisoners, and how they were letted.
+
+ CHAPTER VIII. How a senator told to Lucius of their discomfiture, and
+ also of the great battle between Arthur and Lucius.
+
+ CHAPTER IX How Arthur, after he had achieved the battle against the
+ Romans, entered into Almaine, and so into Italy.
+
+ CHAPTER X. Of a battle done by Sir Gawaine against a Saracen, which
+ after was yielden and became Christian.
+
+ CHAPTER XI. How the Saracens came out of a wood for to rescue their
+ beasts, and of a great battle.
+
+ CHAPTER XII. How Sir Gawaine returned to King Arthur with his
+ prisoners, and how the King won a city, and how he was crowned
+ Emperor.
+
+ BOOK VI.
+
+ CHAPTER I. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel departed from the court,
+ and how Sir Lionel left him sleeping and was taken.
+
+ CHAPTER II. How Sir Ector followed for to seek Sir Launcelot, and how
+ he was taken by Sir Turquine.
+
+ CHAPTER III How four queens found Launcelot sleeping, and how by
+ enchantment he was taken and led into a castle.
+
+ CHAPTER IV. How Sir Launcelot was delivered by the mean of a damosel.
+
+ CHAPTER V. How a knight found Sir Launcelot lying in his leman's bed,
+ and how Sir Launcelot fought with the knight.
+
+ CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot was received of King Bagdemagus'
+ daughter, and how he made his complaint to her father.
+
+ CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a tournament, and how he
+ met with Sir Turquine leading Sir Gaheris.
+
+ CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Turquine fought together.
+
+ CHAPTER IX. How Sir Turquine was slain, and how Sir Launcelot bade Sir
+ Gaheris deliver all the prisoners.
+
+ CHAPTER X. How Sir Launcelot rode with a damosel and slew a knight
+ that distressed all ladies and also a villain that kept a bridge.
+
+ CHAPTER XI. How Sir Launcelot slew two giants, and made a castle free.
+
+ CHAPTER XII. How Sir Launcelot rode disguised in Sir Kay's harness,
+ and how he smote down a knight.
+
+ CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Launcelot jousted against four knights of the
+ Round Table and overthrew them.
+
+ CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Launcelot followed a brachet into a castle, where
+ he found a dead knight, and how he after was required of a damosel to
+ heal her brother.
+
+ CHAPTER XV. How Sir Launcelot came into the Chapel Perilous and gat
+ there of a dead corpse a piece of the cloth and a sword.
+
+ CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Launcelot at the request of a lady recovered a
+ falcon, by which he was deceived.
+
+ CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Launcelot overtook a knight which chased his
+ wife to have slain her, and how he said to him.
+
+ CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Launcelot came to King Arthur's Court, and how
+ there were recounted all his noble feats and acts.
+
+ BOOK VII.
+
+ CHAPTER I. How Beaumains came to King Arthur's Court and demanded
+ three petitions of King Arthur.
+
+ CHAPTER II. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine were wroth because Sir
+ Kay mocked Beaumains, and of a damosel which desired a knight to fight
+ for a lady.
+
+ CHAPTER III. How Beaumains desired the battle, and how it was granted
+ to him, and how he desired to be made knight of Sir Launcelot.
+
+ CHAPTER IV. How Beaumains departed, and how he gat of Sir Kay a spear
+ and a shield, and how he jousted with Sir Launcelot.
+
+ CHAPTER V. How Beaumains told to Sir Launcelot his name, and how he
+ was dubbed knight of Sir Launcelot, and after overtook the damosel.
+
+ CHAPTER VI. How Beaumains fought and slew two knights at a passage.
+
+ CHAPTER VII. How Beaumains fought with the Knight of the Black Launds,
+ and fought with him till he fell down and died.
+
+ CHAPTER VIII. How the brother of the knight that was slain met with
+ Beaumains, and fought with Beaumains till he was yielden.
+
+ CHAPTER IX. How the damosel again rebuked Beaumains, and would not
+ suffer him to sit at her table, but called him kitchen boy.
+
+ CHAPTER X. How the third brother, called the Red Knight, jousted and
+ fought against Beaumains, and how Beaumains overcame him.
+
+ CHAPTER XI. How Sir Beaumains suffered great rebukes of the damosel,
+ and he suffered it patiently.
+
+ CHAPTER XII. How Beaumains fought with Sir Persant of Inde, and made
+ him to be yielden.
+
+ CHAPTER XIII. Of the goodly communication between Sir Persant and
+ Beaumains, and how he told him that his name was Sir Gareth.
+
+ CHAPTER XIV. How the lady that was besieged had word from her sister
+ how she had brought a knight to fight for her, and what battles he had
+ achieved.
+
+ CHAPTER XV. How the damosel and Beaumains came to the siege; and came
+ to a sycamore tree, and there Beaumains blew a horn, and then the
+ Knight of the Red Launds came to fight with him.
+
+ CHAPTER XVI. How the two knights met together, and of their talking,
+ and how they began their battle.
+
+ CHAPTER XVII. How after long fighting Beaumains overcame the knight
+ and would have slain him, but at the request of the lords he saved his
+ life, and made him to yield him to the lady.
+
+ CHAPTER XVIII. How the knight yielded him, and how Beaumains made him
+ to go unto King Arthur's court, and to cry Sir Launcelot mercy.
+
+ CHAPTER XIX How Beaumains came to the lady, and when he came to the
+ castle the gates were closed against him, and of the words that the
+ lady said to him.
+
+ CHAPTER XX. How Sir Beaumains rode after to rescue his dwarf, and came
+ into the castle where he was.
+
+ CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Gareth, otherwise called Beaumains, came to the
+ presence of his lady, and how they took acquaintance, and of their
+ love.
+
+ CHAPTER XXII. How at night came an armed knight, and fought with Sir
+ Gareth, and he, sore hurt in the thigh, smote off the knight's head.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIII. How the said knight came again the next night and was
+ beheaded again, and how at the feast of Pentecost all the knights that
+ Sir Gareth had overcome came and yielded them to King Arthur.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIV. How King Arthur pardoned them, and demanded of them
+ where Sir Gareth was.
+
+ CHAPTER XXV. How the Queen of Orkney came to this feast of Pentecost,
+ and Sir Gawaine and his brethren came to ask her blessing.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVI. How King Arthur sent for the Lady Lionesse, and how she
+ let cry a tourney at her castle, whereas came many knights.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVII. How King Arthur went to the tournament with his
+ knights, and how the lady received him worshipfully, and how the
+ knights encountered.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVIII. How the knights bare them in the battle.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIX. Yet of the said tournament.
+
+ CHAPTER XXX. How Sir Gareth was espied by the heralds, and how he
+ escaped out of the field.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Gareth came to a castle where he was well
+ lodged, and he jousted with a knight and slew him.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Gareth fought with a knight that held within
+ his castle thirty ladies, and how he slew him.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Gareth and Sir Gawaine fought each against
+ other, and how they knew each other by the damosel Linet.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXIV. How Sir Gareth acknowledged that they loved each other
+ to King Arthur, and of the appointment of their wedding.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXV. Of the Great Royalty, and what officers were made at the
+ feast of the wedding, and of the jousts at the feast.
+
+ BOOK VIII.
+
+ CHAPTER I. How Sir Tristram de Liones was born, and how his mother
+ died at his birth, wherefore she named him Tristram.
+
+ CHAPTER II. How the stepmother of Sir Tristram had ordained poison for
+ to have poisoned Sir Tristram.
+
+ CHAPTER III. How Sir Tristram was sent into France, and had one to
+ govern him named Gouvernail, and how he learned to harp, hawk, and
+ hunt.
+
+ CHAPTER IV. How Sir Marhaus came out of Ireland for to ask truage of
+ Cornwall, or else he would fight therefore.
+
+ CHAPTER V. How Tristram enterprized the battle to fight for the truage
+ of Cornwall, and how he was made knight.
+
+ CHAPTER VI. How Sir Tristram arrived into the Island for to furnish
+ the battle with Sir Marhaus.
+
+ CHAPTER VII. How Sir Tristram fought against Sir Marhaus and achieved
+ his battle, and how Sir Marhaus fled to his ship.
+
+ CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Marhaus after that he was arrived in Ireland
+ died of the stroke that Sir Tristram had given him, and how Tristram
+ was hurt.
+
+ CHAPTER IX. How Sir Tristram was put to the keeping of La Beale Isoud
+ first for to be healed of his wound.
+
+ CHAPTER X. How Sir Tristram won the degree at a tournament in Ireland,
+ and there made Palamides to bear no more harness in a year.
+
+ CHAPTER XI. How the queen espied that Sir Tristram had slain her
+ brother Sir Marhaus by his sword, and in what jeopardy he was.
+
+ CHAPTER XII. How Sir Tristram departed from the king and La Beale
+ Isoud out of Ireland for to come into Cornwall.
+
+ CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Tristram and King Mark hurted each other for the
+ love of a knight's wife.
+
+ CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Tristram lay with the lady, and how her husband
+ fought with Sir Tristram.
+
+ CHAPTER XV. How Sir Bleoberis demanded the fairest lady in King Mark's
+ court, whom he took away, and how he was fought with.
+
+ CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Tristram fought with two knights of the Round
+ Table.
+
+ CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Bleoberis for a lady,
+ and how the lady was put to choice to whom she would go.
+
+ CHAPTER XVIII. How the lady forsook Sir Tristram and abode with Sir
+ Bleoberis, and how she desired to go to her husband.
+
+ CHAPTER XIX. How King Mark sent Sir Tristram for La Beale Isoud toward
+ Ireland, and how by fortune he arrived into England.
+
+ CHAPTER XX. How King Anguish of Ireland was summoned to come to King
+ Arthur's court for treason.
+
+ CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Tristram rescued a child from a knight, and how
+ Gouvernail told him of King Anguish.
+
+ CHAPTER XXII. How Sir Tristram fought for Sir Anguish and overcame his
+ adversary, and how his adversary would never yield him.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Blamore desired Tristram to slay him, and how
+ Sir Tristram spared him, and how they took appointment.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Tristram demanded La Beale Isoud for King Mark,
+ and how Sir Tristram and Isoud drank the love drink.
+
+ CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Tristram and Isoud were in prison, and how he
+ fought for her beauty, and smote off another lady's head.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVI. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Breunor, and at the
+ last smote off his head.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Galahad fought with Sir Tristram, and how Sir
+ Tristram yielded him and promised to fellowship with Launcelot.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVIII. How Sir Launcelot met with Sir Carados bearing away
+ Sir Gawaine, and of the rescue of Sir Gawaine.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIX. Of the wedding of King Mark to La Beale Isoud, and of
+ Bragwaine her maid, and of Palamides.
+
+ CHAPTER XXX. How Palamides demanded Queen Isoud, and how Lambegus rode
+ after to rescue her, and of the escape of Isoud.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Tristram rode after Palamides, and how he found
+ him and fought with him, and by the means of Isoud the battle ceased.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Tristram brought Queen Isoud home, and of the
+ debate of King Mark and Sir Tristram.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Lamorak jousted with thirty knights, and Sir
+ Tristram at the request of King Mark smote his horse down.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXIV. How Sir Lamorak sent an horn to King Mark in despite of
+ Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram was driven into a chapel.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXV. How Sir Tristram was holpen by his men, and of Queen
+ Isoud which was put in a lazar-cote, and how Tristram was hurt.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXVI. How Sir Tristram served in war King Howel of Brittany,
+ and slew his adversary in the field.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXVII. How Sir Suppinabiles told Sir Tristram how he was
+ defamed in the court of King Arthur, and of Sir Lamorak.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXVIII. How Sir Tristram and his wife arrived in Wales, and
+ how he met there with Sir Lamorak.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXIX. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Nabon, and overcame
+ him, and made Sir Segwarides lord of the isle.
+
+ CHAPTER XL
+
+ CHAPTER XLI. How Sir Lamorak slew Sir Frol, and of the courteous
+ fighting with Sir Belliance his brother.
+
+ BOOK IX.
+
+ CHAPTER I. How a young man came into the court of King Arthur, and how
+ Sir Kay called him in scorn La Cote Male Taile.
+
+ CHAPTER II. How a damosel came into the court and desired a knight to
+ take on him an enquest, which La Cote Male Taile emprised.
+
+ CHAPTER III. How La Cote Male Taile overthrew Sir Dagonet the king's
+ fool, and of the rebuke that he had of the damosel.
+
+ CHAPTER IV. How La Cote Male Taile fought against an hundred knights,
+ and how he escaped by the mean of a lady.
+
+ CHAPTER V. How Sir Launcelot came to the court and heard of La Cote
+ Male Taile, and how he followed after him, and how La Cote Male Taile
+ was prisoner.
+
+ CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot fought with six knights, and after with
+ Sir Brian, and how he delivered the prisoners.
+
+ CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot met with the damosel named Male disant,
+ and named her the Damosel Bienpensant.
+
+ CHAPTER VIII. How La Cote Male Taile was taken prisoner, and after
+ rescued by Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot overcame four
+ brethren.
+
+ CHAPTER IX. How Sir Launcelot made La Cote Male Taile lord of the
+ Castle of Pendragon, and after was made knight of the Round Table.
+
+ CHAPTER X. How La Beale Isoud sent letters to Sir Tristram by her maid
+ Bragwaine, and of divers adventures of Sir Tristram.
+
+ CHAPTER XI. How Sir Tristram met with Sir Lamorak de Galis, and how
+ they fought, and after accorded never to fight together.
+
+ CHAPTER XII. How Sir Palomides followed the Questing Beast, and smote
+ down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one spear.
+
+ CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Lamorak met with Sir Meliagaunce, and fought
+ together for the beauty of Dame Guenever.
+
+ CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Kay met with Sir Tristram, and after of the shame
+ spoken of the knights of Cornwall, and how they jousted.
+
+ CHAPTER XV. How King Arthur was brought into the Forest Perilous, and
+ how Sir Tristram saved his life.
+
+ CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Tristram came to La Beale Isoud, and how Kehydius
+ began to love Beale Isoud, and of a letter that Tristram found.
+
+ CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Tristram departed from Tintagil, and how he
+ sorrowed and was so long in a forest till he was out of his mind.
+
+ CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Tristram soused Dagonet in a well, and how
+ Palomides sent a damosel to seek Tristram, and how Palomides met with
+ King Mark.
+
+ CHAPTER XIX. How it was noised how Sir Tristram was dead, and how La
+ Beale Isoud would have slain herself.
+
+ CHAPTER XX. How King Mark found Sir Tristram naked, and made him to be
+ borne home to Tintagil, and how he was there known by a brachet.
+
+ CHAPTER XXI. How King Mark, by the advice of his council, banished Sir
+ Tristram out of Cornwall the term of ten years.
+
+ CHAPTER XXII. How a damosel sought help to help Sir Launcelot against
+ thirty knights, and how Sir Tristram fought with them.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan came to a lodging
+ where they must joust with two knights.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Tristram jousted with Sir Kay and Sir Sagramore
+ le Desirous, and how Sir Gawaine turned Sir Tristram from Morgan le
+ Fay.
+
+ CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Tristram and Sir Gawaine rode to have foughten
+ with the thirty knights, but they durst not come out.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVI. How damosel Bragwaine found Tristram sleeping by a well,
+ and how she delivered letters to him from La Beale Isoud.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Tristram had a fall with Sir Palomides, and how
+ Launcelot overthrew two knights.
+
+ CHAPTER XXVIII. How Sir Launcelot jousted with Palomides and overthrew
+ him, and after he was assailed with twelve knights.
+
+ CHAPTER XXIX. How Sir Tristram behaved him the first day of the
+ tournament, and there he had the prize.
+
+ CHAPTER XXX. How Sir Tristram returned against King Arthur's party
+ because he saw Sir Palomides on that party.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Tristram found Palomides by a well, and brought
+ him with him to his lodging.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides, and how he
+ jousted with King Arthur, and other feats.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Launcelot hurt Sir Tristram, and how after Sir
+ Tristram smote down Sir Palomides.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXIV. How the prize of the third day was given to Sir
+ Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot gave it to Sir Tristram.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXV. How Palomides came to the castle where Sir Tristram was,
+ and of the quest that Sir Launcelot and ten knights made for Sir
+ Tristram.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXVI. How Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan were
+ taken and put in prison.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXVII. How King Mark was sorry for the good renown of Sir
+ Tristram. Some of King Arthur's knights jousted with knights of
+ Cornwall.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXVIII. Of the treason of King Mark, and how Sir Gaheris
+ smote him down and Andred his cousin.
+
+ CHAPTER XXXIX. How after that Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir
+ Dinadan had been long in prison they were delivered.
+
+ CHAPTER XL. How Sir Dinadan rescued a lady from Sir Breuse Saunce
+ Pité, and how Sir Tristram received a shield of Morgan le Fay.
+
+ CHAPTER XLI. How Sir Tristram took with him the shield, and also how
+ he slew the paramour of Morgan le Fay.
+
+ CHAPTER XLII. How Morgan le Fay buried her paramour, and how Sir
+ Tristram praised Sir Launcelot and his kin.
+
+ CHAPTER XLIII. How Sir Tristram at a tournament bare the shield that
+ Morgan le Fay delivered to him.
+
+GLOSSARY
+
+
+
+
+BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
+
+
+The Morte D’Arthur was finished, as the epilogue tells us, in the ninth
+year of Edward IV., i.e. between March 4, 1469 and the same date in
+1470. It is thus, fitly enough, the last important English book written
+before the introduction of printing into this country, and since no
+manuscript of it has come down to us it is also the first English
+classic for our knowledge of which we are entirely dependent on a
+printed text. Caxton’s story of how the book was brought to him and he
+was induced to print it may be read farther on in his own preface. From
+this we learn also that he was not only the printer of the book, but to
+some extent its editor also, dividing Malory’s work into twenty-one
+books, splitting up the books into chapters, by no means skilfully, and
+supplying the “Rubrish” or chapter-headings. It may be added that
+Caxton’s preface contains, moreover, a brief criticism which, on the
+points on which it touches, is still the soundest and most sympathetic
+that has been written.
+
+Caxton finished his edition the last day of July 1485, some fifteen or
+sixteen years after Malory wrote his epilogue. It is clear that the
+author was then dead, or the printer would not have acted as a clumsy
+editor to the book, and recent discoveries (if bibliography may, for
+the moment, enlarge its bounds to mention such matters) have revealed
+with tolerable certainty when Malory died and who he was. In letters to
+The Athenaeum in July 1896 Mr. T. Williams pointed out that the name of
+a Sir Thomas Malorie occurred among those of a number of other
+Lancastrians excluded from a general pardon granted by Edward IV. in
+1468, and that a William Mallerye was mentioned in the same year as
+taking part in a Lancastrian rising. In September 1897, again, in
+another letter to the same paper, Mr. A. T. Martin reported the finding
+of the will of a Thomas Malory of Papworth, a hundred partly in
+Cambridgeshire, partly in Hunts. This will was made on September 16,
+1469, and as it was proved the 27th of the next month the testator must
+have been in immediate expectation of death. It contains the most
+careful provision for the education and starting in life of a family of
+three daughters and seven sons, of whom the youngest seems to have been
+still an infant. We cannot say with certainty that this Thomas Malory,
+whose last thoughts were so busy for his children, was our author, or
+that the Lancastrian knight discovered by Mr. Williams was identical
+with either or both, but such evidence as the Morte D’Arthur offers
+favours such a belief. There is not only the epilogue with its
+petition, “pray for me while I am alive that God send me good
+deliverance and when I am dead pray you all for my soul,” but this very
+request is foreshadowed at the end of chap. 37 of Book ix. in the
+touching passage, surely inspired by personal experience, as to the
+sickness “that is the greatest pain a prisoner may have”; and the
+reflections on English fickleness in the first chapter of Book xxi.,
+though the Wars of the Roses might have inspired them in any one, come
+most naturally from an author who was a Lancastrian knight.
+
+If the Morte D’Arthur was really written in prison and by a prisoner
+distressed by ill-health as well as by lack of liberty, surely no task
+was ever better devised to while away weary hours. Leaving abundant
+scope for originality in selection, modification, and arrangement, as a
+compilation and translation it had in it that mechanical element which
+adds the touch of restfulness to literary work. No original, it is
+said, has yet been found for Book vii., and it is possible that none
+will ever be forthcoming for chap. 20 of Book xviii., which describes
+the arrival of the body of the Fair Maiden of Astolat at Arthur’s
+court, or vii for chap. 25 of the same book, with its discourse on true
+love; but the great bulk of the work has been traced chapter by chapter
+to the “Merlin” of Robert de Borron and his successors (Bks. i.-iv.),
+the English metrical romance La Morte Arthur of the Thornton manuscript
+(Bk. v.), the French romances of Tristan (Bks. viii.-x.) and of
+Launcelot (Bks. vi., xi.-xix.), and lastly to the English prose Morte
+Arthur of Harley MS. 2252 (Bks. xviii., xx., xxi.). As to Malory’s
+choice of his authorities critics have not failed to point out that now
+and again he gives a worse version where a better has come down to us,
+and if he had been able to order a complete set of Arthurian
+manuscripts from his bookseller, no doubt he would have done even
+better than he did! But of the skill, approaching to original genius,
+with which he used the books from which he worked there is little
+dispute.
+
+Malory died leaving his work obviously unrevised, and in this condition
+it was brought to Caxton, who prepared it for the press with his usual
+enthusiasm in the cause of good literature, and also, it must be added,
+with his usual carelessness. New chapters are sometimes made to begin
+in the middle of a sentence, and in addition to simple misprints there
+are numerous passages in which it is impossible to believe that we have
+the text as Malory intended it to stand. After Caxton’s edition
+Malory’s manuscript must have disappeared, and subsequent editions are
+differentiated only by the degree of closeness with which they follow
+the first. Editions appeared printed by Wynkyn de Worde in 1498 and
+1529, by William Copland in 1559, by Thomas East about 1585, and by
+Thomas Stansby in 1634, each printer apparently taking the text of his
+immediate predecessor and reproducing it with modifications. Stansby’s
+edition served for reprints in 1816 and 1856 (the latter edited by
+Thomas Wright); but in 1817 an edition supervised by Robert Southey
+went back to Caxton’s text, though to a copy (only two are extant, and
+only one perfect!) in which eleven leaves were supplied from Wynkyn de
+Worde’s reprint. In 1868 Sir Edward Strachey produced for the present
+publishers a reprint of Southey’s text in modern spelling, with the
+substitution of current words for those now obsolete, and the softening
+of a handful of passages likely, he thought, to prevent the book being
+placed in the hands of boys. In 1889 a boon was conferred on scholars
+by the publication of Dr. H. Oskar Sommer’s page-for-page reprint of
+Caxton’s text, with an elaborate discussion of Malory’s sources. Dr.
+Sommer’s edition was used by Sir E. Strachey to revise his Globe text,
+and in 1897 Mr. Israel Gollancz produced for the “Temple Classics” a
+very pretty edition in which Sir Edward Strachey’s principles of
+modernisation in spelling and punctuation were adopted, but with the
+restoration of obsolete words and omitted phrases. As to the present
+edition, Sir Edward Strachey altered with so sparing a hand that on
+many pages differences between his version and that here printed will
+be looked for in vain; but the most anxious care has been taken to
+produce a text modernised as to its spelling, but in other respects in
+accurate accordance with Caxton’s text, as represented by Dr Sommer’s
+reprint. Obvious misprints have been silently corrected, but in a few
+cases notes show where emendations have been introduced from Wynkyn de
+Worde—not that Wynkyn had any more right to emend Caxton than we, but
+because even a printer’s conjecture gains a little sanctity after four
+centuries. The restoration of obsolete words has necessitated a much
+fuller glossary, and the index of names has therefore been separated
+from it and enlarged. In its present form the index is the work of Mr.
+Henry Littlehales.
+
+A. W. POLLARD.
+
+
+
+PREFACE OF WILLIAM CAXTON
+
+After that I had accomplished and finished divers histories, as well of
+contemplation as of other historial and worldly acts of great
+conquerors and princes, and also certain books of ensamples and
+doctrine, many noble and divers gentlemen of this realm of England came
+and demanded me many and oft times, wherefore that I have not do made
+and imprint the noble history of the Saint Greal, and of the most
+renowned Christian king, first and chief of the three best Christian,
+and worthy, King Arthur, which ought most to be remembered among us
+Englishmen to-fore all other Christian kings; for it is notoyrly known
+through the universal world, that there be nine worthy and the best
+that ever were, that is to wit, three Paynims, three Jews, and three
+Christian men. As for the Paynims, they were to-fore the Incarnation of
+Christ, which were named, the first Hector of Troy, of whom the history
+is comen both in ballad and in prose, the second Alexander the Great,
+and the third Julius Caesar, Emperor of Rome, of whom the histories be
+well known and had. And as for the three Jews, which also were to-fore
+the incarnation of our Lord, of whom the first was duke Joshua which
+brought the children of Israel into the land of behest, the second
+David king of Jerusalem, and the third Judas Machabeus, of these three
+the Bible rehearseth all their noble histories and acts. And since the
+said Incarnation have been three noble Christian men, stalled and
+admitted through the universal world into the number of the nine best
+and worthy. Of whom was first the noble Arthur, whose noble acts I
+purpose to write in this present book here following. The second was
+Charlemain, or Charles the Great, of whom the history is had in many
+places, both in French and in English. And the third and last was
+Godfrey of Boloine, of whose acts and life I made a book unto the
+excellent prince and king of noble memory, King Edward the Fourth.
+
+The said noble gentlemen instantly required me to imprint the history
+of the said noble king and conqueror King Arthur, and of his knights,
+with the history of the Saint Greal, and of the death and ending of the
+said Arthur; affirming that I ought rather to imprint his acts and
+noble feats, than of Godfrey of Boloine, or any of the other eight,
+considering that he was a man born within this realm, and king and
+emperor of the same: and that there be in French divers and many noble
+volumes of his acts, and also of his knights. To whom I answered that
+divers men hold opinion that there was no such Arthur, and that all
+such books as been made of him be feigned and fables, because that some
+chronicles make of him no mention, nor remember him nothing, nor of his
+knights. Whereto they answered, and one in special said, that in him
+that should say or think that there was never such a king called Arthur
+might well be aretted great folly and blindness. For he said that there
+were many evidences of the contrary. First ye may see his sepulchre in
+the monastery of Glastonbury. And also in Policronicon, in the fifth
+book the sixth chapter, and in the seventh book the twenty-third
+chapter, where his body was buried, and after found, and translated
+into the said monastery. Ye shall see also in the history of Bochas, in
+his book De Casu Principum, part of his noble acts, and also of his
+fall. Also Galfridus in his British book recounteth his life: and in
+divers places of England many remembrances be yet of him, and shall
+remain perpetually, and also of his knights. First in the abbey of
+Westminster, at St. Edward’s shrine, remaineth the print of his seal in
+red wax closed in beryl, in which is written, Patricius Arthurus
+Britannie, Gallie, Germanie, Dacie, Imperator. Item in the castle of
+Dover ye may see Gawaine’s skull, and Cradok’s mantle: at Winchester
+the Round Table: in other places Launcelot’s sword and many other
+things. Then all these things considered, there can no man reasonably
+gainsay but there was a king of this land named Arthur. For in all
+places, Christian and heathen, he is reputed and taken for one of the
+nine worthy, and the first of the three Christian men. And also, he is
+more spoken of beyond the sea, more books made of his noble acts, than
+there be in England, as well in Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and Greekish,
+as in French. And yet of record remain in witness of him in Wales, in
+the town of Camelot, the great stones and the marvellous works of iron
+lying under the ground, and royal vaults, which divers now living have
+seen. Wherefore it is a marvel why he is no more renowned in his own
+country, save only it accordeth to the Word of God, which saith that no
+man is accepted for a prophet in his own country.
+
+Then all these things aforesaid alleged, I could not well deny but that
+there was such a noble king named Arthur, and reputed one of the nine
+worthy, and first and chief of the Christian men. And many noble
+volumes be made of him and of his noble knights in French, which I have
+seen and read beyond the sea, which be not had in our maternal tongue.
+But in Welsh be many and also in French, and some in English but
+nowhere nigh all. Wherefore, such as have late been drawn out briefly
+into English I have after the simple conning that God hath sent to me,
+under the favour and correction of all noble lords and gentlemen,
+enprised to imprint a book of the noble histories of the said King
+Arthur, and of certain of his knights, after a copy unto me delivered,
+which copy Sir Thomas Malorye did take out of certain books of French,
+and reduced it into English. And I, according to my copy, have done set
+it in imprint, to the intent that noble men may see and learn the noble
+acts of chivalry, the gentle and virtuous deeds that some knights used
+in those days, by which they came to honour, and how they that were
+vicious were punished and oft put to shame and rebuke; humbly
+beseeching all noble lords and ladies, with all other estates of what
+estate or degree they been of, that shall see and read in this said
+book and work, that they take the good and honest acts in their
+remembrance, and to follow the same. Wherein they shall find many
+joyous and pleasant histories, and noble and renowned acts of humanity,
+gentleness, and chivalry. For herein may be seen noble chivalry,
+courtesy, humanity, friendliness, hardiness, love, friendship,
+cowardice, murder, hate, virtue, and sin. Do after the good and leave
+the evil, and it shall bring you to good fame and renown. And for to
+pass the time this book shall be pleasant to read in, but for to give
+faith and belief that all is true that is contained herein, ye be at
+your liberty: but all is written for our doctrine, and for to beware
+that we fall not to vice nor sin, but to exercise and follow virtue, by
+which we may come and attain to good fame and renown in this life, and
+after this short and transitory life to come unto everlasting bliss in
+heaven; the which He grant us that reigneth in heaven, the blessed
+Trinity. Amen.
+
+Then to proceed forth in this said book, which I direct unto all noble
+princes, lords and ladies, gentlemen or gentlewomen, that desire to
+read or hear read of the noble and joyous history of the great
+conqueror and excellent king, King Arthur, sometime king of this noble
+realm, then called Britain; I, William Caxton, simple person, present
+this book following, which I have enprised to imprint: and treateth of
+the noble acts, feats of arms of chivalry, prowess, hardiness,
+humanity, love, courtesy, and very gentleness, with many wonderful
+histories and adventures. And for to understand briefly the content of
+this volume, I have divided it into XXI Books, and every book
+chaptered, as hereafter shall by God’s grace follow. The First Book
+shall treat how Uther Pendragon gat the noble conqueror King Arthur,
+and containeth xxviii chapters. The Second Book treateth of Balin the
+noble knight, and containeth xix chapters. The Third Book treateth of
+the marriage of King Arthur to Queen Guenever, with other matters, and
+containeth xv chapters. The Fourth Book, how Merlin was assotted, and
+of war made to King Arthur, and containeth xxix chapters. The Fifth
+Book treateth of the conquest of Lucius the emperor, and containeth xii
+chapters. The Sixth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel, and
+marvellous adventures, and containeth xviii chapters. The Seventh Book
+treateth of a noble knight called Sir Gareth, and named by Sir Kay
+Beaumains, and containeth xxxvi chapters. The Eighth Book treateth of
+the birth of Sir Tristram the noble knight, and of his acts, and
+containeth xli chapters. The Ninth Book treateth of a knight named by
+Sir Kay Le Cote Male Taille, and also of Sir Tristram, and containeth
+xliv chapters. The Tenth Book treateth of Sir Tristram, and other
+marvellous adventures, and containeth lxxxviii chapters. The Eleventh
+Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and Sir Galahad, and containeth xiv
+chapters. The Twelfth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and his madness,
+and containeth xiv chapters. The Thirteenth Book treateth how Galahad
+came first to king Arthur’s court, and the quest how the Sangreal was
+begun, and containeth xx chapters. The Fourteenth Book treateth of the
+quest of the Sangreal, and containeth x chapters. The Fifteenth Book
+treateth of Sir Launcelot, and containeth vi chapters. The Sixteenth
+Book treateth of Sir Bors and Sir Lionel his brother, and containeth
+xvii chapters. The Seventeenth Book treateth of the Sangreal, and
+containeth xxiii chapters. The Eighteenth Book treateth of Sir
+Launcelot and the queen, and containeth xxv chapters. The Nineteenth
+Book treateth of Queen Guenever and Launcelot, and containeth xiii
+chapters. The Twentieth Book treateth of the piteous death of Arthur,
+and containeth xxii chapters. The Twenty-first Book treateth of his
+last departing, and how Sir Launcelot came to revenge his death, and
+containeth xiii chapters. The sum is twenty-one books, which contain
+the sum of five hundred and seven chapters, as more plainly shall
+follow hereafter.
+
+
+
+BOOK I.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. First, How Uther Pendragon sent for the duke of Cornwall and
+Igraine his wife, and of their departing suddenly again.
+
+It befell in the days of Uther Pendragon, when he was king of all
+England, and so reigned, that there was a mighty duke in Cornwall that
+held war against him long time. And the duke was called the Duke of
+Tintagil. And so by means King Uther sent for this duke, charging him
+to bring his wife with him, for she was called a fair lady, and a
+passing wise, and her name was called Igraine.
+
+So when the duke and his wife were come unto the king, by the means of
+great lords they were accorded both. The king liked and loved this lady
+well, and he made them great cheer out of measure, and desired to have
+lain by her. But she was a passing good woman, and would not assent
+unto the king. And then she told the duke her husband, and said, I
+suppose that we were sent for that I should be dishonoured; wherefore,
+husband, I counsel you, that we depart from hence suddenly, that we may
+ride all night unto our own castle. And in like wise as she said so
+they departed, that neither the king nor none of his council were ware
+of their departing. All so soon as King Uther knew of their departing
+so suddenly, he was wonderly wroth. Then he called to him his privy
+council, and told them of the sudden departing of the duke and his
+wife.
+
+Then they advised the king to send for the duke and his wife by a great
+charge; and if he will not come at your summons, then may ye do your
+best, then have ye cause to make mighty war upon him. So that was done,
+and the messengers had their answers; and that was this shortly, that
+neither he nor his wife would not come at him.
+
+Then was the king wonderly wroth. And then the king sent him plain word
+again, and bade him be ready and stuff him and garnish him, for within
+forty days he would fetch him out of the biggest castle that he hath.
+
+When the duke had this warning, anon he went and furnished and
+garnished two strong castles of his, of the which the one hight
+Tintagil, and the other castle hight Terrabil. So his wife Dame Igraine
+he put in the castle of Tintagil, and himself he put in the castle of
+Terrabil, the which had many issues and posterns out. Then in all haste
+came Uther with a great host, and laid a siege about the castle of
+Terrabil. And there he pight many pavilions, and there was great war
+made on both parties, and much people slain. Then for pure anger and
+for great love of fair Igraine the king Uther fell sick. So came to the
+king Uther Sir Ulfius, a noble knight, and asked the king why he was
+sick. I shall tell thee, said the king, I am sick for anger and for
+love of fair Igraine, that I may not be whole. Well, my lord, said Sir
+Ulfius, I shall seek Merlin, and he shall do you remedy, that your
+heart shall be pleased. So Ulfius departed, and by adventure he met
+Merlin in a beggar’s array, and there Merlin asked Ulfius whom he
+sought. And he said he had little ado to tell him. Well, said Merlin, I
+know whom thou seekest, for thou seekest Merlin; therefore seek no
+farther, for I am he; and if King Uther will well reward me, and be
+sworn unto me to fulfil my desire, that shall be his honour and profit
+more than mine; for I shall cause him to have all his desire. All this
+will I undertake, said Ulfius, that there shall be nothing reasonable
+but thou shalt have thy desire. Well, said Merlin, he shall have his
+intent and desire. And therefore, said Merlin, ride on your way, for I
+will not be long behind.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. How Uther Pendragon made war on the duke of Cornwall, and
+how by the mean of Merlin he lay by the duchess and gat Arthur.
+
+Then Ulfius was glad, and rode on more than a pace till that he came to
+King Uther Pendragon, and told him he had met with Merlin. Where is he?
+said the king. Sir, said Ulfius, he will not dwell long. Therewithal
+Ulfius was ware where Merlin stood at the porch of the pavilion’s door.
+And then Merlin was bound to come to the king. When King Uther saw him,
+he said he was welcome. Sir, said Merlin, I know all your heart every
+deal; so ye will be sworn unto me as ye be a true king anointed, to
+fulfil my desire, ye shall have your desire. Then the king was sworn
+upon the Four Evangelists. Sir, said Merlin, this is my desire: the
+first night that ye shall lie by Igraine ye shall get a child on her,
+and when that is born, that it shall be delivered to me for to nourish
+there as I will have it; for it shall be your worship, and the child’s
+avail, as mickle as the child is worth. I will well, said the king, as
+thou wilt have it. Now make you ready, said Merlin, this night ye shall
+lie with Igraine in the castle of Tintagil; and ye shall be like the
+duke her husband, Ulfius shall be like Sir Brastias, a knight of the
+duke’s, and I will be like a knight that hight Sir Jordanus, a knight
+of the duke’s. But wait ye make not many questions with her nor her
+men, but say ye are diseased, and so hie you to bed, and rise not on
+the morn till I come to you, for the castle of Tintagil is but ten
+miles hence; so this was done as they devised. But the duke of Tintagil
+espied how the king rode from the siege of Terrabil, and therefore that
+night he issued out of the castle at a postern for to have distressed
+the king’s host. And so, through his own issue, the duke himself was
+slain or ever the king came at the castle of Tintagil.
+
+So after the death of the duke, King Uther lay with Igraine more than
+three hours after his death, and begat on her that night Arthur, and on
+day came Merlin to the king, and bade him make him ready, and so he
+kissed the lady Igraine and departed in all haste. But when the lady
+heard tell of the duke her husband, and by all record he was dead or
+ever King Uther came to her, then she marvelled who that might be that
+lay with her in likeness of her lord; so she mourned privily and held
+her peace. Then all the barons by one assent prayed the king of accord
+betwixt the lady Igraine and him; the king gave them leave, for fain
+would he have been accorded with her. So the king put all the trust in
+Ulfius to entreat between them, so by the entreaty at the last the king
+and she met together. Now will we do well, said Ulfius, our king is a
+lusty knight and wifeless, and my lady Igraine is a passing fair lady;
+it were great joy unto us all, an it might please the king to make her
+his queen. Unto that they all well accorded and moved it to the king.
+And anon, like a lusty knight, he assented thereto with good will, and
+so in all haste they were married in a morning with great mirth and
+joy.
+
+And King Lot of Lothian and of Orkney then wedded Margawse that was
+Gawaine’s mother, and King Nentres of the land of Garlot wedded Elaine.
+All this was done at the request of King Uther. And the third sister
+Morgan le Fay was put to school in a nunnery, and there she learned so
+much that she was a great clerk of necromancy. And after she was wedded
+to King Uriens of the land of Gore, that was Sir Ewain’s le
+Blanchemain’s father.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. Of the birth of King Arthur and of his nurture.
+
+Then Queen Igraine waxed daily greater and greater, so it befell after
+within half a year, as King Uther lay by his queen, he asked her, by
+the faith she owed to him, whose was the body; then she sore abashed to
+give answer. Dismay you not, said the king, but tell me the truth, and
+I shall love you the better, by the faith of my body. Sir, said she, I
+shall tell you the truth. The same night that my lord was dead, the
+hour of his death, as his knights record, there came into my castle of
+Tintagil a man like my lord in speech and in countenance, and two
+knights with him in likeness of his two knights Brastias and Jordanus,
+and so I went unto bed with him as I ought to do with my lord, and the
+same night, as I shall answer unto God, this child was begotten upon
+me. That is truth, said the king, as ye say; for it was I myself that
+came in the likeness, and therefore dismay you not, for I am father of
+the child; and there he told her all the cause, how it was by Merlin’s
+counsel. Then the queen made great joy when she knew who was the father
+of her child.
+
+Soon came Merlin unto the king, and said, Sir, ye must purvey you for
+the nourishing of your child. As thou wilt, said the king, be it. Well,
+said Merlin, I know a lord of yours in this land, that is a passing
+true man and a faithful, and he shall have the nourishing of your
+child, and his name is Sir Ector, and he is a lord of fair livelihood
+in many parts in England and Wales; and this lord, Sir Ector, let him
+be sent for, for to come and speak with you, and desire him yourself,
+as he loveth you, that he will put his own child to nourishing to
+another woman, and that his wife nourish yours. And when the child is
+born let it be delivered to me at yonder privy postern unchristened. So
+like as Merlin devised it was done. And when Sir Ector was come he made
+fiaunce to the king for to nourish the child like as the king desired;
+and there the king granted Sir Ector great rewards. Then when the lady
+was delivered, the king commanded two knights and two ladies to take
+the child, bound in a cloth of gold, and that ye deliver him to what
+poor man ye meet at the postern gate of the castle. So the child was
+delivered unto Merlin, and so he bare it forth unto Sir Ector, and made
+an holy man to christen him, and named him Arthur; and so Sir Ector’s
+wife nourished him with her own pap.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. Of the death of King Uther Pendragon.
+
+Then within two years King Uther fell sick of a great malady. And in
+the meanwhile his enemies usurped upon him, and did a great battle upon
+his men, and slew many of his people. Sir, said Merlin, ye may not lie
+so as ye do, for ye must to the field though ye ride on an
+horse-litter: for ye shall never have the better of your enemies but if
+your person be there, and then shall ye have the victory. So it was
+done as Merlin had devised, and they carried the king forth in an
+horse-litter with a great host towards his enemies. And at St. Albans
+there met with the king a great host of the North. And that day Sir
+Ulfius and Sir Brastias did great deeds of arms, and King Uther’s men
+overcame the Northern battle and slew many people, and put the remnant
+to flight. And then the king returned unto London, and made great joy
+of his victory. And then he fell passing sore sick, so that three days
+and three nights he was speechless: wherefore all the barons made great
+sorrow, and asked Merlin what counsel were best. There is none other
+remedy, said Merlin, but God will have his will. But look ye all barons
+be before King Uther to-morn, and God and I shall make him to speak. So
+on the morn all the barons with Merlin came to-fore the king; then
+Merlin said aloud unto King Uther, 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 pray for my soul, and righteously and
+worshipfully that he claim the crown, upon forfeiture of my blessing;
+and therewith he yielded up the ghost, and then was he interred as
+longed to a king. Wherefore the queen, fair Igraine, made great sorrow,
+and all the barons.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. How Arthur was chosen king, and of wonders and marvels of a
+sword taken out of a stone by the said Arthur.
+
+Then stood the realm in great jeopardy long while, for every lord that
+was mighty of men made him strong, and many weened to have been king.
+Then Merlin went to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and counselled him
+for to send for all the lords of the realm, and all the gentlemen of
+arms, that they should to London come by Christmas, upon pain of
+cursing; and for this cause, that Jesus, that was born on that night,
+that he would of his great mercy show some miracle, as he was come to
+be king of mankind, for to show some miracle who should be rightwise
+king of this realm. So the Archbishop, by the advice of Merlin, sent
+for all the lords and gentlemen of arms that they should come by
+Christmas even unto London. And many of them made them clean of their
+life, that their prayer might be the more acceptable unto God. So in
+the greatest church of London, whether it were Paul’s or not the French
+book maketh no mention, all the estates were long or day in the church
+for to pray. And when matins and the first mass was done, there was
+seen in the churchyard, against the high altar, a great stone four
+square, like unto a marble stone; and in midst thereof was like an
+anvil of steel a foot on high, and therein stuck a fair sword naked by
+the point, and letters there were written in gold about the sword that
+said thus:—Whoso pulleth out this sword of this stone and anvil, is
+rightwise king born of all England. Then the people marvelled, and told
+it to the Archbishop.
+
+I command, said the Archbishop, that ye keep you within your church and
+pray unto God still, that no man touch the sword till the high mass be
+all done. So when all masses were done all the lords went to behold the
+stone and the sword. And when they saw the scripture some assayed, such
+as would have been king. But none might stir the sword nor move it. He
+is not here, said the Archbishop, that shall achieve the sword, but
+doubt not God will make him known. But this is my counsel, said the
+Archbishop, that we let purvey ten knights, men of good fame, and they
+to keep this sword. So it was ordained, and then there was made a cry,
+that every man should assay that would, for to win the sword. And upon
+New Year’s Day the barons let make a jousts and a tournament, that all
+knights that would joust or tourney there might play, and all this was
+ordained for to keep the lords together and the commons, for the
+Archbishop trusted that God would make him known that should win the
+sword.
+
+So upon New Year’s Day, when the service was done, the barons rode unto
+the field, some to joust and some to tourney, and so it happened that
+Sir Ector, that had great livelihood about London, rode unto the
+jousts, and with him rode Sir Kay his son, and young Arthur that was
+his nourished brother; and Sir Kay was made knight at All Hallowmass
+afore. So as they rode to the jousts-ward, Sir Kay lost his sword, for
+he had left it at his father’s lodging, and so he prayed young Arthur
+for to ride for his sword. I will well, said Arthur, and rode fast
+after the sword, and when he came home, the lady and all were out to
+see the jousting. Then was Arthur wroth, and said to himself, I will
+ride to the churchyard, and take the sword with me that sticketh in the
+stone, for my brother Sir Kay shall not be without a sword this day. So
+when he came to the churchyard, Sir Arthur alighted and tied his horse
+to the stile, and so he went to the tent, and found no knights there,
+for they were at the jousting. And so he handled the sword by the
+handles, and lightly and fiercely pulled it out of the stone, and took
+his horse and rode his way until he came to his brother Sir Kay, and
+delivered him the sword. And as soon as Sir Kay saw the sword, he wist
+well it was the sword of the stone, and so he rode to his father Sir
+Ector, and said: Sir, lo here is the sword of the stone, wherefore I
+must be king of this land. When Sir Ector beheld the sword, he returned
+again and came to the church, and there they alighted all three, and
+went into the church. And anon he made Sir Kay swear upon a book how he
+came to that sword. Sir, said Sir Kay, by my brother Arthur, for he
+brought it to me. How gat ye this sword? said Sir Ector to Arthur. Sir,
+I will tell you. When I came home for my brother’s sword, I found
+nobody at home to deliver me his sword; and so I thought my brother Sir
+Kay should not be swordless, and so I came hither eagerly and pulled it
+out of the stone without any pain. Found ye any knights about this
+sword? said Sir Ector. Nay, said Arthur. Now, said Sir Ector to Arthur,
+I understand 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 of this land. Now let me see whether ye can put the
+sword there as it was, and pull it out again. That is no mastery, said
+Arthur, and so he put it in the stone; wherewithal Sir Ector assayed to
+pull out the sword and failed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur pulled out the sword divers times.
+
+Now assay, said Sir Ector unto Sir Kay. And anon he pulled at the sword
+with all his might; but it would not be. Now shall ye assay, said Sir
+Ector to Arthur. I will well, said Arthur, and pulled it out easily.
+And therewithal Sir Ector knelt down to the earth, and Sir Kay. Alas,
+said Arthur, my own dear father and brother, why kneel ye to me? Nay,
+nay, my lord Arthur, it is not so; I was never your father nor of your
+blood, but I wot well ye are of an higher blood than I weened ye were.
+And then Sir Ector told him all, how he was betaken him for to nourish
+him, and by whose commandment, and by Merlin’s deliverance.
+
+Then Arthur made great dole when he understood that Sir Ector was not
+his father. Sir, said Ector unto Arthur, will ye be my good and
+gracious lord when ye are king? Else were I to blame, said Arthur, for
+ye are the man in the world that I am most beholden to, and my good
+lady and mother your wife, that as well as her own hath fostered me and
+kept. And if ever it be God’s will that I be king as ye say, ye shall
+desire of me what I may do, and I shall not fail you; God forbid I
+should fail you Sir, said Sir Ector, I will ask no more of you, but
+that ye will make my son, your foster brother, Sir Kay, seneschal of
+all your lands. That shall be done, said Arthur, and more, by the faith
+of my body, that never man shall have that office but he, while he and
+I live. Therewithal they went unto the Archbishop, and told him how the
+sword was achieved, and by whom; and on Twelfth-day all the barons came
+thither, and to assay to take the sword, who that would assay. But
+there afore them all, there might none take it out but Arthur;
+wherefore there were many lords wroth, and said it was great shame unto
+them all and the realm, to be overgoverned with a boy of no high blood
+born. And so they fell out at that time that it was put off till
+Candlemas and then all the barons should meet there again; but always
+the ten knights were ordained to watch the sword day and night, and so
+they set a pavilion over the stone and the sword, and five always
+watched. So at Candlemas many more great lords came thither for to have
+won the sword, but there might none prevail. And right as Arthur did at
+Christmas, he did at Candlemas, and pulled out the sword easily,
+whereof the barons were sore aggrieved and put it off in delay till the
+high feast of Easter. And as Arthur sped before, so did he at Easter;
+yet there were some of the great lords had indignation that Arthur
+should be king, and put it off in a delay till the feast of Pentecost.
+
+Then the Archbishop of Canterbury by Merlin’s providence let purvey
+then of the best knights that they might get, and such knights as Uther
+Pendragon loved best and most trusted in his days. And such knights
+were put about Arthur as Sir Baudwin of Britain, Sir Kay, Sir Ulfius,
+Sir Brastias. All these, with many other, were always about Arthur, day
+and night, till the feast of Pentecost.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. How King Arthur was crowned, and how he made officers.
+
+And at the feast of Pentecost all manner of men assayed to pull at the
+sword that would assay; but none might prevail but Arthur, and pulled
+it out afore all the lords and commons that were there, wherefore all
+the commons cried at once, We will have Arthur unto our king, we will
+put him no more in delay, for we all see that it is God’s will that he
+shall be our king, and who that holdeth against it, we will slay him.
+And therewithal they kneeled at once, both rich and poor, and cried
+Arthur mercy because they had delayed him 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 so anon was the coronation made. And there
+was he sworn unto his lords and the commons for to be a true king, to
+stand with true justice from thenceforth the days of this life. Also
+then he made all lords that held of the crown to come in, and to do
+service as they ought to do. And many complaints were made unto Sir
+Arthur of great wrongs that were done since the death of King Uther, of
+many lands that were bereaved lords, knights, ladies, and gentlemen.
+Wherefore King Arthur made the lands to be given again unto them that
+owned them.
+
+When this was done, that the king had stablished all the countries
+about London, then he let make Sir Kay seneschal of England; and Sir
+Baudwin of Britain was made constable; and Sir Ulfius was made
+chamberlain; and Sir Brastias was made warden to wait upon the north
+from Trent forwards, for it was that time the most party the king’s
+enemies. But within few years after Arthur won all the north, Scotland,
+and all that were under their obeissance. Also Wales, a part of it,
+held against Arthur, but he overcame them all, as he did the remnant,
+through the noble prowess of himself and his knights of the Round
+Table.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. How King Arthur held in Wales, at a Pentecost, a great
+feast, and what kings and lords came to his feast.
+
+Then the king removed into Wales, and let cry a great feast that it
+should be holden at Pentecost after the incoronation of him at the city
+of Carlion. Unto the feast came King Lot of Lothian and of Orkney, with
+five hundred knights with him. Also there came to the feast King Uriens
+of Gore with four hundred knights with him. Also there came to that
+feast King Nentres of Garlot, with seven hundred knights with him. Also
+there came to the feast the king of Scotland with six hundred knights
+with him, and he was but a young man. Also there came to the feast a
+king that was called the King with the Hundred Knights, but he and his
+men were passing well beseen at all points. Also there came the king of
+Carados with five hundred knights. And King Arthur was glad of their
+coming, for he weened that all the kings and knights had come for great
+love, and to have done him worship at his feast; wherefore the king
+made great joy, and sent the kings and knights great presents. But the
+kings would none receive, but rebuked the messengers shamefully, and
+said they had no joy to receive no gifts of a beardless boy that was
+come of low blood, and sent him word they would none of his gifts, but
+that they were come to give him gifts with hard swords betwixt the neck
+and the shoulders: and therefore they came thither, so they told to the
+messengers plainly, for it was great shame to all them to see such a
+boy to have a rule of so noble a realm as this land was. With this
+answer the messengers departed and told to King Arthur this answer.
+Wherefore, by the advice of his barons, he took him to a strong tower
+with five hundred good men with him. And all the kings aforesaid in a
+manner laid a siege to-fore him, but King Arthur was well victualed.
+And within fifteen days there came Merlin among them into the city of
+Carlion. Then all the kings were passing glad of Merlin, and asked him,
+For what cause is that boy Arthur made your king? Sirs, said Merlin, I
+shall tell you the cause, for he is King Uther Pendragon’s son, born in
+wedlock, gotten on Igraine, the duke’s wife of Tintagil. Then is he a
+bastard, they said all. Nay, said Merlin, after the death of the duke,
+more than three hours, was Arthur begotten, and thirteen days after
+King Uther wedded Igraine; and therefore I prove him he is no bastard.
+And who saith nay, he shall be king and overcome all his enemies; and,
+or he die, he shall be long king of all England, and have under his
+obeissance Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, and more realms than I will
+now rehearse. Some of the kings had marvel of Merlin’s words, and
+deemed well that it should be as he said; and some of them laughed him
+to scorn, as King Lot; and more other called him a witch. But then were
+they accorded with Merlin, that King Arthur should come out and speak
+with the kings, and to come safe and to go safe, such surance there was
+made. So Merlin went unto King Arthur, and told him how he had done,
+and bade him fear not, but come out boldly and speak with them, and
+spare them not, but answer them as their king and chieftain; for ye
+shall overcome them all, whether they will or nill.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. Of the first war that King Arthur had, and how he won the
+field.
+
+Then King Arthur came out of his tower, and had under his gown a
+jesseraunt of double mail, and there went with him the Archbishop of
+Canterbury, and Sir Baudwin of Britain, and Sir Kay, and Sir Brastias:
+these were the men of most worship that were with him. And when they
+were met there was no meekness, but stout words on both sides; but
+always King Arthur answered them, and said he would make them to bow an
+he lived. Wherefore they departed with wrath, and King Arthur bade keep
+them well, and they bade the king keep him well. So the king returned
+him to the tower again and armed him and all his knights. What will ye
+do? said Merlin to the kings; ye were better for to stint, for ye shall
+not here prevail though ye were ten times so many. Be we well advised
+to be afeared of a dream-reader? said King Lot. With that Merlin
+vanished away, and came to King Arthur, and bade him set on them
+fiercely; and in the meanwhile there were three hundred good men, of
+the best that were with the kings, that went straight unto King Arthur,
+and that comforted him greatly. Sir, said Merlin to Arthur, fight not
+with the sword that ye had by miracle, till that ye see ye go unto the
+worse, then draw it out and do your best. So forthwithal King Arthur
+set upon them in their lodging. And Sir Baudwin, Sir Kay, and Sir
+Brastias slew on the right hand and on the left hand that it was
+marvel; and always King Arthur on horseback laid on with a sword, and
+did marvellous deeds of arms, that many of the kings had great joy of
+his deeds and hardiness.
+
+Then King Lot brake out on the back side, and the King with the Hundred
+Knights, and King Carados, and set on Arthur fiercely behind him. With
+that Sir Arthur turned with his knights, and smote behind and before,
+and ever Sir Arthur was in the foremost press till his horse was slain
+underneath him. And therewith King Lot smote down King Arthur. With
+that his four knights received him and set him on horseback. Then he
+drew his sword Excalibur, but it was so bright in his enemies’ eyes,
+that it gave light like thirty torches. And therewith he put them
+a-back, and slew much people. And then the commons of Carlion arose
+with clubs and staves and slew many knights; but all the kings held
+them together with their knights that were left alive, and so fled and
+departed. And Merlin came unto Arthur, and counselled him to follow
+them no further.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. How Merlin counselled King Arthur to send for King Ban and
+King Bors, and of their counsel taken for the war.
+
+So after the feast and journey, King Arthur drew him unto London, and
+so by the counsel of Merlin, the king let call his barons to council,
+for Merlin had told the king that the six kings that made war upon him
+would in all haste be awroke on him and on his lands. Wherefore the
+king asked counsel at them all. They could no counsel give, but said
+they were big enough. Ye say well, said Arthur; I thank you for your
+good courage, but will ye all that loveth me speak with Merlin? ye know
+well that he hath done much for me, and he knoweth many things, and
+when he is afore you, I would that ye prayed him heartily of his best
+advice. All the barons said they would pray him and desire him. So
+Merlin was sent for, and fair desired of all the barons to give them
+best counsel. I shall say you, said Merlin, I warn you all, your
+enemies are passing strong for you, and they are good men of arms as be
+alive, and by this time they have gotten to them four kings more, and a
+mighty duke; and unless that our king have more chivalry with him than
+he may make within the bounds of his own realm, an he fight with them
+in battle, he shall be overcome and slain. What were best to do in this
+cause? said all the barons. I shall tell you, said Merlin, mine advice;
+there are two brethren beyond the sea, and they be kings both, and
+marvellous good men of their hands; and that one hight King Ban of
+Benwick, and that other hight King Bors of Gaul, that is France. And on
+these two kings warreth a mighty man of men, the King Claudas, and
+striveth with them for a castle, and great war is betwixt them. But
+this Claudas is so mighty of goods whereof he getteth good knights,
+that he putteth these two kings most part to the worse; wherefore this
+is my counsel, that our king and sovereign lord send unto the kings Ban
+and Bors by two trusty knights with letters well devised, that an they
+will come and see King Arthur and his court, and so help him in his
+wars, that he will be sworn unto them to help them in their wars
+against King Claudas. Now, what say ye unto this counsel? said Merlin.
+This is well counselled, said the king and all the barons.
+
+Right so in all haste there were ordained to go two knights on the
+message unto the two kings. So were there made letters in the pleasant
+wise according unto King Arthur’s desire. Ulfius and Brastias were made
+the messengers, and so rode forth well horsed and well armed and as the
+guise was that time, and so passed the sea and rode toward the city of
+Benwick. And there besides were eight knights that espied them, and at
+a strait passage they met with Ulfius and Brastias, and would have
+taken them prisoners; so they prayed them that they might pass, for
+they were messengers unto King Ban and Bors sent from King Arthur.
+Therefore, said the eight knights, ye shall die or be prisoners, for we
+be knights of King Claudas. And therewith two of them dressed their
+spears, and Ulfius and Brastias dressed their spears, and ran together
+with great raundon. And Claudas’ knights brake their spears, and theirs
+to-held and bare the two knights out of their saddles to the earth, and
+so left them lying, and rode their ways. And the other six knights rode
+afore to a passage to meet with them again, and so Ulfius and Brastias
+smote other two down, and so passed on their ways. And at the fourth
+passage there met two for two, and both were laid unto the earth; so
+there was none of the eight knights but he was sore hurt or bruised.
+And when they come to Benwick it fortuned there were both kings, Ban
+and Bors.
+
+And when it was told the kings that there were come messengers, there
+were sent unto them two knights of worship, the one hight Lionses, lord
+of the country of Payarne, and Sir Phariance a worshipful knight. Anon
+they asked from whence they came, and they said from King Arthur, king
+of England; so they took them in their arms and made great joy each of
+other. But anon, as the two kings wist they were messengers of
+Arthur’s, there was made no tarrying, but forthwith they spake with the
+knights, and welcomed them in the faithfullest wise, and said they were
+most welcome unto them before all the kings living; and therewith they
+kissed the letters and delivered them. And when Ban and Bors understood
+the letters, then they were more welcome than they were before. And
+after the haste of the letters they gave them this answer, that they
+would fulfil the desire of King Arthur’s writing, and Ulfius and
+Brastias, tarry there as long as they would, they should have such
+cheer as might be made them in those marches. Then Ulfius and Brastias
+told the kings of the adventure at their passages of the eight knights.
+Ha! ah! said Ban and Bors, they were my good friends. I would I had
+wist of them; they should not have escaped so. So Ulfius and Brastias
+had good cheer and great gifts, as much as they might bear away; and
+had their answer by mouth and by writing, that those two kings would
+come unto Arthur in all the haste that they might. So the two knights
+rode on afore, and passed the sea, and came to their lord, and told him
+how they had sped, whereof King Arthur was passing glad. At what time
+suppose ye the two kings will be here? Sir, said they, afore All
+Hallowmass. Then the king let purvey for a great feast, and let cry a
+great jousts. And by All Hallowmass the two kings were come over the
+sea with three hundred knights well arrayed both for the peace and for
+the war. And King Arthur met with them ten mile out of London, and
+there was great joy as could be thought or made. And on All Hallowmass
+at the great feast, sat in the hall the three kings, and Sir Kay
+seneschal served in the hall, and Sir Lucas the butler, that was Duke
+Corneus’ son, and Sir Griflet, that was the son of Cardol, these three
+knights had the rule of all the service that served the kings. And
+anon, as they had washen and risen, all knights that would joust made
+them ready; by then they were ready on horseback there were seven
+hundred knights. And Arthur, Ban, and Bors, with the Archbishop of
+Canterbury, and Sir Ector, Kay’s father, they were in a place covered
+with cloth of gold like an hall, with ladies and gentlewomen, for to
+behold who did best, and thereon to give judgment.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. Of a great tourney made by King Arthur and the two kings
+Ban and Bors, and how they went over the sea.
+
+And King Arthur and the two kings let depart the seven hundred knights
+in two parties. And there were three hundred knights of the realm of
+Benwick and of Gaul turned on the other side. Then they dressed their
+shields, and began to couch their spears many good knights. So Griflet
+was the first that met with a knight, one Ladinas, and they met so
+eagerly that all men had wonder; and they so fought that their shields
+fell to pieces, and horse and man fell to the earth; and both the
+French knight and the English knight lay so long that all men weened
+they had been dead. When Lucas the butler saw Griflet so lie, he horsed
+him again anon, and they two did marvellous deeds of arms with many
+bachelors. Also Sir Kay came out of an ambushment with five knights
+with him, and they six smote other six down. But Sir Kay did that day
+marvellous deeds of arms, that there was none did so well as he that
+day. Then there came Ladinas and Gracian, two knights of France, and
+did passing well, that all men praised them.
+
+Then came there Sir Placidas, a good knight, and met with Sir Kay, and
+smote him down horse and man, where fore Sir Griflet was wroth, and met
+with Sir Placidas so hard, that horse and man fell to the earth. But
+when the five knights wist that Sir Kay had a fall, they were wroth out
+of wit, and therewith each of them five bare down a knight. When King
+Arthur and the two kings saw them begin to wax wroth on both parties,
+they leapt on small hackneys, and let cry that all men should depart
+unto their lodging. And so they went home and unarmed them, and so to
+evensong and supper. And after, the three kings went into a garden, and
+gave the prize unto Sir Kay, and to Lucas the butler, and unto Sir
+Griflet. And then they went unto council, and with them Gwenbaus, the
+brother unto Sir Ban and Bors, a wise clerk, and thither went Ulfius
+and Brastias, and Merlin. And after they had been in council, they went
+unto bed. And on the morn they heard mass, and to dinner, and so to
+their council, and made many arguments what were best to do. At the
+last they were concluded, that Merlin should go with a token of King
+Ban, and that was a ring, unto his men and King Bors’; and Gracian and
+Placidas should go again and keep their castles and their countries, as
+for [dread of King Claudas] King Ban of Benwick, and King Bors of Gaul
+had ordained them, and so passed the sea and came to Benwick. And when
+the people saw King Ban’s ring, and Gracian and Placidas, they were
+glad, and asked how the kings fared, and made great joy of their
+welfare and cording, and according unto the sovereign lords desire, the
+men of war made them ready in all haste possible, so that they were
+fifteen thousand on horse and foot, and they had great plenty of
+victual with them, by Merlin’s provision. But Gracian and Placidas were
+left to furnish and garnish the castles, for dread of King Claudas.
+Right so Merlin passed the sea, well victualled both by water and by
+land. And when he came to the sea he sent home the footmen again, and
+took no more with him but ten thousand men on horseback, the most part
+men of arms, and so shipped and passed the sea into England, and landed
+at Dover; and through the wit of Merlin, he had the host northward, the
+priviest way that could be thought, unto the forest of Bedegraine, and
+there in a valley he lodged them secretly.
+
+Then rode Merlin unto Arthur and the two kings, and told them how he
+had sped; whereof they had great marvel, that man on earth might speed
+so soon, and go and come. So Merlin told them ten thousand were in the
+forest of Bedegraine, well armed at all points. Then was there no more
+to say, but to horseback went all the host as Arthur had afore
+purveyed. So with twenty thousand he passed by night and day, but there
+was made such an ordinance afore by Merlin, that there should no man of
+war ride nor go in no country on this side Trent water, but if he had a
+token from King Arthur, where through the king’s enemies durst not ride
+as they did to-fore to espy.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. How eleven kings gathered a great host against King
+Arthur.
+
+And so within a little space the three kings came unto the castle of
+Bedegraine, and found there a passing fair fellowship, and well beseen,
+whereof they had great joy, and victual they wanted none. This was the
+cause of the northern host: that they were reared for the despite and
+rebuke the six kings had at Carlion. And those six kings by their
+means, gat unto them five other kings; and thus they began to gather
+their people.
+
+And now they sware that for weal nor woe, they should not leave other,
+till they had destroyed Arthur. And then they made an oath. The first
+that began the oath was the Duke of Cambenet, that he would bring with
+him five thousand men of arms, the which were ready on horseback. Then
+sware King Brandegoris of Stranggore that he would bring five thousand
+men of arms on horseback. Then sware King Clariance of Northumberland
+he would bring three thousand men of arms. Then sware the King of the
+Hundred Knights, that was a passing good man and a young, that he would
+bring four thousand men of arms on horseback. Then there swore King
+Lot, a passing good knight, and Sir Gawain’s father, that he would
+bring five thousand men of arms on horseback. Also there swore King
+Urience, that was Sir Uwain’s father, of the land of Gore, and he would
+bring six thousand men of arms on horseback. Also there swore King
+Idres of Cornwall, that he would bring five thousand men of arms on
+horseback. Also there swore King Cradelmas to bring five thousand men
+on horseback. Also there swore King Agwisance of Ireland to bring five
+thousand men of arms on horseback. Also there swore King Nentres to
+bring five thousand men of arms on horseback. Also there swore King
+Carados to bring five thousand men of arms on horseback. So their whole
+host was of clean men of arms on horseback fifty thousand, and a-foot
+ten thousand of good men’s bodies. Then were they soon ready, and
+mounted upon horse and sent forth their fore-riders, for these eleven
+kings in their ways laid a siege unto the castle of Bedegraine; and so
+they departed and drew toward Arthur, and left few to abide at the
+siege, for the castle of Bedegraine was holden of King Arthur, and the
+men that were therein were Arthur’s.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII. Of a dream of the King with the Hundred Knights.
+
+So by Merlin’s advice there were sent fore-riders to skim the country,
+and they met with the fore-riders of the north, and made them to tell
+which way the host came, and then they told it to Arthur, and by King
+Ban and Bors’ council they let burn and destroy all the country afore
+them, there they should ride.
+
+The King with the Hundred Knights met a wonder dream two nights afore
+the battle, that there blew a great wind, and blew down their castles
+and their towns, and after that came a water and bare it all away. All
+that heard of the sweven said it was a token of great battle. Then by
+counsel of Merlin, when they wist which way the eleven kings would ride
+and lodge that night, at midnight they set upon them, as they were in
+their pavilions. But the scout-watch by their host cried, Lords! at
+arms! for here be your enemies at your hand!
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV. How the eleven kings with their host fought against Arthur
+and his host, and many great feats of the war.
+
+Then King Arthur and King Ban and King Bors, with their good and trusty
+knights, set on them so fiercely that they made them overthrow their
+pavilions on their heads, but the eleven kings, by manly prowess of
+arms, took a fair champaign, but there was slain that morrowtide ten
+thousand good men’s bodies. And so they had afore them a strong
+passage, yet were they fifty thousand of hardy men. Then it drew toward
+day. Now shall ye do by mine advice, said Merlin unto the three kings:
+I would that King Ban and King Bors, with their fellowship of ten
+thousand men, were put in a wood here beside, in an ambushment, and
+keep them privy, and that they be laid or the light of the day come,
+and that they stir not till ye and your knights have fought with them
+long. And when it is daylight, dress your battle even afore them and
+the passage, that they may see all your host, for then will they be the
+more hardy, when they see you but about twenty thousand men, and cause
+them to be the gladder to suffer you and your host to come over the
+passage. All the three kings and the whole barons said that Merlin said
+passingly well, and it was done anon as Merlin had devised. So on the
+morn, when either host saw other, the host of the north was well
+comforted. Then to Ulfius and Brastias were delivered three thousand
+men of arms, and they set on them fiercely in the passage, and slew on
+the right hand and on the left hand that it was wonder to tell.
+
+When that the eleven kings saw that there was so few a fellowship did
+such deeds of arms, they were ashamed and set on them again fiercely;
+and there was Sir Ulfius’s horse slain under him, but he did
+marvellously well on foot. But the Duke Eustace of Cambenet and King
+Clariance of Northumberland, were alway grievous on Ulfius. Then
+Brastias saw his fellow fared so withal he smote the duke with a spear,
+that horse and man fell down. That saw King Clariance and returned unto
+Brastias, and either smote other so that horse and man went to the
+earth, and so they lay long astonied, and their horses’ knees brast to
+the hard bone. Then came Sir Kay the seneschal with six fellows with
+him, and did passing well. With that came the eleven kings, and there
+was Griflet put to the earth, horse and man, and Lucas the butler,
+horse and man, by King Brandegoris, and King Idres, and King Agwisance.
+Then waxed the medley passing hard on both parties. When Sir Kay saw
+Griflet on foot, he rode on King Nentres and smote him down, and led
+his horse unto Sir Griflet, and horsed him again. Also Sir Kay with the
+same spear smote down King Lot, and hurt him passing sore. That saw the
+King with the Hundred Knights, and ran unto Sir Kay and smote him down,
+and took his horse, and gave him King Lot, whereof he said gramercy.
+When Sir Griflet saw Sir Kay and Lucas the butler on foot, he took a
+sharp spear, great and square, and rode to Pinel, a good man of arms,
+and smote horse and man down, and then he took his horse, and gave him
+unto Sir Kay. Then King Lot saw King Nentres on foot, he ran unto Melot
+de la Roche, and smote him down, horse and man, and gave King Nentres
+the horse, and horsed him again. Also the King of the Hundred Knights
+saw King Idres on foot; then he ran unto Gwiniart de Bloi, and smote
+him down, horse and man, and gave King Idres the horse, and horsed him
+again; and King Lot smote down Clariance de la Forest Savage, and gave
+the horse unto Duke Eustace. And so when they had horsed the kings
+again they drew them, all eleven kings, together, and said they would
+be revenged of the damage that they had taken that day. The meanwhile
+came in Sir Ector with an eager countenance, and found Ulfius and
+Brastias on foot, in great peril of death, that were foul defoiled
+under horse-feet.
+
+Then Arthur as a lion, ran unto King Cradelment of North Wales, and
+smote him through the left side, that the horse and the king fell down;
+and then he took the horse by the rein, and led him unto Ulfius, and
+said, Have this horse, mine old friend, for great need hast thou of
+horse. Gramercy, said Ulfius. Then Sir Arthur did so marvellously in
+arms, that all men had wonder. When the King with the Hundred Knights
+saw King Cradelment on foot, he ran unto Sir Ector, that was well
+horsed, Sir Kay’s father, and smote horse and man down, and gave the
+horse unto the king, and horsed him again. And when King Arthur saw the
+king ride on Sir Ector’s horse, he was wroth and with his sword he
+smote the king on the helm, that a quarter of the helm and shield fell
+down, and so the sword carved down unto the horse’s neck, and so the
+king and the horse fell down to the ground. Then Sir Kay came unto Sir
+Morganore, seneschal with the King of the Hundred Knights, and smote
+him down, horse and man, and led the horse unto his father, Sir Ector;
+then Sir Ector ran unto a knight, hight Lardans, and smote horse and
+man down, and led the horse unto Sir Brastias, that great need had of
+an horse, and was greatly defoiled. When Brastias beheld Lucas the
+butler, that lay like a dead man under the horses’ feet, and ever Sir
+Griflet did marvellously for to rescue him, and there were always
+fourteen knights on Sir Lucas; then Brastias smote one of them on the
+helm, that it went to the teeth, and he rode to another and smote him,
+that the arm flew into the field. Then he went to the third and smote
+him on the shoulder, that shoulder and arm flew in the field. And when
+Griflet saw rescues, he smote a knight on the temples, that head and
+helm went to the earth, and Griflet took the horse of that knight, and
+led him unto Sir Lucas, and bade him mount upon the horse and revenge
+his hurts. For Brastias had slain a knight to-fore and horsed Griflet.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV. Yet of the same battle.
+
+Then Lucas saw King Agwisance, that late had slain Moris de la Roche,
+and Lucas ran to him with a short spear that was great, that he gave
+him such a fall, that the horse fell down to the earth. Also Lucas
+found there on foot, Bloias de La Flandres, and Sir Gwinas, two hardy
+knights, and in that woodness that Lucas was in, he slew two bachelors
+and horsed them again. Then waxed the battle passing hard on both
+parties, but Arthur was glad that his knights were horsed again, and
+then they fought together, that the noise and sound rang by the water
+and the wood. Wherefore King Ban and King Bors made them ready, and
+dressed their shields and harness, and they were so courageous that
+many knights shook and bevered for eagerness. All this while Lucas, and
+Gwinas, and Briant, and Bellias of Flanders, held strong medley against
+six kings, that was King Lot, King Nentres, King Brandegoris, King
+Idres, King Uriens, and King Agwisance. So with the help of Sir Kay and
+of Sir Griflet they held these six kings hard, that unnethe they had
+any power to defend them. But when Sir Arthur saw the battle would not
+be ended by no manner, he fared wood as a lion, and steered his horse
+here and there, on the right hand, and on the left hand, that he
+stinted not till he had slain twenty knights. Also he wounded King Lot
+sore on the shoulder, and made him to leave that ground, for Sir Kay
+and Griflet did with King Arthur there great deeds of arms. Then
+Ulfius, and Brastias, and Sir Ector encountered against the Duke
+Eustace, and King Cradelment, and King Clariance of Northumberland, and
+King Carados, and against the King with the Hundred Knights. So these
+knights encountered with these kings, that they made them to avoid the
+ground. Then King Lot made great dole for his damages and his fellows,
+and said unto the ten kings, But if ye will do as I devise we shall be
+slain and destroyed; let me have the King with the Hundred Knights, and
+King Agwisance, and King Idres, and the Duke of Cambenet, and we five
+kings will have fifteen thousand men of arms with us, and we will go
+apart while ye six kings hold medley with twelve thousand; an we see
+that ye have foughten with them long, then will we come on fiercely,
+and else shall we never match them, said King Lot, but by this mean. So
+they departed as they here devised, and six kings made their party
+strong against Arthur, and made great war long.
+
+In the meanwhile brake the ambushment of King Ban and King Bors, and
+Lionses and Phariance had the vanguard, and they two knights met with
+King Idres and his fellowship, and there began a great medley of
+breaking of spears, and smiting of swords, with slaying of men and
+horses, and King Idres was near at discomforture.
+
+That saw Agwisance the king, and put Lionses and Phariance in point of
+death; for the Duke of Cambenet came on withal with a great fellowship.
+So these two knights were in great danger of their lives that they were
+fain to return, but always they rescued themselves and their fellowship
+marvellously. When King Bors saw those knights put aback, it grieved
+him sore; then he came on so fast that his fellowship seemed as black
+as Inde. When King Lot had espied King Bors, he knew him well, then he
+said, O Jesu, defend us from death and horrible maims! for I see well
+we be in great peril of death; for I see yonder a king, one of the most
+worshipfullest men and one of the best knights of the world, is
+inclined unto his fellowship. What is he? said the King with the
+Hundred Knights. It is, said King Lot, King Bors of Gaul; I marvel how
+they came into this country without witting of us all. It was by
+Merlin’s advice, said the knight. As for him, said King Carados, I will
+encounter with King Bors, an ye will rescue me when myster is. Go on,
+said they all, we will do all that we may. Then King Carados and his
+host rode on a soft pace, till that they came as nigh King Bors as
+bow-draught; then either battle let their horse run as fast as they
+might. And Bleoberis, that was godson unto King Bors, he bare his chief
+standard, that was a passing good knight. Now shall we see, said King
+Bors, how these northern Britons can bear the arms: and King Bors
+encountered with a knight, and smote him throughout with a spear that
+he fell dead unto the earth; and after drew his sword and did
+marvellous deeds of arms, that all parties had great wonder thereof;
+and his knights failed not, but did their part, and King Carados was
+smitten to the earth. With that came the King with the Hundred Knights
+and rescued King Carados mightily by force of arms, for he was a
+passing good knight of a king, and but a young man.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI. Yet more of the same battle.
+
+By then came into the field King Ban as fierce as a lion, with bands of
+green and thereupon gold. Ha! a! said King Lot, we must be discomfited,
+for yonder I see the most valiant knight of the world, and the man of
+the most renown, for such two brethren as is King Ban and King Bors are
+not living, wherefore we must needs void or die; and but if we avoid
+manly and wisely there is but death. When King Ban came into the
+battle, he came in so fiercely that the strokes redounded again from
+the wood and the water; wherefore King Lot wept for pity and dole that
+he saw so many good knights take their end. But through the great force
+of King Ban they made both the northern battles that were departed
+hurtled together for great dread; and the three kings and their knights
+slew on ever, that it was pity on to behold that multitude of the
+people that fled. But King Lot, and King of the Hundred Knights, and
+King Morganore gathered the people together passing knightly, and did
+great prowess of arms, and held the battle all that day, like hard.
+
+When the King of the Hundred Knights beheld the great damage that King
+Ban did, he thrust unto him with his horse, and smote him on high upon
+the helm, a great stroke, and astonied him sore. Then King Ban was
+wroth with him, and followed on him fiercely; the other saw that, and
+cast up his shield, and spurred his horse forward, but the stroke of
+King Ban fell down and carved a cantel off the shield, and the sword
+slid down by the hauberk behind his back, and cut through the trapping
+of steel and the horse even in two pieces, that the sword felt the
+earth. Then the King of the Hundred Knights voided the horse lightly,
+and with his sword he broached the horse of King Ban through and
+through. With that King Ban voided lightly from the dead horse, and
+then King Ban smote at the other so eagerly, and smote him on the helm
+that he fell to the earth. Also in that ire he felled King Morganore,
+and there was great slaughter of good knights and much people. By then
+came into the press King Arthur, and found King Ban standing among dead
+men and dead horses, fighting on foot as a wood lion, that there came
+none nigh him, as far as he might reach with his sword, but he caught a
+grievous buffet; whereof King Arthur had great pity. And Arthur was so
+bloody, that by his shield there might no man know him, for all was
+blood and brains on his sword. And as Arthur looked by him he saw a
+knight that was passingly well horsed, and therewith Sir Arthur ran to
+him, and smote him on the helm, that his sword went unto his teeth, and
+the knight sank down to the earth dead, and anon Arthur took the horse
+by the rein, and led him unto King Ban, and said, Fair brother, have
+this horse, for he have great myster thereof, and me repenteth sore of
+your great damage. It shall be soon revenged, said King Ban, for I
+trust in God mine ure is not such but some of them may sore repent
+this. I will well, said Arthur, for I see your deeds full actual;
+nevertheless, I might not come at you at that time.
+
+But when King Ban was mounted on horseback, then there began new
+battle, the which was sore and hard, and passing great slaughter. And
+so through great force King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors made their
+knights a little to withdraw them. But alway the eleven kings with
+their chivalry never turned back; and so withdrew them to a little
+wood, and so over a little river, and there they rested them, for on
+the night they might have no rest on the field. And then the eleven
+kings and knights put them on a heap all together, as men adread and
+out of all comfort. But there was no man might pass them, they held
+them so hard together both behind and before, that King Arthur had
+marvel of their deeds of arms, and was passing wroth. Ah, Sir Arthur,
+said King Ban and King Bors, blame them not, for they do as good men
+ought to do. For by my faith, said King Ban, they are the best fighting
+men, and knights of most prowess, that ever I saw or heard speak of,
+and those eleven kings are men of great worship; and if they were
+longing unto you there were no king under the heaven had such eleven
+knights, and of such worship. I may not love them, said Arthur, they
+would destroy me. That wot we well, said King Ban and King Bors, for
+they are your mortal enemies, and that hath been proved aforehand; and
+this day they have done their part, and that is great pity of their
+wilfulness.
+
+Then all the eleven kings drew them together, and then said King Lot,
+Lords, ye must other ways than ye do, or else the great loss is behind;
+ye may see what people we have lost, and what good men we lose, because
+we wait always on these foot-men, and ever in saving of one of the
+foot-men we lose ten horsemen for him; therefore this is mine advice,
+let us put our foot-men from us, for it is near night, for the noble
+Arthur will not tarry on the footmen, for they may save themselves, the
+wood is near hand. And when we horsemen be together, look every each of
+you kings let make such ordinance that none break upon pain of death.
+And who that seeth any man dress him to flee, lightly that he be slain,
+for it is better that we slay a coward, than through a coward all we to
+be slain. How say ye? said King Lot, answer me all ye kings. It is well
+said, quoth King Nentres; so said the King of the Hundred Knights; the
+same said the King Carados, and King Uriens; so did King Idres and King
+Brandegoris; and so did King Cradelment, and the Duke of Cambenet; the
+same said King Clariance and King Agwisance, and sware they would never
+fail other, neither for life nor for death. And whoso that fled, but
+did as they did, should be slain. Then they amended their harness, and
+righted their shields, and took new spears and set them on their
+thighs, and stood still as it had been a plump of wood.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII. Yet more of the same battle, and how it was ended by
+Merlin.
+
+When Sir Arthur and King Ban and Bors beheld them and all their
+knights, they praised them much for their noble cheer of chivalry, for
+the hardiest fighters that ever they heard or saw. With that, there
+dressed them a forty noble knights, and said unto the three kings, they
+would break their battle; these were their names: Lionses, Phariance,
+Ulfius, Brastias, Ector, Kay, Lucas the butler, Griflet le Fise de
+Dieu, Mariet de la Roche, Guinas de Bloi, Briant de la Forest Savage,
+Bellaus, Morians of the Castle [of] Maidens, Flannedrius of the Castle
+of Ladies, Annecians that was King Bors’ godson, a noble knight,
+Ladinas de la Rouse, Emerause, Caulas, Graciens le Castlein, one Blois
+de la Case, and Sir Colgrevaunce de Gorre; all these knights rode on
+afore with spears on their thighs, and spurred their horses mightily as
+the horses might run. And the eleven kings with part of their knights
+rushed with their horses as fast as they might with their spears, and
+there they did on both parties marvellous deeds of arms. So came into
+the thick of the press, Arthur, Ban, and Bors, and slew down right on
+both hands, that their horses went in blood up to the fetlocks. But
+ever the eleven kings and their host was ever in the visage of Arthur.
+Wherefore Ban and Bors had great marvel, considering the great
+slaughter that there was, but at the last they were driven aback over a
+little river. With that came Merlin on a great black horse, and said
+unto Arthur, Thou hast never done! Hast thou not done enough? of three
+score thousand this day hast thou left alive but fifteen thousand, and
+it is time to say Ho! For God is wroth with thee, that thou wilt never
+have done; for yonder eleven kings at this time will not be overthrown,
+but an thou tarry on them any longer, thy fortune will turn and they
+shall increase. And therefore withdraw you unto your lodging, and rest
+you as soon as ye may, and reward your good knights with gold and with
+silver, for they have well deserved it; there may no riches be too dear
+for them, for of so few men as ye have, there were never men did more
+of prowess than they have done today, for ye have matched this day with
+the best fighters of the world. That is truth, said King Ban and Bors.
+Also said Merlin, withdraw you where ye list, for this three year I
+dare undertake they shall not dere you; and by then ye shall hear new
+tidings. And then Merlin said unto Arthur, These eleven kings have more
+on hand than they are ware of, for the Saracens are landed in their
+countries, more than forty thousand, that burn and slay, and have laid
+siege at the castle Wandesborow, and make great destruction; therefore
+dread you not this three year. Also, sir, all the goods that be gotten
+at this battle, let it be searched, and when ye have it in your hands,
+let it be given freely unto these two kings, Ban and Bors, that they
+may reward their knights withal; and that shall cause strangers to be
+of better will to do you service at need. Also you be able to reward
+your own knights of your own goods whensomever it liketh you. It is
+well said, quoth Arthur, and as thou hast devised, so shall it be done.
+When it was delivered to Ban and Bors, they gave the goods as freely to
+their knights as freely as it was given to them. Then Merlin took his
+leave of Arthur and of the two kings, for to go and see his master
+Bleise, that dwelt in Northumberland; and so he departed and came to
+his master, that was passing glad of his coming; and there he told how
+Arthur and the two kings had sped at the great battle, and how it was
+ended, and told the names of every king and knight of worship that was
+there. And so Bleise wrote the battle word by word, as Merlin told him,
+how it began, and by whom, and in likewise how it was ended, and who
+had the worse. All the battles that were done in Arthur’s days Merlin
+did his master Bleise do write; also he did do write all the battles
+that every worthy knight did of Arthur’s court.
+
+After this Merlin departed from his master and came to King Arthur,
+that was in the castle of Bedegraine, that was one of the castles that
+stand in the forest of Sherwood. And Merlin was so disguised that King
+Arthur knew him not, for he was all befurred in black sheep-skins, and
+a great pair of boots, and a bow and arrows, in a russet gown, and
+brought wild geese in his hand, and it was on the morn after Candlemas
+day; but King Arthur knew him not. Sir, said Merlin unto the king, will
+ye give me a gift? Wherefore, said King Arthur, should I give thee a
+gift, churl? Sir, said Merlin, ye were better to give me a gift that is
+not in your hand than to lose great riches, for here in the same place
+where the great battle was, is great treasure hid in the earth. Who
+told thee so, churl? said Arthur. Merlin told me so, said he. Then
+Ulfius and Brastias knew him well enough, and smiled. Sir, said these
+two knights, it is Merlin that so speaketh unto you. Then King Arthur
+was greatly abashed, and had marvel of Merlin, and so had King Ban and
+King Bors, and so they had great disport at him. So in the meanwhile
+there came a damosel that was an earl’s daughter: his name was Sanam,
+and her name was Lionors, a passing fair damosel; and so she came
+thither for to do homage, as other lords did after the great battle.
+And King Arthur set his love greatly upon her, and so did she upon him,
+and the king had ado with her, and gat on her a child: his name was
+Borre, that was after a good knight, and of the Table Round. Then there
+came word that the King Rience of North Wales made great war on King
+Leodegrance of Cameliard, for the which thing Arthur was wroth, for he
+loved him well, and hated King Rience, for he was alway against him. So
+by ordinance of the three kings that were sent home unto Benwick, all
+they would depart for dread of King Claudas; and Phariance, and
+Antemes, and Gratian, and Lionses [of] Payarne, with the leaders of
+those that should keep the kings’ lands.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII. How King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors rescued King
+Leodegrance, and other incidents.
+
+And then King Arthur, and King Ban, and King Bors departed with their
+fellowship, a twenty thousand, and came within six days into the
+country of Cameliard, and there rescued King Leodegrance, and slew
+there much people of King Rience, unto the number of ten thousand men,
+and put him to flight. And then had these three kings great cheer of
+King Leodegrance, that thanked them of their great goodness, that they
+would revenge him of his enemies; and there had Arthur the first sight
+of Guenever, the king’s daughter of Cameliard, and ever after he loved
+her. After they were wedded, as it telleth in the book. So, briefly to
+make an end, they took their leave to go into their own countries, for
+King Claudas did great destruction on their lands. Then said Arthur, I
+will go with you. Nay, said the kings, ye shall not at this time, for
+ye have much to do yet in these lands, therefore we will depart, and
+with the great goods that we have gotten in these lands by your gifts,
+we shall wage good knights and withstand the King Claudas’ malice, for
+by the grace of God, an we have need we will send to you for your
+succour; and if ye have need, send for us, and we will not tarry, by
+the faith of our bodies. It shall not, said Merlin, need that these two
+kings come again in the way of war, but I know well King Arthur may not
+be long from you, for within a year or two ye shall have great need,
+and then shall he revenge you on your enemies, as ye have done on his.
+For these eleven kings shall die all in a day, by the great might and
+prowess of arms of two valiant knights (as it telleth after); their
+names be Balin le Savage, and Balan, his brother, that be marvellous
+good knights as be any living.
+
+Now turn we to the eleven kings that returned unto a city that hight
+Sorhaute, the which city was within King Uriens’, and there they
+refreshed them as well as they might, and made leeches search their
+wounds, and sorrowed greatly for the death of their people. With that
+there came a messenger and told how there was come into their lands
+people that were lawless as well as Saracens, a forty thousand, and
+have burnt and slain all the people that they may come by, without
+mercy, and have laid siege on the castle of Wandesborow. Alas, said the
+eleven kings, here is sorrow upon sorrow, and if we had not warred
+against Arthur as we have done, he would soon revenge us. As for King
+Leodegrance, he loveth Arthur better than us, and as for King Rience,
+he hath enough to do with Leodegrance, for he hath laid siege unto him.
+So they consented together to keep all the marches of Cornwall, of
+Wales, and of the North. So first, they put King Idres in the City of
+Nauntes in Britain, with four thousand men of arms, to watch both the
+water and the land. Also they put in the city of Windesan, King Nentres
+of Garlot, with four thousand knights to watch both on water and on
+land. Also they had of other men of war more than eight thousand, for
+to fortify all the fortresses in the marches of Cornwall. Also they put
+more knights in all the marches of Wales and Scotland, with many good
+men of arms, and so they kept them together the space of three year,
+and ever allied them with mighty kings and dukes and lords. And to them
+fell King Rience of North Wales, the which and Nero that was a mighty
+man of men. And all this while they furnished them and garnished them
+of good men of arms, and victual, and of all manner of habiliment that
+pretendeth to the war, to avenge them for the battle of Bedegraine, as
+it telleth in the book of adventures following.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX. How King Arthur rode to Carlion, and of his dream, and how
+he saw the questing beast.
+
+Then after the departing of King Ban and of King Bors, King Arthur rode
+into Carlion. And thither came to him, King Lot’s wife, of Orkney, in
+manner of a message, but she was sent thither to espy the court of King
+Arthur; and she came richly beseen, with her four sons, Gawaine,
+Gaheris, Agravine, and Gareth, with many other knights and ladies. For
+she was a passing fair lady, therefore the king cast great love unto
+her, and desired to lie by her; so they were agreed, and he begat upon
+her Mordred, and she was his sister, on his mother’s side, Igraine. So
+there she rested her a month, and at the last departed. Then the king
+dreamed a marvellous dream whereof he was sore adread. But all this
+time King Arthur knew not that King Lot’s wife was his sister. Thus was
+the dream of Arthur: Him thought there was come into this land griffins
+and serpents, and him thought they burnt and slew all the people in the
+land, and then him thought he fought with them, and they did him
+passing great harm, and wounded him full sore, but at the last he slew
+them. When the king awaked, he was passing heavy of his dream, and so
+to put it out of thoughts, he made him ready with many knights to ride
+a-hunting. As soon as he was in the forest the king saw a great hart
+afore him. This hart will I chase, said King Arthur, and so he spurred
+the horse, and rode after long, and so by fine force oft he was like to
+have smitten the hart; whereas the king had chased the hart so long,
+that his horse lost his breath, and fell down dead. Then a yeoman
+fetched the king another horse.
+
+So the king saw the hart enbushed, and his horse dead, he set him down
+by a fountain, and there he fell in great thoughts. And as he sat so,
+him thought he heard a noise of hounds, to the sum of thirty. And with
+that the king saw coming toward him the strangest beast that ever he
+saw or heard of; so the beast went to the well and drank, and the noise
+was in the beast’s belly like unto the questing of thirty couple
+hounds; but all the while the beast drank there was no noise in the
+beast’s belly: and there with the beast departed with a great noise,
+whereof the king had great marvel. And so he was in a great thought,
+and therewith he fell asleep. Right so there came a knight afoot unto
+Arthur and said, Knight full of thought and sleepy, tell me if thou
+sawest a strange beast pass this way. Such one saw I, said King Arthur,
+that is past two mile; what would ye with the beast? said Arthur. Sir,
+I have followed that beast long time, and killed mine horse, so would
+God I had another to follow my quest. Right so came one with the king’s
+horse, and when the knight saw the horse, he prayed the king to give
+him the horse: for I have followed this quest this twelvemonth, and
+either I shall achieve him, or bleed of the best blood of my body.
+Pellinore, that time king, followed the Questing Beast, and after his
+death Sir Palamides followed it.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX. How King Pellinore took Arthur’s horse and followed the
+Questing Beast, and how Merlin met with Arthur.
+
+Sir knight, said the king, leave that quest, and suffer me to have it,
+and I will follow it another twelvemonth. Ah, fool, said the knight
+unto Arthur, it is in vain thy desire, for it shall never be achieved
+but by me, or my next kin. Therewith he started unto the king’s horse
+and mounted into the saddle, and said, Gramercy, this horse is my own.
+Well, said the king, thou mayst take my horse by force, but an I might
+prove thee whether thou were better on horseback or I.—Well, said the
+knight, seek me here when thou wilt, and here nigh this well thou shalt
+find me, and so passed on his way. Then the king sat in a study, and
+bade his men fetch his horse as fast as ever they might. Right so came
+by him Merlin like a child of fourteen year of age, and saluted the
+king, and asked him why he was so pensive. I may well be pensive, said
+the king, for I have seen the marvellest sight that ever I saw. That
+know I well, said Merlin, as well as thyself, and of all thy thoughts,
+but thou art but a fool to take thought, for it will not amend thee.
+Also I know what thou art, and who was thy father, and of whom thou
+wert begotten; King Uther Pendragon was thy father, and begat thee on
+Igraine. That is false, said King Arthur, how shouldest thou know it,
+for thou art not so old of years to know my father? Yes, said Merlin, I
+know it better than ye or any man living. I will not believe thee, said
+Arthur, and was wroth with the child. So departed Merlin, and came
+again in the likeness of an old man of fourscore year of age, whereof
+the king was right glad, for he seemed to be right wise.
+
+Then said the old man, Why are ye so sad? I may well be heavy, said
+Arthur, for many things. Also here was a child, and told me many things
+that meseemeth he should not know, for he was not of age to know my
+father. Yes, said the old man, the child told you truth, and more would
+he have told you an ye would have suffered him. But ye have done a
+thing late that God is displeased with you, for ye have lain by your
+sister, and on her ye have gotten a child that shall destroy you and
+all the knights of your realm. What are ye, said Arthur, that tell me
+these tidings? I am Merlin, and I was he in the child’s likeness. Ah,
+said King Arthur, ye are a marvellous man, but I marvel much of thy
+words that I must die in battle. Marvel not, said Merlin, for it is
+God’s will your body to be punished for your foul deeds; but I may well
+be sorry, said Merlin, for I shall die a shameful death, to be put in
+the earth quick, and ye shall die a worshipful death. And as they
+talked this, came one with the king’s horse, and so the king mounted on
+his horse, and Merlin on another, and so rode unto Carlion. And anon
+the king asked Ector and Ulfius how he was begotten, and they told him
+Uther Pendragon was his father and Queen Igraine his mother. Then he
+said to Merlin, I will that my mother be sent for that I may speak with
+her; and if she say so herself then will I believe it. In all haste,
+the queen was sent for, and she came and brought with her Morgan le
+Fay, her daughter, that was as fair a lady as any might be, and the
+king welcomed Igraine in the best manner.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI. How Ulfius impeached Queen Igraine, Arthur’s mother, of
+treason; and how a knight came and desired to have the death of his
+master revenged.
+
+Right so came Ulfius, and said openly, that the king and all might hear
+that were feasted that day, Ye are the falsest lady of the world, and
+the most traitress unto the king’s person. Beware, said Arthur, what
+thou sayest; thou speakest a great word. I am well ware, said Ulfius,
+what I speak, and here is my glove to prove it upon any man that will
+say the contrary, that this Queen Igraine is causer of your great
+damage, and of your great war. For, an she would have uttered it in the
+life of King Uther Pendragon, of the birth of you, and how ye were
+begotten ye had never had the mortal wars that ye have had; for the
+most part of your barons of your realm knew never whose son ye were,
+nor of whom ye were begotten; and she that bare you of her body should
+have made it known openly in excusing of her worship and yours, and in
+like wise to all the realm, wherefore I prove her false to God and to
+you and to all your realm, and who will say the contrary I will prove
+it on his body.
+
+Then spake Igraine and said, I am a woman and I may not fight, but
+rather than I should be dishonoured, there would some good man take my
+quarrel. More, she said, Merlin knoweth well, and ye Sir Ulfius, how
+King Uther came to me in the Castle of Tintagil in the likeness of my
+lord, that was dead three hours to-fore, and thereby gat a child that
+night upon me. And after the thirteenth day King Uther wedded me, and
+by his commandment when the child was born it was delivered unto Merlin
+and nourished by him, and so I saw the child never after, nor wot not
+what is his name, for I knew him never yet. And there, Ulfius said to
+the queen, Merlin is more to blame than ye. Well I wot, said the queen,
+I bare a child by my lord King Uther, but I wot not where he is become.
+Then Merlin took the king by the hand, saying, This is your mother. And
+therewith Sir Ector bare witness how he nourished him by Uther’s
+commandment. And therewith King Arthur took his mother, Queen Igraine,
+in his arms and kissed her, and either wept upon other. And then the
+king let make a feast that lasted eight days.
+
+Then on a day there came in the court a squire on horseback, leading a
+knight before him wounded to the death, and told him how there was a
+knight in the forest had reared up a pavilion by a well, and hath slain
+my master, a good knight, his name was Miles; wherefore I beseech you
+that my master may be buried, and that some knight may revenge my
+master’s death. Then the noise was great of that knight’s death in the
+court, and every man said his advice. Then came Griflet that was but a
+squire, and he was but young, of the age of the king Arthur, so he
+besought the king for all his service that he had done him to give the
+order of knighthood.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII. How Griflet was made knight, and jousted with a knight.
+
+Thou art full young and tender of age, said Arthur, for to take so high
+an order on thee. Sir, said Griflet, I beseech you make me knight. Sir,
+said Merlin, it were great pity to lose Griflet, for he will be a
+passing good man when he is of age, abiding with you the term of his
+life. And if he adventure his body with yonder knight at the fountain,
+it is in great peril if ever he come again, for he is one of the best
+knights of the world, and the strongest man of arms. Well, said Arthur.
+So at the desire of Griflet the king made him knight. Now, said Arthur
+unto Sir Griflet, sith I have made you knight thou must give me a gift.
+What ye will, said Griflet. Thou shalt promise me by the faith of thy
+body, when thou hast jousted with the knight at the fountain, whether
+it fall ye be on foot or on horseback, that right so ye shall come
+again unto me without making any more debate. I will promise you, said
+Griflet, as you desire. Then took Griflet his horse in great haste, and
+dressed his shield and took a spear in his hand, and so he rode a great
+wallop till he came to the fountain, and thereby he saw a rich
+pavilion, and thereby under a cloth stood a fair horse well saddled and
+bridled, and on a tree a shield of divers colours and a great spear.
+Then Griflet smote on the shield with the butt of his spear, that the
+shield fell 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 young, and late made knight, and your might is
+nothing to mine. As for that, said Griflet, I will joust with you. That
+is me loath, said the knight, but sith I must needs, I will dress me
+thereto. Of whence be ye? said the knight. Sir, I am of Arthur’s court.
+So the two knights ran together that Griflet’s spear all to-shivered;
+and there withal he smote Griflet through the shield and the left side,
+and brake the spear that the truncheon stuck in his body, that horse
+and knight fell down.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII. How twelve knights came from Rome and asked truage for
+this land of Arthur, and how Arthur fought with a knight.
+
+When the knight saw him lie so on the ground, he alighted, and was
+passing heavy, for he weened he had slain him, and then he unlaced his
+helm and gat him wind, and so with the truncheon he set him on his
+horse, and so betook him to God, and said he had a mighty heart, and if
+he might live he would prove a passing good knight. And so Sir Griflet
+rode to the court, where great dole was made for him. But through good
+leeches he was healed and saved. Right so came into the court twelve
+knights, and were aged men, and they came from the Emperor of Rome, and
+they asked of Arthur truage for this realm, other else the emperor
+would destroy him and his land. Well, said King Arthur, ye are
+messengers, therefore ye may say what ye will, other else ye should die
+therefore. But this is mine answer: I owe the emperor no truage, nor
+none will I hold him, but on a fair field I shall give him my truage
+that shall be with a sharp spear, or else with a sharp sword, and that
+shall not be long, by my father’s soul, Uther Pendragon. And therewith
+the messengers departed passingly wroth, and King Arthur as wroth, for
+in evil time came they then; for the king was passingly wroth for the
+hurt of Sir Griflet. And so he commanded a privy man of his chamber
+that or it be day his best horse and armour, with all that longeth unto
+his person, be without the city or to-morrow day. Right so or to-morrow
+day he met with his man and his horse, and so mounted up and dressed
+his shield and took his spear, and bade his chamberlain tarry there
+till he came again. And so Arthur rode a soft pace till it was day, and
+then was he ware of three churls chasing Merlin, and would have slain
+him. Then the king rode unto them, and bade them: Flee, churls! then
+were they afeard when they saw a knight, and fled. O Merlin, said
+Arthur, here hadst thou been slain for all thy crafts had I not been.
+Nay, said Merlin, not so, for I could save myself an I would; and thou
+art more near thy death than I am, for thou goest to the deathward, an
+God be not thy friend.
+
+So as they went thus talking they came to the fountain, and the rich
+pavilion there by it. Then King Arthur was ware where sat a knight
+armed in a chair. Sir knight, said Arthur, for what cause abidest thou
+here, that there may no knight ride this way but if he joust with thee?
+said the king. I rede thee leave that custom, said Arthur. This custom,
+said the knight, have I used and will use maugre who saith nay, and who
+is grieved with my custom let him amend it that will. I will amend it,
+said Arthur. I shall defend thee, said the knight. Anon he took his
+horse and dressed his shield and took a spear, and they met so hard
+either in other’s shields, that all to-shivered their spears. Therewith
+anon Arthur pulled out his sword. Nay, not so, said the knight; it is
+fairer, said the knight, that we twain run more together with sharp
+spears. I will well, said Arthur, an I had any more spears. I have
+enow, said the knight; so there came a squire and brought two good
+spears, and Arthur chose one and he another; so they spurred their
+horses and came together with all their mights, that either brake their
+spears to their hands. Then Arthur set hand on his sword. Nay, said the
+knight, ye shall do better, ye are a passing good jouster as ever I met
+withal, and once for the love of the high order of knighthood let us
+joust once again. I assent me, said Arthur. Anon there were brought two
+great spears, and every knight gat a spear, and therewith they ran
+together that Arthur’s spear all to-shivered. But the other knight hit
+him so hard in midst of the shield, that horse and man fell to the
+earth, and therewith Arthur was eager, and pulled out his sword, and
+said, I will assay thee, sir knight, on foot, for I have lost the
+honour on horseback. I will be on horseback, said the knight. Then was
+Arthur wroth, and dressed his shield toward him with his sword drawn.
+When the knight saw that, he alighted, for him thought no worship to
+have a knight at such avail, he to be on horseback and he on foot, and
+so he alighted and dressed his shield unto Arthur. And there began a
+strong battle with many great strokes, and so hewed with their swords
+that the cantels flew in the fields, and much blood they bled both,
+that all the place there as they fought was overbled with blood, and
+thus they fought long and rested them, and then they went to the battle
+again, and so hurtled together like two rams that either fell to the
+earth. So at the last they smote together that both their swords met
+even together. But the sword of the knight smote King Arthur’s sword in
+two pieces, wherefore he was heavy. Then said the knight unto Arthur,
+Thou art in my daunger whether me list to save thee or slay thee, and
+but thou yield thee as overcome and recreant, thou shalt die. As for
+death, said King Arthur, welcome be it when it cometh, but to yield me
+unto thee as recreant I had liefer die than to be so shamed. And
+therewithal the king leapt unto Pellinore, and took him by the middle
+and threw him down, and raced off his helm. When the knight felt that
+he was adread, for he was a passing big man of might, and anon he
+brought Arthur under him, and raced off his helm and would have smitten
+off his head.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV. How Merlin saved Arthur’s life, and threw an enchantment
+on King Pellinore and made him to sleep.
+
+Therewithal came Merlin and said, Knight, hold thy hand, for an thou
+slay that knight thou puttest this realm in the greatest damage that
+ever was realm: for this knight is a man of more worship than thou
+wotest of. Why, who is he? said the knight. It is King Arthur. Then
+would he have slain him for dread of his wrath, and heaved up his
+sword, and therewith Merlin cast an enchantment to the knight, that he
+fell to the earth in a great sleep. Then Merlin took up King Arthur,
+and rode forth on the knight’s horse. Alas! said Arthur, what hast thou
+done, Merlin? hast thou slain this good knight by thy crafts? There
+liveth not so worshipful a knight as he was; I had liefer than the
+stint of my land a year that he were alive. Care ye not, said Merlin,
+for he is wholer than ye; for he is but asleep, and will awake within
+three hours. I told you, said Merlin, what a knight he was; here had ye
+been slain had I not been. Also there liveth not a bigger knight than
+he is one, and he shall hereafter do you right good service; and his
+name is Pellinore, and he shall have two sons that shall be passing
+good men; save one they shall have no fellow of prowess and of good
+living, and their names shall be Percivale of Wales and Lamerake of
+Wales, and he shall tell you the name of your own son, begotten of your
+sister, that shall be the destruction of all this realm.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV. How Arthur by the mean of Merlin gat Excalibur his sword
+of the Lady of the Lake.
+
+Right so the king and he departed, and went unto an hermit that was a
+good man and a great leech. So the hermit searched all his wounds and
+gave him good salves; so the king was there three days, and then were
+his wounds well amended that he might ride and go, and so departed. And
+as they rode, Arthur said, I have no sword. No force, said Merlin,
+hereby is a sword that shall be yours, an I may. So they rode till they
+came to a lake, the which was a fair water and broad, and in the midst
+of the lake Arthur was ware of an arm clothed in white samite, that
+held a fair sword in that hand. Lo! said Merlin, yonder is that sword
+that I spake of. With that they saw a damosel going upon the lake. What
+damosel is that? said Arthur. That is the Lady of the Lake, said
+Merlin; and within that lake is a rock, and therein is as fair a place
+as any on earth, and richly beseen; and this damosel will come to you
+anon, and then speak ye fair to her that she will give you that sword.
+Anon withal came the damosel unto Arthur, and saluted him, and he her
+again. Damosel, said Arthur, what sword is that, that yonder the arm
+holdeth above the water? I would it were mine, for I have no sword. Sir
+Arthur, king, said the damosel, that sword is mine, and if ye will give
+me a gift when I ask it you, ye shall have it. By my faith, said
+Arthur, I will give you what gift ye will ask. Well! said the damosel,
+go ye into yonder barge, and row yourself to the sword, and take it and
+the scabbard with you, and I will ask my gift when I see my time. So
+Sir Arthur and Merlin alighted and tied their horses to two trees, and
+so they went into the ship, and when they came to the sword that the
+hand held, Sir Arthur took it up by the handles, and took it with him,
+and the arm and the hand went under the water. And so [they] came unto
+the land and rode forth, and then Sir Arthur saw a rich pavilion. What
+signifieth yonder pavilion? It is the knight’s pavilion, said Merlin,
+that ye fought with last, Sir Pellinore; but he is out, he is not
+there. He hath ado with a knight of yours that hight Egglame, and they
+have foughten together, but at the last Egglame fled, and else he had
+been dead, and he hath chased him even to Carlion, and we shall meet
+with him anon in the highway. That is well said, said Arthur, now have
+I a sword, now will I wage battle with him, and be avenged on him. Sir,
+you shall not so, said Merlin, for the knight is weary of fighting and
+chasing, so that ye shall have no worship to have ado with him; also he
+will not be lightly matched of one knight living, and therefore it is
+my counsel, let him pass, for he shall do you good service in short
+time, and his sons after his days. Also ye shall see that day in short
+space, you shall be right glad to give him your sister to wed. When I
+see him, I will do as ye advise, said Arthur.
+
+Then Sir Arthur looked on the sword, and liked it passing well. Whether
+liketh you better, said Merlin, the sword or the scabbard? Me liketh
+better the sword, said Arthur. Ye are more unwise, said Merlin, for the
+scabbard is worth ten of the swords, for whiles ye have the scabbard
+upon you, ye shall never lose no blood, be ye never so sore wounded;
+therefore keep well the scabbard always with you. So they rode unto
+Carlion, and by the way they met with Sir Pellinore; but Merlin had
+done such a craft, that Pellinore saw not Arthur, and he passed by
+without any words. I marvel, said Arthur, that the knight would not
+speak. Sir, said Merlin, he saw you not, for an he had seen you, ye had
+not lightly departed. So they came unto Carlion, whereof his knights
+were passing glad. And when they heard of his adventures, they
+marvelled that he would jeopard his person so, alone. But all men of
+worship said it was merry to be under such a chieftain, that would put
+his person in adventure as other poor knights did.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI. How tidings came to Arthur that King Rience had overcome
+eleven kings, and how he desired Arthur’s beard to trim his mantle.
+
+This meanwhile came a messenger from King Rience of North Wales, and
+king he was of all Ireland, and of many isles. And this was his
+message, greeting well King Arthur in this manner wise, saying that
+King Rience had discomfited and overcome eleven kings, and everych of
+them did him homage, and that was this, they gave him their beards
+clean flayed off, as much as there was; wherefore the messenger came
+for King Arthur’s beard. For King Rience had purfled a mantle with
+kings’ beards, and there lacked one place of the mantle; wherefore he
+sent for his beard, or else he would enter into his lands, and burn and
+slay, and never leave till he have the head and the beard. Well, said
+Arthur, thou hast said thy message, the which is the most villainous
+and lewdest message that ever man heard sent unto a king; also thou
+mayest see my beard is full young yet to make a purfle of it. But tell
+thou thy king this: I owe him none homage, nor none of mine elders; but
+or it be long to, he shall do me homage on both his knees, or else he
+shall lose his head, by the faith of my body, for this is the most
+shamefulest message that ever I heard speak of. I have espied thy king
+met never yet with worshipful man, but tell him, I will have his head
+without he do me homage. Then the messenger departed.
+
+Now is there any here, said Arthur, that knoweth King Rience? Then
+answered a knight that hight Naram, Sir, I know the king well; he is a
+passing good man of his body, as few be living, and a passing proud
+man, and Sir, doubt ye not he will make war on you with a mighty
+puissance. Well, said Arthur, I shall ordain for him in short time.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII. How all the children were sent for that were born on
+May-day, and how Mordred was saved.
+
+Then King Arthur let send for all the children born on May-day,
+begotten of lords and born of ladies; for Merlin told King Arthur that
+he that should destroy him should be born on May-day, wherefore he sent
+for them all, upon pain of death; and so there were found many lords’
+sons, and all were sent unto the king, and so was Mordred sent by King
+Lot’s wife, and all were put in a ship to the sea, and some were four
+weeks old, and some less. And so by fortune the ship drave unto a
+castle, and was all to-riven, and destroyed the most part, save that
+Mordred was cast up, and a good man found him, and nourished him till
+he was fourteen year old, and then he brought him to the court, as it
+rehearseth afterward, toward the end of the Death of Arthur. So many
+lords and barons of this realm were displeased, for their children were
+so lost, and many put the wite on Merlin more than on Arthur; so what
+for dread and for love, they held their peace. But when the messenger
+came to King Rience, then was he wood out of measure, and purveyed him
+for a great host, as it rehearseth after in the book of Balin le
+Savage, that followeth next after, how by adventure Balin gat the
+sword.
+
+Explicit liber primus.
+
+
+
+BOOK II.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. Of a damosel which came girt with a sword for to find a man
+of such virtue to draw it out of the scabbard.
+
+After the death of Uther Pendragon reigned Arthur his son, the which
+had great war in his days for to get all England into his hand. For
+there were many kings within the realm of England, and in Wales,
+Scotland, and Cornwall. So it befell on a time when King Arthur was at
+London, there came a knight and told the king tidings how that the King
+Rience of North Wales had reared a great number of people, and were
+entered into the land, and burnt and slew the king’s true liege people.
+If this be true, said Arthur, it were great shame unto mine estate but
+that he were mightily withstood. It is truth, said the knight, for I
+saw the host myself. Well, said the king, let make a cry, that all the
+lords, knights, and gentlemen of arms, should draw unto a castle called
+Camelot in those days, and there the king would let make a
+council-general and a great jousts.
+
+So when the king was come thither with all his baronage, and lodged as
+they seemed best, there was come a damosel the which was sent on
+message from the great lady Lile of Avelion. And when she came before
+King Arthur, she told from whom she came, and how she was sent on
+message unto him for these causes. Then she let her mantle fall that
+was richly furred; and then was she girt with a noble sword whereof the
+king had marvel, and said, Damosel, for what cause are ye girt with
+that sword? it beseemeth you not. Now shall I tell you, said the
+damosel; this sword that I am girt withal doth me great sorrow and
+cumbrance, for I may not be delivered of this sword but by a knight,
+but he must be a passing good man of his hands and of his deeds, and
+without villainy or treachery, and without treason. And if I may find
+such a knight that hath all these virtues, he may draw out this sword
+out of the sheath, for I have been at King Rience’s it was told me
+there were passing good knights, and he and all his knights have
+assayed it and none can speed. This is a great marvel, said Arthur, if
+this be sooth; I will myself assay to draw out the sword, not presuming
+upon myself that I am the best knight, but that I will begin to draw at
+your sword in giving example to all the barons that they shall assay
+everych one after other when I have assayed it. Then Arthur took the
+sword by the sheath and by the girdle and pulled at it eagerly, but the
+sword would not out.
+
+Sir, said the damosel, you need not to pull half so hard, for he that
+shall pull it out shall do it with little might. Ye say well, said
+Arthur; now assay ye all my barons; but beware ye be not defiled with
+shame, treachery, nor guile. Then it will not avail, said the damosel,
+for he must be a clean knight without villainy, and of a gentle strain
+of father side and mother side. Most of all the barons of the Round
+Table that were there at that time assayed all by row, but there might
+none speed; wherefore the damosel made great sorrow out of measure, and
+said, Alas! I weened in this court had been the best knights without
+treachery or treason. By my faith, said Arthur, here are good knights,
+as I deem, as any be in the world, but their grace is not to help you,
+wherefore I am displeased.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. How Balin, arrayed like a poor knight, pulled out the
+sword, which afterward was the cause of his death.
+
+Then fell it so that time there was a poor knight with King Arthur,
+that had been prisoner with him half a year and more for slaying of a
+knight, the which was cousin unto King Arthur. The name of this knight
+was called Balin, and by good means of the barons he was delivered out
+of prison, for he was a good man named of his body, and he was born in
+Northumberland. And so he went privily into the court, and saw this
+adventure, whereof it raised his heart, and he would assay it as other
+knights did, but for he was poor and poorly arrayed he put him not far
+in press. But in his heart he was fully assured to do as well, if his
+grace happed him, as any knight that there was. And as the damosel took
+her leave of Arthur and of all the barons, so departing, this knight
+Balin called unto her, and said, Damosel, I pray you of your courtesy,
+suffer me as well to assay as these lords; though that I be so poorly
+clothed, in my heart meseemeth I am fully assured as some of these
+others, and meseemeth in my heart to speed right well. The damosel
+beheld the poor knight, and saw he was a likely man, but for his poor
+arrayment she thought he should be of no worship without villainy or
+treachery. And then she said unto the knight, Sir, it needeth not to
+put me to more pain or labour, for it seemeth not you to speed there as
+other have failed. Ah! fair damosel, said Balin, worthiness, and good
+tatches, and good deeds, are not only in arrayment, but manhood and
+worship is hid within man’s person, and many a worshipful knight is not
+known unto all people, and therefore worship and hardiness is not in
+arrayment. By God, said the damosel, ye say sooth; therefore ye shall
+assay to do what ye may. Then Balin took the sword by the girdle and
+sheath, and drew it out easily; and when he looked on the sword it
+pleased him much. Then had the king and all the barons great marvel
+that Balin had done that adventure, and many knights had great despite
+of Balin. Certes, said the damosel, this is a passing good knight, and
+the best that ever I found, and most of worship without treason,
+treachery, or villainy, and many marvels shall he do. Now, gentle and
+courteous knight, give me the sword again. Nay, said Balin, for this
+sword will I keep, but it be taken from me with force. Well, said the
+damosel, ye are not wise to keep the sword from me, for ye shall slay
+with the sword the best friend that ye have, and the man that ye most
+love in the world, and the sword shall be your destruction. I shall
+take the adventure, said Balin, that God will ordain me, but the sword
+ye shall not have at this time, by the faith of my body. Ye shall
+repent it within short time, said the damosel, for I would have the
+sword more for your avail than for mine, for I am passing heavy for
+your sake; for ye will not believe that sword shall be your
+destruction, and that is great pity. With that the damosel departed,
+making great sorrow.
+
+Anon after, Balin sent for his horse and armour, and so would depart
+from the court, and took his leave of King Arthur. Nay, said the king,
+I suppose ye will not depart so lightly from this fellowship, I suppose
+ye are displeased that I have shewed you unkindness; blame me the less,
+for I was misinformed against you, but I weened ye had not been such a
+knight as ye are, of worship and prowess, and if ye will abide in this
+court among my fellowship, I shall so advance you as ye shall be
+pleased. God thank your highness, said Balin, your bounty and highness
+may no man praise half to the value; but at this time I must needs
+depart, beseeching you alway of your good grace. Truly, said the king,
+I am right wroth for your departing; I pray you, fair knight, that ye
+tarry not long, and ye shall be right welcome to me, and to my barons,
+and I shall amend all miss that I have done against you; God thank your
+great lordship, said Balin, and therewith made him ready to depart.
+Then the most part of the knights of the Round Table said that Balin
+did not this adventure all only by might, but by witchcraft.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. How the Lady of the Lake demanded the knight’s head that
+had won the sword, or the maiden’s head.
+
+The meanwhile, that this knight was making him ready to depart, there
+came into the court a lady that hight the Lady of the Lake. And she
+came on horseback, richly beseen, and saluted King Arthur, and there
+asked him a gift that he promised her when she gave him the sword. That
+is sooth, said Arthur, a gift I promised you, but I have forgotten the
+name of my sword that ye gave me. The name of it, said the lady, is
+Excalibur, that is as much to say as Cut-steel. Ye say well, said the
+king; ask what ye will and ye shall have it, an it lie in my power to
+give it. Well, said the lady, I ask the head of the knight that hath
+won the sword, or else the damosel’s head that brought it; I take no
+force though I have both their heads, for he slew my brother, a good
+knight and a true, and that gentlewoman was causer of my father’s
+death. Truly, said King Arthur, I may not grant neither of their heads
+with my worship, therefore ask what ye will else, and I shall fulfil
+your desire. I will ask none other thing, said the lady. When Balin was
+ready to depart, he saw the Lady of the Lake, that by her means had
+slain Balin’s mother, and he had sought her three years; and when it
+was told him that she asked his head of King Arthur, he went to her
+straight and said, Evil be you found; ye would have my head, and
+therefore ye shall lose yours, and with his sword lightly he smote off
+her head before King Arthur. Alas, for shame! said Arthur, why have 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. Sir, said Balin, me forthinketh of
+your displeasure, for this same lady was the untruest lady living, and
+by enchantment and sorcery she hath been the destroyer of many good
+knights, and she was causer that my mother was burnt, through her
+falsehood and treachery. What cause soever ye had, said Arthur, ye
+should have forborne her in my presence; therefore, think not the
+contrary, ye shall repent it, for such another despite had I never in
+my court; therefore withdraw you out of my court in all haste ye may.
+
+Then Balin took up the head of the lady, and bare it with him to his
+hostelry, and there he met with his squire, that was sorry he had
+displeased King Arthur and so they rode forth out of the town. Now,
+said Balin, we must depart, take thou this head and bear it to my
+friends, and tell them how I have sped, and tell my friends in
+Northumberland that my most foe is dead. Also tell them how I am out of
+prison, and what adventure befell me at the getting of this sword.
+Alas! said the squire, ye are greatly to blame for to displease King
+Arthur. As for that, said Balin, I will hie me, in all the haste that I
+may, to meet with King Rience and destroy him, either else to die
+therefore; and if it may hap me to win him, then will King Arthur be my
+good and gracious lord. Where shall I meet with you? said the squire.
+In King Arthur’s court, said Balin. So his squire and he departed at
+that time. Then King Arthur and all the court made great dole and had
+shame of the death of the Lady of the Lake. Then the king buried her
+richly.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. How Merlin told the adventure of this damosel.
+
+At that time there was a knight, the which was the king’s son of
+Ireland, and his name was Lanceor, the which was an orgulous knight,
+and counted himself one of the best of the court; and he had great
+despite at Balin for the achieving of the sword, that any should be
+accounted more hardy, or more of prowess; and he asked King Arthur if
+he would give him leave to ride after Balin and to revenge the despite
+that he had done. Do your best, said Arthur, I am right wroth with
+Balin; I would he were quit of the despite that he hath done to me and
+to my court. Then this Lanceor went to his hostelry to make him ready.
+In the meanwhile came Merlin unto the court of King Arthur, and there
+was told him the adventure of the sword, and the death of the Lady of
+the Lake. Now shall I say you, said Merlin; this same damosel that here
+standeth, that brought the sword unto your court, I shall tell you the
+cause of her coming: she was the falsest damosel that liveth. Say not
+so, said they. She hath a brother, a passing good knight of prowess and
+a full true man; and this damosel loved another knight that held her to
+paramour, and this good knight her brother met with the knight that
+held her to paramour, and slew him by force of his hands. When this
+false damosel understood this, she went to the Lady Lile of Avelion,
+and besought her of help, to be avenged on her own brother.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. How Balin was pursued by Sir Lanceor, knight of Ireland, and
+how he jousted and slew him.
+
+And so this Lady Lile of Avelion took her this sword that she brought
+with her, and told there should no man pull it out of the sheath but if
+he be one of the best knights of this realm, and he should be hard and
+full of prowess, and with that sword he should slay her brother. This
+was the cause that the damosel came into this court. I know it as well
+as ye. Would God she had not come into this court, but she came never
+in fellowship of worship to do good, but always great harm; and that
+knight that hath achieved the sword shall be destroyed by that sword,
+for the which will be great damage, for there liveth not a knight of
+more prowess than he is, and he shall do unto you, my Lord Arthur,
+great honour and kindness; and it is great pity he shall not endure but
+a while, for of his strength and hardiness I know not his match living.
+
+So the knight of Ireland armed him at all points, and dressed his
+shield on his shoulder, and mounted upon horseback, and took his spear
+in his hand, and rode after a great pace, as much as his horse might
+go; and within a little space on a mountain he had a sight of Balin,
+and with a loud voice he cried, Abide, knight, for ye shall abide
+whether ye will or nill, and the shield that is to-fore you shall not
+help. When Balin heard the noise, he turned his horse fiercely, and
+said, Fair knight, what will ye with me, will ye joust with me? Yea,
+said the Irish knight, therefore come I after you. Peradventure, said
+Balin, it had been better to have holden you at home, for many a man
+weeneth to put his enemy to a rebuke, and oft it falleth to himself. Of
+what court be ye sent from? said Balin. I am come from the court of
+King Arthur, said the knight of Ireland, that come hither for to
+revenge the despite ye did this day to King Arthur and to his court.
+Well, said Balin, I see well I must have ado with you, that me
+forthinketh for to grieve King Arthur, or any of his court; and your
+quarrel is full simple, said Balin, unto me, for the lady that is dead,
+did me great damage, and else would I have been loath as any knight
+that liveth for to slay a lady. Make you ready, said the knight
+Lanceor, and dress you unto me, for that one shall abide in the field.
+Then they took their spears, and came together as much as their horses
+might drive, and the Irish knight smote Balin on the shield, that all
+went shivers off his spear, and Balin hit him through the shield, and
+the hauberk perished, and so pierced through his body and the horse’s
+croup, and anon turned his horse fiercely, and drew out his sword, and
+wist not that he had slain him; and then he saw him lie as a dead
+corpse.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. How a damosel, which was love to Lanceor, slew herself for
+love, and how Balin met with his brother Balan.
+
+Then he looked by him, and was ware of a damosel that came riding full
+fast as the horse might ride, on a fair palfrey. And when she espied
+that Lanceor was slain, she made sorrow out of measure, and said, O
+Balin, two bodies thou hast slain and one heart, and two hearts in one
+body, and two souls thou hast lost. And therewith she took the sword
+from her love that lay dead, and fell to the ground in a swoon. And
+when she arose she made great dole out of measure, the which sorrow
+grieved Balin passingly sore, and he went unto her for to have taken
+the sword out of her hand, but she held it so fast he might not take it
+out of her hand unless he should have hurt her, and suddenly she set
+the pommel to the ground, and rove herself through the body. When Balin
+espied her deeds, he was passing heavy in his heart, and ashamed that
+so fair a damosel had destroyed herself for the love of his death.
+Alas, said Balin, me repenteth sore the death of this knight, for the
+love of this damosel, for there was much true love betwixt them both,
+and for sorrow might not longer behold him, but turned his horse and
+looked toward a great forest, and there he was ware, by the arms, of
+his brother Balan. And when they were met they put off their helms and
+kissed together, and wept for joy and pity. Then Balan said, I little
+weened to have met with you at this sudden adventure; I am right glad
+of your deliverance out of your dolorous prisonment, for a man told me,
+in the castle of Four Stones, that ye were delivered, and that man had
+seen you in the court of King Arthur, and therefore I came hither into
+this country, for here I supposed to find you. Anon the knight Balin
+told his brother of his adventure of the sword, and of the death of the
+Lady of the Lake, and how King Arthur was displeased with him.
+Wherefore he sent this knight after me, that lieth here dead, and the
+death of this damosel grieveth me sore. So doth it me, said Balan, but
+ye must take the adventure that God will ordain you. Truly, said Balin,
+I am right heavy that my Lord Arthur is displeased with me, for he is
+the most worshipful knight that reigneth now on earth, and his love
+will I get or else will I put my life in adventure. For the King Rience
+lieth at a siege at the Castle Terrabil, and thither will we draw in
+all haste, to prove our worship and prowess upon him. I will well, said
+Balan, that we do, and we will help each other as brethren ought to do.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. How a dwarf reproved Balin for the death of Lanceor, and
+how King Mark of Cornwall found them, and made a tomb over them.
+
+Now go we hence, said Balin, and well be we met. The meanwhile as they
+talked, there came a dwarf from the city of Camelot on horseback, as
+much as he might; and found the dead bodies, wherefore he made great
+dole, and pulled out his hair for sorrow, and said, Which of you
+knights have done this deed? Whereby askest thou it? said Balan. For I
+would wit it, said the dwarf. It was I, said Balin, that slew this
+knight in my defence, for hither he came to chase me, and either I must
+slay him or he me; and this damosel slew herself for his love, which
+repenteth me, and for her sake I shall owe all women the better love.
+Alas, said the dwarf, thou hast done great damage unto thyself, for
+this knight that is here dead was one of the most valiantest men that
+lived, and trust well, Balin, the kin of this knight will chase you
+through the world till they have slain you. As for that, said Balin, I
+fear not greatly, but I am right heavy that I have displeased my lord
+King Arthur, for the death of this knight. So as they talked together,
+there came a king of Cornwall riding, the which hight King Mark. And
+when he saw these two bodies dead, and understood how they were dead,
+by the two knights above said, then made the king great sorrow for the
+true love that was betwixt them, and said, I will not depart till I
+have on this earth made a tomb, and there he pight his pavilions and
+sought through all the country to find a tomb, and in a church they
+found one was fair and rich, and then the king let put them both in the
+earth, and put the tomb upon them, and wrote the names of them both on
+the tomb. How here lieth Lanceor the king’s son of Ireland, that at his
+own request was slain by the hands of Balin; and how his lady, Colombe,
+and paramour, slew herself with her love’s sword for dole and sorrow.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. How Merlin prophesied that two the best knights of the
+world should fight there, which were Sir Lancelot and Sir Tristram.
+
+The meanwhile as this was a-doing, in came Merlin to King Mark, and
+seeing all his doing, said, Here shall be in this same place the
+greatest battle betwixt two knights that was or ever shall be, and the
+truest lovers, and yet none of them shall slay other. And there Merlin
+wrote their names upon the tomb with letters of gold that should fight
+in that place, whose names were Launcelot de Lake, and Tristram. Thou
+art a marvellous man, said King Mark unto Merlin, that speakest of such
+marvels, thou art a boistous man and an unlikely to tell of such deeds.
+What is thy name? said King Mark. At this time, said Merlin, I will not
+tell, but at that time when Sir Tristram is taken with his sovereign
+lady, then ye shall hear and know my name, and at that time ye shall
+hear tidings that shall not please you. Then said Merlin to Balin, Thou
+hast done thyself great hurt, because that thou savest not this lady
+that slew herself, that might have saved her an thou wouldest. By the
+faith of my body, said Balin, I might not save her, for she slew
+herself suddenly. Me repenteth, said Merlin; because of the death of
+that lady thou shalt strike a stroke most dolorous that ever man
+struck, except the stroke of our Lord, for thou shalt hurt the truest
+knight and the man of most worship that now liveth, and through that
+stroke three kingdoms shall be in great poverty, misery and
+wretchedness twelve years, and the knight shall not be whole of that
+wound for many years. Then Merlin took his leave of Balin. And Balin
+said, If I wist it were sooth that ye say I should do such a perilous
+deed as that, I would slay myself to make thee a liar. Therewith Merlin
+vanished away suddenly. And then Balan and his brother took their leave
+of King Mark. First, said the king, tell me your name. Sir, said Balan,
+ye may see he beareth two swords, thereby ye may call him the Knight
+with the Two Swords. And so departed King Mark unto Camelot to King
+Arthur, and Balin took the way toward King Rience; and as they rode
+together they met with Merlin disguised, but they knew him not. Whither
+ride you? said Merlin. We have little to do, said the two knights, to
+tell thee. But what is thy name? said Balin. At this time, said Merlin,
+I will not tell it thee. It is evil seen, said the knights, that thou
+art a true man that thou wilt not tell thy name. As for that, said
+Merlin, be it as it be may, I can tell you wherefore ye ride this way,
+for to meet King Rience; but it will not avail you without ye have my
+counsel. Ah! said Balin, ye are Merlin; we will be ruled by your
+counsel. Come on, said Merlin, ye shall have great worship, and look
+that ye do knightly, for ye shall have great need. As for that, said
+Balin, dread you not, we will do what we may.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. How Balin and his brother, by the counsel of Merlin, took
+King Rience and brought him to King Arthur.
+
+Then Merlin lodged them in a wood among leaves beside the highway, and
+took off the bridles of their horses and put them to grass and laid
+them down to rest them till it was nigh midnight. Then Merlin bade them
+rise, and make them ready, for the king was nigh them, that was stolen
+away from his host with a three score horses of his best knights, and
+twenty of them rode to-fore to warn the Lady de Vance that the king was
+coming; for that night King Rience should have lain with her. Which is
+the king? said Balin. Abide, said Merlin, here in a strait way ye shall
+meet with him; and therewith he showed Balin and his brother where he
+rode.
+
+Anon Balin and his brother met with the king, and smote him down, and
+wounded him fiercely, and laid him to the ground; and there they slew
+on the right hand and the left hand, and slew more than forty of his
+men, and the remnant fled. Then went they again to King Rience and
+would have slain him had he not yielded him unto their grace. Then said
+he thus: Knights full of prowess, slay me not, for by my life ye may
+win, and by my death ye shall win nothing. Then said these two knights,
+Ye say sooth and truth, and so laid him on a horse-litter. With that
+Merlin was vanished, and came to King Arthur aforehand, and told him
+how his most enemy was taken and discomfited. By whom? said King
+Arthur. By two knights, said Merlin, that would please your lordship,
+and to-morrow ye shall know what knights they are. Anon after came the
+Knight with the Two Swords and Balan his brother, and brought with them
+King Rience of North Wales, and there delivered him to the porters, and
+charged them with him; and so they two returned again in the dawning of
+the day. King Arthur came then to King Rience, and said, Sir king, ye
+are welcome: by what adventure come ye hither? Sir, said King Rience, I
+came hither by an hard adventure. Who won you? said King Arthur. Sir,
+said the king, the Knight with the Two Swords and his brother, which
+are two marvellous knights of prowess. I know them not, said Arthur,
+but much I am beholden to them. Ah, said Merlin, I shall tell you: it
+is Balin that achieved the sword, and his brother Balan, a good knight,
+there liveth not a better of prowess and of worthiness, and it shall be
+the greatest dole of him that ever I knew of knight, for he shall not
+long endure. Alas, said King Arthur, that is great pity; for I am much
+beholden unto him, and I have ill deserved it unto him for his
+kindness. Nay, said Merlin, he shall do much more for you, and that
+shall ye know in haste. But, sir, are ye purveyed, said Merlin, for
+to-morn the host of Nero, King Rience’s brother, will set on you or
+noon with a great host, and therefore make you ready, for I will depart
+from you.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. How King Arthur had a battle against Nero and King Lot of
+Orkney, and how King Lot was deceived by Merlin, and how twelve kings
+were slain.
+
+Then King Arthur made ready his host in ten battles and Nero was ready
+in the field afore the Castle Terrabil with a great host, and he had
+ten battles, with many more people than Arthur had. Then Nero had the
+vanguard with the most part of his people, and Merlin came to King Lot
+of the Isle of Orkney, and held him with a tale of prophecy, till Nero
+and his people were destroyed. And there Sir Kay the seneschal did
+passingly well, that the days of his life the worship went never from
+him; and Sir Hervis de Revel did marvellous deeds with King Arthur, and
+King Arthur slew that day twenty knights and maimed forty. At that time
+came in the Knight with the Two Swords and his brother Balan, but they
+two did so marvellously that the king and all the knights marvelled of
+them, and all they that beheld them said they were sent from heaven as
+angels, or devils from hell; and King Arthur said himself they were the
+best knights that ever he saw, for they gave such strokes that all men
+had wonder of them.
+
+In the meanwhile came one to King Lot, and told him while he tarried
+there Nero was destroyed and slain with all his people. Alas, said King
+Lot, I am ashamed, for by my default there is many a worshipful man
+slain, for an we had been together there had been none host under the
+heaven that had been able for to have matched with us; this faiter with
+his prophecy hath mocked me. All that did Merlin, for he knew well that
+an King Lot had been with his body there at the first battle, King
+Arthur had been slain, and all his people destroyed; and well Merlin
+knew that one of the kings should be dead that day, and loath was
+Merlin that any of them both should be slain; but of the twain, he had
+liefer King Lot had been slain than King Arthur. Now what is best to
+do? said King Lot of Orkney; whether is me better to treat with King
+Arthur or to fight, for the greater part of our people are slain and
+destroyed? Sir, said a knight, set on Arthur for they are weary and
+forfoughten and we be fresh. As for me, said King Lot, I would every
+knight would do his part as I would do mine. And then they advanced
+banners and smote together and all to-shivered their spears; and
+Arthur’s knights, with the help of the Knight with the Two Swords and
+his brother Balan put King Lot and his host to the worse. But always
+King Lot held him in the foremost front, and did marvellous deeds of
+arms, for all his host was borne up by his hands, for he abode all
+knights. Alas he might not endure, the which was great pity, that so
+worthy a knight as he was one should be overmatched, that of late time
+afore had been a knight of King Arthur’s, and wedded the sister of King
+Arthur; and for King Arthur lay by King Lot’s wife, the which was
+Arthur’s sister, and gat on her Mordred, therefore King Lot held
+against Arthur. So there was a knight that was called the Knight with
+the Strange Beast, and at that time his right name was called
+Pellinore, the which was a good man of prowess, and he smote a mighty
+stroke at King Lot as he fought with all his enemies, and he failed of
+his stroke, and smote the horse’s neck, that he fell to the ground with
+King Lot. And therewith anon Pellinore smote him a great stroke through
+the helm and head unto the brows. And then all the host of Orkney fled
+for the death of King Lot, and there were slain many mothers’ sons. But
+King Pellinore bare the wite of the death of King Lot, wherefore Sir
+Gawaine revenged the death of his father the tenth year after he was
+made knight, and slew King Pellinore with his own hands. Also there
+were slain at that battle twelve kings on the side of King Lot with
+Nero, and all were buried in the Church of Saint Stephen’s in Camelot,
+and the remnant of knights and of others were buried in a great rock.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. Of the interment of twelve kings, and of the prophecy of
+Merlin, and how Balin should give the dolorous stroke.
+
+So at the interment came King Lot’s wife Margawse with her four sons,
+Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris, and Gareth. Also there came thither King
+Uriens, Sir Ewaine’s father, and Morgan le Fay his wife that was King
+Arthur’s sister. All these came to the interment. But of all these
+twelve kings King Arthur let make the tomb of King Lot passing richly,
+and made his tomb by his own; and then Arthur let make twelve images of
+latten and copper, and over-gilt it with gold, in the sign of twelve
+kings, and each one of them held a taper of wax that burnt day and
+night; and King Arthur was made in sign of a figure standing above them
+with a sword drawn in his hand, and all the twelve figures had
+countenance like unto men that were overcome. All this made Merlin by
+his subtle craft, and there he told the king, When I am dead these
+tapers shall burn no longer, and soon after the adventures of the
+Sangreal shall come among you and be achieved. Also he told Arthur how
+Balin the worshipful knight shall give the dolorous stroke, whereof
+shall fall great vengeance. Oh, where is Balin and Balan and Pellinore?
+said King Arthur. As for Pellinore, said Merlin, he will meet with you
+soon; and as for Balin he will not be long from you; but the other
+brother will depart, ye shall see him no more. By my faith, said
+Arthur, they are two marvellous knights, and namely Balin passeth of
+prowess of any knight that ever I found, for much beholden am I unto
+him; would God he would abide with me. Sir, said Merlin, look ye keep
+well the scabbard of Excalibur, for ye shall lose no blood while ye
+have the scabbard upon you, though ye have as many wounds upon you as
+ye may have. So after, for great trust, Arthur betook the scabbard to
+Morgan le Fay his sister, and she loved another knight better than her
+husband King Uriens or King Arthur, and she would have had Arthur her
+brother slain, and therefore she let make another scabbard like it by
+enchantment, and gave the scabbard Excalibur to her love; and the
+knight’s name was called Accolon, that after had near slain King
+Arthur. After this Merlin told unto King Arthur of the prophecy that
+there should be a great battle beside Salisbury, and Mordred his own
+son should be against him. Also he told him that Bagdemegus was his
+cousin, and germain unto King Uriens.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. How a sorrowful knight came before Arthur, and how Balin
+fetched him, and how that knight was slain by a knight invisible.
+
+Within a day or two King Arthur was somewhat sick, and he let pitch his
+pavilion in a meadow, and there he laid him down on a pallet to sleep,
+but he might have no rest. Right so he heard a great noise of an horse,
+and therewith the king looked out at the porch of the pavilion, and saw
+a knight coming even by him, making great dole. Abide, fair sir, said
+Arthur, and tell me wherefore thou makest this sorrow. Ye may little
+amend me, said the knight, and so passed forth to the castle of Meliot.
+Anon after there came Balin, and when he saw King Arthur he alighted
+off his horse, and came to the King on foot, and saluted him. By my
+head, said Arthur, ye be welcome. Sir, right now came riding this way a
+knight making great mourn, for what cause I cannot tell; wherefore I
+would desire of you of your courtesy and of your gentleness to fetch
+again that knight either by force or else by his good will. I will do
+more for your lordship than that, said Balin; and so he rode more than
+a pace, and found the knight with a damosel in a forest, and said, Sir
+knight, ye must come with me unto King Arthur, for to tell him of your
+sorrow. That will I not, said the knight, for it will scathe me
+greatly, and do you none avail. Sir, said Balin, I pray you make you
+ready, for ye must go with me, or else I must fight with you and bring
+you by force, and that were me loath to do. Will ye be my warrant, said
+the knight, an I go with you? Yea, said Balin, or else I will die
+therefore. And so he made him ready to go with Balin, and left the
+damosel still. And as they were even afore King Arthur’s pavilion,
+there came one invisible, and smote this knight that went with Balin
+throughout the body with a spear. Alas, said the knight, I am slain
+under your conduct with a knight called Garlon; therefore take my horse
+that is better than yours, and ride to the damosel, and follow the
+quest that I was in as she will lead you, and revenge my death when ye
+may. That shall I do, said Balin, and that I make vow unto knighthood;
+and so he departed from this knight with great sorrow. So King Arthur
+let bury this knight richly, and made a mention on his tomb, how there
+was slain Herlews le Berbeus, and by whom the treachery was done, the
+knight Garlon. But ever the damosel bare the truncheon of the spear
+with her that Sir Herlews was slain withal.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII. How Balin and the damosel met with a knight which was in
+likewise slain, and how the damosel bled for the custom of a castle.
+
+So Balin and the damosel rode into a forest, and there met with a
+knight that had been a-hunting, and that knight asked Balin for what
+cause he made so great sorrow. Me list not to tell you, said Balin.
+Now, said the knight, an I were armed as ye be I would fight with you.
+That should little need, said Balin, I am not afeard to tell you, and
+told him all the cause how it was. Ah, said the knight, is this all?
+here I ensure you by the faith of my body never to depart from you
+while my life lasteth. And so they went to the hostelry and armed them,
+and so rode forth with Balin. And as they came by an hermitage even by
+a churchyard, there came the knight Garlon invisible, and smote this
+knight, Perin de Mountbeliard, through the body with a spear. Alas,
+said the knight, I am slain by this traitor knight that rideth
+invisible. Alas, said Balin, it is not the first despite he hath done
+me; and there the hermit and Balin buried the knight under a rich stone
+and a tomb royal. And on the morn they found letters of gold written,
+how Sir Gawaine shall revenge his father’s death, King Lot, on the King
+Pellinore. Anon after this Balin and the damosel rode till they came to
+a castle, and there Balin alighted, and he and the damosel went to go
+into the castle, and anon as Balin came within the castle’s gate the
+portcullis fell down at his back, and there fell many men about the
+damosel, and would have slain her. When Balin saw that, he was sore
+aggrieved, for he might not help the damosel. Then he went up into the
+tower, and leapt over walls into the ditch, and hurt him not; and anon
+he pulled out his sword and would have foughten with them. And they all
+said nay, they would not fight with him, for they did nothing but the
+old custom of the castle; and told him how their lady was sick, and had
+lain many years, and she might not be whole but if she had a dish of
+silver full of blood of a clean maid and a king’s daughter; and
+therefore the custom of this castle is, there shall no damosel pass
+this way but she shall bleed of her blood in a silver dish full. Well,
+said Balin, she shall bleed as much as she may bleed, but I will not
+lose the life of her whiles my life lasteth. And so Balin made her to
+bleed by her good will, but her blood helped not the lady. And so he
+and she rested there all night, and had there right good cheer, and on
+the morn they passed on their ways. And as it telleth after in the
+Sangreal, that Sir Percivale’s sister helped that lady with her blood,
+whereof she was dead.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV. How Balin met with that knight named Garlon at a feast,
+and there he slew him, to have his blood to heal therewith the son of
+his host.
+
+Then they rode three or four days and never met with adventure, and by
+hap they were lodged with a gentle man that was a rich man and well at
+ease. And as they sat at their supper Balin overheard one complain
+grievously by him in a chair. What is this noise? said Balin. Forsooth,
+said his host, I will tell you. I was but late at a jousting, and there
+I jousted with a knight that is brother unto King Pellam, and twice
+smote I him down, and then he promised to quit me on my best friend;
+and so he wounded my son, that cannot be whole till I have of that
+knight’s blood, and he rideth alway invisible; but I know not his name.
+Ah! said Balin, I know that knight, his name is Garlon, he hath slain
+two knights of mine in the same manner, therefore I had liefer meet
+with that knight than all the gold in this realm, for the despite he
+hath done me. Well, said his host, I shall tell you, King Pellam of
+Listeneise hath made do cry in all this country a great feast that
+shall be within these twenty days, and no knight may come there but if
+he bring his wife with him, or his paramour; and that knight, your
+enemy and mine, ye shall see that day. Then I behote you, said Balin,
+part of his blood to heal your son withal. We will be forward to-morn,
+said his host. So on the morn they rode all three toward Pellam, and
+they had fifteen days’ journey or they came thither; and that same day
+began the great feast. And so they alighted and stabled their horses,
+and went into the castle; but Balin’s host might not be let in because
+he had no lady. Then Balin was well received and brought unto a chamber
+and unarmed him; and there were brought him robes to his pleasure, and
+would have had Balin leave his sword behind him. Nay, said Balin, that
+do I not, for it is the custom of my country a knight always to keep
+his weapon with him, and that custom will I keep, or else I will depart
+as I came. Then they gave him leave to wear his sword, and so he went
+unto the castle, and was set among knights of worship, and his lady
+afore him.
+
+Soon Balin asked a knight, Is there not a knight in this court whose
+name is Garlon? Yonder he goeth, said a knight, he with the black face;
+he is the marvellest knight that is now living, for he destroyeth many
+good knights, for he goeth invisible. Ah well, said Balin, is that he?
+Then Balin advised him long: If I slay him here I shall not escape, and
+if I leave him now, peradventure I shall never meet with him again at
+such a steven, and much harm he will do an he live. Therewith this
+Garlon espied that this Balin beheld him, and then he came and smote
+Balin on the face with the back of his hand, and said, Knight, why
+beholdest me so? for shame therefore, eat thy meat and do that thou
+came for. Thou sayest sooth, said Balin, this is not the first despite
+that thou hast done me, and therefore I will do what I came for, and
+rose up fiercely and clave his head to the shoulders. Give me the
+truncheon, said Balin to his lady, wherewith he slew your knight. Anon
+she gave it him, for alway she bare the truncheon with her. And
+therewith Balin smote him through the body, and said openly, With that
+truncheon thou hast slain a good knight, and now it sticketh in thy
+body. And then Balin called unto him his host, saying, Now may ye fetch
+blood enough to heal your son withal.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV. How Balin fought with King Pellam, and how his sword brake,
+and how he gat a spear wherewith he smote the dolorous stroke.
+
+Anon all the knights arose from the table for to set on Balin, and King
+Pellam himself arose up fiercely, and said, Knight, hast thou slain my
+brother? thou shalt die therefore or thou depart. Well, said Balin, do
+it yourself. Yes, said King Pellam, there shall no man have ado with
+thee but myself, for the love of my brother. Then King Pellam caught in
+his hand a grim weapon and smote eagerly at Balin; but Balin put the
+sword betwixt his head and the stroke, and therewith his sword burst in
+sunder. And when Balin was weaponless he ran into a chamber for to seek
+some weapon, and so from chamber to chamber, and no weapon he could
+find, and always King Pellam after him. And at the last he entered into
+a chamber that was marvellously well dight and richly, and a bed
+arrayed with cloth of gold, the richest that might be thought, and one
+lying therein, and thereby stood a table of clean gold with four
+pillars of silver that bare up the table, and upon the table stood a
+marvellous spear strangely wrought. And when Balin saw that spear, he
+gat it in his hand and turned him to King Pellam, and smote him
+passingly sore with that spear, that King Pellam fell down in a swoon,
+and therewith the castle roof and walls brake and fell to the earth,
+and Balin fell down so that he might not stir foot nor hand. And so the
+most part of the castle, that was fallen down through that dolorous
+stroke, lay upon Pellam and Balin three days.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI. How Balin was delivered by Merlin, and saved a knight that
+would have slain himself for love.
+
+Then Merlin came thither and took up Balin, and gat him a good horse,
+for his was dead, and bade him ride out of that country. I would have
+my damosel, said Balin. Lo, said Merlin, where she lieth dead. And King
+Pellam lay so, many years sore wounded, and might never be whole till
+Galahad the haut prince healed him in the quest of the Sangreal, for in
+that place was part of the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, that Joseph
+of Arimathea brought into this land, and there himself lay in that rich
+bed. And that was the same spear that Longius smote our Lord to the
+heart; and King Pellam was nigh of Joseph’s kin, and that was the most
+worshipful man that lived in those days, and great pity it was of his
+hurt, for through that stroke, turned to great dole, tray and tene.
+Then departed Balin from Merlin, and said, In this world we meet never
+no more. So he rode forth through the fair countries and cities, and
+found the people dead, slain on every side. And all that were alive
+cried, O Balin, thou hast caused great damage in these countries; for
+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 past those countries he was passing fain.
+
+So he rode eight days or he met with adventure. And at the last he came
+into a fair forest in a valley, and was ware of a tower, and there
+beside he saw a great horse of war, tied to a tree, and there beside
+sat a fair knight on the ground and made great mourning, and he was a
+likely man, and a well made. Balin said, God save you, why be ye so
+heavy? tell me and I will amend it, an I may, to my power. Sir knight,
+said he again, thou dost me great grief, for I was in merry thoughts,
+and now thou puttest me to more pain. Balin went a little from him, and
+looked on his horse; then heard Balin him say thus: Ah, fair lady, why
+have ye broken my promise, for thou promisest me to meet me here by
+noon, and I may curse thee that ever ye gave me this sword, for with
+this sword I slay myself, and pulled it out. And therewith Balin stert
+unto him and took him by the hand. Let go my hand, said the knight, or
+else I shall slay thee. That shall not need, said Balin, for I shall
+promise you my help to get you your lady, an ye will tell me where she
+is. What is your name? said the knight. My name is Balin le Savage. Ah,
+sir, I know you well enough, ye are the Knight with the Two Swords, and
+the man of most prowess of your hands living. What is your name? said
+Balin. My name is Garnish of the Mount, a poor man’s son, but by my
+prowess and hardiness a duke hath made me knight, and gave me lands;
+his name is Duke Hermel, and his daughter is she that I love, and she
+me as I deemed. How far is she hence? said Balin. But six mile, said
+the knight. Now ride we hence, said these two knights. So they rode
+more than a pace, till that they came to a fair castle well walled and
+ditched. I will into the castle, said Balin, and look if she be there.
+So he went in and searched from chamber to chamber, and found her bed,
+but she was not there. Then Balin looked into a fair little garden, and
+under a laurel tree he saw her lie upon a quilt of green samite and a
+knight in her arms, fast halsing either other, and under their heads
+grass and herbs. When Balin saw her lie so with the foulest knight that
+ever he saw, and she a fair lady, then Balin went through all the
+chambers again, and told the knight how he found her as she had slept
+fast, and so brought him in the place there she lay fast sleeping.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII. How that knight slew his love and a knight lying by her,
+and after, how he slew himself with his own sword, and how Balin rode
+toward a castle where he lost his life.
+
+And when Garnish beheld her so lying, for pure sorrow his mouth and
+nose burst out a-bleeding, and with his sword he smote off both their
+heads, and then he made sorrow out of measure, and said, O Balin, much
+sorrow hast thou brought unto me, for hadst thou not shewed me that
+sight I should have passed my sorrow. Forsooth, said Balin, I did it to
+this intent that it should better thy courage, and that ye might see
+and know her falsehood, and to cause you to leave love of such a lady;
+God knoweth I did none other but as I would ye did to me. Alas, said
+Garnish, now is my sorrow double that I may not endure, now have I
+slain that I most loved in all my life; and therewith suddenly he rove
+himself on his own sword unto the hilts. When Balin saw that, he
+dressed him thenceward, lest folk would say he had slain them; and so
+he rode forth, and within three days he came by a cross, and thereon
+were letters of gold written, that said, It is not for no knight alone
+to ride toward this castle. Then saw he an old hoar gentleman coming
+toward him, that said, Balin le Savage, thou passest thy bounds to come
+this way, therefore turn again and it will avail thee. And he vanished
+away anon; and so he heard an horn blow as it had been the death of a
+beast. That blast, said Balin, is blown for me, for I am the prize and
+yet am I not dead. Anon withal he saw an hundred ladies and many
+knights, that welcomed him with fair semblant, and made him passing
+good cheer unto his sight, and led him into the castle, and there was
+dancing and minstrelsy and all manner of joy. Then the chief lady of
+the castle said, Knight with the Two Swords, ye must have ado and joust
+with a knight hereby that keepeth an island, for there may no man pass
+this way but he must joust or he pass. That is an unhappy custom, said
+Balin, that a knight may not pass this way but if he joust. Ye shall
+not have ado but with one knight, said the lady.
+
+Well, said Balin, since I shall thereto I am ready, but travelling men
+are oft weary and their horses too, but though my horse be weary my
+heart is not weary, I would be fain there my death should be. Sir, said
+a knight to Balin, methinketh your shield is not good, I will lend you
+a bigger. Thereof I pray you. And so he took the shield that was
+unknown and left his own, and so rode unto the island, and put him and
+his horse in a great boat; and when he came on the other side he met
+with a damosel, and she said, O knight Balin, why have ye left your own
+shield? alas ye have put yourself in great danger, for by your shield
+ye should have been known; it is great pity of you as ever was of
+knight, for of thy prowess and hardiness thou hast no fellow 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. And
+then he looked on his armour, and understood he was well armed, and
+therewith blessed him and mounted upon his horse.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII. How Balin met with his brother Balan, and how each of
+them slew other unknown, till they were wounded to death.
+
+Then afore him he saw come riding out of a castle a knight, and his
+horse trapped all red, and himself in the same colour. When this knight
+in the red beheld Balin, him thought it should be his brother Balin by
+cause of his two swords, but by cause he knew not his shield he deemed
+it was not he. And so they aventryd their spears and came marvellously
+fast together, and they smote each other in the shields, but their
+spears and their course were so big that it bare down horse and man,
+that they lay both in a swoon. But Balin was bruised sore with the fall
+of his horse, for he was weary of travel. And Balan was the first that
+rose on foot and drew his sword, and went toward Balin, and he arose
+and went against him; but Balan smote Balin first, and he put up his
+shield and smote him through the shield and tamed his helm. Then Balin
+smote him again with that unhappy sword, and well-nigh had felled his
+brother Balan, and so they fought there together till their breaths
+failed. Then Balin looked up to the castle and saw the towers stand
+full of ladies. So they went unto battle again, and wounded everych
+other dolefully, and then they breathed ofttimes, and so went unto
+battle that all the place there as they fought was blood red. And at
+that time there was none of them both but they had either smitten other
+seven great wounds, so that the least of them might have been the death
+of the mightiest giant in this world.
+
+Then they went to battle again so marvellously that doubt it was to
+hear of that battle for the great blood-shedding, and their hauberks
+unnailed that naked they were on every side. At last Balan the younger
+brother withdrew him a little and laid him down. Then said Balin le
+Savage, What knight art thou? for or now I found never no knight that
+matched me. My name is, said he, Balan, brother unto the good knight,
+Balin. Alas, said Balin, that ever I should see this day, and therewith
+he fell backward in a swoon. Then Balan yede on all four feet and
+hands, and put off the helm off his brother, and might not know him by
+the visage it was so ful hewn and bled; but when he awoke he said, O
+Balan, my brother, thou hast slain me and I thee, wherefore all the
+wide world shall speak of us both. Alas, said Balan, that ever I saw
+this day, that through mishap I might not know you, for I espied well
+your two swords, but by cause ye had another shield I deemed ye had
+been another knight. Alas, said Balin, all that made an unhappy knight
+in the castle, for he caused me to leave my own shield to our both’s
+destruction, and if I might live I would destroy that castle for ill
+customs. That were well done, said Balan, for I had never grace to
+depart from them since that I came hither, for here it happed me to
+slay a knight that kept this island, and since might I never depart,
+and no more should ye, brother, an ye might have slain me as ye have,
+and escaped yourself with the life.
+
+Right so came the lady of the tower with four knights and six ladies
+and six yeomen unto them, and there she heard how they made their moan
+either to other, and said, We came both out of one tomb, that is to say
+one mother’s belly, and so shall we lie both in one pit. So Balan
+prayed the lady of her gentleness, for his true service, that she would
+bury them both in that same place there the battle was done. And she
+granted them, with weeping, it should be done richly in the best
+manner. Now, will ye send for a priest, that we may receive our
+sacrament, and receive the blessed body of our Lord Jesus Christ? Yea,
+said the lady, it shall be done; and so she sent for a priest and gave
+them their rights. Now, said Balin, when we are buried in one tomb, and
+the mention made over us how two brethren slew each other, there will
+never good knight, nor good man, see our tomb but they will pray for
+our souls. And so all the ladies and gentlewomen wept for pity. Then
+anon Balan died, but Balin died not till the midnight after, and so
+were they buried both, and the lady let make a mention of Balan how he
+was there slain by his brother’s hands, but she knew not Balin’s name.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX. How Merlin buried them both in one tomb, and of Balin’s
+sword.
+
+In the morn came Merlin and let write Balin’s name on the tomb with
+letters of gold, that Here lieth Balin le Savage that was the Knight
+with the Two Swords, and he that smote the Dolorous Stroke. Also Merlin
+let make there a bed, that there should never man lie therein but he
+went out of his wit, yet Launcelot de Lake fordid that bed through his
+noblesse. And anon after Balin was dead, Merlin took his sword, and
+took off the pommel and set on another pommel. So Merlin bade a knight
+that stood afore him handle that sword, and he assayed, and he might
+not handle it. Then Merlin laughed. Why laugh ye? said the knight. This
+is the cause, said Merlin: there shall never man handle this sword but
+the best knight of the world, and that shall be Sir Launcelot or else
+Galahad his son, and Launcelot with this sword shall slay the man that
+in the world he loved best, that shall be Sir Gawaine. All this he let
+write in the pommel of the sword. Then Merlin let make a bridge of iron
+and of steel into that island, and it was but half a foot broad, and
+there shall never man pass that bridge, nor have hardiness to go over,
+but if he were a passing good man and a good knight without treachery
+or villainy. Also the scabbard of Balin’s sword Merlin left it on this
+side the island, that Galahad should find it. Also Merlin let make by
+his subtilty that Balin’s sword was put in a marble stone standing
+upright as great as a mill stone, and the stone hoved always above the
+water and did many years, and so by adventure it swam down the stream
+to the City of Camelot, that is in English Winchester. And that same
+day Galahad the haut prince came with King Arthur, and so Galahad
+brought with him the scabbard and achieved the sword that was there in
+the marble stone hoving upon the water. And on Whitsunday he achieved
+the sword as it is rehearsed in the book of Sangreal.
+
+Soon after this was done Merlin came to King Arthur and told him of the
+dolorous stroke that Balin gave to King Pellam, and how Balin and Balan
+fought together the marvellest battle that ever was heard of, and how
+they were buried both in one tomb. Alas, said King Arthur, this is the
+greatest pity that ever I heard tell of two knights, for in the world I
+know not such two knights. Thus endeth the tale of Balin and of Balan,
+two brethren born in Northumberland, good knights.
+
+Sequitur iii. liber.
+
+
+
+BOOK III.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. How King Arthur took a wife, and wedded Guenever, daughter
+to Leodegrance, King of the Land of Cameliard, with whom he had the
+Round Table.
+
+In the beginning of Arthur, after he was chosen king by adventure and
+by grace; for the most part of the barons knew not that he was Uther
+Pendragon’s son, but as Merlin made it openly known. But yet many kings
+and lords held great war against him for that cause, but well Arthur
+overcame them all, for the most part the days of his life he was ruled
+much by the counsel of Merlin. So it fell on a time King Arthur said
+unto Merlin, My barons will let me have no rest, but needs I must take
+a wife, and I will none take but by thy counsel and by thine advice. It
+is well done, said Merlin, that ye take a wife, for a man of your
+bounty and noblesse should not be without a wife. Now is there any that
+ye love more than another? Yea, said King Arthur, I love Guenever the
+king’s daughter, Leodegrance of the land of Cameliard, the which
+holdeth in his house the Table Round that ye told he had of my father
+Uther. And this damosel is the most valiant and fairest lady that I
+know living, or yet that ever I could find. Sir, said Merlin, as of her
+beauty and fairness she is one of the fairest alive, but, an ye loved
+her not so well as ye do, I should find you a damosel of beauty and of
+goodness that should like you and please you, an your heart were not
+set; but there as a man’s heart is set, he will be loath to return.
+That is truth, said King Arthur. But Merlin warned the king covertly
+that Guenever was not wholesome for him to take to wife, for he warned
+him that Launcelot should love her, and she him again; and so he turned
+his tale to the adventures of Sangreal.
+
+Then Merlin desired of the king for to have men with him that should
+enquire of Guenever, and so the king granted him, and Merlin went forth
+unto King Leodegrance of Cameliard, and told him of the desires of the
+king that he would have unto his wife Guenever his daughter. That is to
+me, said King Leodegrance, the best tidings that ever I heard, that so
+worthy a king of prowess and noblesse will wed my daughter. And as for
+my lands, I will give him, wist I it might please him, but he hath
+lands enow, him needeth none; but I shall send him a gift shall please
+him much more, for I shall give him the Table Round, the which Uther
+Pendragon gave me, and when it is full complete, there is an hundred
+knights and fifty. And as for an hundred good knights I have myself,
+but I faute fifty, for so many have been slain in my days. And so
+Leodegrance delivered his daughter Guenever unto Merlin, and the Table
+Round with the hundred knights, and so they rode freshly, with great
+royalty, what by water and what by land, till that they came nigh unto
+London.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. How the Knights of the Round Table were ordained and their
+sieges blessed by the Bishop of Canterbury.
+
+When King Arthur heard of the coming of Guenever and the hundred
+knights with the Table Round, then King Arthur made great joy for her
+coming, and that rich present, and said openly, This fair lady is
+passing welcome unto me, for I have loved her long, and therefore there
+is nothing so lief to me. And these knights with the Round Table please
+me more than right great riches. And in all haste the king let ordain
+for the marriage and the coronation in the most honourable wise that
+could be devised. Now, Merlin, said King Arthur, go thou and espy me in
+all this land fifty knights which be of most prowess and worship.
+Within short time Merlin had found such knights that should fulfil
+twenty and eight knights, but no more he could find. Then the Bishop of
+Canterbury was fetched, and he blessed the sieges with great royalty
+and devotion, and there set the eight and twenty knights in their
+sieges. And when this was done Merlin said, Fair sirs, ye must all
+arise and come to King Arthur for to do him homage; he will have the
+better will to maintain you. And so they arose and did their homage,
+and when they were gone Merlin found in every sieges letters of gold
+that told the knights’ names that had sitten therein. But two sieges
+were void. And so anon came young Gawaine and asked the king a gift.
+Ask, said the king, and I shall grant it you. Sir, I ask that ye will
+make me knight that same day ye shall wed fair Guenever. I will do it
+with a good will, said King Arthur, and do unto you all the worship
+that I may, for I must by reason ye are my nephew, my sister’s son.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. How a poor man riding upon a lean mare desired King Arthur
+to make his son knight.
+
+Forthwithal there came a poor man into the court, and brought with him
+a fair young man of eighteen years of age riding upon a lean mare; and
+the poor man asked all men that he met, Where shall I find King Arthur?
+Yonder he is, said the knights, wilt thou anything with him? Yea, said
+the poor man, therefore I came hither. Anon as he came before the king,
+he saluted him and said: O King Arthur, the flower of all knights and
+kings, I beseech Jesu save thee. Sir, it was told me that at this time
+of your marriage ye would give any man the gift that he would ask, out
+except that were unreasonable. That is truth, said the king, such cries
+I let make, and that will I hold, so it apair not my realm nor mine
+estate. Ye say well and graciously, said the poor man; Sir, I ask
+nothing else but that ye will make my son here a knight. It is a great
+thing thou askest of me, said the king. What is thy name? said the king
+to the poor man. Sir, my name is Aries the cowherd. Whether cometh this
+of thee or of thy son? said the king. Nay, sir, said Aries, this desire
+cometh of my son and not of me, for I shall tell you I have thirteen
+sons, and all they will fall to what labour I put them, and will be
+right glad to do labour, but this child will not labour for me, for
+anything that my wife or I may do, but always he will be shooting or
+casting darts, and glad for to see battles and to behold knights, and
+always day and night he desireth of me to be made a knight. What is thy
+name? said the king unto the young man. Sir, my name is Tor. The king
+beheld him fast, and saw he was passingly well-visaged and passingly
+well made of his years. Well, said King Arthur unto Aries the cowherd,
+fetch all thy sons afore me that I may see them. And so the poor man
+did, and all were shaped much like the poor man. But Tor was not like
+none of them all in shape nor in countenance, for he was much more than
+any of them. Now, said King Arthur unto the cow herd, where is the
+sword he shall be made knight withal? It is here, said Tor. Take it out
+of the sheath, said the king, and require me to make you a knight.
+
+Then Tor alighted off his mare and pulled out his sword, kneeling, and
+requiring the king that he would make him knight, and that he might be
+a knight of the Table Round. As for a knight I will make you, and
+therewith smote him in the neck with the sword, saying, Be ye a good
+knight, and so I pray to God so ye may be, and if ye be of prowess and
+of worthiness ye shall be a knight of the Table Round. Now Merlin, said
+Arthur, say whether this Tor shall be a good knight or no. Yea, sir, he
+ought to be a good knight, for he is come of as good a man as any is
+alive, and of kings’ blood. How so, sir? said the king. I shall tell
+you, said Merlin: This poor man, Aries the cowherd, is not his father;
+he is nothing sib to him, for King Pellinore is his father. I suppose
+nay, said the cowherd. Fetch thy wife afore me, said Merlin, and she
+shall not say nay. Anon the wife was fetched, which was a fair
+housewife, and there she answered Merlin full womanly, and there she
+told the king and Merlin that when she was a maid, and went to milk
+kine, there met with her a stern knight, and half by force he had my
+maidenhead, and at that time he begat my son Tor, and he took away from
+me my greyhound that I had that time with me, and said that he would
+keep the greyhound for my love. Ah, said the cowherd, I weened not
+this, but I may believe it well, for he had never no tatches of me.
+Sir, said Tor unto Merlin, dishonour not my mother. Sir, said Merlin,
+it is more for your worship than hurt, for your father is a good man
+and a king, and he may right well advance you and your mother, for ye
+were begotten or ever she was wedded. That is truth, said the wife. It
+is the less grief unto me, said the cowherd.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. How Sir Tor was known for son of King Pellinore, and how
+Gawaine was made knight.
+
+So on the morn King Pellinore came to the court of King Arthur, which
+had great joy of him, and told him of Tor, how he was his son, and how
+he had made him knight at the request of the cowherd. When Pellinore
+beheld Tor, he pleased him much. So the king made Gawaine knight, but
+Tor was the first he made at the feast. What is the cause, said King
+Arthur, that there be two places void in the sieges? Sir, said Merlin,
+there shall no man sit in those places but they that shall be of most
+worship. But in the Siege Perilous there shall no man sit therein but
+one, and if there be any so hardy to do it he shall be destroyed, and
+he that shall sit there shall have no fellow. And therewith Merlin took
+King Pellinore by the hand, and in the one hand next the two sieges and
+the Siege Perilous he said, in open audience, This is your place and
+best ye are worthy to sit therein of any that is here. Thereat sat Sir
+Gawaine in great envy and told Gaheris his brother, yonder knight is
+put to great worship, the which grieveth me sore, for he slew our
+father King Lot, therefore I will slay him, said Gawaine, with a sword
+that was sent me that is passing trenchant. Ye shall not so, said
+Gaheris, at this time, for at this time I am but a squire, and when I
+am made knight I will be avenged on him, and therefore, brother, it is
+best ye suffer till another time, that we may have him out of the
+court, for an we did so we should trouble this high feast. I will well,
+said Gawaine, as ye will.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. How at feast of the wedding of King Arthur to Guenever, a
+white hart came into the hall, and thirty couple hounds, and how a
+brachet pinched the hart which was taken away.
+
+Then was the high feast made ready, and the king was wedded at Camelot
+unto Dame Guenever in the church of Saint Stephen’s, with great
+solemnity. And as every man was set after his degree, Merlin went to
+all the knights of the Round Table, and bade them sit still, that none
+of them remove. For ye shall see a strange and a marvellous adventure.
+Right so as they sat there came running in a white hart into the hall,
+and a white brachet next him, and thirty couple of black running hounds
+came after with a great cry, and the hart went about the Table Round as
+he went by other boards. The white brachet bit him by the buttock and
+pulled out a piece, wherethrough the hart leapt a great leap and
+overthrew a knight that sat at the board side; and therewith the knight
+arose and took up the brachet, and so went forth out of the hall, and
+took his horse and rode his way with the brachet. Right so anon came in
+a lady on a white palfrey, and cried aloud to King Arthur, Sir, suffer
+me not to have this despite, for the brachet was mine that the knight
+led away. I may not do therewith, said the king.
+
+With this there came a knight riding all armed on a great horse, and
+took the lady away with him with force, and ever she cried and made
+great dole. When she was gone the king was glad, for she made such a
+noise. Nay, said Merlin, ye may not leave these adventures so lightly;
+for these adventures must be brought again or else it would be
+disworship to you and to your feast. I will, said the king, that all be
+done by your advice. Then, said Merlin, let call Sir Gawaine, for he
+must bring again the white hart. Also, sir, ye must let call Sir Tor,
+for he must bring again the brachet and the knight, or else slay him.
+Also let call King Pellinore, for he must bring again the lady and the
+knight, or else slay him. And these three knights shall do marvellous
+adventures or they come again. Then were they called all three as it
+rehearseth afore, and each of them took his charge, and armed them
+surely. But Sir Gawaine had the first request, and therefore we will
+begin at him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. How Sir Gawaine rode for to fetch again the hart, and how
+two brethren fought each against other for the hart.
+
+Sir Gawaine rode more than a pace, and Gaheris his brother that rode
+with him instead of a squire to do him service. So as they rode they
+saw two knights fight on horseback passing sore, so Sir Gawaine and his
+brother rode betwixt them, and asked them for what cause they fought
+so. The one knight answered and said, We fight for a simple matter, for
+we two be two brethren born and begotten of one man and of one woman.
+Alas, said Sir Gawaine, why do ye so? Sir, said the elder, there came a
+white hart this way this day, and many hounds chased him, and a white
+brachet was alway next him, and we understood it was adventure made for
+the high feast of King Arthur, and therefore I would have gone after to
+have won me worship; and here my younger brother said he would go after
+the hart, for he was better knight than I: and for this cause we fell
+at debate, and so we thought to prove which of us both was better
+knight. This is a simple cause, said Sir Gawaine; uncouth men ye should
+debate withal, and not brother with brother; therefore but if you will
+do by my counsel I will have ado with you, that is ye shall yield you
+unto me, and that ye go unto King Arthur and yield you unto his grace.
+Sir knight, said the two brethren, we are forfoughten and much blood
+have we lost through our wilfulness, and therefore we would be loath to
+have ado with you. Then do as I will have you, said Sir Gawaine. We
+will agree to fulfil your will; but by whom shall we say that we be
+thither sent? Ye may say, By the knight that followeth the quest of the
+hart that was white. Now what is your name? said Gawaine. Sorlouse of
+the Forest, said the elder. And my name is, said the younger, Brian of
+the Forest. And so they departed and went to the king’s court, and Sir
+Gawaine on his quest.
+
+And as Gawaine followed the hart by the cry of the hounds, even afore
+him there was a great river, and the hart swam over; and as Sir Gawaine
+would follow after, there stood a knight over the other side, and said,
+Sir knight, come not over after this hart but if thou wilt joust with
+me. I will not fail as for that, said Sir Gawaine, to follow the quest
+that I am in, and so made his horse to swim over the water. And anon
+they gat their spears and ran together full hard; but Sir Gawaine smote
+him off his horse, and then he turned his horse and bade him yield him.
+Nay, said the knight, not so, though thou have the better of me on
+horseback. I pray thee, valiant knight, alight afoot, and match we
+together with swords. What is your name? said Sir Gawaine. Allardin of
+the Isles, said the other. Then either dressed their shields and smote
+together, but Sir Gawaine smote him so hard through the helm that it
+went to the brains, and the knight fell down dead. Ah! said Gaheris,
+that was a mighty stroke of a young knight.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII How the hart was chased into a castle and there slain, and
+how Sir Gawaine slew a lady.
+
+Then Gawaine and Gaheris rode more than a pace after the white hart,
+and let slip at the hart three couple of greyhounds, and so they chased
+the hart into a castle, and in the chief place of the castle they slew
+the hart; Sir Gawaine and Gaheris followed after. Right so there came a
+knight out of a chamber with a sword drawn in his hand and slew two of
+the greyhounds, even in the sight of Sir Gawaine, and the remnant he
+chased them with his sword out of the castle. And when he came again,
+he said, O my white hart, me repenteth that thou art dead, for my
+sovereign lady gave thee to me, and evil have I kept thee, and thy
+death shall be dear bought an I live. And anon he went into his chamber
+and armed him, and came out fiercely, and there met he with Sir
+Gawaine. Why have ye slain my hounds? said Sir Gawaine, for they did
+but their kind, and liefer I had ye had wroken your anger upon me than
+upon a dumb beast. Thou sayest truth, said the knight, I have avenged
+me on thy hounds, and so I will on thee or thou go. Then Sir Gawaine
+alighted afoot and dressed his shield, and struck together mightily,
+and clave their shields, and stoned their helms, and brake their
+hauberks 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 mercy, and yielded him, and besought him 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
+have stricken off his head. Right so came his lady out of a chamber and
+fell over him, and so he smote off her head by misadventure. Alas, said
+Gaheris, that is foully and shamefully done, that shame shall never
+from you; also ye should give mercy unto them that ask mercy, for a
+knight without mercy is without worship. Sir Gawaine was so stonied of
+the death of this fair lady that he wist not what he did, and said unto
+the knight, Arise, I will give thee mercy. Nay, nay, said the knight, I
+take no force of mercy now, for thou hast slain my love and my lady
+that I loved best of all earthly things. Me sore repenteth it, said Sir
+Gawaine, for I thought to strike unto thee; but now thou shalt go unto
+King Arthur and tell him of thine adventures, and how thou art overcome
+by the knight that went in the quest of the white hart. I take no
+force, said the knight, whether I live or I die; but so for dread of
+death he swore to go unto King Arthur, and he made him to bear one
+greyhound before him on his horse, and another behind him. What is your
+name? said Sir Gawaine, or we depart. My name is, said the knight,
+Ablamar of the Marsh. So he departed toward Camelot.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. How four knights fought against Gawaine and Gaheris, and
+how they were overcome, and their lives saved at request of four
+ladies.
+
+And Sir Gawaine went into the castle, and made him ready to lie there
+all night, and would have unarmed him. What will ye do, said Gaheris,
+will ye unarm you in this country? Ye may think ye have many enemies
+here. They had not sooner said that word but there came four knights
+well armed, and assailed Sir Gawaine hard, and said unto him, Thou
+new-made knight, thou hast shamed thy knighthood, for a knight without
+mercy is dishonoured. Also thou hast slain a fair lady to thy great
+shame to the world’s end, and doubt thou not thou shalt have great need
+of mercy or thou depart from us. And therewith one of them smote Sir
+Gawaine a great stroke that nigh he fell to the earth, and Gaheris
+smote him again sore, and so they were on the one side and on the
+other, that Sir Gawaine and Gaheris were in jeopardy of their lives;
+and one with a bow, an archer, smote Sir Gawaine through the arm that
+it grieved him wonderly sore. And as they should have been slain, there
+came four fair ladies, and besought the knights of grace for Sir
+Gawaine; and goodly at request of the ladies they gave Sir Gawaine and
+Gaheris their lives, and made them to yield them as prisoners. Then
+Gawaine and Gaheris made great dole. Alas! said Sir Gawaine, mine arm
+grieveth me sore, I am like to be maimed; and so made his complaint
+piteously.
+
+Early on the morrow there came to Sir Gawaine one of the four ladies
+that had heard all his complaint, and said, Sir knight, what cheer? Not
+good, said he. It is your own default, said the lady, for ye have done
+a passing foul deed in the slaying of the lady, the which will be great
+villainy unto you. But be ye not of King Arthur’s kin? said the lady.
+Yes truly, said Sir Gawaine. What is your name? said the lady, ye must
+tell it me or ye pass. My name is Gawaine, the King Lot of Orkney’s
+son, 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 go to King Arthur for his love. And so she departed and
+told the four knights how their prisoner was King Arthur’s nephew, and
+his name is Sir Gawaine, King Lot’s son of Orkney. And they gave him
+the hart’s head because it was in his quest. Then anon they delivered
+Sir Gawaine under this promise, that he should bear the dead lady with
+him in this manner; the head of her was hanged about his neck, and the
+whole body of her lay before him on his horse’s mane. Right so rode he
+forth unto Camelot. And anon as he was come, Merlin desired of King
+Arthur that Sir Gawaine should be sworn to tell of all his adventures,
+and how he slew the lady, and how he would give no mercy unto the
+knight, wherethrough the lady was slain. Then the king and the queen
+were greatly displeased with Sir Gawaine for the slaying of the lady.
+And there by ordinance of the queen there was set a quest of ladies on
+Sir Gawaine, and they judged 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 to refuse mercy to him that asketh mercy. Thus was
+Gawaine sworn upon the Four Evangelists that he should never be against
+lady nor gentlewoman, but if he fought for a lady and his adversary
+fought for another. And thus endeth the adventure of Sir Gawaine that
+he did at the marriage of King Arthur. Amen.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. How Sir Tor rode after the knight with the brachet, and of
+his adventure by the way.
+
+When Sir Tor was ready, he mounted upon his horseback, and rode after
+the knight with the brachet. So as he rode he met with a dwarf suddenly
+that smote his horse on the head with a staff, that he went backward
+his spear length. Why dost thou so? said Sir Tor. For thou shalt not
+pass this way, but if thou joust with yonder knights of the pavilions.
+Then was Tor ware where two pavilions were, and great spears stood out,
+and two shields hung on trees by the pavilions. I may not tarry, said
+Sir Tor, for I am in a quest that I must needs follow. Thou shalt not
+pass, said the dwarf, and therewithal he blew his horn. Then there came
+one armed on horseback, and dressed his shield, and came fast toward
+Tor, and he dressed him against him, and so ran together that Tor bare
+him from his horse. And anon the knight yielded him to his mercy. But,
+sir, I have a fellow in yonder pavilion that will have ado with you
+anon. He shall be welcome, said Sir Tor. Then was he ware of another
+knight coming with great raundon, and each of them dressed to other,
+that marvel it was to see; but the knight smote Sir Tor a great stroke
+in midst of the shield that his spear all to-shivered. And Sir Tor
+smote him through the shield below of the shield that it went through
+the cost of the knight, but the stroke slew him not. And therewith Sir
+Tor alighted and smote him on the helm a great stroke, and therewith
+the knight yielded him and besought him of mercy. I will well, said Sir
+Tor, but thou and thy fellow must go unto King Arthur, and yield you
+prisoners unto him. By whom shall we say are we thither sent? Ye shall
+say by the knight that went in the quest of the knight that went with
+the brachet. Now, what be your two names? said Sir Tor. My name is,
+said the one, Sir Felot of Langduk; and my name is, said the other, Sir
+Petipase of Winchelsea. Now go ye forth, said Sir Tor, and God speed
+you and me. Then came the dwarf and said unto Sir Tor, I pray you give
+me a gift. I will well, said Sir Tor, ask. I ask no more, said the
+dwarf, but that ye will suffer me to do you service, for I will serve
+no more recreant knights. Take an horse, said Sir Tor, and ride on with
+me. I wot ye ride after the knight with the white brachet, and I shall
+bring you where he is, said the dwarf. And so they rode throughout a
+forest, and at the last they were ware of two pavilions, even by a
+priory, with two shields, and the one shield was enewed with white, and
+the other shield was red.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. How Sir Tor found the brachet with a lady, and how a knight
+assailed him for the said brachet.
+
+Therewith Sir Tor alighted and took the dwarf his glaive, and so he
+came to the white pavilion, and saw three damosels lie in it, on one
+pallet, sleeping, and so he went to the other pavilion, and found a
+lady lying sleeping therein, but there was the white brachet that bayed
+at her fast, and therewith the lady yede out of the pavilion and all
+her damosels. But anon as Sir Tor espied the white brachet, he took her
+by force and took her to the dwarf. What, will ye so, said the lady,
+take my brachet from me? Yea, said Sir Tor, this brachet have I sought
+from King Arthur’s court hither. Well, said the lady, knight, ye shall
+not go far with her, but that ye shall be met and grieved. I shall
+abide what adventure that cometh by the grace of God, and so mounted
+upon his horse, and passed on his way toward Camelot; but it was so
+near night he might not pass but little further. Know ye any lodging?
+said Tor. I know none, said the dwarf, but here beside is an hermitage,
+and there ye must take lodging as ye find. And within a while they came
+to the hermitage and took lodging; and was there grass, oats and bread
+for their horses; soon it was sped, and full hard was their supper; but
+there they rested them all night till on the morn, and heard a mass
+devoutly, and took their leave of the hermit, and Sir Tor prayed the
+hermit to pray for him. He said he would, and betook him to God. And so
+mounted upon horseback and rode towards Camelot a long while.
+
+With that they heard a knight call loud that came after them, and he
+said, Knight, abide and yield my brachet that thou took from my lady.
+Sir Tor returned again, and beheld him how he was a seemly knight and
+well horsed, and well armed at all points; then Sir Tor dressed his
+shield, and took his spear in his hands, and the other came fiercely
+upon him, and smote both horse and man to the earth. Anon they arose
+lightly and drew their swords as eagerly as lions, and put their
+shields afore them, and smote through the shields, that the cantels
+fell off both parties. Also they tamed their helms that the hot blood
+ran out, and the thick mails of their hauberks they carved and rove in
+sunder that the hot blood ran to the earth, and both they had many
+wounds and were passing weary. But Sir Tor espied that the other knight
+fainted, and then he sued fast upon him, and doubled his strokes, and
+gart him go to the earth on the one side. Then Sir Tor bade him yield
+him. That will I not, said Abelleus, while my life lasteth and the soul
+is within my body, unless that thou wilt give me the brachet. That will
+I not do, said Sir Tor, for it was my quest to bring again thy brachet,
+thee, or both.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. How Sir Tor overcame the knight, and how he lost his head
+at the request of a lady.
+
+With that came a damosel riding on a palfrey as fast as she might
+drive, and cried with a loud voice unto Sir Tor. What will ye with me?
+said Sir Tor. I beseech thee, said the damosel, for King Arthur’s love,
+give me a gift; I require thee, gentle knight, as thou art a gentleman.
+Now, said Tor, ask a gift and I will give it you. Gramercy, said the
+damosel; now I ask the head of the false knight Abelleus, for he is the
+most outrageous knight that liveth, and the greatest murderer. I am
+loath, said Sir Tor, of that gift I have given you; let him make amends
+in that he hath trespassed unto you. Now, said the damosel, he may not,
+for he slew mine own brother before mine own eyes, that was a better
+knight than he, an he had had grace; and I kneeled half an hour afore
+him in the mire for to save my brother’s life, that had done him no
+damage, but fought with him by adventure of arms, and so for all that I
+could do he struck off his head; wherefore I require thee, as thou art
+a true knight, to give me my gift, or else I shall shame thee in all
+the court of King Arthur; for he is the falsest knight living, and a
+great destroyer of good knights. Then when Abelleus heard this, he was
+more afeard, and yielded him and asked mercy. I may not now, said Sir
+Tor, but if I should be found false of my promise; for while I would
+have taken you to mercy ye would none ask, but if ye had the brachet
+again, that was my quest. And therewith he took off his helm, and he
+arose and fled, and Sir Tor after him, and smote off his head quite.
+
+Now sir, said the damosel, it is near night; I pray you come and lodge
+with me here at my place, it is here fast by. I will well, said Sir
+Tor, for his horse and he had fared evil since they departed from
+Camelot, and so he rode with her, and had passing good cheer with her;
+and she had a passing fair old knight to her husband that made him
+passing good cheer, and well eased both his horse and him. And on the
+morn he heard his mass, and brake his fast, and took his leave of the
+knight and of the lady, that besought him to tell them his name. Truly,
+he said, my name is Sir Tor that was late made knight, and this was the
+first quest of arms that ever I did, to bring again that this knight
+Abelleus took away from King Arthur’s court. O fair knight, said the
+lady and her husband, an ye come here in our marches, come and see our
+poor lodging, and it shall be always at your commandment. So Sir Tor
+departed and came to Camelot on the third day by noon, and the king and
+the queen and all the court was passing fain of his coming, and made
+great joy that he was come again; for he went from the court with
+little succour, but as King Pellinore his father gave him an old
+courser, and King Arthur gave him armour and a sword, and else had he
+none other succour, but rode so forth himself alone. And then the king
+and the queen by Merlin’s advice made him to swear to tell of his
+adventures, and so he told and made proofs of his deeds as it is afore
+rehearsed, wherefore the king and the queen made great joy. Nay, nay,
+said Merlin, these be but japes to that he shall do; for he shall prove
+a noble knight of prowess, as good as any is living, and gentle and
+courteous, and of good tatches, and passing true of his promise, and
+never shall outrage. Wherethrough Merlin’s words King Arthur gave him
+an earldom of lands that fell unto him. And here endeth the quest of
+Sir Tor, King Pellinore’s son.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. How King Pellinore rode after the lady and the knight that
+led her away, and how a lady desired help of him, and how he fought
+with two knights for that lady, of whom he slew the one at the first
+stroke.
+
+Then King Pellinore armed him and mounted upon his horse, and rode more
+than a pace after the lady that the knight led away. And as he rode in
+a forest, he saw in a valley a damosel sit by a well, and a wounded
+knight in her arms, and Pellinore saluted her. And when she was ware of
+him, she cried overloud, Help me, knight; for Christ’s sake, King
+Pellinore. And he would not tarry, he was so eager in his quest, and
+ever she cried an hundred times after help. When she saw he would not
+abide, she prayed unto God to send him as much need of help as she had,
+and that he might feel it or he died. So, as the book telleth, the
+knight there died that there was wounded, wherefore the lady for pure
+sorrow slew herself with his sword. As King Pellinore rode in that
+valley he met with a poor man, a labourer. Sawest thou not, said
+Pellinore, a knight riding and leading away a lady? Yea, said the man,
+I saw that knight, and the lady that made great dole; and yonder
+beneath in a valley there shall ye see two pavilions, and one of the
+knights of the pavilions challenged that lady of that knight, and said
+she was his cousin near, wherefore he should lead her no farther. And
+so they waged battle in that quarrel, the one said he would have her by
+force, and the other said he would have the rule of her, by cause he
+was her kinsman, and would lead her to her kin. For this quarrel he
+left them fighting. And if ye will ride a pace ye shall find them
+fighting, and the lady was beleft with the two squires in the
+pavilions. God thank thee, said King Pellinore.
+
+Then he rode a wallop till he had a sight of the two pavilions, and the
+two knights fighting. Anon he rode unto the pavilions, and saw the lady
+that was his quest, and said, Fair lady, ye must go with me unto the
+court of King Arthur. Sir knight, said the two squires that were with
+her, yonder are two knights that fight for this lady, go thither and
+depart them, and be agreed with them, and then may ye have her at your
+pleasure. Ye say well, said King Pellinore. And anon he rode betwixt
+them, and departed them, and asked them the causes why that they
+fought? Sir knight, said the one, I shall tell you, this lady is my
+kinswoman nigh, mine aunt’s daughter, and when I heard her complain
+that she was with him maugre her head, I waged battle to fight with
+him. Sir knight, said the other, whose name was Hontzlake of Wentland,
+and this lady I gat by my prowess of arms this day at Arthur’s court.
+That is untruly said, said King Pellinore, for ye came in suddenly
+there as we were at the high feast, and took away this lady or any man
+might make him ready; and therefore it was my quest to bring her again
+and you both, or else the one of us to abide in the field; therefore
+the lady shall go with me, or I will die for it, for I have promised it
+King Arthur. And therefore fight ye no more, for none of you shall have
+no part of her at this time; and if ye list to fight for her, fight
+with me, and I will defend her. Well, said the knights, make you ready,
+and we shall assail you with all our power. And as King Pellinore would
+have put his horse from them, Sir Hontzlake rove his horse through with
+a sword, and said: Now art thou on foot as well as we are. When King
+Pellinore espied that his horse was slain, lightly he leapt from his
+horse and pulled out his sword, and put his shield afore him, and said,
+Knight, keep well thy head, for thou shalt have a buffet for the
+slaying of my horse. So King Pellinore gave him such a stroke upon the
+helm that he clave the head down to the chin, that he fell to the earth
+dead.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII. How King Pellinore gat the lady and brought her to
+Camelot to the court of King Arthur.
+
+And then he turned him to the other knight, that was sore wounded. But
+when he saw the other’s buffet, he would not fight, but kneeled down
+and said, Take my cousin the lady with you at your request, and I
+require you, as ye be a true knight, put her to no shame nor villainy.
+What, said King Pellinore, will ye not fight for her? No, sir, said the
+knight, I will not fight with such a knight of prowess as ye be. Well,
+said Pellinore, ye say well; I promise you she shall have no villainy
+by me, as I am true knight; but now me lacketh an horse, said
+Pellinore, but I will have Hontzlake’s horse. Ye shall not need, said
+the knight, for I shall give you such an horse as shall please you, so
+that you will lodge with me, for it is near night. I will well, said
+King Pellinore, abide with you all night. And there he had with him
+right good cheer, and fared of the best with passing good wine, and had
+merry rest that night. And on the morn he heard a mass and dined; and
+then was brought him a fair bay courser, and King Pellinore’s saddle
+set upon him. Now, what shall I call you? said the knight, inasmuch as
+ye have my cousin at your desire of your quest. Sir, I shall tell you,
+my name is King Pellinore of the Isles and knight of the Table Round.
+Now I am glad, said the knight, that such a noble man shall have the
+rule of my cousin. Now, what is your name? said Pellinore, I pray you
+tell me. Sir, my name is Sir Meliot of Logurs, and this lady my cousin
+hight Nimue, and the knight that was in the other pavilion is my sworn
+brother, a passing good knight, and his name is Brian of the Isles, and
+he is full loath to do wrong, and full loath to fight with any man, but
+if he be sore sought on, so that for shame he may not leave it. It is
+marvel, said Pellinore, that he will not have ado with me. Sir, he will
+not have ado with no man but if it be at his request. Bring him to the
+court, said Pellinore, one of these days. Sir, we will come together.
+And ye shall be welcome, said Pellinore, to the court of King Arthur,
+and greatly allowed for your coming. And so he departed with the lady,
+and brought her to Camelot.
+
+So as they rode in a valley it was full of stones, and there the lady’s
+horse stumbled and threw her down, that her arm was sore bruised and
+near she swooned for pain. Alas! sir, said the lady, mine arm is out of
+lithe, wherethrough I must needs rest me. Ye shall well, said King
+Pellinore. And so he alighted under a fair tree where was fair grass,
+and he put his horse thereto, and so laid him under the tree and slept
+till it was nigh night. And when he awoke he would have ridden. Sir,
+said the lady, it is so dark that ye may as well ride backward as
+forward. So they abode still and made there their lodging. Then Sir
+Pellinore put off his armour; then a little afore midnight they heard
+the trotting of an horse. Be ye still, said King Pellinore, for we
+shall hear of some adventure.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV. How on the way he heard two knights, as he lay by night in
+a valley, and of their adventures.
+
+And therewith he armed him. So right even afore him there met two
+knights, the one came froward Camelot, and the other from the north,
+and either saluted other. What tidings at Camelot? said the one. By my
+head, said the other, there have I been and espied the court of King
+Arthur, and there is such a fellowship they may never be broken, and
+well-nigh all the world holdeth with Arthur, for there is the flower of
+chivalry. Now for this cause I am riding into the north, to tell our
+chieftains of the fellowship that is withholden with King Arthur. As
+for that, said the other knight, I have brought a remedy with me, that
+is the greatest poison that ever ye heard speak of, and to Camelot will
+I with it, for we have a friend right nigh King Arthur, and well
+cherished, that shall poison King Arthur; for so he hath promised our
+chieftains, and received great gifts for to do it. Beware, said the
+other knight, of Merlin, for he knoweth all things by the devil’s
+craft. Therefore will I not let it, said the knight. And so they
+departed asunder. Anon after Pellinore made him ready, and his lady,
+[and] rode toward Camelot; and as they came by the well there as the
+wounded knight was and the lady, there he found the knight, and the
+lady eaten with lions or wild beasts, all save the head, wherefore he
+made great sorrow, and wept passing sore, and said, Alas! her life
+might I have saved; but I was so fierce in my quest, therefore I would
+not abide. Wherefore make ye such dole? said the lady. I wot not, said
+Pellinore, but my heart mourneth sore of the death of her, for she was
+a passing fair lady and a young. Now, will ye do by mine advice? said
+the lady, take this knight and let him be buried in an hermitage, and
+then take the lady’s head and bear it with you unto Arthur. So King
+Pellinore took this dead knight on his shoulders, and brought him to
+the hermitage, and charged the hermit with the corpse, that service
+should be done for the soul; and take his harness for your pain. It
+shall be done, said the hermit, as I will answer unto God.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV. How when he was come to Camelot he was sworn upon a book to
+tell the truth of his quest.
+
+And therewith they departed, and came there as the head of the lady lay
+with a fair yellow hair that grieved King Pellinore passingly sore when
+he looked on it, for much he cast his heart on the visage. And so by
+noon they came to Camelot; and the king and the queen were passing fain
+of his coming to the court. And there he was made to swear upon the
+Four Evangelists, to tell the truth of his quest from the one to the
+other. Ah! Sir Pellinore, said Queen Guenever, ye were greatly to blame
+that ye saved not this lady’s life. Madam, said Pellinore, ye were
+greatly to blame an ye would not save your own life an ye might, but,
+save your pleasure, I was so furious in my quest that I would not
+abide, and that repenteth me, and shall the days of my life. Truly,
+said Merlin, ye ought sore to repent it, for that lady was your own
+daughter begotten on the lady of the Rule, and that knight that was
+dead was her love, and should have wedded her, and he was a right good
+knight of a young man, and would have proved a good man, and to this
+court was he coming, and his name was Sir Miles of the Launds, and a
+knight came behind him and slew him with a spear, and his name is
+Loraine le Savage, a false knight and a coward; and she for great
+sorrow and dole slew herself with his sword, and her name was Eleine.
+And because ye would not abide and help her, ye shall see your best
+friend fail you when ye be in the greatest distress that ever ye were
+or shall be. And that penance God hath ordained you for that deed, that
+he that ye shall most trust to of any man alive, he shall leave you
+there ye shall be slain. Me forthinketh, said King Pellinore, that this
+shall me betide, but God may fordo well destiny.
+
+Thus, when the quest was done of the white hart, the which followed Sir
+Gawaine; and the quest of the brachet, followed of Sir Tor, Pellinore’s
+son; and the quest of the lady that the knight took away, the which
+King Pellinore at that time followed; then the king stablished all his
+knights, and them that were of lands not rich he gave them lands, and
+charged them never to do outrageousity nor murder, and always to flee
+treason; also, by no means to be cruel, but to give mercy unto him that
+asketh mercy, upon pain of forfeiture of their worship and lordship of
+King Arthur for evermore; and always to do ladies, damosels, and
+gentlewomen succour, upon pain of death. Also, that no man take no
+battles in a wrongful quarrel for no law, nor for no world’s goods.
+Unto this were all the knights sworn of the Table Round, both old and
+young. And every year were they sworn at the high feast of Pentecost.
+
+Explicit the Wedding of King Arthur. Sequitur quartus liber.
+
+
+
+BOOK IV.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of the ladies of
+the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone and there died.
+
+So after these quests of Sir Gawaine, Sir Tor, and King Pellinore, it
+fell so that Merlin fell in a dotage on the damosel that King Pellinore
+brought to court, and she was one of the damosels of the lake, that
+hight Nimue. But Merlin would let her have no rest, but always he would
+be with her. And ever she made Merlin good cheer till she had learned
+of him all manner thing that she desired; and he was assotted upon her,
+that he might not be from her. So on a time he told King Arthur that he
+should not dure long, but for all his crafts he should be put in the
+earth quick. And so he told the king many things that should befall,
+but always he warned the king to keep well his sword and the scabbard,
+for he told him how the sword and the scabbard should be stolen by a
+woman from him that he most trusted. Also he told King Arthur that he
+should miss him,—Yet had ye liefer than all your lands to have me
+again. Ah, said the king, since ye know of your adventure, purvey for
+it, and put away by your crafts that misadventure. Nay, said Merlin, it
+will not be; so he departed from the king. And within a while the
+Damosel of the Lake departed, and Merlin went with her evermore
+wheresomever she went. And ofttimes Merlin would have had her privily
+away by his subtle crafts; then she made him to swear that he should
+never do none enchantment upon her if he would have his will. And so he
+sware; so she and Merlin went over the sea unto the land of Benwick,
+whereas King Ban was king that had great war against King Claudas, and
+there Merlin spake with King Ban’s wife, a fair lady and a good, and
+her name was Elaine, and there he saw young Launcelot. There the queen
+made great sorrow for the mortal war that King Claudas made on her lord
+and on her lands. Take none heaviness, said Merlin, for this same child
+within this twenty year shall revenge you on King Claudas, that all
+Christendom shall speak of it; and this same child shall be the most
+man of worship of the world, and his first name is Galahad, that know I
+well, said Merlin, and since ye have confirmed him Launcelot. That is
+truth, said the queen, his first name was Galahad. O Merlin, said the
+queen, shall I live to see my son such a man of prowess? Yea, lady, on
+my peril ye shall see it, and live many winters after.
+
+And so, soon after, the lady and Merlin departed, and by the way Merlin
+showed her many wonders, and came into Cornwall. And always Merlin lay
+about the lady to have her maidenhood, and she was ever passing weary
+of him, and fain would have been delivered of him, for she was afeard
+of him because he was a devil’s son, and she could not beskift him by
+no mean. And so on a time it happed that Merlin showed to her in a rock
+whereas was a great wonder, and wrought by enchantment, that went under
+a great stone. So by her subtle working she made Merlin to go under
+that stone to let her wit of the marvels there; but she wrought so
+there for him that he came never out for all the craft he could do. And
+so she departed and left Merlin.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. How five kings came into this land to war against King
+Arthur, and what counsel Arthur had against them.
+
+And as King Arthur rode to Camelot, and held there a great feast with
+mirth and joy, so soon after he returned unto Cardoile, and there came
+unto Arthur new tidings that the king of Denmark, and the king of
+Ireland that was his brother, and the king of the Vale, and the king of
+Soleise, and the king of the Isle of Longtains, all these five kings
+with a great host were entered into the land of King Arthur, and burnt
+and slew clean afore them, both cities and castles, that it was pity to
+hear. Alas, said Arthur, yet had I never rest one month since I was
+crowned king of this land. Now shall I never rest till I meet with
+those kings in a fair field, that I make mine avow; for my true liege
+people shall not be destroyed in my default, go with me who will, and
+abide who that will. Then the king let write unto King Pellinore, and
+prayed him in all haste to make him ready with such people as he might
+lightliest rear and hie him after in all haste. All the barons were
+privily wroth that the king would depart so suddenly; but the king by
+no mean would abide, but made writing unto them that were not there,
+and bade them hie after him, such as were not at that time in the
+court. Then the king came to Queen Guenever, and said, Lady, make you
+ready, for ye shall go with me, for I may not long miss you; ye shall
+cause me to be the more hardy, what adventure so befall me; I will not
+wit my lady to be in no jeopardy. Sir, said she, I am at your
+commandment, and shall be ready what time so ye be ready. So on the
+morn the king and the queen departed with such fellowship as they had,
+and came into the north, into a forest beside Humber, and there lodged
+them. When the word and tiding came unto the five kings above said,
+that Arthur was beside Humber in a forest, there was a knight, brother
+unto one of the five kings, that gave them this counsel: Ye know well
+that Sir Arthur hath the flower of chivalry of the world with him, as
+it is proved by the great battle he did with the eleven kings; and
+therefore hie unto him night and day till that we be nigh him, for the
+longer he tarrieth the bigger he is, and we ever the weaker; and he is
+so courageous of himself that he is come to the field with little
+people, and therefore let us set upon him or day and we shall slay
+down; of his knights there shall none escape.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. How King Arthur had ado with them and overthrew them, and
+slew the five kings and made the remnant to flee.
+
+Unto this counsel these five kings assented, and so they passed forth
+with their host through North Wales, and came upon Arthur by night, and
+set upon his host as the king and his knights were in their pavilions.
+King Arthur was unarmed, and had laid him to rest with his Queen
+Guenever. Sir, said Sir Kay, it is not good we be unarmed. We shall
+have no need, said Sir Gawaine and Sir Griflet, that lay in a little
+pavilion by the king. With that they heard a great noise, and many
+cried, Treason, treason! Alas, said King Arthur, we be betrayed! Unto
+arms, fellows, then he cried. So they were armed anon at all points.
+Then came there a wounded knight unto the king, and said, Sir, save
+yourself and my lady the queen, for our host is destroyed, and much
+people of ours slain. So anon the king and the queen and the three
+knights took their horses, and rode toward Humber to pass over it, and
+the water was so rough that they were afraid to pass over. Now may ye
+choose, said King Arthur, whether ye will abide and take the adventure
+on this side, for an ye be taken they will slay you. It were me liefer,
+said the queen, to die in the water than to fall in your enemies’ hands
+and there be slain.
+
+And as they stood so talking, Sir Kay saw the five kings coming on
+horseback by themselves alone, with their spears in their hands even
+toward them. Lo, said Sir Kay, yonder be the five kings; let us go to
+them and match them. That were folly, said Sir Gawaine, for we are but
+three and they be five. That is truth, said Sir Griflet. No force, said
+Sir Kay, I will undertake for two of them, and then may ye three
+undertake for the other three. And therewithal, Sir Kay let his horse
+run as fast as he might, and struck one of them through the shield and
+the body a fathom, that the king fell to the earth stark dead. That saw
+Sir Gawaine, and ran unto another king so hard that he smote him
+through the body. And therewithal King Arthur ran to another, and smote
+him through the body with a spear, that he fell to the earth dead. Then
+Sir Griflet ran unto the fourth king, and gave him such a fall that his
+neck brake. Anon Sir Kay ran unto the fifth king, and smote him so hard
+on the helm that the stroke clave the helm and the head to the earth.
+That was well stricken, said King Arthur, and worshipfully hast thou
+holden thy promise, therefore I shall honour thee while that I live.
+And therewithal they set the queen in a barge into Humber; but always
+Queen Guenever praised Sir Kay for his deeds, and said, What lady that
+ye love, and she love you not again she were greatly to blame; and
+among ladies, said the queen, I shall bear your noble fame, for ye
+spake a great word, and fulfilled it worshipfully. And therewith the
+queen departed.
+
+Then the king and the three knights rode into the forest, for there
+they supposed to hear of them that were escaped; and there he found the
+most part of his people, and told them all how the five kings were
+dead. And therefore let us hold us together till it be day, and when
+their host have espied that their chieftains be slain, they will make
+such dole that they shall no more help themselves. And right so as the
+king said, so it was; for when they found the five kings dead, they
+made such dole that they fell from their horses. Therewithal came King
+Arthur but with a few people, and slew on the left hand and on the
+right hand, that well-nigh there escaped no man, but all were slain to
+the number thirty thousand. And when the battle was all ended, the king
+kneeled down and thanked God meekly. And then he sent for the queen,
+and soon she was come, and she made great joy of the overcoming of that
+battle.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. How the battle was finished or he came, and how King Arthur
+founded an abbey where the battle was.
+
+Therewithal came one to King Arthur, and told him that King Pellinore
+was within three mile with a great host; and he said, Go unto him, and
+let him understand how we have sped. So within a while King Pellinore
+came with a great host, and saluted the people and the king, and there
+was great joy made on every side. Then the king let search how much
+people of his party there was slain; and there were found but little
+past two hundred men slain and eight knights of the Table Round in
+their pavilions. Then the king let rear and devise in the same place
+whereat the battle was done a fair abbey, and endowed it with great
+livelihood, and let it call the Abbey of La Beale Adventure. But when
+some of them came into their countries, whereof the five kings were
+kings, and told them how they were slain, there was made great dole.
+And all King Arthur’s enemies, as the King of North Wales, and the
+kings of the North, [when they] wist of the battle, they were passing
+heavy. And so the king returned unto Camelot in haste.
+
+And when he was come to Camelot he called King Pellinore unto him, and
+said, Ye understand well that we have lost eight knights of the best of
+the Table Round, and by your advice we will choose eight again of the
+best we may find in this court. Sir, said Pellinore, I shall counsel
+you after my conceit the best: there are in your court full noble
+knights both of old and young; and therefore by mine advice ye shall
+choose half of the old and half of the young. Which be the old? said
+King Arthur. Sir, said King Pellinore, meseemeth that King Uriens that
+hath wedded your sister Morgan le Fay, and the King of the Lake, and
+Sir Hervise de Revel, a noble knight, and Sir Galagars, the fourth.
+This is well devised, said King Arthur, and right so shall it be. Now,
+which are the four young knights? said Arthur. Sir, said Pellinore, the
+first is Sir Gawaine, your nephew, that is as good a knight of his time
+as any is in this land; and the second as meseemeth best is Sir Griflet
+le Fise de Dieu, that is a good knight and full desirous in arms, and
+who may see him live he shall prove a good knight; and the third as
+meseemeth is well to be one of the knights of the Round Table, Sir Kay
+the Seneschal, for many times he hath done full worshipfully, and now
+at your last battle he did full honourably for to undertake to slay two
+kings. By my head, said Arthur, he is best worth to be a knight of the
+Round Table of any that ye have rehearsed, an he had done no more
+prowess in his life days.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. How Sir Tor was made knight of the Round Table, and how
+Bagdemagus was displeased.
+
+Now, said King Pellinore, I shall put to you two knights, and ye shall
+choose which is most worthy, that is Sir Bagdemagus, and Sir Tor, my
+son. But because Sir Tor is my son I may not praise him, but else, an
+he were not my son, I durst say that of his age there is not in this
+land a better knight than he is, nor of better conditions and loath to
+do any wrong, and loath to take any wrong. By my head, said Arthur, he
+is a passing good knight as any ye spake of this day, that wot I well,
+said the king; for I have seen him proved, but he saith little and he
+doth much more, for I know none in all this court an he were as well
+born on his mother’s side as he is on your side, that is like him of
+prowess and of might: and therefore I will have him at this time, and
+leave Sir Bagdemagus till another time. So when they were so chosen by
+the assent of all the barons, so were there found in their sieges every
+knights’ names that here are rehearsed, and so were they set in their
+sieges; whereof Sir Bagdemagus was wonderly wroth, that Sir Tor was
+advanced afore him, and therefore suddenly he departed from the court,
+and took his squire with him, and rode long in a forest till they came
+to a cross, and there alighted and said his prayers devoutly. The
+meanwhile his squire found written upon the cross, that Bagdemagus
+should never return unto the court again, till he had won a knight’s
+body of the Round Table, body for body. So, sir, said the squire, here
+I find writing of you, therefore I rede you return again to the court.
+That shall I never, said Bagdemagus, till men speak of me great
+worship, and that I be worthy to be a knight of the Round Table. And so
+he rode forth, and there by the way he found a branch of an holy herb
+that was the sign of the Sangreal, and no knight found such tokens but
+he were a good liver.
+
+So, as Sir Bagdemagus rode to see many adventures, it happed him to
+come to the rock whereas the Lady of the Lake had put Merlin under the
+stone, and there he heard him make great dole; whereof Sir Bagdemagus
+would have holpen him, and went unto the great stone, and it was so
+heavy that an hundred men might not lift it up. When Merlin wist he was
+there, he bade leave his labour, for all was in vain, for he might
+never be holpen but by her that put him there. And so Bagdemagus
+departed and did many adventures, and proved after a full good knight,
+and came again to the court and was made knight of the Round Table. So
+on the morn there fell new tidings and other adventures.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur, King Uriens, and Sir Accolon of Gaul,
+chased an hart, and of their marvellous adventures.
+
+Then it befell that Arthur and many of his knights rode a-hunting into
+a great forest, and it happed King Arthur, King Uriens, and Sir Accolon
+of Gaul, followed a great hart, for they three were well horsed, and so
+they chased so fast that within a while they three were then ten mile
+from their fellowship. And 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 enbushed. What
+will we do? said King Arthur, we are hard bestead. Let us go on foot,
+said King Uriens, till we may meet with some lodging. Then were they
+ware of the hart that lay on a great water bank, and a brachet biting
+on his throat, and more other hounds came after. Then King Arthur blew
+the prise and dight the hart.
+
+Then the king looked about the world, and saw afore him in a great
+water a little ship, all apparelled with silk down to the water, and
+the ship came right unto them and landed on the sands. Then Arthur went
+to the bank and looked in, and saw none earthly creature therein. Sirs,
+said the king, come thence, and let us see what is in this ship. So
+they went in all three, and found it richly behanged with cloth of
+silk. By then 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; and therewithal there came out twelve fair damosels and
+saluted King Arthur on their knees, and called him by his name, and
+said he was right welcome, and such cheer as they had he should have of
+the best. The king thanked them fair. Therewithal they led the king and
+his two fellows into a fair chamber, and there was a cloth laid, richly
+beseen of all that longed unto a table, and there were they served of
+all wines and meats that they could think; of that the king had great
+marvel, for he fared never better in his life as for one supper. And so
+when they had supped at their leisure, King Arthur was led into a
+chamber, a richer beseen chamber saw he never none, and so was King
+Uriens served, and led into such another chamber, and Sir Accolon was
+led into the third chamber passing richly and well beseen; and so they
+were laid in their beds easily. And anon they fell asleep, and slept
+marvellously sore all the night. And on the morrow King Uriens was in
+Camelot abed in his wife’s arms, Morgan le Fay. And when he awoke he
+had great marvel, how he came there, for on the even afore he was two
+days’ journey from Camelot. And when King Arthur awoke he found himself
+in a dark prison, hearing about him many complaints of woful knights.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. How Arthur took upon him to fight to be delivered out of
+prison, and also for to deliver twenty knights that were in prison.
+
+What are ye that so complain? said King Arthur. We be here twenty
+knights, prisoners, said they, and some of us have lain here seven
+year, and some more and some less. For what cause? said Arthur. We
+shall tell you, said the knights; this lord of this castle, his name is
+Sir Damas, and he is the falsest knight that liveth, and full of
+treason, and a very coward as any liveth, and he hath a younger
+brother, a good knight of prowess, his name is Sir Ontzlake; and this
+traitor Damas, the elder brother will give him no part of his
+livelihood, but as Sir Ontzlake keepeth thorough prowess of his hands,
+and so he keepeth from him a full fair manor and a rich, and therein
+Sir Ontzlake dwelleth worshipfully, and is well beloved of all people.
+And this Sir Damas, our master is as evil beloved, for he is without
+mercy, and he is a coward, and great war hath been betwixt them both,
+but Ontzlake hath ever the better, and ever he proffereth Sir Damas to
+fight for the livelihood, body for body, but he will not do; other-else
+to find a knight to fight for him. Unto that Sir Damas had granted to
+find a knight, but he is so evil beloved and hated, that there is never
+a knight will fight for him. And when Damas saw this, that there was
+never a knight would fight for him, he hath daily lain await with many
+knights with him, and taken all the knights in this country to see and
+espy their adventures, he hath taken them by force and brought them to
+his prison. And so he took us separately as we rode on our adventures,
+and many good knights have died in this prison for hunger, to the
+number of eighteen knights; and if any of us all that here is, or hath
+been, would have foughten with his brother Ontzlake, he would have
+delivered us, but for because this Damas is so false and so full of
+treason we would never fight for him to die for it. And we be so lean
+for hunger that unnethe we may stand on our feet. God deliver you, for
+his mercy, said Arthur.
+
+Anon, therewithal there came a damosel unto Arthur, and asked him, What
+cheer? I cannot say, said he. Sir, said she, an ye will fight for my
+lord, ye shall be delivered out of prison, and else ye escape never the
+life. Now, said Arthur, that is hard, yet had I liefer to fight with a
+knight than to die in prison; with this, said Arthur, I may be
+delivered and all these prisoners, I will do the battle. Yes, said the
+damosel. I am ready, said Arthur, an I had horse and armour. Ye shall
+lack none, said the damosel. Meseemeth, damosel, I should have seen you
+in the court of Arthur. Nay said the damosel, I came never there, I am
+the lord’s daughter of this castle. Yet was she false, for she was one
+of the damosels of Morgan le Fay.
+
+Anon she went unto Sir Damas, and told him how he would do battle for
+him, and so he sent for Arthur. And when he came he was well coloured,
+and well made of his limbs, that all knights that saw him said it were
+pity that such a knight should die in prison. So Sir Damas and he were
+agreed that he should fight for him upon this covenant, that all other
+knights should be delivered; and unto that was Sir Damas sworn unto
+Arthur, and also to do the battle to the uttermost. And with that all
+the twenty knights were brought out of the dark prison into the hall,
+and delivered, and so they all abode to see the battle.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. How Accolon found himself by a well, and he took upon him
+to do battle against Arthur.
+
+Now turn we unto Accolon of Gaul, that when he awoke he found himself
+by a deep well-side, within half a foot, in great peril of death. And
+there came out of that fountain a pipe of silver, and out of that pipe
+ran water all on high in a stone of marble. When Sir Accolon saw this,
+he blessed him and said, Jesus save my lord King Arthur, and King
+Uriens, for these damosels in this ship have betrayed us, they were
+devils and no women; and if I may escape this misadventure, I shall
+destroy all where I may find these false damosels that use
+enchantments. Right with that there came a dwarf with a great mouth and
+a flat nose, and saluted Sir Accolon, and said how he came from Queen
+Morgan le Fay, and she greeteth you well, and biddeth you be of strong
+heart, for ye shall fight to morrow 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 had promised her when ye
+spake together in privity; and what damosel that bringeth her the
+knight’s head, which ye shall fight withal, she will make her a queen.
+Now I understand you well, said Accolon, I shall hold that I have
+promised her now I have the sword: when saw ye my lady Queen Morgan le
+Fay? Right late, said the dwarf. Then Accolon took him in his arms and
+said, Recommend me unto my lady queen, and tell her all shall be done
+that I have promised her, and else I will die for it. Now I suppose,
+said Accolon, she hath made all these crafts and enchantments for this
+battle. Ye may well believe it, said the dwarf. Right so there came a
+knight and a lady with six squires, and saluted Accolon, and prayed him
+for to arise, and come and rest him at his manor. And so Accolon
+mounted upon a void horse, and went with the knight unto a fair manor
+by a priory, and there he had passing good cheer.
+
+Then Sir Damas sent unto his brother Sir Ontzlake, and bade make him
+ready by to-morn at the hour of prime, and to be in the field to fight
+with a good knight, for he had found a good knight that was ready to do
+battle at all points. When this word came unto Sir Ontzlake he was
+passing heavy, for he was wounded a little to-fore through both his
+thighs with a spear, and made great dole; but as he was wounded, he
+would have taken the battle on hand. So it happed at that time, by the
+means of Morgan le Fay, Accolon was with Sir Ontzlake lodged; and when
+he heard of that battle, and how Ontzlake was wounded, he said that he
+would fight for him. Because Morgan le Fay had sent him Excalibur and
+the sheath for to fight with the knight on the morn: this was the cause
+Sir Accolon took the battle on hand. Then Sir Ontzlake was passing
+glad, and thanked Sir Accolon with all his heart that he would do so
+much for him. And therewithal Sir Ontzlake sent word unto his brother
+Sir Damas, that he had a knight that for him should be ready in the
+field by the hour of prime.
+
+So on the morn Sir Arthur was armed and well horsed, and asked Sir
+Damas, When shall we to the field? Sir, said Sir Damas, ye shall hear
+mass. And so Arthur heard a mass, and when mass was done there came a
+squire on a great horse, and asked Sir Damas if his knight were ready,
+for our knight is ready in the field. Then Sir Arthur mounted upon
+horseback, and there were all the knights and commons of that country;
+and so by all advices there were chosen twelve good men of the country
+for to wait upon the two knights. And right as Arthur was on horseback
+there came a damosel from Morgan le Fay, and brought unto Sir Arthur a
+sword like unto Excalibur, and the scabbard, and said unto Arthur,
+Morgan le Fay sendeth here your sword for great love. And he thanked
+her, and weened it had been so, but she was false, for the sword and
+the scabbard was counterfeit, and brittle, and false.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. Of the battle between King Arthur and Accolon.
+
+And then they dressed them on both parties of the field, and let their
+horses run so fast that either smote other in the midst of the shield
+with their spear-heads, that both horse and man went to the earth; and
+then they started up both, and pulled out their swords. The meanwhile
+that they were thus at the battle, came the Damosel of the Lake into
+the field, that put Merlin under the stone; and she came thither for
+love of King Arthur, for she knew how Morgan le Fay had so ordained
+that King Arthur should have been slain that day, and therefore she
+came to save his life. And so they went eagerly to the battle, and gave
+many great strokes, but always Arthur’s sword bit not like Accolon’s
+sword; but for the most part, every stroke that Accolon gave he wounded
+sore Arthur, that it was marvel he stood, and always his blood fell
+from him fast.
+
+When Arthur beheld the ground so sore be-bled he was dismayed, and then
+he deemed treason that his sword was changed; for his sword bit not
+steel as it was wont to do, therefore he dreaded him sore to be dead,
+for ever him seemed that the sword in Accolon’s hand was Excalibur, for
+at every stroke that Accolon struck he drew blood on Arthur. Now,
+knight, said Accolon unto Arthur, keep thee well from me; but Arthur
+answered not again, and gave him such a buffet on the helm that it made
+him to stoop, nigh falling down to the earth. Then Sir Accolon withdrew
+him a little, and came on with Excalibur on high, and smote Sir Arthur
+such a buffet that he fell nigh to the earth. Then were they wroth
+both, and gave each other many sore strokes, but always Sir Arthur lost
+so much blood that it was marvel he stood on his feet, but he was so
+full of knighthood that knightly he endured the pain. And Sir Accolon
+lost not a deal of blood, therefore he waxed passing light, and Sir
+Arthur was passing feeble, and weened verily to have died; but for all
+that he made countenance as though he might endure, and held Accolon as
+short as he might. But Accolon was so bold because of Excalibur that he
+waxed passing hardy. But all men that beheld him said they saw never
+knight fight so well as Arthur did considering the blood that he bled.
+So was all the people sorry for him, but the two brethren would not
+accord. Then always they fought together as fierce knights, and Sir
+Arthur withdrew him a little for to rest him, and Sir Accolon called
+him to battle and said, It is no time for me to suffer thee to rest.
+And therewith he came fiercely upon Arthur, and Sir Arthur was wroth
+for the blood that he had lost, and smote Accolon on high upon the
+helm, so mightily, that he made him nigh to fall to the earth; and
+therewith Arthur’s sword brast at the cross, and fell in the grass
+among the blood, and the pommel and the sure handles he held in his
+hands. When Sir Arthur saw that, he was in great fear to die, but
+always he held up his shield and lost no ground, nor bated no cheer.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. How King Arthur’s sword that he fought with brake, and how
+he recovered of Accolon his own sword Excalibur, and overcame his
+enemy.
+
+Then Sir Accolon began with words of treason, and said, Knight, thou
+art overcome, and mayst not endure, and also thou art weaponless, and
+thou hast lost much of thy blood, and I am full loath to slay thee,
+therefore yield thee to me 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 me lasteth the life, and therefore I had liefer to
+die with honour than to live with shame; and if it were possible for me
+to die an hundred times, I had liefer to die so oft than yield me to
+thee; for though I lack weapon, I shall lack no worship, and if thou
+slay me weaponless that shall be thy shame. Well, said Accolon, as for
+the shame I will not spare, now keep thee from me, for thou art but a
+dead man. And therewith Accolon gave him such a stroke that he fell
+nigh to the earth, and would have had Arthur to have cried him mercy.
+But Sir Arthur pressed unto Accolon with his shield, and gave him with
+the pommel in his hand such a buffet that he went three strides aback.
+
+When the Damosel of the Lake beheld Arthur, how full of prowess his
+body was, and the false treason that was wrought for him to have had
+him slain, she had great pity that so good a knight and such a man of
+worship should so be destroyed. And at the next stroke Sir Accolon
+struck him such a stroke that by the damosel’s enchantment the sword
+Excalibur fell out of Accolon’s hand to the earth. And therewithal Sir
+Arthur lightly leapt to it, and gat it in his hand, and forthwithal he
+knew that it was his sword Excalibur, and said, Thou hast been from me
+all too long, and much damage hast thou done me; and therewith he
+espied the scabbard hanging by his side, and suddenly he sterte to him
+and pulled the scabbard from him, and threw it from him as far as he
+might throw it. O knight, said Arthur, this day hast thou done me great
+damage with this sword; now are ye come unto your death, for I shall
+not warrant you but ye shall as well be rewarded with this sword, or
+ever we depart, as thou hast rewarded me; for much pain have ye made me
+to endure, and much blood have I lost. And therewith Sir Arthur rushed
+on him with all his might and pulled him to the earth, and then rushed
+off his helm, and gave him such a buffet on the head that the blood
+came out at his ears, his nose, and his mouth. Now will I slay thee,
+said Arthur. Slay me ye may well, said Accolon, an it please you, for
+ye are the best knight that ever I found, and I see well that God is
+with you. But for I promised to do this battle, said Accolon, to the
+uttermost, and never to be recreant while I lived, therefore shall I
+never yield me with my mouth, but God do with my body what he will.
+Then Sir Arthur remembered him, and thought he should have seen this
+knight. Now tell me, said Arthur, or I will slay thee, of what country
+art thou, and of what court? Sir Knight, said Sir Accolon, I am of the
+court of King Arthur, and my name is Accolon of Gaul. Then was Arthur
+more dismayed than he was beforehand; for then he remembered him of his
+sister Morgan le Fay, and of the enchantment of the ship. O sir knight,
+said he, I pray you tell me who gave you this sword, and by whom ye had
+it.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. How Accolon confessed the treason of Morgan le Fay, King
+Arthur’s sister, and how she would have done slay him.
+
+Then Sir Accolon bethought him, and said, Woe worth this sword, for by
+it have I got my death. It may well be, said the king. Now, sir, said
+Accolon, I will tell you; this sword hath been in my keeping the most
+part of this twelvemonth; and Morgan le Fay, King Uriens’ wife, sent it
+me yesterday by a dwarf, to this intent, that I should slay King
+Arthur, her brother. For ye shall understand King Arthur is the man in
+the world that she most hateth, because he is most of worship and of
+prowess of any of her blood; also she loveth me out of measure as
+paramour, and I her again; and if she might bring about to slay Arthur
+by her crafts, she would slay her husband King Uriens lightly, and then
+had she me devised to be king in this land, and so to reign, and she to
+be my queen; but that is now done, said Accolon, for I am sure of my
+death. Well, said Sir Arthur, I feel by you ye would have been king in
+this land. It had been great damage to have destroyed your lord, said
+Arthur. It is truth, said Accolon, but now I have told you truth,
+wherefore I pray you tell me of whence ye are, and of what court? O
+Accolon, said King Arthur, now I let thee wit that I am King Arthur, to
+whom thou hast done great damage. When Accolon heard that he cried
+aloud, Fair, sweet lord, have mercy on me, for I knew not you. O Sir
+Accolon, said King Arthur, mercy shalt thou have, because I feel by thy
+words at this time thou knewest not my person; but I understand well by
+thy words that thou hast agreed to the death of my person, and
+therefore thou art a traitor; but I wite thee the less, for my sister
+Morgan le Fay by her false crafts made thee to agree and consent to her
+false lusts, but I shall be sore avenged upon her an I live, that all
+Christendom shall speak of it; God knoweth I have honoured her and
+worshipped her more than all my kin, and more have I trusted her than
+mine own wife and all my kin after.
+
+Then Sir Arthur called the keepers of the field, and said, Sirs, come
+hither, for here are we two knights that have fought unto a great
+damage unto us both, and like each one of us to have slain other, if it
+had happed so; and had any of us known other, here had been no battle,
+nor stroke stricken. Then all aloud cried Accolon unto all the knights
+and men that were then there gathered together, and said to them in
+this manner, O lords, this noble knight that I have fought withal, the
+which me sore repenteth, is the most man of prowess, of manhood, and of
+worship in the world, for it is himself King Arthur, our alther liege
+lord, and with mishap and with misadventure have I done this battle
+with the king and lord that I am holden withal.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. How Arthur accorded the two brethren, and delivered the
+twenty knights, and how Sir Accolon died.
+
+Then all the people fell down on their knees and cried King Arthur
+mercy. Mercy shall ye have, said Arthur: here may ye see what
+adventures befall ofttime of errant knights, how that I have fought
+with a knight of mine own unto my great damage and his both. But, sirs,
+because I am sore hurt, and he both, and I had great need of a little
+rest, ye shall understand the opinion betwixt you two brethren: As to
+thee, Sir Damas, for whom I have been champion and won the field of
+this knight, yet will I judge because ye, Sir Damas, are called an
+orgulous knight, and full of villainy, and not worth of prowess your
+deeds, therefore I will that ye give unto your brother all the whole
+manor with the appurtenance, under this form, that Sir Ontzlake hold
+the manor of you, and yearly to give you a palfrey to ride upon, for
+that will become you better to ride on than upon a courser. Also I
+charge thee, Sir Damas, upon pain of death, that thou never distress no
+knights errant that ride on their adventure. And also that thou restore
+these twenty knights that thou hast long kept prisoners, of all their
+harness, that they be content for; and if any of them come to my court
+and complain of thee, by my head thou shalt die therefore. Also, Sir
+Ontzlake, as to you, because ye are named a good knight, and full of
+prowess, and true and gentle in all your deeds, this shall be your
+charge I will give you, that in all goodly haste ye come unto me and my
+court, and ye shall be a knight of mine, and if your deeds be
+thereafter I shall so prefer you, by the grace of God, that ye shall in
+short time be in ease for to live as worshipfully as your brother Sir
+Damas. God thank your largeness of your goodness and of your bounty, I
+shall be from henceforward at all times at your commandment; for, sir,
+said Sir Ontzlake, as God would, as I was hurt but late with an
+adventurous knight through both my thighs, that grieved me sore, and
+else had I done this battle with you. God would, said Arthur, it had
+been so, for then had not I been hurt as I am. I shall tell you the
+cause why: for I had not been hurt as I am, had it not been mine own
+sword, that was stolen from me by treason; and this battle was ordained
+aforehand to have slain me, and so it was brought to the purpose by
+false treason, and by false enchantment. Alas, said Sir Ontzlake, that
+is great pity that ever so noble a man as ye are of your deeds and
+prowess, that any man or woman might find in their hearts to work any
+treason against you. I shall reward them, said Arthur, in short time,
+by the grace of God. Now, tell me, said Arthur, how far am I from
+Camelot? Sir, ye are two days’ journey therefrom. I would fain be at
+some place of worship, said Sir Arthur, that I might rest me. Sir, said
+Sir Ontzlake, hereby is a rich abbey of your elders’ foundation, of
+nuns, but three miles hence. So the king took his leave of all the
+people, and mounted upon horseback, and Sir Accolon with him. And when
+they were come to the abbey, he let fetch leeches and search his wounds
+and Accolon’s both; but Sir Accolon died within four days, for he had
+bled so much blood that he might not live, but King Arthur was well
+recovered. So when Accolon was dead he let send him on an horse-bier
+with six knights unto Camelot, and said: Bear him to my sister Morgan
+le Fay, and say that I send her him to a present, and tell her I have
+my sword Excalibur and the scabbard; so they departed with the body.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII. How Morgan would have slain Sir Uriens her husband, and
+how Sir Uwaine her son saved him.
+
+The meanwhile Morgan le Fay had weened King Arthur had been dead. So on
+a day she espied King Uriens lay in his bed sleeping. Then she called
+unto her a maiden of her counsel, and said, Go fetch me my lord’s
+sword, for I saw never better time to slay him than now. O madam, said
+the damosel, an ye slay my lord ye can never escape. Care not you, said
+Morgan le Fay, for now I see my time in the which it is best to do it,
+and therefore hie thee fast and fetch me the sword. Then the damosel
+departed, and found Sir Uwaine sleeping upon a bed in another chamber,
+so she went unto Sir Uwaine, and awaked him, and bade him, Arise, and
+wait on my lady your mother, for she will slay the king your father
+sleeping in his bed, for I go to fetch his sword. Well, said Sir
+Uwaine, go on your way, and let me deal. Anon the damosel brought
+Morgan the sword with quaking hands, and she lightly took the sword,
+and pulled it out, and went boldly unto the bed’s side, and awaited how
+and where she might slay him best. And as she lifted up the sword to
+smite, Sir Uwaine leapt unto his mother, and caught her by the hand,
+and said, Ah, fiend, what wilt thou do? An thou wert not my mother,
+with this sword I should smite off thy head. Ah, said Sir Uwaine, men
+saith that Merlin was begotten of a devil, but I may say an earthly
+devil bare me. O fair son, Uwaine, have mercy upon me, I was tempted
+with a devil, wherefore I cry thee mercy; I will never more do so; and
+save my worship and discover me not. On this covenant, said Sir Uwaine,
+I will forgive it you, so ye will never be about to do such deeds. Nay,
+son, said she, and that I make you assurance.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV. How Queen Morgan le Fay made great sorrow for the death of
+Accolon, and how she stole away the scabbard from Arthur.
+
+Then came tidings unto Morgan le Fay that Accolon was dead, and his
+body brought unto the church, and how King Arthur had his sword again.
+But when Queen Morgan wist that Accolon was dead, she was so sorrowful
+that near her heart to-brast. But because she would not it were known,
+outward she kept her countenance, and made no semblant of sorrow. But
+well she wist an she abode 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, or 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 same abbey of nuns whereas lay King Arthur; and she
+knowing he was there, she asked where he was. And they answered how he
+had laid him in his bed to sleep, for he had had but little rest these
+three nights. Well, said she, I charge you that none of you awake him
+till I do, and then she alighted off her horse, and thought for to
+steal away Excalibur his sword, and so she went straight unto his
+chamber, and no man durst disobey her commandment, and 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 she had awaked him, and then she wist well she had been dead.
+Then she took the scabbard and went her way on horseback. When the king
+awoke and missed his scabbard, he was wroth, and he asked who had been
+there, and they said his sister, Queen Morgan had been there, and had
+put the scabbard under her mantle and was gone. Alas, said Arthur,
+falsely ye have watched me. Sir, said they all, we durst not disobey
+your sister’s commandment. Ah, said the king, let fetch the best horse
+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
+found a cowherd, and they asked the poor man if there came any lady
+riding that way. Sir, said this poor man, right late came a lady riding
+with a forty horses, and to yonder forest she rode. Then they spurred
+their horses, and followed fast, and within a while Arthur had a sight
+of Morgan le Fay; then 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, and when she saw she might not escape, she rode unto a
+lake thereby, and said, Whatsoever come of me, my brother shall not
+have this scabbard. And then she let throw the scabbard in the deepest
+of the water so it sank, for it was heavy of gold and precious stones.
+
+Then she rode into a valley where many great stones were, and when she
+saw she must be overtaken, she shaped herself, horse and man, by
+enchantment unto a great marble stone. Anon withal came Sir Arthur and
+Sir Ontzlake whereas the king might know his sister and her men, and
+one knight from another. Ah, said the king, here may ye see the
+vengeance of God, and now am I sorry that this misadventure is
+befallen. And then he looked for the scabbard, but it would not be
+found, so he returned to the abbey where he came from. So when Arthur
+was gone she turned all into the likeliness as she and they were
+before, and said, Sirs, now may we go where we will.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV. How Morgan le Fay saved a knight that should have been
+drowned, and how King Arthur returned home again.
+
+Then said Morgan, Saw ye Arthur, my brother? Yea, said her knights,
+right well, and that ye should have found an we might have stirred from
+one stead, for by his armyvestal countenance he would have caused us to
+have fled. I believe you, said Morgan. Anon after as she rode she met a
+knight leading another knight on his horse before him, bound hand and
+foot, blindfold, to have drowned him in a fountain. When she saw this
+knight so bound, she asked him, What will ye do with that knight? Lady,
+said he, I will drown him. For what cause? she asked. For I found him
+with my wife, and she shall have the same death anon. That were pity,
+said Morgan le Fay. Now, what say ye, knight, is it truth that he saith
+of you? she said to the knight that should be drowned. Nay truly,
+madam, he saith not right on me. Of whence be ye, said Morgan le Fay,
+and of what country? I am of the court of King Arthur, and my name is
+Manassen, cousin unto Accolon of Gaul. Ye say well, said she, and for
+the love of him ye shall be delivered, and ye shall have your adversary
+in the same case ye be in. So Manassen was loosed and the other knight
+bound. And anon Manassen unarmed him, and armed himself in his harness,
+and so mounted on horseback, and the knight afore him, and so threw him
+into the fountain and drowned him. And then he rode unto Morgan again,
+and asked if she would anything unto King Arthur. Tell him that I
+rescued thee, not for the love of him but for the love of Accolon, and
+tell him I fear him not while I can make me and them that be with me in
+likeness of stones; and let him wit I can do much more when I see my
+time. And 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 dreaded 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, then all
+had marvel of the falsehood of Morgan le Fay; many knights wished her
+burnt. Then came Manassen to court and told the king of his adventure.
+Well, said the king, she is a kind sister; I shall so be avenged on her
+an I live, that all Christendom shall speak of it. So on the morn there
+came a damosel 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 damosel 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 but little.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI. How the Damosel of the Lake saved King Arthur from mantle
+that should have burnt him.
+
+With that came the Damosel of the Lake unto the king, and said, Sir, I
+must speak with you in privity. Say on, said the king, what ye will.
+Sir, said the damosel, put not on you this mantle till ye have seen
+more, and in no wise let it not come on you, nor on no 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
+damosel that came from his sister, Damosel, this mantle that ye have
+brought me, I will see it upon you. Sir, she said, It will not beseem
+me to wear a king’s garment. By my head, said Arthur, ye shall wear it
+or it come on my back, or any man’s that here is. And so the king made
+it to be put upon her, and forth withal she fell down dead, and never
+more spake word after and burnt to coals. Then was the king wonderly
+wroth, more than he was to-forehand, and said unto King Uriens, My
+sister, your wife, is alway about to betray me, and well I wot either
+ye, or my nephew, your son, 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 Accolon confessed to me by his
+own mouth, that she would have destroyed you as well as me, therefore I
+hold you excused; but as for your son, Sir Uwaine, I hold him suspect,
+therefore I charge you put him out of my court. So Sir Uwaine was
+discharged. And when Sir Gawaine wist that, he made him ready to go
+with him; and said, Whoso banisheth my cousin-germain shall banish me.
+So they two departed, and rode into a great forest, and so they came to
+an abbey of monks, and there 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 love of one. So on the morn they
+heard their masses in the abbey, and so they rode forth till that they
+came to a great forest. Then was Sir Gawaine ware in a valley by a
+turret [of] twelve fair damosels, and two knights armed on great
+horses, and the damosels went to and fro by a tree. And then was Sir
+Gawaine ware how there hung a white shield on that tree, and ever as
+the damosels came by it they spit upon it, and some threw mire upon the
+shield.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine met with twelve fair
+damosels, and how they complained on Sir Marhaus.
+
+Then Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine went and saluted them, and asked why
+they did that despite to the shield. Sir, said the damosels, we shall
+tell you. There is a knight in this country that owneth this white
+shield, and he is a passing good man of his hands, but he hateth all
+ladies and gentlewomen, and therefore we do all this despite to the
+shield. I shall say you, said Sir Gawaine, it beseemeth evil a good
+knight to despise all ladies and gentlewomen, and peradventure though
+he hate you he hath some certain cause, and peradventure he loveth in
+some other places ladies and gentlewomen, and to be loved again, an he
+be such a man of prowess as ye speak of. Now, what is his name? Sir,
+said they, his name is Marhaus, the king’s son of Ireland. I know him
+well, said Sir Uwaine, he is a passing good knight as any is alive, for
+I saw him once proved at a jousts where many knights were gathered, and
+that time there might no man withstand him. Ah! said Sir Gawaine,
+damosels, methinketh ye are to blame, for it is to suppose, he that
+hung that shield there, he will not be long therefrom, and then may
+those knights match him on horseback, and that is more your worship
+than thus; for I will abide no longer to see a knight’s shield
+dishonoured. And therewith Sir Uwaine and Gawaine departed a little
+from them, and then were they ware where Sir Marhaus came riding on a
+great horse straight toward them. And when the twelve damosels saw Sir
+Marhaus they fled into the turret as they were wild, so that some of
+them fell by the way. Then the one of the knights of the tower dressed
+his shield, and said on high, Sir Marhaus, defend thee. And so they ran
+together that the knight brake his spear on Marhaus, and Marhaus smote
+him so hard that he brake his neck and the horse’s back. That saw the
+other knight of the turret, and dressed him toward Marhaus, and they
+met so eagerly together that the knight of the turret was soon smitten
+down, horse and man, stark dead.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Marhaus jousted with Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine,
+and overthrew them both.
+
+And then Sir Marhaus rode unto his shield, and saw how it was defouled,
+and said, Of this despite I am a part avenged, but for her love that
+gave me this white shield I shall wear thee, and hang mine where thou
+wast; and so he hanged it about his neck. Then he rode straight unto
+Sir Gawaine and to Sir Uwaine, and asked them what they did there? They
+answered him that they came from King Arthur’s court to see adventures.
+Well, said Sir Marhaus, here am I ready, an adventurous knight that
+will fulfil any adventure that ye will desire; and so departed from
+them, to fetch his range. Let him go, said Sir Uwaine unto Sir Gawaine,
+for he is a passing good knight as any is living; I would not by my
+will that any of us were matched with him. Nay, said Sir Gawaine, not
+so, it were shame to us were he not assayed, were he never so good a
+knight. Well, said Sir Uwaine, I will assay him afore you, for I am
+more weaker than ye, and if he smite me down then may ye revenge me. So
+these two knights came together with great raundon, that Sir Uwaine
+smote Sir Marhaus that his spear brast in pieces on the shield, and Sir
+Marhaus smote him so sore that horse and man he bare to the earth, and
+hurt Sir Uwaine on the left side.
+
+Then Sir Marhaus turned his horse and rode toward Gawaine with his
+spear, and when Sir Gawaine saw that he dressed his shield, and they
+aventred their spears, and they came together with all the might of
+their horses, that either knight smote other so hard in midst of their
+shields, but Sir Gawaine’s spear brake, but Sir Marhaus’ spear held;
+and therewith Sir Gawaine and his horse rushed down to the earth. And
+lightly Sir Gawaine rose on his feet, and pulled out his sword, and
+dressed him toward Sir Marhaus on foot, and Sir Marhaus saw that, and
+pulled out his sword and began to come to Sir Gawaine on horseback. Sir
+knight, said Sir Gawaine, alight on foot, or else I will slay thy
+horse. Gramercy, said Sir Marhaus, of your gentleness ye teach me
+courtesy, for it is not for one knight to be on foot, and the other on
+horseback. And therewith Sir Marhaus set his spear against a tree and
+alighted and tied his horse to a tree, and dressed his shield, and
+either came unto other eagerly, and smote together with their swords
+that their shields flew in cantels, and they bruised their helms and
+their hauberks, and wounded either other. But Sir Gawaine from it
+passed nine of the clock waxed ever stronger and stronger, for then it
+came to the hour of noon, and thrice his might was increased. All this
+espied Sir Marhaus and had great wonder how his might increased, and so
+they wounded other passing sore. And then when it was past noon, and
+when it drew toward evensong, Sir Gawaine’s strength feebled, and waxed
+passing faint that unnethes he might dure any longer, and Sir Marhaus
+was then bigger and bigger. Sir knight, said Sir Marhaus, I have well
+felt that ye are a passing good knight and a marvellous man of might as
+ever I felt any, while it lasteth, and our quarrels are not great, and
+therefore it were pity to do you hurt, for I feel ye are passing
+feeble. Ah, said Sir Gawaine, gentle knight, ye say the word that I
+should say. And therewith they took off their helms, and either kissed
+other, and there they swore together either to love other as brethren.
+And Sir Marhaus prayed Sir Gawaine to lodge with him that night. And so
+they took their horses, and rode toward Sir Marhaus’ house. And as they
+rode by the way, Sir knight, said Sir Gawaine, I have marvel that so
+valiant a man as ye be love no ladies nor damosels. Sir, said Sir
+Marhaus, they name me wrongfully those that give me that name, but well
+I wot it be the damosels of the turret that so name me, and other such
+as they be. Now shall I tell you for what cause I hate them: for they
+be sorceresses and enchanters many of them, and be a knight never so
+good of his body and full of prowess as man may be, they will make him
+a stark coward to have the better of him, and this is the principal
+cause that I hate them; and to all good ladies and gentlewomen I owe my
+service as a knight ought to do.
+
+As the book rehearseth in French, there were many knights that
+overmatched Sir Gawaine, for all the thrice might that he had: Sir
+Launcelot de Lake, Sir Tristram, Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Percivale, Sir
+Pelleas, and Sir Marhaus, these six knights had the better of Sir
+Gawaine. Then within a little while they came to Sir Marhaus’ place,
+which was in a little priory, and there they alighted, and ladies and
+damosels unarmed them, and hastily looked to their hurts, for they were
+all three hurt. And so they had all three good lodging with Sir
+Marhaus, and good cheer; for when he wist that they were King Arthur’s
+sister’s sons he made them all the cheer that lay in his power, and so
+they sojourned there a sennight, and were well eased of their wounds,
+and at the last departed. Now, said Sir Marhaus, we will not depart so
+lightly, for I will bring you through the forest; and rode day by day
+well a seven days or they found any adventure. At the last they came
+into a great forest, that was named the country and forest of Arroy,
+and the country of strange adventures. In this country, said Sir
+Marhaus, came never knight since it was christened but he found strange
+adventures; and so they rode, and came into a deep valley full of
+stones, and thereby they saw a fair stream of water; above thereby was
+the head of the stream a fair fountain, and three damosels sitting
+thereby. And then they rode to them, and either saluted other, and the
+eldest had a garland of gold about her head, and she was three score
+winter of age or more, and her hair was white under the garland. The
+second damosel was of thirty winter of age, with a circlet of gold
+about her head. The third damosel was but fifteen year of age, and a
+garland of flowers about her head. When these knights had so beheld
+them, they asked them the cause why they sat at that fountain? We be
+here, said the damosels, for this cause: if we may see any errant
+knights, to teach them unto strange adventures; and ye be three knights
+that seek adventures, and we be three damosels, and therefore each one
+of you must choose one of us; and when ye have done so we will lead you
+unto three highways, and there each of you shall choose a way and his
+damosel with him. And this day twelvemonth ye must meet here again, and
+God send you your lives, and thereto ye must plight your troth. This is
+well said, said Sir Marhaus.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX. How Sir Marhaus, Sir Gawaine, and Sir Uwaine met three
+damosels, and each of them took one.
+
+Now shall everych of us choose a damosel. I shall tell you, said Sir
+Uwaine, I am the youngest and most weakest of you both, therefore I
+will have the eldest damosel, for she hath seen much, and can best help
+me when I have need, for I have most need of help of you both. Now,
+said Sir Marhaus, I will have the damosel of thirty winter age, for she
+falleth best to me. Well, said Sir Gawaine, I thank you, for ye have
+left me the youngest and the fairest, and she is most liefest to me.
+Then every damosel took her knight by the reins of his bridle, and
+brought him to the three ways, and there was their oath made to meet at
+the fountain that day twelvemonth an they were living, and so they
+kissed and departed, and each knight set his lady behind him. And Sir
+Uwaine took the way that lay west, and Sir Marhaus took the way that
+lay south, and Sir Gawaine took the way that lay north. Now will we
+begin at Sir Gawaine, that held that way till that he came unto a fair
+manor, where dwelled an old knight and a good householder, and there
+Sir Gawaine asked the knight if he knew any adventures in that country.
+I shall show you some to-morn, said the old knight, and that
+marvellous. So, on the morn they rode into the forest of adventures to
+a laund, and thereby they found a cross, and as they stood and hoved
+there came by them the fairest knight and the seemliest man that ever
+they saw, making the greatest dole that ever man made. And then he was
+ware of Sir Gawaine, and saluted him, and prayed God to send him much
+worship. As to that, said Sir Gawaine, gramercy; also I pray to God
+that he send you honour and worship. Ah, said the knight, I may lay
+that aside, for sorrow and shame cometh to me after worship.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX. How a knight and a dwarf strove for a lady.
+
+And therewith he passed unto the one side of the laund; and on the
+other side saw Sir Gawaine ten knights that hoved still and made them
+ready with their shields and spears against that one knight that came
+by Sir Gawaine.
+
+Then this one knight aventred a great spear, and one of the ten knights
+encountered with him, but this woful knight smote him so hard that he
+fell over his horse’s tail. So this same dolorous knight served them
+all, that at the leastway he smote down horse and man, and all he did
+with one spear; and so when they were all ten on foot, they went to
+that one knight, and he stood stone still, and suffered them to pull
+him down off his horse, and bound him hand and foot, and tied him under
+the horse’s belly, and so led him with them. O Jesu! said Sir Gawaine,
+this is a doleful sight, to see the yonder knight so to be entreated,
+and it seemeth by the knight that he suffereth them to bind him so, for
+he maketh no resistance. No, said his host, that is truth, for an he
+would they all were too weak so to do him. Sir, said the damosel unto
+Sir Gawaine, meseemeth it were your worship to help that dolorous
+knight, for methinketh he is one of the best knights that ever I saw. I
+would do for him, said Sir Gawaine, but it seemeth he will have no
+help. Then, said the damosel, methinketh ye have no lust to help him.
+
+Thus as they talked they saw a knight on the other side of the laund
+all armed save the head. And on the other side there came a dwarf on
+horseback all armed save the head, with a great mouth and a short nose;
+and when the dwarf came nigh he said, Where is the lady should meet us
+here? and therewithal she came forth out of the wood. And then they
+began to strive for the lady; for the knight said he would have her,
+and the dwarf said he would have her. Will we do well? said the dwarf;
+yonder is a knight at the cross, let us put it both upon him, and as he
+deemeth so shall it be. I will well, said the knight, and so they went
+all three unto Sir Gawaine and told him wherefore they strove. Well,
+sirs, said he, will ye put the matter in my hand? Yea, they said both.
+Now damosel, said Sir Gawaine, ye shall stand betwixt them both, and
+whether ye list better to go to, he shall have you. And when she was
+set between them both, she left the knight and went to the dwarf, and
+the dwarf took her and went his way singing, and the knight went his
+way with great mourning.
+
+Then came there two knights all armed, and cried on high, Sir Gawaine!
+knight of King Arthur’s, make thee ready in all haste and joust with
+me. So they ran together, that either fell down, and then on foot they
+drew their swords, and did full actually. The meanwhile the other
+knight went to the damosel, and asked her why she abode with that
+knight, and if ye would abide with me, I will be your faithful knight.
+And with you will I be, said the damosel, for with Sir Gawaine I may
+not find in mine heart to be with him; for now here was one knight
+discomfited ten knights, and at the last he was cowardly led away; and
+therefore let us two go whilst they fight. And Sir Gawaine fought with
+that other knight long, but at the last they accorded both. And then
+the knight prayed Sir Gawaine to lodge with him that night. So as Sir
+Gawaine went with this knight he asked him, What knight is he in this
+country that smote down the ten knights? For when he had done so
+manfully he suffered them to bind him hand and foot, and so led him
+away. Ah, said the knight, that is the best knight I trow in the world,
+and the most man of prowess, and he hath been served so as he was even
+more than ten times, and his name hight Sir Pelleas, and he loveth a
+great lady in this country and her name is Ettard. And so when he loved
+her there was cried in this country a great jousts three days, and all
+the knights of this country were there and gentlewomen, and who that
+proved him the best knight should have a passing good sword and a
+circlet of gold, and the circlet the knight should give it to the
+fairest lady that was at the jousts. And this knight Sir Pelleas was
+the best knight that was there, and there were five hundred knights,
+but there was never man that ever Sir Pelleas met withal but he struck
+him down, or else from his horse; and every day of three days he struck
+down twenty knights, therefore they gave him the prize, and forthwithal
+he went thereas the Lady Ettard was, and gave her the circlet, and said
+openly she was the fairest lady that there was, and that would he prove
+upon any knight that would say nay.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI. How King Pelleas suffered himself to be taken prisoner
+because he would have a sight of his lady, and how Sir Gawaine promised
+him to get to him the love of his lady.
+
+And so he chose her for his sovereign lady, and never to love other but
+her, but she was so proud that she had scorn of him, and said that she
+would never love him though he would die for her. Wherefore all ladies
+and gentlewomen had scorn of her that she was so proud, for there were
+fairer than she, and there was none that was there but an Sir Pelleas
+would have proffered them love, they would have loved him for his noble
+prowess. And so this knight promised the Lady Ettard to follow her into
+this country, and never to leave her till she loved him. And thus he is
+here the most part nigh her, and lodged by a priory, and every week she
+sendeth knights to fight with him. And when he hath put them to the
+worse, then will he suffer them wilfully to take him prisoner, because
+he would have a sight of this lady. And always she doth him great
+despite, for sometime she maketh her knights to tie him to his horse’s
+tail, and some to bind him under the horse’s belly; thus in the most
+shamefullest ways that she can think he is brought to her. And all she
+doth it for to cause him to leave this country, and to leave his
+loving; but all this cannot make him to leave, for an he would have
+fought on foot he might have had the better of the ten knights as well
+on foot as on horseback. Alas, said Sir Gawaine, it is great pity of
+him; and after this night I will seek him to-morrow, in this forest, to
+do him all the help I can. So on the morn Sir Gawaine took his leave of
+his host Sir Carados, and rode into the forest; and at the last he met
+with Sir Pelleas, making great moan out of measure, so each of them
+saluted other, and asked him why he made such sorrow. And as it is
+above rehearsed, Sir Pelleas told Sir Gawaine: But always I suffer her
+knights to fare so with me as ye saw yesterday, in trust at the last to
+win her love, for she knoweth well all her knights should not lightly
+win me, an me list to fight with them to the uttermost. Wherefore an I
+loved her not so sore, I had liefer die an hundred times, an I might
+die so oft, rather than I would suffer that despite; but I trust she
+will have pity upon me at the last, for love causeth many a good knight
+to suffer to have his entent, but alas I am unfortunate. And therewith
+he made so great dole and sorrow that unnethe he might hold him on
+horseback.
+
+Now, said Sir Gawaine, leave your mourning and I shall promise you by
+the faith of my body to do all that lieth in my power to get you the
+love of your lady, and thereto I will plight you my troth. Ah, said Sir
+Pelleas, of what court are ye? tell me, I pray you, my good friend. And
+then Sir Gawaine said, I am of the court of King Arthur, and his
+sister’s son, and King Lot of Orkney was my father, and my name is Sir
+Gawaine. And then he said, My name is Sir Pelleas, born in the Isles,
+and of many isles I am lord, and never have I loved lady nor damosel
+till now in an unhappy time; and, sir knight, since ye are so nigh
+cousin unto King Arthur, and a king’s son, therefore betray me not but
+help me, for I may never come by her but by some good knight, for she
+is in a strong castle here, fast by within this four mile, and over all
+this country she is lady of. And so I may never come to her presence,
+but as I suffer her knights to take me, and but if I did so that I
+might have a sight of her, I had been dead long or this time; and yet
+fair word had I never of her, but when I am brought to-fore her she
+rebuketh me in the foulest manner. And then they take my horse and
+harness and put me out of the gates, and she will not suffer me to eat
+nor drink; and always I offer me to be her prisoner, but that she will
+not suffer me, for I would desire no more, what pains so ever I had, so
+that I might have a sight of her daily. Well, said Sir Gawaine, all
+this shall I amend an ye will do as I shall devise: I will have your
+horse and your armour, and so will I ride unto her castle and tell her
+that I have slain you, and so shall I come within her to cause her to
+cherish me, and then shall I do my true part that ye shall not fail to
+have the love of her.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII. How Sir Gawaine came to the Lady Ettard, and how Sir
+Pelleas found them sleeping.
+
+And therewith Sir Gawaine plight his troth unto Sir Pelleas to be true
+and faithful unto him; so each one plight their troth to other, and so
+they changed horses and harness, and Sir Gawaine departed, and came to
+the castle whereas stood the pavilions of this lady without the gate.
+And as soon as Ettard had espied Sir Gawaine she fled in toward the
+castle. Sir Gawaine spake on high, and bade her abide, for he was not
+Sir Pelleas; I am another knight that have slain Sir Pelleas. Do off
+your helm, said the Lady Ettard, that I may see your visage. And so
+when she saw that it was not Sir Pelleas, she bade him alight and led
+him unto her castle, and asked him faithfully whether he had slain Sir
+Pelleas. And he said her yea, and told her his name was Sir Gawaine of
+the court of King Arthur, and his sister’s son. Truly, said she, that
+is great pity, for he was a passing good knight of his body, but of all
+men alive I hated him most, for I could never be quit of him; and for
+ye have slain him I shall be your woman, and to do anything that might
+please you. So she made Sir Gawaine good cheer. Then Sir Gawaine said
+that he loved a lady and by no means she would love him. She is to
+blame, said Ettard, an she will not love you, for ye that be so well
+born a man, and such a man of prowess, there is no lady in the world
+too good for you. Will ye, said Sir Gawaine, promise me to do all that
+ye may, by the faith of your body, to get me the love of my lady? Yea,
+sir, said she, and that I promise you by the faith of my body. Now,
+said Sir Gawaine, it is yourself that I love so well, therefore I pray
+you hold your promise. I may not choose, said the Lady Ettard, but if I
+should be forsworn; and so she granted him to fulfil all his desire.
+
+So it was then in the month of May that she and Sir Gawaine went out of
+the castle and supped in a pavilion, and there was made a bed, and
+there Sir Gawaine and the Lady Ettard went to bed together, and in
+another pavilion she laid her damosels, and in the third pavilion she
+laid part of her knights, for then she had no dread of Sir Pelleas. And
+there Sir Gawaine lay with her in that pavilion two days and two
+nights. And on the third day, in the morning early, Sir Pelleas armed
+him, for he had never slept since Sir Gawaine departed from him; for
+Sir Gawaine had promised him by the faith of his body, to come to him
+unto his pavilion by that priory within the space of a day and a night.
+
+Then Sir Pelleas mounted upon horseback, and came to the pavilions that
+stood without the castle, and found in the first pavilion three knights
+in three beds, and three squires lying at their feet. Then went he to
+the second pavilion and found four gentlewomen lying in four beds. And
+then he yede to the third pavilion and found Sir Gawaine lying in bed
+with his Lady Ettard, and either clipping other in arms, and when he
+saw that his heart well-nigh brast for sorrow, and said: Alas! that
+ever a knight should be found so false; and then he took his horse and
+might not abide no longer for pure sorrow. And when he had ridden nigh
+half a mile he turned again and thought to slay them both; and when he
+saw them both so lie sleeping fast, unnethe he might hold him on
+horseback for sorrow, and said thus to himself, Though this knight be
+never so false, I will never slay him sleeping, for I will never
+destroy the high order of knighthood; and therewith he departed again.
+And or he had ridden half a mile he returned again, and thought then to
+slay them both, making the greatest sorrow that ever man made. And when
+he came to the pavilions, he tied his horse unto a tree, and pulled out
+his sword naked in his hand, and went to them thereas they lay, and yet
+he thought it were shame to slay them sleeping, and laid the naked
+sword overthwart both their throats, and so took his horse and rode his
+way.
+
+And when Sir Pelleas came to his pavilions he told his knights and his
+squires how he had sped, and said thus to them, For your true and good
+service ye have done me I shall give you all my goods, for I will go
+unto my bed and never arise until I am dead. And when that I am dead I
+charge you that ye take the heart out of my body and bear it her
+betwixt two silver dishes, and tell her how I saw her lie with the
+false knight Sir Gawaine. Right so Sir Pelleas unarmed himself, and
+went unto his bed making marvellous dole and sorrow.
+
+When Sir Gawaine and Ettard awoke of their sleep, and found the naked
+sword overthwart their throats, then she knew well it was Sir Pelleas’
+sword. Alas! said she to Sir Gawaine, ye have betrayed me and Sir
+Pelleas both, for ye told me ye had slain him, and now I know well it
+is not so, he is alive. And if Sir Pelleas had been as uncourteous to
+you as ye have been to him ye had been a dead knight; but ye have
+deceived me and betrayed me falsely, that all ladies and damosels may
+beware by you and me. And therewith Sir Gawaine made him ready, and
+went into the forest. So it happed then that the Damosel of the Lake,
+Nimue, met with a knight of Sir Pelleas, that went on his foot in the
+forest making great dole, and she asked him the cause. And so the woful
+knight told her how his master and lord was betrayed through a knight
+and lady, and how he will never arise out of his bed till he be dead.
+Bring me to him, said she anon, and I will warrant his life he shall
+not die for love, and she that hath caused him so to love, she shall be
+in as evil plight as he is or it be long to, for it is no joy of such a
+proud lady that will have no mercy of such a valiant knight. Anon that
+knight brought her unto him, and when she saw him lie in his bed, she
+thought she saw never so likely a knight; and therewith she threw an
+enchantment upon him, and he fell asleep. And therewhile she rode unto
+the Lady Ettard, and charged no man to awake him till she came again.
+So within two hours she brought the Lady Ettard thither, and both
+ladies found him asleep: Lo, said the Damosel of the Lake, ye ought to
+be ashamed for to murder such a knight. And therewith she threw such an
+enchantment upon her that she loved him sore, that well-nigh she was
+out of her mind. O Lord Jesu, said the Lady Ettard, how is it befallen
+unto me that I love now him that I have most hated of any man alive?
+That is the righteous judgment of God, said the damosel. And then anon
+Sir Pelleas awaked and looked upon Ettard; and when he saw her he knew
+her, and then he hated her more than any woman alive, and said: Away,
+traitress, come never in my sight. And when she heard him say so, she
+wept and made great sorrow out of measure.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Pelleas loved no more Ettard by means of the
+Damosel of the Lake, whom he loved ever after.
+
+Sir knight Pelleas, said the Damosel of the Lake, take your horse and
+come forth with me out of this country, and ye shall love a lady that
+shall love you. I will well, said Sir Pelleas, for this Lady Ettard
+hath done me great despite and shame, and there he told her the
+beginning and ending, and how he had purposed never to have arisen till
+that he had been dead. And now such grace God hath sent me, that I hate
+her as much as ever I loved her, thanked be our Lord Jesus! Thank me,
+said the Damosel of the Lake. Anon Sir Pelleas armed him, and took his
+horse, and commanded his men to bring after his pavilions and his stuff
+where the Damosel of the Lake would assign. So the Lady Ettard died for
+sorrow, and the Damosel of the Lake rejoiced Sir Pelleas, and loved
+together during their life days.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Marhaus rode with the damosel, and how he came to
+the Duke of the South Marches.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Marhaus, that rode with the damosel of thirty
+winter of age, southward. And so they came into a deep forest, and by
+fortune they were nighted, and rode long in a deep way, and at the last
+they came unto a courtelage, and there they asked harbour. But the man
+of the courtelage would not lodge them for no treatise that they could
+treat, but thus much the good man said, An ye will take the adventure
+of your lodging, I shall bring you where ye shall be lodged. What
+adventure is that that I shall have for my lodging? said Sir Marhaus.
+Ye shall wit when ye come there, said the good man. Sir, what adventure
+so it be, bring me thither I pray thee, said Sir Marhaus; for I am
+weary, my damosel, and my horse. So the good man went and opened the
+gate, and within an hour he brought him unto a fair castle, and then
+the poor man called the porter, and anon he was let into the castle,
+and so he told the lord how he brought him a knight errant and a
+damosel that would be lodged with him. Let him in, said the lord, it
+may happen he shall repent that they took their lodging here.
+
+So Sir Marhaus was let in with torchlight, and there was a goodly sight
+of young men that welcomed him. And then his horse was led into the
+stable, and he and the damosel were brought into the hall, and there
+stood a mighty duke and many goodly men about him. Then this lord asked
+him what he hight, and from whence he came, and with whom he dwelt.
+Sir, he said, I am a knight of King Arthur’s and knight of the Table
+Round, and my name is Sir Marhaus, and born I am in Ireland. And then
+said the duke to him, That me sore repenteth: the cause is this, for I
+love not thy lord nor none of thy fellows of the Table Round; and
+therefore ease thyself this night as well as thou mayest, for as
+to-morn I and my six sons shall match with you. Is there no remedy but
+that I must have ado with you and your six sons at once? said Sir
+Marhaus. No, said the duke, for this cause I made mine avow, for Sir
+Gawaine slew my seven sons in a recounter, therefore I made mine avow,
+there should never knight of King Arthur’s court lodge with me, or come
+thereas I might have ado with him, but that I would have a revenging of
+my sons’ death. What is your name? said Sir Marhaus; I require you tell
+me, an it please you. Wit thou well I am the Duke of South Marches. Ah,
+said Sir Marhaus, I have heard say that ye have been long time a great
+foe unto my lord Arthur and to his knights. That shall ye feel to-morn,
+said the duke. Shall I have ado with you? said Sir Marhaus. Yea, said
+the duke, thereof shalt thou not choose, and therefore take you to your
+chamber, and ye shall have all that to you longeth. So Sir Marhaus
+departed and was led to a chamber, and his damosel was led unto her
+chamber. And on the morn the duke sent unto Sir Marhaus and bade make
+him ready. And so Sir Marhaus arose and armed him, and then there was a
+mass sung afore him, and brake his fast, and so mounted on horseback in
+the court of the castle where they should do the battle. So there was
+the duke all ready on horseback, clean armed, and his six sons by him,
+and everych had a spear in his hand, and so they encountered, whereas
+the duke and his two sons brake their spears upon him, but Sir Marhaus
+held up his spear and touched none of them.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Marhaus fought with the duke and his four sons and
+made them to yield them.
+
+Then came the four sons by couple, and two of them brake their spears,
+and so did the other two. And all this while Sir Marhaus touched them
+not. Then Sir Marhaus ran to the duke, and smote him with his spear
+that horse and man fell to the earth, and so he served his sons; and
+then Sir Marhaus alighted down and bade the duke yield him or else he
+would slay him. And then some of his sons recovered, and would have set
+upon Sir Marhaus; then Sir Marhaus said to the duke, Cease thy sons, or
+else I will do the uttermost to you all. Then the duke saw he might not
+escape the death, he cried to his sons, and charged them to yield them
+to Sir Marhaus; and they kneeled all down and put the pommels of their
+swords to the knight, and so he received them. And then they helped up
+their father, and so by their cominal assent promised to Sir Marhaus
+never to be foes unto King Arthur, and thereupon at Whitsuntide after
+to come, he and his sons, and put them in the king’s grace.
+
+Then Sir Marhaus departed, and within two days his damosel brought him
+whereas was a great tournament that the Lady de Vawse had cried. And
+who that did best should have a rich circlet of gold worth a thousand
+besants. And there Sir Marhaus did so nobly that he was renowned, and
+had sometime down forty knights, and so the circlet of gold was
+rewarded him. Then he departed from them with great worship; and so
+within seven nights his damosel brought him to an earl’s place, his
+name was the Earl Fergus, that after was Sir Tristram’s knight; and
+this earl was but a young man, and late come into his lands, and there
+was a giant fast by him that hight Taulurd, and he had another brother
+in Cornwall that hight Taulas, that Sir Tristram slew when he was out
+of his mind. So this earl made his complaint unto Sir Marhaus, that
+there was a giant by him that destroyed all his lands, and how he durst
+nowhere ride nor go for him. Sir, said the knight, whether useth he to
+fight on horseback or on foot? Nay, said the earl, there may no horse
+bear him. Well, said Sir Marhaus, then will I fight with him on foot;
+so on the morn Sir Marhaus prayed the earl that one of his men might
+bring him whereas the giant was; and so he was, for he saw him sit
+under a tree of holly, and many clubs of iron and gisarms about him. So
+this knight dressed him to the giant, putting his shield afore him, and
+the giant took an iron club in his hand, and at the first stroke he
+clave Sir Marhaus’ shield in two pieces. And there he was in great
+peril, for the giant was a wily fighter, but at last Sir Marhaus smote
+off his right arm above the elbow.
+
+Then the giant fled and the knight after him, and so he drove him into
+a water, but the giant was so high that he might not wade after him.
+And then Sir Marhaus made the Earl Fergus’ man to fetch him stones, and
+with those stones the knight gave the giant many sore knocks, till at
+the last he made him fall down into the water, and so was he there
+dead. Then Sir Marhaus went unto the giant’s castle, and there he
+delivered twenty-four ladies and twelve knights out of the giant’s
+prison, and there he had great riches without number, so that the days
+of his life he was never poor man. Then he returned to the Earl Fergus,
+the which thanked him greatly, and would have given him half his lands,
+but he would none take. So Sir Marhaus dwelled with the earl nigh half
+a year, for he was sore bruised with the giant, and at the last he took
+his leave. And as he rode by the way, he met with Sir Gawaine and Sir
+Uwaine, and so by adventure he met with four knights of Arthur’s court,
+the first was Sir Sagramore le Desirous, Sir Osanna, Sir Dodinas le
+Savage, and Sir Felot of Listinoise; and there Sir Marhaus with one
+spear smote down these four knights, and hurt them sore. So he departed
+to meet at his day aforeset.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI. How Sir Uwaine rode with the damosel of sixty year of
+age, and how he gat the prize at tourneying.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Uwaine, that rode westward with his damosel of
+three score winter of age, and she brought him thereas was a tournament
+nigh the march of Wales. And at that tournament Sir Uwaine smote down
+thirty knights, therefore was given him the prize, and that was a
+gerfalcon, and a white steed trapped with cloth of gold. So then Sir
+Uwaine did many strange adventures by the means of the old damosel, and
+so she brought him to a lady that was called the Lady of the Rock, the
+which was much courteous. So there were in the country two knights that
+were brethren, and they were called two perilous knights, the one
+knight hight Sir Edward of the Red Castle, and the other Sir Hue of the
+Red Castle; and these two brethren had disherited the Lady of the Rock
+of a barony of lands by their extortion. And as this knight was lodged
+with this lady she made her complaint to him of these two knights.
+
+Madam, said Sir Uwaine, they are to blame, for they do against the high
+order of knighthood, and the oath that they made; and if it like you I
+will speak with them, because I am a knight of King Arthur’s, and I
+will entreat them with fairness; and if they will not, I shall do
+battle with them, and in the defence of your right. Gramercy said the
+lady, and thereas I may not acquit you, God shall. So on the morn the
+two knights were sent for, that they should come thither to speak with
+the Lady of the Rock, and wit ye well they failed not, for they came
+with an hundred horse. But when this lady saw them in this manner so
+big, she would not suffer Sir Uwaine to go out to them upon no surety
+nor for no fair language, but she made him speak with them over a
+tower, but finally these two brethren would not be entreated, and
+answered that they would keep that they had. Well, said Sir Uwaine,
+then will I fight with one of you, and prove that ye do this lady
+wrong. That will we not, said they, for an we do battle, we two will
+fight with one knight at once, and therefore if ye will fight so, we
+will be ready at what hour ye will assign. And if ye win us in battle
+the lady shall have her lands again. Ye say well, said Sir Uwaine,
+therefore make you ready so that ye be here to-morn in the defence of
+the lady’s right.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Uwaine fought with two knights and overcame
+them.
+
+So was there sikerness made on both parties that no treason should be
+wrought on neither party; so then the knights departed and made them
+ready, and that night Sir Uwaine had great cheer. And on the morn he
+arose early and heard mass, and brake his fast, and so he rode unto the
+plain without the gates, where hoved the two brethren abiding him. So
+they rode together passing sore, that Sir Edward and Sir Hue brake
+their spears upon Sir Uwaine. And Sir Uwaine smote Sir Edward that he
+fell over his horse and yet his spear brast not. And then he spurred
+his horse and came upon Sir Hue and overthrew him, but they soon
+recovered and dressed their shields and drew their swords and bade Sir
+Uwaine alight and do his battle to the uttermost. Then Sir Uwaine
+devoided his horse suddenly, and put his shield afore him and drew his
+sword, and so they dressed together, and either gave other such
+strokes, and there these two brethren wounded Sir Uwaine passing
+grievously that the Lady of the Rock weened he should have died. And
+thus they fought together five hours as men raged out of reason. And at
+the last Sir Uwaine smote Sir Edward upon the helm such a stroke that
+his sword carved unto his canel bone, and then Sir Hue abated his
+courage, but Sir Uwaine pressed fast to have slain him. That saw Sir
+Hue: he kneeled down and yielded him to Sir Uwaine. And he of his
+gentleness received his sword, and took him by the hand, and went into
+the castle together. Then the Lady of the Rock was passing glad, and
+the other brother made great sorrow for his brother’s death. Then the
+lady was restored of all her lands, and Sir Hue was commanded to be at
+the court of King Arthur at the next feast of Pentecost. So Sir Uwaine
+dwelt with the lady nigh half a year, for it was long or he might be
+whole of his great hurts. And so when it drew nigh the term-day that
+Sir Gawaine, Sir Marhaus, and Sir Uwaine should meet at the cross-way,
+then every knight drew him thither to hold his promise that they had
+made; and Sir Marhaus and Sir Uwaine brought their damosels with them,
+but Sir Gawaine had lost his damosel, as it is afore rehearsed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII. How at the year’s end all three knights with their
+three damosels met at the fountain.
+
+Right so at the twelvemonths’ end they met all three knights at the
+fountain and their damosels, but the damosel that Sir Gawaine had could
+say but little worship of him so they departed from the damosels and
+rode through a great forest, and there they met with a messenger that
+came from King Arthur, that had sought them well-nigh a twelvemonth
+throughout all England, Wales, and Scotland, and charged if ever he
+might find Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine to bring them to the court again.
+And then were they all glad, and so prayed they Sir Marhaus to ride
+with them to the king’s court. And so within twelve days they came to
+Camelot, and the king was passing glad of their coming, and so was all
+the court. Then the king made them to swear upon a book to tell him all
+their adventures that had befallen them that twelvemonth, and so they
+did. And there was Sir Marhaus well known, for there were knights that
+he had matched aforetime, and he was named one of the best knights
+living.
+
+Against the feast of Pentecost came the Damosel of the Lake and brought
+with her Sir Pelleas; and at that high feast there was great jousting
+of knights, and of all knights that were at that jousts, Sir Pelleas
+had the prize, and Sir Marhaus was named the next; but Sir Pelleas was
+so strong there might but few knights sit him a buffet with a spear.
+And at that next feast Sir Pelleas and Sir Marhaus were made knights of
+the Table Round, for there were two sieges void, for two knights were
+slain that twelvemonth, and great joy had King Arthur of Sir Pelleas
+and of Sir Marhaus. But Pelleas loved never after Sir Gawaine, but as
+he spared him for the love of King Arthur; but ofttimes at jousts and
+tournaments Sir Pelleas quit Sir Gawaine, for so it rehearseth in the
+book of French. So Sir Tristram many days after fought with Sir Marhaus
+in an island, and there they did a great battle, but at the last Sir
+Tristram slew him, so Sir Tristram was wounded that unnethe he might
+recover, and lay at a nunnery half a year. And Sir Pelleas was a
+worshipful knight, and was one of the four that achieved the Sangreal,
+and the Damosel of the Lake made by her means that never he had ado
+with Sir Launcelot de Lake, for where Sir Launcelot was at any jousts
+or any tournament, she would not suffer him be there that day, but if
+it were on the side of Sir Launcelot.
+
+Explicit liber quartus.
+Incipit liber quintus.
+
+
+
+BOOK V.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. How twelve aged ambassadors of Rome came to King Arthur to
+demand truage for Britain.
+
+When King Arthur had after long war rested, and held a royal feast and
+Table Round with his allies of kings, princes, and noble knights all of
+the Round Table, there came into his hall, he sitting in his throne
+royal, twelve ancient men, bearing each of them a branch of olive, in
+token that they came as ambassadors and messengers from the Emperor
+Lucius, which was called at that time, Dictator or Procuror of the
+Public Weal of Rome. Which said messengers, after their entering and
+coming into the presence of King Arthur, did to him their obeisance in
+making to him reverence, and said to him in this wise: The high and
+mighty Emperor Lucius sendeth to the King of Britain greeting,
+commanding thee to acknowledge him for thy lord, and to send him the
+truage due of this realm unto the Empire, which thy father and other
+to-fore thy precessors have paid as is of record, and thou as rebel not
+knowing him as thy sovereign, withholdest and retainest contrary to the
+statutes and decrees made by the noble and worthy Julius Cesar,
+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, that it shall be ensample perpetual unto all kings
+and princes, for to deny their truage unto that noble empire which
+domineth upon the universal world. Then when they had showed the effect
+of their message, the king commanded them to withdraw them, and said he
+should take advice of council and give to them an answer. Then some of
+the young knights, hearing this their message, would have run on them
+to have slain them, saying that it was a rebuke to all the knights
+there being present to suffer them to say so to the king. And anon the
+king commanded that none of them, upon pain of death, to missay them
+nor do them any harm, and commanded a knight to bring them to their
+lodging, and see that they have all that is necessary and requisite for
+them, with the best cheer, and that no dainty be spared, for the Romans
+be great lords, and though their message please me not nor my court,
+yet I must remember mine honour.
+
+After this the king let call all his lords and knights of the Round
+Table to counsel upon this matter, and desired them to say their
+advice. Then Sir Cador of Cornwall spake first and said, Sir, this
+message liketh me well, for we have many days rested us and have been
+idle, and now I hope ye shall make sharp war on the Romans, where I
+doubt not we shall get honour. I believe well, said Arthur, that this
+matter pleaseth thee well, but these answers may not be answered, for
+the demand grieveth me sore, for truly I will never pay truage to Rome,
+wherefore I pray you to counsel me. I have understood that Belinus and
+Brenius, kings of Britain, have had the empire in their hands many
+days, and also Constantine the son of Heleine, which is an open
+evidence that we owe no tribute to Rome but of right we that be
+descended of them have right to claim the title of the empire.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. How the kings and lords promised to King Arthur aid and
+help against the Romans.
+
+Then answered King Anguish of Scotland, Sir, ye ought of right to be
+above all other kings, for unto you is none like nor pareil in
+Christendom, of knighthood nor of dignity, and I counsel you never to
+obey the Romans, for when they reigned on us they distressed our
+elders, and put this land to great extortions and tallies, wherefore I
+make here mine avow to avenge me on them; and for to strengthen your
+quarrel I shall furnish twenty thousand good men of war, and wage them
+on my costs, which shall await on you with myself when it shall please
+you. And the king of Little Britain granted him to the same thirty
+thousand; wherefore King Arthur thanked them. And then every man agreed
+to make war, and to aid after their power; that is to wit, the lord of
+West Wales promised to bring thirty thousand men, and Sir Uwaine, Sir
+Ider his son, with their cousins, promised to bring thirty thousand.
+Then Sir Launcelot with all other promised in likewise every man a
+great multitude.
+
+And when King Arthur understood their courages and good wills he
+thanked them heartily, and after let call the ambassadors to hear their
+answer. And in presence of all his lords and knights he said to them in
+this wise: I will that ye return unto your lord and Procuror of the
+Common Weal for the Romans, and say ye to him, Of his demand and
+commandment I set nothing, and that I know of no truage nor tribute
+that I owe to him, nor to none earthly prince, Christian nor heathen;
+but I pretend to have and occupy the sovereignty of the empire, wherein
+I am entitled by the right of my predecessors, sometime kings of this
+land; and say to him that I am delibered and fully concluded, to go
+with mine army with strength and power unto Rome, by the grace of God,
+to take possession in the empire and subdue them that be rebel.
+Wherefore I command him and all them of Rome, that incontinent they
+make to me their homage, and to acknowledge me for their Emperor and
+Governor, upon pain that shall ensue. And then he commanded his
+treasurer to give to them great and large gifts, and to pay all their
+dispenses, and assigned Sir Cador to convey them out of the land. And
+so they took their leave and departed, and took their shipping at
+Sandwich, and passed forth by Flanders, Almaine, the mountains, and all
+Italy, until they came unto Lucius. And after the reverence made, they
+made relation of their answer, like as ye to-fore have heard.
+
+When the Emperor Lucius had well understood their credence, he was sore
+moved as he had been all araged, and said, I had supposed that Arthur
+would have obeyed to my commandment, and have served you himself, as
+him well beseemed or any other king to do. O Sir, said one of the
+senators, let be such vain words, for we let you wit that I and my
+fellows were full sore afeard to behold his countenance; I fear me ye
+have made a rod for yourself, for he intendeth to be lord of this
+empire, which sore is to be doubted if he come, for he is all another
+man than ye ween, and holdeth the most noble court of the world, all
+other kings nor princes may not compare unto his noble maintenance. On
+New Year’s Day we saw him in his estate, which was the royalest that
+ever we saw, for he was served at his table with nine kings, and the
+noblest fellowship of other princes, lords, and knights that be in the
+world, and every knight approved and like a lord, and holdeth Table
+Round: and in his person the most manly man that liveth, and is like to
+conquer all the world, for unto his courage it is too little: wherefore
+I advise you to keep well your marches and straits in the mountains;
+for certainly he is a lord to be doubted. Well, said Lucius, before
+Easter I suppose to pass the mountains, and so forth into France, and
+there bereave him his lands with Genoese and other mighty warriors of
+Tuscany and Lombardy. And I shall send for them all that be subjects
+and allied to the empire of Rome to come to mine aid. And forthwith
+sent old wise knights unto these countries following: first to Ambage
+and Arrage, to Alexandria, to India, to Armenia, whereas the river of
+Euphrates runneth into Asia, to Africa, and Europe the Large, to
+Ertayne and Elamye, to Araby, Egypt, and to Damascus, to Damietta and
+Cayer, to Cappadocia, to Tarsus, Turkey, Pontus and Pamphylia, to Syria
+and Galatia. And all these were subject to Rome and many more, as
+Greece, Cyprus, Macedonia, Calabria, Cateland, Portugal, with many
+thousands of Spaniards. Thus all these kings, dukes, and admirals,
+assembled about Rome, with sixteen kings at once, with great multitude
+of people. When the emperor understood their coming he made ready his
+Romans and all the people between him and Flanders.
+
+Also he had gotten with him fifty giants which had been engendered of
+fiends; and they were ordained to guard his person, and to break the
+front of the battle of King Arthur. And thus departed from Rome, and
+came down the mountains for to destroy the lands that Arthur had
+conquered, and came unto Cologne, and besieged a castle thereby, and
+won it soon, and stuffed it with two hundred Saracens or Infidels, and
+after destroyed many fair countries which Arthur had won of King
+Claudas. And thus Lucius came with all his host, which were disperplyd
+sixty mile in breadth, and commanded them to meet with him in Burgoyne,
+for he purposed to destroy the realm of Little Britain.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. How King Arthur held a parliament at York, and how he
+ordained the realm should be governed in his absence.
+
+Now leave we of Lucius the Emperor and speak we of King Arthur, that
+commanded all them of his retinue to be ready at the utas of Hilary for
+to hold a parliament at York. And at that parliament was concluded to
+arrest all the navy of the land, and to be ready within fifteen days at
+Sandwich, and there he showed to his army how he purposed to conquer
+the empire which he ought to have of right. And there he ordained two
+governors of this realm, that is to say, Sir Baudwin of Britain, for to
+counsel to the best, and Sir Constantine, son to Sir Cador of Cornwall,
+which after the death of Arthur was king of this realm. And in the
+presence of all his lords he resigned the rule of the realm and
+Guenever his queen to them, wherefore Sir Launcelot was wroth, for he
+left Sir Tristram with King Mark for the love of Beale Isould. Then the
+Queen Guenever made great sorrow for the departing of her lord and
+other, and swooned in such wise that the ladies bare her into her
+chamber. Thus the king with his great army departed, leaving the queen
+and realm in the governance of Sir Baudwin and Constantine. And when he
+was on his horse he said with an high voice, If I die in this journey I
+will that Sir Constantine be mine heir and king crowned of this realm
+as next of my blood. And after departed and entered into the sea at
+Sandwich with all his army, with a great multitude of ships, galleys,
+cogs, and dromounds, sailing on the sea.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. How King Arthur being shipped and lying in his cabin had a
+marvellous dream and of the exposition thereof.
+
+And as the king lay in his cabin in the ship, he fell in a slumbering
+and dreamed a marvellous dream: him seemed that a dreadful dragon did
+drown much of his people, and he came flying out of the west, and his
+head was enamelled with azure, and his shoulders shone as gold, his
+belly like mails of a marvellous hue, his tail full of tatters, his
+feet full of fine sable, and his claws like fine gold; and an hideous
+flame of fire flew out of his mouth, like as the land and water had
+flamed all of fire. After, him seemed there came out of the orient, a
+grimly boar all black in a cloud, and his paws as big as a post; he was
+rugged looking roughly, he was the foulest beast that ever man saw, he
+roared and romed so hideously that it were marvel to hear. Then the
+dreadful dragon advanced him and came in the wind like a falcon giving
+great strokes on the boar, and the boar hit him again with his grizzly
+tusks that his breast was all bloody, and that the hot blood made all
+the sea red of his blood. Then the dragon flew away all on an height,
+and came down with such a swough, and smote the boar on the ridge,
+which was ten foot large from the head to the tail, and smote the boar
+all to powder both flesh and bones, that it flittered all abroad on the
+sea.
+
+And therewith the king awoke anon, and was sore abashed of this dream,
+and sent anon for a wise philosopher, commanding to tell him the
+signification of his dream. Sir, said the philosopher, the dragon that
+thou dreamedst of betokeneth thine own person that sailest here, and
+the colours of his wings be thy realms that thou hast won, and his tail
+which is all to-tattered signifieth the noble knights of the Round
+Table; and the boar that the dragon slew coming from the clouds
+betokeneth some tyrant that tormenteth the people, or else thou art
+like to fight with some giant thyself, being horrible and abominable,
+whose peer ye saw never in your days, wherefore of this dreadful dream
+doubt thee nothing, but as a conqueror come forth thyself.
+
+Then after this soon they had sight of land, and sailed till they
+arrived at Barflete in Flanders, and when they were there he found many
+of his great lords ready, as they had been commanded to wait upon him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. How a man of the country told to him of a marvellous giant,
+and how he fought and conquered him.
+
+Then came to him an husbandman of the country, and told him how there
+was in the country of Constantine beside Brittany, a great giant which
+had slain, murdered and devoured much people of the country, and had
+been sustained seven year with the children of the commons of that
+land, insomuch that all the children be all slain and destroyed; and
+now late he hath taken the Duchess of Brittany as she rode with her
+meiny, and hath led her to his lodging which is in a mountain, for to
+ravish and lie by her to her life’s end, and many people followed her,
+more than five hundred, but all they might not rescue her, but they
+left her shrieking and crying lamentably, wherefore I suppose that he
+hath slain her in fulfilling his foul lust of lechery. She was wife
+unto thy cousin Sir Howell, whom we call full nigh of thy blood. Now,
+as thou art a rightful king, have pity on this lady, and revenge us all
+as thou art a noble conqueror. Alas, said King Arthur, this is a great
+mischief, I had liefer than the best realm that I have that I had been
+a furlong way to-fore him for to have rescued that lady. Now, fellow,
+said King Arthur, canst thou bring me thereas this giant haunteth? Yea,
+Sir, said the good man, look yonder whereas thou seest those two great
+fires, there shalt thou find him, and more treasure than I suppose is
+in all France. When the king had understood this piteous case, he
+returned into his tent.
+
+Then he called to him Sir Kay and Sir Bedivere, and commanded them
+secretly to make ready horse and harness for himself and them twain;
+for after evensong he would ride on pilgrimage with them two only unto
+Saint Michael’s mount. And then anon he made him ready, and armed him
+at all points, and took his horse and his shield. And so they three
+departed thence and rode forth as fast as ever they might till that
+they came to the foreland of that mount. And there they alighted, and
+the king commanded them to tarry there, for he would himself go up into
+that mount. And so he ascended up into that hill till he came to a
+great fire, and there he found a careful widow wringing her hands and
+making great sorrow, sitting by a grave new made. And then King Arthur
+saluted her, and demanded of her wherefore she made such lamentation,
+to whom she answered and said, Sir knight, speak soft, for yonder is a
+devil, if he hear thee speak he will come and destroy thee; I hold thee
+unhappy; what dost thou here in this mountain? for if ye were such
+fifty as ye be, ye were not able to make resistance against this devil:
+here lieth a duchess dead, the which was the fairest of all the world,
+wife to Sir Howell, Duke of Brittany, he hath murdered her in forcing
+her, and hath slit her unto the navel.
+
+Dame, said the king, I come from the noble conqueror King Arthur, for
+to treat with that tyrant for his liege people. Fie on such treaties,
+said she, he setteth not by the king nor by no man else; but an if thou
+have brought Arthur’s wife, dame Guenever, he shall be gladder than
+thou hadst given to him half France. Beware, approach him not too nigh,
+for he hath vanquished fifteen kings, and hath made him a coat full of
+precious stones embroidered with their beards, which they sent him to
+have his love for salvation of their people at this last Christmas. And
+if thou wilt, speak with him at yonder great fire at supper. Well, said
+Arthur, I will accomplish my message for all your fearful words; and
+went forth by the crest of that hill, and saw where he sat at supper
+gnawing on a limb of a man, baking his broad limbs by the fire, and
+breechless, and three fair damosels turning three broaches whereon were
+broached twelve young children late born, like young birds.
+
+When King Arthur beheld that piteous sight he had great compassion on
+them, so that his heart bled for sorrow, and hailed him, saying in this
+wise: He that all the world wieldeth give thee short life and shameful
+death; and the devil have thy soul; why hast thou murdered these young
+innocent children, and murdered this duchess? Therefore, arise and
+dress thee, thou glutton, for this day shalt thou die of my hand. Then
+the glutton anon started up, and took a great club in his hand, and
+smote at the king that his coronal fell to the earth. And the king hit
+him again that he carved his belly and cut off his genitours, that his
+guts and his entrails fell down to the ground. Then the giant threw
+away his club, and caught the king in his arms that he crushed his
+ribs. Then the three maidens kneeled down and called to Christ for help
+and comfort of Arthur. And then Arthur weltered and wrung, that he was
+other while under and another time above. And so weltering and
+wallowing they rolled down the hill till they came to the sea mark, and
+ever as they so weltered Arthur smote him with his dagger.
+
+And it fortuned they came to the place whereas the two knights were and
+kept Arthur’s horse; then when they saw the king fast in the giant’s
+arms they came and loosed him. And then the king commanded Sir Kay to
+smite off the giant’s head, and to set it upon a truncheon of a spear,
+and bear it to Sir Howell, and tell him that his enemy was slain; and
+after let this head be bound to a barbican that all the people may see
+and behold it; and go ye two up to the mountain, and fetch me my
+shield, my sword, and the club of iron; and as for the treasure, take
+ye it, for ye shall find there goods out of number; so I have the
+kirtle and the club I desire no more. This was the fiercest giant that
+ever I met with, save one in the mount of Araby, which I overcame, but
+this was greater and fiercer. Then the knights fetched the club and the
+kirtle, and some of the treasure they took to themselves, and returned
+again to the host. And anon this was known through all the country,
+wherefore the people came and thanked the king. And he said again, Give
+the thanks to God, and depart the goods among you.
+
+And after that King Arthur said and commanded his cousin Howell, that
+he should ordain for a church to be builded on the same hill in the
+worship of Saint Michael. And on the morn the king removed with his
+great battle, and came into Champayne and in a valley, and there they
+pight their tents; and the king being set at his dinner, there came in
+two messengers, of whom that one was Marshal of France, and said to the
+king that the emperor was entered into France, and had destroyed a
+great part, and was in Burgoyne, and had destroyed and made great
+slaughter of people, and burnt towns and boroughs; wherefore, if thou
+come not hastily, they must yield up their bodies and goods.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur sent Sir Gawaine and other to Lucius, and
+how they were assailed and escaped with worship.
+
+Then the king did do call Sir Gawaine, Sir Bors, Sir Lionel, and Sir
+Bedivere, and commanded them to go straight to Sir Lucius, and say ye
+to him that hastily he remove out of my land; and if he will not, bid
+him make him ready to battle and not distress the poor people. Then
+anon these noble knights dressed them to horseback, and when they came
+to the green wood, they saw many pavilions set in a meadow, of silk of
+divers colours, beside a river, and the emperor’s pavilion was in the
+middle with an eagle displayed above. To the which tent our knights
+rode toward, and ordained Sir Gawaine and Sir Bors to do the message,
+and left in a bushment Sir Lionel and Sir Bedivere. And then Sir
+Gawaine and Sir Bors did their message, and commanded Lucius, in
+Arthur’s name to avoid his land, or shortly to address him to battle.
+To whom Lucius answered and said, Ye shall return to your lord, and say
+ye to him that I shall subdue him and all his lands. Then Sir Gawaine
+was wroth and said, I had liefer than all France fight against thee;
+and so had I, said Sir Bors, liefer than all Brittany or Burgoyne.
+
+Then a knight named Sir Gainus, nigh cousin to the emperor, said, Lo,
+how these Britons be full of pride and boast, and they brag as though
+they bare up all the world. Then Sir Gawaine was sore grieved with
+these words, and pulled out his sword and smote off his head. And
+therewith turned their horses and rode over waters and through woods
+till they came to their bushment, whereas Sir Lionel and Sir Bedivere
+were hoving. The Romans followed fast after, on horseback and on foot,
+over a champaign unto a wood; then Sir Bors turned his horse and saw a
+knight come fast on, whom he smote through the body with a spear that
+he fell dead down to the earth; then came Caliburn one of the strongest
+of Pavie, and smote down many of Arthur’s knights. And when Sir Bors
+saw him do so much harm, he addressed toward him, and smote him through
+the breast, that he fell down dead to the earth. Then Sir Feldenak
+thought to revenge the death of Gainus upon Sir Gawaine, but Sir
+Gawaine was ware thereof, and smote him on the head, which stroke
+stinted not till it came to his breast. And then he returned and came
+to his fellows in the bushment. And there was a recounter, for the
+bushment brake on the Romans, and slew and hew down the Romans, and
+forced the Romans to flee and return, whom the noble knights chased
+unto their tents.
+
+Then the Romans gathered more people, and also footmen came on, and
+there was a new battle, and so much people that Sir Bors and Sir Berel
+were taken. But when Sir Gawaine saw that, he took with him Sir Idrus
+the good knight, and said he would never see King Arthur but if he
+rescued them, and pulled out Galatine his good sword, and followed them
+that led those two knights away; and he smote him that led Sir Bors,
+and took Sir Bors from him and delivered him to his fellows. And Sir
+Idrus in likewise rescued Sir Berel. Then began the battle to be great,
+that our knights were in great jeopardy, wherefore Sir Gawaine sent to
+King Arthur for succour, and that he hie him, for I am sore wounded,
+and that our prisoners may pay goods out of number. And the messenger
+came to the king and told him his message. And anon the king did do
+assemble his army, but anon, or he departed the prisoners were come,
+and Sir Gawaine and his fellows gat the field and put the Romans to
+flight, and after returned and came with their fellowship in such wise
+that no man of worship was lost of them, save that Sir Gawaine was sore
+hurt. Then the king did do ransack his wounds and comforted him. And
+thus was the beginning of the first journey of the Britons and Romans,
+and there were slain of the Romans more than ten thousand, and great
+joy and mirth was made that night in the host of King Arthur. And on
+the morn he sent all the prisoners into Paris under the guard of Sir
+Launcelot, with many knights, and of Sir Cador.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. How Lucius sent certain spies in a bushment for to have
+taken his knights being prisoners, and how they were letted.
+
+Now turn we to the Emperor of Rome, which espied that these prisoners
+should be sent to Paris, and anon he sent to lie in a bushment certain
+knights and princes with sixty thousand men, for to rescue his knights
+and lords that were prisoners. And so on the morn as Launcelot and Sir
+Cador, chieftains and governors of all them that conveyed the
+prisoners, as they should pass through a wood, Sir Launcelot sent
+certain knights to espy if any were in the woods to let them. And when
+the said knights came into the wood, anon they espied and saw the great
+embushment, and returned and told Sir Launcelot that there lay in await
+for them three score thousand Romans. And then Sir Launcelot with such
+knights as he had, and men of war to the number of ten thousand, put
+them in array, and met with them and fought with them manly, and slew
+and detrenched many of the Romans, and slew many knights and admirals
+of the party of the Romans and Saracens; there was slain the king of
+Lyly and three great lords, Aladuke, Herawd, and Heringdale. But Sir
+Launcelot fought so nobly that no man might endure a stroke of his
+hand, but where he came he showed his prowess and might, for he slew
+down right on every side; and the Romans and Saracens fled from him as
+the sheep from the wolf or from the lion, and put them, all that abode
+alive, to flight.
+
+And so long they fought that tidings came to King Arthur, and anon he
+graithed him and came to the battle, and saw his knights how they had
+vanquished the battle, he embraced them knight by knight in his arms,
+and said, Ye be worthy to wield all your honour and worship; there was
+never king save myself that had so noble knights. Sir, said Cador,
+there was none of us failed other, but of the prowess and manhood of
+Sir Launcelot were more than wonder to tell, and also of his cousins
+which did that day many noble feats of war. And also Sir Cador told who
+of his knights were slain, as Sir Berel, and other Sir Moris and Sir
+Maurel, two good knights. Then the king wept, and dried his eyes with a
+kerchief, and said, Your courage had near-hand destroyed you, for
+though ye had returned again, ye had lost no worship; for I call it
+folly, knights to abide when they be overmatched. Nay, said Launcelot
+and the other, for once shamed may never be recovered.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. How a senator told to Lucius of their discomfiture, and
+also of the great battle between Arthur and Lucius.
+
+Now leave we King Arthur and his noble knights which had won the field,
+and had brought their prisoners to Paris, and speak we of a senator
+which escaped from the battle, and came to Lucius the emperor, and said
+to him, Sir emperor, I advise thee for to withdraw thee; what dost thou
+here? thou shalt win nothing in these marches but great strokes out of
+all measure, for this day one of Arthur’s knights was worth in the
+battle an hundred of ours. Fie on thee, said Lucius, thou speakest
+cowardly; for thy words grieve me more than all the loss that I had
+this day. And anon he sent forth a king, which hight Sir Leomie, with a
+great army, and bade him hie him fast to-fore, and he would follow
+hastily after. King Arthur was warned privily, and sent his people to
+Sessoine, and took up the towns and castles from the Romans. Then the
+king commanded Sir Cador to take the rearward, and to take with him
+certain knights of the Round Table, and Sir Launcelot, Sir Bors, Sir
+Kay, Sir Marrok, with Sir Marhaus, shall await on our person. Thus the
+King Arthur disperpled his host in divers parties, to the end that his
+enemies should not escape.
+
+When the emperor was entered into the vale of Sessoine, he might see
+where King Arthur was embattled and his banner displayed; and he was
+beset round about with his enemies, that needs he must fight or yield
+him, for he might not flee, but said openly unto the Romans, Sirs, I
+admonish you that this day ye fight and acquit you as men, and remember
+how Rome domineth and is chief and head over all the earth and
+universal world, and suffer not these Britons this day to abide against
+us; and therewith he did command his trumpets to blow the bloody
+sounds, in such wise that the ground trembled and dindled.
+
+Then the battles approached and shoved and shouted on both sides, and
+great strokes were smitten on both sides, many men overthrown, hurt,
+and slain; and great valiances, prowesses and appertices of war were
+that day showed, which were over long to recount the noble feats of
+every man, for they should contain an whole volume. But in especial,
+King Arthur rode in the battle exhorting his knights to do well, and
+himself did as nobly with his hands as was possible a man to do; he
+drew out Excalibur his sword, and awaited ever whereas the Romans were
+thickest and most grieved his people, and anon he addressed him on that
+part, and hew and slew down right, and rescued his people; and he slew
+a great giant named Galapas, which was a man of an huge quantity and
+height, he shorted him and smote off both his legs by the knees,
+saying, Now art thou better of a size to deal with than thou were, and
+after smote off his head. There Sir Gawaine fought nobly and slew three
+admirals in that battle. And so did all the knights of the Round Table.
+Thus the battle between King Arthur and Lucius the Emperor endured
+long. Lucius had on his side many Saracens which were slain. And thus
+the battle was great, and oftsides that one party was at a fordeal and
+anon at an afterdeal, which endured so long till at the last King
+Arthur espied where Lucius the Emperor fought, and did wonder with his
+own hands. And anon he rode to him. And either smote other fiercely,
+and at last Lucius smote Arthur thwart the visage, and gave him a large
+wound. And when King Arthur felt himself hurt, anon he smote him again
+with Excalibur that it cleft his head, from the summit of his head, and
+stinted not till it came to his breast. And then the emperor fell down
+dead and there ended his life.
+
+And when it was known that the emperor was slain, anon all the Romans
+with all their host put them to flight, and King Arthur with all his
+knights followed the chase, and slew down right all them that they
+might attain. And thus was the victory given to King Arthur, and the
+triumph; and there were slain on the part of Lucius more than an
+hundred thousand. And after King Arthur did do ransack the dead bodies,
+and did do bury them that were slain of his retinue, every man
+according to the estate and degree that he was of. And them that were
+hurt he let the surgeons do search their hurts and wounds, and
+commanded to spare no salves nor medicines till they were whole.
+
+Then the king rode straight to the place where the Emperor Lucius lay
+dead, and with him he found slain the Soudan of Syria, the King of
+Egypt and of Ethiopia, which were two noble kings, with seventeen other
+kings of divers regions, and also sixty senators of Rome, all noble
+men, whom the king did do balm and gum with many good gums aromatic,
+and after did do cere them in sixty fold of cered cloth of sendal, and
+laid them in chests of lead, because they should not chafe nor savour,
+and upon all these bodies their shields with their arms and banners
+were set, to the end they should be known of what country they were.
+And after he found three senators which were alive, to whom he said,
+For to save your lives I will that ye take these dead bodies, and carry
+them with you unto great Rome, and present them to the Potestate on my
+behalf, shewing him my letters, and tell them that I in my person shall
+hastily be at Rome. And I suppose the Romans shall beware how they
+shall demand any tribute of me. And I command you to say when ye shall
+come to Rome, to the Potestate and all the Council and Senate, that I
+send to them these dead bodies for the tribute that they have demanded.
+And if they be not content with these, I shall pay more at my coming,
+for other tribute owe I none, nor none other will I pay. And methinketh
+this sufficeth for Britain, Ireland and all Almaine with Germany. And
+furthermore, I charge you to say to them, that I command them upon pain
+of their heads never to demand tribute nor tax of me nor of my lands.
+Then with this charge and commandment, the three senators aforesaid
+departed with all the said dead bodies, laying the body of Lucius in a
+car covered with the arms of the Empire all alone; and after alway two
+bodies of kings in a chariot, and then the bodies of the senators after
+them, and so went toward Rome, and showed their legation and message to
+the Potestate and Senate, recounting the battle done in France, and how
+the field was lost and much people and innumerable slain. Wherefore
+they advised them in no wise to move no more war against that noble
+conqueror Arthur, for his might and prowess is most to be doubted, seen
+the noble kings and great multitude of knights of the Round Table, to
+whom none earthly prince may compare.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. How Arthur, after he had achieved the battle against the
+Romans, entered into Almaine, and so into Italy.
+
+Now turn we unto King Arthur and his noble knights, which, after the
+great battle achieved against the Romans, entered into Lorraine,
+Brabant and Flanders, and sithen returned into Haut Almaine, and so
+over the mountains into Lombardy, and after, into Tuscany wherein was a
+city which in no wise would yield themself nor obey, wherefore King
+Arthur besieged it, and lay long about it, and gave many assaults to
+the city; and they within defended them valiantly. Then, on a time, the
+king called Sir Florence, a knight, and said to him they lacked
+victual, And not far from hence be great forests and woods, wherein be
+many of mine enemies with much bestial: I will that thou make thee
+ready and go thither in foraying, and take with thee Sir Gawaine my
+nephew, Sir Wisshard, Sir Clegis, Sir Cleremond, and the Captain of
+Cardiff with other, and bring with you all the beasts that ye there can
+get.
+
+And anon these knights made them ready, and rode over holts and hills,
+through forests and woods, till they came into a fair meadow full of
+fair flowers and grass; and there they rested them and their horses all
+that night. And in the springing of the day in the next morn, Sir
+Gawaine took his horse and stole away from his fellowship, to seek some
+adventures. And anon he was ware of a man armed, walking his horse
+easily by a wood’s side, and his shield laced to his shoulder, sitting
+on a strong courser, without any man saving a page bearing a mighty
+spear. The knight bare in his shield three griffins of gold, in sable
+carbuncle, the chief of silver. When Sir Gawaine espied this gay
+knight, he feutred his spear, and rode straight to him, and demanded of
+him from whence that he was. That other answered and said he was of
+Tuscany, and demanded of Sir Gawaine, What, profferest thou, proud
+knight, thee so boldly? here gettest thou no prey, thou mayest prove
+what thou wilt, for thou shalt be my prisoner or thou depart. Then said
+Gawaine, thou avauntest thee greatly and speakest proud words, I
+counsel thee for all thy boast that thou make thee ready, and take thy
+gear to thee, to-fore greater grame fall to thee.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. Of a battle done by Sir Gawaine against a Saracen, which
+after was yielden and became Christian.
+
+Then they took their spears and ran each at other with all the might
+they had, and smote each other through their shields into their
+shoulders, wherefore anon they pulled out their swords, and smote great
+strokes that the fire sprang out of their helms. Then Sir Gawaine was
+all abashed, and with Galatine his good sword he smote through shield
+and thick hauberk made of thick mails, and all to-rushed and break the
+precious stones, and made him a large wound, that men might see both
+liver and lung. Then groaned that knight, and addressed him to Sir
+Gawaine, and with an awk stroke gave him a great wound and cut a vein,
+which grieved Gawaine sore, and he bled sore. Then the knight said to
+Sir Gawaine, bind thy wound or thy blee[ding] change, for thou
+be-bleedest all thy horse and thy fair arms, for all the barbers of
+Brittany shall not con staunch thy blood, for whosomever is hurt with
+this blade he shall never be staunched of bleeding. Then answered
+Gawaine, it grieveth me but little, thy great words shall not fear me
+nor lessen my courage, but thou shalt suffer teen and sorrow or we
+depart, but tell me in haste who may staunch my bleeding. That may I
+do, said the knight, if I will, and so will I if thou wilt succour and
+aid me, that I may be christened and believe on God, and thereof I
+require thee of thy manhood, and it shall be great merit for thy soul.
+I grant, said Gawaine, so God help me, to accomplish all thy desire,
+but first tell me what thou soughtest here thus alone, and of what land
+and liegiance thou art of. Sir, he said, my name is Priamus, and a
+great prince is my father, and he hath been rebel unto Rome and
+overridden many of their lands. My father is lineally descended of
+Alexander and of Hector by right line. And Duke Joshua and Maccabaeus
+were of our lineage. I am right inheritor of Alexandria and Africa, and
+all the out isles, yet will I believe on thy Lord that thou believest
+on; and for thy labour I shall give thee treasure enough. I was so
+elate and hauteyn in my heart that I thought no man my peer, nor to me
+semblable. I was sent into this war with seven score knights, and now I
+have encountered with thee, which hast given to me of fighting my fill,
+wherefore sir knight, I pray thee to tell me what thou art. I am no
+knight, said Gawaine, I have been brought up in the guardrobe with the
+noble King Arthur many years, for to take heed to his armour and his
+other array, and to point his paltocks that long to himself. At Yule
+last he made me yeoman, and gave to me horse and harness, and an
+hundred pound in money; and if fortune be my friend, I doubt not but to
+be well advanced and holpen by my liege lord. Ah, said Priamus, if his
+knaves be so keen and fierce, his knights be passing good: now for the
+King’s love of Heaven, whether thou be a knave or a knight, tell thou
+me thy name. By God, said Sir Gawaine, now I will say thee sooth, my
+name is Sir Gawaine, and known I am in his court and in his chamber,
+and one of the knights of the Round Table, he dubbed me a duke with his
+own hand. Therefore grudge not if this grace is to me fortuned, it is
+the goodness of God that lent to me my strength. Now am I better
+pleased, said Priamus, than thou hadst given to me all the Provence and
+Paris the rich. I had liefer to have been torn with wild horses, than
+any varlet had won such loos, or any page or priker should have had
+prize on me. But now sir knight I warn thee that hereby is a Duke of
+Lorraine with his army, and the noblest men of Dolphiny, and lords of
+Lombardy, with the garrison of Godard, and Saracens of Southland,
+y-numbered sixty thousand of good men of arms; wherefore but if we hie
+us hence, it will harm us both, for we be sore hurt, never like to
+recover; but take heed to my page, that he no horn blow, for if he do,
+there be hoving here fast by an hundred knights awaiting on my person,
+and if they take thee, there shall no ransom of gold nor silver acquit
+thee.
+
+Then Sir Gawaine rode over a water for to save him, and the knight
+followed him, and so rode forth till they came to his fellows which
+were in the meadow, where they had been all the night. Anon as Sir
+Wisshard was ware of Sir Gawaine and saw that he was hurt, he ran to
+him sorrowfully weeping, and demanded of him who had so hurt him; and
+Gawaine told how he had foughten with that man, and each of them had
+hurt other, and how he had salves to heal them; but I can tell you
+other tidings, that soon we shall have ado with many enemies.
+
+Then Sir Priamus and Sir Gawaine alighted, and let their horses graze
+in the meadow, and unarmed them, and then the blood ran freshly from
+their wounds. And Priamus took from his page a vial full of the four
+waters that came out of Paradise, and with certain balm anointed their
+wounds, and washed them with that water, and within an hour after they
+were both as whole as ever they were. And then with a trumpet were they
+all assembled to council, and there Priamus told unto them what lords
+and knights had sworn to rescue him, and that without fail they should
+be assailed with many thousands, wherefore he counselled them to
+withdraw them. Then Sir Gawaine said, it were great shame to them to
+avoid without any strokes; Wherefore I advise to take our arms and to
+make us ready to meet with these Saracens and misbelieving men, and
+with the help of God we shall overthrow them and have a fair day on
+them. And Sir Florence shall abide still in this field to keep the
+stale as a noble knight, and we shall not forsake yonder fellows. Now,
+said Priamus, cease your words, for I warn you ye shall find in yonder
+woods many perilous knights; they will put forth beasts to call you on,
+they be out of number, and ye are not past seven hundred, which be over
+few to fight with so many. Nevertheless, said Sir Gawaine, we shall
+once encounter them, and see what they can do, and the best shall have
+the victory.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. How the Saracens came out of a wood for to rescue their
+beasts, and of a great battle.
+
+Then Sir Florence called to him Sir Floridas, with an hundred knights,
+and drove forth the herd of beasts. Then followed him seven hundred men
+of arms; and Sir Ferant of Spain on a fair steed came springing out of
+the woods, and came to Sir Florence and asked him why he fled. Then Sir
+Florence took his spear and rode against him, and smote him in the
+forehead and brake his neck bone. Then all the other were moved, and
+thought to avenge the death of Sir Ferant, and smote in among them, and
+there was great fight, and many slain and laid down to ground, and Sir
+Florence with his hundred knights alway kept the stale, and fought
+manly.
+
+Then when Priamus the good knight perceived the great fight, he went to
+Sir Gawaine, and bade him that he should go and succour his fellowship,
+which were sore bestead with their enemies. Sir, grieve you not, said
+Sir Gawaine, for their gree shall be theirs. I shall not once move my
+horse to them ward, but if I see more than there be; for they be strong
+enough to match them.
+
+And with that he saw an earl called Sir Ethelwold and the duke of
+Dutchmen, came leaping out of a wood with many thousands, and Priamus’
+knights, and came straight unto the battle. Then Sir Gawaine comforted
+his knights, and bade them not to be abashed, for all shall be ours.
+Then they began to wallop and met with their enemies, there were men
+slain and overthrown on every side. Then thrust in among them the
+knights of the Table Round, and smote down to the earth all them that
+withstood them, in so much that they made them to recoil and flee. By
+God, said Sir Gawaine, this gladdeth my heart, for now be they less in
+number by twenty thousand. Then entered into the battle Jubance a
+giant, and fought and slew down right, and distressed many of our
+knights, among whom was slain Sir Gherard, a knight of Wales. Then our
+knights took heart to them, and slew many Saracens. And then came in
+Sir Priamus with his pennon, and rode with the knights of the Round
+Table, and fought so manfully that many of their enemies lost their
+lives. And there Sir Priamus slew the Marquis of Moises land, and Sir
+Gawaine with his fellows so quit them that they had the field, but in
+that stour was Sir Chestelaine, a child and ward of Sir Gawaine slain,
+wherefore was much sorrow made, and his death was soon avenged. Thus
+was the battle ended, and many lords of Lombardy and Saracens left dead
+in the field.
+
+Then Sir Florence and Sir Gawaine harboured surely their people, and
+took great plenty of bestial, of gold and silver, and great treasure
+and riches, and returned unto King Arthur, which lay still at the
+siege. And when they came to the king they presented their prisoners
+and recounted their adventures, and how they had vanquished their
+enemies.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. How Sir Gawaine returned to King Arthur with his
+prisoners, and how the King won a city, and how he was crowned Emperor.
+
+Now thanked be God, said the noble King Arthur. But what manner man is
+he that standeth by himself, him seemeth no prisoner. Sir, said
+Gawaine, this is a good man of arms, he hath matched me, but he is
+yielden unto God, and to me, for to become Christian; had not he have
+been we should never have returned, wherefore I pray you that he may be
+baptised, for there liveth not a nobler man nor better knight of his
+hands. Then the king let him anon be christened, and did do call him
+his first name Priamus, and made him a duke and knight of the Table
+Round. And then anon the king let do cry assault to the city, and there
+was rearing of ladders, breaking of walls, and the ditch filled, that
+men with little pain might enter into the city. Then came out a
+duchess, and Clarisin the countess, with many ladies and damosels, and
+kneeling before King Arthur, required him for the love of God to
+receive the city, and not to take it by assault, for then should many
+guiltless be slain. Then the king avaled his visor with a meek and
+noble countenance, and said, Madam, there shall none of my subjects
+misdo you nor your maidens, nor to none that to you belong, but the
+duke shall abide my judgment. Then anon the king commanded to leave the
+assault, and anon the duke’s oldest son brought out the keys, and
+kneeling delivered them to the king, and besought him of grace; and the
+king seized the town by assent of his lords, and took the duke and sent
+him to Dover, there for to abide prisoner term of his life, and
+assigned certain rents for the dower of the duchess and for her
+children.
+
+Then he made lords to rule those lands, and laws as a lord ought to do
+in his own country; and after he took his journey toward Rome, and sent
+Sir Floris and Sir Floridas to-fore, with five hundred men of arms, and
+they came to the city of Urbino and laid there a bushment, thereas them
+seemed most best for them, and rode to-fore the town, where anon issued
+out much people and skirmished with the fore-riders. Then brake out the
+bushment and won the bridge, and after the town, and set upon the walls
+the king’s banner. Then came the king upon an hill, and saw the city
+and his banner on the walls, by which he knew that the city was won.
+And anon he sent and commanded that none of his liege men should defoul
+nor lie by no lady, wife nor maid; and when he came into the city, he
+passed to the castle, and comforted them that were in sorrow, and
+ordained there a captain, a knight of his own country.
+
+And when they of Milan heard that thilk city was won, they sent to King
+Arthur great sums of money, and besought him as their lord to have pity
+on them, promising to be his subjects for ever, and yield to him homage
+and fealty for the lands of Pleasance and Pavia, Petersaint, and the
+Port of Tremble, and to give him yearly a million of gold all his
+lifetime. Then he rideth into Tuscany, and winneth towns and castles,
+and wasted all in his way that to him will not obey, and so to Spolute
+and Viterbe, and from thence he rode into the Vale of Vicecount among
+the vines. And from thence he sent to the senators, to wit whether they
+would know him for their lord. But soon after on a Saturday came unto
+King Arthur all the senators that were left alive, and the noblest
+cardinals that then dwelt in Rome, and prayed him of peace, and
+proferred him full large, and besought him as governor to give licence
+for six weeks for to assemble all the Romans, and then to crown him
+emperor with chrism as it belongeth to so high estate. I assent, said
+the king, like as ye have devised, and at Christmas there to be
+crowned, and to hold my Round Table with my knights as me liketh. And
+then the senators made ready for his enthronization. And at the day
+appointed, as the romance telleth, he came into Rome, and was crowned
+emperor by the pope’s hand, with all the royalty that could be made,
+and sojourned there a time, and established all his lands from Rome
+into France, and gave lands and realms unto his servants and knights,
+to everych after his desert, in such wise that none complained, rich
+nor poor. And he gave to Sir Priamus the duchy of Lorraine; and he
+thanked him, and said he would serve him the days of his life; and
+after made dukes and earls, and made every man rich.
+
+Then after this all his knights and lords assembled them afore him, and
+said: Blessed be God, your war is finished and your conquest achieved,
+in so much 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 and worship. Then
+said the king, Ye say truth, and for to tempt God it is no wisdom, and
+therefore make you ready and return we into England. Then there was
+trussing of harness and baggage and great carriage. And after licence
+given, he returned and commanded that no man in pain of death should
+not rob nor take victual, nor other thing by the way but that he should
+pay therefore. And thus he came over the sea and landed at Sandwich,
+against whom Queen Guenever his wife came and met him, and he was nobly
+received of all his commons in every city and burgh, and great gifts
+presented to him at his home-coming to welcome him with.
+
+Thus endeth the fifth book of the conquest that King Arthur had against
+Lucius the Emperor of Rome, and here followeth the sixth book, which is
+of Sir Launcelot du Lake.
+
+
+
+BOOK VI.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel departed from the court,
+and how Sir Lionel left him sleeping and was taken.
+
+Soon after that King Arthur was come from Rome into England, then all
+the knights of the Table Round resorted unto the king, and made many
+jousts and tournaments, and some there were that were but knights,
+which increased so in arms and worship that they passed all their
+fellows in prowess and noble deeds, and that was well proved on many;
+but in especial it was proved on Sir Launcelot du Lake, for in all
+tournaments and jousts and deeds of arms, both for life and death, he
+passed all other knights, and at no time he was never overcome but if
+it were by treason or enchantment; so Sir Launcelot increased so
+marvellously in worship, and in honour, therefore is he the first
+knight that the French book maketh mention of after King Arthur came
+from Rome. Wherefore Queen Guenever had him in great favour above all
+other knights, and in certain he loved the queen again above all other
+ladies and damosels of his life, and for her he did many deeds of arms,
+and saved her from the fire through his noble chivalry.
+
+Thus Sir Launcelot rested him long with play and game. And then he
+thought himself to prove himself in strange adventures, then he bade
+his nephew, Sir Lionel, for to make him ready; for we two will seek
+adventures. So they mounted on their horses, armed at all rights, and
+rode into a deep forest and so into a deep plain. And then the weather
+was hot about noon, and Sir Launcelot had great lust to sleep. Then Sir
+Lionel espied a great apple-tree that stood by an hedge, and said,
+Brother, yonder is a fair shadow, there may we rest us [and] our
+horses. It is well said, fair brother, said Sir Launcelot, for this
+eight year I was not so sleepy as I am now; and so they there alighted
+and tied their horses unto sundry trees, and so Sir Launcelot laid him
+down under an appletree, and his helm he laid under his head. And Sir
+Lionel waked while he slept. So Sir Launcelot was asleep passing fast.
+
+And in the meanwhile there came three knights riding, as fast fleeing
+as ever they might ride. And there followed them three but one knight.
+And when Sir Lionel saw him, him thought he saw never so great a
+knight, nor so well faring a man, neither so well apparelled unto all
+rights. So within a while this strong knight had overtaken one of these
+knights, and there he smote him to the cold earth that he lay still.
+And then he rode unto the second knight, and smote him so that man and
+horse fell down. And then straight to the third knight he rode, and
+smote him behind his horse’s arse a spear length. And then he alighted
+down and reined his horse on the bridle, and bound all the three
+knights fast with the reins of their own bridles. When Sir Lionel saw
+him do thus, he thought to assay him, and made him ready, and stilly
+and privily he took his horse, and thought not for to awake Sir
+Launcelot. And when he was mounted upon his horse, he overtook this
+strong knight, and bade him turn, and the other smote Sir Lionel so
+hard that horse and man he bare to the earth, and so he alighted down
+and bound him fast, and threw him overthwart his own horse, and so he
+served them all four, and rode with them away to his own castle. And
+when he came there he gart unarm them, and beat them with thorns all
+naked, and after put them in a deep prison where were many more
+knights, that made great dolour.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. How Sir Ector followed for to seek Sir Launcelot, and how
+he was taken by Sir Turquine.
+
+When Sir Ector de Maris wist that Sir Launcelot was passed out of the
+court to seek adventures, he was wroth with himself, and made him ready
+to seek Sir Launcelot, and as he had ridden long in a great forest he
+met with a man was like a forester. Fair fellow, said Sir Ector,
+knowest thou in this country any adventures that be here nigh hand?
+Sir, said the forester, this country know I well, and hereby, within
+this mile, is a strong manor, and well dyked, and by that manor, on the
+left hand, there is a fair ford for horses to drink of, and over that
+ford there groweth a fair tree, and thereon hang many fair shields that
+wielded sometime good knights, and at the hole of the tree hangeth a
+basin of copper and latten, and strike upon that basin with the butt of
+thy spear thrice, and soon after thou shalt hear new tidings, and else
+hast thou the fairest grace that many a year had ever knight that
+passed through this forest. Gramercy, said Sir Ector, and departed and
+came to the tree, and saw many fair shields. And among them he saw his
+brother’s shield, Sir Lionel, and many more that he knew that were his
+fellows of the Round Table, the which grieved his heart, and promised
+to revenge his brother.
+
+Then anon Sir Ector beat on the basin as he were wood, and then he gave
+his horse drink at the ford, and there came a knight behind him and
+bade him come out of the water and make him ready; and Sir Ector anon
+turned him shortly, and in feuter cast his spear, and smote the other
+knight a great buffet that his horse turned twice about. This was well
+done, said the strong knight, and knightly thou hast stricken me; and
+therewith he rushed his horse on Sir Ector, and cleight him under his
+right arm, and bare him clean out of the saddle, and rode with him away
+into his own hall, and threw him down in midst of the floor. The name
+of this knight was Sir Turquine. Then he said unto Sir Ector, For thou
+hast done this day more unto me than any knight did these twelve years,
+now will I grant thee thy life, so thou wilt be sworn to be my prisoner
+all thy life days. Nay, said Sir Ector, that will I never promise thee,
+but that I will do mine advantage. That me repenteth, said Sir
+Turquine. And then he gart to unarm him, and beat him with thorns all
+naked, and sithen put him down in a deep dungeon, where he knew many of
+his fellows. But when Sir Ector saw Sir Lionel, then made he great
+sorrow. Alas, brother, said Sir Ector, where is my brother Sir
+Launcelot? Fair brother, I left him asleep when that I from him yode,
+under an apple-tree, and what is become of him I cannot tell you. Alas,
+said the knights, but Sir Launcelot help us we may never be delivered,
+for we know now no knight that is able to match our master Turquine.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. How four queens found Launcelot sleeping, and how by
+enchantment he was taken and led into a castle.
+
+Now leave we these knights prisoners, and speak we of Sir Launcelot du
+Lake that lieth under the apple-tree sleeping. Even about the noon
+there came by him four queens of great estate; and, for the heat should
+not annoy them, there rode four knights about them, and bare a cloth of
+green silk on four spears, betwixt them and the sun, and the queens
+rode on four white mules. Thus as they rode they heard by them a great
+horse grimly neigh, then were they ware of a sleeping knight, that lay
+all armed under an apple-tree; anon as these queens looked on his face,
+they knew it was Sir Launcelot. Then they began for to strive for that
+knight, everych one said they would have him to her love. We shall not
+strive, said Morgan le Fay, that was King Arthur’s sister, I shall put
+an enchantment upon him that he shall not awake in six hours, and then
+I will lead him away unto my castle, and when he is surely within my
+hold, I shall take the enchantment from him, and then let him choose
+which of us he will have unto paramour.
+
+So this enchantment was cast upon Sir Launcelot, and then they laid him
+upon his shield, and bare him so on horseback betwixt two knights, and
+brought him unto the castle Chariot, and there they laid him in a
+chamber cold, and at night they sent unto him a fair damosel with his
+supper ready dight. By that the enchantment was past, and when she came
+she saluted him, and asked him what cheer. I cannot say, fair damosel,
+said Sir Launcelot, for I wot not how I came into this castle but it be
+by an enchantment. Sir, said she, ye must make good cheer, and if ye be
+such a knight as it is said ye be, I shall tell you more to-morn by
+prime of the day. Gramercy, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, of your
+good will I require you. And so she departed. And there he lay all that
+night without comfort of anybody. And on the morn early came these four
+queens, passingly well beseen, all they bidding him good morn, and he
+them again.
+
+Sir knight, the four queens said, thou must understand thou art our
+prisoner, and we here know thee well that thou art Sir Launcelot du
+Lake, King Ban’s son, and because we understand your worthiness, that
+thou art the noblest knight living, and as we know well there can no
+lady have thy love but one, and that is Queen Guenever, and now thou
+shalt lose her for ever, and she thee, and therefore thee behoveth now
+to choose one of us four. I am the Queen Morgan le Fay, queen of the
+land of Gore, and here is the queen of Northgalis, and the queen of
+Eastland, and the queen of the Out Isles; now choose one of us which
+thou wilt have to thy paramour, for thou mayest not choose or else in
+this prison to die. This is an hard case, said Sir Launcelot, that
+either I must die or else choose one of you, yet had I liefer to die in
+this prison with worship, than to have one of you to my paramour maugre
+my head. And therefore ye be answered, I will none of you, for ye be
+false enchantresses, and as for my lady, Dame Guenever, were I at my
+liberty as I was, I would prove it on you or on yours, that she is the
+truest lady unto her lord living. Well, said the queens, is this your
+answer, that ye will refuse us. Yea, on my life, said Sir Launcelot,
+refused ye be of me. So they departed and left him there alone that
+made great sorrow.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. How Sir Launcelot was delivered by the mean of a damosel.
+
+Right so at the noon came the damosel unto him with his dinner, and
+asked him what cheer. Truly, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, in my
+life days never so ill. Sir, she said, that me repenteth, but an ye
+will be ruled by me, I shall help you out of this distress, and ye
+shall have no shame nor villainy, so that ye hold me a promise. Fair
+damosel, I will grant you, and sore I am of these queen-sorceresses
+afeard, for they have destroyed many a good knight. Sir, said she, that
+is sooth, and for the renown and bounty that they hear of you they
+would have your love, and Sir, they say, your name is Sir Launcelot du
+Lake, the flower of knights, and they be passing wroth with you that ye
+have refused them. But Sir, an ye would promise me to help my father on
+Tuesday next coming, that hath made a tournament betwixt him and the
+King of Northgalis—for the last Tuesday past my father lost the field
+through three knights of Arthur’s court—an ye will be there on Tuesday
+next coming, and help my father, to-morn or prime, by the grace of God,
+I shall deliver you clean. Fair maiden, said Sir Launcelot, tell me
+what is your father’s name, and then shall I give you an answer. Sir
+knight, she said, my father is King Bagdemagus, that was foul rebuked
+at the last tournament. I know your father well, said Sir Launcelot,
+for a noble king and a good knight, and by the faith of my body, ye
+shall have my body ready to do your father and you service at that day.
+Sir, she said, gramercy, and to-morn await ye be ready betimes and I
+shall be she that shall deliver you and take you your armour and your
+horse, shield and spear, and hereby within this ten mile, is an abbey
+of white monks, there I pray you that ye me abide, and thither shall I
+bring my father unto you. All this shall be done, said Sir Launcelot as
+I am true knight.
+
+And so she departed, and came on the morn early, and found him ready;
+then she brought him out of twelve locks, and brought him unto his
+armour, and when he was clean armed, she brought him until his own
+horse, and lightly he saddled him and took a great spear in his hand
+and so rode forth, and said, Fair damosel, I shall not fail you, by the
+grace of God. And so he rode into a great forest all that day, and
+never could find no highway and so the night fell on him, and then was
+he ware in a slade, of a pavilion of red sendal. By my faith, said Sir
+Launcelot, in that pavilion will I lodge all this night, and so there
+he alighted down, and tied his horse to the pavilion, and there he
+unarmed him, and there he found a bed, and laid him therein and fell
+asleep sadly.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. How a knight found Sir Launcelot lying in his leman’s bed,
+and how Sir Launcelot fought with the knight.
+
+Then within an hour there came the knight to whom the pavilion ought,
+and he weened that his leman had lain in that bed, and so he laid him
+down beside Sir Launcelot, and took him in his arms and began to kiss
+him. And when Sir Launcelot felt a rough beard kissing him, he started
+out of the bed lightly, and the other knight after him, and either of
+them gat their swords in their hands, and out at the pavilion door went
+the knight of the pavilion, and Sir Launcelot followed him, and there
+by a little slake Sir Launcelot wounded him sore, nigh unto the death.
+And then he yielded him unto Sir Launcelot, and so he granted him, so
+that he would tell him why he came into the bed. Sir, said the knight,
+the pavilion is mine own, and there this night I had assigned my lady
+to have slept with me, and now I am likely to die of this wound. That
+me repenteth, said Launcelot, of your hurt, but I was adread of
+treason, for I was late beguiled, and therefore come on your way into
+your pavilion and take your rest, and as I suppose I shall staunch your
+blood. And so they went both into the pavilion, and anon Sir Launcelot
+staunched his blood.
+
+Therewithal came the knight’s lady, that was a passing fair lady, and
+when she espied that her lord Belleus was sore wounded, she cried out
+on Sir Launcelot, and made great dole out of measure. Peace, my lady
+and my love, said Belleus, for this knight is a good man, and a knight
+adventurous, and there he told her all the cause how he was wounded;
+And when that I yielded me unto him, he left me goodly and hath
+staunched my blood. Sir, said the lady, I require thee tell me what
+knight ye be, and what is your name? Fair lady, he said, my name is Sir
+Launcelot du Lake. So me thought ever by your speech, said the lady,
+for I have seen you oft or this, and I know you better than ye ween.
+But now an ye would promise me of your courtesy, for the harms that ye
+have done to me and my Lord Belleus, that when he cometh unto Arthur’s
+court for to cause him to be made knight of the Round Table, for he is
+a passing good man of arms, and a mighty lord of lands of many out
+isles.
+
+Fair lady, said Sir Launcelot, let him come unto the court the next
+high feast, and look that ye come with him, and I shall do my power, an
+ye prove you doughty of your hands, that ye shall have your desire. So
+thus within a while, as they thus talked, the night passed, and the day
+shone, and then Sir Launcelot armed him, and took his horse, and they
+taught him to the Abbey, and thither he rode within the space of two
+hours.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot was received of King Bagdemagus’
+daughter, and how he made his complaint to her father.
+
+And soon as Sir Launcelot came within the abbey yard, the daughter of
+King Bagdemagus heard a great horse go on the pavement. And she then
+arose and yede unto a window, and there she saw Sir Launcelot, and anon
+she made men fast to take his horse from him and let lead him into a
+stable, and himself was led into a fair chamber, and unarmed him, and
+the lady sent him a long gown, and anon she came herself. And then she
+made Launcelot passing good cheer, and she said he was the knight in
+the world was most welcome to her. Then in all haste she sent for her
+father Bagdemagus that was within twelve mile of that Abbey, and afore
+even he came, with a fair fellowship of knights with him. And when the
+king was alighted off his horse he yode straight unto Sir Launcelot’s
+chamber and there he found his daughter, and then the king embraced Sir
+Launcelot in his arms, and either made other good cheer.
+
+Anon Sir Launcelot made his complaint unto the king how he was
+betrayed, and how his brother Sir Lionel was departed from him he wist
+not where, and how his daughter had delivered him out of prison;
+Therefore while I live I shall do her service and all her kindred. Then
+am I sure of your help, said the king, on Tuesday next coming. Yea,
+sir, said Sir Launcelot, I shall not fail you, for so I have promised
+my lady your daughter. But, sir, what knights be they of my lord
+Arthur’s that were with the King of Northgalis? And the king said it
+was Sir Mador de la Porte, and Sir Mordred and Sir Gahalantine that all
+for-fared my knights, for against them three I nor my knights might
+bear no strength. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, as I hear say that the
+tournament shall be here within this three mile of this abbey, ye shall
+send unto me three knights of yours, such as ye trust, and look that
+the three knights have all white shields, and I also, and no painture
+on the shields, and we four will come out of a little wood in midst of
+both parties, and we shall fall in the front of our enemies and grieve
+them that we may; and thus shall I not be known what knight I am.
+
+So they took their rest that night, and this was on the Sunday, and so
+the king departed, and sent unto Sir Launcelot three knights with the
+four white shields. And on the Tuesday they lodged them in a little
+leaved wood beside there the tournament should be. And there were
+scaffolds and holes that lords and ladies might behold and to give the
+prize. Then came into the field the King of Northgalis with eight score
+helms. And then the three knights of Arthur’s stood by themselves. Then
+came into the field King Bagdemagus with four score of helms. And then
+they feutred their spears, and came together with a great dash, and
+there were slain of knights at the first recounter twelve of King
+Bagdemagus’ party, and six of the King of Northgalis’ party, and King
+Bagdemagus’ party was far set aback.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a tournament, and how he
+met with Sir Turquine leading Sir Gaheris.
+
+With that came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he thrust in with his spear
+in the thickest of the press, and there he smote down with one spear
+five knights, and of four of them he brake their backs. And in that
+throng he smote down the King of Northgalis, and brake his thigh in
+that fall. All this doing of Sir Launcelot saw the three knights of
+Arthur’s. Yonder is a shrewd guest, said Sir Mador de la Porte,
+therefore have here once at him. So they encountered, and Sir Launcelot
+bare him down horse and man, so that his shoulder went out of lith. Now
+befalleth it to me to joust, said Mordred, for Sir Mador hath a sore
+fall. Sir Launcelot was ware of him, and gat a great spear in his hand,
+and met him, and Sir Mordred brake a spear upon him, and Sir Launcelot
+gave him such a buffet that the arson of his saddle brake, and so he
+flew over his horse’s tail, that his helm butted into the earth a foot
+and more, that nigh his neck was broken, and there he lay long in a
+swoon.
+
+Then came in Sir Gahalantine with a great spear and Launcelot against
+him, with all their strength that they might drive, that both their
+spears to-brast even to their hands, and then they flang out with their
+swords and gave many a grim stroke. Then was Sir Launcelot wroth out of
+measure, and then he smote Sir Gahalantine on the helm that his nose
+brast out on blood, and ears and mouth both, and therewith his head
+hung low. And therewith his horse ran away with him, and he fell down
+to the earth. Anon therewithal Sir Launcelot gat a great spear in his
+hand, and or ever that great spear brake, he bare down to the earth
+sixteen knights, some horse and man, and some the man and not the
+horse, and there was none but that he hit surely, he bare none arms
+that day. And then he gat another great spear, and smote down twelve
+knights, and the most part of them never throve after. And then the
+knights of the King of Northgalis would joust no more. And there the
+gree was given to King Bagdemagus.
+
+So either party departed unto his own place, and Sir Launcelot rode
+forth with King Bagdemagus unto his castle, and there he had passing
+good cheer both with the king and with his daughter, and they proffered
+him great gifts. And on the morn he took his leave, and told the king
+that he would go and seek his brother Sir Lionel, that went from him
+when that he slept, so he took his horse, and betaught them all to God.
+And there he said unto the king’s daughter, If ye have need any time of
+my service I pray you let me have knowledge, and I shall not fail you
+as I am true knight. And so Sir Launcelot departed, and by adventure he
+came into the same forest there he was taken sleeping. And in the midst
+of a highway he met a damosel riding on a white palfrey, and there
+either saluted other. Fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, know ye in this
+country any adventures? Sir knight, said that damosel, here are
+adventures near hand, an thou durst prove them. Why should I not prove
+adventures? said Sir Launcelot for that cause come I hither. Well, said
+she, thou seemest well to be a good knight, and if thou dare meet with
+a good knight, I shall bring thee where is the best knight, and the
+mightiest that ever thou found, so thou wilt tell me what is thy name,
+and what knight thou art. Damosel, as for to tell thee my name I take
+no great force; truly my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Sir, thou
+beseemest well, here be adventures by that fall for thee, for hereby
+dwelleth a knight that will not be overmatched for no man I know but ye
+overmatch him, and his name is Sir Turquine. And, as I understand, he
+hath in his prison, of Arthur’s court, good knights three score and
+four, that he hath won with his own hands. But when ye have done that
+journey ye shall promise me as ye are a true knight for to go with me,
+and to help me and other damosels that are distressed daily with a
+false knight. All your intent, damosel, and desire I will fulfil, so ye
+will bring me unto this knight. Now, fair knight, come on your way; and
+so she brought him unto the ford and the tree where hung the basin.
+
+So Sir Launcelot let his horse drink, and then he beat on the basin
+with the butt of his spear so hard with all his might till the bottom
+fell out, and long he did so, but he saw nothing. Then he rode endlong
+the gates of that manor nigh half-an-hour. And then was he ware of a
+great knight that drove an horse afore him, and overthwart the horse
+there lay an armed knight bound. And ever as they came near and near,
+Sir Launcelot thought he should know him. Then Sir Launcelot was ware
+that it was Sir Gaheris, Gawaine’s brother, a knight of the Table
+Round. Now, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, I see yonder cometh a
+knight fast bounden that is a fellow of mine, and brother he is unto
+Sir Gawaine. And at the first beginning I promise you, by the leave of
+God, to rescue that knight; but if his master sit better in the saddle
+I shall deliver all the prisoners that he hath out of danger, for I am
+sure he hath two brethren of mine prisoners with him. By that time that
+either had seen other, they gripped their spears unto them. Now, fair
+knight, said Sir Launcelot, put that wounded knight off the horse, and
+let him rest awhile, and let us two prove our strengths; for as it is
+informed me, thou doest and hast done great despite and shame unto
+knights of the Round Table, and therefore now defend thee. An thou be
+of the Table Round, said Turquine, I defy thee and all thy fellowship.
+That is overmuch said, said Sir Launcelot.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Turquine fought together.
+
+And then they put their spears in the rests, and came together with
+their horses as fast as they might run, and either smote other in midst
+of their shields, that both their horses’ backs brast under them, and
+the knights were both stonied. And as soon as they might avoid their
+horses, they took their shields afore them, and drew out their swords,
+and came together eagerly, and either gave other many strong strokes,
+for there might neither shields nor harness hold their strokes. And so
+within a while they had both grimly wounds, and bled passing
+grievously. Thus they fared two hours or more trasing and rasing either
+other, where they might hit any bare place.
+
+Then at the last they were breathless both, and stood leaning on their
+swords. Now fellow, said Sir Turquine, hold thy hand a while, and tell
+me what I shall ask thee. Say on. Then Turquine said, Thou art the
+biggest man that ever I met withal, and the best breathed, and like one
+knight that I hate above all other knights; so be it that thou be not
+he I will lightly accord with thee, and for thy love I will deliver all
+the prisoners that I have, that is three score and four, so thou wilt
+tell me thy name. And thou and I we will be fellows together, and never
+to fail thee while that I live. It is well said, said Sir Launcelot,
+but sithen it is so that I may have thy friendship, what knight is he
+that thou so hatest above all other? Faithfully, said Sir Turquine, his
+name is Sir Launcelot du Lake, for he slew my brother, Sir Carados, at
+the dolorous tower, that was one of the best knights alive; and
+therefore him I except of all knights, for may I once meet with him,
+the one of us shall make an end of other, I make mine avow. And for Sir
+Launcelot’s sake I have slain an hundred good knights, and as many I
+have maimed all utterly that they might never after help themselves,
+and many have died in prison, and yet have I three score and four, and
+all shall be delivered so thou wilt tell me thy name, so be it that
+thou be not Sir Launcelot.
+
+Now, see I well, said Sir Launcelot, that such a man I might be, I
+might have peace, and such a man I might be, that there should be war
+mortal betwixt us. And now, sir knight, at thy request I will that thou
+wit and know that I am Launcelot du Lake, King Ban’s son of Benwick,
+and very knight of the Table Round. And now I defy thee, and do thy
+best. Ah, said Turquine, Launcelot, thou art unto me most welcome that
+ever was knight, for we shall never depart till the one of us be dead.
+Then they hurtled together as two wild bulls rushing and lashing with
+their shields and swords, that sometime they fell both over their
+noses. Thus they fought still two hours and more, and never would have
+rest, and Sir Turquine gave Sir Launcelot many wounds that all the
+ground thereas they fought was all bespeckled with blood.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. How Sir Turquine was slain, and how Sir Launcelot bade Sir
+Gaheris deliver all the prisoners.
+
+Then at the last Sir Turquine waxed faint, and gave somewhat aback, and
+bare his shield low for weariness. That espied Sir Launcelot, and leapt
+upon him fiercely and gat him by the beaver of his helmet, and plucked
+him down on his knees, and anon he raced off his helm, and smote his
+neck in sunder. And when Sir Launcelot had done this, he yode unto the
+damosel and said, Damosel, I am ready to go with you where ye will have
+me, but I have no horse. Fair sir, said she, take this wounded knight’s
+horse and send him into this manor, and command him to deliver all the
+prisoners. So Sir Launcelot went unto Gaheris, and prayed him not to be
+aggrieved for to lend him his horse. Nay, fair lord, said Gaheris, I
+will that ye take my horse at your own commandment, for ye have both
+saved me and my horse, and this day I say ye are the best knight in the
+world, for ye have slain this day in my sight the mightiest man and the
+best knight except you that ever I saw, and, fair sir, said Gaheris, I
+pray you tell me your name. Sir, my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake, that
+ought to help you of right for King Arthur’s sake, and in especial for
+my lord Sir Gawaine’s sake, your own dear brother; and when that ye
+come within yonder manor, I am sure ye shall find there many knights of
+the Round Table, for I have seen many of their shields that I know on
+yonder tree. There is Kay’s shield, and Sir Brandel’s shield, and Sir
+Marhaus’ shield, and Sir Galind’s shield, and Sir Brian de Listnois’
+shield, and Sir Aliduke’s shield, with many more that I am not now
+advised of, and also my two brethren’s shields, Sir Ector de Maris and
+Sir Lionel; wherefore I pray you greet them all from me, and say that I
+bid them take such stuff there as they find, and that in any wise my
+brethren go unto the court and abide me there till that I come, for by
+the feast of Pentecost I cast me to be there, for as at this time I
+must ride with this damosel for to save my promise.
+
+And so he departed from Gaheris, and Gaheris yede in to the manor, and
+there he found a yeoman porter keeping there many keys. Anon withal Sir
+Gaheris threw the porter unto the ground and took the keys from him,
+and hastily he opened the prison door, and there he let out all the
+prisoners, and every man loosed other of their bonds. And when they saw
+Sir Gaheris, all they thanked him, for they weened that he was wounded.
+Not so, said Gaheris, it was Launcelot that slew him worshipfully with
+his own hands. I saw it with mine own eyes. And he greeteth you all
+well, and prayeth you to haste you to the court; and as unto Sir Lionel
+and Ector de Maris he prayeth you to abide him at the court. That shall
+we not do, says his brethren, we will find him an we may live. So shall
+I, said Sir Kay, find him or I come at the court, as I am true knight.
+
+Then all those knights sought the house thereas the armour was, and
+then they armed them, and every knight found his own horse, and all
+that ever longed unto him. And when this was done, there came a
+forester with four horses laden with fat venison. Anon, Sir Kay said,
+Here is good meat for us for one meal, for we had not many a day no
+good repast. And so that venison was roasted, baken, and sodden, and so
+after supper some abode there all night, but Sir Lionel and Ector de
+Maris and Sir Kay rode after Sir Launcelot to find him if they might.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. How Sir Launcelot rode with a damosel and slew a knight that
+distressed all ladies and also a villain that kept a bridge.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot, that rode with the damosel in a fair
+highway. Sir, said the damosel, here by this way haunteth a knight that
+distressed all ladies and gentlewomen, and at the least he robbeth them
+or lieth by them. What, said Sir Launcelot, is he a thief and a knight
+and a ravisher of women? he doth shame unto the order of knighthood,
+and contrary unto his oath; it is pity that he liveth. But, fair
+damosel, ye shall ride on afore, yourself, and I will keep myself in
+covert, and if that he trouble you or distress you I shall be your
+rescue and learn him to be ruled as a knight.
+
+So the maid rode on by the way a soft ambling pace, and within a while
+came out that knight on horseback out of the wood, and his page with
+him, and there he put the damosel from her horse, and then she cried.
+With that came Launcelot as fast as he might till he came to that
+knight, saying, O thou false knight and traitor unto knighthood, who
+did learn thee to distress ladies and gentlewomen? When the knight saw
+Sir Launcelot thus rebuking him he answered not, but drew his sword and
+rode unto Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot threw his spear from him,
+and drew out his sword, and struck him such a buffet on the helmet that
+he clave his head and neck unto the throat. Now hast thou thy payment
+that long thou hast deserved! That is truth, said the damosel, for like
+as Sir Turquine watched to destroy knights, so did this knight attend
+to destroy and distress ladies, damosels, and gentlewomen, and his name
+was Sir Peris de Forest Savage. Now, damosel, said Sir Launcelot, will
+ye any more service of me? Nay, sir, she said, at this time, but
+almighty Jesu preserve you wheresomever ye ride or go, for the curteist
+knight thou art, and meekest unto all ladies and gentlewomen, that now
+liveth. But one thing, sir knight, methinketh ye lack, ye that are a
+knight wifeless, that he will not love some maiden or gentlewoman, for
+I could never hear say that ever ye loved any of no manner degree, and
+that is great pity; but it is noised that ye love Queen Guenever, and
+that she hath ordained by enchantment that ye shall never love none
+other but her, nor none other damosel nor lady shall rejoice you;
+wherefore many in this land, of high estate and low, make great sorrow.
+
+Fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, I may not warn people to speak of me
+what it pleaseth them; but for to be a wedded man, I think it not; for
+then I must couch with her, and leave arms and tournaments, battles,
+and adventures; and as for to say for to take my pleasaunce with
+paramours, that will I refuse in principal for dread of God; for
+knights that be adventurous or lecherous shall not be happy nor
+fortunate unto the wars, for other they shall be overcome with a
+simpler knight than they be themselves, other else they shall by unhap
+and their cursedness slay better men than they be themselves. And so
+who that useth paramours shall be unhappy, and all thing is unhappy
+that is about them.
+
+And so Sir Launcelot and she departed. And then he rode in a deep
+forest two days and more, and had strait lodging. So on the third day
+he rode over a long bridge, and there stert upon him suddenly a passing
+foul churl, and he smote his horse on the nose that he turned about,
+and asked him why he rode over that bridge without his licence. Why
+should I not ride this way? said Sir Launcelot, I may not ride beside.
+Thou shalt not choose, said the churl, and lashed at him with a great
+club shod with iron. Then Sir Launcelot drew his sword and put the
+stroke aback, and clave his head unto the paps. At the end of the
+bridge was a fair village, and all the people, men and women, cried on
+Sir Launcelot, and said, A worse deed didst thou never for thyself, for
+thou hast slain the chief porter of our castle. Sir Launcelot let them
+say what they would, and straight he went into the castle; and when he
+came into the castle he alighted, and tied his horse to a ring on the
+wall and there he saw a fair green court, and thither he dressed him,
+for there him thought was a fair place to fight in. So he looked about,
+and saw much people in doors and windows that said, Fair knight, thou
+art unhappy.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. How Sir Launcelot slew two giants, and made a castle free.
+
+Anon withal came there upon him two great giants, well armed all save
+the heads, with two horrible clubs in their hands. Sir Launcelot put
+his shield afore him and put the stroke away of the one giant, and with
+his sword he clave his head asunder. When his fellow saw that, he ran
+away as he were wood, for fear of the horrible strokes, and Launcelot
+after him with all his might, and smote him on the shoulder, and clave
+him to the navel. Then Sir Launcelot went into the hall, and there came
+afore him three score ladies and damosels, and all kneeled unto him,
+and thanked God and him of their deliverance; For sir, said they, the
+most party of us have been here this seven year their prisoners, and we
+have worked all manner of silk works for our meat, and we are all great
+gentlewomen born; and blessed be the time, knight, that ever thou be
+born, for thou hast done the most worship that ever did knight in this
+world, that will we bear record, and we all pray you to tell us your
+name, that we may tell our friends who delivered us out of prison. Fair
+damosel, he said, my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Ah, sir, said they
+all, well mayest thou be he, for else save yourself, as we deemed,
+there might never knight have the better of these two giants; for many
+fair knights have assayed it, and here have ended, and many times have
+we wished after you, and these two giants dread never knight but you.
+Now may ye say, said Sir Launcelot, unto your friends how and who hath
+delivered you, and greet them all from me, and if that I come in any of
+your marches, show me such cheer as ye have cause, and what treasure
+that there in this castle is I give it you for a reward for your
+grievance, and the lord that is owner of this castle I would he
+received it as is right. Fair sir, said they, the name of this castle
+is Tintagil, and a duke ought it sometime that had wedded fair Igraine,
+and after wedded her Uther Pendragon, and gat on her Arthur. Well, said
+Sir Launcelot, I understand to whom this castle longeth; and so he
+departed from them, and betaught them unto God.
+
+And then he mounted upon his horse, and rode into many strange and wild
+countries, and through many waters and valleys, and evil was he lodged.
+And at the last by fortune him happened, against a night, to come to a
+fair courtelage, and therein he found an old gentlewoman that lodged
+him with good will, and there he had good cheer for him and his horse.
+And when time was, his host brought him into a fair garret, over the
+gate, to his bed. There Sir Launcelot unarmed him, and set his harness
+by him, and went to bed, and anon he fell asleep. So, soon after, there
+came one on horseback, and knocked at the gate in great haste, and when
+Sir Launcelot heard this, he arose up and looked out at the window, and
+saw by the moonlight three knights came riding after that one man, and
+all three lashed on him at once with swords, and that one knight turned
+on them knightly again, and defended him. Truly, said Sir Launcelot,
+yonder one knight shall I help, for it were shame for me to see three
+knights on one, and if he be slain I am partner of his death; and
+therewith he took his harness, and went out at a window by a sheet down
+to the four knights, and then Sir Launcelot said on high, Turn you
+knights unto me, and leave your fighting with that knight. And then
+they all three left Sir Kay, and turned unto Sir Launcelot, and there
+began great battle, for they alighted all three, and struck many great
+strokes at Sir Launcelot, and assailed him on every side. Then Sir Kay
+dressed him for to have holpen Sir Launcelot. Nay, sir, said he, I will
+none of your help; therefore as ye will have my help, let me alone with
+them. Sir Kay, for the pleasure of the knight, suffered him for to do
+his will, and so stood aside. And then anon within six strokes, Sir
+Launcelot had stricken them to the earth.
+
+And then they all three cried: Sir knight, we yield us unto you as a
+man of might makeless. As to that, said Sir Launcelot, I will not take
+your yielding unto me. But so that ye will yield you unto Sir Kay the
+Seneschal, on that covenant I will save your lives, and else not. Fair
+knight, said they, that were we loath to do; for as for Sir Kay, we
+chased him hither, and had overcome him had not ye been, therefore to
+yield us unto him it were no reason. Well, as to that, said Launcelot,
+advise you well, for ye may choose whether ye will die or live, for an
+ye be yolden it shall be unto Sir Kay. Fair knight, then they said, in
+saving of our lives we will do as thou commandest us. Then shall ye,
+said Sir Launcelot, on Whitsunday next coming, go unto the court of
+King Arthur, and there shall ye yield you unto Queen Guenever, and put
+you all three in her grace and mercy, and say that Sir Kay sent you
+thither to be her prisoners. Sir, they said, it shall be done by the
+faith of our bodies, an we be living, and there they swore every knight
+upon his sword. And so Sir Launcelot suffered them so to depart. And
+then Sir Launcelot knocked at the gate with the pommel of his sword,
+and with that came his host, and in they entered Sir Kay and he. Sir,
+said his host, I weened ye had been in your bed. So I was, said Sir
+Launcelot, but I rose and leapt out at my window for to help an old
+fellow of mine. And so when they came nigh the light, Sir Kay knew well
+that it was Sir Launcelot, and therewith he kneeled down and thanked
+him of all his kindness that he had holpen him twice from the death.
+Sir, he said, I have nothing done but that me ought for to do, and ye
+are welcome, and here shall ye repose you and take your rest.
+
+So when Sir Kay was unarmed, he asked after meat; so there was meat
+fetched him, and he ate strongly. And when he had supped they went to
+their beds and were lodged together in one bed. On the morn Sir
+Launcelot arose early, and left Sir Kay sleeping, and Sir Launcelot
+took Sir Kay’s armour and his shield, and armed him, and so he went to
+the stable, and took his horse, and took his leave of his host, and so
+he departed. Then soon after arose Sir Kay and missed Sir Launcelot.
+And then he espied that he had his armour and his horse. Now by my
+faith I know well that he will grieve some of the court of King Arthur;
+for on him knights will be bold, and deem that it is I, and that will
+beguile them. And because of his armour and shield I am sure I shall
+ride in peace. And then soon after departed Sir Kay and thanked his
+host.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. How Sir Launcelot rode disguised in Sir Kay’s harness, and
+how he smote down a knight.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot that had ridden long in a great forest,
+and at the last he came into a low country, full of fair rivers and
+meadows. And afore him he saw a long bridge, and three pavilions stood
+thereon, of silk and sendal of divers hue. And without the pavilions
+hung three white shields on truncheons of spears, and great long spears
+stood upright by the pavilions, and at every pavilion’s door stood
+three fresh squires, and so Sir Launcelot passed by them and spake no
+word. When he was passed the three knights said them that it was the
+proud Kay; He weeneth no knight so good as he, and the contrary is
+ofttime proved. By my faith, said one of the knights, his name was Sir
+Gaunter, I will ride after him and assay him for all his pride, and ye
+may behold how that I speed. So this knight, Sir Gaunter, armed him,
+and hung his shield upon his shoulder, and mounted upon a great horse,
+and gat his spear in his hand, and walloped after Sir Launcelot. And
+when he came nigh him, he cried, Abide, thou proud knight Sir Kay, for
+thou shalt not pass quit. So Sir Launcelot turned him, and either
+feutred their spears, and came together with all their mights, and Sir
+Gaunter’s spear brake, but Sir Launcelot smote him down horse and man.
+And when Sir Gaunter was at the earth his brethren said each one to
+other, Yonder knight is not Sir Kay, for he is bigger than he. I dare
+lay my head, said Sir Gilmere, yonder knight hath slain Sir Kay and
+hath taken his horse and his harness. Whether it be so or no, said Sir
+Raynold, the third brother, let us now go mount upon our horses and
+rescue our brother Sir Gaunter, upon pain of death. We all shall have
+work enough to match that knight, for ever meseemeth by his person it
+is Sir Launcelot, or Sir Tristram, or Sir Pelleas, the good knight.
+
+Then anon they took their horses and overtook Sir Launcelot, and Sir
+Gilmere put forth his spear, and ran to Sir Launcelot, and Sir
+Launcelot smote him down that he lay in a swoon. Sir knight, said Sir
+Raynold, thou art a strong man, and as I suppose thou hast slain my two
+brethren, for the which raseth my heart sore against thee, and if I
+might with my worship I would not have ado with you, but needs I must
+take part as they do, and therefore, knight, he said, keep thyself. And
+so they hurtled together with all their mights, and all to-shivered
+both their spears. And then they drew their swords and lashed together
+eagerly. Anon therewith arose Sir Gaunter, and came unto his brother
+Sir Gilmere, and bade him, Arise, and help we our brother Sir Raynold,
+that yonder marvellously matched yonder good knight. Therewithal, they
+leapt on their horses and hurtled unto Sir Launcelot.
+
+And when he saw them come he smote a sore stroke unto Sir Raynold, that
+he fell off his horse to the ground, and then he struck to the other
+two brethren, and at two strokes he struck them down to the earth. With
+that Sir Raynold began to start up with his head all bloody, and came
+straight unto Sir Launcelot. Now let be, said Sir Launcelot, I was not
+far from thee when thou wert made knight, Sir Raynold, and also I know
+thou art a good knight, and loath I were to slay thee. Gramercy, said
+Sir Raynold, as for your goodness; and I dare say as for me and my
+brethren, we will not be loath to yield us unto you, with that we knew
+your name, for well we know ye are not Sir Kay. As for that be it as it
+be may, for ye shall yield you unto dame Guenever, and look that ye be
+with her on Whitsunday, and yield you unto her as prisoners, and say
+that Sir Kay sent you unto her. Then they swore it should be done, and
+so passed forth Sir Launcelot, and each one of the brethren holp other
+as well as they might.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Launcelot jousted against four knights of the
+Round Table and overthrew them.
+
+So Sir Launcelot rode into a deep forest, and thereby in a slade, he
+saw four knights hoving under an oak, and they were of Arthur’s court,
+one was Sir Sagramour le Desirous, and Ector de Maris, and Sir Gawaine,
+and Sir Uwaine. Anon as these four knights had espied Sir Launcelot,
+they weened by his arms it had been Sir Kay. Now by my faith, said Sir
+Sagramour, I will prove Sir Kay’s might, and gat his spear in his hand,
+and came toward Sir Launcelot. Therewith Sir Launcelot was ware and
+knew him well, and feutred his spear against him, and smote Sir
+Sagramour so sore that horse and man fell both to the earth. Lo, my
+fellows, said he, 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 gat his spear in his hand and walloped toward Sir
+Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot smote him through the shield and shoulder,
+that man and horse 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. And therewithal, Sir Uwaine gat his spear in his hand and
+rode toward Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot knew him well, and so he
+met him on the plain, and gave him such a buffet that he was astonied,
+that long he wist not where he was. Now see I well, said Sir Gawaine, I
+must encounter with that knight. Then he dressed his shield and gat a
+good spear in his hand, and Sir Launcelot knew him well; 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 to-brast, and Sir
+Launcelot charged so sore upon him that his horse reversed up-so-down.
+And much sorrow had Sir Gawaine to avoid his horse, and so Sir
+Launcelot passed on a pace and smiled, and said, God give him joy that
+this spear made, 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 by this guest? said Sir Gawaine, that one spear hath felled
+us all four. We commend him unto the devil, they said all, for he is a
+man of great might. Ye may well say it, said Sir Gawaine, that he is a
+man of might, for I dare lay my head it is Sir Launcelot, I know it by
+his riding. Let him go, said Sir Gawaine, for when we come to the court
+then shall we wit; and then had they much sorrow to get their horses
+again.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Launcelot followed a brachet into a castle, where
+he found a dead knight, and how he after was required of a damosel to
+heal her brother.
+
+Now leave we there and speak of Sir Launcelot that rode a great while
+in a deep forest, where he saw a black brachet, seeking in manner as it
+had been in the feute of an hurt deer. And therewith he rode after the
+brachet, and he saw lie on the ground a large feute of blood. And then
+Sir Launcelot rode after. And ever the brachet looked behind her, and
+so she went through a great marsh, and ever Sir Launcelot followed. And
+then was he ware of an old manor, and thither ran the brachet, and so
+over the bridge. So Sir Launcelot rode over that bridge that was old
+and feeble; and when he came in midst of a great hall, there he saw lie
+a dead knight that was a seemly man, and that brachet licked his
+wounds. And therewithal came out a lady weeping and wringing her hands;
+and then she said, O knight, too much sorrow hast thou brought me. Why
+say ye so? said Sir Launcelot, I did never this knight no harm, for
+hither by feute of blood this brachet brought me; and therefore, fair
+lady, be not displeased with me, for I am full sore aggrieved of your
+grievance. Truly, sir, she said, I trow it be not ye that hath slain my
+husband, for he that did that deed is sore wounded, and he is never
+likely to recover, that shall I ensure him. What was your husband’s
+name? said Sir Launcelot. Sir, said she, his name was called Sir
+Gilbert the Bastard, one of the best knights of the world, and he that
+hath slain him I know not his name. Now God send you better comfort,
+said Sir Launcelot; and so he departed and went into the forest again,
+and there he met with a damosel, the which knew him well, and she said
+aloud, Well be ye found, my lord; and now I require thee, on thy
+knighthood, help my brother that is sore wounded, and never stinteth
+bleeding; for this day he fought with Sir Gilbert the Bastard and slew
+him in plain battle, and there was my brother sore wounded, and there
+is a lady a sorceress that dwelleth in a castle here beside, and this
+day she told me my brother’s wounds should never be whole till I could
+find a knight that would go into the Chapel Perilous, and there he
+should find a sword and a bloody cloth that the wounded knight was
+lapped in, and a piece of that cloth and sword should heal my brother’s
+wounds, so that his wounds were searched with the sword and the cloth.
+This is a marvellous thing, said Sir Launcelot, but what is your
+brother’s name? Sir, she said, his name was Sir Meliot de Logres. That
+me repenteth, said Sir Launcelot, for he is a fellow of the Table
+Round, and to his help I will do my power. Then, sir, said she, follow
+even this highway, and it will bring you unto the Chapel Perilous; and
+here I shall abide till God send you here again, and, but you speed, I
+know no knight living that may achieve that adventure.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV. How Sir Launcelot came into the Chapel Perilous and gat
+there of a dead corpse a piece of the cloth and a sword.
+
+Right so Sir Launcelot departed, and when he came unto the Chapel
+Perilous he alighted down, and tied his horse unto a little gate. And
+as soon as he was within the churchyard he saw on the front of the
+chapel many fair rich shields turned up-so-down, and many of the
+shields Sir Launcelot had seen knights bear beforehand. With that he
+saw by him there stand a thirty great knights, more by a yard than any
+man that ever he had seen, and all those grinned and gnashed at Sir
+Launcelot. And when he saw their countenance he dreaded him sore, and
+so put his shield afore him, and took his sword ready in his hand ready
+unto battle, and they were all armed in black harness ready with their
+shields and their swords drawn. And when Sir Launcelot would have gone
+throughout them, they scattered on every side of him, and gave him the
+way, and therewith he waxed all bold, and entered into the chapel, and
+then he saw no light but a dim lamp burning, and then was he ware of a
+corpse hilled with a cloth of silk. Then Sir Launcelot stooped down,
+and cut a piece away of that cloth, and then it fared under him as the
+earth had quaked a little; therewithal he feared. And then he saw a
+fair sword lie by the dead knight, and that he gat in his hand and hied
+him out of the chapel.
+
+Anon as ever he was in the chapel yard all the knights spake to him
+with a grimly voice, and said, Knight, Sir Launcelot, lay that sword
+from thee or else thou shalt die. Whether that I live or die, said Sir
+Launcelot, with no great word get ye it again, therefore fight for it
+an ye list. Then right so he passed throughout them, and beyond the
+chapel yard there met him a fair damosel, and said, Sir Launcelot,
+leave that sword behind thee, or thou wilt die for it. I leave it not,
+said Sir Launcelot, for no treaties. No, said she, an thou didst leave
+that sword, Queen Guenever should thou never see. Then were I a fool an
+I would leave this sword, said Launcelot. Now, gentle knight, said the
+damosel, I require thee to kiss me but once. Nay, said Sir Launcelot,
+that God me forbid. Well, sir, said she, an thou hadst kissed me thy
+life days had been done, but now, alas, she said, I have lost all my
+labour, for I ordained this chapel for thy sake, and for Sir Gawaine.
+And once I had Sir Gawaine within me, and at that time he fought with
+that knight that lieth there dead in yonder chapel, Sir Gilbert the
+Bastard; and at that time he smote the left hand off of Sir Gilbert the
+Bastard. And, Sir Launcelot, now I tell thee, I have loved thee this
+seven year, but there may no woman have thy love but Queen Guenever.
+But sithen I may not rejoice thee to have thy body alive, I had kept no
+more joy in this world but to have thy body dead. Then would I have
+balmed it and served it, and so have kept it my life days, and daily I
+should have clipped thee, and kissed thee, in despite of Queen
+Guenever. Ye say well, said Sir Launcelot, Jesu preserve me from your
+subtle crafts. And therewithal he took his horse and so departed from
+her. And as the book saith, when Sir Launcelot was departed she took
+such sorrow that she died within a fourteen night, and her name was
+Hellawes the sorceress, Lady of the Castle Nigramous.
+
+Anon Sir Launcelot met with the damosel, Sir Meliot’s sister. And when
+she saw him she clapped her hands, and wept for joy. And then they rode
+unto a castle thereby where lay Sir Meliot. And anon as Sir Launcelot
+saw him he knew him, but he was passing pale, as the earth, for
+bleeding. When Sir Meliot saw Sir Launcelot he kneeled upon his knees
+and cried on high: O lord Sir Launcelot, help me! Anon Sir Launcelot
+leapt unto him and touched his wounds with Sir Gilbert’s sword. And
+then he wiped his wounds with a part of the bloody cloth that Sir
+Gilbert was wrapped in, and anon an wholer man in his life was he
+never. And then there was great joy between them, and they made Sir
+Launcelot all the cheer that they might, and so on the morn Sir
+Launcelot took his leave, and bade Sir Meliot hie him to the court of
+my lord Arthur, for it draweth nigh to the Feast of Pentecost, and
+there by the grace of God ye shall find me. And therewith they
+departed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Launcelot at the request of a lady recovered a
+falcon, by which he was deceived.
+
+And so Sir Launcelot rode through many strange countries, over marshes
+and valleys, till by fortune he came to a fair castle, and as he passed
+beyond the castle him thought he heard two bells ring. And then was he
+ware of a falcon came flying over his head toward an high elm, and long
+lunes about her feet, and as she flew unto the elm to take her perch
+the lunes over-cast about a bough. And when she would have taken her
+flight she hung by the legs fast; and Sir Launcelot saw how she hung,
+and beheld the fair falcon perigot, and he was sorry for her.
+
+The meanwhile came a lady out of the castle and cried on high: O
+Launcelot, Launcelot, as thou art flower of all knights, help me to get
+my hawk, for an my hawk be lost my lord will destroy me; for I kept the
+hawk and she slipped from me, and if my lord my husband wit it he is so
+hasty that he will slay me. What is your lord’s name? said Sir
+Launcelot. Sir, she said, his name is Sir Phelot, a knight that longeth
+unto the King of Northgalis. Well, fair lady, since that ye know my
+name, and require me of knighthood to help you, I will do what I may to
+get your hawk, and yet God knoweth I am an ill climber, and the tree is
+passing high, and few boughs to help me withal. And therewith Sir
+Launcelot alighted, and tied his horse to the same tree, and prayed the
+lady to unarm him. And so when he was unarmed, he put off all his
+clothes unto his shirt and breech, and with might and force he clomb up
+to the falcon, and tied the lines to a great rotten boyshe, and threw
+the hawk down and it withal.
+
+Anon the lady gat the hawk in her hand; and therewithal came out Sir
+Phelot out of the groves suddenly, that was her husband, all armed and
+with his naked sword in his hand, and said: O knight Launcelot, now
+have I found thee as I would, and stood at the bole 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, and therefore there nis
+none other boot but thine hour is come that thou must die. That were
+shame unto thee, said Sir Launcelot, thou an armed knight to slay a
+naked man by treason. Thou gettest none other grace, said Sir Phelot,
+and therefore help thyself an thou canst. Truly, said Sir Launcelot,
+that shall be thy shame, but since thou wilt do none other, take mine
+harness with thee, and hang my sword upon a bough that I may get it,
+and then do thy best to slay me an thou canst. Nay, nay, said Sir
+Phelot, for I know thee better than thou weenest, therefore thou
+gettest no weapon, an I may keep you therefrom. Alas, said Sir
+Launcelot, that ever a knight should die weaponless. And therewith he
+waited above him and under him, and over his head he saw a rownsepyk, a
+big bough leafless, and therewith he brake it off by the body. And then
+he came lower and awaited how his own horse stood, and suddenly he
+leapt on the further side of the horse, fro-ward the knight. And then
+Sir Phelot lashed at him eagerly, weening to have slain him. But Sir
+Launcelot put away the stroke with the rownsepyk, and therewith he
+smote him on the one side of the head, that he fell down in a swoon to
+the ground. So then Sir Launcelot took his sword out of his hand, and
+struck his neck from the body. Then cried the lady, Alas! why hast thou
+slain my husband? I am not causer, said Sir Launcelot, for with
+falsehood ye would have had slain me with treason, and now it is fallen
+on you both. And then she swooned as though she would die. And
+therewithal Sir Launcelot gat all his armour as well as he might, and
+put it upon him for dread of more resort, for he dreaded that the
+knight’s castle was so nigh. And so, as soon as he might, he took his
+horse and departed, and thanked God that he had escaped that adventure.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Launcelot overtook a knight which chased his wife
+to have slain her, and how he said to him.
+
+So Sir Launcelot rode many wild ways, throughout marches and many wild
+ways. And as he rode in a valley he saw a knight chasing a lady, with a
+naked sword, to have slain her. And by fortune as this knight should
+have slain this lady, she cried on Sir Launcelot and prayed him to
+rescue her. When Sir Launcelot saw that mischief, he took his horse and
+rode between them, saying, Knight, fie for shame, why wilt thou slay
+this lady? thou dost shame unto thee and all knights. What hast thou to
+do betwixt me and my wife? said the knight. I will slay her maugre thy
+head. That shall ye not, said Sir Launcelot, for rather we two will
+have ado together. Sir Launcelot, said the knight, thou dost not thy
+part, for this lady hath betrayed me. It is not so, said the lady,
+truly he saith wrong on me. And for because I love and cherish my
+cousin germain, he is jealous betwixt him and me; and as I shall answer
+to God there was never sin betwixt us. But, sir, said the lady, as thou
+art called the worshipfullest knight of the world, I require thee of
+true knighthood, keep me and save me. For whatsomever ye say he will
+slay me, for he is without mercy. Have ye no doubt, said Launcelot, it
+shall not lie in his power. Sir, said the knight, in your sight I will
+be ruled as ye will have me. And so Sir Launcelot rode on the one side
+and she on the other: he had not ridden but a while, but the knight
+bade Sir Launcelot turn him and look behind him, and said, Sir, yonder
+come men of arms after us riding. And so Sir Launcelot turned him and
+thought no treason, and therewith was the knight and the lady on one
+side, and suddenly he swapped off his lady’s head.
+
+And when Sir Launcelot had espied him what he had done, he said, and
+called him, Traitor, thou hast shamed me for ever. And suddenly Sir
+Launcelot alighted off his horse, and pulled out his sword to slay him,
+and therewithal he fell flat to the earth, and gripped Sir Launcelot by
+the thighs, and cried mercy. Fie on thee, said Sir Launcelot, thou
+shameful knight, thou mayest have no mercy, and therefore arise and
+fight with me. Nay, said the knight, I will never arise till ye grant
+me mercy. Now will I proffer thee fair, said Launcelot, I will unarm me
+unto my shirt, and I will have nothing upon me but my shirt, and my
+sword and my hand. And if thou canst slay me, quit be thou for ever.
+Nay, sir, said Pedivere, that will I never. Well, said Sir Launcelot,
+take this lady and the head, and bear it upon thee, and here shalt thou
+swear upon my sword, to bear it always upon thy back, and never to rest
+till thou come to Queen Guenever. Sir, said he, that will I do, by the
+faith of my body. Now, said Launcelot, tell me what is your name? Sir,
+my name is Pedivere. In a shameful hour wert thou born, said Launcelot.
+
+So Pedivere departed with the dead lady and the head, and found the
+queen with King Arthur at Winchester, and there he told all the truth.
+Sir knight, said the queen, this is an horrible deed and a shameful,
+and a great rebuke unto Sir Launcelot; but notwithstanding his worship
+is not known in many divers countries; but this shall I give you in
+penance, make ye as good shift as ye can, ye shall bear this lady with
+you on horseback unto the Pope of Rome, and of him receive your penance
+for your foul deeds; and ye shall never rest one night whereas ye do
+another; an ye go to any bed the dead body shall lie with you. This
+oath there he made, and so departed. And as it telleth in the French
+book, when he came to Rome, the Pope bade him go again unto Queen
+Guenever, and in Rome was his lady buried by the Pope’s commandment.
+And after this Sir Pedivere fell to great goodness, and was an holy man
+and an hermit.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Launcelot came to King Arthur’s Court, and how
+there were recounted all his noble feats and acts.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot du Lake, that came home two days afore
+the Feast of Pentecost; and the king and all the court were passing
+fain of his coming. And when Sir Gawaine, Sir Uwaine, Sir Sagramore,
+Sir Ector de Maris, saw Sir Launcelot in Kay’s armour, then they wist
+well it was he that smote them down all with one spear. Then there was
+laughing and smiling among them. And ever now and now came all the
+knights home that Sir Turquine had prisoners, and they all honoured and
+worshipped Sir Launcelot.
+
+When Sir Gaheris heard them speak, he said, I saw all the battle from
+the beginning to the ending, and there he told King Arthur all how it
+was, and how Sir Turquine was the strongest knight that ever he saw
+except Sir Launcelot: there were many knights bare him record, nigh
+three score. Then Sir Kay told the king how Sir Launcelot had rescued
+him when he should have been slain, and how he made the knights yield
+them to me, and not to him. And there they were all three, and bare
+record. And by Jesu, said Sir Kay, because Sir Launcelot took my
+harness and left me his I rode in good peace, and no man would have ado
+with me.
+
+Anon therewithal there came the three knights that fought with Sir
+Launcelot at the long bridge. And there they yielded them unto Sir Kay,
+and Sir Kay forsook them and said he fought never with them. But I
+shall ease your heart, said Sir Kay, yonder is Sir Launcelot that
+overcame you. When they wist that they were glad. And then Sir Meliot
+de Logres came home, and told the king how Sir Launcelot had saved him
+from the death. And all his deeds were known, how four queens,
+sorceresses, had him in prison, and how he was delivered by King
+Bagdemagus’ daughter. Also there were told all the great deeds of arms
+that Sir Launcelot did betwixt the two kings, that is for to say the
+King of Northgalis and King Bagdemagus. All the truth Sir Gahalantine
+did tell, and Sir Mador de la Porte and Sir Mordred, for they were at
+that same tournament. Then came in the lady that knew Sir Launcelot
+when that he wounded Sir Belleus at the pavilion. And there, at request
+of Sir Launcelot, Sir Belleus was made knight of the Round Table. And
+so at that time Sir Launcelot had the greatest name of any knight of
+the world, and most he was honoured of high and low.
+
+ Explicit the noble tale of Sir Launcelot du Lake, which is the vi.
+ book. Here followeth the tale of Sir Gareth of Orkney that was called
+ Beaumains by Sir Kay, and is the seventh book.
+
+
+
+BOOK VII.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. How Beaumains came to King Arthur’s Court and demanded three
+petitions of King Arthur.
+
+When Arthur held his Round Table most plenour, it fortuned that he
+commanded that the high feast of Pentecost should be holden at a city
+and a castle, the which in those days was called Kynke Kenadonne, upon
+the sands that marched nigh Wales. So ever the king had a custom that
+at the feast of Pentecost in especial, afore other feasts in the year,
+he would not go that day to meat until he had heard or seen of a great
+marvel. And for that custom all manner of strange adventures came
+before Arthur as at that feast before all other feasts. And so Sir
+Gawaine, a little to-fore noon of the day of Pentecost, espied at a
+window three men upon horseback, and a dwarf on foot, and so the three
+men alighted, and the dwarf kept their horses, and one of the three men
+was higher than the other twain by a foot and an half. Then Sir Gawaine
+went unto the king and said, Sir, go to your meat, for here at the hand
+come strange adventures. So Arthur went unto his meat with many other
+kings. And there were all the knights of the Round Table, [save] only
+those that were prisoners or slain at a recounter. Then at the high
+feast evermore they should be fulfilled the whole number of an hundred
+and fifty, for then was the Round Table fully complished.
+
+Right so 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 they all saw, and he was large and long, and broad in the
+shoulders, and well visaged, and the fairest and the largest handed
+that ever man saw, but he fared as though he might not go nor bear
+himself but if he leaned upon their shoulders. Anon as Arthur saw him
+there was made peace and room, and right so they yede with him unto the
+high dais, without saying of any words. Then this much young man pulled
+him aback, and easily stretched up straight, saying, King Arthur, God
+you bless and all your fair fellowship, and in especial the fellowship
+of the Table Round. And for this cause I am come hither, to pray you
+and require you to give me three gifts, and they shall not be
+unreasonably asked, but that ye may worshipfully and honourably grant
+them me, and to you no great hurt nor loss. And the first don and gift
+I will ask now, and the other two gifts I will ask this day
+twelvemonth, wheresomever 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 ye will give me meat
+and drink sufficiently for this twelvemonth, and at that day I will ask
+mine other two gifts.
+
+My fair son, said Arthur, ask better, I counsel thee, for this is but a
+simple asking; for my heart giveth me to thee greatly, that thou art
+come of men of worship, and greatly my conceit faileth me but thou
+shalt prove a man of right great worship. Sir, he said, thereof be as
+it be may, I have asked that I will ask. Well, said the king, ye shall
+have meat and drink enough; I never defended that none, neither my
+friend nor my foe. But what is thy name I would wit? I cannot tell you,
+said he. That is marvel, said the king, that thou knowest not thy name,
+and thou art the goodliest young man that ever I saw. Then the king
+betook him to Sir Kay the steward, and charged him that he should give
+him of all manner of meats and drinks of the best, and also that he had
+all manner of finding as though he were a lord’s son. That shall little
+need, said Sir Kay, to do such cost upon him; for I dare undertake he
+is a villain born, and never will make man, for an he had come of
+gentlemen he would have asked of you horse and armour, but such as he
+is, so he asketh. And sithen he hath no name, I shall give him a name
+that shall be Beaumains, that is Fair-hands, and into the kitchen I
+shall bring him, and there he shall have fat brose every day, that he
+shall be as fat by the twelvemonths’ end as a pork hog. Right so the
+two men departed and beleft him to Sir Kay, that scorned him and mocked
+him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine were wroth because Sir
+Kay mocked Beaumains, and of a damosel which desired a knight to fight
+for a lady.
+
+Thereat was Sir Gawaine wroth, and in especial Sir Launcelot bade Sir
+Kay leave his mocking, for I dare lay my head he shall prove a man of
+great worship. Let be said Sir Kay, it may not be by no reason, for as
+he is, so he hath asked. Beware, said Sir Launcelot, so ye gave the
+good knight Brewnor, Sir Dinadan’s brother, a name, and ye called him
+La Cote Male Taile, and that turned you to anger afterward. As for
+that, said Sir Kay, this shall never prove none such. For Sir Brewnor
+desired ever worship, and this desireth bread and drink and broth; upon
+pain of my life he was fostered up in some abbey, and, howsomever it
+was, they failed meat and drink, and so hither he is come for his
+sustenance.
+
+And so Sir Kay bade get him a place, and sit down to meat; so Beaumains
+went to the hall door, and set him down among boys and lads, and there
+he ate sadly. And then Sir Launcelot after meat bade him come to his
+chamber, and there 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, for no proffer. But as touching Sir Gawaine, he had
+reason to proffer him lodging, meat, and drink, for that proffer came
+of his blood, for he was nearer kin to him than he wist. But that as
+Sir Launcelot did was of his great gentleness and courtesy.
+
+So thus he 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 that he saw any jousting of knights, that would he see an he
+might. And ever Sir Launcelot would give him gold to spend, and
+clothes, and so did Sir Gawaine, and where there 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 liketh you my boy of the
+kitchen? So it passed on till the feast of Whitsuntide. And at that
+time the king held it at Carlion in the most royallest wise that might
+be, like as he did yearly. But the king would no meat eat upon the
+Whitsunday, until he heard some adventures. Then came there a squire to
+the king and said, Sir, ye may go to your meat, for here cometh a
+damosel with some strange adventures. Then was the king glad and sat
+him down.
+
+Right so there came a damosel into the hall and saluted the king, and
+prayed him of succour. For whom? said the king, what is the adventure?
+
+Sir, she said, I have a lady of great worship and renown, and she is
+besieged with a tyrant, so that she may not out of her castle; and
+because here are called the noblest knights of the world, I come to you
+to pray you of succour. What hight your lady, and where dwelleth she,
+and who is she, and what is his name that hath besieged her? Sir king,
+she said, as for my lady’s name that shall not ye know for me as at
+this time, but I let you wit she is a lady of great worship and of
+great lands; and as for the tyrant that besiegeth her and destroyeth
+her lands, he is called the Red Knight of the Red Launds. I know him
+not, said the king. Sir, said Sir Gawaine, I know him well, for he is
+one of the perilloust 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 damosel, said the king, there be knights here would do their power
+for to rescue your lady, but because you will not tell her name, nor
+where she dwelleth, therefore none of my knights that here be now shall
+go with you by my will. Then must I speak further, said the damosel.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. How Beaumains desired the battle, and how it was granted
+to him, and how he desired to be made knight of Sir Launcelot.
+
+With these words came before the king Beaumains, while the damosel was
+there, and thus he said, Sir king, God thank you, I have been this
+twelvemonth 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, this shall be my two gifts, first that ye will grant me to
+have this adventure of the damosel, for it belongeth unto me. Thou
+shalt have it, said the king, I grant it thee. Then, sir, this is the
+other gift, that ye shall bid Launcelot du Lake to make me knight, for
+of him I will be made knight and else of none. And when I am passed I
+pray you let him ride after me, and make me knight when I require him.
+All this shall be done, said the king. Fie on thee, said the damosel,
+shall I have none but one that is your kitchen page? Then was she wroth
+and took her horse and departed. And with that there came one to
+Beaumains and told him his horse and armour was come for him; and there
+was the dwarf come with all thing that him needed, in the richest
+manner; thereat all the court had much marvel from whence came all that
+gear. So when he was armed there was none but few so goodly a man as he
+was; and right so as he came into the hall and took his leave of King
+Arthur, and Sir Gawaine, and Sir Launcelot, and prayed that he would
+hie after him, and so departed and rode after the damosel.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. How Beaumains departed, and how he gat of Sir Kay a spear
+and a shield, and how he jousted with Sir Launcelot.
+
+But there went many after 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 open in the hall, I will ride after my boy in the kitchen, to
+wit whether he will know me for his better. Said Sir Launcelot and Sir
+Gawaine, Yet abide at home. So Sir Kay made him ready and took his
+horse and his spear, and rode after him. And right as Beaumains
+overtook the damosel, right so came Sir Kay and said, Beaumains, 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 ye have heard afore. Yea, said
+Beaumains, I know you for an ungentle knight of the court, and
+therefore beware of me. Therewith Sir Kay put his spear in the rest,
+and ran straight upon him; and Beaumains came as fast upon him with his
+sword in his hand, and so he put away his spear with his sword, and
+with a foin thrust him through the side, that Sir Kay fell down as he
+had been dead; and he alighted down and took Sir Kay’s shield and his
+spear, and stert upon his own horse and rode his way.
+
+All that saw Sir Launcelot, and so did the damosel. And then he bade
+his dwarf stert upon Sir Kay’s horse, and so he did. By that Sir
+Launcelot was come, then he proffered Sir Launcelot to joust; and
+either made them ready, and they came together so fiercely that either
+bare down other to the earth, and sore were they bruised. Then Sir
+Launcelot arose and helped him from his horse. And then Beaumains threw
+his shield from him, and proffered to fight with Sir Launcelot on foot;
+and so they rushed together like boars, tracing, rasing, and foining to
+the mountenance of an hour; and Sir Launcelot felt him so big that he
+marvelled of his strength, for he fought more liker a giant than a
+knight, and that his fighting was durable and passing perilous. For Sir
+Launcelot had so much ado with him that he dreaded himself to be
+shamed, and said, Beaumains, fight not so sore, your quarrel and mine
+is not so great but we may leave off. Truly that is truth, said
+Beaumains, but it doth me good to feel your might, and yet, my lord, I
+showed not the utterance.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. How Beaumains told to Sir Launcelot his name, and how he was
+dubbed knight of Sir Launcelot, and after overtook the damosel.
+
+In God’s name, said Sir Launcelot, for I promise you, by the faith of
+my body, I had as much to do as I might to save myself from you
+unshamed, and therefore have ye no doubt of none earthly knight. Hope
+ye so that I may any while stand a proved knight? said Beaumains. Yea,
+said Launcelot, do as ye have done, and I shall be your warrant. Then,
+I pray you, said Beaumains, give me the order of knighthood. Then must
+ye tell me your name, said Launcelot, and of what kin ye be born. Sir,
+so that ye will not discover me I shall, said Beaumains. Nay, said Sir
+Launcelot, and that I promise you by the faith of my body, until it be
+openly known. Then, sir, he said, my name is Gareth, and brother unto
+Sir Gawaine of father and mother. Ah, sir, said Sir Launcelot, I am
+more gladder of you than I was; for ever me thought ye should be of
+great blood, and that ye came not to the court neither for meat nor for
+drink. And then Sir Launcelot gave him the order of knighthood, and
+then Sir Gareth prayed him for to depart and let him go.
+
+So Sir Launcelot departed from him and came to Sir Kay, and made him to
+be borne home upon his shield, and so he was healed hard with the life;
+and all men scorned Sir Kay, and in especial Sir Gawaine and Sir
+Launcelot said it was not his part to rebuke no young man, for full
+little knew he of what birth he is come, and for what cause he came to
+this court; and so we leave Sir Kay and turn we unto Beaumains.
+
+When he had overtaken the damosel, anon she said, What dost thou here?
+thou stinkest all of the kitchen, thy clothes be bawdy of the grease
+and tallow that thou gainest in King Arthur’s kitchen; weenest thou,
+said she, that I allow thee, for yonder knight that thou killest. Nay
+truly, for thou slewest him unhappily and cowardly; therefore turn
+again, bawdy kitchen page, I know thee well, for Sir Kay named thee
+Beaumains. What art thou but a lusk and a turner of broaches and a
+ladle-washer? Damosel, said Beaumains, say to me what ye will, I will
+not go from you whatsomever ye say, for I have undertaken to King
+Arthur for to achieve your adventure, and so shall I finish it to the
+end, either I shall die therefore. Fie on thee, kitchen knave, wilt
+thou finish mine adventure? thou shalt anon be met withal, that thou
+wouldest not for all the broth that ever thou suppest once look him in
+the face. I shall assay, said Beaumains.
+
+So thus as they rode in the wood, there came a man flying all that ever
+he might. Whither wilt thou? said Beaumains. O lord, he said, help me,
+for here by in a slade are six thieves that have taken my lord and
+bound him, so I am afeard lest they will slay him. Bring me thither,
+said Beaumains. And so they rode together until they came thereas was
+the knight bounden; and then he rode unto them, and struck one unto the
+death, and then another, and at the third stroke he slew the third
+thief, and then the other three fled. And he rode after them, and he
+overtook them; and then those three thieves turned again and assailed
+Beaumains hard, but at the last he slew them, and returned and unbound
+the knight. And the knight thanked him, and prayed him to ride with him
+to his castle there a little beside, and he should worshipfully reward
+him for his good deeds. Sir, said Beaumains, I will no reward have: I
+was this day made knight of noble Sir Launcelot, and therefore I will
+no reward have, but God reward me. And also I must follow this damosel.
+
+And when he came nigh her she bade him ride from her, For thou smellest
+all of the kitchen: weenest thou that I have joy of thee, for all this
+deed that thou hast done is but mishapped thee: but thou shalt see a
+sight shall make thee turn again, and that lightly. Then the same
+knight which was rescued of the thieves rode after that damosel, and
+prayed her to lodge with him all that night. And because it was near
+night the damosel rode with him to his castle, and there they had great
+cheer, and at supper the knight sat Sir Beaumains afore the damosel.
+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 damosel of high parage. Then the knight was ashamed at her words, and
+took him up, and set him at a sideboard, and set himself afore him, and
+so all that night they had good cheer and merry rest.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. How Beaumains fought and slew two knights at a passage.
+
+And on the morn the damosel and he took their leave and thanked the
+knight, and so departed, and rode on their way until they came to a
+great forest. And there was a great river and but one passage, and
+there were ready two knights on the farther side to let them the
+passage. What sayest thou, said the damosel, wilt thou match yonder
+knights or turn again? Nay, said Sir Beaumains, I will not turn again
+an they were six more. And therewithal he rushed into the water, and in
+midst of the water either brake their spears upon other to their hands,
+and then they drew their swords, and smote eagerly at other. And at the
+last Sir Beaumains smote the other upon the helm that his head stonied,
+and therewithal he fell down in the water, and there was he drowned.
+And then he spurred his horse upon the land, where the other knight
+fell upon him, and brake his spear, and so they drew their swords and
+fought long together. At the last Sir Beaumains clave his helm and his
+head down to the shoulders; and so he rode unto the damosel and bade
+her ride forth on her way.
+
+Alas, she said, that ever a kitchen page should have that fortune to
+destroy such two doughty knights: thou weenest thou hast done
+doughtily, that is not so; for the first knight his horse stumbled, and
+there he was drowned in the water, and never it was by thy force, nor
+by thy might. And the last knight by mishap thou camest behind him and
+mishappily thou slew him.
+
+Damosel, said Beaumains, ye may say what ye will, but with whomsomever
+I have ado withal, I trust to God to serve him or he depart. And
+therefore I reck not what ye say, so that I may win your lady. Fie,
+fie, foul kitchen knave, thou shalt see knights that shall abate thy
+boast. Fair damosel, give me goodly language, and then my care is past,
+for what knights somever they be, I care not, nor I doubt them not.
+Also, said she, I say it for thine avail, yet mayest thou turn again
+with thy worship; for an thou follow me, thou art but slain, for I see
+all that ever thou dost is but by misadventure, and not by prowess of
+thy hands. Well, damosel, ye may say what ye will, but wheresomever ye
+go I will follow you. So this Beaumains rode with that lady till
+evensong time, and ever she chid him, and would not rest. And they came
+to a black laund; 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.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. How Beaumains fought with the Knight of the Black Launds,
+and fought with him till he fell down and died.
+
+There sat a knight all armed in black harness, and his name was the
+Knight of the Black Laund. Then the damosel, when she saw that knight,
+she bade him flee down that valley, for his horse was not saddled.
+Gramercy, said Beaumains, for always ye would have me a coward. With
+that the Black Knight, when she came nigh him, spake and said, Damosel,
+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. Why cometh he, said the knight, in such
+array? it is shame that he beareth you company. Sir, I cannot be
+delivered of him, said she, for with me he rideth maugre mine head: God
+would that ye should put him from me, other to slay him an ye may, for
+he is an unhappy knave, and unhappily he hath done this day: through
+mishap I saw him slay two knights at the passage of the water; and
+other deeds he did before right marvellous and through unhappiness.
+That marvelleth me, said the Black Knight, that any man that is of
+worship will have ado with him. They know him not, said the damosel,
+and for because he rideth with me, they ween that he be some man of
+worship born. That may be, said the Black Knight; howbeit as ye say
+that he be no man of worship, he is a full likely person, and full like
+to be a strong man: but 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 Beaumains heard him say thus, he said, Sir knight, thou art
+full large of my horse and my harness; I let thee wit it cost thee
+nought, and whether it liketh thee or not, this laund will I pass
+maugre thine head. And horse nor harness gettest thou none of mine, but
+if thou win them with thy hands; and therefore let see what thou canst
+do. Sayest thou that? said the Black Knight, now yield thy lady from
+thee, for it beseemeth never a kitchen page to ride with such a lady.
+Thou liest, said Beaumains, 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 departed with their horses, and came together
+as it had been the thunder, and the Black Knight’s spear brake, and
+Beaumains thrust him through both his sides, and therewith his spear
+brake, and the truncheon left still in his side. But nevertheless the
+Black Knight drew his sword, and smote many eager strokes, and of great
+might, and hurt Beaumains full sore. But at the last the Black Knight,
+within an hour and an half, he fell down off his horse in swoon, and
+there he died. And when Beaumains saw him so well horsed and armed,
+then he alighted down and armed him in his armour, and so took his
+horse and rode after the damosel.
+
+When she saw him come nigh, she said, Away, kitchen knave, out of the
+wind, for the smell of thy bawdy clothes grieveth me. Alas, she said,
+that ever such a knave should by mishap slay so good a knight as thou
+hast done, but all this is thine unhappiness. But here by is one shall
+pay thee all thy payment, and therefore yet I counsel thee, flee. It
+may happen me, said Beaumains, to be beaten or slain, but I warn you,
+fair damosel, I will not flee away, a nor leave your company, for all
+that ye can say; for ever ye say that they will kill me or beat me, but
+howsomever it happeneth I escape, and they lie on the ground. And
+therefore it were as good for you to hold you still thus all day
+rebuking me, for away will I not till I see the uttermost of this
+journey, or else I will be slain, other truly beaten; therefore ride on
+your way, for follow you I will whatsomever happen.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. How the brother of the knight that was slain met with
+Beaumains, and fought with Beaumains till he was yielden.
+
+Thus as they rode together, they saw a knight come driving by them all
+in green, both his horse and his harness; and when he came nigh the
+damosel, he asked her, Is that my brother the Black Knight that ye have
+brought with you? Nay, nay, she said, this unhappy kitchen knave hath
+slain your brother through unhappiness. Alas, said the Green Knight,
+that is great pity, that so noble a knight as he was should so
+unhappily be slain, and namely of a knave’s hand, as ye say that he is.
+Ah! traitor, said the Green Knight, thou shalt die for slaying of my
+brother; he was a full noble knight, and his name was Sir Perard. I
+defy thee, said Beaumains, for I let thee wit I slew him knightly and
+not shamefully.
+
+Therewithal the Green Knight rode unto an horn that was green, and it
+hung upon a thorn, and there he blew three deadly motes, and there came
+two damosels and armed him lightly. And then he took a great horse, and
+a green shield and a green spear. And then they ran together with all
+their mights, and brake their spears unto their hands. And then they
+drew their swords, and gave many sad strokes, and either of them
+wounded other full ill. And at the last, at an overthwart, Beaumains
+with his horse struck the Green Knight’s horse upon the side, that he
+fell to the earth. And then the Green Knight avoided his horse lightly,
+and dressed him upon foot. That saw Beaumains, and therewithal he
+alighted, and they rushed together like two mighty kemps a long while,
+and sore they bled both. With that came the damosel, 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 to match such a knight, as the weed overgrew the corn.
+Therewith the Green Knight was ashamed, and therewithal he gave a great
+stroke of might, and clave his shield through. When Beaumains saw his
+shield cloven asunder he was a little ashamed of that stroke and of her
+language; and then he gave him such a buffet upon the helm that he fell
+on his knees. And so suddenly Beaumains pulled him upon the ground
+grovelling. And then the Green Knight cried him mercy, and yielded him
+unto Sir Beaumains, and prayed him to slay him not. All is in vain,
+said Beaumains, for thou shalt die but if this damosel that came with
+me pray me to save thy life. And therewithal he unlaced his helm like
+as he would slay him. Fie upon thee, false kitchen page, I will never
+pray thee to save his life, for I will never be so much in thy danger.
+Then shall he die, said Beaumains. Not so hardy, thou bawdy knave, said
+the damosel, that thou slay him. Alas, said the Green Knight, suffer me
+not to die for a fair word may save me. Fair knight, said the Green
+Knight, save my life, and I will forgive thee the death of my brother,
+and for ever to become thy man, and thirty knights that hold of me for
+ever shall do you service. In the devil’s name, said the damosel, that
+such a bawdy kitchen knave should have thee and thirty knights’
+service.
+
+Sir knight, said Beaumains, all this availeth thee not, but if my
+damosel speak with me for thy life. And therewithal he made a semblant
+to slay him. Let be, said the damosel, thou bawdy knave; slay him not,
+for an thou do thou shalt repent it. Damosel, said Beaumains, your
+charge is to me a pleasure, and at your commandment his life shall be
+saved, and else not. Then he said, Sir knight with the green arms, I
+release thee quit at this damosel’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. Then said the
+damosel, Me repenteth, Green Knight, of your damage, and of your
+brother’s death, the Black Knight, for of your help I had great mister,
+for I dread me sore to pass this forest. Nay, dread you 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.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. How the damosel again rebuked Beaumains, and would not
+suffer him to sit at her table, but called him kitchen boy.
+
+And ever she rebuked Beaumains, and would not suffer him to sit at her
+table, but as the Green Knight took him and sat him at a side table.
+Marvel methinketh, said the Green Knight to the damosel, why ye rebuke
+this noble knight as ye do, for I warn you, damosel, he is a full noble
+knight, and I know no knight is able to match him; therefore ye do
+great wrong to rebuke him, for he shall do you right good service, for
+whatsomever he maketh himself, ye shall prove at the end that he is
+come of a noble blood and of king’s lineage. Fie, fie, said the
+damosel, it is shame for you to say of him such worship. Truly, said
+the Green Knight, it were shame for me to say of him any disworship,
+for he hath proved himself a better knight than I am, yet have I met
+with many knights in my days, and never or this time have I found no
+knight his match. And so that night they yede unto rest, and all that
+night the Green Knight commanded thirty knights privily to watch
+Beaumains, for to keep him from all treason.
+
+And so on the morn they all arose, and heard their mass and brake their
+fast; and then they took their horses and rode on their way, and the
+Green Knight conveyed them through the forest; and there the Green
+Knight said, My lord Beaumains, I and these thirty knights shall be
+always at your summons, both early and late, at your calling and
+whither that ever ye will send us. It is well said, said Beaumains;
+when that I call upon you ye must yield you unto King Arthur, and all
+your knights. If that ye so command us, we shall be ready at all times,
+said the Green Knight. Fie, fie upon thee, in the devil’s name, said
+the damosel, that any good knights should be obedient unto a kitchen
+knave. So then departed the Green Knight and the damosel. And then she
+said unto Beaumains, Why followest thou me, thou kitchen boy? Cast away
+thy shield and thy spear, and flee away; yet I counsel thee betimes or
+thou shalt say right soon, alas; for wert thou as wight as ever was
+Wade or Launcelot, Tristram, or the good knight Sir Lamorak, thou shalt
+not pass a pass here that is called the Pass Perilous. Damosel, said
+Beaumains, who is afeard let him flee, for it were shame to turn again
+sithen I have ridden so long with you. Well, said the damosel, ye shall
+soon, whether ye will or not.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. How the third brother, called the Red Knight, jousted and
+fought against Beaumains, and how Beaumains overcame him.
+
+So within a while they saw a tower as white as any snow, well
+matchecold all about, and double dyked. And over the tower gate there
+hung a fifty shields of divers colours, and under that tower there was
+a fair meadow. And therein were many knights and squires to behold,
+scaffolds and pavilions; for there upon the morn should be a great
+tournament: and the lord of the tower was in his castle and looked out
+at a window, and saw a damosel, a dwarf, and a knight armed at all
+points. So God me help, said the lord, with that knight will I joust,
+for I see that he is a knight-errant. And so he armed him and horsed
+him hastily. And when he was on horseback with his shield and his
+spear, it was all red, both his horse and his harness, and all that to
+him longeth. And when that he came nigh him he weened it had been his
+brother the Black Knight; and then he cried aloud, Brother, what do ye
+in these marches? Nay, nay, said the damosel, it is not he; this is but
+a kitchen knave that was brought up for alms in King Arthur’s court.
+Nevertheless, said the Red Knight, I will speak with him or he depart.
+Ah, said the damosel, this knave hath killed thy brother, and Sir Kay
+named him Beaumains, and this horse and this harness was thy brother’s,
+the Black Knight. Also I saw thy brother the Green Knight overcome of
+his hands. Now may ye be revenged upon him, for I may never be quit of
+him.
+
+With this either knights departed in sunder, and they came together
+with all their might, and either of their horses fell to the earth, and
+they avoided their horses, and put their shields afore them and drew
+their swords, and either gave other sad strokes, now here, now there,
+rasing, tracing, foining, and hurling like two boars, the space of two
+hours. And then she cried on high to the Red Knight, Alas, thou noble
+Red Knight, think what worship hath followed thee, let never a kitchen
+knave endure thee so long as he doth. Then the Red Knight waxed wroth
+and doubled his strokes, and hurt Beaumains wonderly sore, that the
+blood ran down to the ground, that it was wonder to see that strong
+battle. Yet at the last Sir Beaumains struck him to the earth, and as
+he would have slain the Red Knight, he cried mercy, saying, Noble
+knight, slay me not, and I shall yield me to thee with fifty knights
+with me that be at my commandment. And I forgive thee all the despite
+that thou hast done to me, and the death of my brother the Black
+Knight. All this availeth not, said Beaumains, but if my damosel pray
+me to save thy life. And therewith he made semblant to strike off his
+head. Let be, thou Beaumains, slay him not, for he is a noble knight,
+and not so hardy, upon thine head, but thou save him.
+
+Then Beaumains bade the Red Knight, Stand up, and thank the damosel now
+of thy life. Then the Red Knight prayed him to see his castle, and to
+be there all night. So the damosel then granted him, and there they had
+merry cheer. But always the damosel spake many foul words unto
+Beaumains, whereof the Red Knight had great marvel; and all that night
+the Red Knight made three score knights to watch Beaumains, that he
+should have no shame nor villainy. And upon the morn they heard mass
+and dined, and the Red Knight came before Beaumains with his three
+score knights, and there he proffered him his homage and fealty at all
+times, he and his knights to do him service. I thank you, said
+Beaumains, but this ye shall grant me: when I call upon you, to come
+afore my lord King Arthur, and yield you unto him to be his knights.
+Sir, said the Red Knight, I will be ready, and my fellowship, at your
+summons. So Sir Beaumains departed and the damosel, and ever she rode
+chiding him in the foulest manner.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. How Sir Beaumains suffered great rebukes of the damosel,
+and he suffered it patiently.
+
+Damosel, said Beaumains, ye are uncourteous so to rebuke me as ye do,
+for meseemeth 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 boast
+they lie in the dust or in the mire, and therefore I pray you rebuke me
+no more; and when ye see me beaten or yielden 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 an I would depart from
+you all the while that I win worship. Well, said she, right soon there
+shall meet a knight shall pay thee all thy wages, for he is the most
+man of worship of the world, except King Arthur. I will well, said
+Beaumains, the more he is of worship, the more shall be my worship to
+have ado with him.
+
+Then anon they were ware where was afore them a city rich and fair. And
+betwixt them and the city a mile and an half there was a fair meadow
+that seemed new mown, and therein were many pavilions fair to behold.
+Lo, said the damosel, yonder is a lord that owneth yonder city, and his
+custom is, when the weather is fair, to lie in this meadow to joust and
+tourney. And ever there be about him five hundred knights and gentlemen
+of arms, and there be all manner of games that any gentleman can
+devise. That goodly lord, said Beaumains, would I fain see. Thou shalt
+see him time enough, said the damosel, and so as she rode near she
+espied the pavilion where he was. Lo, said she, seest thou yonder
+pavilion that is all of the colour of Inde, and all manner of thing
+that there is about, men and women, and horses trapped, shields and
+spears were all of the colour of Inde, and his name is Sir Persant of
+Inde, the most lordliest knight that ever thou lookedst on. It may well
+be, said Beaumains, but be he never so stout a knight, in this field I
+shall abide till that I see him under his shield. Ah, fool, said she,
+thou wert better flee betimes. Why, said Beaumains, an he be such a
+knight as ye make him, he will not set upon me with all his men, or
+with his five hundred knights. For an there come no more but one at
+once, I shall him not fail whilst my life lasteth. Fie, fie, said the
+damosel, that ever such a stinking knave should blow such a boast.
+Damosel, he said, ye are to blame so to rebuke me, for I had liefer do
+five battles than so to be rebuked, let him come and then let him do
+his worst.
+
+Sir, she said, I marvel what thou art and of what kin thou art come;
+boldly thou speakest, and boldly thou hast done, that have I seen;
+therefore I pray thee save thyself an thou mayest, for thy horse and
+thou have had great travail, and I dread we dwell over long from the
+siege, for it is but hence seven mile, and all perilous passages we are
+passed save all only this passage; and here I dread me sore lest ye
+shall catch some hurt, therefore I would ye were hence, that ye were
+not bruised nor hurt with this strong knight. But I let you wit that
+Sir Persant of Inde is nothing of might nor strength unto the knight
+that laid the siege about my lady. As for that, said Sir Beaumains, be
+it as it be may. For sithen I am come so nigh this knight I will prove
+his might or I depart from him, and else I shall be shamed an I now
+withdraw me from him. And therefore, damosel, have ye no doubt by the
+grace of God I shall so deal with this knight that within two hours
+after noon I shall deliver him. And then shall we come to the siege by
+daylight. O Jesu, marvel have I, said the damosel, what manner a man ye
+be, for it may never be otherwise but that ye be come of a noble blood,
+for so foul nor 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 a gentle blood.
+
+Damosel, said Beaumains, a knight may little do that may not suffer a
+damosel, for whatsomever ye said unto me I took none 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, but all that I did it for to
+prove and assay my friends, and that shall be known another day; and
+whether that I be a gentleman born or none, I let you wit, fair
+damosel, I have done you gentleman’s service, and peradventure better
+service yet will I do or I depart from you. Alas, she said, fair
+Beaumains, forgive me all that I have missaid or done against thee.
+With all my heart, said he, I forgive it you, for ye did nothing but as
+ye should do, for all your evil words pleased me; and damosel, said
+Beaumains, since it liketh you to say thus fair unto me, wit ye well it
+gladdeth my heart greatly, and now meseemeth there is no knight living
+but I am able enough for him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. How Beaumains fought with Sir Persant of Inde, and made
+him to be yielden.
+
+With this Sir Persant of Inde had espied them as they hoved in the
+field, and knightly he sent to them whether he came in war or in peace.
+Say to thy lord, said Beaumains, I take no force, but whether as him
+list himself. So the messenger went again unto Sir Persant and told him
+all his answer. Well then will I have ado with him to the utterance,
+and so he purveyed him and rode against him. And Beaumains saw him and
+made him ready, and there they met with all that ever their horses
+might run, and brast their spears either in three pieces, and their
+horses rushed so together that both their horses fell dead to the
+earth; and lightly they avoided their horses and put their shields
+afore them, and drew their swords, and gave many great strokes that
+sometime they hurtled together that they fell grovelling on the ground.
+Thus they fought two hours and more, that their shields and their
+hauberks were all forhewen, and in many steads they were wounded. So at
+the last Sir Beaumains smote him through the cost of the body, and then
+he retrayed him here and there, and knightly maintained his battle long
+time. And at the last, though him loath were, Beaumains smote Sir
+Persant above upon the helm, that he fell grovelling to the earth; and
+then he leapt upon him overthwart and unlaced his helm to have slain
+him.
+
+Then Sir Persant yielded him and asked him mercy. With that came the
+damosel and prayed to save his life. I will well, for it were pity this
+noble knight should die. Gramercy, said Persant, gentle knight and
+damosel. For certainly now I wot well it was ye that slew my brother
+the Black Knight at the black thorn; he was a full noble knight, his
+name was Sir Percard. Also I am sure that ye are he that won mine other
+brother the Green Knight, his name was Sir Pertolepe. Also ye won my
+brother the Red Knight, Sir Perimones. And now since ye have won these,
+this shall I do for to please you: ye shall have homage and fealty of
+me, and an hundred knights to be always at your commandment, to go and
+ride where ye will command us. And so they went unto Sir Persant’s
+pavilion and drank the wine, and ate spices, and afterward Sir Persant
+made him to rest upon a bed until supper time, and after supper to bed
+again. When Beaumains was abed, Sir Persant had a lady, a fair daughter
+of eighteen year of age, and there he called her unto him, and charged
+her and commanded her upon his blessing to go unto the knight’s bed,
+and lie down by his side, and make him no strange cheer, but good
+cheer, and take him in thine arms and kiss him, and look that this be
+done, I charge you, as ye will have my love and my good will. So Sir
+Persant’s daughter did as her father bade her, and so she went unto Sir
+Beaumains’ bed, and privily she dispoiled her, and laid her down by
+him, and then he awoke and saw her, and asked her what she was. Sir,
+she said, I am Sir Persant’s daughter, that by the commandment of my
+father am come hither. Be ye a maid or a wife? said he. Sir, she said,
+I am a clean maiden. God defend, said he, that I should defoil you to
+do Sir Persant such a shame; therefore, fair damosel, arise out of this
+bed or else I will. Sir, she said, I came not to you by mine own will,
+but as I was commanded. Alas, said Sir Beaumains, I were a shameful
+knight an I would do your father any disworship; and so he kissed her,
+and so she departed and came unto Sir Persant her father, and told him
+all how she had sped. Truly, said Sir Persant, whatsomever he be, he is
+come of a noble blood. And so we leave them there till on the morn.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII. Of the goodly communication between Sir Persant and
+Beaumains, and how he told him that his name was Sir Gareth.
+
+And so on the morn the damosel and Sir Beaumains heard mass and brake
+their fast, and so took their leave. Fair damosel, said Persant,
+whitherward are ye way-leading this knight? Sir, she said, this knight
+is going to the siege that besiegeth my sister in the Castle Dangerous.
+Ah, ah, said Persant, that is the Knight of the Red Laund, the which is
+the most perilous knight that I know now living, and a man that is
+without mercy, and men say that he hath seven men’s strength. God save
+you, said he to Beaumains, from that knight, for he doth great wrong to
+that lady, and that is great pity, for she is one of the fairest ladies
+of the world, and meseemeth that your damosel is her sister: is not
+your name Linet? said he. Yea, sir, said she, and my lady my sister’s
+name is Dame Lionesse. Now shall I tell you, said Sir Persant, this Red
+Knight of the Red Laund hath lain long at the siege, well-nigh this two
+years, and many times he might have had her an he had would, but he
+prolongeth the time to this intent, for to have Sir Launcelot du Lake
+to do battle with him, or Sir Tristram, or Sir Lamorak de Galis, or Sir
+Gawaine, and this is his tarrying so long at the siege.
+
+Now my lord Sir Persant of Inde, said the damosel Linet, I require you
+that ye will make this gentleman knight or ever he fight with the Red
+Knight. I will with all my heart, said Sir Persant, an it please him to
+take the order of knighthood of so simple a man as I am. Sir, said
+Beaumains, I thank you for your good will, for I am better sped, for
+certainly the noble knight Sir Launcelot made me knight. Ah, said Sir
+Persant, of a more renowned knight might ye not be made knight; for of
+all knights he may be called chief of knighthood; and so all the world
+saith, that betwixt three knights is departed clearly knighthood, that
+is Launcelot du Lake, Sir Tristram de Liones, and Sir Lamorak de Galis:
+these bear now the renown. There be many other knights, as Sir
+Palamides the Saracen and Sir Safere his brother; also Sir Bleoberis
+and Sir Blamore de Ganis his brother; also Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir
+Ector de Maris and Sir Percivale de Galis; these and many more be noble
+knights, but there be none that pass the three above said; therefore
+God speed you well, said Sir Persant, for an ye may match the Red
+Knight ye shall be called the fourth of the world.
+
+Sir, said Beaumains, I would fain be of good fame and of knighthood.
+And I let you wit I came of good men, for I dare say my father was a
+noble man, and so that ye will keep it in close, and this damosel, I
+will tell you of what kin I am. We will not discover you, said they
+both, till ye command us, by the faith we owe unto God. Truly then,
+said he, my name is Gareth of Orkney, and King Lot was my father, and
+my mother is King Arthur’s sister, her name is Dame Morgawse, and Sir
+Gawaine is my brother, and Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, and I am the
+youngest of them all. And yet wot not King Arthur nor Sir Gawaine what
+I am.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV. How the lady that was besieged had word from her sister
+how she had brought a knight to fight for her, and what battles he had
+achieved.
+
+So the book saith that the lady that was besieged had word of her
+sister’s coming by the dwarf, and a knight with her, and how he had
+passed all the perilous passages. What manner a man is he? said the
+lady. He is a noble knight, truly, madam, said the dwarf, and but a
+young man, but he is as likely a man as ever ye saw any. What is he?
+said the damosel, and of what kin is he come, and of whom was he made
+knight? Madam, said the dwarf, he is the king’s son of Orkney, but his
+name I will not tell you as at this time; but wit ye well, of Sir
+Launcelot was he made knight, for of none other would he be made
+knight, and Sir Kay named him Beaumains. How escaped he, said the lady,
+from the brethren of Persant? Madam, he said, as a noble knight should.
+First, he slew two brethren at a passage of a water. Ah! said she, they
+were good knights, but they were murderers, the one hight Gherard le
+Breuse, and the other knight hight Sir Arnold le Breuse. Then, madam,
+he recountered with the Black Knight, and slew him in plain battle, and
+so he took his horse and his armour and fought with the Green Knight
+and won him in plain battle, and in like wise he served the Red Knight,
+and after in the same wise he served the Blue Knight and won him in
+plain battle. Then, said the lady, he hath overcome Sir Persant of
+Inde, one of the noblest knights of the world, and the dwarf said, He
+hath won all the four brethren and slain the Black Knight, and yet he
+did more to-fore: he overthrew Sir Kay and left him nigh dead upon the
+ground; also he did a great battle with Sir Launcelot, and there they
+departed on even hands: and then Sir Launcelot made him knight.
+
+Dwarf, said the lady, I am glad of these tidings, therefore go thou in
+an hermitage of mine hereby, and there shalt thou bear with thee of my
+wine in two flagons of silver, they are of two gallons, and also two
+cast of bread with fat venison baked, and dainty fowls; and a cup of
+gold here I deliver thee, that is rich and precious; and bear all this
+to mine hermitage, and put it in the hermit’s hands. And sithen go thou
+unto my sister and greet her well, and commend me unto that gentle
+knight, and pray him to eat and to drink and make him strong, and say
+ye him I thank him of his courtesy and goodness, that he would take
+upon him such labour for me that never did him bounty nor courtesy.
+Also pray him that he be of good heart and courage, for he shall meet
+with a full noble knight, but he is neither of bounty, courtesy, nor
+gentleness; for he attendeth unto nothing but to murder, and that is
+the cause I cannot praise him nor love him.
+
+So this dwarf departed, and came to Sir Persant, where he found the
+damosel Linet and Sir Beaumains, and there he told them all as ye have
+heard; and then they took their leave, but Sir Persant took an ambling
+hackney and conveyed them on their ways, and then beleft them to God;
+and so within a little while they came to that hermitage, and there
+they drank the wine, and ate the venison and the fowls baken. And so
+when they had repasted them well, the dwarf returned again with his
+vessel unto the castle again; and there met with him the Red Knight of
+the Red Launds, and asked him from whence that he came, and where he
+had been. Sir, said the dwarf, I have been with my lady’s sister of
+this castle, and she hath been at King Arthur’s court, and brought a
+knight with her. Then I account her travail but lost; for though she
+had brought with her Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram, Sir Lamorak, or Sir
+Gawaine, I would think myself good enough for them all.
+
+It may well be, said the dwarf, but this knight hath passed all the
+perilous passages, and slain the Black Knight and other two more, and
+won the Green Knight, the Red Knight, and the Blue Knight. Then is he
+one of these four that I have afore rehearsed. He is none of those,
+said the dwarf, but he is a king’s son. What is his name? said the Red
+Knight of the Red Launds. That will I not tell you, said the dwarf, but
+Sir Kay upon scorn named him Beaumains. I care not, said the knight,
+what knight so ever he be, for I shall soon deliver him. And if I ever
+match him he shall have a shameful death as many other have had. That
+were pity, said the dwarf, and it is marvel that ye make such shameful
+war upon noble knights.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV. How the damosel and Beaumains came to the siege; and came
+to a sycamore tree, and there Beaumains blew a horn, and then the
+Knight of the Red Launds came to fight with him.
+
+Now leave we the knight and the dwarf, and speak we of Beaumains, that
+all night lay in the hermitage; and upon the morn he and the damosel
+Linet heard their mass and brake their fast. And then they took their
+horses and rode throughout a fair forest; and then they came to a
+plain, and saw where were many pavilions and tents, and a fair castle,
+and there was much smoke and great noise; and when they came near the
+siege Sir Beaumains espied upon great trees, as he rode, how there hung
+full goodly armed knights by the neck, and their shields about their
+necks with their swords, and gilt spurs upon their heels, and so there
+hung nigh a forty knights shamefully with full rich arms.
+
+Then Sir Beaumains abated his countenance and said, What meaneth this?
+Fair sir, said the damosel, abate not your cheer for all this sight,
+for ye must courage yourself, or else ye be all shent, for all these
+knights came hither to this siege to rescue my sister Dame Lionesse,
+and when the Red Knight of the Red Launds had overcome them, he put
+them to this shameful death without mercy and pity. And in the same
+wise he will serve you but if you quit you the better.
+
+Now Jesu defend me, said Beaumains, from such a villainous death and
+shenship of arms. For rather than I should so be faren withal, I would
+rather be slain manly in plain battle. So were ye better, said the
+damosel; for trust not, in him is no courtesy, but all goeth to the
+death or shameful murder, and that is pity, for he is a full likely
+man, well made of body, and a full noble knight of prowess, and a lord
+of great lands and possessions. Truly, said Beaumains, he may well be a
+good knight, but he useth shameful customs, and it is marvel that he
+endureth so long that none of the noble knights of my lord Arthur’s
+have not dealt with him.
+
+And then they rode to the dykes, and saw them double dyked with full
+warlike walls; and there were lodged many great lords nigh the walls;
+and there was great noise of minstrelsy; and the sea beat upon the one
+side of the walls, where were many ships and mariners’ noise with “hale
+and how.” And also there was fast by a sycamore tree, and there hung an
+horn, the greatest that ever they saw, of an elephant’s bone; and this
+Knight of the Red Launds had hanged it up there, that if there came any
+errant-knight, he must blow that horn, and then will he make him ready
+and come to him to do battle. But, sir, I pray you, said the damosel
+Linet, blow ye not the horn till it be high noon, for now it is about
+prime, and now increaseth his might, that as men say he hath seven
+men’s strength. Ah, fie for shame, fair damosel, say ye never so more
+to me; for, an he were as good a knight as ever was, I shall never fail
+him in his most might, for either I will win worship worshipfully, or
+die knightly in the field. And therewith he spurred his horse straight
+to the sycamore tree, and blew so the horn eagerly that all the siege
+and the castle rang thereof. And then there leapt out knights out of
+their tents and pavilions, and they within the castle looked over the
+walls and out at windows.
+
+Then the Red Knight of the Red Launds armed him hastily, and two barons
+set on 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 spear and 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.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI. How the two knights met together, and of their talking,
+and how they began their battle.
+
+Sir, said the damosel Linet unto Sir Beaumains, look ye be glad and
+light, for yonder is your deadly enemy, and at yonder window is my
+lady, my sister, Dame Lionesse. Where? said Beaumains. Yonder, said the
+damosel, and pointed with her finger. That is truth, said Beaumains.
+She beseemeth afar the fairest lady that ever I looked upon; and truly,
+he said, I ask no better quarrel than now for to do battle, for truly
+she shall be my lady, and for her I will fight. And ever he looked up
+to the window with glad countenance, and the Lady Lionesse made curtsey
+to him down to the earth, with holding up both their hands.
+
+With that the Red Knight of the Red Launds called to Sir Beaumains,
+Leave, sir knight, thy looking, and behold me, I counsel thee; for I
+warn thee well she is my lady, and for her I have done many strong
+battles. If thou have so done, said Beaumains, meseemeth it was but
+waste labour, for she loveth none of thy fellowship, and thou to love
+that loveth not thee is but great folly. For an I understood that she
+were not glad of my coming, I would be advised or I did battle for her.
+But I understand by the besieging of this castle she may forbear thy
+fellowship. And therefore wit thou well, thou Red Knight of the Red
+Launds, I love her, and will rescue her, or else to die. Sayst thou
+that? said the Red Knight, meseemeth thou ought of reason to be ware by
+yonder knights that thou sawest hang upon yonder trees. Fie for shame,
+said Beaumains, that ever thou shouldest say or do so evil, for in that
+thou shamest thyself and knighthood, and thou mayst be sure there will
+no lady love thee that knoweth thy wicked customs. And now thou weenest
+that the sight of these hanged knights should fear me. Nay truly, not
+so; that shameful sight causeth me to have courage and hardiness
+against thee, more than I would have had against thee an thou wert a
+well-ruled knight. Make thee ready, said the Red Knight of the Red
+Launds, and talk no longer with me.
+
+Then Sir Beaumains bade the damosel go from him; and then they put
+their spears in their rests, and came together with all their might
+that they had both, and either smote other in midst of their shields
+that the paitrelles, surcingles, and cruppers brast, and fell to the
+earth both, and the reins of their bridles in their hands; and so they
+lay a great while sore astonied, that all that were in the castle and
+in the siege weened their necks had been broken; and then many a
+stranger and other said the strange knight was a big man, and a noble
+jouster, for or now we saw never no knight match the Red Knight of the
+Red Launds: thus they said, both within the castle and without. Then
+lightly they avoided their horses and put their shields afore them, and
+drew their swords and ran together like two fierce lions, and either
+gave other such buffets upon their helms that they reeled backward both
+two strides; and then they recovered both, and hewed great pieces off
+their harness and their shields that a great part fell into the fields.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII. How after long fighting Beaumains overcame the knight and
+would have slain him, but at the request of the lords he saved his
+life, and made him to yield him to the lady.
+
+And then thus they fought till it was past noon, and never would stint,
+till at the last they lacked wind both; and then they stood wagging and
+scattering, panting, blowing and bleeding, that all that beheld them
+for the most part wept for pity. So when they had rested them a while
+they yede to battle again, tracing, racing, foining as two boars. And
+at some time they took their run as it had been two rams, and hurtled
+together that sometime they fell grovelling to the earth: and at some
+time they were so amazed that either took other’s sword instead of his
+own.
+
+Thus they endured till evensong time, that there was none that beheld
+them might know whether was like to win the battle; and their armour
+was so forhewn that men might see their naked sides; and in other
+places they were naked, but ever the naked places they did defend. And
+the Red Knight was a wily knight of war, and his wily fighting taught
+Sir Beaumains to be wise; but he abought it full sore or he did espy
+his fighting.
+
+And thus by assent of them both they granted either other to rest; and
+so they set them down upon two mole-hills there beside the fighting
+place, and either of them unlaced his helm, and took the cold wind; for
+either of their pages was fast by them, to come when they called to
+unlace their harness and to set them on again at their commandment. And
+then when Sir Beaumains’ helm was off, he looked up to the window, and
+there he saw the fair lady Dame Lionesse, and she made him such
+countenance that his heart waxed light and jolly; and therewith he bade
+the Red Knight of the Red Launds make him ready, and let us do the
+battle to the utterance. I will well, said the knight, and then they
+laced up their helms, and their pages avoided, and they stepped
+together and fought freshly; but the Red Knight of the Red Launds
+awaited him, and at an overthwart smote him within the hand, that his
+sword fell out of his hand; and yet he gave him another buffet upon the
+helm that he fell grovelling to the earth, and the Red Knight fell over
+him, for to hold him down.
+
+Then cried the maiden Linet on high: O Sir Beaumains, where is thy
+courage become? Alas, my lady my sister beholdeth thee, and she sobbeth
+and weepeth, that maketh mine heart heavy. When Sir Beaumains heard her
+say so, he abraid up with a great might and gat him upon his feet, and
+lightly he leapt to his sword and gripped it in his hand, and doubled
+his pace unto the Red Knight, and there they fought a new battle
+together. But Sir Beaumains then doubled his strokes, and smote so
+thick that he smote the sword out of his hand, and then he smote him
+upon the helm that he fell to the earth, and Sir Beaumains fell upon
+him, and unlaced his helm to have slain him; and then he yielded him
+and asked mercy, and said with a loud voice: O noble knight, I yield me
+to thy mercy.
+
+Then Sir Beaumains bethought him upon the knights that he had made to
+be hanged shamefully, and then he said: I may not with my worship save
+thy life, for the shameful deaths that thou hast caused many full good
+knights to die. Sir, said the Red Knight of the Red Launds, hold your
+hand and ye shall know the causes why I put them to so shameful a
+death. Say on, said Sir Beaumains. Sir, I loved once a lady, a fair
+damosel, and she had her brother slain; and she said it was Sir
+Launcelot du Lake, or else Sir Gawaine; and she prayed me as that I
+loved her heartily, that I would make her a promise by the faith of my
+knighthood, for to labour daily in arms unto I met with one of them;
+and all that I might overcome I should put them unto a villainous
+death; and this is the cause that I have put all these knights to
+death, and so I ensured her to do all the villainy unto King Arthur’s
+knights, and that I should take vengeance upon all these knights. And,
+sir, now I will thee tell that every day my strength increaseth till
+noon, and all this time have I seven men’s strength.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII. How the knight yielded him, and how Beaumains made him
+to go unto King Arthur’s court, and to cry Sir Launcelot mercy.
+
+Then came there many earls, and barons, and noble knights, and prayed
+that knight to save his life, and take him to your prisoner. And all
+they fell upon their knees, and prayed him of mercy, and that he would
+save his life; and, Sir, they all said, it were fairer of him to take
+homage and fealty, and let him hold his lands of you than for to slay
+him; by his death ye shall have none advantage, and his misdeeds that
+be done may not be undone; and therefore he shall make amends to all
+parties, and we all will become your men and do you homage and fealty.
+Fair lords, said Beaumains, wit you well I am full loath to slay this
+knight, nevertheless he hath done passing ill and shamefully; but
+insomuch all that he did was at a lady’s request I blame him the less;
+and so for your sake I will release him that he shall have his life
+upon this covenant, that he go within the castle, and yield him there
+to the lady, and if she will forgive and quit him, I will well; with
+this he make her amends of all the trespass he hath done against her
+and her lands. And also, when that is done, that ye go unto the court
+of King Arthur, and there that ye ask Sir Launcelot mercy, and Sir
+Gawaine, for the evil will ye have had against them. Sir, said the Red
+Knight of the Red Launds, all this will I do as ye command, and siker
+assurance and borrows ye shall have. And so then when the assurance was
+made, he made his homage and fealty, and all those earls and barons
+with him.
+
+And then the maiden Linet came to Sir Beaumains, and unarmed him and
+searched his wounds, and stinted his blood, and in likewise she did to
+the Red Knight of the Red Launds. And there they sojourned ten days in
+their tents; and the Red Knight made his lords and servants to do all
+the pleasure that they might unto Sir Beaumains. And so within a while
+the Red Knight of the Red Launds yede unto the castle, and put him in
+her grace. And so she received him upon sufficient surety, so all her
+hurts were well restored of all that she could complain. And then he
+departed unto the court of King Arthur, and there openly the Red Knight
+of the Red Launds put him in the mercy of Sir Launcelot and Sir
+Gawaine, and there he told openly how he was overcome and by whom, and
+also he told all the battles from the beginning unto the ending. Jesu
+mercy, said King Arthur and Sir Gawaine, we marvel much of what blood
+he is come, for he is a noble knight. Have ye no marvel, said Sir
+Launcelot, for ye shall right well wit that he is come of a full noble
+blood; and as for his might and hardiness, there be but few now living
+that is so mighty as he is, and so noble of prowess. It seemeth by you,
+said King Arthur, that ye know his name, and from whence he is come,
+and of what blood he is. I suppose I do so, said Launcelot, or else I
+would not have given him the order of knighthood; but he gave me such
+charge at that time that I should never discover him until he required
+me, or else it be known openly by some other.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX. How Beaumains came to the lady, and when he came to the
+castle the gates were closed against him, and of the words that the
+lady said to him.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Beaumains that desired of Linet that he might see
+her sister, his lady. Sir, she said, I would fain ye saw her. Then Sir
+Beaumains all armed him, and took his horse and his spear, and rode
+straight unto the castle. And when he came to the gate he found there
+many men armed, and pulled up the drawbridge and drew the port close.
+
+Then marvelled he why they would not suffer him to enter. And then he
+looked up to the window; and there he saw the fair Lionesse that said
+on high: Go thy way, Sir Beaumains, for as yet thou shalt not have
+wholly my love, unto the time that thou be called one of the number of
+the worthy knights. And therefore go labour in worship this
+twelvemonth, and then thou shalt hear new tidings. Alas, fair lady,
+said Beaumains, I have not deserved that ye should show me this
+strangeness, and I had weened that I should have right good cheer with
+you, and unto my power I have deserved thank, and well I am sure I have
+bought your love with part of the best blood within my body. Fair
+courteous knight, said Dame Lionesse, be not displeased nor over-hasty;
+for wit you well your great travail nor good love shall not be lost,
+for I consider your great travail and labour, your bounty and your
+goodness as me ought to do. And therefore go on your way, and look that
+ye be of good comfort, for all shall be for your worship and for the
+best, and perdy a twelvemonth will soon be done, and trust me, fair
+knight, I shall be true to you, and never to betray you, but to my
+death I shall love you and none other. And therewithal she turned her
+from the window, and Sir Beaumains rode awayward from the castle,
+making great dole, and so he rode here and there and wist not where he
+rode, till it was dark night. And then it happened him to come to a
+poor man’s house, and there he was harboured all that night.
+
+But Sir Beaumains had no rest, but wallowed and writhed for the love of
+the lady of the castle. And so upon the morrow he took his horse and
+rode until underne, and then he came to a broad water, and thereby was
+a great lodge, and there he alighted to sleep and laid his head upon
+the shield, and betook his horse to the dwarf, and commanded him to
+watch all night.
+
+Now turn we to the lady of the same castle, that thought much upon
+Beaumains, and then she called unto her Sir Gringamore her brother, and
+prayed him in all manner, as he loved her heartily, that he would ride
+after Sir Beaumains: And ever have ye wait upon him till ye may find
+him sleeping, for I am sure in his heaviness he will alight down in
+some place, and lie him down to sleep; and therefore have ye your wait
+upon him, and in the priviest manner ye can, take his dwarf, and go ye
+your way with him as fast as ever ye may or Sir Beaumains awake. For my
+sister Linet telleth me that he can tell of what kindred he is come,
+and what is his right name. And the meanwhile I and my sister will ride
+unto your castle to await when ye bring with you the dwarf. And then
+when ye have brought him unto your castle, I will have him in
+examination myself. Unto the time that I know what is his right name,
+and of what kindred he is come, shall I never be merry at my heart.
+Sister, said Sir Gringamore, all this shall be done after your intent.
+
+And so he rode all the other day and the night till that he found Sir
+Beaumains lying by a water, and his head upon his shield, for to sleep.
+And then when he saw Sir Beaumains fast asleep, he came stilly stalking
+behind the dwarf, and plucked him fast under his arm, and so he rode
+away with him as fast as ever he might unto his own castle. And this
+Sir Gringamore’s arms were all black, and that to him longeth. But ever
+as he rode with the dwarf toward his castle, he cried unto his lord and
+prayed him of help. And therewith awoke Sir Beaumains, and up he leapt
+lightly, and saw where Sir Gringamore rode his way with the dwarf, and
+so Sir Gringamore rode out of his sight.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX. How Sir Beaumains rode after to rescue his dwarf, and came
+into the castle where he was.
+
+Then Sir Beaumains put on his helm anon, and buckled his shield, and
+took his horse, and rode after him all that ever he might ride through
+marshes, and fields, and great dales, that many times his horse and he
+plunged over the head in deep mires, for he knew not the way, but took
+the gainest way in that woodness, that many times he was like to
+perish. And at the last him happened to come to a fair green way, and
+there he met with a poor man of the country, whom he saluted and asked
+him whether he met not with a knight upon a black horse and all black
+harness, a little dwarf sitting behind him with heavy cheer. Sir, said
+the poor man, here by me came Sir Gringamore the knight, with such a
+dwarf mourning as ye say; and therefore I rede you not follow him, for
+he is one of the periloust knights of the world, and his castle is here
+nigh hand but two mile; therefore we advise you ride not after Sir
+Gringamore, but if ye owe him good will.
+
+So leave we Sir Beaumains riding toward the castle, and speak we of Sir
+Gringamore and the dwarf. Anon as the dwarf was come to the castle,
+Dame Lionesse and Dame Linet her sister, asked the dwarf where was his
+master born, and of what lineage he was come. And but if thou tell me,
+said Dame Lionesse, thou shalt never escape this castle, but ever here
+to be prisoner. As for that, said the dwarf, I fear not greatly to tell
+his name and of what kin he is come. Wit you well he is a king’s son,
+and his mother is sister to King Arthur, and he is brother to the good
+knight Sir Gawaine, and his name is Sir Gareth of Orkney. And now I
+have told you his right name, I pray you, fair lady, let me go to my
+lord again, for he will never out of this country until that he have me
+again. And if he be angry he will do much harm or that he be stint, and
+work you wrack in this country. As for that threatening, said Sir
+Gringamore, be it as it be may, we will go to dinner. And so they
+washed and went to meat, and made them merry and well at ease, and
+because the Lady Lionesse of the castle was there, they made great joy.
+Truly, madam, said Linet unto her sister, well may he be a king’s son,
+for he hath many good tatches on him, for he is courteous and mild, and
+the most suffering man that ever I met withal. For I dare say there was
+never gentlewoman reviled man in so foul a manner as I have rebuked
+him; and at all times he gave me goodly and meek answers again.
+
+And as they sat thus talking, there came Sir Gareth in at the gate with
+an angry countenance, and his sword drawn in his hand, and cried aloud
+that all the castle might hear it, saying: Thou traitor, Sir
+Gringamore, deliver me my dwarf again, or by the faith that I owe to
+the order of knighthood, I shall do thee all the harm that I can. Then
+Sir Gringamore looked out at a window and said, Sir Gareth of Orkney,
+leave thy boasting words, for thou gettest not thy dwarf again. Thou
+coward knight, said Sir Gareth, bring him with thee, and come and do
+battle with me, and win him and take him. So will I do, said Sir
+Gringamore, an me list, but for all thy great words thou gettest him
+not. Ah! fair brother, said Dame Lionesse, I would he had his dwarf
+again, for I would he were not wroth, for now he hath told me all my
+desire I keep no more of the dwarf. And also, brother, he hath done
+much for me, and delivered me from the Red Knight of the Red Launds,
+and therefore, brother, I owe him my service afore all knights living.
+And wit ye well that I love him before all other, and full fain I would
+speak with him. But in nowise I would that he wist what I were, but
+that I were another strange lady.
+
+Well, said Sir Gringamore, sithen I know now your will, I will obey now
+unto him. And right therewithal he went down unto Sir Gareth, and said:
+Sir, I cry you mercy, and all that I have misdone I will amend it at
+your will. And therefore I pray you that ye would alight, and take such
+cheer as I can make you in this castle. Shall I have my dwarf? said Sir
+Gareth. Yea, sir, and all the pleasaunce that I can make you, for as
+soon as your dwarf told me what ye were and of what blood ye are come,
+and what noble deeds ye have done in these marches, then I repented of
+my deeds. And then Sir Gareth alighted, and there came his dwarf and
+took his horse. O my fellow, said Sir Gareth, I have had many
+adventures for thy sake. And so Sir Gringamore took him by the hand and
+led him into the hall where his own wife was.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Gareth, otherwise called Beaumains, came to the
+presence of his lady, and how they took acquaintance, and of their
+love.
+
+And then came forth Dame Lionesse arrayed like a princess, and there
+she made him passing good cheer, and he her again; and they had goodly
+language and lovely countenance together. And Sir Gareth thought many
+times, Jesu, would that the lady of the Castle Perilous were so fair as
+she was. There were all manner of games and plays, of dancing and
+singing. And ever the more Sir Gareth beheld that lady, the more he
+loved her; and so he burned in love that he was past himself in his
+reason; and forth toward night they yede unto supper, and Sir Gareth
+might not eat, for his love was so hot that he wist not where he was.
+
+All these looks espied Sir Gringamore, and then at-after supper he
+called his sister Dame Lionesse into a chamber, and said: Fair sister,
+I have well espied your countenance betwixt you and this knight, and I
+will, sister, that ye wit he is a full noble knight, and if ye can make
+him to abide here I will do him all the pleasure that I can, for an ye
+were better than ye are, ye were well bywaryd upon him. Fair brother,
+said Dame Lionesse, I understand well that the knight is good, and come
+he is of a noble house. Notwithstanding, I will assay him better,
+howbeit I am most beholden to him of any earthly man; for he hath had
+great labour for my love, and passed many a dangerous passage.
+
+Right so Sir Gringamore went unto Sir Gareth, and said, Sir, make ye
+good cheer, for ye shall have none other cause, for this lady, my
+sister, is yours at all times, her worship saved, for wit ye well she
+loveth you as well as ye do her, and better if better may be. An I wist
+that, said Sir Gareth, there lived not a gladder man than I would be.
+Upon my worship, said Sir Gringamore, trust unto my promise; and as
+long as it liketh you ye shall sojourn with me, and this lady shall be
+with us daily and nightly to make you all the cheer that she can. I
+will well, said Sir Gareth, for I have promised to be nigh this country
+this twelvemonth. And well I am sure King Arthur and other noble
+knights will find me where that I am within this twelvemonth. For I
+shall be sought and found, if that I be alive. And then the noble
+knight Sir Gareth went unto the Dame Lionesse, which he then much
+loved, and kissed her many times, and either made great joy of other.
+And there she promised him her love certainly, to love him and none
+other the days of her life. Then this lady, Dame Lionesse, by the
+assent of her brother, told Sir Gareth all the truth what she was, and
+how she was the same lady that he did battle for, and how she was lady
+of the Castle Perilous, and there she told him how she caused her
+brother to take away his dwarf.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII. How at night came an armed knight, and fought with Sir
+Gareth, and he, sore hurt in the thigh, smote off the knight’s head.
+
+For this cause, to know the certainty what was your name, and of what
+kin ye were come.
+
+And then she let fetch to-fore him Linet, the damosel that had ridden
+with him many wildsome ways. Then was Sir Gareth more gladder than he
+was to-fore. And then they troth-plight each other to love, and never
+to fail whiles their life lasteth. And so they burnt both in love, that
+they were accorded to abate their lusts secretly. And there Dame
+Lionesse counselled Sir Gareth to sleep in none other place but in the
+hall. And there she promised him to come to his bed a little afore
+midnight.
+
+This counsel was not so privily kept but it was understood; for they
+were but young both, and tender of age, and had not used none such
+crafts to-fore. Wherefore the damosel Linet was a little displeased,
+and she thought her sister Dame Lionesse was a little over-hasty, that
+she might not abide the time of her marriage; and for saving their
+worship, she thought to abate their hot lusts. And so she let ordain by
+her subtle crafts that they had not their intents neither with other,
+as in their delights, until they were married. And so it passed on.
+At-after supper was made clean avoidance, that every lord and lady
+should go unto his rest. But Sir Gareth said plainly he would go no
+farther than the hall, for in such places, he said, was convenient for
+an errant-knight to take his rest in; and so there were ordained great
+couches, and thereon feather beds, and there laid him down to sleep;
+and within a while came Dame Lionesse, wrapped in a mantle furred with
+ermine, and laid her down beside Sir Gareth. And therewithal he began
+to kiss her. And then he looked afore him, and there he apperceived and
+saw come an armed knight, with many lights about him; and this knight
+had a long gisarm in his hand, and made grim countenance to smite him.
+When Sir Gareth saw him come in that wise, he leapt out of his bed, and
+gat in his hand his sword, and leapt straight toward that knight. And
+when the knight saw Sir Gareth come so fiercely upon him, he smote him
+with a foin through the thick of the thigh that the wound was a
+shaftmon broad and had cut a-two many veins and sinews. And therewithal
+Sir Gareth smote him upon the helm such a buffet that he fell
+grovelling; and then he leapt over him and unlaced his helm, and smote
+off his head from the body. And then he bled so fast that he might not
+stand, but so he laid him down upon his bed, and there he swooned and
+lay as he had been dead.
+
+Then Dame Lionesse cried aloud, that her brother Sir Gringamore heard,
+and came down. And when he saw Sir Gareth so shamefully wounded he was
+sore displeased, and said: I am shamed that this noble knight is thus
+honoured. Sir, said Sir Gringamore, how may this be, that ye be here,
+and this noble knight wounded? Brother, she said, I can not tell you,
+for it was not done by me, nor by mine assent. For he is my lord and I
+am his, and he must be mine husband; therefore, my brother, I will that
+ye wit I shame me not to be with him, nor to do him all the pleasure
+that I can. Sister, said Sir Gringamore, and I will that ye wit it, and
+Sir Gareth both, that it was never done by me, nor by my assent that
+this unhappy deed was done. And there they staunched his bleeding as
+well as they might, and great sorrow made Sir Gringamore and Dame
+Lionesse.
+
+And forthwithal came Dame Linet, and took up the head in the sight of
+them all, and anointed it with an ointment thereas it was smitten off;
+and in the same wise she did to the other part thereas the head stuck,
+and then she set it together, and it stuck as fast as ever it did. And
+the knight arose lightly up, and the damosel Linet put him in her
+chamber. All this saw Sir Gringamore and Dame Lionesse, and so did Sir
+Gareth; and well he espied that it was the damosel Linet, that rode
+with him through the perilous passages. Ah well, damosel, said Sir
+Gareth, I weened ye would not have done as ye have done. My lord
+Gareth, said Linet, all that I have done I will avow, and all that I
+have done shall be for your honour and worship, and to us all. And so
+within a while Sir Gareth was nigh whole, and waxed light and jocund,
+and sang, danced, and gamed; and he and Dame Lionesse were so hot in
+burning love that they made their covenant at the tenth night after,
+that she should come to his bed. And because he was wounded afore, he
+laid his armour and his sword nigh his bed’s side.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII. How the said knight came again the next night and was
+beheaded again, and how at the feast of Pentecost all the knights that
+Sir Gareth had overcome came and yielded them to King Arthur.
+
+Right as she promised she came; and she was not so soon in his bed but
+she espied an armed knight coming toward the bed: therewithal she
+warned Sir Gareth, and lightly through the good help of Dame Lionesse
+he was armed; and they hurtled together with great ire and malice all
+about the hall; and there was great light as it had been the number of
+twenty torches both before and behind, so that Sir Gareth strained him,
+so that his old wound brast again a-bleeding; but he was hot and
+courageous and took no keep, but with his great force he struck down
+that knight, and voided his helm, and struck off his head. Then he
+hewed the head in an hundred pieces. And when he had done so he took up
+all those pieces, and threw them out at a window into the ditches of
+the castle; and by this done he was so faint that unnethes he might
+stand for bleeding. And by when he was almost unarmed he fell in a
+deadly swoon on the floor; and then Dame Lionesse cried so that Sir
+Gringamore heard; and when he came and found Sir Gareth in that plight
+he made great sorrow; and there he awaked Sir Gareth, and gave him a
+drink that relieved him wonderly well; but the sorrow that Dame
+Lionesse made there may no tongue tell, for she so fared with herself
+as she would have died.
+
+Right so came this damosel Linet before them all, and she had fetched
+all the gobbets of the head that Sir Gareth had thrown out at a window,
+and there she anointed them as she had done to-fore, and set them
+together again. Well, damosel Linet, said Sir Gareth, I have not
+deserved all this despite that ye do unto me. Sir knight, she said, I
+have nothing done but I will avow, and all that I have done shall be to
+your worship, and to us all. And then was Sir Gareth staunched of his
+bleeding. But the leeches said that there was no man that bare the life
+should heal him throughout of his wound but if they healed him that
+caused that stroke by enchantment.
+
+So leave we Sir Gareth there with Sir Gringamore and his sisters, and
+turn we unto King Arthur, that at the next feast of Pentecost held his
+feast; and there came the Green Knight with fifty knights, and yielded
+them all unto King Arthur. And so there came the Red Knight his
+brother, and yielded him to King Arthur, and three score knights with
+him. Also there came the Blue Knight, brother to them, with an hundred
+knights, and yielded them unto King Arthur; and the Green Knight’s name
+was Pertolepe, and the Red Knight’s name was Perimones, and the Blue
+Knight’s name was Sir Persant of Inde. These three brethren told King
+Arthur how they were overcome by a knight that a damosel had with her,
+and called him Beaumains. Jesu, said the king, I marvel what knight he
+is, and of what lineage he is come. He was with me a twelvemonth, and
+poorly and shamefully he was fostered, and Sir Kay in scorn named him
+Beaumains. So right as the king stood so talking with these three
+brethren, there came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and told the king that
+there was come a goodly lord with six hundred knights with him.
+
+Then the king went out of Carlion, for there was the feast, and there
+came to him this lord, and saluted the king in a goodly manner. What
+will ye, said King Arthur, and what is your errand? Sir, he said, my
+name is the Red Knight of the Red Launds, but my name is Sir Ironside;
+and sir, wit ye well, here I am sent to you of a knight that is called
+Beaumains, for he won me in plain battle hand for hand, and so did
+never no knight but he, that ever had the better of me this thirty
+winter; the which commanded to yield me to you at your will. Ye are
+welcome, said the king, for ye have been long a great foe to me and my
+court, and now I trust to God I shall so entreat you that ye shall be
+my friend. Sir, both I and these five hundred knights shall always be
+at your summons to do you service as may lie in our powers. Jesu mercy,
+said King Arthur, I am much beholden unto that knight that hath put so
+his body in devoir to worship me and my court. And as to thee,
+Ironside, that art called the Red Knight of the Red Launds, thou art
+called a perilous knight; and if thou wilt hold of me I shall worship
+thee and make thee knight of the Table Round; but then thou must be no
+more a murderer. Sir, as to that, I have promised unto Sir Beaumains
+never more to use such customs, for all the shameful customs that I
+used I did at the request of a lady that I loved; and therefore I must
+go unto Sir Launcelot, and unto Sir Gawaine, and ask them forgiveness
+of the evil will I had unto them; for all that I put to death was all
+only for the love of Sir Launcelot and of Sir Gawaine. They be here
+now, said the king, afore thee, now may ye say to them what ye will.
+And then he kneeled down unto Sir Launcelot, and to Sir Gawaine, and
+prayed them of forgiveness of his enmity that ever he had against them.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV. How King Arthur pardoned them, and demanded of them where
+Sir Gareth was.
+
+Then goodly they said all at once, God forgive you, and we do, and pray
+you that ye will tell us where we may find Sir Beaumains. Fair lords,
+said Sir Ironside, I cannot tell you, for it is full hard to find him;
+for such young knights as he is one, when they be in their adventures
+be never abiding in no place. But to say the worship that the Red
+Knight of the Red Launds, and Sir Persant and his brother said of
+Beaumains, it was marvel to hear. Well, my fair lords, said King
+Arthur, wit you well I shall do you honour for the love of Sir
+Beaumains, and as soon as ever I meet with him I shall make you all
+upon one day knights of the Table Round. And as to thee, Sir Persant of
+Inde, thou hast been ever called a full noble knight, and so have ever
+been thy three brethren called. But I marvel, said the king, that I
+hear not of the Black Knight your brother, he was a full noble knight.
+Sir, said Pertolepe, the Green Knight, Sir Beaumains slew him in a
+recounter with his spear, his name was Sir Percard. That was great
+pity, said the king, and so said many knights. For these four brethren
+were full well known in the court of King Arthur for noble knights, for
+long time they had holden war against the knights of the Round Table.
+Then said Pertolepe, the Green Knight, to the king: At a passage of the
+water of Mortaise there encountered Sir Beaumains with two brethren
+that ever for the most part kept that passage, and they were two deadly
+knights, and there he slew the eldest brother in the water, and smote
+him upon the head such a buffet that he fell down in the water, and
+there he was drowned, and his name was Sir Gherard le Breusse; and
+after he slew the other brother upon the land, his name was Sir Arnold
+le Breusse.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV. How the Queen of Orkney came to this feast of Pentecost,
+and Sir Gawaine and his brethren came to ask her blessing.
+
+So then the king and they went to meat, and were served in the best
+manner. And as they sat at the meat, there came in the Queen of Orkney,
+with ladies and knights a great number. And then Sir Gawaine, Sir
+Agravaine, and Gaheris arose, and went to her and saluted her upon
+their knees, and asked her blessing; for in fifteen year 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, the which is shame to you all.
+Alas, where have ye done my dear son that was my joy and bliss? O dear
+mother, said Sir Gawaine, I knew him not. Nor I, said the king, that
+now me repenteth, but thanked be God he is proved a worshipful knight
+as any is now living of his years, and I shall never be glad till I may
+find him.
+
+Ah, brother, said the Queen unto King Arthur, and unto Sir Gawaine, and
+to all her sons, ye did yourself great shame when ye amongst you kept
+my son in the kitchen and fed him like a poor hog. Fair sister, said
+King Arthur, ye shall right well wit I knew him not, nor no more did
+Sir Gawaine, nor his brethren; but sithen it is so, said the king, that
+he is thus gone from us all, we must shape a remedy to find him. Also,
+sister, meseemeth ye might have done me to wit of his coming, and then
+an I had not done well to him ye might have blamed me. For when he came
+to this court he came leaning upon two men’s shoulders, as though he
+might not have gone. And then he asked me three gifts; and one he asked
+the same day, that was that I would give him meat enough that
+twelvemonth; and the other two gifts he asked that day a twelvemonth,
+and that was that he might have the adventure of the damosel Linet, and
+the third was that Sir Launcelot should make him knight when he desired
+him. And so I granted him all his desire, and many in this court
+marvelled that he desired his sustenance for a twelvemonth. And
+thereby, we deemed, many of us, that he was not come of a noble house.
+
+Sir, said the Queen of Orkney unto King Arthur her brother, wit ye well
+that I sent him unto you right well armed and horsed, and worshipfully
+beseen of his body, and gold and silver plenty to spend. It may be,
+said the King, but thereof saw we none, save that same day as he
+departed from us, knights told me that there came a dwarf hither
+suddenly, and brought him armour and a good horse full well and richly
+beseen; and thereat we all had marvel from whence that riches came,
+that we deemed all that he was come of men of worship. Brother, said
+the queen, all that ye say I believe, for ever sithen he was grown he
+was marvellously witted, and ever he was faithful and true of his
+promise. But I marvel, said she, that Sir Kay did mock him and scorn
+him, and gave him that name Beaumains; yet, Sir Kay, said the queen,
+named him more righteously than he weened; for I dare say an he be
+alive, he is as fair an handed man and well disposed as any is living.
+Sir, said Arthur, let this language be still, and by the grace of God
+he shall be found an he be within this seven realms, and let all this
+pass and be merry, for he is proved to be a man of worship, and that is
+my joy.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI. How King Arthur sent for the Lady Lionesse, and how she
+let cry a tourney at her castle, whereas came many knights.
+
+Then said Sir Gawaine and his brethren unto Arthur, Sir, an ye will
+give us leave, we will go and seek our brother. Nay, said Sir
+Launcelot, that shall ye not need; and so said Sir Baudwin of Britain:
+for as by our advice the king shall send unto Dame Lionesse a
+messenger, and pray her that she will come to the court in all the
+haste that she may, and doubt ye not she will come; and then she may
+give you best counsel where ye shall find him. This is well said of
+you, said the king. So then goodly letters were made, and the messenger
+sent forth, that night and day he went till he came unto the Castle
+Perilous. And then the lady Dame Lionesse was sent for, thereas she was
+with Sir Gringamore her brother and Sir Gareth. And when she understood
+this message, she bade him ride on his way unto King Arthur, and she
+would come after in all goodly haste. Then when she came to Sir
+Gringamore and to Sir Gareth, she told them all how King Arthur had
+sent for her. That is because of me, said Sir Gareth. Now advise me,
+said Dame Lionesse, what shall I say, and in what manner I shall rule
+me. My lady and my love, said Sir Gareth, I pray you in no wise be ye
+aknowen where I am; but well I wot my mother is there and all my
+brethren, and they will take upon them to seek me, I wot well that they
+do. But this, madam, I would ye said and advised the king when he
+questioned with you of me. Then may ye say, this is your advice that,
+an it like his good grace, ye will do make a cry against the feast of
+the Assumption of our Lady, that what knight there proveth him best he
+shall wield you and all your land. And if so be that he be a wedded
+man, that his wife shall have the degree, and a coronal of gold beset
+with stones of virtue to the value of a thousand pound, and a white
+gerfalcon.
+
+So Dame Lionesse departed and came to King Arthur, where she was nobly
+received, and there she was sore questioned of the king and of the
+Queen of Orkney. And she answered, where Sir Gareth was she could not
+tell. But thus much she said unto Arthur: Sir, I will let cry a
+tournament that shall be done before my castle at the Assumption of our
+Lady, and the cry shall be this: that you, my lord Arthur, shall be
+there, and your knights, and I will purvey that my knights shall be
+against yours; and then I am sure ye shall hear of Sir Gareth. This is
+well advised, said King Arthur; and so she departed. And the king and
+she made great provision to that tournament.
+
+When Dame Lionesse was come to the Isle of Avilion, that was the same
+isle thereas her brother Sir Gringamore dwelt, then she told them all
+how she had done, and what promise she had made to King Arthur. Alas,
+said Sir Gareth, I have been so wounded with unhappiness sithen I came
+into this castle that I shall not be able to do at that tournament like
+a knight; for I was never thoroughly whole since I was hurt. Be ye of
+good cheer, said the damosel Linet, for I undertake within these
+fifteen days to make ye whole, and as lusty as ever ye were. And then
+she laid an ointment and a salve to him as it pleased to her, that he
+was never so fresh nor so lusty. Then said the damosel Linet: Send you
+unto Sir Persant of Inde, and assummon him and his knights to be here
+with you as they have promised. Also, that ye send unto Sir Ironside,
+that is the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and charge him that he be
+ready with you with his whole sum of knights, and then shall ye be able
+to match with King Arthur and his knights. So this was done, and all
+knights were sent for unto the Castle Perilous; and then the Red Knight
+answered and said unto Dame Lionesse, and to Sir Gareth, Madam, and my
+lord Sir Gareth, ye shall understand that I have been at the court of
+King Arthur, and Sir Persant of Inde and his brethren, and there we
+have done our homage as ye commanded us. Also Sir Ironside said, I have
+taken upon me with Sir Persant of Inde and his brethren to hold part
+against my lord Sir Launcelot and the knights of that court. And this
+have I done for the love of my lady Dame Lionesse, and you my lord Sir
+Gareth. Ye have well done, said Sir Gareth; but wit you well ye shall
+be full sore matched with the most noble knights of the world;
+therefore we must purvey us of good knights, where we may get them.
+That is well said, said Sir Persant, and worshipfully.
+
+And so the cry was made in England, Wales, and Scotland, Ireland,
+Cornwall, and in all the Out Isles, and in Brittany and in many
+countries; that at the feast of our Lady the Assumption next coming,
+men should come to the Castle Perilous beside the Isle of Avilion; and
+there all the knights that there came should have the choice whether
+them list to be on the one party with the knights of the castle, or on
+the other party with King Arthur. And two months was to the day that
+the tournament should be. And so there came many good knights that were
+at their large, and held them for the most part against King Arthur and
+his knights of the Round Table and came in the side of them of the
+castle. For Sir Epinogrus was the first, and he was the king’s son of
+Northumberland, and Sir Palamides the Saracen was another, and Sir
+Safere his brother, and Sir Segwarides his brother, but they were
+christened, and Sir Malegrine another, and Sir Brian de les Isles, a
+noble knight, and Sir Grummore Grummursum, a good knight of Scotland,
+and Sir Carados of the dolorous tower, a noble knight, and Sir Turquine
+his brother, and Sir Arnold and Sir Gauter, two brethren, good knights
+of Cornwall. There came Sir Tristram de Liones, and with him Sir Dinas,
+the Seneschal, and Sir Sadok; but this Sir Tristram was not at that
+time knight of the Table Round, but he was one of the best knights of
+the world. And so all these noble knights accompanied them with the
+lady of the castle, and with the Red Knight of the Red Launds; but as
+for Sir Gareth, he would not take upon him more but as other mean
+knights.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII. How King Arthur went to the tournament with his knights,
+and how the lady received him worshipfully, and how the knights
+encountered.
+
+And then there came with King Arthur Sir Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris,
+his brethren. And then his nephews Sir Uwaine le Blanchemains, and Sir
+Aglovale, Sir Tor, Sir Percivale de Galis, and Sir Lamorak de Galis.
+Then came Sir Launcelot du Lake with his brethren, nephews, and
+cousins, as Sir Lionel, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Bors de Ganis, and Sir
+Galihodin, Sir Galihud, and many more of Sir Launcelot’s blood, and Sir
+Dinadan, Sir La Cote Male Taile, his brother, a good knight, and Sir
+Sagramore, a good knight; and all the most part of the Round Table.
+Also there came with King Arthur these knights, the King of Ireland,
+King Agwisance, and the King of Scotland, King Carados and King Uriens
+of the land of Gore, and King Bagdemagus and his son Sir Meliaganus,
+and Sir Galahault the noble prince. All these kings, princes, and
+earls, barons, and other noble knights, as Sir Brandiles, Sir Uwaine
+les Avoutres, and Sir Kay, Sir Bedivere, Sir Meliot de Logres, Sir
+Petipase of Winchelsea, Sir Godelake: all these came with King Arthur,
+and more that cannot be rehearsed.
+
+Now leave we of these kings and knights, and let us speak of the great
+array that was made within the castle and about the castle for both
+parties. The Lady Dame Lionesse ordained great array upon her part for
+her noble knights, for all manner of lodging and victual that came by
+land and by water, that there lacked nothing for her party, nor for the
+other, but there was plenty to be had for gold and silver for King
+Arthur and his knights. And then there came the harbingers from King
+Arthur for to harbour him, and his kings, dukes, earls, barons, and
+knights. And then Sir Gareth prayed Dame Lionesse and the Red Knight of
+the Red Launds, and Sir Persant and his brother, and Sir Gringamore,
+that in no wise there should none of them tell not his name, and make
+no more of him than of the least knight that there was, For, he said, I
+will not be known of neither more nor less, neither at the beginning
+neither at the ending. Then Dame Lionesse said unto Sir Gareth: Sir, I
+will lend you a ring, but I would pray you as you love me heartily let
+me have it again when the tournament is done, for that ring increaseth
+my beauty much more than it is of himself. And the virtue of my ring is
+that, that is green it will turn to red, and that is red it will turn
+in likeness to green, and that is blue it will turn to likeness of
+white, and that is white it will turn in likeness to blue, and so it
+will do of all manner of colours. Also who that beareth my ring shall
+lose no blood, and for great love I will give you this ring. Gramercy,
+said Sir Gareth, mine own lady, for this ring is passing meet for me,
+for it will turn all manner of likeness that I am in, and that shall
+cause me that I shall not be known. Then Sir Gringamore gave Sir Gareth
+a bay courser that was a passing good horse; also he gave him good
+armour and sure, and a noble sword that sometime Sir Gringamore’s
+father won upon an heathen tyrant. And so thus every knight made him
+ready to that tournament. And King Arthur was come two days to-fore the
+Assumption of our Lady. And there was all manner of royalty of all
+minstrelsy that might be found. Also there came Queen Guenever and the
+Queen of Orkney, Sir Gareth’s mother.
+
+And upon the Assumption Day, when mass and matins were done, there were
+heralds with trumpets commanded to blow to the field. And so there came
+out Sir Epinogrus, the king’s son of Northumberland, from the castle,
+and there encountered with him Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and either of
+them brake their spears to their hands. And then came in Sir Palamides
+out of the castle, and there encountered with him Gawaine, and either
+of them smote other so hard that both the good knights and their horses
+fell to the earth. And then knights of either party rescued their
+knights. And then came in Sir Safere and Sir Segwarides, brethren to
+Sir Palamides; and there encountered Sir Agravaine with Sir Safere and
+Sir Gaheris encountered with Sir Segwarides. So Sir Safere smote down
+Agravaine, Sir Gawaine’s brother; and Sir Segwarides, Sir Safere’s
+brother. And Sir Malegrine, a knight of the castle, encountered with
+Sir Uwaine le Blanchemains, and there Sir Uwaine gave Sir Malegrine a
+fall, that he had almost broke his neck.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII. How the knights bare them in the battle.
+
+Then Sir Brian de les Isles and Grummore Grummursum, knights of the
+castle, encountered with Sir Aglovale, and Sir Tor smote down Sir
+Grummore Grummursum to the earth. Then came in Sir Carados of the
+dolorous tower, and Sir Turquine, knights of the castle; and there
+encountered with them Sir Percivale de Galis and Sir Lamorak de Galis,
+that were two brethren. And there encountered Sir Percivale with Sir
+Carados, and either brake their spears unto their hands, and then Sir
+Turquine with Sir Lamorak, and either of them smote down other’s horse
+and all to the earth, and either parties rescued other, and horsed them
+again. And Sir Arnold and Sir Gauter, knights of the castle,
+encountered with Sir Brandiles and Sir Kay, and these four knights
+encountered mightily, and brake their spears to their hands. Then came
+in Sir Tristram, Sir Sadok, and Sir Dinas, knights of the castle, and
+there encountered Sir Tristram with Sir Bedivere, and there Sir
+Bedivere was smitten to the earth both horse and man. And Sir Sadok
+encountered with Sir Petipase, and there Sir Sadok was overthrown. And
+there Uwaine les Avoutres smote down Sir Dinas, the Seneschal. Then
+came in Sir Persant of Inde, a knight of the castle, and there
+encountered with him Sir Launcelot du Lake, and there he smote Sir
+Persant, horse and man, to the earth. Then came Sir Pertolepe from the
+castle, and there encountered with him Sir Lionel, and there Sir
+Pertolepe, the Green Knight, smote down Sir Lionel, brother to Sir
+Launcelot. All this was marked by noble heralds, who bare him best, and
+their names.
+
+And then came into the field Sir Perimones, the Red Knight, Sir
+Persant’s brother, that was a knight of the castle, and he encountered
+with Sir Ector de Maris, and either smote other so hard that both their
+horses and they fell to the earth. And then came in the Red Knight of
+the Red Launds, and Sir Gareth, from the castle, and there encountered
+with them Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir Bleoberis, and there the Red Knight
+and Sir Bors [either] smote other so hard that their spears brast, and
+their horses fell grovelling to the earth. Then Sir Bleoberis brake his
+spear upon Sir Gareth, but of that stroke Sir Bleoberis fell to the
+earth. When Sir Galihodin saw that he bade Sir Gareth keep him, and Sir
+Gareth smote him to the earth. Then Sir Galihud gat a spear to avenge
+his brother, and in the same wise Sir Gareth served him, and Sir
+Dinadan and his brother, La Cote Male Taile, and Sir Sagramore le
+Desirous, and Sir Dodinas le Savage. All these he bare down with one
+spear.
+
+When King Agwisance of Ireland saw Sir Gareth fare so, he marvelled
+what he might be that one time seemed green, and another time, at his
+again coming, he seemed blue. And thus at every course that he rode to
+and fro he changed his colour, so that there might neither king nor
+knight have ready cognisance of him. Then Sir Agwisance, the King of
+Ireland, encountered with Sir Gareth, and there Sir Gareth smote him
+from his horse, saddle and all. And then came King Carados of Scotland,
+and Sir Gareth smote him down horse and man. And in the same wise he
+served King Uriens of the land of Gore. And then came in Sir
+Bagdemagus, and Sir Gareth smote him down, horse and man, to the earth.
+And Bagdemagus’ son, Meliganus, brake a spear upon Sir Gareth mightily
+and knightly. And then Sir Galahault, the noble prince, cried on high:
+Knight with the many colours, well hast thou jousted; now make thee
+ready that I may joust with thee. Sir Gareth heard him, and he gat a
+great spear, and so they encountered together, and there the prince
+brake his spear; but Sir Gareth smote him upon the left side of the
+helm that he reeled here and there, and he had fallen down had not his
+men recovered him.
+
+So God me help, said King Arthur, that same knight with the many
+colours is a good knight. Wherefore the king called unto him Sir
+Launcelot, and prayed him to encounter with that knight. Sir, said
+Launcelot, I may well find in my heart for to forbear him as at this
+time, for he hath had travail enough this day; and when a good knight
+doth so well upon some day, it is no good knight’s part to let him of
+his worship, and namely, when he seeth a knight hath done so great
+labour; for peradventure, said Sir Launcelot, his quarrel is here this
+day, and peradventure he is best beloved with this lady of all that be
+here; for I see well he paineth him and enforceth him to do great
+deeds, and therefore, said Sir Launcelot, as for me, this day he shall
+have the honour; though it lay in my power to put him from it I would
+not.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX. Yet of the said tournament.
+
+Then when this was done there was drawing of swords, and then there
+began a sore tournament. And there did Sir Lamorak marvellous deeds of
+arms; and betwixt Sir Lamorak and Sir Ironside, that was the Red Knight
+of the Red Launds, there was strong battle; and betwixt Sir Palamides
+and Bleoberis there was a strong battle; and Sir Gawaine and Sir
+Tristram met, and there Sir Gawaine had the worse, for he pulled Sir
+Gawaine from his horse, and there he was long upon foot, and defouled.
+Then came in Sir Launcelot, and he smote Sir Turquine, and he him; and
+then came Sir Carados his brother, and both at once they assailed him,
+and he as the most noblest knight of the world worshipfully fought with
+them both, that all men wondered of the noblesse of Sir Launcelot. And
+then came in Sir Gareth, and knew that it was Sir Launcelot that fought
+with the two perilous knights. And then Sir Gareth came with his good
+horse and hurtled them in-sunder, and no stroke would he smite to Sir
+Launcelot. That espied Sir Launcelot, and deemed it should be the good
+knight Sir Gareth: and then Sir Gareth rode here and there, and smote
+on the right hand and on the left hand, and all the folk might well
+espy where that he rode. And by fortune he met with his brother Sir
+Gawaine, and there he put Sir Gawaine to the worse, for he put off his
+helm, and so he served five or six knights of the Round Table, that all
+men said he put him in the most pain, and best he did his devoir. For
+when Sir Tristram beheld him how he first jousted and after fought so
+well with a sword, then he rode unto Sir Ironside and to Sir Persant of
+Inde, and asked them, by their faith, What manner a knight is yonder
+knight that seemeth in so many divers colours? Truly, meseemeth, said
+Tristram, that he putteth himself in great pain, for he never ceaseth.
+Wot ye not what he is? said Sir Ironside. No, said Sir Tristram. Then
+shall ye know that this is he that loveth the lady of the castle, and
+she him again; and this is he that won me when I besieged the lady of
+this castle, and this is he that won Sir Persant of Inde, and his three
+brethren. What is his name, said Sir Tristram, and of what blood is he
+come? He was called in the court of King Arthur, Beaumains, but his
+right name is Sir Gareth of Orkney, brother to Sir Gawaine. By my head,
+said Sir Tristram, he is a good knight, and a big man of arms, and if
+he be young he shall prove a full noble knight. He is but a child, they
+all said, and of Sir Launcelot he was made knight. Therefore he is
+mickle the better, said Tristram. And then Sir Tristram, Sir Ironside,
+Sir Persant, and his brother, rode together for to help Sir Gareth; and
+then there were given many strong strokes.
+
+And then Sir Gareth rode out on the one side to amend his helm; and
+then said his dwarf: Take me your ring, that ye lose it not while that
+ye drink. And so when he had drunk he gat on his helm, and eagerly took
+his horse and rode into the field, and left his ring with his dwarf;
+and the dwarf was glad the ring was from him, for then he wist well he
+should be known. And then when Sir Gareth was in the field all folks
+saw him well and plainly that he was in yellow colours; and there he
+rased off helms and pulled down knights, that King Arthur had marvel
+what knight he was, for the king saw by his hair that it was the same
+knight.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX. How Sir Gareth was espied by the heralds, and how he
+escaped out of the field.
+
+But before he was in so many colours, and now he is but in one colour;
+that is yellow. Now go, said King Arthur unto divers heralds, and ride
+about him, and espy what manner knight he is, for I have spered of many
+knights this day that be upon his party, and all say they know him not.
+
+And so an herald rode nigh Gareth as he could; and there he saw written
+about his helm in gold, This helm is Sir Gareth of Orkney.
+
+Then the herald cried as he were wood, and many heralds with him:—This
+is Sir Gareth of Orkney in the yellow arms; that by all kings and
+knights of Arthur’s beheld him and awaited; and then they pressed all
+to behold him, and ever the heralds cried: This is Sir Gareth of
+Orkney, King Lot’s son.
+
+And when Sir Gareth espied that he was discovered, then he doubled his
+strokes, and smote down Sir Sagramore, and his brother Sir Gawaine.
+
+O brother, said Sir Gawaine, I weened ye would not have stricken me.
+
+So when he heard him say so he thrang here and there, and so with great
+pain he gat out of the press, and there he met with his dwarf. O boy,
+said Sir Gareth, thou hast beguiled me foul this day that thou kept my
+ring; give it me anon again, that I may hide my body withal; and so he
+took it him. And then they all wist not where he was become; and Sir
+Gawaine had in manner espied where Sir Gareth rode, and then he rode
+after with all his might. That espied Sir Gareth, and rode lightly into
+the forest, that Sir Gawaine wist not where he was become. And when Sir
+Gareth wist that Sir Gawaine was passed, he asked the dwarf of best
+counsel. Sir, said the dwarf, meseemeth it were best, now that ye are
+escaped from spying, that ye send my lady Dame Lionesse her ring. It is
+well advised, said Sir Gareth; now have it here and bear it to her, and
+say that I recommend me unto her good grace, and say her I will come
+when I may, and I pray her to be true and faithful to me as I will be
+to her. Sir, said the dwarf, it shall be done as ye command: and so he
+rode his way, and did his errand unto the lady. Then she said, Where is
+my knight, Sir Gareth? Madam, said the dwarf, he bade me say that he
+would not be long from you. And so lightly the dwarf came again unto
+Sir Gareth, that would full fain have had a lodging, for he had need to
+be reposed. And then fell there a thunder and a rain, as heaven and
+earth should go together. And Sir Gareth was not a little weary, for of
+all that day he had but little rest, neither his horse nor he. So this
+Sir Gareth rode so long in that forest until the night came. And ever
+it lightened and thundered, as it had been wood. At the last by fortune
+he came to a castle, and there he heard the waits upon the walls.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Gareth came to a castle where he was well lodged,
+and he jousted with a knight and slew him.
+
+Then Sir Gareth rode unto the barbican of the castle, and prayed the
+porter fair to let him into the castle. The porter answered ungoodly
+again, and said, Thou gettest no lodging here. Fair sir, say not so,
+for I am a knight of King Arthur’s, and pray the lord or the lady of
+this castle to give me harbour for the love of King Arthur. Then the
+porter went unto the duchess, and told her how there was a knight of
+King Arthur’s would have harbour. Let him in, said the duchess, for I
+will see that knight, and for King Arthur’s sake he shall not be
+harbourless. Then she yode up into a tower over the gate, with great
+torchlight.
+
+When Sir Gareth saw that torch-light he cried on high: Whether thou be
+lord or lady, giant or champion, I take no force so that I may have
+harbour this night; and if it so be that I must needs fight, spare me
+not to-morn when I have rested me, for both I and mine horse be weary.
+Sir knight, said the lady, thou speakest knightly and boldly; but wit
+thou well the lord of this castle loveth not King Arthur, nor none of
+his court, for my lord hath ever been against him; and therefore thou
+were better not to come within this castle; for an thou come in this
+night, thou must come in under such form, that wheresomever thou meet
+my lord, by stigh or by street, thou must yield thee to him as
+prisoner. Madam, said Sir Gareth, what is your lord, and what is his
+name? Sir, my lord’s name is the Duke de la Rowse. Well madam, said Sir
+Gareth, I shall promise you in what place I meet your lord I shall
+yield me unto him and to his good grace; with that I understand he will
+do me no harm: and if I understand that he will, I will release myself
+an I can with my spear and my sword. Ye say well, said the duchess; and
+then she let the drawbridge down, and so he rode into the hall, and
+there he alighted, and his horse was led into a stable; and in the hall
+he unarmed him and said, Madam, I will not out of this hall this night;
+and when it is daylight, let see who will have ado with me, he shall
+find me ready. Then was he set unto supper, and had many good dishes.
+Then Sir Gareth list well to eat, and knightly he ate his meat, and
+eagerly; there was many a fair lady by him, and some said they never
+saw a goodlier man nor so well of eating. Then they made him passing
+good cheer, and shortly when he had supped his bed was made there; so
+he rested him all night.
+
+And on the morn he heard mass, and brake his fast and took his leave at
+the duchess, and at them all; and thanked her goodly of her lodging,
+and of his good cheer; and then she asked him his name. Madam, he said,
+truly my name is Gareth of Orkney, and some men call me Beaumains. Then
+knew she well it was the same knight that fought for Dame Lionesse. So
+Sir Gareth departed and rode up into a mountain, and there met him a
+knight, his name was Sir Bendelaine, and said to Sir Gareth: Thou shalt
+not pass this way, for either thou shalt joust with me, or else be my
+prisoner. Then will I joust, said Sir Gareth. And so they let their
+horses run, and there Sir Gareth smote him throughout the body; and Sir
+Bendelaine rode forth to his castle there beside, and there died. So
+Sir Gareth would have rested him, and he came riding to Bendelaine’s
+castle. Then his knights and servants espied that it was he that had
+slain their lord. Then they armed twenty good men, and came out and
+assailed Sir Gareth; and so he had no spear, but his sword, and put his
+shield afore him; and there they brake their spears upon him, and they
+assailed him passingly sore. But ever Sir Gareth defended him as a
+knight.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Gareth fought with a knight that held within his
+castle thirty ladies, and how he slew him.
+
+So when they saw that they might not overcome him, they rode from him,
+and took their counsel to slay his horse; and so they came in upon Sir
+Gareth, and with spears they slew his horse, and then they assailed him
+hard. But when he was on foot, there was none that he fought but he
+gave him such a buffet that he did never recover. So he slew them by
+one and one till they were but four, and there they fled; and Sir
+Gareth took a good horse that was one of theirs, and rode his way.
+
+Then he rode a great pace till that he came to a castle, and there he
+heard much mourning of ladies and gentlewomen. So there came by him a
+page. What noise is this, said Sir Gareth, that I hear within this
+castle? Sir knight, said the page, here be within this castle thirty
+ladies, and all they be widows; for here is a knight that waiteth daily
+upon this castle, and his name is the Brown Knight without Pity, and he
+is the periloust knight that now liveth; and therefore sir, said the
+page, I rede you flee. Nay, said Sir Gareth, I will not flee though
+thou be afeard of him. And then the page saw where came the Brown
+Knight: Lo, said the page, yonder he cometh. Let me deal with him, said
+Sir Gareth. And when either of other had a sight they let their horses
+run, and the Brown Knight brake his spear, and Sir Gareth smote him
+throughout the body, that he overthrew him to the ground stark dead. So
+Sir Gareth rode into the castle, and prayed the ladies that he might
+repose him. Alas, said the ladies, ye may not be lodged here. Make him
+good cheer, said the page, for this knight hath slain your enemy. Then
+they all made him good cheer as lay in their power. But wit ye well
+they made him good cheer, for they might none otherwise do, for they
+were but poor.
+
+And so on the morn he went to mass, and there he saw the thirty ladies
+kneel, and lay grovelling upon divers tombs, making great dole and
+sorrow. Then Sir Gareth wist well that in the tombs lay their lords.
+Fair ladies, said Sir Gareth, ye must at the next feast of Pentecost be
+at the court of King Arthur, and say that I, Sir Gareth, sent you
+thither. We shall do this, said the ladies. So he departed, and by
+fortune he came to a mountain, and there he found a goodly knight that
+bade him, Abide sir knight, and joust with me. What are ye? said Sir
+Gareth. My name is, said he, the Duke de la Rowse. Ah sir, ye are the
+same knight that I lodged once in your castle; and there I made promise
+unto your lady that I should yield me unto you. Ah, said the duke, art
+thou that proud knight that profferest to fight with my knights;
+therefore make thee ready, for I will have ado with you. So they let
+their horses run, and there Sir Gareth smote the duke down from his
+horse. But the duke lightly avoided his horse, and dressed his shield
+and drew his sword, and bade Sir Gareth alight and fight with him. So
+he did alight, and they did great battle together more than an hour,
+and either hurt other full sore. At the last Sir Gareth gat the duke to
+the earth, and would have slain him, and then he yield him to him. Then
+must ye go, said Sir Gareth, unto Sir Arthur my lord at the next feast,
+and say that I, Sir Gareth of Orkney, sent you unto him. It shall be
+done, said the duke, and I will do to you homage and fealty with an
+hundred knights with me; and all the days of my life to do you service
+where ye will command me.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Gareth and Sir Gawaine fought each against
+other, and how they knew each other by the damosel Linet.
+
+So the duke departed, and Sir Gareth stood there alone; and there he
+saw an armed knight coming toward him. Then Sir Gareth took the duke’s
+shield, and mounted upon horseback, and so without biding they ran
+together as it had been the thunder. And there that knight hurt Sir
+Gareth under the side with his spear. And then they alighted and drew
+their swords, and gave great strokes that the blood trailed to the
+ground. And so they fought two hours.
+
+At the last there came the damosel Linet, that some men called the
+damosel Savage, and she came riding upon an ambling mule; and there she
+cried all on high, Sir Gawaine, Sir Gawaine, leave thy fighting with
+thy brother Sir Gareth.
+
+And when he heard her say so he threw away his shield and his sword,
+and ran to Sir Gareth, and took him in his arms, and sithen kneeled
+down and asked him mercy.
+
+What are ye, said Sir Gareth, that right now were so strong and so
+mighty, and now so suddenly yield you to me? O Gareth, I am your
+brother Sir Gawaine, that for your sake have had great sorrow and
+labour.
+
+Then Sir Gareth unlaced his helm, and kneeled down to him, and asked
+him mercy. Then they rose both, and embraced either other in their
+arms, and wept a great while or they might speak, and either of them
+gave other the prize of the battle. And there were many kind words
+between them.
+
+Alas, my fair brother, said Sir Gawaine, perdy I owe of right to
+worship you an ye were not my brother, for ye have worshipped King
+Arthur and all his court, for ye have sent me more worshipful knights
+this twelvemonth than six the best of the Round Table have done, except
+Sir Launcelot.
+
+Then came the damosel Savage that was the Lady Linet, that rode with
+Sir Gareth so long, and there she did staunch Sir Gareth’s wounds and
+Sir Gawaine’s. Now what will ye do? said the damosel Savage; meseemeth
+that it were well done that Arthur had witting of you both, for your
+horses are so bruised that they may not bear. Now, fair damosel, said
+Sir Gawaine, I pray you ride unto my lord mine uncle, King Arthur, and
+tell him what adventure is to me betid here, and I suppose he will not
+tarry long. Then she took her mule, and lightly she came to King Arthur
+that was but two mile thence. And when she had told him tidings the
+king bade get him a palfrey. And when he was upon his back he bade the
+lords and ladies come after, who that would; and there was saddling and
+bridling of queens’ horses and princes’ horses, and well was him that
+soonest might be ready.
+
+So when the king came thereas they were, he saw Sir Gawaine and Sir
+Gareth sit upon a little hill-side, and then the king avoided his
+horse. And when he came nigh Sir Gareth he would have spoken but he
+might not; and therewith he sank down in a swoon for gladness. And so
+they stert unto their uncle, and required him of his good grace to be
+of good comfort. Wit ye well the king made great joy, and many a
+piteous complaint he made to Sir Gareth, and ever he wept as he had
+been a child. With that came his mother, the Queen of Orkney, Dame
+Morgawse, and when she saw Sir Gareth readily in the visage she might
+not weep, but suddenly fell down in a swoon, and lay there a great
+while like as she had been dead. And then Sir Gareth recomforted his
+mother in such wise that she recovered and made good cheer. Then the
+king commanded that all manner of knights that were under his
+obeissance should make their lodging right there for the love of his
+nephews. And so it was done, and all manner of purveyance purveyed,
+that there lacked nothing that might be gotten of tame nor wild for
+gold or silver. And then by the means of the damosel Savage Sir Gawaine
+and Sir Gareth were healed of their wounds; and there they sojourned
+eight days.
+
+Then said King Arthur unto the damosel Savage: I marvel that your
+sister, Dame Lionesse, cometh not here to me, and in especial that she
+cometh not to visit her knight, my nephew Sir Gareth, that hath had so
+much travail for her love. My lord, said the damosel Linet, ye must of
+your good grace hold her excused, for she knoweth not that my lord, Sir
+Gareth, is here. Go then for her, said King Arthur, that we may be
+appointed what is best to be done, according to the pleasure of my
+nephew. Sir, said the damosel, that shall be done, and so she rode unto
+her sister. And as lightly as she might she made her ready; and she
+came on the morn with her brother Sir Gringamore, and with her forty
+knights. And so when she was come she had all the cheer that might be
+done, both of the king, and of many other kings and queens.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV. How Sir Gareth acknowledged that they loved each other
+to King Arthur, and of the appointment of their wedding.
+
+And among all these ladies she was named the fairest, and peerless.
+Then when Sir Gawaine saw her there was many a goodly look and goodly
+words, that all men of worship had joy to behold them. Then came King
+Arthur and many other kings, and Dame Guenever, and the Queen of
+Orkney. And there the king asked his nephew, Sir Gareth, whether he
+would have that lady as paramour, or to have her to his wife. My lord,
+wit you well that I love her above all ladies living. Now, fair lady,
+said King Arthur, what say ye? Most noble King, said Dame Lionesse, wit
+you well that my lord, Sir Gareth, is to me more liefer to have and
+wield as my husband, than any king or prince that is christened; and if
+I may not have him I promise you I will never have none. For, my lord
+Arthur, said Dame Lionesse, wit ye well he is my first love, and he
+shall be the last; and if ye will suffer him to have his will and free
+choice I dare say he will have me. That is truth, said Sir Gareth; an I
+have not you and wield not you as my wife, there shall never lady nor
+gentlewoman rejoice me. What, nephew, said the king, is the wind in
+that door? for wit ye well I would not for the stint of my crown to be
+causer to withdraw your hearts; and wit ye well ye cannot love so well
+but I shall rather increase it than distress it. And also ye shall have
+my love and my lordship in the uttermost wise that may lie in my power.
+And in the same wise said Sir Gareth’s mother.
+
+Then there was made a provision for the day of marriage; and by the
+king’s advice it was provided that it should be at Michaelmas
+following, at Kink Kenadon by the seaside, for there is a plentiful
+country. And so it was cried in all the places through the realm. And
+then Sir Gareth sent his summons to all these knights and ladies that
+he had won in battle to-fore, that they should be at his day of
+marriage at Kink Kenadon by the sands.
+
+And then Dame Lionesse, and the damosel Linet with Sir Gringamore, rode
+to their castle; and a goodly and a rich ring she gave to Sir Gareth,
+and he gave her another. And King Arthur gave her a rich pair of bee of
+gold; and so she departed.
+
+And King Arthur and his fellowship rode toward Kink Kenadon, and Sir
+Gareth brought his lady on the way, and so came to the king again and
+rode with him.
+
+Lord! the great cheer that Sir Launcelot made of Sir Gareth and he of
+him, for there was never no knight that Sir Gareth loved so well as he
+did Sir Launcelot; and ever for the most part he would be in Sir
+Launcelot’s company; for after Sir Gareth had espied Sir Gawaine’s
+conditions, he withdrew himself from his brother, Sir Gawaine’s,
+fellowship, for he was vengeable, and where he hated he would be
+avenged with murder, and that hated Sir Gareth.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV. Of the Great Royalty, and what officers were made at the
+feast of the wedding, and of the jousts at the feast.
+
+So it drew fast to Michaelmas; and thither came Dame Lionesse, the lady
+of the Castle Perilous, and her sister, Dame Linet, with Sir
+Gringamore, her brother, with them for he had the conduct of these
+ladies. And there they were lodged at the device of King Arthur. And
+upon Michaelmas Day the Bishop of Canterbury made the wedding betwixt
+Sir Gareth and the Lady Lionesse with great solemnity. And King Arthur
+made Gaheris to wed the Damosel Savage, that was Dame Linet; and King
+Arthur made Sir Agravaine to wed Dame Lionesse’s niece, a fair lady,
+her name was Dame Laurel.
+
+And so when this solemnization was done, then came in the Green Knight,
+Sir Pertolepe, with thirty knights, and there he did homage and fealty
+to Sir Gareth, and these knights to hold of him for evermore. Also Sir
+Pertolepe said: I pray you that at this feast I may be your
+chamberlain. With a good will, said Sir Gareth sith it liketh you to
+take so simple an office. Then came in the Red Knight, with three score
+knights with him, and did to Sir Gareth homage and fealty, and all
+those knights to hold of him for evermore. And then this Sir Perimones
+prayed Sir Gareth to grant him to be his chief butler at that high
+feast. I will well, said Sir Gareth, that ye have this office, and it
+were better. Then came in Sir Persant of Inde, with an hundred knights
+with him, and there he did homage and fealty, and all his knights
+should do him service, and hold their lands of him for ever; and there
+he prayed Sir Gareth to make him his sewer-chief at the feast. I will
+well, said Sir Gareth, that ye have it and it were better. Then came
+the Duke de la Rowse with an hundred knights with him, and there he did
+homage and fealty to Sir Gareth, and so to hold their lands of him for
+ever. And he required Sir Gareth that he might serve him of the wine
+that day of that feast. I will well, said Sir Gareth, and it were
+better. Then came in the Red Knight of the Red Launds, that was Sir
+Ironside, and he brought with him three hundred knights, and there he
+did homage and fealty, and all these knights to hold their lands of him
+for ever. And then he asked Sir Gareth to be his carver. I will well,
+said Sir Gareth, an it please you.
+
+Then came into the court thirty ladies, and all they seemed widows, and
+those thirty ladies brought with them many fair gentlewomen. And all
+they kneeled down at once unto King Arthur and unto Sir Gareth, and
+there all those ladies told the king how Sir Gareth delivered them from
+the dolorous tower, and slew the Brown Knight without Pity: And
+therefore we, and our heirs for evermore, will do homage unto Sir
+Gareth of Orkney. So then the kings and queens, princes and earls,
+barons and many bold knights, went unto meat; and well may ye wit there
+were all manner of meat plenteously, all manner revels and games, with
+all manner of minstrelsy that was used in those days. Also there was
+great jousts three days. But the king would not suffer Sir Gareth to
+joust, because of his new bride; for, as the French book saith, that
+Dame Lionesse desired of the king that none that were wedded should
+joust at that feast.
+
+So the first day there jousted Sir Lamorak de Galis, for he overthrew
+thirty knights, and did passing marvellously deeds of arms; and then
+King Arthur made Sir Persant and his two brethren Knights of the Round
+Table to their lives’ end, and gave them great lands. Also the second
+day there jousted Tristram best, and he overthrew forty knights, and
+did there marvellous deeds of arms. And there King Arthur made
+Ironside, that was the Red Knight of the Red Launds, a Knight of the
+Table Round to his life’s end, and gave him great lands. The third day
+there jousted Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he overthrew fifty knights,
+and did many marvellous deeds of arms, that all men wondered on him.
+And there King Arthur made the Duke de la Rowse a Knight of the Round
+Table to his life’s end, and gave him great lands to spend. But when
+these jousts were done, Sir Lamorak and Sir Tristram departed suddenly,
+and would not be known, for the which King Arthur and all the court
+were sore displeased. And 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.
+
+Thus endeth this tale of Sir Gareth of Orkney that wedded Dame Lionesse
+of the Castle Perilous. And also Sir Gaheris wedded her sister, Dame
+Linet, that was called the Damosel Sabage. And Sir Agrabaine wedded
+Dame Laurel, a fair lady and great, and mighty lands with great riches
+gave with them King Arthur, that royally they might live till their
+lives’ end.
+
+ Here followeth the viii. book, the which is the first book of Sir
+ Tristram de Liones, and who was his father and his mother, and how he
+ was born and fostered, and how he was made knight.
+
+
+
+BOOK VIII.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. How Sir Tristram de Liones was born, and how his mother died
+at his birth, wherefore she named him Tristram.
+
+It was a king that hight Meliodas, and he was lord and king of the
+country of Liones, and this Meliodas was a likely knight as any was
+that time living. And by fortune he wedded King Mark’s sister of
+Cornwall, and she was called Elizabeth, that was called both good and
+fair. And at that time King Arthur reigned, and he was whole king of
+England, Wales, and Scotland, and of many other realms: howbeit there
+were many kings that were lords of many countries, but all they held
+their lands of King Arthur; for in Wales were two kings, and in the
+north were many kings; and in Cornwall and in the west were two kings;
+also in Ireland were two or three kings, and all were under the
+obeissance of King Arthur. So was the King of France, and the King of
+Brittany, and all the lordships unto Rome.
+
+So when this King Meliodas had been with his wife, within a while she
+waxed great with child, and she was a full meek lady, and well she
+loved her lord, and he her again, so there was great joy betwixt them.
+Then there was a lady in that country that had loved King Meliodas
+long, and by no mean she never could get his love; therefore she let
+ordain upon a day, as King Meliodas rode a-hunting, for he was a great
+chaser, and there by an enchantment she made him chase an hart by
+himself alone till that he came to an old castle, and there anon he was
+taken prisoner by the lady that him loved. When Elizabeth, King
+Meliodas’ wife, missed her lord, and she was nigh out of her wit, and
+also as great with child as she was, she took a gentlewoman with her,
+and ran into the forest to seek her lord. And when she was far in the
+forest she might no farther, for she began to travail fast of her
+child. And she had many grimly throes; her gentlewoman helped her all
+that she might, and so by miracle of Our Lady of Heaven she was
+delivered with great pains. But she had taken such cold for the default
+of help that deep draughts of death took her, that needs she must die
+and depart out of this world; there was none other bote.
+
+And when this Queen Elizabeth saw that there was none other bote, then
+she made great dole, and said unto her gentlewoman: When ye see my
+lord, King Meliodas, recommend me unto him, and tell him what pains I
+endure here for his love, and how I must die here for his sake for
+default of good help; and let him wit that I am full sorry to depart
+out of this world from him, therefore pray him to be friend to my soul.
+Now let me see my little child, for whom I have had all this sorrow.
+And when she saw him she said thus: Ah, my little son, thou hast
+murdered thy mother, and therefore I suppose, thou that art a murderer
+so young, thou art full likely to be a manly man in thine age. And
+because I shall die of the birth of thee, I charge thee, gentlewoman,
+that thou pray my lord, King Meliodas, that when he is christened let
+call him Tristram, that is as much to say as a sorrowful birth. And
+therewith this queen gave up the ghost and died. Then the gentlewoman
+laid her under an umbre of a great tree, and then she lapped the child
+as well as she might for cold. Right so there came the barons,
+following after the queen, and when they saw that she was dead, and
+understood none other but the king was destroyed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. How the stepmother of Sir Tristram had ordained poison for
+to have poisoned Sir Tristram.
+
+Then certain of them would have slain the child, because they would
+have been lords of the country of Liones. But then through the fair
+speech of the gentlewoman, and by the means that she made, the most
+part of the barons would not assent thereto. And then they let carry
+home the dead queen, and much dole was made for her.
+
+Then this meanwhile Merlin delivered King Meliodas out of prison on the
+morn after his queen was dead. And so when the king was come home the
+most part of the barons made great joy. But the sorrow that the king
+made for his queen that might no tongue tell. So then the king let
+inter her richly, and after he let christen his child as his wife had
+commanded afore her death. And then he let call him Tristram, the
+sorrowful born child. Then the King Meliodas endured seven years
+without a wife, and all this time Tristram was nourished well. Then it
+befell that King Meliodas wedded King Howell’s daughter of Brittany,
+and anon she had children of King Meliodas: then was she heavy and
+wroth that her children should not rejoice the country of Liones,
+wherefore this queen ordained for to poison young Tristram. So she let
+poison be put in a piece of silver in the chamber whereas Tristram and
+her children were together, unto that intent that when Tristram were
+thirsty he should drink that drink. And so it fell upon a day, the
+queen’s son, as he was in that chamber, espied the piece with poison,
+and he weened it had been good drink, and because the child was thirsty
+he took the piece with poison and drank freely; and therewithal
+suddenly the child brast and was dead.
+
+When the queen of Meliodas wist of the death of her son, wit ye well
+that she was heavy. But yet the king understood nothing of her treason.
+Notwithstanding the queen would not leave this, but eft she let ordain
+more poison, and put it in a piece. And by fortune King Meliodas, her
+husband, found the piece with wine where was the poison, and he that
+was much thirsty took the piece for to drink thereout. And as he would
+have drunken thereof the queen espied him, and then she ran unto him,
+and pulled the piece from him suddenly. The king marvelled why she did
+so, and remembered him how her son was suddenly slain with poison. And
+then he took her by the hand, and said: Thou false traitress, thou
+shalt tell me what manner of drink this is, or else I shall slay thee.
+And therewith he pulled out his sword, and sware a great oath that he
+should slay her but if she told him truth. Ah! mercy, my lord, said
+she, and I shall tell you all. And then she told him why she would have
+slain Tristram, because her children should rejoice his land. Well,
+said King Meliodas, and therefore shall ye have the law. And so she was
+condemned by the assent of the barons to be burnt; and then was there
+made a great fire, and right as she was at the fire to take her
+execution, young Tristram kneeled afore King Meliodas, and besought him
+to give him a boon. I will well, said the king again. Then said young
+Tristram, Give me the life of thy queen, my stepmother. That is
+unrightfully asked, said King Meliodas, for thou ought of right to hate
+her, for she would have slain thee with that poison an she might have
+had her will; and for thy sake most is my cause that she should die.
+
+Sir, said Tristram, as for that, I beseech you of your mercy that you
+will forgive it her, and as for my part, God forgive it her, and I do;
+and so much it liked your highness to grant me my boon, for God’s love
+I require you hold your promise. Sithen it is so, said the king, I will
+that ye have her life. Then, said the king, I give her to you, and 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 the death. But after that King Meliodas would never have ado
+with her, as at bed and board. But by the good means of young Tristram
+he made the king and her accorded. But then the king would not suffer
+young Tristram to abide no longer in his court.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. How Sir Tristram was sent into France, and had one to
+govern him named Gouvernail, and how he learned to harp, hawk, and
+hunt.
+
+And then he let ordain a gentleman that was well learned and taught,
+his name was Gouvernail; and then he sent young Tristram with
+Gouvernail into France to learn the language, and nurture, and deeds of
+arms. And there was Tristram more than seven years. And then when he
+well could speak the language, and had learned all that he might learn
+in that country, then he came home to his father, King Meliodas, again.
+And so Tristram learned to be an harper passing all other, that there
+was none such called in no country, and so on harping and on
+instruments of music he applied him in his youth for to learn.
+
+And after, as he grew in might and strength, he laboured ever in
+hunting and in hawking, so that never gentleman more, that ever we
+heard read of. And as the book saith, he began good measures of blowing
+of beasts of venery, and beasts of chase, and all manner of vermin, and
+all these terms we have yet of hawking and hunting. And therefore the
+book of venery, of hawking, and hunting, is called the book of Sir
+Tristram. Wherefore, as meseemeth, all gentlemen that bear old arms
+ought of right to honour Sir Tristram for the goodly terms that
+gentlemen have and use, and shall to the day of doom, that thereby in a
+manner all men of worship may dissever a gentleman from a yeoman, and
+from a yeoman a villain. For he that gentle is will draw him unto
+gentle tatches, and to follow the customs of noble gentlemen.
+
+Thus Sir Tristram endured in Cornwall until he was big and strong, of
+the age of eighteen years. And then the King Meliodas had great joy of
+Sir Tristram, and so had the queen, his wife. For ever after in her
+life, because Sir Tristram saved her from the fire, she did never hate
+him more after, but loved him ever after, and gave Tristram many great
+gifts; for every estate loved him, where that he went.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. How Sir Marhaus came out of Ireland for to ask truage of
+Cornwall, or else he would fight therefore.
+
+Then it befell that King Anguish of Ireland sent unto King Mark of
+Cornwall for his truage, that Cornwall had paid many winters. And all
+that time King Mark was behind of the truage for seven years. And King
+Mark and his barons gave unto the messenger of Ireland these words and
+answer, that they would none pay; and bade the messenger go unto his
+King Anguish, and tell him we will pay him no truage, but tell your
+lord, an he will always have truage of us of Cornwall, bid him send a
+trusty knight of his land, that will fight for his right, and we shall
+find another for to defend our right. With this answer the messengers
+departed into Ireland. And when King Anguish understood the answer of
+the messengers he was wonderly wroth. And then he called unto him Sir
+Marhaus, the good knight, that was nobly proved, and a Knight of the
+Table Round. And this Marhaus was brother unto the queen of Ireland.
+Then the king said thus: Fair brother, Sir Marhaus, I pray you go into
+Cornwall for my sake, and do battle for our truage that of right we
+ought to have; and whatsomever ye spend ye shall have sufficiently,
+more than ye shall need. Sir, said Marhaus, wit ye well that I shall
+not be loath to do battle in the right of you and your land with the
+best knight of the Table Round; for I know them, for the most part,
+what be their deeds; and for to advance my deeds and to increase my
+worship I will right gladly go unto this journey for our right.
+
+So in all haste there was made purveyance for Sir Marhaus, and he had
+all things that to him needed; and so he departed out of Ireland, and
+arrived up in Cornwall even fast by the Castle of Tintagil. And when
+King Mark understood that he was there arrived to fight for Ireland,
+then made King Mark great sorrow when he understood that the good and
+noble knight Sir Marhaus was come. For they knew no knight that durst
+have ado with him. For at that time Sir Marhaus was called one of the
+famousest and renowned knights of the world. And thus Sir Marhaus abode
+in the sea, and every day he sent unto King Mark for to pay the truage
+that was behind of seven year, other else to find a knight to fight
+with him for the truage. This manner of message Sir Marhaus sent daily
+unto King Mark.
+
+Then they of Cornwall let make cries in every place, that what knight
+would fight for to save the truage of Cornwall, he should be rewarded
+so that he should fare the better, term of his life. Then some of the
+barons said to King Mark, and counselled him to send to the court of
+King Arthur for to seek Sir Launcelot du Lake, that was that time named
+for the marvelloust knight of all the world. Then there were some other
+barons that counselled the king not to do so, and said that it was
+labour in vain, because Sir Marhaus was a knight of the Round Table,
+therefore any of them will be loath to have ado with other, but if it
+were any knight at his own request would fight disguised and unknown.
+So the king and all his barons assented that it was no bote to seek any
+knight of the Round Table. This mean while came the language and the
+noise unto King Meliodas, how that Sir Marhaus abode battle fast by
+Tintagil, and how King Mark could find no manner knight to fight for
+him. When young Tristram heard of this he was wroth, and sore ashamed
+that there durst no knight in Cornwall have ado with Sir Marhaus of
+Ireland.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. How Tristram enterprized the battle to fight for the truage
+of Cornwall, and how he was made knight.
+
+Therewithal Tristram went unto his father, King Meliodas, and asked him
+counsel what was best to do for to recover Cornwall from truage. For,
+as meseemeth, said Sir Tristram, it were shame that Sir Marhaus, the
+queen’s brother of Ireland, should go away unless that he were foughten
+withal. As for that, said King Meliodas, wit you well, son Tristram,
+that Sir Marhaus is called one of the best knights of the world, and
+Knight of the Table Round; and therefore I know no knight in this
+country that is able to match with him. Alas, said Sir Tristram, that I
+am not made knight; and if Sir Marhaus should thus depart into Ireland,
+God let me never have worship: an I were made knight I should match
+him. And sir, said Tristram, I pray you give me leave to ride to King
+Mark; and, so ye be not displeased, of King Mark will I be made knight.
+I will well, said King Meliodas, that ye be ruled as your courage will
+rule you. Then Sir Tristram thanked his father much. And then he made
+him ready to ride into Cornwall.
+
+In the meanwhile there came a messenger with letters of love from King
+Faramon of France’s daughter unto Sir Tristram, that were full piteous
+letters, and in them were written many complaints of love; but Sir
+Tristram had no joy of her letters nor regard unto her. Also she sent
+him a little brachet that was passing fair. But when the king’s
+daughter understood that Sir Tristram would not love her, as the book
+saith, she died for sorrow. And then the same squire that brought the
+letter and the brachet came again unto Sir Tristram, as after ye shall
+hear in the tale.
+
+So this young Sir Tristram rode unto his eme, King Mark of Cornwall.
+And when he came there he heard say that there would no knight fight
+with Sir Marhaus. Then yede Sir Tristram unto his eme and said: Sir, if
+ye will give me the order of knighthood, I will do battle with Sir
+Marhaus. What are ye, said the king, and from whence be ye come? Sir,
+said Tristram, I come from King Meliodas that wedded your sister, and a
+gentleman wit ye well I am. King Mark beheld Sir Tristram and saw that
+he was but a young man of age, but he was passingly well made and big.
+Fair sir, said the king, what is your name, and where were ye born?
+Sir, said he again, my name is Tristram, and in the country of Liones
+was I born. Ye say well, said the king; and if ye will do this battle I
+shall make you knight. Therefore I come to you, said Sir Tristram, and
+for none other cause. But then King Mark made him knight. And
+therewithal, anon as he had made him knight, he sent a messenger unto
+Sir Marhaus with letters that said that he had found a young knight
+ready for to take the battle to the uttermost. It may well be, said Sir
+Marhaus; but tell King Mark I will not fight with no knight but he be
+of blood royal, that is to say, other king’s son, other queen’s son,
+born of a prince or princess.
+
+When King Mark understood that, he sent for Sir Tristram de Liones and
+told him what was the answer of Sir Marhaus. Then said Sir Tristram:
+Sithen that he saith so, let him wit that I am come of father side and
+mother side of as noble blood as he is: for, sir, now shall ye know
+that I am King Meliodas’ son, born of your own sister, Dame Elizabeth,
+that died in the forest in the birth of me. O Jesu, said King Mark, ye
+are welcome fair nephew to me. Then in all the haste the king let horse
+Sir Tristram, and armed him in the best manner that might be had or
+gotten for gold or silver. And then King Mark sent unto Sir Marhaus,
+and did him to wit that a better born man than he was himself should
+fight with him, and his name is Sir Tristram de Liones, gotten of King
+Meliodas, and born of King Mark’s sister. Then was Sir Marhaus glad and
+blithe that he should fight with such a gentleman. And so by the assent
+of King Mark and of Sir Marhaus they let ordain that they should fight
+within an island nigh Sir Marhaus’ ships; and so was Sir Tristram put
+into a vessel both his horse and he, and all that to him longed both
+for his body and for his horse. Sir Tristram lacked nothing. And when
+King Mark and his barons of Cornwall beheld how young Sir Tristram
+departed with such a carriage to fight for the right of Cornwall, there
+was neither man nor woman of worship but they wept to see and
+understand so young a knight to jeopardy himself for their right.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. How Sir Tristram arrived into the Island for to furnish the
+battle with Sir Marhaus.
+
+So to shorten this tale, when Sir Tristram was arrived within the
+island he looked to the farther side, and there he saw at an anchor six
+ships nigh to the land; and under the shadow of the ships upon the
+land, there hoved the noble knight, Sir Marhaus of Ireland. Then Sir
+Tristram commanded his servant Gouvernail to bring his horse to the
+land, and dress his harness at all manner of rights. And then when he
+had so done he mounted upon his horse; and when he was in his saddle
+well apparelled, and his shield dressed upon his shoulder, Tristram
+asked Gouvernail, Where is this knight that I shall have ado withal?
+Sir, said Gouvernail, see ye him not? I weened ye had seen him; yonder
+he hoveth under the umbre of his ships on horseback, with his spear in
+his hand and his shield upon his shoulder. That is truth, said the
+noble knight, Sir Tristram, now I see him well enough.
+
+Then he commanded his servant Gouvernail to go to his vessel again: And
+commend me unto mine eme King Mark, and pray him, if that I be slain in
+this battle, for to inter my body as him seemed best; and as for me,
+let him wit that I will never yield me for cowardice; and if I be slain
+and flee not, then they have lost no truage for me; and if so be that I
+flee or yield me as recreant, bid mine eme never bury me in Christian
+burials. And upon thy life, said Sir Tristram to Gouvernail, come thou
+not nigh this island till that thou see me overcome or slain, or else
+that I win yonder knight. So either departed from other sore weeping.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. How Sir Tristram fought against Sir Marhaus and achieved
+his battle, and how Sir Marhaus fled to his ship.
+
+And then Sir Marhaus avised Sir Tristram, and said thus: Young knight,
+Sir Tristram, what dost thou here? me sore repenteth of thy courage,
+for wit thou well I have been assayed, and the best knights of this
+land have been assayed of my hand; and also I have matched with the
+best knights of the world, and therefore by my counsel return again
+unto thy vessel. And fair knight, and well-proved knight, said Sir
+Tristram, thou shalt well wit I may not forsake thee in this quarrel,
+for I am for thy sake made knight. And thou shalt well wit that I am a
+king’s son born, and gotten upon a queen; and such promise I have made
+at my uncle’s request and mine own seeking, that I shall fight with
+thee unto the uttermost, and deliver Cornwall from the old truage. And
+also wit thou well, Sir Marhaus, that this is the greatest cause that
+thou couragest me to have ado with thee, for thou art called one of the
+most renowned knights of the world, and because of that noise and fame
+that thou hast thou givest me courage to have ado with thee, for never
+yet was I proved with good knight; and sithen I took the order of
+knighthood this day, I am well pleased that I may have ado with so good
+a knight as thou art. And now wit thou well, Sir Marhaus, that I cast
+me to get worship on thy body; and if that I be not proved, I trust to
+God that I shall be worshipfully proved upon thy body, and to deliver
+the country of Cornwall for ever from all manner of truage from Ireland
+for ever.
+
+When Sir Marhaus had heard him say what he would, he said then thus
+again: Fair knight, sithen it is so that thou castest to win worship of
+me, I let thee wit worship may 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 began to feutre their spears, and they met so fiercely
+together that they smote either other down, both horse and all. But Sir
+Marhaus smote Sir Tristram a great wound in the side with his spear,
+and then they avoided their horses, and pulled out their swords, and
+threw their shields afore them. And then they lashed together as men
+that were wild and courageous. And when they had stricken so together
+long, then they left their strokes, and foined at their breaths and
+visors; and when they saw that that might not prevail them, then they
+hurtled together like rams to bear either other down. Thus they fought
+still more than half a day, and either were wounded passing sore, that
+the blood ran down freshly from them upon the ground. By then Sir
+Tristram waxed more fresher than Sir Marhaus, and better winded and
+bigger; and with a mighty stroke he smote Sir Marhaus upon the helm
+such a buffet that it went through his helm, and through the coif of
+steel, and through the brain-pan, and the sword stuck so fast in the
+helm and in his brain-pan that Sir Tristram pulled thrice at his sword
+or ever he might pull it out from his head; and there Marhaus fell down
+on his knees, the edge of Tristram’s sword left in his brain-pan. And
+suddenly Sir Marhaus rose grovelling, and threw his sword and his
+shield from him, and so ran to his ships and fled his way, and Sir
+Tristram had ever his shield and his sword.
+
+And when Sir Tristram saw Sir Marhaus withdraw him, he said: Ah! Sir
+Knight of the Round Table, why withdrawest thou thee? thou dost thyself
+and thy kin great shame, for I am but a young knight, or now I was
+never proved, and rather than I should withdraw me from thee, I had
+rather be hewn in an hundred pieces. Sir Marhaus answered no word but
+yede his way sore groaning. Well, Sir Knight, said Sir Tristram, I
+promise thee thy sword and thy shield shall be mine; and thy shield
+shall I wear in all places where I ride on mine adventures, and in the
+sight of King Arthur and all the Round Table.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Marhaus after that he was arrived in Ireland died
+of the stroke that Sir Tristram had given him, and how Tristram was
+hurt.
+
+Anon Sir Marhaus and his fellowship departed into Ireland. And as soon
+as he came to the king, his brother, he let search his wounds. And when
+his head was searched a piece of Sir Tristram’s sword was found
+therein, and might never be had out of his head for no surgeons, and so
+he died of Sir Tristram’s sword; and that piece of the sword the queen,
+his sister, kept it for ever with her, for she thought to be revenged
+an she might.
+
+Now turn we again unto Sir Tristram, that was sore wounded, and full
+sore bled that he might not within a little while, when he had taken
+cold, unnethe stir him of his limbs. And then he set him down softly
+upon a little hill, and bled fast. Then anon came Gouvernail, his man,
+with his vessel; and the king and his barons came with procession
+against him. And when he was come unto the land, King Mark took him in
+his arms, and the king and Sir Dinas, the seneschal, led Sir Tristram
+into the castle of Tintagil. And then was he searched in the best
+manner, and laid in his bed. And when King Mark saw his wounds he wept
+heartily, and so did all his lords. So God me help, said King Mark, I
+would not for all my lands that my nephew died. So Sir Tristram lay
+there a month and more, and ever he was like to die of that stroke that
+Sir Marhaus smote him first with the spear. For, as the French book
+saith, the spear’s head was envenomed, that Sir Tristram might not be
+whole. Then was King Mark and all his barons passing heavy, for they
+deemed none other but that Sir Tristram should not recover. Then the
+king let send after all manner of leeches and surgeons, both unto men
+and women, and there was none that would behote him the life. Then came
+there a lady that was a right wise lady, and she said plainly unto King
+Mark, and to Sir Tristram, and to all his barons, that he should never
+be whole but if Sir Tristram went in the same country that the venom
+came from, and in that country should he be holpen or else never. Thus
+said the lady unto the king.
+
+When King Mark understood that, he let purvey for Sir Tristram a fair
+vessel, well victualled, and therein was put Sir Tristram, and
+Gouvernail with him, and Sir Tristram took his harp with him, and so he
+was put into the sea to sail into Ireland; and so by good fortune he
+arrived up in Ireland, even fast by a castle where the king and the
+queen was; and at his arrival he sat and harped in his bed a merry lay,
+such one heard they never none in Ireland before that time.
+
+And when it was told the king and the queen of such a knight that was
+such an harper, anon the king sent for him, and let search his wounds,
+and then asked him his name. Then he answered, I am of the country of
+Liones, and my name is Tramtrist, that thus was wounded in a battle as
+I fought for a lady’s right. So God me help, said King Anguish, ye
+shall have all the help in this land that ye may have here; but I let
+you wit, in Cornwall I had a great loss as ever had king, for there I
+lost the best knight of the world; his name was Marhaus, a full noble
+knight, and Knight of the Table Round; and there he told Sir Tristram
+wherefore Sir Marhaus was slain. Sir Tristram made semblant as he had
+been sorry, and better knew he how it was than the king.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. How Sir Tristram was put to the keeping of La Beale Isoud
+first for to be healed of his wound.
+
+Then the king for great favour made Tramtrist to be put in his
+daughter’s ward and keeping, because she was a noble surgeon. And when
+she had searched him she found in the bottom of his wound that therein
+was poison, and so she healed him within a while; and therefore
+Tramtrist cast great love to La Beale Isoud, for she was at that time
+the fairest maid and lady of the world. And there Tramtrist learned her
+to harp, and she began to have a great fantasy unto him. And at that
+time Sir Palamides, the Saracen, was in that country, and well
+cherished with the king and the queen. And every day Sir Palamides drew
+unto La Beale Isoud and proffered her many gifts, for he loved her
+passingly well. All that espied Tramtrist, and full well knew he Sir
+Palamides for a noble knight and a mighty man. And wit you well Sir
+Tramtrist had great despite at Sir Palamides, for La Beale Isoud told
+Tramtrist that Palamides was in will to be christened for her sake.
+Thus was there great envy betwixt Tramtrist and Sir Palamides.
+
+Then it befell that King Anguish let cry a great jousts and a great
+tournament for a lady that was called the Lady of the Launds, and she
+was nigh cousin unto the king. And what man won her, three days after
+he should wed her and have all her lands. This cry was made in England,
+Wales, Scotland, and also in France and in Brittany. It befell upon a
+day La Beale Isoud came unto Sir Tramtrist, and told him of this
+tournament. He answered and said: Fair lady, I am but a feeble knight,
+and but late I had been dead had not your good ladyship been. Now, fair
+lady, what would ye I should do in this matter? well ye wot, my lady,
+that I may not joust. Ah, Tramtrist, said La Beale Isoud, why will ye
+not have ado at that tournament? well I wot Sir Palamides shall be
+there, and to do what he may; and therefore Tramtrist, I pray you for
+to be there, for else Sir Palamides is like to win the degree. Madam,
+said Tramtrist, as for that, it may be so, for he is a proved knight,
+and I am but a young knight and late made; and the first battle that I
+did it mishapped me to be sore wounded as ye see. But an I wist ye
+would be my better lady, at that tournament I will be, so that ye will
+keep my counsel and let no creature have knowledge that I shall joust
+but yourself, and such as ye will to keep your counsel, my poor person
+shall I jeopard there for your sake, that, peradventure, Sir Palamides
+shall know when that I come. Thereto, said La Beale Isoud, do your
+best, and as I can, said La Beale Isoud, I shall purvey horse and
+armour for you at my device. As ye will so be it, said Sir Tramtrist, I
+will be at your commandment.
+
+So at the day of jousts there came Sir Palamides with a black shield,
+and he overthrew many knights, that all the people had marvel of him.
+For he put to the worse Sir Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravaine, Bagdemagus,
+Kay, Dodinas le Savage, Sagramore le Desirous, Gumret le Petit, and
+Griflet le Fise de Dieu. All these the first day Sir Palamides struck
+down to the earth. And then all manner of knights were adread of Sir
+Palamides, and many called him the Knight with the Black Shield. So
+that day Sir Palamides had great worship.
+
+Then came King Anguish unto Tramtrist, and asked him why he would not
+joust. Sir, he said, I was but late hurt, and as yet I dare not
+adventure me. Then came there the same squire that was sent from the
+king’s daughter of France unto Sir Tristram. And when he had espied Sir
+Tristram he fell flat to his feet. All that espied La Beale Isoud, what
+courtesy the squire made unto Sir Tristram. And therewithal suddenly
+Sir Tristram ran unto his squire, whose name was Hebes le Renoumes, and
+prayed him heartily in no wise to tell his name. Sir, said Hebes, I
+will not discover your name but if ye command me.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. How Sir Tristram won the degree at a tournament in Ireland,
+and there made Palamides to bear no more harness in a year.
+
+Then Sir Tristram asked him what he did in those countries. Sir, he
+said, I came hither with Sir Gawaine for to be made knight, and if it
+please you, of your hands that I may be made knight. Await upon me as
+to-morn secretly, and in the field I shall make you a knight.
+
+Then had La Beale Isoud great suspicion unto Tramtrist, that he was
+some man of worship proved, and therewith she comforted herself, and
+cast more love unto him than she had done to-fore. And so on the morn
+Sir Palamides made him ready to come into the field as he did the first
+day. And there he smote down the King with the Hundred Knights, and the
+King of Scots. Then had La Beale Isoud ordained and well arrayed Sir
+Tristram in white horse and harness. And right so she let put him out
+at a privy postern, and so he came into the field as it had been a
+bright angel. And anon Sir Palamides espied him, and therewith he
+feutred a spear unto Sir Tramtrist, and he again unto him. And there
+Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palamides unto the earth. And then there
+was a great noise of people: some said Sir Palamides had a fall, some
+said the Knight with the Black Shield had a fall. And wit you well La
+Beale Isoud was passing glad. And then Sir Gawaine and his fellows nine
+had marvel what knight it might be that had smitten down Sir Palamides.
+Then would there none joust with Tramtrist, but all that there were
+forsook him, most and least. Then Sir Tristram made Hebes a knight, and
+caused him to put himself forth, and did right well that day. So after
+Sir Hebes held him with Sir Tristram.
+
+And when Sir Palamides had received this fall, wit ye well that he was
+sore ashamed, and as privily as he might he withdrew him out of the
+field. All that espied Sir Tristram, and lightly he rode after Sir
+Palamides and overtook him, and bade him turn, for better he would
+assay him or ever he departed. Then Sir Palamides turned him, and
+either lashed at other with their swords. But at the first stroke Sir
+Tristram smote down Palamides, and gave him such a stroke upon the head
+that he fell to the earth. So then Tristram bade yield him, and do his
+commandment, or else he would slay him. When Sir Palamides beheld his
+countenance, he dread his buffets so, that he granted all his askings.
+Well said, said Sir Tristram, this shall be your charge. First, upon
+pain of your life that ye forsake my lady La Beale Isoud, and in no
+manner wise that ye draw not to her. Also this twelvemonth and a day
+that ye bear none armour nor none harness of war. Now promise me this,
+or here shalt thou die. Alas, said Palamides, for ever am I ashamed.
+Then he sware as Sir Tristram had commanded him. Then for despite and
+anger Sir Palamides cut off his harness, and threw them away.
+
+And so Sir Tristram turned again to the castle where was La Beale
+Isoud; and by the way he met with a damosel that asked after Sir
+Launcelot, that won the Dolorous Guard worshipfully; and this damosel
+asked Sir Tristram what he was. For it was told her that it was he that
+smote down Sir Palamides, by whom the ten knights of King Arthur’s were
+smitten down. Then the damosel prayed Sir Tristram to tell her what he
+was, and whether that he were Sir Launcelot du Lake, for she deemed
+that there was no knight in the world might do such deeds of arms but
+if it were Launcelot. Fair damosel, said Sir Tristram, wit ye well that
+I am not Sir Launcelot, for I was never of such prowess, but in God is
+all that he may make me as good a knight as the good knight Sir
+Launcelot. Now, gentle knight, said she, put up thy visor; and when she
+beheld his visage she thought she saw never a better man’s visage, nor
+a better faring knight. And then when the damosel knew certainly that
+he was not Sir Launcelot, then she took her leave, and departed from
+him. And then Sir Tristram rode privily unto the postern, where kept
+him La Beale Isoud, and there she made him good cheer, and thanked God
+of his good speed. So anon, within a while the king and the queen
+understood that it was Tramtrist that smote down Sir Palamides; then
+was he much made of, more than he was before.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. How the queen espied that Sir Tristram had slain her
+brother Sir Marhaus by his sword, and in what jeopardy he was.
+
+Thus was Sir Tramtrist long there well cherished with the king and the
+queen, and namely with La Beale Isoud. So upon a day the queen and La
+Beale Isoud made a bain for Sir Tramtrist. And when he was in his bain
+the queen and Isoud, her daughter, roamed up and down in the chamber;
+and therewhiles Gouvernail and Hebes attended upon Tramtrist, and the
+queen beheld his sword thereas it lay upon his bed. And then by unhap
+the queen drew out his sword and beheld it a long while, and both they
+thought it a passing fair sword; but within a foot and an half of the
+point there was a great piece thereof out-broken of the edge. And 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, the good
+knight that was her brother. Alas then, said she unto her daughter, La
+Beale Isoud, this is the same traitor knight that slew my brother,
+thine eme. When Isoud heard her say so she was passing sore abashed,
+for passing well she loved Tramtrist, and full well she knew the
+cruelness of her mother the queen.
+
+Anon therewithal the queen went unto her own chamber, and sought her
+coffer, and there she took out the piece or the sword that was pulled
+out of Sir Marhaus’ head after that he was dead. And then she ran with
+that piece of iron to the sword that lay upon the bed. And when she put
+that piece of steel and iron unto the sword, it was as meet as it might
+be when it was new broken. And then the queen gripped that sword in her
+hand fiercely, and with all her might she ran straight upon Tramtrist
+where he sat in his bain, and there she had rived him through had not
+Sir Hebes gotten her in his arms, and pulled the sword from her, and
+else she had thrust him through.
+
+Then when she was let of her evil will she ran to the King Anguish, her
+husband, and said on her knees: O my lord, here have ye in your house
+that traitor knight that slew my brother and your servant, that noble
+knight, Sir Marhaus. Who is that, said King Anguish, and where is he?
+Sir, she said, it is Sir Tramtrist, the same knight that my daughter
+healed. Alas, said the king, therefore am I right heavy, for he is a
+full noble knight as ever I saw in field. But I charge you, said the
+king to the queen, that ye have not ado with that knight, but let me
+deal with him.
+
+Then the king went into the chamber unto Sir Tramtrist, and then was he
+gone unto his chamber, and the king found him all ready armed to mount
+upon his horse. When the king saw him all ready armed to go unto
+horseback, the king said: Nay, Tramtrist, it will not avail to compare
+thee against me; but thus much I shall do for my worship and for thy
+love; in so much as thou art within my court it were no worship for me
+to slay thee: therefore upon this condition I will give thee leave for
+to depart from this court in safety, so thou wilt tell me who was thy
+father, and what is thy name, and if thou slew Sir Marhaus, my brother.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. How Sir Tristram departed from the king and La Beale Isoud
+out of Ireland for to come into Cornwall.
+
+Sir, said Tristram, now I shall tell you all the truth: my father’s
+name is Sir Meliodas, King of Liones, and my mother hight Elizabeth,
+that was sister unto King Mark of Cornwall; and my mother died of me in
+the forest, and because thereof she commanded, or she died, that when I
+were christened they should christen me Tristram; and because I would
+not be known in this country I turned my name and let me call
+Tramtrist; and for the truage of Cornwall I fought for my eme’s sake,
+and for the right of Cornwall that ye had posseded many years. And wit
+ye well, said Tristram unto the king, I did the battle for the love of
+mine uncle, King Mark, and for the love of the country of Cornwall, and
+for to increase mine honour; for that same day that I fought with Sir
+Marhaus I was made knight, and never or then did I battle with no
+knight, and from me he went alive, and left his shield and his sword
+behind.
+
+So God me help, said the king, I may not say but ye did as a knight
+should, and it was your part to do for your quarrel, and to increase
+your worship as a knight should; howbeit I may not maintain you in this
+country with my worship, unless that I should displease my barons, and
+my wife and her kin. Sir, said Tristram, I thank you of your good
+lordship that I have had with you here, and the great goodness my lady,
+your daughter, hath shewed me, and therefore, said Sir Tristram, it may
+so happen that ye shall win more by my life than by my death, for in
+the parts of England it may happen I may do you service at some season,
+that ye shall be glad that ever ye shewed me your good lordship. With
+more I promise you as I am true knight, that in all places I shall be
+my lady your daughter’s servant and knight in right and in wrong, and I
+shall never fail her, to do as much as a knight may do. Also I beseech
+your good grace that I may take my leave at my lady, your daughter, and
+at all the barons and knights. I will well, said the king.
+
+Then Sir Tristram went unto La Beale Isoud and took his leave of her.
+And then he told her all, what he was, and how he had changed his name
+because he would not be known, and how a lady told him that he should
+never be whole till he came into this country where the poison was
+made, wherethrough I was near my death had not your ladyship been. O
+gentle knight, said La Beale Isoud, full woe am I of thy departing, for
+I saw never man that I owed so good will to. And therewithal she wept
+heartily. Madam, said Sir Tristram, ye shall understand that my name is
+Sir Tristram de Liones, gotten of King Meliodas, and born of his queen.
+And I promise you faithfully that I shall be all the days of my life
+your knight. Gramercy, said La Beale Isoud, and I promise you
+there-against that I shall not be married this seven years but by your
+assent; and to whom that ye will I shall be married to him will I have,
+and he will have me if ye will consent.
+
+And 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 at most and least, and openly he said among
+them all: Fair lords, now it is so that I must depart: if there be any
+man here that I have offended unto, or that any man be with me grieved,
+let complain him here afore me or that ever I depart, and I shall amend
+it unto my power. And if there be any that will proffer me wrong, or
+say of me wrong or shame behind my back, say it now or never, and here
+is my body to make it good, body against body. And all they stood
+still, there was not one that would say one word; yet were there some
+knights that were of the queen’s blood, and of Sir Marhaus’ blood, but
+they would not meddle with him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Tristram and King Mark hurted each other for the
+love of a knight’s wife.
+
+So Sir Tristram departed, and took the sea, and with good wind he
+arrived up at Tintagil in Cornwall; and when King Mark was whole in his
+prosperity there came tidings that Sir Tristram was arrived, and whole
+of his wounds: thereof was King Mark passing glad, and so were all the
+barons; and when he saw his time he rode unto his father, King
+Meliodas, and there he had all the cheer that the king and the queen
+could make him. And then largely King Meliodas and his queen departed
+of their lands and goods to Sir Tristram.
+
+Then by the license of King Meliodas, his father, he returned again
+unto the court of King Mark, and there he lived in great joy long time,
+until at the last there befell a jealousy and an unkindness betwixt
+King Mark and Sir Tristram, for they loved both one lady. And she was
+an earl’s wife that hight Sir Segwarides. And this lady loved Sir
+Tristram passingly well. And he loved her again, for she was a passing
+fair lady, and that espied Sir Tristram well. Then King Mark understood
+that and was jealous, for King Mark loved her passingly well.
+
+So it fell upon a day this lady sent a dwarf unto Sir Tristram, and
+bade him, as he loved her, that he would be with her the night next
+following. Also she charged you that ye come not to her but if ye be
+well armed, for her lover was called a good knight. Sir Tristram
+answered to the dwarf: Recommend me unto my lady, and tell her I will
+not fail but I will be with her the term that she hath set me. And with
+this answer the dwarf departed. And King Mark espied that the dwarf was
+with Sir Tristram upon message from Segwarides’ wife; then King Mark
+sent for the dwarf, and when he was come he made the dwarf by force to
+tell him all, why and wherefore that he came on message from Sir
+Tristram. Now, said King Mark, go where thou wilt, and upon pain of
+death that thou say no word that thou spakest with me; so the dwarf
+departed from the king.
+
+And that same night that the steven was set betwixt Segwarides’ wife
+and Sir Tristram, King Mark armed him, and made him ready, and took two
+knights of his counsel with him; and so he rode afore for to abide by
+the way for to wait upon Sir Tristram. And as Sir Tristram came riding
+upon his way with his spear in his hand, King Mark came hurtling upon
+him with his two knights suddenly. And all three smote him with their
+spears, and King Mark hurt Sir Tristram on the breast right sore. And
+then Sir Tristram feutred his spear, and smote his uncle, King Mark, so
+sore, that he rashed him to the earth, and bruised him that he lay
+still in a swoon, and long it was or ever he might wield himself. And
+then he ran to the one knight, and eft to the other, and smote them to
+the cold earth, that they lay still. And therewithal Sir Tristram rode
+forth sore wounded to the lady, and found her abiding him at a postern.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Tristram lay with the lady, and how her husband
+fought with Sir Tristram.
+
+And there she welcomed him fair, and either halsed other in arms, and
+so she let put up his horse in the best wise, and then she unarmed him.
+And so they supped lightly, and went to bed with great joy and
+pleasaunce; and so in his raging he took no keep of his green wound
+that King Mark had given him. And so Sir Tristram be-bled both the over
+sheet and the nether, and pillows, and head sheet. And within a while
+there came one afore, that warned her that her lord was near-hand
+within a bow-draught. So she made Sir Tristram to arise, and so he
+armed him, and took his horse, and so departed. By then was come
+Segwarides, her lord, and when he found her bed troubled and broken,
+and went near and beheld it by candle light, then he saw that there had
+lain a wounded knight. Ah, false traitress, then he said, why hast thou
+betrayed me? And therewithal he swang out a sword, and said: But if
+thou tell me who hath been here, here thou shalt die. Ah, my lord,
+mercy, said the lady, and held up her hands, saying: Slay me not, and I
+shall tell you all who hath been here. Tell anon, said Segwarides, to
+me all the truth. Anon for dread she said: Here was Sir Tristram with
+me, and by the way as he came to me ward, he was sore wounded. Ah,
+false traitress, said Segwarides, where is he become? Sir, she said, he
+is armed, and departed on horseback, not yet hence half a mile. Ye say
+well, said Segwarides.
+
+Then he armed him lightly, and gat his horse, and rode after Sir
+Tristram that rode straightway unto Tintagil. And within a while he
+overtook Sir Tristram, and then he bade him, Turn, false traitor
+knight. And Sir Tristram anon turned him against him. And therewithal
+Segwarides smote Sir Tristram with a spear that it all to-brast; and
+then he swang out his sword and smote fast at Sir Tristram. Sir knight,
+said Sir Tristram, I counsel you that ye smite no more, howbeit for the
+wrongs that I have done you I will forbear you as long as I may. Nay,
+said Segwarides, that shall not be, for either thou shalt die or I.
+
+Then Sir Tristram drew out his sword, and hurtled his horse unto him
+fiercely, and through the waist of the body he smote Sir Segwarides
+that he fell to the earth in a swoon. And so Sir Tristram departed and
+left him there. And so he rode unto Tintagil and took his lodging
+secretly, for he would not be known that he was hurt. Also Sir
+Segwarides’ men rode after their master, whom they found lying in the
+field sore wounded, and brought him home on his shield, and there he
+lay long or that he were whole, but at the last he recovered. Also King
+Mark would not be aknown of that Sir Tristram and he had met that
+night. And as for Sir Tristram, he knew not that King Mark had met with
+him. And so the king askance came to Sir Tristram, to comfort him as he
+lay sick in his bed. But as long as King Mark lived he loved never Sir
+Tristram after that; though there was fair speech, love was there none.
+And thus it passed many weeks and days, and all was forgiven and
+forgotten; for Sir Segwarides durst not have ado with Sir Tristram,
+because of his noble prowess, and also because he was nephew unto King
+Mark; therefore he let it overslip: for he that hath a privy hurt is
+loath to have a shame outward.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV. How Sir Bleoberis demanded the fairest lady in King Mark’s
+court, whom he took away, and how he was fought with.
+
+Then it befell upon a day that the good knight Bleoberis de Ganis,
+brother to Blamore de Ganis, and nigh cousin unto the good knight Sir
+Launcelot du Lake, this Bleoberis came unto the court of King Mark, and
+there he asked of King Mark a boon, to give him what gift that he would
+ask in his court. When the king heard him ask so, he marvelled of his
+asking, but because he was a knight of the Round Table, and of a great
+renown, King Mark granted him his whole asking. Then, said Sir
+Bleoberis, I will have the fairest lady in your court that me list to
+choose. I may not say nay, said King Mark; now choose at your
+adventure. And so Sir Bleoberis did choose Sir Segwarides’ wife, and
+took her by the hand, and so went his way with her; and so he took his
+horse and gart set her behind his squire, and rode upon his way.
+
+When Sir Segwarides heard tell that his lady was gone with a knight of
+King Arthur’s court, then he armed him and rode after that knight for
+to rescue his lady. So when Bleoberis was gone with this lady, King
+Mark and all the court was wroth that she was away. Then were there
+certain ladies that knew that there were great love between Sir
+Tristram and her, and also that lady loved Sir Tristram above all other
+knights. Then there was one lady that rebuked Sir Tristram in the
+horriblest wise, and called him coward knight, that he would for shame
+of his knighthood see a lady so shamefully be taken away from his
+uncle’s court. But she meant that either of them had loved other with
+entire heart. But Sir Tristram answered her thus: Fair lady, it is not
+my part to have ado in such matters while her lord and husband is
+present here; and if it had been that her lord had not been here in
+this court, then for the worship of this court peradventure I would
+have been her champion, and if so be Sir Segwarides speed not well, it
+may happen that I will speak with that good knight or ever he pass from
+this country.
+
+Then within a while came one of Sir Segwarides’ squires, and told in
+the court that Sir Segwarides was beaten sore and wounded to the point
+of death; as he would have rescued his lady Sir Bleoberis overthrew him
+and sore hath wounded him. Then was King Mark heavy thereof, and all
+the court. When Sir Tristram heard of this he was ashamed and sore
+grieved; and then was he soon armed and on horseback, and Gouvernail,
+his servant, bare his shield and spear. And so as Sir Tristram rode
+fast he met with Sir Andred his cousin, that by the commandment of King
+Mark was sent to bring forth, an ever it lay in his power, two knights
+of Arthur’s court, that rode by the country to seek their adventures.
+When Sir Tristram saw Sir Andred he asked him what tidings. So God me
+help, said Sir Andred, there was never worse with me, for here by the
+commandment of King Mark I was sent to fetch two knights of King
+Arthur’s court, and that one beat me and wounded me, and set nought by
+my message. Fair cousin, said Sir Tristram, ride on your way, and if I
+may meet them it may happen I shall revenge you. So Sir Andred rode
+into Cornwall, and Sir Tristram rode after the two knights, the which
+one hight Sagramore le Desirous, and the other hight Dodinas le Savage.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Tristram fought with two knights of the Round
+Table.
+
+Then within a while Sir Tristram saw them afore him, two likely
+knights. Sir, said Gouvernail unto his master, Sir, I would counsel you
+not to have ado with them, for they be two proved knights of Arthur’s
+court. As for that, said Sir Tristram, have ye no doubt but I will have
+ado with them to increase my worship, for it is many day sithen I did
+any deeds of arms. Do as ye list, said Gouvernail. And therewithal anon
+Sir Tristram asked them from whence they came, and whither they would,
+and what they did in those marches. Sir Sagramore looked upon Sir
+Tristram, and had scorn of his words, and asked him again, Fair knight,
+be ye a knight of Cornwall? Whereby ask ye it? said Sir Tristram. For
+it is seldom seen, said Sir Sagramore, that ye Cornish knights be
+valiant men of arms; for within these two hours there met us one of
+your Cornish knights, and great words he spake, and anon with little
+might he was laid to the earth. And, as I trow, said Sir Sagramore, ye
+shall have the same handsel that he had. Fair lords, said Sir Tristram,
+it may so happen that I may better withstand than he did, and whether
+ye will or nill I will have ado with you, because he was my cousin that
+ye beat. And therefore here do your best, and wit ye well but if ye
+quit you the better here upon this ground, one knight of Cornwall shall
+beat you both.
+
+When Sir Dodinas le Savage heard him say so he gat a spear in his hand,
+and said, Sir knight, keep well thyself: And then they departed and
+came together as it had been thunder. And Sir Dodinas’ spear brast
+in-sunder, but Sir Tristram smote him with a more might, that he smote
+him clean over the horse-croup, that nigh he had broken his neck. When
+Sir Sagramore saw his fellow have such a fall he marvelled what knight
+he might be. And he dressed his spear with all his might, and Sir
+Tristram against him, and they came together as the thunder, and there
+Sir Tristram smote Sir Sagramore a strong buffet, that he bare his
+horse and him to the earth, and in the falling he brake his thigh.
+
+When this was done Sir Tristram asked them: Fair knights, will ye any
+more? Be there no bigger knights in the court of King Arthur? it is to
+you shame to say of us knights of Cornwall dishonour, for it may happen
+a Cornish knight may match you. That is truth, said Sir Sagramore, that
+have we well proved; but I require thee, said Sir Sagramore, tell us
+your right name, by the faith and troth that ye owe to the high order
+of knighthood. Ye charge me with a great thing, said Sir Tristram, and
+sithen ye list to wit it, ye shall know and understand that my name is
+Sir Tristram de Liones, King Meliodas’ son, and nephew unto King Mark.
+Then were they two knights fain that they had met with Tristram, and so
+they prayed him to abide in their fellowship. Nay, said Sir Tristram,
+for I must have ado with one of your fellows, his name is Sir Bleoberis
+de Ganis. God speed you well, said Sir Sagramore and Dodinas. Sir
+Tristram departed and rode onward on his way. And then was he ware
+before him in a valley where rode Sir Bleoberis, with Sir Segwarides’
+lady, that rode behind his squire upon a palfrey.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Bleoberis for a lady,
+and how the lady was put to choice to whom she would go.
+
+Then Sir Tristram rode more than a pace until that he had overtaken
+him. Then spake Sir Tristram: Abide, he said, Knight of Arthur’s court,
+bring again that lady, or deliver her to me. I will do neither, said
+Bleoberis, for I dread no Cornish knight so sore that me list to
+deliver her. Why, said Sir Tristram, may not a Cornish knight do as
+well as another knight? this same day two knights of your court within
+this three mile met with me, and or ever we departed they found a
+Cornish knight good enough for them both. What were their names? said
+Bleoberis. They told me, said Sir Tristram, that the one of them hight
+Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and the other hight Dodinas le Savage. Ah,
+said Sir Bleoberis, have ye met with them? so God me help, they were
+two good knights and men of great worship, and if ye have beat them
+both ye must needs be a good knight; but if it so be ye have beat them
+both, yet shall ye not fear me, but ye shall beat me or ever ye have
+this lady. Then defend you, said Sir Tristram. So they departed and
+came together like thunder, and either bare other down, horse and all,
+to the earth.
+
+Then they avoided their horses, and lashed together eagerly with
+swords, and mightily, now tracing and traversing on the right hand and
+on the left hand more than two hours. And sometime they rushed together
+with such a might that they lay both grovelling on the ground. Then Sir
+Bleoberis de Ganis stert aback, and said thus: Now, gentle good knight,
+a while hold your hands, and let us speak together. Say what ye will,
+said Tristram, and I will answer you. Sir, said Bleoberis, I would wit
+of whence ye be, and of whom ye be come, and what is your name? So God
+me help, said Sir Tristram, I fear not to tell you my name. Wit ye well
+I am King Meliodas’ son, and my mother is King Mark’s sister, and my
+name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and King Mark is mine uncle. Truly,
+said Bleoberis, I am right glad of you, for ye are he that slew Marhaus
+the knight, hand for hand in an island, for the truage of Cornwall;
+also ye overcame Sir Palamides the good knight, at a tournament in an
+island, where ye beat Sir Gawaine and his nine fellows. So God me help,
+said Sir Tristram, wit ye well that I am the same knight; now I have
+told you my name, tell me yours with good will. Wit ye well that my
+name is Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, and my brother hight Sir Blamore de
+Ganis, that is called a good knight, and we be sister’s children unto
+my lord Sir Launcelot du Lake, that we call one of the best knights of
+the world. That is truth, said Sir Tristram, Sir Launcelot is called
+peerless of courtesy and of knighthood; and for his sake, said Sir
+Tristram, I will not with my good will fight no more with you, for the
+great love I have to Sir Launcelot du Lake. In good faith, said
+Bleoberis, as for me I will be loath to fight with you; but sithen ye
+follow me here to have this lady, I shall proffer you kindness,
+courtesy, and gentleness right here upon this ground. This lady shall
+be betwixt us both, and to whom that she will go, let him have her in
+peace. I will well, said Tristram, for, as I deem, she will leave you
+and come to me. Ye shall prove it anon, said Bleoberis.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII. How the lady forsook Sir Tristram and abode with Sir
+Bleoberis, and how she desired to go to her husband.
+
+So when she was set betwixt them both she said these words unto Sir
+Tristram: Wit ye well, Sir Tristram de Liones, that but late thou wast
+the man in the world that I most loved and trusted, and I weened thou
+hadst loved me again above all ladies; but when thou sawest this knight
+lead me away thou madest no cheer to rescue me, but suffered my lord
+Segwarides ride after me; but until that time I weened thou haddest
+loved me, and therefore now I will leave thee, and never love thee
+more. And therewithal she went unto Sir Bleoberis.
+
+When Sir Tristram saw her do so he was wonderly wroth with that lady,
+and ashamed to come to the court. Sir Tristram, said Sir Bleoberis, ye
+are in the default, for I hear by this lady’s words she before this day
+trusted you above all earthly knights, and, as she saith, ye have
+deceived her, therefore wit ye well, there may no man hold that will
+away; and rather than ye should be heartily displeased with me I would
+ye had her, an she would abide with you. Nay, said the lady, so God me
+help I will never go with him; for he that I loved most I weened he had
+loved me. And therefore, Sir Tristram, she said, ride as thou came, for
+though thou haddest overcome this knight, as ye was likely, with thee
+never would I have gone. And I shall pray this knight so fair of his
+knighthood, that or ever he pass this country, that he will lead me to
+the abbey where my lord Sir Segwarides lieth. So God me help, said
+Bleoberis, I let you wit, good knight Sir Tristram, because King Mark
+gave me the choice of a gift in this court, and so this lady liked me
+best—notwithstanding, she is wedded and hath a lord, and I have
+fulfilled my quest, she shall be sent unto her husband again, and in
+especial most for your sake, Sir Tristram; and if she would go with you
+I would ye had her. I thank you, said Sir Tristram, but for her love I
+shall beware what manner a lady I shall love or trust; for had her
+lord, Sir Segwarides, been away from the court, I should have been the
+first that should have followed you; but sithen that ye have refused
+me, as I am true knight I shall her know passingly well that I shall
+love or trust. And so they took their leave one from the other and
+departed.
+
+And so Sir Tristram rode unto Tintagil, and Sir Bleoberis rode unto the
+abbey where Sir Segwarides lay sore wounded, and there he delivered his
+lady, and departed as a noble knight; and when Sir Segwarides saw his
+lady, he was greatly comforted; and then she told him that Sir Tristram
+had done great battle with Sir Bleoberis, and caused him to bring her
+again. These words pleased Sir Segwarides right well, that Sir Tristram
+would do so much; and so that lady told all the battle unto King Mark
+betwixt Sir Tristram and Sir Bleoberis.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX. How King Mark sent Sir Tristram for La Beale Isoud toward
+Ireland, and how by fortune he arrived into England.
+
+Then when this was done King Mark cast always in his heart how he might
+destroy Sir Tristram. And then he imagined in himself to send Sir
+Tristram into Ireland for La Beale Isoud. For Sir Tristram had so
+praised her beauty and her goodness that King Mark said that he would
+wed her, whereupon he prayed Sir Tristram to take his way into Ireland
+for him on message. And all this was done to the intent to slay Sir
+Tristram. Notwithstanding, Sir Tristram would not refuse the message
+for no danger nor peril that might fall, for the pleasure of his uncle,
+but to go he made him ready in the most goodliest wise that might be
+devised. For Sir Tristram took with him the most goodliest knights that
+he might find in the court; and they were arrayed, after the guise that
+was then used, in the goodliest manner. So Sir Tristram departed and
+took the sea with all his fellowship. And anon, as he was in the broad
+sea a tempest took him and his fellowship, and drove them back into the
+coast of England; and there they arrived fast by Camelot, and full fain
+they were to take the land.
+
+And when they were landed Sir Tristram set up his pavilion upon the
+land of Camelot, and there he let hang his shield upon the pavilion.
+And that same day came two knights of King Arthur’s, that one was Sir
+Ector de Maris, and Sir Morganor. And they touched the shield, and bade
+him come out of the pavilion for to joust, an he would joust. Ye shall
+be answered, said Sir Tristram, an ye will tarry a little while. So he
+made him ready, and first he smote down Sir Ector de Maris, and after
+he smote down Sir Morganor, all with one spear, and sore bruised them.
+And when they lay upon the earth they asked Sir Tristram what he was,
+and of what country he was knight. Fair lords, said Sir Tristram, wit
+ye well that I am of Cornwall. Alas, said Sir Ector, now am I ashamed
+that ever any Cornish knight should overcome me. And then for despite
+Sir Ector put off his armour from him, and went on foot, and would not
+ride.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX. How King Anguish of Ireland was summoned to come to King
+Arthur’s court for treason.
+
+Then it fell that Sir Bleoberis and Sir Blamore de Ganis, that were
+brethren, they had summoned the King Anguish of Ireland for to come to
+Arthur’s court upon pain of forfeiture of King Arthur’s good grace. And
+if the King of Ireland came not in, at the day assigned and set, the
+king should lose his lands. So it happened that at the day assigned,
+King Arthur neither Sir Launcelot might not be there for to give the
+judgment, for King Arthur was with Sir Launcelot at the Castle Joyous
+Garde. And so King Arthur assigned King Carados and the King of Scots
+to be there that day as judges. So when the kings were at Camelot King
+Anguish of Ireland was come to know his accusers. Then was there Sir
+Blamore de Ganis, and appealed the King of Ireland of treason, that he
+had slain a cousin of his in his court in Ireland by treason. The king
+was sore abashed of his accusation, for-why he was come at the summons
+of King Arthur, and or he came at Camelot he wist not wherefore he was
+sent after. And when the king heard Sir Blamore say his will, he
+understood well there was none other remedy but for to answer him
+knightly; for the custom was such in those days, that an any man were
+appealed of any treason or murder he should fight body for body, or
+else to find another knight for him. And all manner of murders in those
+days were called treason.
+
+So when King Anguish understood his accusing he was passing heavy, for
+he knew Sir Blamore de Ganis that he was a noble knight, and of noble
+knights come. Then the King of Ireland was simply purveyed of his
+answer; therefore the judges gave him respite by the third day to give
+his answer. So the king departed unto his lodging. The meanwhile there
+came a lady by Sir Tristram’s pavilion making great dole. What aileth
+you, said Sir Tristram, that ye make such dole? Ah, fair knight, said
+the lady, I am ashamed unless that some good knight help me; for a
+great lady of worship sent by me a fair child and a rich, unto Sir
+Launcelot du Lake, and hereby there met with me a knight, and threw me
+down from my palfrey, and took away the child from me. Well, my lady,
+said Sir Tristram, and for my lord Sir Launcelot’s sake I shall get you
+that child again, or else I shall be beaten for it. And so Sir Tristram
+took his horse, and asked the lady which way the knight rode; and then
+she told him. And he rode after him, and within a while he overtook
+that knight. And then Sir Tristram bade him turn and give again the
+child.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Tristram rescued a child from a knight, and how
+Gouvernail told him of King Anguish.
+
+The knight turned his horse and made him ready to fight. And then Sir
+Tristram smote him with a sword such a buffet that he tumbled to the
+earth. And then he yielded him unto Sir Tristram. Then come thy way,
+said Sir Tristram, and bring the child to the lady again. So he took
+his horse meekly and rode with Sir Tristram; and then by the way Sir
+Tristram asked him his name. Then he said, My name is Breuse Saunce
+Pité. So when he had delivered that child to the lady, he said: Sir, as
+in this the child is well remedied. Then Sir Tristram let him go again
+that sore repented him after, for he was a great foe unto many good
+knights of King Arthur’s court.
+
+Then when Sir Tristram was in his pavilion Gouvernail, his man, came
+and told him how that King Anguish of Ireland was come thither, and he
+was put in great distress; and there Gouvernail told Sir Tristram how
+King Anguish was summoned and appealed of murder. So God me help, said
+Sir Tristram, these be the best tidings that ever came to me this seven
+years, for now shall the King of Ireland have need of my help; for I
+daresay there is no knight in this country that is not of Arthur’s
+court dare do battle with Sir Blamore de Ganis; and for to win the love
+of the King of Ireland I will take the battle upon me; and therefore
+Gouvernail bring me, I charge thee, to the king.
+
+Then Gouvernail went unto King Anguish of Ireland, and saluted him
+fair. The king welcomed him and asked him what he would. Sir, said
+Gouvernail, here is a knight near hand that desireth to speak with you:
+he bade me say he would do you service. What knight is he? said the
+king. Sir, said he, it is Sir Tristram de Liones, that for your good
+grace that ye showed him in your lands will reward you in this country.
+Come on, fellow, said the king, with me anon and show me unto Sir
+Tristram. So the king took a little hackney and but few fellowship with
+him, until he came unto Sir Tristram’s pavilion. And when Sir Tristram
+saw the king he ran unto him and would have holden his stirrup. But the
+king leapt from his horse lightly, and either halsed other in their
+arms. My gracious lord, said Sir Tristram, gramercy of your great
+goodnesses showed unto me in your marches and lands: and at that time I
+promised you to do you service an ever it lay in my power. And, gentle
+knight, said the king unto Sir Tristram, now have I great need of you,
+never had I so great need of no knight’s help. How so, my good lord?
+said Sir Tristram. I shall tell you, said the king: I am summoned and
+appealed from my country for the death of a knight that was kin unto
+the good knight Sir Launcelot; wherefore Sir Blamore de Ganis, brother
+to Sir Bleoberis hath appealed me to fight with him, outher to find a
+knight in my stead. And well I wot, said the king, these that are come
+of King Ban’s blood, as Sir Launcelot and these other, are passing good
+knights, and hard men for to win in battle as any that I know now
+living. Sir, said Sir Tristram, for the good lordship ye showed me in
+Ireland, and for my lady your daughter’s sake, La Beale Isoud, I will
+take the battle for you upon this condition that ye shall grant me two
+things: that one is that ye shall swear to me that ye are in the right,
+that ye were never consenting to the knight’s death; Sir, then said Sir
+Tristram, when that I have done this battle, if God give me grace that
+I speed, that ye shall give me a reward, what thing reasonable that I
+will ask of you. So God me help, said the king, ye shall have
+whatsomever ye will ask. It is well said, said Sir Tristram.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII. How Sir Tristram fought for Sir Anguish and overcame his
+adversary, and how his adversary would never yield him.
+
+Now make your answer that your champion is ready, for I shall die in
+your quarrel rather than to be recreant. I have no doubt of you, said
+the king, that, an ye should have ado with Sir Launcelot du Lake— Sir,
+said Sir Tristram, as for Sir Launcelot, he is called the noblest
+knight of the world, and wit ye well that the knights of his blood are
+noble men, and dread shame; and as for Bleoberis, brother unto Sir
+Blamore, I have done battle with him, therefore upon my head it is no
+shame to call him a good knight. It is noised, said the king, that
+Blamore is the hardier knight. Sir, as for that let him be, he shall
+never be refused, an as he were the best knight that now beareth shield
+or spear.
+
+So King Anguish departed unto King Carados and the kings that were that
+time as judges, and told them that he had found his champion ready.
+Then by the commandment of the kings Sir Blamore de Ganis and Sir
+Tristram were sent for to hear the charge. And when they were come
+before the judges there were many kings and knights beheld Sir
+Tristram, and much speech they had of him because that he slew Sir
+Marhaus, the good knight, and because he for-jousted Sir Palamides the
+good knight. So when they had taken their charge they withdrew them to
+make them ready to do battle.
+
+Then said Sir Bleoberis unto his brother, Sir Blamore: Fair dear
+brother, remember of what kin we be come of, and what a man is Sir
+Launcelot du Lake, neither farther nor nearer but brother’s children,
+and there was never none of our kin that ever was shamed in battle; and
+rather suffer death, brother, than to be shamed. Brother, said Blamore,
+have ye no doubt of me, for I shall never shame none of my blood;
+howbeit I am sure that yonder knight is called a passing good knight as
+of his time one of the world, yet shall I never yield me, nor say the
+loath word: well may he happen to smite me down with his great might of
+chivalry, but rather shall he slay me than I shall yield me as
+recreant. God speed you well, said Sir Bleoberis, for ye shall find him
+the mightiest knight that ever ye had ado withal, for I know him, for I
+have had ado with him. God me speed, said Sir Blamore de Ganis; and
+therewith he took his horse at the one end of the lists, and Sir
+Tristram at the other end of the lists, and so they feutred their
+spears and came together as it had been thunder; and there Sir Tristram
+through great might smote down Sir Blamore and his horse to the earth.
+Then anon Sir Blamore avoided his horse and pulled out his sword and
+threw his shield afore him, and bade Sir Tristram alight: For though an
+horse hath failed me, I trust to God the earth will not fail me. And
+then Sir Tristram alighted, and dressed him unto battle; and there they
+lashed together strongly as racing and tracing, foining and dashing,
+many sad strokes, that the kings and knights had great wonder that they
+might stand; for ever they fought like wood men, so that there was
+never knights seen fight more fiercely than they did; for Sir Blamore
+was so hasty that he would have no rest, that all men wondered that
+they had breath to stand on their feet; and all the place was bloody
+that they fought in. And at the last, Sir Tristram smote Sir Blamore
+such a buffet upon the helm that he there fell down upon his side, and
+Sir Tristram stood and beheld him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Blamore desired Tristram to slay him, and how
+Sir Tristram spared him, and how they took appointment.
+
+Then when Sir Blamore might speak, he said thus: Sir Tristram de
+Liones, I require thee, as thou art a noble knight, and the best knight
+that ever I found, that thou wilt slay me out, for I would not live to
+be made lord of all the earth, for I have liefer die with worship than
+live with shame; and needs, Sir Tristram, thou must slay me, or else
+thou shalt never win the field, for I will never say the loath word.
+And therefore if thou dare slay me, slay me, I require thee. When Sir
+Tristram heard him say so knightly, he wist not what to do with him; he
+remembering him of both parties, of what blood he was come, and for Sir
+Launcelot’s sake he would be loath to slay him; and in the other party
+in no wise he might not choose, but that he must make him to say the
+loath word, or else to slay him.
+
+Then Sir Tristram stert aback, and went to the kings that were judges,
+and there he kneeled down to-fore them, and besought them for their
+worships, and for King Arthur’s and Sir Launcelot’s sake, that they
+would take this matter in their hands. For, my fair lords, said Sir
+Tristram, it were shame and pity that this noble knight that yonder
+lieth should be slain; for ye hear well, shamed will he not be, and I
+pray to God that he never be slain nor shamed for me. And as for the
+king for whom I fight for, I shall require him, as I am his true
+champion and true knight in this field, that he will have mercy upon
+this good knight. So God me help, said King Anguish, I will for your
+sake; Sir Tristram, be ruled as ye will have me, for I know you for my
+true knight; and therefore I will heartily pray the kings that be here
+as judges to take it in their hands. And the kings that were judges
+called Sir Bleoberis to them, and asked him his advice. My lords, said
+Bleoberis, though my brother be beaten, and hath the worse through
+might of arms, I dare say, though Sir Tristram hath beaten his body he
+hath not beaten his heart, and I thank God he is not shamed this day;
+and rather than he should be shamed I require you, said Bleoberis, let
+Sir Tristram slay him out. It shall not be so, said the kings, for his
+part adversary, both the king and the champion, have pity of Sir
+Blamore’s knighthood. My lords, said Bleoberis, I will right well as ye
+will.
+
+Then the kings called the King of Ireland, and found him goodly and
+treatable. And then, by all their advices, Sir Tristram and Sir
+Bleoberis took up Sir Blamore, and the two brethren were accorded with
+King Anguish, and kissed and made friends for ever. And then Sir
+Blamore and Sir Tristram kissed together, and there they made their
+oaths that they would never none of them two brethren fight with Sir
+Tristram, and Sir Tristram made the same oath. And for that gentle
+battle all the blood of Sir Launcelot loved Sir Tristram for ever.
+
+Then King Anguish and Sir Tristram took their leave, and sailed into
+Ireland with great noblesse and joy. So 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 there were
+made the most of him that they might. But the joy that La Beale Isoud
+made of Sir Tristram there might no tongue tell, for of all men earthly
+she loved him most.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Tristram demanded La Beale Isoud for King Mark,
+and how Sir Tristram and Isoud drank the love drink.
+
+Then upon a day King Anguish asked Sir Tristram why he asked not his
+boon, for whatsomever he had promised him he should have it without
+fail. Sir, said Sir Tristram, now is it time; this is all that I will
+desire, that ye will give me La Beale 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 liefer than all the
+land that I have ye would wed her yourself. Sir, an I did then I were
+shamed for ever in this world, and false of my promise. Therefore, said
+Sir I Tristram, I pray you hold your promise that ye promised me; for
+this is my desire, that ye will give me La Beale Isoud to go with me
+into Cornwall for to be wedded to King Mark, mine uncle. As for that,
+said King Anguish, ye shall have her with you to do with her what it
+please you; that is for to say if that ye list to wed her yourself,
+that is me liefest, and if ye will give her unto King Mark, your uncle,
+that is in your choice. So, to make short conclusion, La Beale Isoud
+was made ready to go with Sir Tristram, and Dame Bragwaine went with
+her for her chief gentlewoman, with many other.
+
+Then the queen, Isoud’s mother, gave to her and Dame Bragwaine, her
+daughter’s gentlewoman, and unto Gouvernail, a drink, and charged them
+that what day King Mark should wed, that same day they should give him
+that drink, so that King Mark should drink to La Beale Isoud, 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, and La Beale Isoud; and when
+they were in their cabin, it happed so that they were thirsty, and they
+saw a little flasket of gold stand by them, and it seemed by the colour
+and the taste that it was noble wine. Then Sir Tristram took the
+flasket in his hand, and said, Madam Isoud, here is the best drink that
+ever ye drank, that Dame Bragwaine, your maiden, and Gouvernail, my
+servant, have kept for themselves. Then they laughed and made good
+cheer, and either drank to other freely, and they thought never drink
+that ever they drank to other was so sweet nor so good. But by that
+their drink was in their bodies, they loved either other so well that
+never their love departed for weal neither for woe. And thus it happed
+the love first betwixt Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud, the which love
+never departed the days of their life.
+
+So then they sailed till by fortune they came nigh a castle that hight
+Pluere, and thereby arrived for to repose them, weening to them to have
+had good harbourage. But anon as Sir Tristram was within the castle
+they were taken prisoners; for the custom of the castle was such; who
+that rode by that castle and brought any lady, he must needs fight with
+the lord, that hight Breunor. And if it were so that Breunor won the
+field, then should the knight stranger and his lady be put to death,
+what that ever they were; and if it were so that the strange knight won
+the field of Sir Breunor, then should he die and his lady both. This
+custom was used many winters, for it was called the Castle Pluere, that
+is to say the Weeping Castle.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Tristram and Isoud were in prison, and how he
+fought for her beauty, and smote off another lady’s head.
+
+Thus as Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud were in prison, it happed a
+knight and a lady came unto them where they were, to cheer them. I have
+marvel, said Tristram unto the knight and the lady, what is the cause
+the lord of this castle holdeth us in prison: it was never the custom
+of no place of worship that ever I came in, when a knight and a lady
+asked harbour, and they to receive them, and after to destroy them that
+be his guests. Sir, said the knight, this is the old custom of this
+castle, that when a knight cometh here he must needs fight with our
+lord, and he that is weaker must lose his head. And when that is done,
+if his lady that he bringeth be fouler than our lord’s wife, she must
+lose her head: and if she be fairer proved than is our lady, then shall
+the lady of this castle lose her head. So God me help, said Sir
+Tristram, this is a foul custom and a shameful. But one advantage have
+I, said Sir Tristram, I have a lady is fair enough, fairer saw I never
+in all my life-days, and I doubt not for lack of beauty she shall not
+lose her head; and rather than I should lose my head I will fight for
+it on a fair field. Wherefore, sir knight, I pray you tell your lord
+that I will be ready as to-morn with my lady, and myself to do battle,
+if it be so I may have my horse and mine armour. Sir, said that knight,
+I undertake that your desire shall be sped right well. And then he
+said: Take your rest, and look that ye be up betimes and make you ready
+and your lady, for ye shall want no thing that you behoveth. And
+therewith he departed, and on the morn betimes that same knight came to
+Sir Tristram, and fetched him out and his lady, and brought him horse
+and armour that was his own, and bade him make him ready to the field,
+for all the estates and commons of that lordship were there ready to
+behold that battle and judgment.
+
+Then came Sir Breunor, the lord of that castle, with his lady in his
+hand, muffled, and asked Sir Tristram where was his lady: For an thy
+lady be fairer than mine, with thy sword smite off my lady’s head; and
+if my lady be fairer than thine, with my sword I must strike off her
+head. And if I may win thee, yet shall thy lady be mine, and thou shalt
+lose thy head. Sir, said Tristram, this is a foul custom and horrible;
+and rather than my lady should lose her head, yet had I liefer lose my
+head. Nay, nay, said Sir Breunor, the ladies shall be first showed
+together, and the one shall have her judgment. Nay, I will not so, said
+Sir Tristram, for here is none that will give righteous judgment. But I
+doubt not, said Sir Tristram, my lady is fairer than thine, and that
+will I prove and make good with my hand. And whosomever he be that will
+say the contrary I will prove it on his head. And therewith Sir
+Tristram showed La Beale Isoud, and turned her thrice about with his
+naked sword in his hand. And when Sir Breunor saw that, he did the same
+wise turn his lady. But when Sir Breunor beheld La Beale Isoud, him
+thought he saw never a fairer lady, and then he dread his lady’s head
+should be off. And so all the people that were there present gave
+judgment that La Beale Isoud was the fairer lady and the better made.
+How now, said Sir Tristram, meseemeth it were pity that my lady should
+lose her head, but because thou and she of long time have used this
+wicked custom, and by you both have many good knights and ladies been
+destroyed, for that cause it were no loss to destroy you both. So God
+me help, said Sir Breunor, for to say the sooth, thy lady is fairer
+than mine, and that me sore repenteth. And so I hear the people privily
+say, for of all women I saw none so fair; and therefore, an thou wilt
+slay my lady, I doubt not but I shall slay thee and have thy lady. Thou
+shalt win her, said Sir Tristram, as dear as ever knight won lady. And
+because of thine own judgment, as thou wouldst have done to my lady if
+that she had been fouler, and because of the evil custom, give me thy
+lady, said Sir Tristram. And therewithal Sir Tristram strode unto him
+and took his lady from him, and with an awk stroke he smote off her
+head clean. Well, knight, said Sir Breunor, now hast thou done me a
+despite.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Breunor, and at the last
+smote off his head.
+
+Now take thine horse: sithen I am ladyless I will win thy lady an I
+may.
+
+Then they took their horses and came together as it had been the
+thunder; and Sir Tristram smote Sir Breunor clean from his horse, and
+lightly he rose up; and as Sir Tristram came again by him he thrust his
+horse throughout both the shoulders, that his horse hurled here and
+there and fell dead to the ground. And ever Sir Breunor ran after to
+have slain Sir Tristram, but Sir Tristram was light and nimble, and
+voided his horse lightly. And or ever Sir Tristram might dress his
+shield and his sword the other gave him three or four sad strokes. Then
+they rushed together like two boars, tracing and traversing mightily
+and wisely as two noble knights. For this Sir Breunor was a proved
+knight, and had been or then the death of many good knights, that it
+was pity that he had so long endured.
+
+Thus they fought, hurling here and there nigh two hours, and either
+were wounded sore. Then at the last Sir Breunor rashed upon Sir
+Tristram and took him in his arms, for he trusted much in his strength.
+Then was Sir Tristram called the strongest and the highest knight of
+the world; for he was called bigger than Sir Launcelot, but Sir
+Launcelot was better breathed. So anon Sir Tristram thrust Sir Breunor
+down grovelling, and then he unlaced his helm and struck off his head.
+And then all they that longed to the castle came to him, and did him
+homage and fealty, praying him that he would abide there still a little
+while to fordo that foul custom. Sir Tristram granted thereto. The
+meanwhile one of the knights of the castle rode unto Sir Galahad, the
+haut prince, the which was Sir Breunor’s son, which was a noble knight,
+and told him what misadventure his father had and his mother.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Galahad fought with Sir Tristram, and how Sir
+Tristram yielded him and promised to fellowship with Launcelot.
+
+Then came Sir Galahad, and the King with the Hundred Knights with him;
+and this Sir Galahad proffered to fight with Sir Tristram hand for
+hand. And so they made them ready to go unto battle on horseback with
+great courage. Then Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram met together so hard
+that either bare other down, horse and all, to the earth. And then they
+avoided their horses as noble knights, and dressed their shields, and
+drew their swords with ire and rancour, and they lashed together many
+sad strokes, and one while striking, another while foining, tracing and
+traversing as noble knights; thus they fought long, near half a day,
+and either were sore wounded. At the last Sir Tristram waxed light and
+big, and doubled his strokes, and drove Sir Galahad aback on the one
+side and on the other, so that he was like to have been slain.
+
+With that came the King with the Hundred Knights, and all that
+fellowship went fiercely upon Sir Tristram. When Sir Tristram saw them
+coming upon him, then he wist well he might not endure. Then as a wise
+knight of war, he said to Sir Galahad, the haut prince: Sir, ye show to
+me no knighthood, for to suffer all your men to have ado with me all at
+once; and as meseemeth ye be a noble knight of your hands it is great
+shame to you. So God me help, said Sir Galahad, there is none other way
+but thou must yield thee to me, other else to die, said Sir Galahad to
+Sir Tristram. I will rather yield me to you than die for that is more
+for the might of your men than of your hands. And therewithal Sir
+Tristram took his own sword by the point, and put the pommel in the
+hand of Sir Galahad.
+
+Therewithal came the King with the Hundred Knights, and hard began to
+assail Sir Tristram. Let be, said Sir Galahad, be ye not so hardy to
+touch him, for I have given this knight his life. That is your shame,
+said the King with the Hundred Knights; hath he not slain your father
+and your mother? As for that, said Sir Galahad, I may not wite him
+greatly, for my father had him in prison, and enforced him to do battle
+with him; and my father had such a custom that was a shameful custom,
+that what knight came there to ask harbour his lady must needs die but
+if she were fairer than my mother; and if my father overcame that
+knight he must needs die. This was a shameful custom and usage, a
+knight for his harbour-asking to have such harbourage. And for this
+custom I would never draw about him. So God me help, said the King,
+this was a shameful custom. Truly, said Sir Galahad, so seemed me; and
+meseemed it had been great pity that this knight should have been
+slain, for I dare say he is the noblest man that beareth life, but if
+it were Sir Launcelot du Lake. Now, fair knight, said Sir Galahad, I
+require thee tell me thy name, and of whence thou art, and whither thou
+wilt. Sir, he said, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and from King
+Mark of Cornwall I was sent on message unto King Anguish of Ireland,
+for to fetch his daughter to be his wife, and here she is ready to go
+with me into Cornwall, and her name is La Beale Isoud. And, Sir
+Tristram, said Sir Galahad, the haut prince, well be ye found in these
+marches, and so ye will promise me to go unto Sir Launcelot du Lake,
+and accompany with him, ye shall go where ye will, and your fair lady
+with you; and I shall promise you never in all my days shall such
+customs be used in this castle as have been used. Sir, said Sir
+Tristram, now I let you wit, so God me help, I weened ye had been Sir
+Launcelot du Lake when I saw you first, and therefore I dread you the
+more; and sir, I promise you, said Sir Tristram, as soon as I may I
+will see Sir Launcelot and in fellowship me with him; for of all the
+knights of the world I most desire his fellowship.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII. How Sir Launcelot met with Sir Carados bearing away Sir
+Gawaine, and of the rescue of Sir Gawaine.
+
+And then Sir Tristram took his leave when he saw his time, and took the
+sea. And in the meanwhile word came unto Sir Launcelot and to Sir
+Tristram that Sir Carados, the mighty king, that was made like a giant,
+fought with Sir Gawaine, and gave him such strokes that he swooned in
+his saddle, and after that he took him by the collar and pulled him out
+of his saddle, and fast bound him to the saddle-bow, and so rode his
+way with him toward his castle. And as he rode, by fortune Sir
+Launcelot met with Sir Carados, and anon he knew Sir Gawaine that lay
+bound after him. Ah, said Sir Launcelot unto Sir Gawaine, how stands it
+with you? Never so hard, said Sir Gawaine, unless that ye help me, for
+so God me help, without ye rescue me I know no knight that may, but
+outher you or Sir Tristram. Wherefore Sir Launcelot was heavy of Sir
+Gawaine’s words. And then Sir Launcelot bade Sir Carados: Lay down that
+knight and fight with me. Thou art but a fool, said Sir Carados, for I
+will serve you in the same wise. As for that, said Sir Launcelot, spare
+me not, for I warn thee I will not spare thee. And then he bound Sir
+Gawaine hand and foot, and so threw him to the ground. And then he gat
+his spear of his squire, and departed from Sir Launcelot to fetch his
+course. And so either met with other, and brake their spears to their
+hands; and then they pulled out swords, and hurtled together on
+horseback more than an hour. And at the last Sir Launcelot smote Sir
+Carados such a buffet upon the helm that it pierced his brain-pan. So
+then Sir Launcelot took Sir Carados by the collar and pulled him under
+his horse’s feet, and then he alighted and pulled off his helm and
+struck off his head. And then Sir Launcelot unbound Sir Gawaine. So
+this same tale was told to Sir Galahad and to Sir Tristram:—here may ye
+hear the nobleness that followeth Sir Launcelot. Alas, said Sir
+Tristram, an I had not this message in hand with this fair lady, truly
+I would never stint or I had found Sir Launcelot. Then Sir Tristram and
+La Beale Isoud went to the sea and came into Cornwall, and there all
+the barons met them.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX. Of the wedding of King Mark to La Beale Isoud, and of
+Bragwaine her maid, and of Palamides.
+
+And anon they were richly wedded with great noblesse. But ever, as the
+French book saith, Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud loved ever together.
+Then was there great jousts and great tourneying, and many lords and
+ladies were at that feast, and Sir Tristram was most praised of all
+other. Thus dured the feast long, and after the feast was done, within
+a little while after, by the assent of two ladies that were with Queen
+Isoud, they ordained for hate and envy for to destroy Dame Bragwaine,
+that was maiden and lady unto La Beale Isoud; and she was sent into the
+forest for to fetch herbs, and there she was met, and bound feet and
+hand to a tree, and so she was bounden three days. And by fortune, Sir
+Palamides found Dame Bragwaine, and there he delivered her from the
+death, and brought her to a nunnery there beside, for to be recovered.
+When Isoud the queen missed her maiden, wit ye well she was right heavy
+as ever was any queen, for of all earthly women she loved her best: the
+cause was for she came with her out of her country. And so upon a day
+Queen Isoud walked into the forest to put away her thoughts, and there
+she went herself unto a well and made great moan. And suddenly there
+came Palamides to her, and had heard all her complaint, and said: Madam
+Isoud, an ye will grant me my boon, I shall bring to you Dame Bragwaine
+safe and sound. And the queen was so glad of his proffer that suddenly
+unadvised she granted all his asking. Well, Madam, said Palamides, I
+trust to your promise, and if ye will abide here half an hour I shall
+bring her to you. I shall abide you, said La Beale Isoud. And Sir
+Palamides rode forth his way to that nunnery, and lightly he came again
+with Dame Bragwaine; but by her good will she would not have come
+again, because for love of the queen she stood in adventure of her
+life. Notwithstanding, half against her will, she went with Sir
+Palamides unto the queen. And when the queen saw her she was passing
+glad. Now, Madam, said Palamides, remember upon your promise, for I
+have fulfilled my promise. Sir Palamides, said the queen, I wot not
+what is your desire, but I will that ye wit, howbeit I promised you
+largely, I thought none evil, nor I warn you none evil will I do.
+Madam, said Sir Palamides, as at this time, ye shall not know my
+desire, but before my lord your husband there shall ye know that I will
+have my desire that ye have promised me. And therewith the queen
+departed, and rode home to the king, and Sir Palamides rode after her.
+And when Sir Palamides came before the king, he said: Sir King, I
+require you as ye be a righteous king, that ye will judge me the right.
+Tell me your cause, said the king, and ye shall have right.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX. How Palamides demanded Queen Isoud, and how Lambegus rode
+after to rescue her, and of the escape of Isoud.
+
+Sir, said Palamides, I promised your Queen Isoud to bring again Dame
+Bragwaine that she had lost, upon this covenant, that she should grant
+me a boon that I would ask, and without grudging, outher advisement,
+she granted me. What say ye, my lady? said the king. It is as he saith,
+so God me help, said the queen; to say thee sooth I promised him his
+asking for love and joy that I had to see her. Well, Madam, said the
+king, and if ye were hasty to grant him what boon he would ask, I will
+well that ye perform your promise. Then, said Palamides, I will that ye
+wit that I will have your queen to lead her and govern her whereas me
+list. Therewith the king stood still, and bethought him of Sir
+Tristram, and deemed that he would rescue her. And then hastily the
+king answered: Take her with the adventures that shall fall of it, for
+as I suppose thou wilt not enjoy her no while. As for that, said
+Palamides, I dare right well abide the adventure. And so, to make short
+tale, Sir Palamides took her by the hand and said: Madam, grudge not to
+go with me, for I desire nothing but your own promise. As for that,
+said the queen, I fear not greatly to go with thee, howbeit thou hast
+me at advantage upon my promise, for I doubt not I shall be
+worshipfully rescued from thee. As for that, said Sir Palamides, be it
+as it be may. So Queen Isoud was set behind Palamides, and rode his
+way.
+
+Anon the king sent after Sir Tristram, but in no wise he could be
+found, for he was in the forest a-hunting; for that was always his
+custom, but if he used arms, to chase and to hunt in the forests. Alas,
+said the king, now I am shamed for ever, that by mine own assent my
+lady and my queen shall be devoured. Then came forth a knight, his name
+was Lambegus, and he was a knight of Sir Tristram. My lord, said this
+knight, sith ye have trust in my lord, Sir Tristram, wit ye well for
+his sake I will ride after your queen and rescue her, or else I shall
+be beaten. Gramercy, said the king, as I live, Sir Lambegus, I shall
+deserve it. And then Sir Lambegus armed him, and rode after as fast as
+he might. And then within a while he overtook Sir Palamides. And then
+Sir Palamides left the queen. What art thou, said Palamides, art thou
+Tristram? Nay, he said, I am his servant, and my name is Sir Lambegus.
+That me repenteth, said Palamides. I had liefer thou hadst been Sir
+Tristram. I believe you well, said Lambegus, but when thou meetest with
+Sir Tristram thou shalt have thy hands full. And then they hurtled
+together and all to-brast their spears, and then they pulled out their
+swords, and hewed on helms and hauberks. At the last Sir Palamides gave
+Sir Lambegus such a wound that he fell down like a dead knight to the
+earth.
+
+Then he looked after La Beale Isoud, and then she was gone he nist
+where. Wit ye well Sir Palamides was never so heavy. So the queen ran
+into the forest, and there she found a well, and therein she had
+thought to have drowned herself. And as good fortune would, there came
+a knight to her that had a castle thereby, his name was Sir Adtherp.
+And when he found the queen in that mischief he rescued her, and
+brought her to his castle. And when he wist what she was he armed him,
+and took his horse, and said he would be avenged upon Palamides; and so
+he rode on till he met with him, and there Sir Palamides wounded him
+sore, and by force he made him to tell him the cause why he did battle
+with him, and how he had led the queen unto his castle. Now bring me
+there, said Palamides, or thou shalt die of my hands. Sir, said Sir
+Adtherp, I am so wounded I may not follow, but ride you this way and it
+shall bring you into my castle, and there within is the queen. Then Sir
+Palamides rode still till he came to the castle. And at a window La
+Beale Isoud saw Sir Palamides; then she made the gates to be shut
+strongly. And when he saw he might not come within the castle, he put
+off his bridle and his saddle, and put his horse to pasture, and set
+himself down at the gate like a man that was out of his wit that recked
+not of himself.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Tristram rode after Palamides, and how he found
+him and fought with him, and by the means of Isoud the battle ceased.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that when he was come home and wist La
+Beale Isoud was gone with Sir Palamides, wit ye well he was wroth out
+of measure. Alas, said Sir Tristram, I am this day shamed. Then he
+cried to Gouvernail his man: Haste thee that I were armed and on
+horseback, for well I wot Lambegus hath no might nor strength to
+withstand Sir Palamides: alas that I have not been in his stead! So
+anon as he was armed and horsed Sir Tristram and Gouvernail rode after
+into the forest, and within a while he found his knight Lambegus almost
+wounded to the death; and Sir Tristram bare him to a forester, and
+charged him to keep him well. And then he rode forth, and there he
+found Sir Adtherp sore wounded, and he told him how the queen would
+have drowned herself had he not been, and how for her sake and love he
+had taken upon him to do battle with Sir Palamides. Where is my lady?
+said Sir Tristram. Sir, said the knight, she is sure enough within my
+castle, an she can hold her within it. Gramercy, said Sir Tristram, of
+thy great goodness. And so he rode till he came nigh to that castle;
+and then Sir Tristram saw where Sir Palamides sat at the gate sleeping,
+and his horse pastured fast afore him. Now go thou, Gouvernail, said
+Sir Tristram, and bid him awake, and make him ready. So Gouvernail rode
+unto him and said: Sir Palamides, arise, and take to thee thine
+harness. But he was in such a study he heard not what Gouvernail said.
+So Gouvernail came again and told Sir Tristram he slept, or else he was
+mad. Go thou again, said Sir Tristram, and bid him arise, and tell him
+that I am here, his mortal foe. So Gouvernail rode again and put upon
+him the butt of his spear, and said: Sir Palamides, make thee ready,
+for wit ye well Sir Tristram hoveth yonder, and sendeth thee word he is
+thy mortal foe. And therewithal Sir Palamides arose stilly, without
+words, and gat his horse, and saddled him and bridled him, and lightly
+he leapt upon, and gat his spear in his hand, and either feutred their
+spears and hurtled fast together; and there Tristram smote down Sir
+Palamides over his horse’s tail. Then lightly Sir Palamides put his
+shield afore him and drew his sword. And there began strong battle on
+both parts, for both they fought for the love of one lady, and ever she
+lay on the walls and beheld them how they fought out of measure, and
+either were wounded passing sore, but Palamides was much sorer wounded.
+Thus they fought tracing and traversing more than two hours, that
+well-nigh for dole and sorrow La Beale Isoud swooned. Alas, she said,
+that one I loved and yet do, and the other I love not, yet it were
+great pity that I should see Sir Palamides slain; for well I know by
+that time the end be done Sir Palamides is but a dead knight: because
+he is not christened I would be loath that he should die a Saracen. And
+therewithal she came down and besought Sir Tristram to fight no more.
+Ah, madam, said he, what mean you, will ye have me shamed? Well ye know
+I will be ruled by you. I will not your dishonour, said La Beale Isoud,
+but I would that ye would for my sake spare this unhappy Saracen
+Palamides. Madam, said Sir Tristram, I will leave fighting at this time
+for your sake. Then she said to Sir Palamides: This shall be your
+charge, that thou shalt go out of this country while I am therein. I
+will obey your commandment, said Sir Palamides, the which is sore
+against my will. Then take thy way, said La Beale Isoud, unto the court
+of King Arthur, and there recommend me unto Queen Guenever, and tell
+her that I send her word that there be within this land but four
+lovers, that is, Sir Launcelot du Lake and Queen Guenever, and Sir
+Tristram de Liones and Queen Isoud.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Tristram brought Queen Isoud home, and of the
+debate of King Mark and Sir Tristram.
+
+And so Sir Palamides departed with great heaviness. And Sir Tristram
+took the queen and brought her again to King Mark, and then was there
+made great joy of her home-coming. Who was cherished but Sir Tristram!
+Then Sir Tristram let fetch Sir Lambegus, his knight, from the
+forester’s house, and it was long or he was whole, but at the last he
+was well recovered. Thus they lived with joy and play a long while. But
+ever Sir Andred, that was nigh cousin to Sir Tristram, lay in a watch
+to wait betwixt Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud, for to take them and
+slander them. So upon a day Sir Tristram talked with La Beale 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 was
+nigh him, and 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 at that time there was not one would move for his
+words. When Sir Tristram saw that there was not one would be against
+him, he shook the sword to the king, and made countenance as though he
+would have stricken him. And then King Mark fled, and Sir Tristram
+followed him, and smote upon him five or six strokes flatling on the
+neck, that he made him to fall upon the nose. And then Sir Tristram
+yede his way and armed him, and took his horse and his man, and so he
+rode into that forest.
+
+And there upon a day Sir Tristram met with two brethren that were
+knights with King Mark, and there he struck off the head of the one,
+and wounded the other to the death; and he made him to bear his
+brother’s head in his helm unto the king, and thirty more there he
+wounded. And when that knight came before the king to say his message,
+he there died afore the king and the queen. Then King Mark called his
+council unto him, and asked advice of his barons what was best to do
+with Sir Tristram. Sir, said the barons, in especial Sir Dinas, the
+Seneschal, Sir, we will give you counsel for to send for Sir Tristram,
+for we will that ye wit many men will hold with Sir Tristram an he were
+hard bestead. And sir, said Sir Dinas, ye shall understand that Sir
+Tristram is called peerless and makeless of any Christian knight, and
+of his might and hardiness we knew none so good a knight, but if it be
+Sir Launcelot du Lake. And if he depart from your court and go to King
+Arthur’s court, wit ye well he will get him such friends there that he
+will not set by your malice. And therefore, sir, I counsel you to take
+him to your grace. I will well, said the king, that he be sent for,
+that we may be friends. Then the barons sent for Sir Tristram under a
+safe conduct. And so when Sir Tristram came to the king he was welcome,
+and no rehearsal was made, and there was game and play. And then the
+king and the queen went a-hunting, and Sir Tristram.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Lamorak jousted with thirty knights, and Sir
+Tristram at the request of King Mark smote his horse down.
+
+The king and the queen made their pavilions and their tents in that
+forest beside a river, and there was daily hunting and jousting, for
+there were ever thirty knights ready to joust unto all them that came
+in at that time. And there by fortune came Sir Lamorak de Galis and Sir
+Driant; and there Sir Driant jousted right well, but at the last he had
+a fall. Then Sir Lamorak proffered to joust. And when he began he fared
+so with the thirty knights that there was not one of them but that he
+gave him a fall, and some of them were sore hurt. I marvel, said King
+Mark, what knight he is that doth such deeds of arms. Sir, said Sir
+Tristram, I know him well for a noble knight as few now be living, and
+his name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. It were great shame, said the king,
+that he should go thus away, unless that some of you meet with him
+better. Sir, said Sir Tristram, meseemeth it were no worship for a
+noble man to have ado with him: and for because at this time he hath
+done over much for any mean knight living, therefore, as meseemeth, it
+were great shame and villainy to tempt him any more at this time,
+insomuch as he and his horse are weary both; for the deeds of arms that
+he hath done this day, an they be well considered, it were enough for
+Sir Launcelot du Lake. As for that, said King Mark, I require you, as
+ye love me and my lady the queen, La Beale Isoud, take your arms and
+joust with Sir Lamorak de Galis. Sir, said Sir Tristram, ye bid me do a
+thing that is against knighthood, and well I can deem that I shall give
+him a fall, for it is no mastery, for my horse and I be fresh both, and
+so is not his horse and he; and wit ye well that he will take it for
+great unkindness, for ever one good knight is loath to take another at
+disadvantage; but because I will not displease you, as ye require me so
+will I do, and obey your commandment.
+
+And so Sir Tristram armed him and took his horse, and put him forth,
+and there Sir Lamorak met him mightily, and what with the might of his
+own spear, and of Sir Tristram’s spear, Sir Lamorak’s horse fell to the
+earth, and he sitting in the saddle. Then anon as lightly as he might
+he avoided the saddle and his horse, and put his shield afore him and
+drew his sword. And then he bade Sir Tristram: Alight, thou knight, an
+thou durst. Nay, said Sir Tristram, I will no more have ado with thee,
+for I have done to thee over much unto my dishonour and to thy worship.
+As for that, said Sir Lamorak, I can thee no thank; since thou hast
+for-jousted me on horseback I require thee and I beseech thee, an thou
+be Sir Tristram, fight with me on foot. I will not so, said Sir
+Tristram; and wit ye well my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and well I
+know ye be Sir Lamorak de Galis, and this that I have done to you was
+against my will, but I was required thereto; but to say that I will do
+at your request as at this time, I will have no more ado with you, for
+me shameth of that I have done. As for the shame, said Sir Lamorak, on
+thy part or on mine, bear thou it an thou wilt, for though a mare’s son
+hath failed me, now a queen’s son shall not fail thee; and therefore,
+an thou be such a knight as men call thee, I require thee, alight, and
+fight with me. Sir Lamorak, said Sir Tristram, I understand your heart
+is great, and cause why ye have, to say thee sooth; for it would grieve
+me an any knight should keep him fresh and then to strike down a weary
+knight, for that knight nor horse was never formed that alway might
+stand or endure. And therefore, said Sir Tristram, I will not have ado
+with you, for me forthinketh of that I have done. As for that, said Sir
+Lamorak, I shall quit you, an ever I see my time.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV. How Sir Lamorak sent an horn to King Mark in despite of
+Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram was driven into a chapel.
+
+So he departed from him with Sir Driant, and by the way they met with a
+knight that was sent from Morgan le Fay unto King Arthur; and this
+knight had a fair horn harnessed with gold, and the horn had such a
+virtue that there might no lady nor gentlewoman drink of that horn but
+if she were true to her husband, and if she were false she should spill
+all the drink, and if she were true to her lord she might drink
+peaceable. And because of the Queen Guenever, and in the despite of Sir
+Launcelot, this horn was sent unto King Arthur; and by force Sir
+Lamorak made that knight to tell all the cause why he bare that horn.
+Now shalt thou bear this horn, said Lamorak, unto King Mark, or else
+choose thou to die for it; for I tell thee plainly, in despite and
+reproof of Sir Tristram thou shalt bear that horn unto King Mark, his
+uncle, and say thou to him that I sent it him for to assay his lady,
+and if she be true to him he shall prove her. So the knight went his
+way unto King Mark, and brought him that rich horn, and said that Sir
+Lamorak sent it him, and thereto he told him the virtue of that horn.
+Then the king made Queen Isoud to drink thereof, and an hundred ladies,
+and there were but four ladies of all those that drank clean. Alas,
+said King Mark, this is a great despite, and sware a great oath that
+she should be burnt and the other ladies.
+
+Then the barons gathered them together, and said plainly they would not
+have those ladies burnt for an horn made by sorcery, that came from as
+false a sorceress and witch as then was living. For that horn did never
+good, but caused strife and debate, and always in her days she had been
+an enemy to all true lovers. So there were many knights made their
+avow, an ever they met with Morgan le Fay, that they would show her
+short courtesy. Also Sir Tristram was passing wroth that Sir Lamorak
+sent that horn unto King Mark, for well he knew that it was done in the
+despite of him. And therefore he thought to quite Sir Lamorak.
+
+Then Sir Tristram used daily and nightly to go to Queen Isoud when he
+might, and ever Sir Andred his cousin watched him night and day for to
+take him with La Beale Isoud. And so upon a night Sir Andred espied the
+hour and the time when Sir Tristram went to his lady. Then Sir Andred
+gat unto him twelve knights, and at midnight he set upon Sir Tristram
+secretly and suddenly and there Sir Tristram was taken naked abed with
+La Beale Isoud, and then was he bound hand and foot, and so was he kept
+until day. And then by the assent of King Mark, and of Sir Andred, and
+of some of the barons, Sir Tristram was led unto a chapel that stood
+upon the sea rocks, there for to take his judgment: and so he was led
+bounden with forty knights. And when Sir Tristram saw that there was
+none other boot but needs that he must die, then said he: Fair lords,
+remember what I have done for the country of Cornwall, and in what
+jeopardy I have been in for the weal of you all; for when I fought for
+the truage of Cornwall with Sir Marhaus, the good knight, I was
+promised for to be better rewarded, when ye all refused to take the
+battle; therefore, as ye be good gentle knights, see me not thus
+shamefully to die, for it is shame to all knighthood thus to see me
+die; for I dare say, said Sir Tristram, that I never met with no knight
+but I was as good as he, or better. Fie upon thee, said Sir Andred,
+false traitor that thou art, with thine avaunting; for all thy boast
+thou shalt die this day. O Andred, Andred, said Sir Tristram, thou
+shouldst be my kinsman, and now thou art to me full unfriendly, but an
+there were no more but thou and I, thou wouldst not put me to death.
+No! said Sir Andred, and therewith he drew his sword, and would have
+slain him.
+
+When Sir Tristram saw him make such countenance he looked upon both his
+hands that were fast bounden unto two knights, and suddenly he pulled
+them both to him, and unwrast his hands, and then he leapt unto his
+cousin, Sir Andred, and wrested his sword out of his hands; then he
+smote Sir Andred that he fell to the earth, and so Sir Tristram fought
+till that he had killed ten knights. So then Sir Tristram gat the
+chapel and kept it mightily. Then the cry was great, and the people
+drew fast unto Sir Andred, mo than an hundred. When Sir Tristram saw
+the people draw unto him, he remembered he was naked, and sperd fast
+the chapel door, and brake the bars of a window, and so he leapt out
+and fell upon the crags in the sea. And so at that time Sir Andred nor
+none of his fellows might get to him, at that time.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV. How Sir Tristram was holpen by his men, and of Queen
+Isoud which was put in a lazar-cote, and how Tristram was hurt.
+
+So when they were departed, Gouvernail, and Sir Lambegus, and Sir
+Sentraille de Lushon, that were Sir Tristram’s men, sought their
+master. When they heard he was escaped then they were passing glad; and
+on the rocks they found him, and with towels they pulled him up. And
+then Sir Tristram asked them where was La Beale Isoud, for he weened
+she had been had away of Andred’s people. Sir, said Gouvernail, she is
+put in a lazar-cote. Alas, said Sir Tristram, this is a full ungoodly
+place for such a fair lady, and if I may she shall not be long there.
+And so he took his men and went thereas was La Beale Isoud, and fetched
+her away, and brought her into a forest to a fair manor, and Sir
+Tristram there abode with her. So the good knight bade his men go from
+him: For at this time I may not help you. So they departed all save
+Gouvernail. And so upon a day Sir Tristram yede into the forest for to
+disport him, and then it happened that there he fell sleep; and there
+came a man that Sir Tristram aforehand had slain his brother, and when
+this man had found him he shot him through the shoulder with an arrow,
+and Sir Tristram leapt up and killed that man. And in the meantime it
+was told King Mark how Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud were in that
+same manor, and as soon as ever he might thither he came with many
+knights to slay Sir Tristram. And when he came there he found him gone;
+and there he took La Beale Isoud home with him, and kept her strait
+that by no means never she might wit nor send unto Tristram, nor he
+unto her. And then when Sir Tristram came toward the old manor he found
+the track of many horses, and thereby he wist his lady was gone. And
+then Sir Tristram took great sorrow, and endured with great pain long
+time, for the arrow that he was hurt withal was envenomed.
+
+Then by the mean of La Beale Isoud she told a lady that was cousin unto
+Dame Bragwaine, and she came to Sir Tristram, and told him that he
+might not be whole by no means. For thy lady, La Beale Isoud, may not
+help thee, therefore she biddeth you haste into Brittany to King Howel,
+and there ye shall find his daughter, Isoud la Blanche Mains, and she
+shall help thee. Then Sir Tristram and Gouvernail gat them shipping,
+and so sailed into Brittany. And when King Howel wist that it was Sir
+Tristram he was full glad of him. Sir, he said, I am come into this
+country to have help of your daughter, for it is told me that there is
+none other may heal me but she; and so within a while she healed him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI. How Sir Tristram served in war King Howel of Brittany,
+and slew his adversary in the field.
+
+There was an earl that hight Grip, and this earl made great war upon
+the king, and put the king to the worse, and besieged him. And on a
+time Sir Kehydius, that was son to King Howel, as he issued out he was
+sore wounded, nigh to the death. Then Gouvernail went to the king and
+said: Sir, I counsel you to desire my lord, Sir Tristram, as in your
+need to help you. I will do by your counsel, said the king. And so he
+yede unto Sir Tristram, and prayed him in his wars to help him: For my
+son, Sir Kehydius, may not go into the field. Sir, said Sir Tristram, I
+will go to the field and do what I may. Then Sir Tristram issued out of
+the town with such fellowship as he might make, and did such deeds that
+all Brittany spake of him. And then, at the last, by great might and
+force, he slew the Earl Grip with his own hands, and more than an
+hundred knights he slew that day. And then Sir Tristram was received
+worshipfully with procession. Then King Howel embraced him in his arms,
+and said: Sir Tristram, all my kingdom I will resign to thee. God
+defend, said Sir Tristram, for I am beholden unto you for your
+daughter’s sake to do for you.
+
+Then by the great means of King Howel and Kehydius his son, by great
+proffers, there grew great love betwixt Isoud and Sir Tristram, for
+that lady was both good and fair, and a woman of noble blood and fame.
+And for because Sir Tristram had such cheer and riches, and all other
+pleasaunce that he had, almost he had forsaken La Beale Isoud. And so
+upon a time Sir Tristram agreed to wed Isoud la Blanche Mains. And at
+the last they were wedded, and solemnly held their marriage. And so
+when they were abed both Sir Tristram remembered him of his old lady La
+Beale Isoud. And then he took such a thought suddenly that he was all
+dismayed, and other cheer made he none but with clipping and kissing;
+as for other fleshly lusts Sir Tristram never thought nor had ado with
+her: such mention maketh the French book; also it maketh mention that
+the lady weened there had been no pleasure but kissing and clipping.
+And in the meantime there was a knight in Brittany, his name was
+Suppinabiles, and he came over the sea into England, and then he came
+into the court of King Arthur, and there he met with Sir Launcelot du
+Lake, and told him of the marriage of Sir Tristram. Then said Sir
+Launcelot: Fie upon him, untrue knight to his lady, that so noble a
+knight as Sir Tristram is should be found to his first lady false, La
+Beale Isoud, Queen of Cornwall; but say ye him this, said Sir
+Launcelot, that of all knights in the world I loved him most, and had
+most joy of him, and all was for his noble deeds; and let him wit the
+love between him and me is done for ever, and that I give him warning
+from this day forth as his mortal enemy.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII. How Sir Suppinabiles told Sir Tristram how he was
+defamed in the court of King Arthur, and of Sir Lamorak.
+
+Then departed Sir Suppinabiles unto Brittany again, and there he found
+Sir Tristram, and told him that he had been in King Arthur’s court.
+Then said Sir Tristram: Heard ye anything of me? So God me help, said
+Sir Suppinabiles, there I heard Sir Launcelot speak of you great shame,
+and that ye be a false knight to your lady and he bade me do you to wit
+that he will be your mortal enemy in every place where he may meet you.
+That me repenteth, said Tristram, for of all knights I loved to be in
+his fellowship. So Sir Tristram made great moan and was ashamed that
+noble knights should defame him for the sake of his lady. And in this
+meanwhile La Beale Isoud made a letter unto Queen Guenever, complaining
+her of the untruth of Sir Tristram, and how he had wedded the king’s
+daughter of Brittany. Queen Guenever sent her another letter, and bade
+her be of good cheer, for she should have joy after sorrow, for Sir
+Tristram was so noble a knight called, that by crafts of sorcery ladies
+would make such noble men to wed them. But in the end, Queen Guenever
+said, it shall be thus, that he shall hate her, and love you better
+than ever he did to-fore.
+
+So leave we Sir Tristram in Brittany, and speak we of Sir Lamorak de
+Galis, that as he sailed his ship fell on a rock and perished all, save
+Sir Lamorak and his squire; and there he swam mightily, and fishers of
+the Isle of Servage took him up, and his squire was drowned, and the
+shipmen had great labour to save Sir Lamorak’s life, for all the
+comfort that they could do.
+
+And the lord of that isle, hight Sir Nabon le Noire, a great mighty
+giant. And this Sir Nabon hated all the knights of King Arthur’s, and
+in no wise he would do them favour. And these fishers told Sir Lamorak
+all the guise of Sir Nabon; how there came never knight of King
+Arthur’s but he destroyed him. And at the last battle that he did was
+slain Sir Nanowne le Petite, the which he put to a shameful death in
+despite of King Arthur, for he was drawn limb-meal. That forthinketh
+me, said Sir Lamorak, for that knight’s death, for he was my cousin;
+and if I were at mine ease as well as ever I was, I would revenge his
+death. Peace, said the fishers, and make here no words, for or ever ye
+depart from hence Sir Nabon must know that ye have been here, or else
+we should die for your sake. So that I be whole, said Lamorak, of my
+disease that I have taken in the sea, I will that ye tell him that I am
+a knight of King Arthur’s, for I was never afeard to reneye my lord.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII. How Sir Tristram and his wife arrived in Wales, and
+how he met there with Sir Lamorak.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that upon a day he took a little barget,
+and his wife Isoud la Blanche Mains, with Sir Kehydius her brother, to
+play them in the coasts. And when they were from the land, there was a
+wind drove them in to the coast of Wales upon this Isle of Servage,
+whereas was Sir Lamorak, and there the barget all to-rove; and there
+Dame Isoud was hurt; and as well as they might they gat into the
+forest, and there by a well he saw Segwarides and a damosel. And then
+either saluted other. Sir, said Segwarides, I know you for Sir Tristram
+de Liones, the man in the world that I have most cause to hate, because
+ye departed the love between me and my wife; but as for that, said Sir
+Segwarides, I will never hate a noble knight for a light lady; and
+therefore, I pray you, be my friend, and I will be yours unto my power;
+for wit ye well ye are hard bestead in this valley, and we shall have
+enough to do either of us to succour other. And then Sir Segwarides
+brought Sir Tristram to a lady thereby that was born in Cornwall, and
+she told him all the perils of that valley, and how there came never
+knight there but he were taken prisoner or slain. Wit you well, fair
+lady, said Sir Tristram, that I slew Sir Marhaus and delivered Cornwall
+from the truage of Ireland, and I am he that delivered the King of
+Ireland from Sir Blamore de Ganis, and I am he that beat Sir Palamides;
+and wit ye well I am Sir Tristram de Liones, that by the grace of God
+shall deliver this woful Isle of Servage. So Sir Tristram was well
+eased.
+
+Then one told him there was a knight of King Arthur’s that was wrecked
+on the rocks. What is his name? said Sir Tristram. We wot not, said the
+fishers, but he keepeth it no counsel but that he is a knight of King
+Arthur’s, and by the mighty lord of this isle he setteth nought. I pray
+you, said Sir Tristram, an ye may, bring him hither that I may see him,
+and if he be any of the knights of Arthur’s I shall know him. Then the
+lady prayed the fishers to bring him to her place. So on the morrow
+they brought him thither in a fisher’s raiment; and as soon as Sir
+Tristram saw him he smiled upon him and knew him well, but he knew not
+Sir Tristram. Fair sir, said Sir Tristram, meseemeth by your cheer ye
+have been diseased but late, and also methinketh I should know you
+heretofore. I will well, said Sir Lamorak, that ye have seen me and met
+with me. Fair sir, said Sir Tristram, tell me your name. Upon a
+covenant I will tell you, said Sir Lamorak, that is, that ye will tell
+me whether ye be lord of this island or no, that is called Nabon le
+Noire. Forsooth, said Sir Tristram, I am not he, nor I hold not of him;
+I am his foe as well as ye be, and so shall I be found or I depart out
+of this isle. Well, said Sir Lamorak, since ye have said so largely
+unto me, my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis, son unto King Pellinore.
+Forsooth, I trow well, said Sir Tristram, for an ye said other I know
+the contrary. What are ye, said Sir Lamorak, that knoweth me? I am Sir
+Tristram de Liones. Ah, sir, remember ye not of the fall ye did give me
+once, and after ye refused me to fight on foot. That was not for fear I
+had of you, said Sir Tristram, but me shamed at that time to have more
+ado with you, for meseemed ye had enough; but, Sir Lamorak, for my
+kindness many ladies ye put to a reproof when ye sent the horn from
+Morgan le Fay to King Mark, whereas ye did this in despite of me. Well,
+said he, an it were to do again, so would I do, for I had liefer strife
+and debate fell in King Mark’s court rather than Arthur’s court, for
+the honour of both courts be not alike. As to that, said Sir Tristram,
+I know well; but that that was done it was for despite of me, but all
+your malice, I thank God, hurt not greatly. Therefore, said Sir
+Tristram, ye shall leave all your malice, and so will I, and let us
+assay how we may win worship between you and me upon this giant Sir
+Nabon le Noire that is lord of this island, to destroy him. Sir, said
+Sir Lamorak, now I understand your knighthood, it may not be false that
+all men say, for of your bounty, noblesse, and worship, of all knights
+ye are peerless, and for your courtesy and gentleness I showed you
+ungentleness, and that now me repenteth.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Nabon, and overcame
+him, and made Sir Segwarides lord of the isle.
+
+In the meantime there came word that Sir Nabon had made a cry that all
+the people of that isle should be at his castle the fifth day after.
+And the same day the son of Nabon should be made knight, and all the
+knights of that valley and thereabout should be there to joust, and all
+those of the realm of Logris should be there to joust with them of
+North Wales: and thither came five hundred knights, and they of the
+country brought thither Sir Lamorak, and Sir Tristram, and Sir
+Kehydius, and Sir Segwarides, for they durst none otherwise do; and
+then Sir Nabon lent Sir Lamorak horse and armour at Sir Lamorak’s
+desire, and Sir Lamorak jousted and did such deeds of arms that Nabon
+and all the people said there was never knight that ever they saw do
+such deeds of arms; for, as the French book saith, he for-jousted all
+that were there, for the most part of five hundred knights, that none
+abode him in his saddle.
+
+Then Sir Nabon proffered to play with him his play: For I saw never no
+knight do so much upon a day. I will well, said Sir Lamorak, play as I
+may, but I am weary and sore bruised. And there either gat a spear, but
+Nabon would not encounter with Sir Lamorak, but smote his horse in the
+forehead, and so slew him; and then Sir Lamorak yede on foot, and
+turned his shield and drew his sword, and there began strong battle on
+foot. But Sir Lamorak was so sore bruised and short breathed, that he
+traced and traversed somewhat aback. Fair fellow, said Sir Nabon, hold
+thy hand and I shall show thee more courtesy than ever I showed knight,
+because I have seen this day thy noble knighthood, and therefore stand
+thou by, and I will wit whether any of thy fellows will have ado with
+me. Then when Sir Tristram heard that, he stepped forth and said:
+Nabon, lend me horse and sure armour, and I will have ado with thee.
+Well, fellow, said Sir Nabon, go thou to yonder pavilion, and arm thee
+of the best thou findest there, and I shall play a marvellous play with
+thee. Then said Sir Tristram: Look ye play well, or else peradventure I
+shall learn you a new play. That is well said, fellow, said Sir Nabon.
+So when Sir Tristram was armed as him liked best, and well shielded and
+sworded, he dressed to him on foot; for well he knew that Sir Nabon
+would not abide a stroke with a spear, therefore he would slay all
+knights’ horses. Now, fair fellow, Sir Nabon, let us play. So then they
+fought long on foot, tracing and traversing, smiting and foining long
+without any rest. At the last Sir Nabon prayed him to tell him his
+name. Sir Nabon, I tell thee my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, a
+knight of Cornwall under King Mark. Thou art welcome, said Sir Nabon,
+for of all knights I have most desired to fight with thee or with Sir
+Launcelot.
+
+So then they went eagerly together, and Sir Tristram slew Sir Nabon,
+and so forthwith he leapt to his son, and struck off his head; and then
+all the country said they would hold of Sir Tristram. Nay, said Sir
+Tristram, I will not so; here is a worshipful knight, Sir Lamorak de
+Galis, that for me he shall be lord of this country, for he hath done
+here great deeds of arms. Nay, said Sir Lamorak, I will not be lord of
+this country, for I have not deserved it as well as ye, therefore give
+ye it where ye will, for I will none have. Well, said Sir Tristram,
+since ye nor I will not have it, let us give it to him that hath not so
+well deserved it. Do as ye list, said Segwarides, for the gift is
+yours, for I will none have an I had deserved it. So was it given to
+Segwarides, whereof he thanked them; and so was he lord, and
+worshipfully he did govern it. And then Sir Segwarides delivered all
+prisoners, and set good governance in that valley; and so he returned
+into Cornwall, and told King Mark and La Beale Isoud how Sir Tristram
+had advanced him to the Isle of Servage, and there he proclaimed in all
+Cornwall of all the adventures of these two knights, so was it openly
+known. But full woe was La Beale Isoud when she heard tell that Sir
+Tristram was wedded to Isoud la Blanche Mains.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL. How Sir Lamorak departed from Sir Tristram, and how he met
+with Sir Frol, and after with Sir Launcelot.
+
+So turn we unto Sir Lamorak, that rode toward Arthur’s court, and Sir
+Tristram’s wife and Kehydius took a vessel and sailed into Brittany,
+unto King Howel, where he was welcome. And when he heard of these
+adventures they marvelled of his noble deeds. Now turn we unto Sir
+Lamorak, that when he was departed from Sir Tristram he rode out of the
+forest, till he came to an hermitage. When the hermit saw him, he asked
+him from whence he came. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, I come from this
+valley. Sir, said the hermit: thereof I marvel. For this twenty winter
+I saw never no knight pass this country but he was either slain or
+villainously wounded, or pass as a poor prisoner. Those ill customs,
+said Sir Lamorak, are fordone, for Sir Tristram slew your lord, Sir
+Nabon, and his son. Then was the hermit glad, and all his brethren, for
+he said there was never such a tyrant among Christian men. And
+therefore, said the hermit, this valley and franchise we will hold of
+Sir Tristram.
+
+So on the morrow Sir Lamorak departed; and as he rode he saw four
+knights fight against one, and that one knight defended him well, but
+at the last the four knights had him down. And then Sir Lamorak went
+betwixt them, and asked them why they would slay that one knight, and
+said it was shame, four against one. Thou shalt well wit, said the four
+knights, that he is false. That is your tale, said Sir Lamorak, and
+when I hear him also speak, I will say as ye say. Then said Lamorak:
+Ah, knight, can ye not excuse you, but that ye are a false knight. Sir,
+said he, yet can I excuse me both with my word and with my hands, that
+I will make good upon one of the best of them, my body to his body.
+Then spake they all at once: We will not jeopardy our bodies as for
+thee. But wit thou well, they said, an King Arthur were here himself,
+it should not lie in his power to save his life. That is too much said,
+said Sir Lamorak, but many speak behind a man more than they will say
+to his face; and because of your words ye shall understand that I am
+one of the simplest of King Arthur’s court; in the worship of my lord
+now do your best, and in despite of you I shall rescue him. And then
+they lashed all at once to Sir Lamorak, but anon at two strokes Sir
+Lamorak had slain two of them, and then the other two fled. So then Sir
+Lamorak turned again to that knight, and asked him his name. Sir, he
+said, my name is Sir Frol of the Out Isles. Then he rode with Sir
+Lamorak and bare him company.
+
+And as they rode by the way they saw a seemly knight riding against
+them, and all in white. Ah, said Frol, yonder knight jousted late with
+me and smote me down, therefore I will joust with him. Ye shall not do
+so, said Sir Lamorak, by my counsel, an ye will tell me your quarrel,
+whether ye jousted at his request, or he at yours. Nay, said Sir Frol,
+I jousted with him at my request. Sir, said Lamorak, then will I
+counsel you deal no more with him, for meseemeth by his countenance he
+should be a noble knight, and no japer; for methinketh he should be of
+the Table Round. Therefore I will not spare, said Sir Frol. And then he
+cried and said: Sir knight, make thee ready to joust. That needeth not,
+said the White Knight, for I have no lust to joust with thee; but yet
+they feutred their spears, and the White Knight overthrew Sir Frol, and
+then he rode his way a soft pace. Then Sir Lamorak rode after him, and
+prayed him to tell him his name: For meseemeth ye should be of the
+fellowship of the Round Table. Upon a covenant, said he, I will tell
+you my name, so that ye will not discover my name, and also that ye
+will tell me yours. Then, said he, my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. And
+my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Then they put up their swords, and
+kissed heartily together, and either made great joy of other. Sir, said
+Sir Lamorak, an it please you I will do you service. God defend, said
+Launcelot, that any of so noble a blood as ye be should do me service.
+Then he said: More, I am in a quest that I must do myself alone. Now
+God speed you, said Sir Lamorak, and so they departed. Then Sir Lamorak
+came to Sir Frol and horsed him again. What knight is that? said Sir
+Frol. Sir, he said, it is not for you to know, nor it is no point of my
+charge. Ye are the more uncourteous, said Sir Frol, and therefore I
+will depart from you. Ye may do as ye list, said Sir Lamorak, and yet
+by my company ye have saved the fairest flower of your garland; so they
+departed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLI. How Sir Lamorak slew Sir Frol, and of the courteous
+fighting with Sir Belliance his brother.
+
+Then within two or three days Sir Lamorak found a knight at a well
+sleeping, and his lady sat with him and waked. Right so came Sir
+Gawaine and took the knight’s lady, and set her up behind his squire.
+So Sir Lamorak rode after Sir Gawaine, and said: Sir Gawaine, turn
+again. And then said Sir Gawaine: What will ye do with me? for I am
+nephew unto King Arthur. Sir, said he, for that cause I will spare you,
+else that lady should abide with me, or else ye should joust with me.
+Then Sir Gawaine turned him and ran to him that ought the lady, with
+his spear, but the knight with pure might smote down Sir Gawaine, and
+took his lady with him. All this Sir Lamorak saw, and said to himself:
+But I revenge my fellow he will say of me dishonour in King Arthur’s
+court. Then Sir Lamorak returned and proffered that knight to joust.
+Sir, said he, I am ready. And there they came together with all their
+might, and there Sir Lamorak smote the knight through both sides that
+he fell to the earth dead.
+
+Then that lady rode to that knight’s brother that hight Belliance le
+Orgulus, that dwelt fast thereby, and then she told him how his brother
+was slain. Alas, said he, I will be revenged. And so he horsed him, and
+armed him, and within a while he overtook Sir Lamorak, and bade him:
+Turn and leave that lady, for thou and I must play a new play; for thou
+hast slain my brother Sir Frol, that was a better knight than ever wert
+thou. It might well be, said Sir Lamorak, but this day in the field I
+was found the better. So they rode together, and unhorsed other, and
+turned their shields, and drew their swords, and fought mightily as
+noble knights proved, by the space of two hours. So then Sir Belliance
+prayed him to tell him his name. Sir, said he, my name is Sir Lamorak
+de Galis. Ah, said Sir Belliance, thou art the man in the world that I
+most hate, for I slew my sons for thy sake, where I saved thy life, and
+now thou hast slain my brother Sir Frol. Alas, how should I be accorded
+with thee; therefore defend thee, for thou shalt die, there is none
+other remedy. Alas, said Sir Lamorak, full well me ought to know you,
+for ye are the man that most have done for me. And therewithal Sir
+Lamorak kneeled down, and besought him of grace. Arise, said Sir
+Belliance, or else thereas thou kneelest I shall slay thee. That shall
+not need, said Sir Lamorak, for I will yield me unto you, not for fear
+of you, nor for your strength, but your goodness maketh me full loath
+to have ado with you; wherefore I require you for God’s sake, and for
+the honour of knighthood, forgive me all that I have offended unto you.
+Alas, said Belliance, leave thy kneeling, or else I shall slay thee
+without mercy.
+
+Then they yede again unto battle, and either wounded other, that all
+the ground was bloody thereas they fought. And at the last Belliance
+withdrew him aback and set him down softly upon a little hill, for he
+was so faint for bleeding that he might not stand. Then Sir Lamorak
+threw his shield upon his back, and asked him what cheer. Well, said
+Sir Belliance. Ah, Sir, yet shall I show you favour in your mal-ease.
+Ah, Knight Sir Belliance, said Sir Lamorak, thou art a fool, for an I
+had had thee at such advantage as thou hast done me, I should slay
+thee; but thy gentleness is so good and so large, that I must needs
+forgive thee mine evil will. And then Sir Lamorak kneeled down, and
+unlaced first his umberere, and then his own, and then either kissed
+other with weeping tears. Then Sir Lamorak led Sir Belliance to an
+abbey fast by, and there Sir Lamorak would not depart from Belliance
+till he was whole. And then they sware together that none of them
+should never fight against other. So Sir Lamorak departed and went to
+the court of King Arthur.
+
+ Here leave we of Sir Lamorak and of Sir Tristram. And here beginneth
+ the history of La Cote Male Taile.
+
+
+
+BOOK IX.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. How a young man came into the court of King Arthur, and how
+Sir Kay called him in scorn La Cote Male Taile.
+
+At the court of King Arthur there came a young man and bigly made, and
+he was richly beseen: and he desired to be made knight of the king, but
+his over-garment sat over-thwartly, howbeit it was rich cloth of gold.
+What is your name? said King Arthur. Sir, said he, my name is Breunor
+le Noire, and within short space ye shall know that I am of good kin.
+It may well be, said Sir Kay, the Seneschal, but in mockage ye shall be
+called La Cote Male Taile, that is as much to say, the evil-shapen
+coat. It is a great thing that thou askest, said the king; and for what
+cause wearest thou that rich coat? tell me, for I can well think for
+some cause it is. Sir, he answered, I had a father, a noble knight, and
+as he rode a-hunting, upon a day it happed him to lay him down to
+sleep; and there came a knight that had been long his enemy, and when
+he saw he was fast asleep he all to-hew him; and this same coat had my
+father on the same time; and that maketh this coat to sit so evil upon
+me, for the strokes be on it as I found it, and never shall be amended
+for me. Thus to have my father’s death in remembrance I wear this coat
+till I be revenged; and because ye are called the most noblest king of
+the world I come to you that ye should make me knight. Sir, said Sir
+Lamorak and Sir Gaheris, it were well done to make him knight; for him
+beseemeth well of person and of countenance, that he shall prove a good
+man, and a good knight, and a mighty; for, Sir, an ye be remembered,
+even such one was Sir Launcelot du Lake when he came first into this
+court, and full few of us knew from whence he came; and now is he
+proved the man of most worship in the world; and all your court and all
+your Round Table is by Sir Launcelot worshipped and amended more than
+by any knight now living. That is truth, said the king, and to-morrow
+at your request I shall make him knight.
+
+So on the morrow there was an hart found, and thither rode King Arthur
+with a company of his knights to slay the hart. And this young man that
+Sir Kay named La Cote Male Taile was there left behind with Queen
+Guenever; and by sudden adventure there was an horrible lion kept in a
+strong tower of stone, and it happened that he at that time brake
+loose, and came hurling afore the queen and her knights. And when the
+queen saw the lion she cried and fled, and prayed her knights to rescue
+her. And there was none of them all but twelve that abode, and all the
+other fled. Then said La Cote Male Taile: Now I see well that all
+coward knights be not dead; and therewithal he drew his sword and
+dressed him afore the lion. And that lion gaped wide and came upon him
+ramping to have slain him. And he then smote him in the midst of the
+head such a mighty stroke that it clave his head in sunder, and dashed
+to the earth. Then was it told the queen how the young man that Sir Kay
+named by scorn La Cote Male Taile had slain the lion. With that the
+king came home. And when the queen told him of that adventure, he was
+well pleased, and said: Upon pain of mine head he shall prove a noble
+man and a faithful knight, and true of his promise: then the king
+forthwithal made him knight. Now Sir, said this young knight, I require
+you and all the knights of your court, that ye call me by none other
+name but La Cote Male Taile: in so much as Sir Kay hath so named me so
+will I be called. I assent me well thereto, said the king.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. How a damosel came into the court and desired a knight to
+take on him an enquest, which La Cote Male Taile emprised.
+
+Then that same day there came a damosel into the court, and she brought
+with her a great black shield, with a white hand in the midst holding a
+sword. Other picture was there none in that shield. When King Arthur
+saw her he asked her from whence she came and what she would. Sir, she
+said, I have ridden long and many a day with this shield many ways, and
+for this cause I am come to your court: there was a good knight that
+ought this shield, and this knight had undertaken a great deed of arms
+to enchieve it; and so it misfortuned him another strong knight met
+with him by sudden adventure, and there they fought long, and either
+wounded other passing sore; and they were so weary that they left that
+battle even hand. So this knight that ought this shield saw none other
+way but he must die; and then he commanded me to bear this shield to
+the court of King Arthur, he requiring and praying some good knight to
+take this shield, and that he would fulfil the quest that he was in.
+Now what say ye to this quest? said King Arthur; is there any of you
+here that will take upon him to wield this shield? Then was there not
+one that would speak one word. Then Sir Kay took the shield in his
+hands. Sir knight, said the damosel, what is your name? Wit ye well,
+said he, my name is Sir Kay, the Seneschal, that wide-where is known.
+Sir, said that damosel, lay down that shield, for wit ye well it
+falleth not for you, for he must be a better knight than ye that shall
+wield this shield. Damosel, said Sir Kay, wit ye well I took this
+shield in my hands by your leave for to behold it, not to that intent;
+but go wheresomever thou wilt, for I will not go with you.
+
+Then the damosel stood still a great while and beheld many of those
+knights. Then spake the knight, La Cote Male Taile: Fair damosel, I
+will take the shield and that adventure upon me, so I wist I should
+know whitherward my journey might be; for because I was this day made
+knight I would take this adventure upon me. What is your name, fair
+young man? said the damosel. My name is, said he, La Cote Male Taile.
+Well mayest thou be called so, said the damosel, the knight with the
+evil-shapen coat; but an thou be so hardy to take upon thee to bear
+that shield and to follow me, wit thou well thy skin shall be as well
+hewn as thy coat. As for that, said La Cote Male Taile, when I am so
+hewn I will ask you no salve to heal me withal. And forthwithal there
+came into the court two squires and brought him great horses, and his
+armour, and his spears, and anon he was armed and took his leave. I
+would not by my will, said the king, that ye took upon you that hard
+adventure. Sir, said he, this adventure is mine, and the first that
+ever I took upon me, and that will I follow whatsomever come of me.
+Then that damosel departed, and La Cote Male Taile fast followed after.
+And within a while he overtook the damosel, and anon she missaid him in
+the foulest manner.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. How La Cote Male Taile overthrew Sir Dagonet the king’s
+fool, and of the rebuke that he had of the damosel.
+
+Then Sir Kay ordained Sir Dagonet, King Arthur’s fool, to follow after
+La Cote Male Taile; and there Sir Kay ordained that Sir Dagonet was
+horsed and armed, and bade him follow La Cote Male Taile and proffer
+him to joust, and so he did; and when he saw La Cote Male Taile, he
+cried and bade him make him ready to joust. So Sir La Cote Male Taile
+smote Sir Dagonet over his horse’s croup. Then the damosel mocked La
+Cote Male Taile, and said: Fie for shame! now art thou shamed in
+Arthur’s court, when they send a fool to have ado with thee, and
+specially at thy first jousts; thus she rode long, and chid. And within
+a while there came Sir Bleoberis, the good knight, and there he jousted
+with La Cote Male Taile, and there Sir Bleoberis smote him so sore,
+that horse and all fell to the earth. Then La Cote Male Taile arose up
+lightly, and dressed his shield, and drew his sword, and would have
+done battle to the utterance, for he was wood wroth. Not so, said Sir
+Bleoberis de Ganis, as at this time I will not fight upon foot. Then
+the damosel Maledisant rebuked him in the foulest manner, and bade him:
+Turn again, coward. Ah, damosel, he said, I pray you of mercy to missay
+me no more, my grief is enough though ye give me no more; I call myself
+never the worse knight when a mare’s son faileth me, and also I count
+me never the worse knight for a fall of Sir Bleoberis.
+
+So thus he rode with her two days; and by fortune there came Sir
+Palomides and encountered with him, and he in the same wise served him
+as did Bleoberis to-forehand. What dost thou here in my fellowship?
+said the damosel Maledisant, thou canst not sit no knight, nor
+withstand him one buffet, but if it were Sir Dagonet. Ah, fair damosel,
+I am not the worse to take a fall of Sir Palomides, and yet great
+disworship have I none, for neither Bleoberis nor yet Palomides would
+not fight with me on foot. As for that, said the damosel, wit thou well
+they have disdain and scorn to light off their horses to fight with
+such a lewd knight as thou art. So in the meanwhile there came Sir
+Mordred, Sir Gawaine’s brother, and so he fell in the fellowship with
+the damosel Maledisant. And then they came afore the Castle Orgulous,
+and there was such a custom that there might no knight come by that
+castle but either he must joust or be prisoner, or at the least to lose
+his horse and his harness. And there came out two knights against them,
+and Sir Mordred jousted with the foremost, and that knight of the
+castle smote Sir Mordred down off his horse. And then La Cote Male
+Taile jousted with that other, and either of them smote other down,
+horse and all, to the earth. And when they avoided their horses, then
+either of them took other’s horses. And then La Cote Male Taile rode
+unto that knight that smote down Sir Mordred, and jousted with him. And
+there Sir La Cote Male Taile hurt and wounded him passing sore, and put
+him from his horse as he had been dead. So he turned unto him that met
+him afore, and he took the flight towards the castle, and Sir La Cote
+Male Taile rode after him into the Castle Orgulous, and there La Cote
+Male Taile slew him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. How La Cote Male Taile fought against an hundred knights,
+and how he escaped by the mean of a lady.
+
+And anon there came an hundred knights about him and assailed him; and
+when he saw his horse should be slain he alighted and voided his horse,
+and put the bridle under his feet, and so put him out of the gate. And
+when he had so done he hurled in among them, and dressed his back unto
+a lady’s chamber-wall, thinking himself that he had liefer die there
+with worship than to abide the rebukes of the damosel Maledisant. And
+in the meantime as he stood and fought, that lady whose was the chamber
+went out slily at her postern, and without the gates she found La Cote
+Male Taile’s horse, and lightly she gat him by the bridle, and tied him
+to the postern. And then she went unto her chamber slily again for to
+behold how that one knight fought against an hundred knights. And when
+she had beheld him long she went to a window behind his back, and said:
+Thou knight, thou fightest wonderly well, but for all that at the last
+thou must needs die, but, an thou canst through thy mighty prowess, win
+unto yonder postern, for there have I fastened thy horse to abide thee:
+but wit thou well thou must think on thy worship, and think not to die,
+for thou mayst not win unto that postern without thou do nobly and
+mightily. When La Cote Male Taile heard her say so he gripped his sword
+in his hands, and put his shield fair afore him, and through the
+thickest press he thrulled through them. And when he came to the
+postern he found there ready four knights, and at two the first strokes
+he slew two of the knights, and the other fled; and so he won his horse
+and rode from them. And all as it was it was rehearsed in King Arthur’s
+court, how he slew twelve knights within the Castle Orgulous; and so he
+rode on his way.
+
+And in the meanwhile the damosel said to Sir Mordred: I ween my foolish
+knight be either slain or taken prisoner: then were they ware where he
+came riding. And when he was come unto them he told all how he had sped
+and escaped in despite of them all: And some of the best of them will
+tell no tales. Thou liest falsely, said the damosel, that dare I make
+good, but as a fool and a dastard to all knighthood they have let thee
+pass. That may ye prove, said La Cote Male Taile. With that she sent a
+courier of hers, that rode alway with her, for to know the truth of
+this deed; and so he rode thither lightly, and asked how and in what
+manner that La Cote Male Taile was escaped out of the castle. Then all
+the knights cursed him, and said that he was a fiend and no man: For he
+hath slain here twelve of our best knights, and we weened unto this day
+that it had been too much for Sir Launcelot du Lake or for Sir Tristram
+de Liones. And in despite of us all he is departed from us and maugre
+our heads.
+
+With this answer the courier departed and came to Maledisant his lady,
+and told her all how Sir La Cote Male Taile had sped at the Castle
+Orgulous. Then she smote down her head, and said little. By my head,
+said Sir Mordred to the damosel, ye are greatly to blame so to rebuke
+him, for I warn you plainly he is a good knight, and I doubt not but he
+shall prove a noble knight; but as yet he may not yet sit sure on
+horseback, for he that shall be a good horseman it must come of usage
+and exercise. But when he cometh to the strokes of his sword he is then
+noble and mighty, and that saw Sir Bleoberis and Sir Palomides, for wit
+ye well they are wily men of arms, and anon they know when they see a
+young knight by his riding, how they are sure to give him a fall from
+his horse or a great buffet. But for the most part they will not light
+on foot with young knights, for they are wight and strongly armed. For
+in likewise Sir Launcelot du Lake, when he was first made knight, he
+was often put to the worse upon horseback, but ever upon foot he
+recovered his renown, and slew and defoiled many knights of the Round
+Table. And therefore the rebukes that Sir Launcelot did unto many
+knights causeth them that be men of prowess to beware; for often I have
+seen the old proved knights rebuked and slain by them that were but
+young beginners. Thus they rode sure talking by the way together.
+
+Here leave we off a while of this tale, and speak we of Sir Launcelot
+du Lake.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. How Sir Launcelot came to the court and heard of La Cote
+Male Taile, and how he followed after him, and how La Cote Male Taile
+was prisoner.
+
+That when he was come to the court of King Arthur, then heard he tell
+of the young knight La Cote Male Taile, how he slew the lion, and how
+he took upon him the adventure of the black shield, the which was named
+at that time the hardiest adventure of the world. So God me save, said
+Sir Launcelot unto many of his fellows, it was shame to all the noble
+knights to suffer such a young knight to take such adventure upon him
+for his destruction; for I will that ye wit, said Sir Launcelot, that
+that damosel Maledisant hath borne that shield many a day for to seek
+the most proved knights, and that was she that Breuse Saunce Pité took
+that shield from her, and after Tristram de Liones rescued that shield
+from him and gave it to the damosel again, a little afore that time
+that Sir Tristram fought with my nephew Sir Blamore de Ganis, for a
+quarrel that was betwixt the King of Ireland and him. Then many knights
+were sorry that Sir La Cote Male Taile was gone forth to that
+adventure. Truly, said Sir Launcelot, I cast me to ride after him. And
+within seven days Sir Launcelot overtook La Cote Male Taile, and then
+he saluted him and the damosel Maledisant. And when Sir Mordred saw Sir
+Launcelot, then he left their fellowship; and so Sir Launcelot rode
+with them all a day, and ever that damosel rebuked La Cote Male Taile;
+and then Sir Launcelot answered for him, then she left off, and rebuked
+Sir Launcelot.
+
+So this meantime Sir Tristram sent by a damosel a letter unto Sir
+Launcelot, excusing him of the wedding of Isoud la Blanche Mains; and
+said in the letter, as he was a true knight he had never ado fleshly
+with Isoud la Blanche Mains; and passing courteously and gentily Sir
+Tristram wrote unto Sir Launcelot, ever beseeching him to be his good
+friend and unto La Beale Isoud of Cornwall, and that Sir Launcelot
+would excuse him if that ever he saw her. And within short time by the
+grace of God, said Sir Tristram, that he would speak with La Beale
+Isoud, and with him right hastily. Then Sir Launcelot departed from the
+damosel and from Sir La Cote Male Taile, for to oversee that letter,
+and to write another letter unto Sir Tristram de Liones.
+
+And in the meanwhile La Cote Male Taile rode with the damosel until
+they came to a castle that hight Pendragon; and there were six knights
+stood afore him, and one of them proffered to joust with La Cote Male
+Taile. And there La Cote Male Taile smote him over his horse’s croup.
+And then the five knights set upon him all at once with their spears,
+and there they smote La Cote Male Taile down, horse and man. And then
+they alighted suddenly, and set their hands upon him all at once, and
+took him prisoner, and so led him unto the castle and kept him as
+prisoner.
+
+And on the morn Sir Launcelot arose, and delivered the damosel with
+letters unto Sir Tristram, and then he took his way after La Cote Male
+Taile; and by the way upon a bridge there was a knight proffered Sir
+Launcelot to joust, and Sir Launcelot smote him down, and then they
+fought upon foot a noble battle together, and a mighty; and at the last
+Sir Launcelot smote him down grovelling upon his hands and his knees.
+And then that knight yielded him, and Sir Launcelot received him fair.
+Sir, said the knight, I require thee tell me your name, for much my
+heart giveth unto you. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, as at this time I will
+not tell you my name, unless then that ye tell me your name. Certainly,
+said the knight, my name is Sir Nerovens, that was made knight of my
+lord Sir Launcelot du Lake. Ah, Nerovens de Lile, said Sir Launcelot, I
+am right glad that ye are proved a good knight, for now wit ye well my
+name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Alas, said Sir Nerovens de Lile, what
+have I done! And therewithal flatling he fell to his feet, and would
+have kissed them, but Sir Launcelot would not let him; and then either
+made great joy of other. And then Sir Nerovens told Sir Launcelot that
+he should not go by the Castle of Pendragon: For there is a lord, a
+mighty knight, and many knights with him, and this night I heard say
+that they took a knight prisoner yesterday that rode with a damosel,
+and they say he is a Knight of the Round Table.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot fought with six knights, and after with
+Sir Brian, and how he delivered the prisoners.
+
+Ah, said Sir Launcelot, that knight is my fellow, and him shall I
+rescue or else I shall lose my life therefore. And therewithal he rode
+fast till he came before the Castle of Pendragon; and anon therewithal
+there came six knights, and all made them ready to set upon Sir
+Launcelot at once; then Sir Launcelot feutred his spear, and smote the
+foremost that he brake his back in-sunder, and three of them hit and
+three failed. And then Sir Launcelot passed through them, and lightly
+he turned in again, and smote another knight through the breast and
+throughout the back more than an ell, and therewithal his spear brake.
+So then all the remnant of the four knights drew their swords and
+lashed at Sir Launcelot. And at every stroke Sir Launcelot bestowed so
+his strokes that at four strokes sundry they avoided their saddles,
+passing sore wounded; and forthwithal he rode hurling into that castle.
+
+And anon the lord of the castle, that was that time cleped Sir Brian de
+les Isles, the which was a noble man and a great enemy unto King
+Arthur, within a while he was armed and upon horseback. And then they
+feutred their spears and hurled together so strongly that both their
+horses rashed to the earth. And then they avoided their saddles, and
+dressed their shields, and drew their swords, and flang together as
+wood men, and there were many strokes given in a while. At the last Sir
+Launcelot gave to Sir Brian such a buffet that he kneeled upon his
+knees, and then Sir Launcelot rashed upon him, and with great force he
+pulled off his helm; and when Sir Brian saw that he should be slain he
+yielded him, and put him in his mercy and in his grace. Then Sir
+Launcelot made him to deliver all his prisoners that he had within his
+castle, and therein Sir Launcelot found of Arthur’s knights thirty, and
+forty ladies, and so he delivered them; and then he rode his way. And
+anon as La Cote Male Taile was delivered he gat his horse, and his
+harness, and his damosel Maledisant.
+
+The meanwhile Sir Nerovens, that Sir Launcelot had foughten withal
+afore at the bridge, he sent a damosel after Sir Launcelot to wit how
+he sped at the Castle of Pendragon. And then they within the castle
+marvelled what knight he was, when Sir Brian and his knights delivered
+all those prisoners. Have ye no marvel, said the damosel, for the best
+knight in this world was here, and did this journey, and wit ye well,
+she said, it was Sir Launcelot. Then was Sir Brian full glad, and so
+was his lady, and all his knights, that such a man should win them. And
+when the damosel and La Cote Male Taile understood that it was Sir
+Launcelot du Lake that had ridden with them in fellowship, and that she
+remembered her how she had rebuked him and called him coward, then was
+she passing heavy.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot met with the damosel named Male disant,
+and named her the Damosel Bienpensant.
+
+So then they took their horses and rode forth a pace after Sir
+Launcelot. And within two mile they overtook him, and saluted him, and
+thanked him, and the damosel cried Sir Launcelot mercy of her evil deed
+and saying: For now I know the flower of all knighthood is departed
+even between Sir Tristram and you. For God knoweth, said the damosel,
+that I have sought you my lord, Sir Launcelot, and Sir Tristram long,
+and now I thank God I have met with you; and once at Camelot I met with
+Sir Tristram, and there he rescued this black shield with the white
+hand holding a naked sword that Sir Breuse Saunce Pité had taken from
+me. Now, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, who told you my name? Sir,
+said she, there came a damosel from a knight that ye fought withal at
+the bridge, and she told me your name was Sir Launcelot du Lake. Blame
+have she then, said Sir Launcelot, but her lord, Sir Nerovens, hath
+told her. But, damosel, said Sir Launcelot, upon this covenant I will
+ride with you, so that ye will not rebuke this knight Sir La Cote Male
+Taile no more; for he is a good knight, and I doubt not he shall prove
+a noble knight, and for his sake and pity that he should not be
+destroyed I followed him to succour him in this great need. Ah, Jesu
+thank you, said the damosel, for now I will say unto you and to him
+both, I rebuked him never for no hate that I hated him, but for great
+love that I had to him. For ever I supposed that he had been too young
+and too tender to take upon him these adventures. And therefore by my
+will I would have driven him away for jealousy that I had of his life,
+for it may be no young knight’s deed that shall enchieve this adventure
+to the end. Pardieu, said Sir Launcelot, it is well said, and where ye
+are called the Damosel Maledisant I will call you the Damosel
+Bienpensant.
+
+And so they rode forth a great while unto they came to the border of
+the country of Surluse, and there they found a fair village with a
+strong bridge like a fortress. And when Sir Launcelot and they were at
+the bridge there stert forth afore them of gentlemen and yeomen many,
+that said: Fair lords, ye may not pass this bridge and this fortress
+because of that black shield that I see one of you bear, and therefore
+there shall not pass but one of you at once; therefore choose you which
+of you shall enter within this bridge first. Then Sir Launcelot
+proffered himself first to enter within this bridge. Sir, said La Cote
+Male Taile, I beseech you let me enter within this fortress, and if I
+may speed well I will send for you, and if it happened that I be slain,
+there it goeth. And if so be that I am a prisoner taken, then may ye
+rescue me. I am loath, said Sir Launcelot, to let you pass this
+passage. Sir, said La Cote Male Taile, I pray you let me put my body in
+this adventure. Now go your way, said Sir Launcelot, and Jesu be your
+speed.
+
+So he entered, and anon there met with him two brethren, the one hight
+Sir Plaine de Force, and the other hight Sir Plaine de Amours. And anon
+they met with Sir La Cote Male Taile; and first La Cote Male Taile
+smote down Plaine de Force, and after he smote down Plaine de Amours;
+and then they dressed them to their shields and swords, and bade La
+Cote Male Taile alight, and so he did; and there was dashing and
+foining with swords, and so they began to assail full hard La Cote Male
+Taile, and many great wounds they gave him upon his head, and upon his
+breast, and upon his shoulders. And as he might ever among he gave sad
+strokes again. And then the two brethren traced and traversed for to be
+of both hands of Sir La Cote Male Taile, but he by fine force and
+knightly prowess gat them afore him. And then when he felt himself so
+wounded, then he doubled his strokes, and gave them so many wounds that
+he felled them to the earth, and would have slain them had they not
+yielded them. And right so Sir La Cote Male Taile took the best horse
+that there was of them three, and so rode forth his way to the other
+fortress and bridge; and there he met with the third brother whose name
+was Sir Plenorius, a full noble knight, and there they jousted
+together, and either smote other down, horse and man, to the earth. And
+then they avoided their horses, and dressed their shields, and drew
+their swords, and gave many sad strokes, and one while the one knight
+was afore on the bridge, and another while the other. And thus they
+fought two hours and more, and never rested. And ever Sir Launcelot and
+the damosel beheld them. Alas, said the damosel, my knight fighteth
+passing sore and over long. Now may ye see, said Sir Launcelot, that he
+is a noble knight, for to consider his first battle, and his grievous
+wounds; and even forthwithal so wounded as he is, it is marvel that he
+may endure this long battle with that good knight.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. How La Cote Male Taile was taken prisoner, and after
+rescued by Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot overcame four brethren.
+
+This meanwhile Sir La Cote Male Taile sank right down upon the earth,
+what for-wounded and what for-bled he might not stand. Then the other
+knight had pity of him, and said: Fair young knight, dismay you not,
+for had ye been fresh when ye met with me, as I was, I wot well that I
+should not have endured so long as ye have done; and therefore for your
+noble deeds of arms I shall show to you kindness and gentleness in all
+that I may. And forthwithal this noble knight, Sir Plenorius, took him
+up in his arms, and led him into his tower. And then he commanded him
+the wine, and made to search him and to stop his bleeding wounds. Sir,
+said La Cote Male Taile, withdraw you from me, and hie you to yonder
+bridge again, for there will meet with you another manner knight than
+ever was I. Why, said Plenorius, is there another manner knight behind
+of your fellowship? Yea, said La Cote Male Taile, there is a much
+better knight than I am. What is his name? said Plenorius. Ye shall not
+know for me, said La Cote Male Taile. Well, said the knight, he shall
+be encountered withal whatsomever he be.
+
+Then Sir Plenorius heard a knight call that said: Sir Plenorius, where
+art thou? either thou must deliver me the prisoner that thou hast led
+unto thy tower, or else come and do battle with me. Then Plenorius gat
+his horse, and came with a spear in his hand walloping toward Sir
+Launcelot; and then they began to feutre their spears, and came
+together as thunder, and smote either other so mightily that their
+horses fell down under them. And then they avoided their horses, and
+pulled out their swords, and like two bulls they lashed together with
+great strokes and foins; but ever Sir Launcelot recovered ground upon
+him, and Sir Plenorius traced to have gone about him. But Sir Launcelot
+would not suffer that, but bare him backer and backer, till he came
+nigh his tower gate. And then said Sir Launcelot: I know thee well for
+a good knight, but wit thou well thy life and death is in my hand, and
+therefore yield thee to me, and thy prisoner. The other answered no
+word, but struck mightily upon Sir Launcelot’s helm, that the fire
+sprang out of his eyes. Then Sir Launcelot doubled his strokes so
+thick, and smote at him so mightily, that he made him kneel upon his
+knees. And therewith Sir Launcelot leapt upon him, and pulled him
+grovelling down. Then Sir Plenorius yielded him, and his tower, and all
+his prisoners at his will.
+
+Then Sir Launcelot received him and took his troth; and then he rode to
+the other bridge, and there Sir Launcelot jousted with other three of
+his brethren, the one hight Pillounes, and the other hight Pellogris,
+and the third Sir Pellandris. And first upon horseback Sir Launcelot
+smote them down, and afterward he beat them on foot, and made them to
+yield them unto him; and then he returned unto Sir Plenorius, and there
+he found in his prison King Carados of Scotland, and many other
+knights, and all they were delivered. And then Sir La Cote Male Taile
+came to Sir Launcelot, and then Sir Launcelot would have given him all
+these fortresses and these bridges. Nay, said La Cote Male Taile, I
+will not have Sir Plenorius’ livelihood; with that he will grant you,
+my lord Sir Launcelot, to come unto King Arthur’s court, and to be his
+knight, and all his brethren, I will pray you, my lord, to let him have
+his livelihood. I will well, said Sir Launcelot, with this that he will
+come to the court of King Arthur and become his man, and his brethren
+five. And as for you, Sir Plenorius, I will undertake, said Sir
+Launcelot, at the next feast, so there be a place voided, that ye shall
+be Knight of the Round Table. Sir, said Plenorius, at the next feast of
+Pentecost I will be at Arthur’s court, and at that time I will be
+guided and ruled as King Arthur and ye will have me. Then Sir Launcelot
+and Sir La Cote Male Taile reposed them there, unto the time that Sir
+La Cote Male Taile was whole of his wounds, and there they had merry
+cheer, and good rest, and many good games, and there were many fair
+ladies.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. How Sir Launcelot made La Cote Male Taile lord of the
+Castle of Pendragon, and after was made knight of the Round Table.
+
+And in the meanwhile came Sir Kay, the Seneschal, and Sir Brandiles,
+and anon they fellowshipped with them. And then within ten days, then
+departed those knights of Arthur’s court from these fortresses. And as
+Sir Launcelot came by the Castle of Pendragon there he put Sir Brian de
+les Isles from his lands, for cause he would never be withhold with
+King Arthur; and all that Castle of Pendragon and all the lands thereof
+he gave to Sir La Cote Male Taile. And then Sir Launcelot sent for
+Nerovens that he made once knight, and he made him to have all the rule
+of that castle and of that country, under La Cote Male Taile; and so
+they rode to Arthur’s court all wholly together. And at Pentecost next
+following there was Sir Plenorius and Sir La Cote Male Taile, called
+otherwise by right Sir Breunor le Noire, both made Knights of the Table
+Round; and great lands King Arthur gave them, and there Breunor le
+Noire wedded that damosel Maledisant. And after she was called
+Beauvivante, but ever after for the more part he was called La Cote
+Male Taile; and he proved a passing noble knight, and mighty; and many
+worshipful deeds he did after in his life; and Sir Plenorius proved a
+noble knight and full of prowess, and all the days of their life for
+the most part they awaited upon Sir Launcelot; and Sir Plenorius’
+brethren were ever knights of King Arthur. And also, as the French book
+maketh mention, Sir La Cote Male Taile avenged his father’s death.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. How La Beale Isoud sent letters to Sir Tristram by her maid
+Bragwaine, and of divers adventures of Sir Tristram.
+
+Now leave we here Sir La Cote Male Taile, and turn we unto Sir Tristram
+de Liones that was in Brittany. When La Beale Isoud understood that he
+was wedded she sent to him by her maiden Bragwaine as piteous letters
+as could be thought and made, and her conclusion was that, an it
+pleased Sir Tristram, that he would come to her court, and bring with
+him Isoud la Blanche Mains, and they should be kept as well as she
+herself. Then Sir Tristram called unto him Sir Kehydius, and asked him
+whether he would go with him into Cornwall secretly. He answered him
+that he was ready at all times. And then he let ordain privily a little
+vessel, and therein they went, Sir Tristram, Kehydius, Dame Bragwaine,
+and Gouvernail, Sir Tristram’s squire. So when they were in the sea a
+contrarious wind blew them on the coasts of North Wales, nigh the
+Castle Perilous. Then said Sir Tristram: Here shall ye abide me these
+ten days, and Gouvernail, my squire, with you. And if so be I come not
+again by that day take the next way into Cornwall; for in this forest
+are many strange adventures, as I have heard say, and some of them I
+cast me to prove or I depart. And when I may I shall hie me after you.
+
+Then Sir Tristram and Kehydius took their horses and departed from
+their fellowship. And so they rode within that forest a mile and more;
+and at the last Sir Tristram saw afore him a likely knight, armed,
+sitting by a well, and a strong mighty horse passing nigh him tied to
+an oak, and a man hoving and riding by him leading an horse laden with
+spears. And this knight that sat at the well seemed by his countenance
+to be passing heavy. Then Sir Tristram rode near him and said: Fair
+knight, why sit ye so drooping? ye seem to be a knight-errant by your
+arms and harness, and therefore dress you to joust with one of us, or
+with both. Therewithal that knight made no words, but took his shield
+and buckled it about his neck, and lightly he took his horse and leapt
+upon him. And then he took a great spear of his squire, and departed
+his way a furlong. Sir Kehydius asked leave of Sir Tristram to joust
+first. Do your best, said Sir Tristram. So they met together, and there
+Sir Kehydius had a fall, and was sore wounded on high above the paps.
+Then Sir Tristram said: Knight, that is well jousted, now make you
+ready unto me. I am ready, said the knight. And then that knight took a
+greater spear in his hand, and encountered with Sir Tristram, and there
+by great force that knight smote down Sir Tristram from his horse and
+had a great fall. Then Sir Tristram was sore ashamed, and lightly he
+avoided his horse, and put his shield afore his shoulder, and drew his
+sword. And then Sir Tristram required that knight of his knighthood to
+alight upon foot and fight with him. I will well, said the knight; and
+so he alighted upon foot, and avoided his horse, and cast his shield
+upon his shoulder, and drew his sword, and there they fought a long
+battle together full nigh two hours. Then Sir Tristram said: Fair
+knight, hold thine hand, and tell me of whence thou art, and what is
+thy name. As for that, said the knight, I will be avised; but an thou
+wilt tell me thy name peradventure I will tell thee mine.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. How Sir Tristram met with Sir Lamorak de Galis, and how
+they fought, and after accorded never to fight together.
+
+Now fair knight, he said, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones. Sir, said
+the other knight, and my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. Ah, Sir Lamorak,
+said Sir Tristram, well be we met, and bethink thee now of the despite
+thou didst me of the sending of the horn unto King Mark’s court, to the
+intent to have slain or dishonoured my lady the queen, La Beale Isoud;
+and therefore wit thou well, said Sir Tristram, the one of us shall die
+or we depart. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, remember that we were together in
+the Isle of Servage, and at that time ye promised me great friendship.
+Then Sir Tristram would make no longer delays, but lashed at Sir
+Lamorak; and thus they fought long till either were weary of other.
+Then Sir Tristram said to Sir Lamorak: In all my life met I never with
+such a knight that was so big and well breathed as ye be, therefore,
+said Sir Tristram, it were pity that any of us both should here be
+mischieved. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, for your renown and name I will that
+ye have the worship of this battle, and therefore I will yield me unto
+you. And therewith he took the point of his sword to yield him. Nay,
+said Sir Tristram, ye shall not do so, for well I know your proffers,
+and more of your gentleness than for any fear or dread ye have of me.
+And therewithal Sir Tristram proffered him his sword and said: Sir
+Lamorak, as an overcome knight I yield me unto you as to a man of the
+most noble prowess that ever I met withal. Nay, said Sir Lamorak, I
+will do you gentleness; I require you let us be sworn together that
+never none of us shall after this day have ado with other. And
+therewithal Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak sware that never none of them
+should fight against other, nor for weal nor for woe.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. How Sir Palomides followed the Questing Beast, and smote
+down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one spear.
+
+And this meanwhile there came Sir Palomides, the good knight, following
+the Questing Beast that had in shape a head like a serpent’s head, and
+a body like a leopard, buttocks like a lion, and footed like an hart;
+and in his body there was such a noise as it had been the noise of
+thirty couple of hounds questing, and such a noise that beast made
+wheresomever he went; and this beast ever more Sir Palomides followed,
+for it was called his quest. And right so as he followed this beast it
+came by Sir Tristram, and soon after came Palomides. And to brief this
+matter he smote down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak both with one spear;
+and so he departed after the beast Galtisant, that was called the
+Questing Beast; wherefore these two knights were passing wroth that Sir
+Palomides would not fight on foot with them. Here men may understand
+that be of worship, that he was never formed that all times might
+stand, but sometime he was put to the worse by mal-fortune; and at
+sometime the worse knight put the better knight to a rebuke.
+
+Then Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak gat Sir Kehydius upon a shield
+betwixt them both, and led him to a forester’s lodge, and there they
+gave him in charge to keep him well, and with him they abode three
+days. Then the two knights took their horses and at the cross they
+departed. And then said Sir Tristram to Sir Lamorak: I require you if
+ye hap to meet with Sir Palomides, say him that he shall find me at the
+same well where I met him, and there I, Sir Tristram, shall prove
+whether he be better knight than I. And so either departed from other a
+sundry way, and Sir Tristram rode nigh thereas was Sir Kehydius; and
+Sir Lamorak rode until he came to a chapel, and there he put his horse
+unto pasture. And anon there came Sir Meliagaunce, that was King
+Bagdemagus’ son, and he there put his horse to pasture, and was not
+ware of Sir Lamorak; and then this knight Sir Meliagaunce made his moan
+of the love that he had to Queen Guenever, and there he made a woful
+complaint. All this heard Sir Lamorak, and on the morn Sir Lamorak took
+his horse and rode unto the forest, and there he met with two knights
+hoving under the wood-shaw. Fair knights, said Sir Lamorak, what do ye
+hoving here and watching? and if ye be knights-errant that will joust,
+lo I am ready. Nay, sir knight, they said, not so, we abide not here to
+joust with you, but we lie here in await of a knight that slew our
+brother. What knight was that, said Sir Lamorak, that you would fain
+meet withal? Sir, they said, it is Sir Launcelot that slew our brother,
+and if ever we may meet with him he shall not escape, but we shall slay
+him. Ye take upon you a great charge, said Sir Lamorak, for Sir
+Launcelot is a noble proved knight. As for that we doubt not, for there
+nis none of us but we are good enough for him. I will not believe that,
+said Sir Lamorak, for I heard never yet of no knight the days of my
+life but Sir Launcelot was too big for him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Lamorak met with Sir Meliagaunce, and fought
+together for the beauty of Dame Guenever.
+
+Right so as they stood talking thus Sir Lamorak was ware how Sir
+Launcelot came riding straight toward them; then Sir Lamorak saluted
+him, and he him again. And then Sir Lamorak asked Sir Launcelot if
+there were anything that he might do for him in these marches. Nay,
+said Sir Launcelot, not at this time I thank you. Then either departed
+from other, and Sir Lamorak rode again thereas he left the two knights,
+and then he found them hid in the leaved wood. Fie on you, said Sir
+Lamorak, false cowards, pity and shame it is that any of you should
+take the high order of knighthood. So Sir Lamorak departed from them,
+and within a while he met with Sir Meliagaunce. And then Sir Lamorak
+asked him why he loved Queen Guenever as he did: For I was not far from
+you when ye made your complaint by the chapel. Did ye so? said Sir
+Meliagaunce, then will I abide by it: I love Queen Guenever, what will
+ye with it? I will prove and make good that she is the fairest lady and
+most of beauty in the world. As to that, said Sir Lamorak, I say nay
+thereto, for Queen Morgawse of Orkney, mother to Sir Gawaine, and his
+mother is the fairest queen and lady that beareth the life. That is not
+so, said Sir Meliagaunce, and that will I prove with my hands upon thy
+body. Will ye so? said Sir Lamorak, and in a better quarrel keep I not
+to fight. Then they departed either from other in great wrath. And then
+they came riding together as it had been thunder, and either smote
+other so sore that their horses fell backward to the earth. And then
+they avoided their horses, and dressed their shields, and drew their
+swords. And then they hurtled together as wild boars, and thus they
+fought a great while. For Meliagaunce was a good man and of great
+might, but Sir Lamorak was hard big for him, and put him always aback,
+but either had wounded other sore.
+
+And as they stood thus fighting, by fortune came Sir Launcelot and Sir
+Bleoberis riding. And then Sir Launcelot rode betwixt them, and asked
+them for what cause they fought so together: And ye are both knights of
+King Arthur!
+
+Sir, said Meliagaunce, I shall tell you for what cause we do this
+battle. I praised my lady, Queen Guenever, and said she was the fairest
+lady of the world, and Sir Lamorak said nay thereto, for he said Queen
+Morgawse of Orkney was fairer than she and more of beauty. Ah, Sir
+Lamorak, why sayest thou so? it is not thy part to dispraise thy
+princess that thou art under her obeissance, and we all. And therewith
+he alighted on foot, and said: For this quarrel, make thee ready, for I
+will prove upon thee that Queen Guenever is the fairest lady and most
+of bounty in the world. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, I am loath to have ado
+with you in this quarrel, for every man thinketh his own lady fairest;
+and though I praise the lady that I love most ye should not be wroth;
+for though my lady, Queen Guenever, be fairest in your eye, wit ye well
+Queen Morgawse of Orkney is fairest in mine eye, and so every knight
+thinketh his own lady fairest; and wit ye well, sir, ye are the man in
+the world except Sir Tristram that I am most loathest to have ado
+withal, but, an ye will needs fight with me I shall endure you as long
+as I may. Then spake Sir Bleoberis and said: My lord Sir Launcelot, I
+wist you never so misadvised as ye are now, for Sir Lamorak sayeth you
+but reason and knightly; for I warn you I have a lady, and methinketh
+that she is the fairest lady of the world. Were this a great reason
+that ye should be wroth with me for such language? And well ye wot,
+that Sir Lamorak is as noble a knight as I know, and he hath ought you
+and us ever good will, and therefore I pray you be good friends. Then
+Sir Launcelot said unto Sir Lamorak. I pray you forgive me mine evil
+will, and if I was misadvised I will amend it. Sir, said Sir Lamorak,
+the amends is soon made betwixt you and me. And so Sir Launcelot and
+Sir Bleoberis departed, and Sir Meliagaunce and Sir Lamorak took their
+horses, and either departed from other.
+
+And within a while came King Arthur, and met with Sir Lamorak, and
+jousted with him; and there he smote down Sir Lamorak, and wounded him
+sore with a spear, and so he rode from him; wherefore Sir Lamorak was
+wroth that he would not fight with him on foot, howbeit that Sir
+Lamorak knew not King Arthur.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Kay met with Sir Tristram, and after of the shame
+spoken of the knights of Cornwall, and how they jousted.
+
+Now leave we of this tale, and speak we of Sir Tristram, that as he
+rode he met with Sir Kay, the Seneschal; and there Sir Kay asked Sir
+Tristram of what country he was. He answered that he was of the country
+of Cornwall. It may well be, said Sir Kay, for yet heard I never that
+ever good knight came out of Cornwall. That is evil spoken, said Sir
+Tristram, but an it please you to tell me your name I require you. Sir,
+wit ye well, said Sir Kay, that my name is Sir Kay, the Seneschal. Is
+that your name? said Sir Tristram, now wit ye well that ye are named
+the shamefullest knight of your tongue that now is living; howbeit ye
+are called a good knight, but ye are called unfortunate, and passing
+overthwart of your tongue. And thus they rode together till they came
+to a bridge. And there was a knight would not let them pass till one of
+them jousted with him; and so that knight jousted with Sir Kay, and
+there that knight gave Sir Kay a fall: his name was Sir Tor, Sir
+Lamorak’s half-brother. And then they two rode to their lodging, and
+there they found Sir Brandiles, and Sir Tor came thither anon after.
+And as they sat at supper these four knights, three of them spake all
+shame by Cornish knights. Sir Tristram heard all that they said and he
+said but little, but he thought the more, but at that time he
+discovered not his name.
+
+Upon the morn Sir Tristram took his horse and abode them upon their
+way. And there Sir Brandiles proffered to joust with Sir Tristram, and
+Sir Tristram smote him down, horse and all, to the earth. Then Sir Tor
+le Fise de Vayshoure encountered with Sir Tristram and there Sir
+Tristram smote him down, and then he rode his way, and Sir Kay followed
+him, but he would not of his fellowship. Then Sir Brandiles came to Sir
+Kay and said: I would wit fain what is that knight’s name. Come on with
+me, said Sir Kay, and we shall pray him to tell us his name. So they
+rode together till they came nigh him, and then they were ware where he
+sat by a well, and had put off his helm to drink at the well. And when
+he saw them come he laced on his helm lightly, and took his horse, and
+proffered them to joust. Nay, said Sir Brandiles, we jousted late
+enough with you, we come not in that intent. But for this we come to
+require you of knighthood to tell us your name. My fair knights, sithen
+that is your desire, and to please you, ye shall wit that my name is
+Sir Tristram de Liones, nephew unto King Mark of Cornwall. In good
+time, said Sir Brandiles, and well be ye found, and wit ye well that we
+be right glad that we have found you, and we be of a fellowship that
+would be right glad of your company. For ye are the knight in the world
+that the noble fellowship of the Round Table most desireth to have the
+company of. God thank them, said Sir Tristram, of their great goodness,
+but as yet I feel well that I am unable to be of their fellowship, for
+I was never yet of such deeds of worthiness to be in the company of
+such a fellowship. Ah, said Sir Kay, an ye be Sir Tristram de Liones,
+ye are the man called now most of prowess except Sir Launcelot du Lake;
+for he beareth not the life, Christian nor heathen, that can find such
+another knight, to speak of his prowess, and of his hands, and his
+truth withal. For yet could there never creature say of him dishonour
+and make it good. Thus they talked a great while, and then they
+departed either from other such ways as them seemed best.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV. How King Arthur was brought into the Forest Perilous, and
+how Sir Tristram saved his life.
+
+Now shall ye hear what was the cause that King Arthur came into the
+Forest Perilous, that was in North Wales, by the means of a lady. Her
+name was Annowre, and this lady came to King Arthur at Cardiff; and she
+by fair promise and fair behests made King Arthur to ride with her into
+that Forest Perilous; and she was a great sorceress; and many days she
+had loved King Arthur, and because she would have him to lie by her she
+came into that country. So when the king was gone with her many of his
+knights followed after King Arthur when they missed him, as Sir
+Launcelot, Brandiles, and many other; and when she had brought him to
+her tower she desired him to lie by her; and then the king remembered
+him of his lady, and would not lie by her for no craft that she could
+do. Then every day she would make him ride into that forest with his
+own knights, to the intent to have had King Arthur slain. For when this
+Lady Annowre saw that she might not have him at her will, then she
+laboured by false means to have destroyed King Arthur, and slain.
+
+Then the Lady of the Lake that was alway friendly to King Arthur, she
+understood by her subtle crafts that King Arthur was like to be
+destroyed. And therefore this Lady of the Lake, that hight Nimue, came
+into that forest to seek after Sir Launcelot du Lake or Sir Tristram
+for to help King Arthur; foras that same day this Lady of the Lake knew
+well that King Arthur should be slain, unless that he had help of one
+of these two knights. And thus she rode up and down till she met with
+Sir Tristram, and anon as she saw him she knew him. O my lord Sir
+Tristram, she said, well be ye met, and blessed be the time that I have
+met with you; for this same day, and within these two hours, shall be
+done the foulest deed that ever was done in this land. O fair damosel,
+said Sir Tristram, may I amend it. Come on with me, she said, and that
+in all the haste ye may, for ye shall see the most worshipfullest
+knight of the world hard bestead. Then said Sir Tristram: I am ready to
+help such a noble man. He is neither better nor worse, said the Lady of
+the Lake, but the noble King Arthur himself. God defend, said Sir
+Tristram, that ever he should be in such distress. Then they rode
+together a great pace, until they came to a little turret or castle;
+and underneath that castle they saw a knight standing upon foot
+fighting with two knights; and so Sir Tristram beheld them, and at the
+last the two knights smote down the one knight, and that one of them
+unlaced his helm to have slain him. And the Lady Annowre gat King
+Arthur’s sword in her hand to have stricken off his head. And
+therewithal came Sir Tristram with all his might, crying: Traitress,
+traitress, leave that. And anon there Sir Tristram smote the one of the
+knights through the body that he fell dead; and then he rashed to the
+other and smote his back asunder; and in the meanwhile the Lady of the
+Lake cried to King Arthur: Let not that false lady escape. Then King
+Arthur overtook her, and with the same sword he smote off her head, and
+the Lady of the Lake took up her head and hung it up by the hair of her
+saddle-bow. And then Sir Tristram horsed King Arthur and rode forth
+with him, but he charged the Lady of the Lake not to discover his name
+as at that time.
+
+When the king was horsed he thanked heartily Sir Tristram, and desired
+to wit his name; but he would not tell him, but that he was a poor
+knight adventurous; and so he bare King Arthur fellowship till he met
+with some of his knights. And within a while he met with Sir Ector de
+Maris, and he knew not King Arthur nor Sir Tristram, and he desired to
+joust with one of them. Then Sir Tristram rode unto Sir Ector, and
+smote him from his horse. And when he had done so he came again to the
+king and said: My lord, yonder is one of your knights, he may bare you
+fellowship, and another day that deed that I have done for you I trust
+to God ye shall understand that I would do you service. Alas, said King
+Arthur, let me wit what ye are? Not at this time, said Sir Tristram. So
+he departed and left King Arthur and Sir Ector together.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Tristram came to La Beale Isoud, and how Kehydius
+began to love Beale Isoud, and of a letter that Tristram found.
+
+And then at a day set Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak met at the well; and
+then they took Kehydius at the forester’s house, and so they rode with
+him to the ship where they left Dame Bragwaine and Gouvernail, and so
+they sailed into Cornwall all wholly together. And by assent and
+information of Dame Bragwaine when they were landed they rode unto Sir
+Dinas, the Seneschal, a trusty friend of Sir Tristram’s. And so Dame
+Bragwaine and Sir Dinas rode to the court of King Mark, and told the
+queen, La Beale Isoud, that Sir Tristram was nigh her in that country.
+Then for very pure joy La Beale Isoud swooned; and when she might speak
+she said: Gentle knight Seneschal, help that I might speak with him,
+outher my heart will brast. Then Sir Dinas and Dame Bragwaine brought
+Sir Tristram and Kehydius privily unto the court, unto a chamber
+whereas La Beale Isoud had assigned it; and to tell the joys that were
+betwixt La Beale Isoud and Sir Tristram, there is no tongue can tell
+it, nor heart think it, nor pen write it. And as the French book maketh
+mention, at the first time that ever Sir Kehydius saw La Beale Isoud he
+was so enamoured upon her that for very pure love he might never
+withdraw it. And at the last, as ye shall hear or the book be ended,
+Sir Kehydius died for the love of La Beale Isoud. And then privily he
+wrote unto her letters and ballads of the most goodliest that were used
+in those days. And when La Beale Isoud understood his letters she had
+pity of his complaint, and unavised she wrote another letter to comfort
+him withal.
+
+And Sir Tristram was all this while in a turret at the commandment of
+La Beale Isoud, and when she might she came unto Sir Tristram. So on a
+day King Mark played at the chess under a chamber window; and at that
+time Sir Tristram and Sir Kehydius were within the chamber over King
+Mark, and as it mishapped Sir Tristram found the letter that Kehydius
+sent unto La Beale Isoud, also he had found the letter that she wrote
+unto Kehydius, and at that same time La Beale Isoud was in the same
+chamber. Then Sir Tristram came unto La Beale Isoud and said: Madam,
+here is a letter that was sent unto you, and here is the letter that ye
+sent unto him that sent you that letter. Alas, Madam, the good love
+that I have loved you; and many lands and riches have I forsaken for
+your love, and now ye are a traitress to me, the which doth me great
+pain. But as for thee, Sir Kehydius, I brought thee out of Brittany
+into this country, and thy father, King Howel, I won his lands, howbeit
+I wedded thy sister Isoud la Blanche Mains for the goodness she did
+unto me. And yet, as I am true knight, she is a clean maiden for me;
+but wit thou well, Sir Kehydius, for this falsehood and treason thou
+hast done me, I will revenge it upon thee. And therewithal Sir Tristram
+drew out his sword and said: Sir Kehydius, keep thee, and then La Beale
+Isoud swooned to the earth. And when Sir Kehydius saw Sir Tristram come
+upon him he saw none other boot, but leapt out at a bay-window even
+over the head where sat King Mark playing at the chess. And when the
+king saw one come hurling over his head he said: Fellow, what art thou,
+and what is the cause thou leapest out at that window? My lord the
+king, said Kehydius, it fortuned me that I was asleep in the window
+above your head, and as I slept I slumbered, and so I fell down. And
+thus Sir Kehydius excused him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Tristram departed from Tintagil, and how he
+sorrowed and was so long in a forest till he was out of his mind.
+
+Then Sir Tristram dread sore lest he were discovered unto the king that
+he was there; wherefore he drew him to the strength of the Tower, and
+armed him in such armour as he had for to fight with them that would
+withstand him. And so when Sir Tristram saw there was no resistance
+against him he sent Gouvernail for his horse and his spear, and
+knightly he rode forth out of the castle openly, that was called the
+Castle of Tintagil. And even at gate he met with Gingalin, Sir
+Gawaine’s son. And anon Sir Gingalin put his spear in his rest, and ran
+upon Sir Tristram and brake his spear; and Sir Tristram at that time
+had but a sword, and gave him such a buffet upon the helm that he fell
+down from his saddle, and his sword slid adown, and carved asunder his
+horse’s neck. And so Sir Tristram rode his way into the forest, and all
+this doing saw King Mark. And then he sent a squire unto the hurt
+knight, and commanded him to come to him, and so he did. And when King
+Mark wist that it was Sir Gingalin he welcomed him and gave him an
+horse, and asked him what knight it was that had encountered with him.
+Sir, said Gingalin, I wot not what knight he was, but well I wot that
+he sigheth and maketh great dole.
+
+Then Sir Tristram within a while met with a knight of his own, that
+hight Sir Fergus. And when he had met with him he made great sorrow,
+insomuch that he fell down off his horse in a swoon, and in such sorrow
+he was in three days and three nights. Then at the last Sir Tristram
+sent unto the court by Sir Fergus, for to spere what tidings. And so as
+he rode by the way he met with a damosel that came from Sir Palomides,
+to know and seek how Sir Tristram did. Then Sir Fergus told her how he
+was almost out of his mind. Alas, said the damosel, where shall I find
+him? In such a place, said Sir Fergus. Then Sir Fergus found Queen
+Isoud sick in her bed, making the greatest dole that ever any earthly
+woman made. And when the damosel found Sir Tristram she made great dole
+because she might not amend him, for the more she made of him the more
+was his pain. And at the last Sir Tristram took his horse and rode away
+from her. And then was it three days or that she could find him, and
+then she brought him meat and drink, but he would none; and then
+another time Sir Tristram escaped away from the damosel, and it happed
+him to ride by the same castle where Sir Palomides and Sir Tristram did
+battle when La Beale Isoud departed them. And there by fortune the
+damosel met with Sir Tristram again, making the greatest dole that ever
+earthly creature made; and she yede to the lady of that castle and told
+her of the misadventure of Sir Tristram. Alas, said the lady of that
+castle, where is my lord, Sir Tristram? Right here by your castle, said
+the damosel. In good time, said the lady, is he so nigh me; he shall
+have meat and drink of the best; and an harp I have of his whereupon he
+taught me, for of goodly harping he beareth the prize in the world. So
+this lady and damosel brought him meat and drink, but he ate little
+thereof. Then upon a night he put his horse from him, and then he
+unlaced his armour, and then Sir Tristram would go into the wilderness,
+and brast down the trees and boughs; and otherwhile when he found the
+harp that the lady sent him, then would he harp, and play thereupon and
+weep together. And sometime when Sir Tristram was in the wood that the
+lady wist not where he was, then would she sit her down and play upon
+that harp: then would Sir Tristram come to that harp, and hearken
+thereto, and sometime he would harp himself. Thus he there endured a
+quarter of a year. Then at the last he ran his way, and she wist not
+where he was become. And then was he naked and waxed lean and poor of
+flesh; and so he fell in the fellowship of herdmen and shepherds, and
+daily they would give him some of their meat and drink. And when he did
+any shrewd deed they would beat him with rods, and so they clipped him
+with shears and made him like a fool.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Tristram soused Dagonet in a well, and how
+Palomides sent a damosel to seek Tristram, and how Palomides met with
+King Mark.
+
+And upon a day Dagonet, King Arthur’s fool, came into Cornwall with two
+squires with him; and as they rode through that forest they came by a
+fair well where Sir Tristram was wont to be; and the weather was hot,
+and they alighted to drink of that well, and in the meanwhile their
+horses brake loose. Right so Sir Tristram came unto them, and first he
+soused Sir Dagonet in that well, and after his squires, and thereat
+laughed the shepherds; and forthwithal he ran after their horses and
+brought them again one by one, and right so, wet as they were, he made
+them leap up and ride their ways. Thus Sir Tristram endured there an
+half year naked, and would never come in town nor village. The
+meanwhile the damosel that Sir Palomides sent to seek Sir Tristram, she
+yede unto Sir Palomides and told him all the mischief that Sir Tristram
+endured. Alas, said Sir Palomides, it is great pity that ever so noble
+a knight should be so mischieved for the love of a lady; but
+nevertheless, I will go and seek him, and comfort him an I may. Then a
+little before that time La Beale Isoud had commanded Sir Kehydius out
+of the country of Cornwall. So Sir Kehydius departed with a dolorous
+heart, and by adventure he met with Sir Palomides, and they
+enfellowshipped together; and either complained to other of their hot
+love that they loved La Beale Isoud. Now let us, said Sir Palomides,
+seek Sir Tristram, that loved her as well as we, and let us prove
+whether we may recover him. So they rode into that forest, and three
+days and three nights they would never take their lodging, but ever
+sought Sir Tristram.
+
+And upon a time, by adventure, they met with King Mark that was ridden
+from his men all alone. When they saw him Sir Palomides knew him, but
+Sir Kehydius knew him not. Ah, false king, said Sir Palomides, it is
+pity thou hast thy life, for thou art a destroyer of all worshipful
+knights, and by thy mischief and thy vengeance thou hast destroyed that
+most noble knight, Sir Tristram de Liones. And therefore defend thee,
+said Sir Palomides, for thou shalt die this day. That were shame, said
+King Mark, for ye two are armed and I am unarmed. As for that, said Sir
+Palomides, I shall find a remedy therefore; here is a knight with me,
+and thou shalt have his harness. Nay, said King Mark, I will not have
+ado with you, for cause have ye none to me; for all the misease that
+Sir Tristram hath was for a letter that he found; for as to me I did to
+him no displeasure, and God knoweth I am full sorry for his disease and
+malady. So when the king had thus excused him they were friends, and
+King Mark would have had them unto Tintagil; but Sir Palomides would
+not, but turned unto the realm of Logris, and Sir Kehydius said that he
+would go into Brittany.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Dagonet again, that when he and his squires were
+upon horseback he deemed that the shepherds had sent that fool to array
+them so, because that they laughed at them, and so they rode unto the
+keepers of beasts and all to-beat them. Sir Tristram saw them beat that
+were wont to give him meat and drink, then he ran thither and gat Sir
+Dagonet by the head, and gave him such a fall to the earth that he
+bruised him sore so that he lay still. And then he wrast his sword out
+of his hand, and therewith he ran to one of his squires and smote off
+his head, and the other fled. And so Sir Tristram took his way with
+that sword in his hand, running as he had been wild wood. Then Sir
+Dagonet rode to King Mark and told him how he had sped in that forest.
+And therefore, said Sir Dagonet, beware, King Mark, that thou come not
+about that well in the forest, for there is a fool naked, and that fool
+and I fool met together, and he had almost slain me. Ah, said King
+Mark, that is Sir Matto le Breune, that fell out of his wit because he
+lost his lady; for when Sir Gaheris smote down Sir Matto and won his
+lady of him, never since was he in his mind, and that was pity, for he
+was a good knight.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX. How it was noised how Sir Tristram was dead, and how La
+Beale Isoud would have slain herself.
+
+Then Sir Andred, that was cousin unto Sir Tristram, made a lady that
+was his paramour to say and to noise it that she was with Sir Tristram
+or ever he died. And this tale she brought unto King Mark’s court, that
+she buried him by a well, and that or he died he besought King Mark to
+make his cousin, Sir Andred, king of the country of Liones, of the
+which Sir Tristram was lord of. All this did Sir Andred because he
+would have had Sir Tristram’s lands. And when King Mark heard tell that
+Sir Tristram was dead he wept and made great dole. But when Queen Isoud
+heard of these tidings she made such sorrow that she was nigh out of
+her mind; and so upon a day she thought to slay herself and never to
+live after Sir Tristram’s death. And so upon a day La Beale Isoud gat a
+sword privily and bare it to her garden, and there she pight the sword
+through a plum tree up to the hilt, so that it stuck fast, and it stood
+breast high. And as she would have run upon the sword and to have slain
+herself all this espied King Mark, how she kneeled down and said: Sweet
+Lord Jesu, have mercy upon me, for I may not live after the death of
+Sir Tristram de Liones, for he was my first love and he shall be the
+last. And with these words came King Mark and took her in his arms, and
+then he took up the sword, and bare her away with him into a tower; and
+there he made her to be kept, and watched her surely, and after that
+she lay long sick, nigh at the point of death.
+
+This meanwhile ran Sir Tristram naked in the forest with the sword in
+his hand, and so he came to an hermitage, and there he laid him down
+and slept; and in the meanwhile the hermit stole away his sword, and
+laid meat down by him. Thus was he kept there ten days; and at the last
+he departed and came to the herdmen again. And there was a giant in
+that country that hight Tauleas, and for fear of Sir Tristram more than
+seven year he durst never much go at large, but for the most part he
+kept him in a sure castle of his own; and so this Tauleas heard tell
+that Sir Tristram was dead, by the noise of the court of King Mark.
+Then this Tauleas went daily at large. And so he happed upon a day he
+came to the herdmen wandering and langering, and there he set him down
+to rest among them. The meanwhile there came a knight of Cornwall that
+led a lady with him, and his name was Sir Dinant; and when the giant
+saw him he went from the herdmen and hid him under a tree, and so the
+knight came to that well, and there he alighted to repose him. And as
+soon as he was from his horse this giant Tauleas came betwixt this
+knight and his horse, and took the horse and leapt upon him. So
+forthwith he rode unto Sir Dinant and took him by the collar, and
+pulled him afore him upon his horse, and there would have stricken off
+his head. Then the herdmen said unto Sir Tristram: Help yonder knight.
+Help ye him, said Sir Tristram. We dare not, said the herdmen. Then Sir
+Tristram was ware of the sword of the knight thereas it lay; and so
+thither he ran and took up the sword and struck off Sir Tauleas’ head,
+and so he yede his way to the herdmen.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX. How King Mark found Sir Tristram naked, and made him to be
+borne home to Tintagil, and how he was there known by a brachet.
+
+Then the knight took up the giant’s head and bare it with him unto King
+Mark, and told him what adventure betid him in the forest, and how a
+naked man rescued him from the grimly giant, Tauleas. Where had ye this
+adventure? said King Mark. Forsooth, said Sir Dinant, at the fair
+fountain in your forest where many adventurous knights meet, and there
+is the mad man. Well, said King Mark, I will see that wild man. So
+within a day or two King Mark commanded his knights and his hunters
+that they should be ready on the morn for to hunt, and so upon the morn
+he went unto that forest. And when the king came to that well he found
+there lying by that well a fair naked man, and a sword by him. Then
+King Mark blew and straked, and therewith his knights came to him; and
+then the king commanded his knights to: Take that naked man with
+fairness, and bring him to my castle. So they did softly and fair, and
+cast mantles upon Sir Tristram, and so led him unto Tintagil; and there
+they bathed him, and washed him, and gave him hot suppings till they
+had brought him well to his remembrance; but all this while there was
+no creature that knew Sir Tristram, nor what man he was.
+
+So it fell upon a day that the queen, La Beale Isoud, heard of such a
+man, that ran naked in the forest, and how the king had brought him
+home to the court. Then La Beale Isoud called unto her Dame Bragwaine
+and said: Come on with me, for we will go see this man that my lord
+brought from the forest the last day. So they passed forth, and spered
+where was the sick man. And then a squire told the queen that he was in
+the garden taking his rest, and reposing him against the sun. So when
+the queen looked upon Sir Tristram she was not remembered of him. But
+ever she said unto Dame Bragwaine: Meseemeth I should have seen him
+heretofore in many places. But as soon as Sir Tristram saw her he knew
+her well enough. And then he turned away his visage and wept.
+
+Then the queen had always a little brachet with her that Sir Tristram
+gave her the first time that ever she came into Cornwall, and never
+would that brachet depart from her but if Sir Tristram was nigh thereas
+was La Beale Isoud; and this brachet was sent from the king’s daughter
+of France unto Sir Tristram for great love. And anon as this little
+brachet felt a savour of Sir Tristram, she leapt upon him and licked
+his lears and his ears, and then she whined and quested, and she
+smelled at his feet and at his hands, and on all parts of his body that
+she might come to. Ah, my lady, said Dame Bragwaine unto La Beale
+Isoud, alas, alas, said she, I see it is mine own lord, Sir Tristram.
+And thereupon Isoud fell down in a swoon, and so lay a great while. And
+when she might speak she said: My lord Sir Tristram, blessed be God ye
+have your life, and now I am sure ye shall be discovered by this little
+brachet, for she will never leave you. And also I am sure as soon as my
+lord, King Mark, do know you he will banish you out of the country of
+Cornwall, or else he will destroy you; for God’s sake, mine own lord,
+grant King Mark his will, and then draw you unto the court of King
+Arthur, for there are ye beloved, and ever when I may I shall send unto
+you; and when ye list ye may come to me, and at all times early and
+late I will be at your commandment, to live as poor a life as ever did
+queen or lady. O Madam, said Sir Tristram, go from me, for mickle anger
+and danger have I escaped for your love.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI. How King Mark, by the advice of his council, banished Sir
+Tristram out of Cornwall the term of ten years.
+
+Then the queen departed, but the brachet would not from him; and
+therewithal came King Mark, and the brachet set upon him, and bayed at
+them all. There withal Sir Andred spake and said: Sir, this is Sir
+Tristram, I see by the brachet. Nay, said the king, I cannot suppose
+that. Then the king asked him upon his faith what he was, and what was
+his name. So God me help, said he, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones;
+now do by me what ye list. Ah, said King Mark, me repenteth of your
+recovery. And then he let call his barons to judge Sir Tristram to the
+death. Then many of his barons would not assent thereto, and in
+especial Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, and Sir Fergus. And so by the advice
+of them all Sir Tristram was banished out of the country for ten year,
+and thereupon he took his oath upon a book before the king and his
+barons. And so he was made to depart out of the country of Cornwall;
+and there were many barons brought him unto his ship, of the which some
+were his friends and some his foes. And in the meanwhile there came a
+knight of King Arthur’s, his name was Dinadan, and his coming was for
+to seek after Sir Tristram; then they showed him where he was armed at
+all points going to the ship. Now fair knight, said Sir Dinadan, or ye
+pass this court that ye will joust with me I require thee. With a good
+will, said Sir Tristram, an these lords will give me leave. Then the
+barons granted thereto, and so they ran together, and there Sir
+Tristram gave Sir Dinadan a fall. And then he prayed Sir Tristram to
+give him leave to go in his fellowship. Ye shall be right welcome, said
+then Sir Tristram.
+
+And so they took their horses and rode to their ships together, and
+when Sir Tristram was in the sea he said: Greet well King Mark and all
+mine enemies, and say them I will come again when I may; and well am I
+rewarded for the fighting with Sir Marhaus, and delivered all this
+country from servage; and well am I rewarded for the fetching and costs
+of Queen Isoud out of Ireland, and the danger that I was in first and
+last, and by the way coming home what danger I had to bring again Queen
+Isoud from the Castle Pluere; and well am I rewarded when I fought with
+Sir Bleoberis for Sir Segwarides’ wife; and well am I rewarded when I
+fought with Sir Blamore de Ganis for King Anguish, father unto La Beale
+Isoud; and well am I rewarded when I smote down the good knight, Sir
+Lamorak de Galis, at King Mark’s request; and well am I rewarded when I
+fought with the King with the Hundred Knights, and the King of
+Northgalis, and both these would have put his land in servage, and by
+me they were put to a rebuke; and well am I rewarded for the slaying of
+Tauleas, the mighty giant, and many other deeds have I done for him,
+and now have I my warison. And tell King Mark that many noble knights
+of the Table Round have spared the barons of this country for my sake.
+Also am I not well rewarded when I fought with the good knight Sir
+Palomides and rescued Queen Isoud from him; and at that time King Mark
+said afore all his barons I should have been better rewarded. And
+forthwithal he took the sea.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII. How a damosel sought help to help Sir Launcelot against
+thirty knights, and how Sir Tristram fought with them.
+
+And at the next landing, fast by the sea, there met with Sir Tristram
+and with Sir Dinadan, Sir Ector de Maris and Sir Bors de Ganis; and
+there Sir Ector jousted with Sir Dinadan, and he smote him and his
+horse down. And then Sir Tristram would have jousted with Sir Bors, and
+Sir Bors said that he would not joust with no Cornish knights, for they
+are not called men of worship; and all this was done upon a bridge. And
+with this came Sir Bleoberis and Sir Driant, and Sir Bleoberis
+proffered to joust with Sir Tristram, and there Sir Tristram smote down
+Sir Bleoberis. Then said Sir Bors de Ganis: I wist never Cornish knight
+of so great valour nor so valiant as that knight that beareth the
+trappings embroidered with crowns. And then Sir Tristram and Sir
+Dinadan departed from them into a forest, and there met them a damosel
+that came for the love of Sir Launcelot to seek after some noble
+knights of King Arthur’s court for to rescue Sir Launcelot. And so Sir
+Launcelot was ordained, for-by the treason of Queen Morgan le Fay to
+have slain Sir Launcelot, and for that cause she ordained thirty
+knights to lie in await for Sir Launcelot, and this damosel knew this
+treason. And for this cause the damosel came for to seek noble knights
+to help Sir Launcelot. For that night, or the day after, Sir Launcelot
+should come where these thirty knights were. And so this damosel met
+with Sir Bors and Sir Ector and with Sir Driant, and there she told
+them all four of the treason of Morgan le Fay; and then they promised
+her that they would be nigh where Sir Launcelot should meet with the
+thirty knights. And if so be they set upon him we will do rescues as we
+can.
+
+So the damosel departed, and by adventure the damosel met with Sir
+Tristram and with Sir Dinadan, and there the damosel told them all the
+treason that was ordained for Sir Launcelot. Fair damosel, said Sir
+Tristram, bring me to that same place where they should meet with Sir
+Launcelot. Then said Sir Dinadan: What will ye do? it is not for us to
+fight with thirty knights, and wit you well I will not thereof; as to
+match one knight two or three is enough an they be men, but for to
+match fifteen knights that will I never undertake. Fie for shame, said
+Sir Tristram, do but your part. Nay, said Sir Dinadan, I will not
+thereof but if ye will lend me your shield, for ye bear a shield of
+Cornwall; and for the cowardice that is named to the knights of
+Cornwall, by your shields ye be ever forborne. Nay, said Sir Tristram,
+I will not depart from my shield for her sake that gave it me. But one
+thing, said Sir Tristram, I promise thee, Sir Dinadan, but if thou wilt
+promise me to abide with me, here I shall slay thee, for I desire no
+more of thee but answer one knight. And if thy heart will not serve
+thee, stand by and look upon me and them. Sir, said Sir Dinadan, I
+promise you to look upon and to do what I may to save myself, but I
+would I had not met with you.
+
+So then anon these thirty knights came fast by these four knights, and
+they were ware of them, and either of other. And so these thirty
+knights let them pass, for this cause, that they would not wrath them,
+if case be that they had ado with Sir Launcelot; and the four knights
+let them pass to this intent, that they would see and behold what they
+would do with Sir Launcelot. And so the thirty knights passed on and
+came by Sir Tristram and by Sir Dinadan, and then Sir Tristram cried on
+high: Lo, here is a knight against you for the love of Sir Launcelot.
+And there he slew two with one spear and ten with his sword. And then
+came in Sir Dinadan and he did passing well, and so of the thirty
+knights there went but ten away, and they fled. All this battle saw Sir
+Bors de Ganis and his three fellows, and then they saw well it was the
+same knight that jousted with them at the bridge; then they took their
+horses and rode unto Sir Tristram, and praised him and thanked him of
+his good deeds, and they all desired Sir Tristram to go with them to
+their lodging; and he said: Nay, he would not go to no lodging. Then
+they all four knights prayed him to tell them his name. Fair lords,
+said Sir Tristram, as at this time I will not tell you my name.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan came to a lodging where
+they must joust with two knights.
+
+Then Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan rode forth their way till they came
+to the shepherds and to the herdmen, and there they asked them if they
+knew any lodging or harbour there nigh hand. Forsooth, sirs, said the
+herdmen, hereby is good lodging in a castle; but there is such a custom
+that there shall no knight be harboured but if he joust with two
+knights, and if he be but one knight he must joust with two. And as ye
+be therein soon shall ye be matched. There is shrewd harbour, said Sir
+Dinadan; lodge where ye will, for I will not lodge there. Fie for
+shame, said Sir Tristram, are ye not a knight of the Table Round?
+wherefore ye may not with your worship refuse your lodging. Not so,
+said the herdmen, for an ye be beaten and have the worse ye shall not
+be lodged there, and if ye beat them ye shall be well harboured. Ah,
+said Sir Dinadan, they are two sure knights. Then Sir Dinadan would not
+lodge there in no manner but as Sir Tristram required him of his
+knighthood; and so they rode thither. And to make short tale, Sir
+Tristram and Sir Dinadan smote them down both, and so they entered into
+the castle and had good cheer as they could think or devise.
+
+And when they were unarmed, and thought to be merry and in good rest,
+there came in at the gates Sir Palomides and Sir Gaheris, requiring to
+have the custom of the castle. What array is this? said Sir Dinadan, I
+would have my rest. That may not be, said Sir Tristram; now must we
+needs defend the custom of this castle, insomuch as we have the better
+of the lords of this castle, and therefore, said Sir Tristram, needs
+must ye make you ready. In the devil’s name, said Sir Dinadan, came I
+into your company. And so they made them ready; and Sir Gaheris
+encountered with Sir Tristram, and Sir Gaheris had a fall; and Sir
+Palomides encountered with Sir Dinadan, and Sir Dinadan had a fall:
+then was it fall for fall. So then must they fight on foot. That would
+not Sir Dinadan, for he was so sore bruised of the fall that Sir
+Palomides gave him. Then Sir Tristram unlaced Sir Dinadan’s helm, and
+prayed him to help him. I will not, said Sir Dinadan, for I am sore
+wounded of the thirty knights that we had but late ago to do withal.
+But ye fare, said Sir Dinadan unto Sir Tristram, as a madman and as a
+man that is out of his mind that would cast himself away, and I may
+curse the time that ever I saw you, for in all the world are not two
+such knights that be so wood as is Sir Launcelot and ye Sir Tristram;
+for once I fell in the fellowship of Sir Launcelot as I have done now
+with you, and he set me a work that a quarter of a year I kept my bed.
+Jesu defend me, said Sir Dinadan, from such two knights, and specially
+from your fellowship. Then, said Sir Tristram, I will fight with them
+both. Then Sir Tristram bade them come forth both, for I will fight
+with you. Then Sir Palomides and Sir Gaheris dressed them, and smote at
+them both. Then Dinadan smote at Sir Gaheris a stroke or two, and
+turned from him. Nay, said Sir Palomides, it is too much shame for us
+two knights to fight with one. And then he did bid Sir Gaheris stand
+aside with that knight that hath no list to fight. Then they rode
+together and fought long, and at the last Sir Tristram doubled his
+strokes, and drove Sir Palomides aback more than three strides. And
+then by one assent Sir Gaheris and Sir Dinadan went betwixt them, and
+departed them in-sunder. And then by assent of Sir Tristram they would
+have lodged together. But Sir Dinadan would not lodge in that castle.
+And then he cursed the time that ever he came in their fellowship, and
+so he took his horse, and his harness, and departed.
+
+Then Sir Tristram prayed the lords of that castle to lend him a man to
+bring him to a lodging, and so they did, and overtook Sir Dinadan, and
+rode to their lodging two mile thence with a good man in a priory, and
+there they were well at ease. And that same night Sir Bors and Sir
+Bleoberis, and Sir Ector and Sir Driant, abode still in the same place
+thereas Sir Tristram fought with the thirty knights; and there they met
+with Sir Launcelot the same night, and had made promise to lodge with
+Sir Colgrevance the same night.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Tristram jousted with Sir Kay and Sir Sagramore
+le Desirous, and how Sir Gawaine turned Sir Tristram from Morgan le
+Fay.
+
+But anon as the noble knight, Sir Launcelot, heard of the shield of
+Cornwall, then wist he well that it was Sir Tristram that fought with
+his enemies. And then Sir Launcelot praised Sir Tristram, and called
+him the man of most worship in the world. So there was a knight in that
+priory that hight Pellinore, and he desired to wit the name of Sir
+Tristram, but in no wise he could not; and so Sir Tristram departed and
+left Sir Dinadan in the priory, for he was so weary and so sore bruised
+that he might not ride. Then this knight, Sir Pellinore, said to Sir
+Dinadan: Sithen that ye will not tell me that knight’s name I will ride
+after him and make him to tell me his name, or he shall die therefore.
+Beware, sir knight, said Sir Dinadan, for an ye follow him ye shall
+repent it. So that knight, Sir Pellinore, rode after Sir Tristram and
+required him of jousts. Then Sir Tristram smote him down and wounded
+him through the shoulder, and so he passed on his way. And on the next
+day following Sir Tristram met with pursuivants, and they told him that
+there was made a great cry of tournament between King Carados of
+Scotland and the King of North Wales, and either should joust against
+other at the Castle of Maidens; and these pursuivants sought all the
+country after the good knights, and in especial King Carados let make
+seeking for Sir Launcelot du Lake, and the King of Northgalis let seek
+after Sir Tristram de Liones. And at that time Sir Tristram thought to
+be at that jousts; and so by adventure they met with Sir Kay, the
+Seneschal, and Sir Sagramore le Desirous; and Sir Kay required Sir
+Tristram to joust, and Sir Tristram in a manner refused him, because he
+would not be hurt nor bruised against the great jousts that should be
+before the Castle of Maidens, and therefore thought to repose him and
+to rest him. And alway Sir Kay cried: Sir knight of Cornwall, joust
+with me, or else yield thee to me as recreant. When Sir Tristram heard
+him say so he turned to him, and then Sir Kay refused him and turned
+his back. Then Sir Tristram said: As I find thee I shall take thee.
+Then Sir Kay turned with evil will, and Sir Tristram smote Sir Kay
+down, and so he rode forth.
+
+Then Sir Sagramore le Desirous rode after Sir Tristram, and made him to
+joust with him, and there Sir Tristram smote down Sir Sagramore le
+Desirous from his horse, and rode his way; and the same day he met with
+a damosel that told him that he should win great worship of a knight
+adventurous that did much harm in all that country. When Sir Tristram
+heard her say so, he was glad to go with her to win worship. So Sir
+Tristram rode with that damosel a six mile, and then met him Sir
+Gawaine, and therewithal Sir Gawaine knew the damosel, that she was a
+damosel of Queen Morgan le Fay. Then Sir Gawaine understood that she
+led that knight to some mischief. Fair knight, said Sir Gawaine,
+whither ride you now with that damosel? Sir, said Sir Tristram, I wot
+not whither I shall ride but as the damosel will lead me. Sir, said Sir
+Gawaine, ye shall not ride with her, for she and her lady did never
+good, but ill. And then Sir Gawaine pulled out his sword and said:
+Damosel, but if thou tell me anon for what cause thou leadest this
+knight with thee thou shalt die for it right anon: I know all your
+lady’s treason, and yours. Mercy, Sir Gawaine, she said, and if ye will
+save my life I will tell you. Say on, said Sir Gawaine, and thou shalt
+have thy life. Sir, she said, Queen Morgan le Fay, my lady, hath
+ordained a thirty ladies to seek and espy after Sir Launcelot or Sir
+Tristram, and by the trains of these ladies, who that may first meet
+any of these two knights they should turn them unto Morgan le Fay’s
+castle, saying that they should do deeds of worship; and if any of the
+two knights came there, there be thirty knights lying and watching in a
+tower to wait upon Sir Launcelot or upon Sir Tristram. Fie for shame,
+said Sir Gawaine, that ever such false treason should be wrought or
+used in a queen, and a king’s sister, and a king and queen’s daughter.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Tristram and Sir Gawaine rode to have foughten
+with the thirty knights, but they durst not come out.
+
+Sir, said Sir Gawaine, will ye stand with me, and we will see the
+malice of these thirty knights. Sir, said Sir Tristram, go ye to them,
+an it please you, and ye shall see I will not fail you, for it is not
+long ago since I and a fellow met with thirty knights of that queen’s
+fellowship; and God speed us so that we may win worship. So then Sir
+Gawaine and Sir Tristram rode toward the castle where Morgan le Fay
+was, and ever Sir Gawaine deemed well that he was Sir Tristram de
+Liones, because he heard that two knights had slain and beaten thirty
+knights. And when they came afore the castle Sir Gawaine spake on high
+and said: Queen Morgan le Fay, send out your knights that ye have laid
+in a watch for Sir Launcelot and for Sir Tristram. Now, said Sir
+Gawaine, I know your false treason, and through all places where that I
+ride men shall know of your false treason; and now let see, said Sir
+Gawaine, whether ye dare come out of your castle, ye thirty knights.
+Then the queen spake and all the thirty knights at once, and said: Sir
+Gawaine, full well wottest thou what thou dost and sayest; for by God
+we know thee passing well, but all that thou speakest and dost, thou
+sayest it upon pride of that good knight that is there with thee. For
+there be some of us that know full well the hands of that knight over
+all well. And wit thou well, Sir Gawaine, it is more for his sake than
+for thine that we will not come out of this castle. For wit ye well,
+Sir Gawaine, the knight that beareth the arms of Cornwall, we know him
+and what he is.
+
+Then Sir Gawaine and Sir Tristram departed and rode on their ways a day
+or two together; and there by adventure, they met with Sir Kay and Sir
+Sagramore le Desirous. And then they were glad of Sir Gawaine, and he
+of them, but they wist not what he was with the shield of Cornwall, but
+by deeming. And thus they rode together a day or two. And then they
+were ware of Sir Breuse Saunce Pité chasing a lady for to have slain
+her, for he had slain her paramour afore. Hold you all still, said Sir
+Gawaine, and show none of you forth, and ye shall see me reward yonder
+false knight; for an he espy you he is so well horsed that he will
+escape away. And then Sir Gawaine rode betwixt Sir Breuse and the lady,
+and said: False knight, leave her, and have ado with me. When Sir
+Breuse saw no more but Sir Gawaine he feutred his spear, and Sir
+Gawaine against him; and there Sir Breuse overthrew Sir Gawaine, and
+then he rode over him, and overthwart him twenty times to have
+destroyed him; and when Sir Tristram saw him do so villainous a deed,
+he hurled out against him. And when Sir Breuse saw him with the shield
+of Cornwall he knew him well that it was Sir Tristram, and then he
+fled, and Sir Tristram followed after him; and Sir Breuse Saunce Pité
+was so horsed that he went his way quite, and Sir Tristram followed him
+long, for he would fain have been avenged upon him. And so when he had
+long chased him, he saw a fair well, and thither he rode to repose him,
+and tied his horse till a tree.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI. How damosel Bragwaine found Tristram sleeping by a well,
+and how she delivered letters to him from La Beale Isoud.
+
+And then he pulled off his helm and washed his visage and his hands,
+and so he fell asleep. In the meanwhile came a damosel that had sought
+Sir Tristram many ways and days within this land. And when she came to
+the well she looked upon him, and had forgotten him as in remembrance
+of Sir Tristram, but by his horse she knew him, that hight Passe-Brewel
+that had been Sir Tristram’s horse many years. For when he was mad in
+the forest Sir Fergus kept him. So this lady, Dame Bragwaine, abode
+still till he was awake. So when she saw him wake she saluted him, and
+he her again, for either knew other of old acquaintance; then she told
+him how she had sought him long and broad, and there she told him how
+she had letters from Queen La Beale Isoud. Then anon Sir Tristram read
+them, and wit ye well he was glad, for therein was many a piteous
+complaint. Then Sir Tristram said: Lady Bragwaine, ye shall ride with
+me till that tournament be done at the Castle of Maidens, and then
+shall bear letters and tidings with you. And then Sir Tristram took his
+horse and sought lodging, and there he met with a good ancient knight
+and prayed him to lodge with him. Right so came Gouvernail unto Sir
+Tristram, that was glad of that lady. So this old knight’s name was Sir
+Pellounes, and he told of the great tournament that should be at the
+Castle of Maidens. And there Sir Launcelot and thirty-two knights of
+his blood had ordained shields of Cornwall. And right so there came one
+unto Sir Pellounes, and told him that Sir Persides de Bloise was come
+home; then that knight held up his hands and thanked God of his coming
+home. And there Sir Pellounes told Sir Tristram that in two years he
+had not seen his son, Sir Persides. Sir, said Sir Tristram, I know your
+son well enough for a good knight.
+
+So on a time Sir Tristram and Sir Persides came to their lodging both
+at once, and so they unarmed them, and put upon them their clothing.
+And then these two knights each welcomed other. And when Sir Persides
+understood that Sir Tristram was of Cornwall, he said he was once in
+Cornwall: And there I jousted afore King Mark; and so it happed me at
+that time to overthrow ten knights, and then came to me Sir Tristram de
+Liones and overthrew me, and took my lady away from me, and that shall
+I never forget, but I shall remember me an ever I see my time. Ah, said
+Sir Tristram, now I understand that ye hate Sir Tristram. What deem ye,
+ween ye that Sir Tristram is not able to withstand your malice? Yes,
+said Sir Persides, I know well that Sir Tristram is a noble knight and
+a much better knight than I, yet shall I not owe him my good will.
+Right as they stood thus talking at a bay-window of that castle, they
+saw many knights riding to and fro toward the tournament. And then was
+Sir Tristram ware of a likely knight riding upon a great black horse,
+and a black-covered shield. What knight is that, said Sir Tristram,
+with the black horse and the black shield? he seemeth a good knight. I
+know him well, said Sir Persides, he is one of the best knights of the
+world. Then is it Sir Launcelot, said Tristram. Nay, said Sir Persides,
+it is Sir Palomides, that is yet unchristened.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Tristram had a fall with Sir Palomides, and how
+Launcelot overthrew two knights.
+
+Then they saw much people of the country salute Sir Palomides. And
+within a while after there came a squire of the castle, that told Sir
+Pellounes that was lord of that castle, that a knight with a black
+shield had smitten down thirteen knights. Fair brother, said Sir
+Tristram unto Sir Persides, let us cast upon us cloaks, and let us go
+see the play. Not so, said Sir Persides, we will not go like knaves
+thither, but we will ride like men and good knights to withstand our
+enemies. So they armed them, and took their horses and great spears,
+and thither they went thereas many knights assayed themself before the
+tournament. And anon Sir Palomides saw Sir Persides, and then he sent a
+squire unto him and said: Go thou to the yonder knight with the green
+shield and therein a lion of gold, and say him I require him to joust
+with me, and tell him that my name is Sir Palomides. When Sir Persides
+understood that request of Sir Palomides, he made him ready, and there
+anon they met together, but Sir Persides had a fall. Then Sir Tristram
+dressed him to be revenged upon Sir Palomides, and that saw Sir
+Palomides that was ready and so was not Sir Tristram, and took him at
+an advantage and smote him over his horse’s tail when he had no spear
+in his rest. Then stert up Sir Tristram and took his horse lightly, and
+was wroth out of measure, and sore ashamed of that fall. Then Sir
+Tristram sent unto Sir Palomides by Gouvernail, and prayed him to joust
+with him at his request. Nay, said Sir Palomides, as at this time I
+will not joust with that knight, for I know him better than he weeneth.
+And if he be wroth he may right it to-morn at the Castle of Maidens,
+where he may see me and many other knights.
+
+With that came Sir Dinadan, and when he saw Sir Tristram wroth he list
+not to jape. Lo, said Sir Dinadan, here may a man prove, be a man never
+so good yet may he have a fall, and he was never so wise but he might
+be overseen, and he rideth well that never fell. So Sir Tristram was
+passing wroth, and said to Sir Persides and to Sir Dinadan: I will
+revenge me. Right so as they stood talking there, there came by Sir
+Tristram a likely knight riding passing soberly and heavily with a
+black shield. What knight is that? said Sir Tristram unto Sir Persides.
+I know him well, said Sir Persides, for his name is Sir Briant of North
+Wales; so he passed on among other knights of North Wales. And there
+came in Sir Launcelot du Lake with a shield of the arms of Cornwall,
+and he sent a squire unto Sir Briant, and required him to joust with
+him. Well, said Sir Briant, sithen I am required to joust I will do
+what I may; and there Sir Launcelot smote down Sir Briant from his
+horse a great fall. And then Sir Tristram marvelled what knight he was
+that bare the shield of Cornwall. Whatsoever he be, said Sir Dinadan, I
+warrant you he is of King Ban’s blood, the which be knights of the most
+noble prowess in the world, for to account so many for so many. Then
+there came two knights of Northgalis, that one hight Hew de la
+Montaine, and the other Sir Madok de la Montaine, and they challenged
+Sir Launcelot foot-hot. Sir Launcelot not refusing them but made him
+ready, with one spear he smote them down both over their horses’
+croups; and so Sir Launcelot rode his way. By the good lord, said Sir
+Tristram, he is a good knight that beareth the shield of Cornwall, and
+meseemeth he rideth in the best manner that ever I saw knight ride.
+
+Then the King of Northgalis rode unto Sir Palomides and prayed him
+heartily for his sake to joust with that knight that hath done us of
+Northgalis despite. Sir, said Sir Palomides, I am full loath to have
+ado with that knight, and cause why is, for as to-morn the great
+tournament shall be; and therefore I will keep myself fresh by my will.
+Nay, said the King of Northgalis, I pray you require him of jousts.
+Sir, said Sir Palomides, I will joust at your request, and require that
+knight to joust with me, and often I have seen a man have a fall at his
+own request.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII. How Sir Launcelot jousted with Palomides and overthrew
+him, and after he was assailed with twelve knights.
+
+Then Sir Palomides sent unto Sir Launcelot a squire, and required him
+of jousts. Fair fellow, said Sir Launcelot, tell me thy lord’s name.
+Sir, said the squire, my lord’s name is Sir Palomides, the good knight.
+In good hour, said Sir Launcelot, for there is no knight that I saw
+this seven years that I had liefer ado withal than with him. And so
+either knights made them ready with two great spears. Nay, said Sir
+Dinadan, ye shall see that Sir Palomides will quit him right well. It
+may be so, said Sir Tristram, but I undertake that knight with the
+shield of Cornwall shall give him a fall. I believe it not, said Sir
+Dinadan. Right so they spurred their horses and feutred their spears,
+and either hit other, and Sir Palomides brake a spear upon Sir
+Launcelot, and he sat and moved not; but Sir Launcelot smote him so
+lightly that he made his horse to avoid the saddle, and the stroke
+brake his shield and the hauberk, and had he not fallen he had been
+slain. How now, said Sir Tristram, I wist well by the manner of their
+riding both that Sir Palomides should have a fall.
+
+Right so Sir Launcelot rode his way, and rode to a well to drink and to
+repose him, and they of Northgalis espied him whither he rode; and then
+there followed him twelve knights for to have mischieved him, for this
+cause that upon the morn at the tournament of the Castle of Maidens
+that he should not win the victory. So they came upon Sir Launcelot
+suddenly, and unnethe he might put upon him his helm and take his
+horse, but they were in hands with him; and then Sir Launcelot gat his
+spear, and rode through them, and there he slew a knight and brake a
+spear in his body. Then he drew his sword and smote upon the right hand
+and upon the left hand, so that within a few strokes he had slain other
+three knights, and the remnant that abode he wounded them sore all that
+did abide. Thus Sir Launcelot escaped from his enemies of North Wales,
+and then Sir Launcelot rode his way till a friend, and lodged him till
+on the morn; for he would not the first day have ado in the tournament
+because of his great labour. And on the first day he was with King
+Arthur thereas he was set on high upon a scaffold to discern who was
+best worthy of his deeds. So Sir Launcelot was with King Arthur, and
+jousted not the first day.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX. How Sir Tristram behaved him the first day of the
+tournament, and there he had the prize.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Tristram de Liones, that commanded Gouvernail, his
+servant, to ordain him a black shield with none other remembrance
+therein. And so Sir Persides and Sir Tristram departed from their host
+Sir Pellounes, and they rode early toward the tournament, and then they
+drew them to King Carados’ side, of Scotland; and anon knights began
+the field what of King Northgalis’ part, and what of King Carados’
+part, and there began great party. Then there was hurling and rashing.
+Right so came in Sir Persides and Sir Tristram and so they did fare
+that they put the King of Northgalis aback. Then came in Sir Bleoberis
+de Ganis and Sir Gaheris with them of Northgalis, and then was Sir
+Persides smitten down and almost slain, for more than forty horse men
+went over him. For Sir Bleoberis did great deeds of arms, and Sir
+Gaheris failed him not. When Sir Tristram beheld them, and saw them do
+such deeds of arms, he marvelled what they were. Also Sir Tristram
+thought shame that Sir Persides was so done to; and then he gat a great
+spear in his hand, and then he rode to Sir Gaheris and smote him down
+from his horse. And then was Sir Bleoberis wroth, and gat a spear and
+rode against Sir Tristram in great ire; and there Sir Tristram met with
+him, and smote Sir Bleoberis from his horse. So then the King with the
+Hundred Knights was wroth, and he horsed Sir Bleoberis and Sir Gaheris
+again, and there began a great medley; and ever Sir Tristram held them
+passing short, and ever Sir Bleoberis was passing busy upon Sir
+Tristram; and there came Sir Dinadan against Sir Tristram, and Sir
+Tristram gave him such a buffet that he swooned in his saddle. Then
+anon Sir Dinadan came to Sir Tristram and said: Sir, I know thee better
+than thou weenest; but here I promise thee my troth I will never come
+against thee more, for I promise thee that sword of thine shall never
+come on mine helm.
+
+With that came Sir Bleoberis, and Sir Tristram gave him such a buffet
+that down he laid his head; and then he caught him so sore by the helm
+that he pulled him under his horse’s feet. And then King Arthur blew to
+lodging. Then Sir Tristram departed to his pavilion, and Sir Dinadan
+rode with him; and Sir Persides and King Arthur then, and the kings
+upon both parties, marvelled what knight that was with the black
+shield. Many said their advice, and some knew him for Sir Tristram, and
+held their peace and would nought say. So that first day King Arthur,
+and all the kings and lords that were judges, gave Sir Tristram the
+prize; howbeit they knew him not, but named him the Knight with the
+Black Shield.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX. How Sir Tristram returned against King Arthur’s party
+because he saw Sir Palomides on that party.
+
+Then upon the morn Sir Palomides returned from the King of Northgalis,
+and rode to King Arthur’s side, where was King Carados, and the King of
+Ireland, and Sir Launcelot’s kin, and Sir Gawaine’s kin. So Sir
+Palomides sent the damosel unto Sir Tristram that he sent to seek him
+when he was out of his mind in the forest, and this damosel asked Sir
+Tristram what he was and what was his name?
+
+As for that, said Sir Tristram, tell Sir Palomides ye shall not wit as
+at this time unto the time I have broken two spears upon him. But let
+him wit thus much, said Sir Tristram, that I am the same knight that he
+smote down in over evening at the tournament; and tell him plainly on
+what party that Sir Palomides be I will be of the contrary party.
+
+Sir, said the damosel, ye shall understand that Sir Palomides will be
+on King Arthur’s side, where the most noble knights of the world be. In
+the name of God, said Sir Tristram, then will I be with the King of
+Northgalis, because Sir Palomides will be on King Arthur’s side, and
+else I would not but for his sake. So when King Arthur was come they
+blew unto the field; and then there began a great party, and so King
+Carados jousted with the King of the Hundred Knights, and there King
+Carados had a fall: then was there hurling and rushing, and right so
+came in knights of King Arthur’s, and they bare aback the King of
+Northgalis’ knights.
+
+Then Sir Tristram came in, and began so roughly and so bigly that there
+was none might withstand him, and thus Sir Tristram dured long. And at
+the last Sir Tristram fell among the fellowship of King Ban, and there
+fell upon him Sir Bors de Ganis, and Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir
+Blamore de Ganis, and many other knights. And then Sir Tristram smote
+on the right hand and on the left hand, that all lords and ladies spake
+of his noble deeds. But at the last Sir Tristram should have had the
+worse had not the King with the Hundred Knights been. And then he came
+with his fellowship and rescued Sir Tristram, and brought him away from
+those knights that bare the shields of Cornwall. And then Sir Tristram
+saw another fellowship by themself, and there were a forty knights
+together, and Sir Kay, the Seneschal, was their governor. Then Sir
+Tristram rode in amongst them, and there he smote down Sir Kay from his
+horse; and there he fared among those knights like a greyhound among
+conies.
+
+Then Sir Launcelot found a knight that was sore wounded upon the head.
+Sir, said Sir Launcelot, who wounded you so sore? Sir, he said, a
+knight that beareth a black shield, and I may curse the time that ever
+I met with him, for he is a devil and no man. So Sir Launcelot departed
+from him and thought to meet with Sir Tristram, and so he rode with his
+sword drawn in his hand to seek Sir Tristram; and then he espied him
+how he hurled here and there, and at every stroke Sir Tristram wellnigh
+smote down a knight. O mercy Jesu! said the king, sith the times I bare
+arms saw I never no knight do so marvellous deeds of arms. And if I
+should set upon this knight, said Sir Launcelot to himself, I did shame
+to myself, and therewithal Sir Launcelot put up his sword. And then the
+King with the Hundred Knights and an hundred more of North Wales set
+upon the twenty of Sir Launcelot’s kin: and they twenty knights held
+them ever together as wild swine, and none would fail other. And so
+when Sir Tristram beheld the noblesse of these twenty knights he
+marvelled of their good deeds, for he saw by their fare and by their
+rule that they had liefer die than avoid the field. Now Jesu, said Sir
+Tristram, well may he be valiant and full of prowess that hath such a
+sort of noble knights unto his kin, and full like is he to be a noble
+man that is their leader and governor. He meant it by Sir Launcelot du
+Lake. So when Sir Tristram had beholden them long he thought shame to
+see two hundred knights battering upon twenty knights. Then Sir
+Tristram rode unto the King with the Hundred Knights and said: Sir,
+leave your fighting with those twenty knights, for ye win no worship of
+them, ye be so many and they so few; and wit ye well they will not out
+of the field I see by their cheer and countenance; and worship get ye
+none an ye slay them. Therefore leave your fighting with them, for I to
+increase my worship I will ride to the twenty knights and help them
+with all my might and power. Nay, said the King with the Hundred
+Knights, ye shall not do so; now I see your courage and courtesy I will
+withdraw my knights for your pleasure, for evermore a good knight will
+favour another, and like will draw to like.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Tristram found Palomides by a well, and brought
+him with him to his lodging.
+
+Then the King with the Hundred Knights withdrew his knights. And all
+this while, and long to-fore, Sir Launcelot had watched upon Sir
+Tristram with a very purpose to have fellowshipped with him. And then
+suddenly Sir Tristram, Sir Dinadan, and Gouvernail, his man, rode their
+way into the forest, that no man perceived where they went. So then
+King Arthur blew unto lodging, and gave the King of Northgalis the
+prize because Sir Tristram was upon his side. Then Sir Launcelot rode
+here and there, so wood as lion that fauted his fill, because he had
+lost Sir Tristram, and so he returned unto King Arthur. And then in all
+the field was a noise that with the wind it might be heard two mile
+thence, how the lords and ladies cried: The Knight with the Black
+Shield hath won the field. Alas, said King Arthur, where is that knight
+become? It is shame to all those in the field so to let him escape away
+from you; but with gentleness and courtesy ye might have brought him
+unto me to the Castle of Maidens. Then the noble King Arthur went unto
+his knights and comforted them in the best wise that he could, and
+said: My fair fellows, be not dismayed, howbeit ye have lost the field
+this day. And many were hurt and sore wounded, and many were whole. My
+fellows, said King Arthur, look that ye be of good cheer, for to-morn I
+will be in the field with you and revenge you of your enemies. So that
+night King Arthur and his knights reposed themself.
+
+The damosel that came from La Beale Isoud unto Sir Tristram, all the
+while the tournament was a-doing she was with Queen Guenever, and ever
+the queen asked her for what cause she came into that country. Madam,
+she answered, I come for none other cause but from my lady La Beale
+Isoud to wit of your welfare. For in no wise she would not tell the
+queen that she came for Sir Tristram’s sake. So this lady, Dame
+Bragwaine, took her leave of Queen Guenever, and she rode after Sir
+Tristram. And as she rode through the forest she heard a great cry;
+then she commanded her squire to go into the forest to wit what was
+that noise. And so he came to a well, and there he found a knight
+bounden till a tree crying as he had been wood, and his horse and his
+harness standing by him. And when he espied that squire, therewith he
+abraid and brake himself loose, and took his sword in his hand, and ran
+to have slain the squire. Then he took his horse and fled all that ever
+he might unto Dame Bragwaine, and told her of his adventure. Then she
+rode unto Sir Tristram’s pavilion, and told Sir Tristram what adventure
+she had found in the forest. Alas, said Sir Tristram, upon my head
+there is some good knight at mischief.
+
+Then Sir Tristram took his horse and his sword and rode thither, and
+there he heard how the knight complained unto himself and said: I,
+woful knight Sir Palomides, what misadventure befalleth me, that thus
+am defoiled with falsehood and treason, through Sir Bors and Sir Ector.
+Alas, he said, why live I so long! And then he gat his sword in his
+hands, and made many strange signs and tokens; and so through his
+raging he threw his sword into that fountain. Then Sir Palomides wailed
+and wrang his hands. And at the last for pure sorrow he ran into that
+fountain, over his belly, and sought after his sword. Then Sir Tristram
+saw that, and ran upon Sir Palomides, and held him in his arms fast.
+What art thou, said Palomides, that holdeth me so? I am a man of this
+forest that would thee none harm. Alas, said Sir Palomides, I may never
+win worship where Sir Tristram is; for ever where he is an I be there,
+then get I no worship; and if he be away for the most part I have the
+gree, unless that Sir Launcelot be there or Sir Lamorak. Then Sir
+Palomides said: Once in Ireland Sir Tristram put me to the worse, and
+another time in Cornwall, and in other places in this land. What would
+ye do, said Sir Tristram, an ye had Sir Tristram? I would fight with
+him, said Sir Palomides, and ease my heart upon him; and yet, to say
+thee sooth, Sir Tristram is the gentlest knight in this world living.
+What will ye do, said Sir Tristram, will ye go with me to your lodging?
+Nay, said he, I will go to the King with the Hundred Knights, for he
+rescued me from Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir Ector and else had I been
+slain traitorly. Sir Tristram said him such kind words that Sir
+Palomides went with him to his lodging. Then Gouvernail went to-fore,
+and charged Dame Bragwaine to go out of the way to her lodging. And bid
+ye Sir Persides that he make him no quarrels. And so they rode together
+till they came to Sir Tristram’s pavilion, and there Sir Palomides had
+all the cheer that might be had all that night. But in no wise Sir
+Palomides might not know what was Sir Tristram; and so after supper
+they yede to rest, and Sir Tristram for great travail slept till it was
+day. And Sir Palomides might not sleep for anguish; and in the dawning
+of the day he took his horse privily, and rode his way unto Sir Gaheris
+and unto Sir Sagramore le Desirous, where they were in their pavilions;
+for they three were fellows at the beginning of the tournament. And
+then upon the morn the king blew unto the tournament upon the third
+day.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides, and how he
+jousted with King Arthur, and other feats.
+
+So the King of Northgalis and the King with the Hundred Knights, they
+two encountered with King Carados and with the King of Ireland; and
+there the King with the Hundred Knights smote down King Carados, and
+the King of Northgalis smote down the King of Ireland. With that came
+in Sir Palomides, and when he came he made great work, for by his
+indented shield he was well known. So came in King Arthur, and did
+great deeds of arms together, and put the King of Northgalis and the
+King with the Hundred Knights to the worse. With this came in Sir
+Tristram with his black shield, and anon he jousted with Sir Palomides,
+and there by fine force Sir Tristram smote Sir Palomides over his
+horse’s croup. Then King Arthur cried: Knight with the Black Shield,
+make thee ready to me, and in the same wise Sir Tristram smote King
+Arthur. And then by force of King Arthur’s knights the King and Sir
+Palomides were horsed again. Then King Arthur with a great eager heart
+he gat a spear in his hand, and there upon the one side he smote Sir
+Tristram over his horse. Then foot-hot Sir Palomides came upon Sir
+Tristram, as he was upon foot, to have overridden him. Then Sir
+Tristram was ware of him, and there he stooped aside, and with great
+ire he gat him by the arm, and pulled him down from his horse. Then Sir
+Palomides lightly arose, and then they dashed together mightily with
+their swords; and many kings, queens, and lords, stood and beheld them.
+And at the last Sir Tristram smote Sir Palomides upon the helm three
+mighty strokes, and at every stroke that he gave him he said: This for
+Sir Tristram’s sake. With that Sir Palomides fell to the earth
+grovelling.
+
+Then came the King with the Hundred Knights, and brought Sir Tristram
+an horse, and so was he horsed again. By then was Sir Palomides horsed,
+and with great ire he jousted upon Sir Tristram with his spear as it
+was in the rest, and gave him a great dash with his sword. Then Sir
+Tristram avoided his spear, and gat him by the neck with his both
+hands, and pulled him clean out of his saddle, and so he bare him afore
+him the length of ten spears, and then in the presence of them all he
+let him fall at his adventure. Then Sir Tristram was ware of King
+Arthur with a naked sword in his hand, and with his spear Sir Tristram
+ran upon King Arthur; and then King Arthur boldly abode him and with
+his sword he smote a-two his spear, and therewithal Sir Tristram
+stonied; and so King Arthur gave him three or four strokes or he might
+get out his sword, and at the last Sir Tristram drew his sword and
+[either] assailed other passing hard. With that the great press
+departed [them]. Then Sir Tristram rode here and there and did his
+great pain, that eleven of the good knights of the blood of King Ban,
+that was of Sir Launcelot’s kin, that day Sir Tristram smote down; that
+all the estates marvelled of his great deeds and all cried upon the
+Knight with the Black Shield.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Launcelot hurt Sir Tristram, and how after Sir
+Tristram smote down Sir Palomides.
+
+Then this cry was so large that Sir Launcelot heard it. And then he gat
+a great spear in his hand and came towards the cry. Then Sir Launcelot
+cried: The Knight with the Black Shield, make thee ready to joust with
+me. When Sir Tristram heard him say so he gat his spear in his hand,
+and either abashed down their heads, and came together as thunder; and
+Sir Tristram’s spear brake in pieces, and Sir Launcelot by malfortune
+struck Sir Tristram on the side a deep wound nigh to the death; but yet
+Sir Tristram avoided not his saddle, and so the spear brake.
+Therewithal Sir Tristram that was wounded gat out his sword, and he
+rushed to Sir Launcelot, and gave him three great strokes upon the helm
+that the fire sprang thereout, and Sir Launcelot abashed his head lowly
+toward his saddle-bow. And therewithal Sir Tristram departed from the
+field, for he felt him so wounded that he weened he should have died;
+and Sir Dinadan espied him and followed him into the forest. Then Sir
+Launcelot abode and did many marvellous deeds.
+
+So when Sir Tristram was departed by the forest’s side he alighted, and
+unlaced his harness and freshed his wound; then weened Sir Dinadan that
+he should have died. Nay, nay, said Sir Tristram, Dinadan never dread
+thee, for I am heart-whole, and of this wound I shall soon be whole, by
+the mercy of God. By that Sir Dinadan was ware where came Palomides
+riding straight upon them. And then Sir Tristram was ware that Sir
+Palomides came to have destroyed him. And so Sir Dinadan gave him
+warning, and said: Sir Tristram, my lord, ye are so sore wounded that
+ye may not have ado with him, therefore I will ride against him and do
+to him what I may, and if I be slain ye may pray for my soul; and in
+the meanwhile ye may withdraw you and go into the castle, or in the
+forest, that he shall not meet with you. Sir Tristram smiled and said:
+I thank you, Sir Dinadan, of your good will, but ye shall wit that I am
+able to handle him. And then anon hastily he armed him, and took his
+horse, and a great spear in his hand, and said to Sir Dinadan: Adieu;
+and rode toward Sir Palomides a soft pace. Then when Sir Palomides saw
+that, he made countenance to amend his horse, but he did it for this
+cause, for he abode Sir Gaheris that came after him. And when he was
+come he rode toward Sir Tristram. Then Sir Tristram sent unto Sir
+Palomides, and required him to joust with him; and if he smote down Sir
+Palomides he would do no more to him; and if it so happened that Sir
+Palomides smote down Sir Tristram, he bade him do his utterance. So
+they were accorded. Then they met together, and Sir Tristram smote down
+Sir Palomides that he had a grievous fall, so that he lay still as he
+had been dead. And then Sir Tristram ran upon Sir Gaheris, and he would
+not have jousted; but whether he would or not Sir Tristram smote him
+over his horse’s croup, that he lay still as though he had been dead.
+And then Sir Tristram rode his way and left Sir Persides’ squire within
+the pavilions, and Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan rode to an old knight’s
+place to lodge them. And that old knight had five sons at the
+tournament, for whom he prayed God heartily for their coming home. And
+so, as the French book saith, they came home all five well beaten.
+
+And when Sir Tristram departed into the forest Sir Launcelot held alway
+the stour like hard, as a man araged that took no heed to himself, and
+wit ye well there was many a noble knight against him. And when King
+Arthur saw Sir Launcelot do so marvellous deeds of arms he then armed
+him, and took his horse and his armour, and rode into the field to help
+Sir Launcelot; and so many knights came in with King Arthur. And to
+make short tale in conclusion, the King of Northgalis and the King of
+the Hundred Knights were put to the worse; and because Sir Launcelot
+abode and was the last in the field the prize was given him. But Sir
+Launcelot would neither for king, queen, nor knight, have the prize,
+but where the cry was cried through the field: Sir Launcelot, Sir
+Launcelot hath won the field this day, Sir Launcelot let make another
+cry contrary: Sir Tristram hath won the field, for he began first, and
+last he hath endured, and so hath he done the first day, the second,
+and the third day.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV. How the prize of the third day was given to Sir
+Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot gave it to Sir Tristram.
+
+Then all the estates and degrees high and low said of Sir Launcelot
+great worship, for the honour that he did unto Sir Tristram; and for
+that honour doing to Sir Tristram he was at that time more praised and
+renowned than an he had overthrown five hundred knights; and all the
+people wholly for this gentleness, first the estates both high and low,
+and after the commonalty cried at once: Sir Launcelot hath won the
+field whosoever say nay. Then was Sir Launcelot wroth and ashamed, and
+so therewithal he rode to King Arthur. Alas, said the king, we are all
+dismayed that Sir Tristram is thus departed from us. By God, said King
+Arthur, he is one of the noblest knights that ever I saw hold spear or
+sword in hand, and the most courteoust knight in his fighting; for full
+hard I saw him, said King Arthur, when he smote Sir Palomides upon the
+helm thrice, that he abashed his helm with his strokes, and also he
+said: Here is a stroke for Sir Tristram, and thus thrice he said. Then
+King Arthur, Sir Launcelot, and Sir Dodinas le Savage took their horses
+to seek Sir Tristram, and by the means of Sir Persides he had told King
+Arthur where Sir Tristram was in his pavilion. But when they came
+there, Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan were gone.
+
+Then King Arthur and Sir Launcelot were heavy, and returned again to
+the Castle of Maidens making great dole for the hurt of Sir Tristram,
+and his sudden departing. So God me help, said King Arthur, I am more
+heavy that I cannot meet with him than for all the hurts that all my
+knights have had at the tournament. Right so came Sir Gaheris and told
+King Arthur how Sir Tristram had smitten down Sir Palomides, and it was
+at Sir Palomides’ own request. Alas, said King Arthur, that was great
+dishonour to Sir Palomides, inasmuch as Sir Tristram was sore wounded,
+and now may we all, kings, and knights, and men of worship, say that
+Sir Tristram may be called a noble knight, and one of the best knights
+that ever I saw the days of my life. For I will that ye all, kings and
+knights, know, said King Arthur, that I never saw knight do so
+marvellously as he hath done these three days; for he was the first
+that began and that longest held on, save this last day. And though he
+was hurt, it was a manly adventure of two noble knights, and when two
+noble men encounter needs must the one have the worse, like as God will
+suffer at that time. As for me, said Sir Launcelot, for all the lands
+that ever my father left me I would not have hurt Sir Tristram an I had
+known him at that time; that I hurt him was for I saw not his shield.
+For an I had seen his black shield, I would not have meddled with him
+for many causes; for late he did as much for me as ever did knight, and
+that is well known that he had ado with thirty knights, and no help
+save Sir Dinadan. And one thing shall I promise, said Sir Launcelot,
+Sir Palomides shall repent it as in his unkindly dealing for to follow
+that noble knight that I by mishap hurted thus. Sir Launcelot said all
+the worship that might be said by Sir Tristram. Then King Arthur made a
+great feast to all that would come. And thus we let pass King Arthur,
+and a little we will turn unto Sir Palomides, that after he had a fall
+of Sir Tristram, he was nigh-hand araged out of his wit for despite of
+Sir Tristram. And so he followed him by adventure. And as he came by a
+river, in his woodness he would have made his horse to have leapt over;
+and the horse failed footing and fell in the river, wherefore Sir
+Palomides was adread lest he should have been drowned; and then he
+avoided his horse, and swam to the land, and let his horse go down by
+adventure.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV. How Palomides came to the castle where Sir Tristram was,
+and of the quest that Sir Launcelot and ten knights made for Sir
+Tristram.
+
+And when he came to the land he took off his harness, and sat roaring
+and crying as a man out of his mind. Right so came a damosel even by
+Sir Palomides, that was sent from Sir Gawaine and his brother unto Sir
+Mordred, that lay sick in the same place with that old knight where Sir
+Tristram was. For, as the French book saith, Sir Persides hurt so Sir
+Mordred a ten days afore; and had it not been for the love of Sir
+Gawaine and his brother, Sir Persides had slain Sir Mordred. And so
+this damosel came by Sir Palomides, and she and he had language
+together, the which pleased neither of them; and so the damosel rode
+her ways till she came to the old knight’s place, and there she told
+that old knight how she met with the woodest knight by adventure that
+ever she met withal. What bare he in his shield? said Sir Tristram. It
+was indented with white and black, said the damosel. Ah, said Sir
+Tristram, that was Sir Palomides, the good knight. For well I know him,
+said Sir Tristram, for one of the best knights living in this realm.
+Then that old knight took a little hackney, and rode for Sir Palomides,
+and brought him unto his own manor; and full well knew Sir Tristram Sir
+Palomides, but he said but little, for at that time Sir Tristram was
+walking upon his feet, and well amended of his hurts; and always when
+Sir Palomides saw Sir Tristram he would behold him full marvellously,
+and ever him seemed that he had seen him. Then would he say unto Sir
+Dinadan: An ever I may meet with Sir Tristram he shall not escape mine
+hands. I marvel, said Sir Dinadan, that ye boast behind Sir Tristram,
+for it is but late that he was in your hands, and ye in his hands; why
+would ye not hold him when ye had him? for I saw myself twice or thrice
+that ye gat but little worship of Sir Tristram. Then was Sir Palomides
+ashamed. So leave we them a little while in the old castle with the old
+knight Sir Darras.
+
+Now shall we speak of King Arthur, that said to Sir Launcelot: Had not
+ye been we had not lost Sir Tristram, for he was here daily unto the
+time ye met with him, and in an evil time, said Arthur, ye encountered
+with him. My lord Arthur, said Launcelot, ye put upon me that I should
+be cause of his departition; God knoweth it was against my will. But
+when men be hot in deeds of arms oft they hurt their friends as well as
+their foes. And my lord, said Sir Launcelot, ye shall understand that
+Sir Tristram is a man that I am loath to offend, for he hath done for
+me more than ever I did for him as yet. But then Sir Launcelot made
+bring forth a book: and then Sir Launcelot said: Here we are ten
+knights that will swear upon a book never to rest one night where we
+rest another this twelvemonth until that we find Sir Tristram. And as
+for me, said Sir Launcelot, I promise you upon this book that an I may
+meet with him, either with fairness or foulness I shall bring him to
+this court, or else I shall die therefore. And the names of these ten
+knights that had undertaken this quest were these following: First was
+Sir Launcelot, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Bors de Ganis, and Bleoberis,
+and Sir Blamore de Ganis, and Lucan the Butler, Sir Uwaine, Sir Galihud
+Lionel, and Galiodin. So these ten noble knights departed from the
+court of King Arthur, and so they rode upon their quest together until
+they came to a cross where departed four ways, and there departed the
+fellowship in four to seek Sir Tristram.
+
+And as Sir Launcelot rode by adventure he met with Dame Bragwaine that
+was sent into that country to seek Sir Tristram, and she fled as fast
+as her palfrey might go. So Sir Launcelot met with her and asked her
+why she fled. Ah, fair knight, said Dame Bragwaine, I flee for dread of
+my life, for here followeth me Sir Breuse Saunce Pité to slay me. Hold
+you nigh me, said Sir Launcelot. Then when Sir Launcelot saw Sir Breuse
+Saunce Pité, Sir Launcelot cried unto him, and said: False knight,
+destroyer of ladies and damosels, now thy last days be come. When Sir
+Breuse Saunce Pité saw Sir Launcelot’s shield he knew it well, for at
+that time he bare not the arms of Cornwall, but he bare his own shield.
+And then Sir Breuse fled, and Sir Launcelot followed after him. But Sir
+Breuse was so well horsed that when him list to flee he might well
+flee, and also abide when him list. And then Sir Launcelot returned
+unto Dame Bragwaine, and she thanked him of his great labour.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI. How Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan were
+taken and put in prison.
+
+Now will we speak of Sir Lucan the butler, that by fortune he came
+riding to the same place thereas was Sir Tristram, and in he came in
+none other intent but to ask harbour. Then the porter asked what was
+his name. Tell your lord that my name is Sir Lucan, the butler, a
+Knight of the Round Table. So the porter went unto Sir Darras, lord of
+the place, and told him who was there to ask harbour. Nay, nay, said
+Sir Daname, that was nephew to Sir Darras, say him that he shall not be
+lodged here, but let him wit that I, Sir Daname, will meet with him
+anon, and bid him make him ready. So Sir Daname came forth on
+horseback, and there they met together with spears, and Sir Lucan smote
+down Sir Daname over his horse’s croup, and then he fled into that
+place, and Sir Lucan rode after him, and asked after him many times.
+
+Then Sir Dinadan said to Sir Tristram: It is shame to see the lord’s
+cousin of this place defoiled. Abide, said Sir Tristram, and I shall
+redress it. And in the meanwhile Sir Dinadan was on horseback, and he
+jousted with Lucan the butler, and there Sir Lucan smote Dinadan
+through the thick of the thigh, and so he rode his way; and Sir
+Tristram was wroth that Sir Dinadan was hurt, and followed after, and
+thought to avenge him; and within a while he overtook Sir Lucan, and
+bade him turn; and so they met together so that Sir Tristram hurt Sir
+Lucan passing sore and gave him a fall. With that came Sir Uwaine, a
+gentle knight, and when he saw Sir Lucan so hurt he called Sir Tristram
+to joust with him. Fair knight, said Sir Tristram, tell me your name I
+require you. Sir knight, wit ye well my name is Sir Uwaine le Fise de
+Roy Ureine. Ah, said Sir Tristram, by my will I would not have ado with
+you at no time. Ye shall not so, said Sir Uwaine, but ye shall have ado
+with me. And then Sir Tristram saw none other bote, but rode against
+him, and overthrew Sir Uwaine and hurt him in the side, and so he
+departed unto his lodging again. And when Sir Dinadan understood that
+Sir Tristram had hurt Sir Lucan he would have ridden after Sir Lucan
+for to have slain him, but Sir Tristram would not suffer him. Then Sir
+Uwaine let ordain an horse litter, and brought Sir Lucan to the abbey
+of Ganis, and the castle thereby hight the Castle of Ganis, of the
+which Sir Bleoberis was lord. And at that castle Sir Launcelot promised
+all his fellows to meet in the quest of Sir Tristram.
+
+So when Sir Tristram was come to his lodging there came a damosel that
+told Sir Darras that three of his sons were slain at that tournament,
+and two grievously wounded that they were never like to help themself.
+And all this was done by a noble knight that bare the black shield, and
+that was he that bare the prize. Then came there one and told Sir
+Darras that the same knight was within, him that bare the black shield.
+Then Sir Darras yede unto Sir Tristram’s chamber, and there he found
+his shield and showed it to the damosel. Ah sir, said the damosel, that
+same is he that slew your three sons. Then without any tarrying Sir
+Darras put Sir Tristram, and Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan, within a
+strong prison, and there Sir Tristram was like to have died of great
+sickness; and every day Sir Palomides would reprove Sir Tristram of old
+hate betwixt them. And ever Sir Tristram spake fair and said little.
+But when Sir Palomides saw the falling of sickness of Sir Tristram,
+then was he heavy for him, and comforted him in all the best wise he
+could. And as the French book saith, there came forty knights to Sir
+Darras that were of his own kin, and they would have slain Sir Tristram
+and his two fellows, but Sir Darras would not suffer that, but kept
+them in prison, and meat and drink they had. So Sir Tristram endured
+there great pain, for sickness had undertaken him, and that is the
+greatest pain a prisoner may have. For all the while a prisoner may
+have his health of body he may endure under the mercy of God and in
+hope of good deliverance; but when sickness toucheth a prisoner’s body,
+then may a prisoner say all wealth is him bereft, and then he hath
+cause to wail and to weep. Right so did Sir Tristram when sickness had
+undertaken him, for then he took such sorrow that he had almost slain
+himself.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII. How King Mark was sorry for the good renown of Sir
+Tristram. Some of King Arthur’s knights jousted with knights of
+Cornwall.
+
+Now will we speak, and leave Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir
+Dinadan in prison, and speak we of other knights that sought after Sir
+Tristram many divers parts of this land. And some yede into Cornwall;
+and by adventure Sir Gaheris, nephew unto King Arthur, came unto King
+Mark, and there he was well received and sat at King Mark’s own table
+and ate of his own mess. Then King Mark asked Sir Gaheris what tidings
+there were in the realm of Logris. Sir, said Sir Gaheris, the king
+reigneth as a noble knight; and now but late there was a great jousts
+and tournament as ever I saw any in the realm of Logris, and the most
+noble knights were at that jousts. But there was one knight that did
+marvellously three days, and he bare a black shield, and of all knights
+that ever I saw he proved the best knight. Then, said King Mark, that
+was Sir Launcelot, or Sir Palomides the paynim. Not so, said Sir
+Gheris, for both Sir Launcelot and Sir Palomides were on the contrary
+party against the Knight with the Black Shield. Then was it Sir
+Tristram, said the king. Yea, said Sir Gaheris. And therewithal the
+king smote down his head, and in his heart he feared sore that Sir
+Tristram should get him such worship in the realm of Logris
+wherethrough that he himself should not be able to withstand him. Thus
+Sir Gaheris had great cheer with King Mark, and with Queen La Beale
+Isoud, the which was glad of Sir Gaheris’ words; for well she wist by
+his deeds and manners that it was Sir Tristram. And then the king made
+a feast royal, and to that feast came Sir Uwaine le Fise de Roy Ureine,
+and some called him Uwaine le Blanchemains. And this Sir Uwaine
+challenged all the knights of Cornwall. Then was the king wood wroth
+that he had no knights to answer him. Then Sir Andred, nephew unto King
+Mark, leapt up and said: I will encounter with Sir Uwaine. Then he yede
+and armed him and horsed him in the best manner. And there Sir Uwaine
+met with Sir Andred, and smote him down that he swooned on the earth.
+Then was King Mark sorry and wroth out of measure that he had no knight
+to revenge his nephew, Sir Andred.
+
+So the king called unto him Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, and prayed him
+for his sake to take upon him to joust with Sir Uwaine. Sir, said Sir
+Dinas, I am full loath to have ado with any knight of the Round Table.
+Yet, said the king, for my love take upon thee to joust. So Sir Dinas
+made him ready, and anon they encountered together with great spears,
+but Sir Dinas was overthrown, horse and man, a great fall. Who was
+wroth but King Mark! Alas, he said, have I no knight that will
+encounter with yonder knight? Sir, said Sir Gaheris, for your sake I
+will joust. So Sir Gaheris made him ready, and when he was armed he
+rode into the field. And when Sir Uwaine saw Sir Gaheris’ shield he
+rode to him and said: Sir, ye do not your part. For, sir, the first
+time ye were made Knight of the Round Table ye sware that ye should not
+have ado with your fellowship wittingly. And pardie, Sir Gaheris, ye
+knew me well enough by my shield, and so do I know you by your shield,
+and though ye would break your oath I would not break mine; for there
+is not one here, nor ye, that shall think I am afeard of you, but I
+durst right well have ado with you, and yet we be sisters’ sons. Then
+was Sir Gaheris ashamed, and so therewithal every knight went their
+way, and Sir Uwaine rode into the country.
+
+Then King Mark armed him, and took his horse and his spear, with a
+squire with him. And then he rode afore Sir Uwaine, and suddenly at a
+gap he ran upon him as he that was not ware of him, and there he smote
+him almost through the body, and there left him. So within a while
+there came Sir Kay and found Sir Uwaine, and asked him how he was hurt.
+I wot not, said Sir Uwaine, why nor wherefore, but by treason I am sure
+I gat this hurt; for here came a knight suddenly upon me or that I was
+ware, and suddenly hurt me. Then there was come Sir Andred to seek King
+Mark. Thou traitor knight, said Sir Kay, an I wist it were thou that
+thus traitorly hast hurt this noble knight thou shouldst never pass my
+hands. Sir, said Sir Andred, I did never hurt him, and that I will
+report me to himself. Fie on you false knight, said Sir Kay, for ye of
+Cornwall are nought worth. So Sir Kay made carry Sir Uwaine to the
+Abbey of the Black Cross, and there he was healed. And then Sir Gaheris
+took his leave of King Mark, but or he departed he said: Sir king, ye
+did a foul shame unto you and your court, when ye banished Sir Tristram
+out of this country, for ye needed not to have doubted no knight an he
+had been here. And so he departed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII. Of the treason of King Mark, and how Sir Gaheris smote
+him down and Andred his cousin.
+
+Then there came Sir Kay, the Seneschal, unto King Mark, and there he
+had good cheer showing outward. Now, fair lords, said he, will ye prove
+any adventure in the forest of Morris, in the which I know well is as
+hard an adventure as I know any. Sir, said Sir Kay, I will prove it.
+And Sir Gaheris said he would be avised for King Mark was ever full of
+treason: and therewithal Sir Gaheris departed and rode his way. And by
+the same way that Sir Kay should ride he laid him down to rest,
+charging his squire to wait upon Sir Kay; And warn me when he cometh.
+So within a while Sir Kay came riding that way, and then Sir Gaheris
+took his horse and met him, and said: Sir Kay, ye are not wise to ride
+at the request of King Mark, for he dealeth all with treason. Then said
+Sir Kay: I require you let us prove this adventure. I shall not fail
+you, said Sir Gaheris. And so they rode that time till a lake that was
+that time called the Perilous Lake, and there they abode under the shaw
+of the wood.
+
+The meanwhile King Mark within the castle of Tintagil avoided all his
+barons, and all other save such as were privy with him were avoided out
+of his chamber. And then he let call his nephew Sir Andred, and bade
+arm him and horse him lightly; and by that time it was midnight. And so
+King Mark was armed in black, horse and all; and so at a privy postern
+they two issued out with their varlets with them, and rode till they
+came to that lake. Then Sir Kay espied them first, and gat his spear,
+and proffered to joust. And King Mark rode against him, and smote each
+other full hard, for the moon shone as the bright day. And there at
+that jousts Sir Kay’s horse fell down, for his horse was not so big as
+the king’s horse, and Sir Kay’s horse bruised him full sore. Then Sir
+Gaheris was wroth that Sir Kay had a fall. Then he cried: Knight, sit
+thou fast in thy saddle, for I will revenge my fellow. Then King Mark
+was afeard of Sir Gaheris, and so with evil will King Mark rode against
+him, and Sir Gaheris gave him such a stroke that he fell down. So then
+forthwithal Sir Gaheris ran unto Sir Andred and smote him from his
+horse quite, that his helm smote in the earth, and nigh had broken his
+neck. And therewithal Sir Gaheris alighted, and gat up Sir Kay. And
+then they yode both on foot to them, and bade them yield them, and tell
+their names outher they should die. Then with great pain Sir Andred
+spake first, and said: It is King Mark of Cornwall, therefore be ye
+ware what ye do, and I am Sir Andred, his cousin. Fie on you both, said
+Sir Gaheris, for a false traitor, and false treason hast thou wrought
+and he both, under the feigned cheer that ye made us! it were pity,
+said Sir Gaheris, that thou shouldst live any longer. Save my life,
+said King Mark, and I will make amends; and consider that I am a king
+anointed. It were the more shame, said Sir Gaheris, to save thy life;
+thou art a king anointed with cream, and therefore thou shouldst hold
+with all men of worship; and therefore thou art worthy to die. With
+that he lashed at King Mark without saying any more, and covered him
+with his shield and defended him as he might. And then Sir Kay lashed
+at Sir Andred, and therewithal King Mark yielded him unto Sir Gaheris.
+And then he kneeled adown, and made his oath upon the cross of the
+sword, that never while he lived he would be against errant-knights.
+And also he sware to be good friend unto Sir Tristram if ever he came
+into Cornwall.
+
+By then Sir Andred was on the earth, and Sir Kay would have slain him.
+Let be, said Sir Gaheris, slay him not I pray you. It were pity, said
+Sir Kay, that he should live any longer, for this is nigh cousin unto
+Sir Tristram, and ever he hath been a traitor unto him, and by him he
+was exiled out of Cornwall, and therefore I will slay him, said Sir
+Kay. Ye shall not, said Sir Gaheris; sithen I have given the king his
+life, I pray you give him his life. And therewithal Sir Kay let him go.
+And so Sir Kay and Sir Gaheris rode their way unto Dinas, the
+Seneschal, for because they heard say that he loved well Sir Tristram.
+So they reposed them there, and soon after they rode unto the realm of
+Logris. And so within a little while they met with Sir Launcelot that
+always had Dame Bragwaine with him, to that intent he weened to have
+met the sooner with Sir Tristram; and Sir Launcelot asked what tidings
+in Cornwall, and whether they heard of Sir Tristram or not. Sir Kay and
+Sir Gaheris answered and said, that they heard not of him. Then they
+told Sir Launcelot word by word of their adventure. Then Sir Launcelot
+smiled and said: Hard it is to take out of the flesh that is bred in
+the bone; and so made them merry together.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX. How after that Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir
+Dinadan had been long in prison they were delivered.
+
+Now leave we off this tale, and speak we of Sir Dinas that had within
+the castle a paramour, and she loved another knight better than him.
+And so when Sir Dinas went out a-hunting she slipped down by a towel,
+and took with her two brachets, and so she yede to the knight that she
+loved, and he her again. And when Sir Dinas came home and missed his
+paramour and his brachets, then was he the more wrother for his
+brachets than for the lady. So then he rode after the knight that had
+his paramour, and bade him turn and joust. So Sir Dinas smote him down,
+that with the fall he brake his leg and his arm. And then his lady and
+paramour cried Sir Dinas mercy, and said she would love him better than
+ever she did. Nay, said Sir Dinas, I shall never trust them that once
+betrayed me, and therefore, as ye have begun, so end, for I will never
+meddle with you. And so Sir Dinas departed, and took his brachets with
+him, and so rode to his castle.
+
+Now will we turn unto Sir Launcelot, that was right heavy that he could
+never hear no tidings of Sir Tristram, for all this while he was in
+prison with Sir Darras, Palomides, and Dinadan. Then Dame Bragwaine
+took her leave to go into Cornwall, and Sir Launcelot, Sir Kay, and Sir
+Gaheris rode to seek Sir Tristram in the country of Surluse.
+
+Now speaketh this tale of Sir Tristram and of his two fellows, for
+every day Sir Palomides brawled and said language against Sir Tristram.
+I marvel, said Sir Dinadan, of thee, Sir Palomides, an thou haddest Sir
+Tristram here thou wouldst do him no harm; for an a wolf and a sheep
+were together in a prison the wolf would suffer the sheep to be in
+peace. And wit thou well, said Sir Dinadan, this same is Sir Tristram
+at a word, and now must thou do thy best with him, and let see now if
+ye can skift it with your hands. Then was Sir Palomides abashed and
+said little. Sir Palomides, then said Sir Tristram, I have heard much
+of your maugre against me, but I will not meddle with you as at this
+time by my will, because I dread the lord of this place that hath us in
+governance; for an I dread him not more than I do thee, soon it should
+be skift: so they peaced themself. Right so came in a damosel and said:
+Knights, be of good cheer, for ye are sure of your lives, and that I
+heard say my lord, Sir Darras. Then were they glad all three, for daily
+they weened they should have died.
+
+Then soon after this Sir Tristram fell sick that he weened to have
+died; then Sir Dinadan wept, and so did Sir Palomides under them both
+making great sorrow. So a damosel came in to them and found them
+mourning. Then she went unto Sir Darras, and told him how that mighty
+knight that bare the black shield was likely to die. That shall not be,
+said Sir Darras, for God defend when knights come to me for succour
+that I should suffer them to die within my prison. Therefore, said Sir
+Darras to the damosel, fetch that knight and his fellows afore me. And
+then anon Sir Darras saw Sir Tristram brought afore him. He said: Sir
+knight, me repenteth of thy sickness for thou art called a full noble
+knight, and so it seemeth by thee; and wit ye well it shall never be
+said that Sir Darras shall destroy such a noble knight as thou art in
+prison, howbeit that thou hast slain three of my sons whereby I was
+greatly aggrieved. But now shalt thou go and thy fellows, and your
+harness and horses have been fair and clean kept, and ye shall go where
+it liketh you, upon this covenant, that thou, knight, wilt promise me
+to be good friend to my sons two that be now alive, and also that thou
+tell me thy name. Sir, said he, as for me my name is Sir Tristram de
+Liones, and in Cornwall was I born, and nephew I am unto King Mark. And
+as for the death of your sons I might not do withal, for an they had
+been the next kin that I have I might have done none otherwise. And if
+I had slain them by treason or treachery I had been worthy to have
+died. All this I consider, said Sir Darras, that all that ye did was by
+force of knighthood, and that was the cause I would not put you to
+death. But sith ye be Sir Tristram, the good knight, I pray you
+heartily to be my good friend and to my sons. Sir, said Sir Tristram, I
+promise you by the faith of my body, ever while I live I will do you
+service, for ye have done to us but as a natural knight ought to do.
+Then Sir Tristram reposed him there till that he was amended of his
+sickness; and when he was big and strong they took their leave, and
+every knight took their horses, and so departed and rode together till
+they came to a cross way. Now fellows, said Sir Tristram, here will we
+depart in sundry ways. And because Sir Dinadan had the first adventure
+of him I will begin.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL. How Sir Dinadan rescued a lady from Sir Breuse Saunce Pité,
+and how Sir Tristram received a shield of Morgan le Fay.
+
+So as Sir Dinadan rode by a well he found a lady making great dole.
+What aileth you? said Sir Dinadan. Sir knight, said the lady, I am the
+wofullest lady of the world, for within these five days here came a
+knight called Sir Breuse Saunce Pité, and he slew mine own brother, and
+ever since he hath kept me at his own will, and of all men in the world
+I hate him most; and therefore I require you of knighthood to avenge
+me, for he will not tarry, but be here anon. Let him come, said Sir
+Dinadan, and because of honour of all women I will do my part. With
+this came Sir Breuse, and when he saw a knight with his lady he was
+wood wroth. And then he said: Sir knight, keep thee from me. So they
+hurtled together as thunder, and either smote other passing sore, but
+Sir Dinadan put him through the shoulder a grievous wound, and or ever
+Sir Dinadan might turn him Sir Breuse was gone and fled. Then the lady
+prayed him to bring her to a castle there beside but four mile thence;
+and so Sir Dinadan brought her there, and she was welcome, for the lord
+of that castle was her uncle; and so Sir Dinadan rode his way upon his
+adventure.
+
+Now turn we this tale unto Sir Tristram, that by adventure he came to a
+castle to ask lodging, wherein was Queen Morgan le Fay; and so when Sir
+Tristram was let into that castle he had good cheer all that night. And
+upon the morn when he would have departed the queen said: Wit ye well
+ye shall not depart lightly, for ye are here as a prisoner. Jesu
+defend! said Sir Tristram, for I was but late a prisoner. Fair knight,
+said the queen, ye shall abide with me till that I wit what ye are and
+from whence ye come. And ever the queen would set Sir Tristram on her
+own side, and her paramour on the other side. And ever Queen Morgan
+would behold Sir Tristram, and thereat the knight was jealous, and was
+in will suddenly to have run upon Sir Tristram with a sword, but he
+left it for shame. Then the queen said to Sir Tristram: Tell me thy
+name, and I shall suffer you to depart when ye will. Upon that covenant
+I tell you my name is Sir Tristram de Liones. Ah, said Morgan le Fay,
+an I had wist that, thou shouldst not have departed so soon as thou
+shalt. But sithen I have made a promise I will hold it, with that thou
+wilt promise me to bear upon thee a shield that I shall deliver thee,
+unto the castle of the Hard Rock, where King Arthur had cried a great
+tournament, and there I pray you that ye will be, and to do for me as
+much deeds of arms as ye may do. For at the Castle of Maidens, Sir
+Tristram, ye did marvellous deeds of arms as ever I heard knight do.
+Madam, said Sir Tristram, let me see the shield that I shall bear. Then
+the shield was brought forth, and the field was goldish, with a king
+and a queen therein painted, and a knight standing above them, [one
+foot] upon the king’s head, and the other upon the queen’s. Madam, said
+Sir Tristram, this is a fair shield and a mighty; but what signifieth
+this king and this queen, and the knight standing upon both their
+heads? I shall tell you, said Morgan le Fay, it signifieth King Arthur
+and Queen Guenever, and a knight who holdeth them both in bondage and
+in servage. Who is that knight? said Sir Tristram. That shall ye not
+wit as at this time, said the queen. But as the French book saith,
+Queen Morgan loved Sir Launcelot best, and ever she desired him, and he
+would never love her nor do nothing at her request, and therefore she
+held many knights together for to have taken him by strength. And
+because she deemed that Sir Launcelot loved Queen Guenever paramour,
+and she him again, therefore Queen Morgan le Fay ordained that shield
+to put Sir Launcelot to a rebuke, to that intent that King Arthur might
+understand the love between them. Then Sir Tristram took that shield
+and promised her to bear it at the tournament at the Castle of the Hard
+Rock. But Sir Tristram knew not that that shield was ordained against
+Sir Launcelot, but afterward he knew it.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLI. How Sir Tristram took with him the shield, and also how he
+slew the paramour of Morgan le Fay.
+
+So then Sir Tristram took his leave of the queen, and took the shield
+with him. Then came the knight that held Queen Morgan le Fay, his name
+was Sir Hemison, and he made him ready to follow Sir Tristram. Fair
+friend, said Morgan, ride not after that knight, for ye shall not win
+no worship of him. Fie on him, coward, said Sir Hemison, for I wist
+never good knight come out of Cornwall but if it were Sir Tristram de
+Liones. What an that be he? said she. Nay, nay, said he, he is with La
+Beale Isoud, and this is but a daffish knight. Alas, my fair friend, ye
+shall find him the best knight that ever ye met withal, for I know him
+better than ye do. For your sake, said Sir Hemison, I shall slay him.
+Ah, fair friend, said the queen, me repenteth that ye will follow that
+knight, for I fear me sore of your again coming. With this this knight
+rode his way wood wroth, and he rode after Sir Tristram as fast as he
+had been chased with knights. When Sir Tristram heard a knight come
+after him so fast he returned about, and saw a knight coming against
+him. And when he came nigh to Sir Tristram he cried on high: Sir
+knight, keep thee from me. Then they rushed together as it had been
+thunder, and Sir Hemison brised his spear upon Sir Tristram, but his
+harness was so good that he might not hurt him. And Sir Tristram smote
+him harder, and bare him through the body, and he fell over his horse’s
+croup. Then Sir Tristram turned to have done more with his sword, but
+he saw so much blood go from him that him seemed he was likely to die,
+and so he departed from him and came to a fair manor to an old knight,
+and there Sir Tristram lodged.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLII. How Morgan le Fay buried her paramour, and how Sir
+Tristram praised Sir Launcelot and his kin.
+
+Now leave to speak of Sir Tristram, and speak we of the knight that was
+wounded to the death. Then his varlet alighted, and took off his helm,
+and then he asked his lord whether there were any life in him. There is
+in me life, said the knight, but it is but little; and therefore leap
+thou up behind me when thou hast holpen me up, and hold me fast that I
+fall not, and bring me to Queen Morgan le Fay; for deep draughts of
+death draw to my heart that I may not live, for I would fain speak with
+her or I died: for else my soul will be in great peril an I die.
+For[thwith] with great pain his varlet brought him to the castle, and
+there Sir Hemison fell down dead. When Morgan le Fay saw him dead she
+made great sorrow out of reason; and then she let despoil him unto his
+shirt, and so she let him put into a tomb. And about the tomb she let
+write: Here lieth Sir Hemison, slain by the hands of Sir Tristram de
+Liones.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that asked the knight his host if he saw
+late any knights adventurous. Sir, he said, the last night here lodged
+with me Ector de Maris and a damosel with him, and that damosel told me
+that he was one of the best knights of the world. That is not so, said
+Sir Tristram, for I know four better knights of his own blood, and the
+first is Sir Launcelot du Lake, call him the best knight, and Sir Bors
+de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Blamore de Ganis, and Sir Gaheris. Nay,
+said his host, Sir Gawaine is a better knight than he. That is not so,
+said Sir Tristram, for I have met with them both, and I felt Sir
+Gaheris for the better knight, and Sir Lamorak I call him as good as
+any of them except Sir Launcelot. Why name ye not Sir Tristram? said
+his host, for I account him as good as any of them. I know not Sir
+Tristram, said Tristram. Thus they talked and bourded as long as them
+list, and then went to rest. And on the morn Sir Tristram departed, and
+took his leave of his host, and rode toward the Roche Dure, and none
+adventure had Sir Tristram but that; and so he rested not till he came
+to the castle, where he saw five hundred tents.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIII. How Sir Tristram at a tournament bare the shield that
+Morgan le Fay delivered to him.
+
+Then the King of Scots and the King of Ireland held against King
+Arthur’s knights, and there began a great medley. So came in Sir
+Tristram and did marvellous deeds of arms, for there he smote down many
+knights. And ever he was afore King Arthur with that shield. And when
+King Arthur saw that shield he marvelled greatly in what intent it was
+made; but Queen Guenever deemed as it was, wherefore she was heavy.
+Then was there a damosel of Queen Morgan in a chamber by King Arthur,
+and when she heard King Arthur speak of that shield, then she spake
+openly unto King Arthur. Sir King, wit ye well this shield was ordained
+for you, to warn you of your shame and dishonour, and that longeth to
+you and your queen. And then anon that damosel picked her away privily,
+that no man wist where she was become. Then was King Arthur sad and
+wroth, and asked from whence came that damosel. There was not one that
+knew her nor wist where she was become. Then Queen Guenever called to
+her Sir Ector de Maris, and there she made her complaint to him, and
+said: I wot well this shield was made by Morgan le Fay in despite of me
+and of Sir Launcelot, wherefore I dread me sore lest I should be
+destroyed. And ever the king beheld Sir Tristram, that did so
+marvellous deeds of arms that he wondered sore what knight he might be,
+and well he wist it was not Sir Launcelot. And it was told him that Sir
+Tristram was in Petit Britain with Isoud la Blanche Mains, for he
+deemed, an he had been in the realm of Logris, Sir Launcelot or some of
+his fellows that were in the quest of Sir Tristram that they should
+have found him or that time. So King Arthur had marvel what knight he
+might be. And ever Sir Arthur’s eye was on that shield. All that espied
+the queen, and that made her sore afeard.
+
+Then ever Sir Tristram smote down knights wonderly to behold, what upon
+the right hand and upon the left hand, that unnethe no knight might
+withstand him. And the King of Scots and the King of Ireland began to
+withdraw them. When Arthur espied that, he thought that that knight
+with the strange shield should not escape him. Then he called unto him
+Sir Uwaine le Blanche Mains, and bade him arm him and make him ready.
+So anon King Arthur and Sir Uwaine dressed them before Sir Tristram,
+and required him to tell them where he had that shield. Sir, he said, I
+had it of Queen Morgan le Fay, sister unto King Arthur.
+
+ So here endeth this history of this book, for it is the first book of
+ Sir Tristram de Liones and the second book of Sir Tristram followeth.
+
+
+GLOSSARY
+
+Abashed, abased, lowered,
+Abate, depress, calm,
+Abought, paid for,
+Abraid, started,
+Accompted, counted,
+Accorded, agreed,
+Accordment, agreement,
+Acquit, repay,
+Actually, actively,
+Adoubted, afraid,
+Advision, vision,
+Afeard, afraid,
+Afterdeal, disadvantage,
+Againsay, retract,
+Aknown, known,
+Aligement, alleviation,
+Allegeance, alleviation,
+Allow, approve,
+Almeries, chests,
+Alther, gen. pl., of all,
+Amounted, mounted,
+Anealed, anointed,
+Anguishly, in pain,
+Anon, at once,
+Apair, weaken,
+Apparelled, fitted up,
+Appeach, impeach,
+Appealed, challenged, accused,
+Appertices, displays,
+Araged, enraged, ; confused,
+Araised, raised,
+Arase, obliterate,
+Areared, reared,
+Armyvestal, martial,
+Array, plight, state of affairs,
+Arrayed, situated,
+Arson, saddle-bow,
+Askance, casually,
+Assoiled, absolved,
+Assotted, infatuated,
+Assummon, summon,
+Astonied, amazed, stunned,
+At, of, by,
+At-after, after,
+Attaint, overcome,
+Aumbries, chests,
+Avail (at), at an advantage,
+Avaled, lowered,
+Avaunt, boast,
+Aventred, couched,
+Avised, be advised, take thought,
+Avision, vision,
+Avoid, quit,
+Avoided, got clear off,
+Avow, vow,
+Await of (in), in watch for,
+Awayward, away,
+Awke, sideways,
+
+Bachelors, probationers for knighthood
+Bain, bath,
+Barbican, gate-tower,
+Barget, little ship,
+Battle, division of an army,
+Bawdy, dirty,
+Beams, trumpets,
+Be-closed, enclosed,
+Become, pp., befallen, gone to,
+Bedashed, splashed,
+Behests, promises,
+Behight, promised,
+Beholden (beholding) to, obliged to,
+Behote, promised,
+Benome, deprived, taken away,
+Besants, gold coins,
+Beseek, beseech,
+Beseen, appointed, arrayed,
+Beskift, shove off,
+Bested, beset,
+Betaken, entrusted,
+Betaught, entrusted, recommended,
+Betid, happened,
+Betook, committed, entrusted,
+Bevered, quivered,
+Board, sb., deck,
+Bobaunce, boasting, pride,
+Boishe, bush, branch of a tree,
+Boistous, rough,
+Bole, trunk of a tree,
+Boot, remedy,
+Borrow out, redeem,
+Borrows, pledges,
+Bote, remedy,
+Bound, ready,
+Bourded, jested,
+Bourder, jester,
+Braced, embraced,
+Brachet, little hound,
+Braide, quick movement,
+Brast, burst, break,
+Breaths, breathing holes,
+Brief, shorten,
+Brim, fierce, furious,
+Brised, broke,
+Broached, pierced,
+Broaches, spits,
+Bur, hand-guard of a spear,
+Burble, bubble,
+Burbling, bubbling,
+Burgenetts, buds, blossoms,
+Bushment, ambush,
+By and by, immediately,
+Bywaryed, expended, bestowed,
+
+Canel bone, collar bone,
+Cankered, inveterate,
+Cantel, slice, strip,
+Careful, sorrowful, full of troubles,
+Cast (of bread), loaves baked at the same time,
+Cast, ref: v., propose,
+Cedle, schedule, note,
+Cere, wax over, embalm,; cerel,
+Certes, certainly,
+Chafe, heat, decompose,; chafed, heated,
+Chaflet, platform, scaffold,
+Champaign, open country,
+Chariot (Fr charette), cart,
+Cheer, countenance,  entertainment,
+Chierte, dearness,
+Chrism, anointing oil,
+Clatter, talk confusedly,
+Cleight, clutched,
+Cleped, called,
+Clipping, embracing,
+Cog, small boat,
+Cognisance, badge, mark of distinction,
+Coif, head-piece,
+Comfort, strengthen, help,
+Cominal, common,
+Complished, complete,
+Con, know, be able, ; con thanlt, be grateful,
+Conserve, preserve,
+Conversant, abiding in,
+Cording, agreement,
+Coronal, circlet,
+Cost, side,
+Costed, kept up with,
+Couched, lay,
+Courage, encourage,
+Courtelage, courtyard,
+Covert, sheltered,
+Covetise, covetousness,
+Covin, deceit,
+Cream, oil,
+Credence, faith,
+Croup, crupper,
+Curteist, most courteous,
+
+Daffish, foolish,
+Danger (in), under obligation to, in the power of,
+Dawed, v tr., revived,  intr. dawned,
+Deadly, mortal, human,
+Deal, part, portion,
+Debate, quarrel, strife,
+Debonair, courteous,
+Deceivable, deceitful,
+Defaded, faded,
+Default, fault,
+Defend, forbid,; defended,; forbidden,
+Defoiled, trodden down, fouled, deflowered,
+Degree (win the), rank, superiority,
+Delibered, determined,
+Deliverly, adroitly,
+Departed, divided,
+Departition, departure,
+Dere, harm,
+Descrive, describe,
+Despoiled, stripped,
+Detrenched, cut to pieces,
+Devised, looked carefully at,
+Devoir, duty, service,
+Did off, doffed,
+Dight, prepared,
+Dindled, trembled,
+Disadventure, misfortune,
+Discover, reveal,
+Disherited, disinherited,
+Disparpled, scattered,
+Dispenses, expenses,
+Disperplyd, scattered,
+Dispoiled, stripped,
+Distained, sullied, dishonoured,
+Disworship, shame,
+Dole, gift of alms,
+Dole, sorrow,
+Domineth, dominates, rules,
+Don, gift,
+Doted, foolish,
+Doubted, redoubtable,
+Draughts, privities, secret interviews, recesses,
+Drenched, drowned,
+Dress, make ready,
+Dressed up, raised,
+Dretched, troubled in sleep,
+Dretching, being troubled in sleep,
+Dromounds, war vessels,
+Dure, endure, last,; dured,; during,
+Duresse, bondage, hardship,
+Dwined, dwindled,
+
+Eased, entertained,
+Eft, after, again,
+Eftures, passages,
+Embattled, ranged for battle,
+Embushed, concealed in the woods,
+Eme, uncle,
+Empoison, poison,
+Emprised, undertook,
+Enbraid,
+Enchafe, heat,; enchafed, heated,
+Enchieve, achieve,
+Endlong, alongside of,
+Enewed, painted,
+Enforce, constrain,
+Engine, device,
+Enow, enough,
+Enquest, enterprise,
+Ensured, assured,
+Entermete, intermeddle,
+Errant, wandering,
+Estates, ranks,
+Even hand, at an equality,
+Evenlong, along,
+Everych, each, every one,
+
+Faiter, vagabond,
+Fare, sb., ado, commotion,
+Faren, pp., treated,
+Faute, lack,; fauted, lacked,
+Fealty, oath of fidelity,
+Fear, frighten,
+Feute, trace, track,
+Feuter, set in rest, couch,
+Feutred, set in socket,
+Fiaunce, affiance, promise,
+Flang, flung,; rushed,
+Flatling, prostrate,
+Fleet, float,
+Flemed, put to flight,
+Flittered, fluttered,
+Foiled, defeated, shamed,
+Foined, thrust,
+Foining, thrusting,
+Foins, thrusts,
+Foot-hot, hastily,
+For-bled, spent with bleeding,
+Force (no), no concern,
+Fordeal, advantage,
+Fordo, destroy,; fordid,
+Forecast, preconcerted plot,
+For-fared, worsted,
+Forfend, forbid,
+Forfoughten, weary with fighting,
+Forhewn, hewn to pieces,
+Forjousted, tired with jousting,
+Forthinketh, repents,
+Fortuned, happened,
+Forward, vanguard,
+Forwowmded, sorely wounded,
+Free, noble,
+Freshed,
+Froward, away from,
+
+Gad, wedge or spike of iron,
+Gainest, readiest,
+Gar, cause,
+Gart, compelled,
+Gentily, like a gentleman,
+Gerfalcon, a fine hawk,
+Germane, closely allied,
+Gest, deed, story,
+Gisarm, halberd, battle-axe,
+Glaive, sword,
+Glasting, barking,
+Glatisant, barking, yelping,
+Gobbets, lumps,
+Graithed, made ready,
+Gree, degree, superiority,
+Greed, pp., pleased, content,
+Grescs, steps,
+Grimly, ugly,
+Grovelling, on his face,
+Guerdonless, without reward,
+Guise, fashion,
+
+Habergeon, hauberk with leggings attached,
+Hair, a hair-shirt,
+Hale and how, a sailor’s cry,
+Halp, helped,
+Halsed, embraced,
+Halsing, embracing,
+Handfast, betrothed,
+Handsel, earnest-money,
+Hangers, testicles,
+Harbingers, messengers sent to prepare lodgings,
+Harness, armour,
+Hart of greese, fat deer,
+Hauberk, coat of mail,
+Haut, high, noble,
+Hauteyn, haughty,
+Heavy, sad,
+Hete, command,
+Hide, skin,
+Hied, hurried,
+High (on), aloud,
+Higher hand, the uppermost,
+Hight, called,
+Hilled, covered, concealed,
+Holden, held,
+Holp, helped,
+Holts, woods,
+Hough-bone, back part of kneejoint,
+Houselled, to be given the Eucharist,
+Hoved, hovered, waited about,
+Hurled, dashed, staggered,; hurling,
+Hurtle, dash,
+
+Incontinent, forthwith,
+Ind, dark blue,
+Infellowship, join in fellowship,
+In like, alike,
+Intermit, interpose,
+
+Japer, jester,
+Japes, jests,
+Jesseraunt, a short cuirass,
+
+Keep, sb., care,
+Keep, s., care, reck,
+Kemps, champions,
+Kind, nature,
+Kindly, natural,
+Knights parters, marshals,
+Know, acknowledge,
+Knowledging, acknowledgment, confession,
+
+Lain, conceal,
+Langering, sauntering,
+Lapped, took in her lap,
+Large, generous,
+Largeness, liberality,
+Laton, latten, brass,
+Laund, waste plain,
+Layne, conceal,
+Lazar-cot, leper-house,
+Learn, teach,
+Lears, cheeks,
+Leaved, leafy,
+Lecher, fornicator,
+Leech, physician,
+Leman, lover,
+Let, caused to,
+Let, hinder,
+Lewdest, most ignorant,
+Licours lecherous,
+Lief, dear,
+Liefer, more gladly,
+Lieve, believe,
+Limb-meal, limb from limb,
+List, desire, pleasure,
+Lithe, joint,
+Longing unto, belonging to,
+Long on (upon), because of,
+Loos, praise,
+Lotless, without a share,
+Loveday, day for. settling disputes,
+Loving, praising,
+Lunes, leashes, strings,
+Lusk, lubber,
+Lusts, inclinations,
+
+Maims, wounds,
+Makeless, matchless,
+Makers, authors, poets,
+Mas,ease, discomfort,
+Mal engine, evil design,
+Mal-fortune, ill-luck, mishap,
+Marches, borders,
+Mass-penny, offering at mass for the dead,
+Matche old, machicolated, with holes for defence,
+Maugre, sb., despite,
+Measle, disease,
+Medled, mingled,
+Medley, melee, general encounter,
+Meiny, retinue,
+Mickle, much,
+Minever, ermine,
+Mischieved, hurt,
+Mischievous, painful,
+Miscorr fort, discomfort,
+Miscreature, unbeliever,
+Missay, revile,; missaid,
+Mo, more,
+More and less, rich and poor,
+Motes, notes on a horn,
+Mount~ lance, amount of, extent,
+Much, great,
+
+Naked, unarmed,
+Namely, especially,
+Ne, nor,
+Near-hand, nearly,; near,
+Needly, needs, on your own compulsion,
+Nesh, soft, tender,
+Nigh-hand, nearly,
+Nill, will not,
+Nilt, will not,
+Nis, ne is, is not,
+Nist, ne wist, knew not,
+Noblesse, nobleness,
+Nobley, nobility, splendour,
+Noised, reported,
+Nold, would not,
+Noseling, on his nose,
+Not for then, nevertheless,
+Notoyrly, notoriously,
+Noyous, hurtful,
+
+Obeissance, obedience,
+Or, before,
+Orgule, haughtiness,
+Orgulist, haughtiest,
+Orgulite, pride, arrogance,
+Orgulous, proud,
+Other, or,
+Ouches, jewels,
+Ought, owned,
+Outcept, except,
+Outher, or,
+Out-taken, except,
+Over-evening, last night,
+Overget, overtake,
+Overhylled, covered,
+Over-led, domineered over,
+Overlong, the length of,
+Overslip, pass,
+Overthwart, adj., cross,
+Overthwart, sb., mischance,
+Overthwart and endlong, by the breadth and length,
+
+Painture, painting,
+Paitrelles, breastplate of a horse,
+Paltocks, short coats,
+Parage, descent,
+Pareil, like,
+Passing, surpassingly,
+Paynim, pagan,
+Pensel, pennon,
+Perclos, partition,
+Perdy, par Dieu,
+Perigot, falcon,
+Perish, destroy,
+Peron, tombstone,
+Pight, pitched,
+Pike, steal away,
+Piked, stole,
+Pillers, plunderers,
+Pilling, plundering,
+Pleasaunce, pleasure,
+Plenour, complete,
+Plump, sb., cluster,
+Pointling, aiming,
+Pont, bridge,
+Port, gate,
+Posseded, possessed,
+Potestate, governor,
+Precessours, predecessors,
+Press, throng,
+Pretendeth, belongs to,
+Pricker, hard rider,
+Pricking, spurring,
+Prime, A.M.,
+Prise, capture,
+Puissance, power,
+Purfle, trimming,
+Purfled, embroidered,
+Purvey, provide,
+
+Quarrels, arrowheads,
+Questing, barking,
+Quick, alive,
+Quit, repaid,; acquitted, behaved,
+
+Raced (rased), tore,
+Rack (of bulls), herd,
+Raines, a town in Brittany famous for its cloth,
+Ramping, raging,
+Range, rank, station,
+Ransacked, searched,
+Rashed, fell headlong,
+Rashing, rushing,
+Rasing, rushing,
+Rasure,
+Raundon, impetuosity,
+Rear, raise,
+Rechate, note of recall,
+Recomforted, comforted, cheered,
+Recounter, rencontre, encounter,
+Recover, rescue,
+Rede, advise, ; sb., counsel,
+Redounded, glanced back,
+Religion, religious order,
+Reneye, deny,
+Report, refer,
+Resemblaunt; semblance,
+Retrayed, drew back,
+Rightwise, rightly,
+Rivage, shore,
+Romed, roared,
+Roted, practised,
+Rove, cleft,
+Rownsepyk, a branch,
+
+Sacring, consecrating,
+Sad, serious,
+Sadly, heartily, earnestly,
+Salle, room,
+Samite, silk stuff with gold or silver
+threads,
+Sangreal, Holy Grail,
+Sarps, girdles,
+Saw, proverb,
+Scathes, harms, hurts,
+icripture, writing,
+Search, probe wounds,
+Selar, canopy,
+Semblable, like,
+Semblant, semblance,
+Sendal, fine cloth,
+Sennight, week,
+Servage, slavery,
+Sewer, officer who set on dishes and tasted them,
+Shaft-mon, handbreadth,
+Shaw, thicket,
+Sheef, thrust,
+Sheer-Thursday, Thursday in Holy Week,
+Shend, harm,
+Shenship, disgrace,
+Shent, undone, blamed,
+Shour, attack,
+Shrew, rascal,
+Shrewd, knavish,
+Sib, akin to,
+Sideling, sideways,
+Siege, seat,
+Signified, likened,
+Siker, sure,
+Sikerness, assurance,
+Sith, since,
+Sithen, afterwards, since,
+Skift, changed,
+Slade, valley,
+Slake, glen,
+Soil (to go to), hunting term for taking the water,
+Sonds, messages,
+Sort, company,
+Sperd, bolted,
+Spere, ask, inquire,
+Spered, asked,
+Sperhawk, sparrowhawk,
+Sprent, sprinkled,
+Stale, station,
+Stark, thoroughly,
+Stead, place,
+Stert, started, rose quickly,
+Steven, appointment,; steven ser. appointment made,
+Steven, voice,
+Stigh, path,
+Stilly, silently,
+Stint, fixed revenue,
+Stonied, astonished,; became confused,
+Stour, battle,
+Strain, race, descent,
+Strait, narrow,
+Straked, blew a horn,
+Sue, pursue,
+Sued, pursued,
+Surcingles, saddle girths,
+Swang, swung,
+Sweven, dream,
+Swough, sound of wind,
+
+Talent, desire,
+Tallages, taxes,
+Tallies, taxes,
+Tamed, crushed,
+Tatches, qualities,
+Tene, sorrow,
+Term, period of time,
+Thilk, that same,
+Tho, then,
+Thrang, pushed,
+Thrulled, pushed,
+Till, to,
+To-brast, burst,
+To-fore, before,
+To-morn, to-morrow,
+Took, gave,
+To-rove, broke up,
+To-shivered, broken to pieces,
+Traced, advanced and retreated,
+Trains, devices, wiles,
+Trasing, pressing forward,
+Travers (met at), came across,
+Traverse, slantwise,
+Traversed, moved sideways,
+Tray, grief,
+Treatise, treaty,
+Tree, timber,
+Trenchant, cutting, sharp,
+Tres:, hunting term,
+Truage, tribute,
+Trussed, packed,
+
+Ubblie, wafer, Host,
+Umbecast, cast about,
+Umberere, the part of the helmet which shaded the eyes,
+Umbre, shade,
+Unavised, thoughtlessly,
+Uncouth, strange,
+Underne, - A.M.,
+Ungoodly, rudely,
+Unhappy, unlucky,
+Unhilled, uncovered,
+Unr the, scarcely,
+Unsicker, unstable,
+Unwimpled, uncovered,
+Unwrast, untwisted, unbound,
+Upright, flat on the back,
+Up-so-down, upside down,
+Ure, usage,
+Utas, octave of a festival,
+Utterance, uttermost,
+
+Varlet, servant,
+Venery, hunting,
+Ven ails, breathing holes,
+Villain, man of low birth,
+Visors, the perforated parts of helmets,
+Voided, slipped away from,
+
+Wagging, shaking,
+Waited, watched,
+Waits, watches,
+Wallop, gallop,
+Wanhope, despair,
+Wap, ripple,
+Ware, aware,
+Warison, reward,
+Warn, forbid, refuse,
+Weeds, garments,
+Weltered, rolled about,
+Wend, thought,
+Wer-wolf, a man turned into a wolf by magic,
+Where, whereas,
+Wide-where, over wide space,
+Wield, possess, have power over,
+Wield himself, come to himself,
+Wight, brave, strong,
+Wightly, swiftly,
+Wildsome, desolate,
+Wimpled, with the head covered,
+Win, make way,
+Wite, v., blame,
+Within-forth, on the inside,
+Without-forth, on the outside,
+Wittiest, cleverest,
+Wittily, cleverly,
+Witting, knowledge,
+Wold or nold, would or would not,
+Wonder, adj., wondrous,
+Wonder, adv., wondrously,
+Wonderly, wonderfully,
+Wood, mad,
+Woodness, madness,
+Wood shaw, thicket of the wood,
+Worship, honour,
+Worshipped, cause to be honoured,
+Worts, roots,
+Wot, know,
+Wrack, destruction,
+Wroken, wreaked,
+Wrothe, twisted,
+
+Yede, ran,
+Yelden, yielded,
+Yerde, stick, stem,
+Yode, went,
+Yolden, yielded,
+Y-wis, certainly,
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Le Morte D’Arthur, Volume I (of II),
+by Thomas Malory
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+
+Project Gutenberg&rsquo;s Le Morte D&rsquo;Arthur, Volume I (of II), by Thomas Malory
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Le Morte D&rsquo;Arthur, Volume I (of II)
+       King Arthur and of his Noble Knights of the Round Table
+
+Author: Thomas Malory
+
+Editor: William Caxton
+
+Release Date: November 6, 2009 [EBook #1251]
+Last Updated: August 3, 2020
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LE MORTE D&rsquo;ARTHUR, VOLUME I ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Mike Lough, and David Widger
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<h1>Le Morte D&rsquo;Arthur</h1>
+
+<h4>King Arthur and of his Noble Knights of the Round Table</h4>
+
+<h3>by Thomas Malory</h3>
+
+<h4>IN TWO VOLS.&mdash;VOL. I</h4>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h3>Contents</h3>
+
+<table summary="" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto">
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#bibl01">BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#pref01">PREFACE OF WILLIAM CAXTON</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#part01"><b>BOOK I.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap01">CHAPTER I. First, How Uther Pendragon sent for the duke
+of Cornwall and Igraine his wife, and of their departing suddenly again.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap02">CHAPTER II. How Uther Pendragon made war on the duke of
+Cornwall, and how by the mean of Merlin he lay by the duchess and gat Arthur.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap03">CHAPTER III. Of the birth of King Arthur and of his
+nurture.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap04">CHAPTER IV. Of the death of King Uther Pendragon.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap05">CHAPTER V. How Arthur was chosen king, and of wonders
+and marvels of a sword taken out of a stone by the said Arthur.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap06">CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur pulled out the sword divers
+times.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap07">CHAPTER VII. How King Arthur was crowned, and how he
+made officers.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap08">CHAPTER VIII. How King Arthur held in Wales, at a
+Pentecost, a great feast, and what kings and lords came to his feast.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap09">CHAPTER IX. Of the first war that King Arthur had, and
+how he won the field.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap10">CHAPTER X. How Merlin counselled King Arthur to send for
+King Ban and King Bors, and of their counsel taken for the war.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap11">CHAPTER XI. Of a great tourney made by King Arthur and
+the two kings Ban and Bors, and how they went over the sea.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap12">CHAPTER XII. How eleven kings gathered a great host
+against King Arthur.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap13">CHAPTER XIII. Of a dream of the King with the Hundred
+Knights.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap14">CHAPTER XIV. How the eleven kings with their host fought
+against Arthur and his host, and many great feats of the war.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap15">CHAPTER XV. Yet of the same battle.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap16">CHAPTER XVI. Yet more of the same battle.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap17">CHAPTER XVII. Yet more of the same battle, and how it
+was ended by Merlin.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap18">CHAPTER XVIII. How King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors
+rescued King Leodegrance, and other incidents.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap19">CHAPTER XIX. How King Arthur rode to Carlion, and of his
+dream, and how he saw the questing beast.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap20">CHAPTER XX. How King Pellinore took Arthur's horse and
+followed the Questing Beast, and how Merlin met with Arthur.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap21">CHAPTER XXI. How Ulfius impeached Queen Igraine,
+Arthur's mother, of treason; and how a knight came and desired to have the
+death of his master revenged.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap22">CHAPTER XXII. How Griflet was made knight, and jousted
+with a knight</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap23">CHAPTER XXIII. How twelve knights came from Rome and
+asked truage for this land of Arthur, and how Arthur fought with a knight.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap24">CHAPTER XXIV. How Merlin saved Arthur's life, and threw
+an enchantment on King Pellinore and made him to sleep.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap25">CHAPTER XXV. How Arthur by the mean of Merlin gat
+Excalibur his sword of the Lady of the Lake.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap26">CHAPTER XXVI. How tidings came to Arthur that King
+Rience had overcome eleven kings, and how he desired Arthur's beard to trim his
+mantle.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap27">CHAPTER XXVII. How all the children were sent for that
+were born on May-day, and how Mordred was saved.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#part02"><b>BOOK II.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap28">CHAPTER I. Of a damosel which came girt with a sword for
+to find a man of such virtue to draw it out of the scabbard.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap29">CHAPTER II. How Balin, arrayed like a poor knight,
+pulled out the sword, which afterward was the cause of his death.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap30">CHAPTER III. How the Lady of the Lake demanded the
+knight's head that had won the sword, or the maiden's head.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap31">CHAPTER IV. How Merlin told the adventure of this
+damosel.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap32">CHAPTER V. How Balin was pursued by Sir Lanceor, knight
+of Ireland, and how he jousted and slew him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap33">CHAPTER VI. How a damosel, which was love to Lanceor,
+slew herself for love, and how Balin met with his brother Balan.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap34">CHAPTER VII. How a dwarf reproved Balin for the death of
+Lanceor, and how King Mark of Cornwall found them, and made a tomb over them.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap35">CHAPTER VIII. How Merlin prophesied that two the best
+knights of the world should fight there, which were Sir Lancelot and Sir
+Tristram.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap36">CHAPTER IX. How Balin and his brother, by the counsel of
+Merlin, took King Rience and brought him to King Arthur.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap37">CHAPTER X. How King Arthur had a battle against Nero and
+King Lot of Orkney, and how King Lot was deceived by Merlin, and how twelve
+kings were slain.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap38">CHAPTER XI. Of the interment of twelve kings, and of the
+prophecy of Merlin, and how Balin should give the dolorous stroke.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap39">CHAPTER XII. How a sorrowful knight came before Arthur,
+and how Balin fetched him, and how that knight was slain by a knight invisible.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap40">CHAPTER XIII. How Balin and the damosel met with a
+knight which was in likewise slain, and how the damosel bled for the custom of
+a castle.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap41">CHAPTER XIV. How Balin met with that knight named Garlon
+at a feast, and there he slew him, to have his blood to heal therewith the son
+of his host.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap42">CHAPTER XV. How Balin fought with King Pellam, and how
+his sword brake, and how he gat a spear wherewith he smote the dolorous stroke.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap43">CHAPTER XVI. How Balin was delivered by Merlin, and
+saved a knight that would have slain himself for love.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap44">CHAPTER XVII. How that knight slew his love and a knight
+lying by her, and after, how he slew himself with his own sword, and how Balin
+rode toward a castle where he lost his life.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap45">CHAPTER XVIII. How Balin met with his brother Balan, and
+how each of them slew other unknown, till they were wounded to death.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap46">CHAPTER XIX. How Merlin buried them both in one tomb,
+and of Balin's sword.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#part03"><b>BOOK III.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap47">CHAPTER I. How King Arthur took a wife, and wedded
+Guenever, daughter to Leodegrance, King of the Land of Cameliard, with whom he
+had the Round Table.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap48">CHAPTER II. How the Knights of the Round Table were
+ordained and their sieges blessed by the Bishop of Canterbury.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap49">CHAPTER III. How a poor man riding upon a lean mare
+desired King Arthur to make his son knight.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap50">CHAPTER IV. How Sir Tor was known for son of King
+Pellinore, and how Gawaine was made knight.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap51">CHAPTER V. How at feast of the wedding of King Arthur to
+Guenever, a white hart came into the hall, and thirty couple hounds, and how a
+brachet pinched the hart which was taken away.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap52">CHAPTER VI. How Sir Gawaine rode for to fetch again the
+hart, and how two brethren fought each against other for the hart.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap53">CHAPTER VII How the hart was chased into a castle and
+there slain, and how Sir Gawaine slew a lady.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap54">CHAPTER VIII. How four knights fought against Gawaine
+and Gaheris, and how they were overcome, and their lives saved at request of
+four ladies.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap55">CHAPTER IX. How Sir Tor rode after the knight with the
+brachet, and of his adventure by the way.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap56">CHAPTER X. How Sir Tor found the brachet with a lady,
+and how a knight assailed him for the said brachet.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap57">CHAPTER XI. How Sir Tor overcame the knight, and how he
+lost his head at the request of a lady.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap58">CHAPTER XII. How King Pellinore rode after the lady and
+the knight that led her away, and how a lady desired help of him, and how he
+fought with two knights for that lady, of whom he slew the one at the first
+stroke.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap59">CHAPTER XIII. How King Pellinore gat the lady and
+brought her to Camelot to the court of King Arthur.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap60">CHAPTER XIV. How on the way he heard two knights, as he
+lay by night in a valley, and of their adventures.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap61">CHAPTER XV. How when he was come to Camelot he was sworn
+upon a book to tell the truth of his quest.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#part04"><b>BOOK IV.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap62">CHAPTER I. How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of
+the ladies of the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone and there
+died.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap63">CHAPTER II. How five kings came into this land to war
+against King Arthur, and what counsel Arthur had against them.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap64">CHAPTER III. How King Arthur had ado with them and
+overthrew them, and slew the five kings and made the remnant to flee.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap65">CHAPTER IV. How the battle was finished or he came, and
+how King Arthur founded an abbey where the battle was.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap66">CHAPTER V. How Sir Tor was made knight of the Round
+Table, and how Bagdemagus was displeased.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap67">CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur, King Uriens, and Sir
+Accolon of Gaul, chased an hart, and of their marvellous adventures.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap68">CHAPTER VII. How Arthur took upon him to fight to be
+delivered out of prison, and also for to deliver twenty knights that were in
+prison.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap69">CHAPTER VIII. How Accolon found himself by a well, and
+he took upon him to do battle against Arthur.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap70">CHAPTER IX. Of the battle between King Arthur and
+Accolon.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap71">CHAPTER X. How King Arthur's sword that he fought with
+brake, and how he recovered of Accolon his own sword Excalibur, and overcame
+his enemy.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap72">CHAPTER XI. How Accolon confessed the treason of Morgan
+le Fay, King Arthur's sister, and how she would have done slay him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap73">CHAPTER XII. How Arthur accorded the two brethren, and
+delivered the twenty knights, and how Sir Accolon died.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap74">CHAPTER XIII. How Morgan would have slain Sir Uriens her
+husband, and how Sir Uwaine her son saved him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap75">CHAPTER XIV. How Queen Morgan le Fay made great sorrow
+for the death of Accolon, and how she stole away the scabbard from Arthur.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap76">CHAPTER XV. How Morgan le Fay saved a knight that should
+have been drowned, and how King Arthur returned home again.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap77">CHAPTER XVI. How the Damosel of the Lake saved King
+Arthur from mantle that should have burnt him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap78">CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine met with
+twelve fair damosels, and how they complained on Sir Marhaus.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap79">CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Marhaus jousted with Sir Gawaine
+and Sir Uwaine, and overthrew them both.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap80">CHAPTER XIX. How Sir Marhaus, Sir Gawaine, and Sir
+Uwaine met three damosels, and each of them took one.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap81">CHAPTER XX. How a knight and a dwarf strove for a lady.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap82">CHAPTER XXI. How King Pelleas suffered himself to be
+taken prisoner because he would have a sight of his lady, and how Sir Gawaine
+promised him to get to him the love of his lady.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap83">CHAPTER XXII. How Sir Gawaine came to the Lady Ettard,
+and how Sir Pelleas found them sleeping.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap84">CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Pelleas loved no more Ettard by
+means of the Damosel of the Lake, whom he loved ever after.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap85">CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Marhaus rode with the damosel, and
+how he came to the Duke of the South Marches.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap86">CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Marhaus fought with the duke and
+his four sons and made them to yield them.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap87">CHAPTER XXVI. How Sir Uwaine rode with the damosel of
+sixty year of age, and how he gat the prize at tourneying.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap88">CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Uwaine fought with two knights
+and overcame them.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap89">CHAPTER XXVIII. How at the year's end all three knights
+with their three damosels met at the fountain.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#part05"><b>BOOK V.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap90">CHAPTER I. How twelve aged ambassadors of Rome came to
+King Arthur to demand truage for Britain.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap91">CHAPTER II. How the kings and lords promised to King
+Arthur aid and help against the Romans.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap92">CHAPTER III. How King Arthur held a parliament at York,
+and how he ordained the realm should be governed in his absence.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap93">CHAPTER IV. How King Arthur being shipped and lying in
+his cabin had a marvellous dream and of the exposition thereof.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap94">CHAPTER V. How a man of the country told to him of a
+marvellous giant, and how he fought and conquered him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap95">CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur sent Sir Gawaine and other
+to Lucius, and how they were assailed and escaped with worship.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap96">CHAPTER VII. How Lucius sent certain spies in a bushment
+for to have taken his knights being prisoners, and how they were letted.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap97">CHAPTER VIII. How a senator told to Lucius of their
+discomfiture, and also of the great battle between Arthur and Lucius.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap98">CHAPTER IX How Arthur, after he had achieved the battle
+against the Romans, entered into Almaine, and so into Italy.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap99">CHAPTER X. Of a battle done by Sir Gawaine against a
+Saracen, which after was yielden and became Christian.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap100">CHAPTER XI. How the Saracens came out of a wood for to
+rescue their beasts, and of a great battle.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap101">CHAPTER XII. How Sir Gawaine returned to King Arthur
+with his prisoners, and how the King won a city, and how he was crowned
+Emperor.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#part06"><b>BOOK VI.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap102">CHAPTER I. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel departed
+from the court, and how Sir Lionel left him sleeping and was taken.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap103">CHAPTER II. How Sir Ector followed for to seek Sir
+Launcelot, and how he was taken by Sir Turquine.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap104">CHAPTER III How four queens found Launcelot sleeping,
+and how by enchantment he was taken and led into a castle.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap105">CHAPTER IV. How Sir Launcelot was delivered by the mean
+of a damosel.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap106">CHAPTER V. How a knight found Sir Launcelot lying in his
+leman's bed, and how Sir Launcelot fought with the knight.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap107">CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot was received of King
+Bagdemagus' daughter, and how he made his complaint to her father.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap108">CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a
+tournament, and how he met with Sir Turquine leading Sir Gaheris.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap109">CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Turquine fought
+together.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap110">CHAPTER IX. How Sir Turquine was slain, and how Sir
+Launcelot bade Sir Gaheris deliver all the prisoners.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap111">CHAPTER X. How Sir Launcelot rode with a damosel and
+slew a knight that distressed all ladies and also a villain that kept a bridge.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap112">CHAPTER XI. How Sir Launcelot slew two giants, and made
+a castle free.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap113">CHAPTER XII. How Sir Launcelot rode disguised in Sir
+Kay's harness, and how he smote down a knight.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap114">CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Launcelot jousted against four
+knights of the Round Table and overthrew them.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap115">CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Launcelot followed a brachet into a
+castle, where he found a dead knight, and how he after was required of a
+damosel to heal her brother.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap116">CHAPTER XV. How Sir Launcelot came into the Chapel
+Perilous and gat there of a dead corpse a piece of the cloth and a sword.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap117">CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Launcelot at the request of a lady
+recovered a falcon, by which he was deceived.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap118">CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Launcelot overtook a knight which
+chased his wife to have slain her, and how he said to him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap119">CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Launcelot came to King Arthur's
+Court, and how there were recounted all his noble feats and acts.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#part07"><b>BOOK VII.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap120">CHAPTER I. How Beaumains came to King Arthur's Court and
+demanded three petitions of King Arthur.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap121">CHAPTER II. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine were wroth
+because Sir Kay mocked Beaumains, and of a damosel which desired a knight to
+fight for a lady.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap122">CHAPTER III. How Beaumains desired the battle, and how
+it was granted to him, and how he desired to be made knight of Sir Launcelot.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap123">CHAPTER IV. How Beaumains departed, and how he gat of
+Sir Kay a spear and a shield, and how he jousted with Sir Launcelot.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap124">CHAPTER V. How Beaumains told to Sir Launcelot his name,
+and how he was dubbed knight of Sir Launcelot, and after overtook the damosel.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap125">CHAPTER VI. How Beaumains fought and slew two knights at
+a passage.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap126">CHAPTER VII. How Beaumains fought with the Knight of the
+Black Launds, and fought with him till he fell down and died.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap127">CHAPTER VIII. How the brother of the knight that was
+slain met with Beaumains, and fought with Beaumains till he was yielden.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap128">CHAPTER IX. How the damosel again rebuked Beaumains, and
+would not suffer him to sit at her table, but called him kitchen boy.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap129">CHAPTER X. How the third brother, called the Red Knight,
+jousted and fought against Beaumains, and how Beaumains overcame him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap130">CHAPTER XI. How Sir Beaumains suffered great rebukes of
+the damosel, and he suffered it patiently.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap131">CHAPTER XII. How Beaumains fought with Sir Persant of
+Inde, and made him to be yielden.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap132">CHAPTER XIII. Of the goodly communication between Sir
+Persant and Beaumains, and how he told him that his name was Sir Gareth.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap133">CHAPTER XIV. How the lady that was besieged had word
+from her sister how she had brought a knight to fight for her, and what battles
+he had achieved.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap134">CHAPTER XV. How the damosel and Beaumains came to the
+siege; and came to a sycamore tree, and there Beaumains blew a horn, and then
+the Knight of the Red Launds came to fight with him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap135">CHAPTER XVI. How the two knights met together, and of
+their talking, and how they began their battle.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap136">CHAPTER XVII. How after long fighting Beaumains overcame
+the knight and would have slain him, but at the request of the lords he saved
+his life, and made him to yield him to the lady.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap137">CHAPTER XVIII. How the knight yielded him, and how
+Beaumains made him to go unto King Arthur's court, and to cry Sir Launcelot
+mercy.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap138">CHAPTER XIX How Beaumains came to the lady, and when he
+came to the castle the gates were closed against him, and of the words that the
+lady said to him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap139">CHAPTER XX. How Sir Beaumains rode after to rescue his
+dwarf, and came into the castle where he was.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap140">CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Gareth, otherwise called Beaumains,
+came to the presence of his lady, and how they took acquaintance, and of their
+love.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap141">CHAPTER XXII. How at night came an armed knight, and
+fought with Sir Gareth, and he, sore hurt in the thigh, smote off the knight's
+head.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap142">CHAPTER XXIII. How the said knight came again the next
+night and was beheaded again, and how at the feast of Pentecost all the knights
+that Sir Gareth had overcome came and yielded them to King Arthur.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap143">CHAPTER XXIV. How King Arthur pardoned them, and
+demanded of them where Sir Gareth was.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap144">CHAPTER XXV. How the Queen of Orkney came to this feast
+of Pentecost, and Sir Gawaine and his brethren came to ask her blessing.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap145">CHAPTER XXVI. How King Arthur sent for the Lady
+Lionesse, and how she let cry a tourney at her castle, whereas came many
+knights.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap146">CHAPTER XXVII. How King Arthur went to the tournament
+with his knights, and how the lady received him worshipfully, and how the
+knights encountered.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap147">CHAPTER XXVIII. How the knights bare them in the battle.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap148">CHAPTER XXIX. Yet of the said tournament.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap149">CHAPTER XXX. How Sir Gareth was espied by the heralds,
+and how he escaped out of the field.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap150">CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Gareth came to a castle where he
+was well lodged, and he jousted with a knight and slew him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap151">CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Gareth fought with a knight that
+held within his castle thirty ladies, and how he slew him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap152">CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Gareth and Sir Gawaine fought
+each against other, and how they knew each other by the damosel Linet.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap153">CHAPTER XXXIV. How Sir Gareth acknowledged that they
+loved each other to King Arthur, and of the appointment of their wedding.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap154">CHAPTER XXXV. Of the Great Royalty, and what officers
+were made at the feast of the wedding, and of the jousts at the feast.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#part08"><b>BOOK VIII.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap155">CHAPTER I. How Sir Tristram de Liones was born, and how
+his mother died at his birth, wherefore she named him Tristram.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap156">CHAPTER II. How the stepmother of Sir Tristram had
+ordained poison for to have poisoned Sir Tristram.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap157">CHAPTER III. How Sir Tristram was sent into France, and
+had one to govern him named Gouvernail, and how he learned to harp, hawk, and
+hunt.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap158">CHAPTER IV. How Sir Marhaus came out of Ireland for to
+ask truage of Cornwall, or else he would fight therefore.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap159">CHAPTER V. How Tristram enterprized the battle to fight
+for the truage of Cornwall, and how he was made knight.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap160">CHAPTER VI. How Sir Tristram arrived into the Island for
+to furnish the battle with Sir Marhaus.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap161">CHAPTER VII. How Sir Tristram fought against Sir Marhaus
+and achieved his battle, and how Sir Marhaus fled to his ship.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap162">CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Marhaus after that he was arrived
+in Ireland died of the stroke that Sir Tristram had given him, and how Tristram
+was hurt.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap163">CHAPTER IX. How Sir Tristram was put to the keeping of
+La Beale Isoud first for to be healed of his wound.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap164">CHAPTER X. How Sir Tristram won the degree at a
+tournament in Ireland, and there made Palamides to bear no more harness in a
+year.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap165">CHAPTER XI. How the queen espied that Sir Tristram had
+slain her brother Sir Marhaus by his sword, and in what jeopardy he was.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap166">CHAPTER XII. How Sir Tristram departed from the king and
+La Beale Isoud out of Ireland for to come into Cornwall.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap167">CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Tristram and King Mark hurted each
+other for the love of a knight's wife.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap168">CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Tristram lay with the lady, and how
+her husband fought with Sir Tristram.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap169">CHAPTER XV. How Sir Bleoberis demanded the fairest lady
+in King Mark's court, whom he took away, and how he was fought with.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap170">CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Tristram fought with two knights of
+the Round Table.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap171">CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Bleoberis
+for a lady, and how the lady was put to choice to whom she would go.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap172">CHAPTER XVIII. How the lady forsook Sir Tristram and
+abode with Sir Bleoberis, and how she desired to go to her husband.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap173">CHAPTER XIX. How King Mark sent Sir Tristram for La
+Beale Isoud toward Ireland, and how by fortune he arrived into England.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap174">CHAPTER XX. How King Anguish of Ireland was summoned to
+come to King Arthur's court for treason.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap175">CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Tristram rescued a child from a
+knight, and how Gouvernail told him of King Anguish.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap176">CHAPTER XXII. How Sir Tristram fought for Sir Anguish
+and overcame his adversary, and how his adversary would never yield him.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap177">CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Blamore desired Tristram to slay
+him, and how Sir Tristram spared him, and how they took appointment.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap178">CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Tristram demanded La Beale Isoud
+for King Mark, and how Sir Tristram and Isoud drank the love drink.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap179">CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Tristram and Isoud were in prison,
+and how he fought for her beauty, and smote off another lady's head.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap180">CHAPTER XXVI. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Breunor,
+and at the last smote off his head.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap181">CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Galahad fought with Sir Tristram,
+and how Sir Tristram yielded him and promised to fellowship with Launcelot.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap182">CHAPTER XXVIII. How Sir Launcelot met with Sir Carados
+bearing away Sir Gawaine, and of the rescue of Sir Gawaine.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap183">CHAPTER XXIX. Of the wedding of King Mark to La Beale
+Isoud, and of Bragwaine her maid, and of Palamides.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap184">CHAPTER XXX. How Palamides demanded Queen Isoud, and how
+Lambegus rode after to rescue her, and of the escape of Isoud.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap185">CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Tristram rode after Palamides, and
+how he found him and fought with him, and by the means of Isoud the battle
+ceased.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap186">CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Tristram brought Queen Isoud
+home, and of the debate of King Mark and Sir Tristram.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap187">CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Lamorak jousted with thirty
+knights, and Sir Tristram at the request of King Mark smote his horse down.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap188">CHAPTER XXXIV. How Sir Lamorak sent an horn to King Mark
+in despite of Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram was driven into a chapel.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap189">CHAPTER XXXV. How Sir Tristram was holpen by his men,
+and of Queen Isoud which was put in a lazar-cote, and how Tristram was hurt.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap190">CHAPTER XXXVI. How Sir Tristram served in war King Howel
+of Brittany, and slew his adversary in the field.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap191">CHAPTER XXXVII. How Sir Suppinabiles told Sir Tristram
+how he was defamed in the court of King Arthur, and of Sir Lamorak.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap192">CHAPTER XXXVIII. How Sir Tristram and his wife arrived
+in Wales, and how he met there with Sir Lamorak.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap193">CHAPTER XXXIX. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Nabon,
+and overcame him, and made Sir Segwarides lord of the isle.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap194">CHAPTER XL</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap195">CHAPTER XLI. How Sir Lamorak slew Sir Frol, and of the
+courteous fighting with Sir Belliance his brother.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#part09"><b>BOOK IX.</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap196">CHAPTER I. How a young man came into the court of King
+Arthur, and how Sir Kay called him in scorn La Cote Male Taile.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap197">CHAPTER II. How a damosel came into the court and
+desired a knight to take on him an enquest, which La Cote Male Taile emprised.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap198">CHAPTER III. How La Cote Male Taile overthrew Sir
+Dagonet the king's fool, and of the rebuke that he had of the damosel.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap199">CHAPTER IV. How La Cote Male Taile fought against an
+hundred knights, and how he escaped by the mean of a lady.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap200">CHAPTER V. How Sir Launcelot came to the court and heard
+of La Cote Male Taile, and how he followed after him, and how La Cote Male
+Taile was prisoner.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap201">CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot fought with six knights,
+and after with Sir Brian, and how he delivered the prisoners.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap202">CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot met with the damosel
+named Male disant, and named her the Damosel Bienpensant.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap203">CHAPTER VIII. How La Cote Male Taile was taken prisoner,
+and after rescued by Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot overcame four
+brethren.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap204">CHAPTER IX. How Sir Launcelot made La Cote Male Taile
+lord of the Castle of Pendragon, and after was made knight of the Round Table.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap205">CHAPTER X. How La Beale Isoud sent letters to Sir
+Tristram by her maid Bragwaine, and of divers adventures of Sir Tristram.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap206">CHAPTER XI. How Sir Tristram met with Sir Lamorak de
+Galis, and how they fought, and after accorded never to fight together.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap207">CHAPTER XII. How Sir Palomides followed the Questing
+Beast, and smote down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one spear.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap208">CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Lamorak met with Sir Meliagaunce,
+and fought together for the beauty of Dame Guenever.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap209">CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Kay met with Sir Tristram, and after
+of the shame spoken of the knights of Cornwall, and how they jousted.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap210">CHAPTER XV. How King Arthur was brought into the Forest
+Perilous, and how Sir Tristram saved his life.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap211">CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Tristram came to La Beale Isoud,
+and how Kehydius began to love Beale Isoud, and of a letter that Tristram
+found.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap212">CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Tristram departed from Tintagil,
+and how he sorrowed and was so long in a forest till he was out of his mind.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap213">CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Tristram soused Dagonet in a
+well, and how Palomides sent a damosel to seek Tristram, and how Palomides met
+with King Mark.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap214">CHAPTER XIX. How it was noised how Sir Tristram was dead,
+and how La Beale Isoud would have slain herself.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap215">CHAPTER XX. How King Mark found Sir Tristram naked, and
+made him to be borne home to Tintagil, and how he was there known by a brachet.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap216">CHAPTER XXI. How King Mark, by the advice of his
+council, banished Sir Tristram out of Cornwall the term of ten years.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap217">CHAPTER XXII. How a damosel sought help to help Sir
+Launcelot against thirty knights, and how Sir Tristram fought with them.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap218">CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan came to a
+lodging where they must joust with two knights.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap219">CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Tristram jousted with Sir Kay and
+Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and how Sir Gawaine turned Sir Tristram from Morgan
+le Fay.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap220">CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Tristram and Sir Gawaine rode to
+have foughten with the thirty knights, but they durst not come out.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap221">CHAPTER XXVI. How damosel Bragwaine found Tristram
+sleeping by a well, and how she delivered letters to him from La Beale Isoud.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap222">CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Tristram had a fall with Sir
+Palomides, and how Launcelot overthrew two knights.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap223">CHAPTER XXVIII. How Sir Launcelot jousted with Palomides
+and overthrew him, and after he was assailed with twelve knights.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap224">CHAPTER XXIX. How Sir Tristram behaved him the first day
+of the tournament, and there he had the prize.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap225">CHAPTER XXX. How Sir Tristram returned against King
+Arthur's party because he saw Sir Palomides on that party.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap226">CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Tristram found Palomides by a
+well, and brought him with him to his lodging.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap227">CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Tristram smote down Sir
+Palomides, and how he jousted with King Arthur, and other feats.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap228">CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Launcelot hurt Sir Tristram, and
+how after Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap229">CHAPTER XXXIV. How the prize of the third day was given
+to Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot gave it to Sir Tristram.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap230">CHAPTER XXXV. How Palomides came to the castle where
+Sir Tristram was, and of the quest that Sir Launcelot and ten knights made for
+Sir Tristram.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap231">CHAPTER XXXVI. How Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir
+Dinadan were taken and put in prison.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap232">CHAPTER XXXVII. How King Mark was sorry for the good
+renown of Sir Tristram. Some of King Arthur's knights jousted with knights of
+Cornwall.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap233">CHAPTER XXXVIII. Of the treason of King Mark, and how Sir
+Gaheris smote him down and Andred his cousin.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap234">CHAPTER XXXIX. How after that Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides,
+and Sir Dinadan had been long in prison they were delivered.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap235">CHAPTER XL. How Sir Dinadan rescued a lady from Sir
+Breuse Saunce Pité, and how Sir Tristram received a shield of Morgan le Fay.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap236">CHAPTER XLI. How Sir Tristram took with him the shield,
+and also how he slew the paramour of Morgan le Fay.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap237">CHAPTER XLII. How Morgan le Fay buried her paramour,
+and how Sir Tristram praised Sir Launcelot and his kin.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap238">CHAPTER XLIII. How Sir Tristram at a tournament bare the
+shield that Morgan le Fay delivered to him.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#glos01"><b>GLOSSARY</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+</table>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="bibl01"></a>BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE</h3>
+
+<p>
+The Morte D&rsquo;Arthur was finished, as the epilogue tells us, in the ninth
+year of Edward IV., i.e. between March 4, 1469 and the same date in 1470. It is
+thus, fitly enough, the last important English book written before the
+introduction of printing into this country, and since no manuscript of it has
+come down to us it is also the first English classic for our knowledge of which
+we are entirely dependent on a printed text. Caxton&rsquo;s story of how the
+book was brought to him and he was induced to print it may be read farther on
+in his own preface. From this we learn also that he was not only the printer of
+the book, but to some extent its editor also, dividing Malory&rsquo;s work into
+twenty-one books, splitting up the books into chapters, by no means skilfully,
+and supplying the &ldquo;Rubrish&rdquo; or chapter-headings. It may be added
+that Caxton&rsquo;s preface contains, moreover, a brief criticism which, on the
+points on which it touches, is still the soundest and most sympathetic that has
+been written.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Caxton finished his edition the last day of July 1485, some fifteen or sixteen
+years after Malory wrote his epilogue. It is clear that the author was then
+dead, or the printer would not have acted as a clumsy editor to the book, and
+recent discoveries (if bibliography may, for the moment, enlarge its bounds to
+mention such matters) have revealed with tolerable certainty when Malory died
+and who he was. In letters to The Athenaeum in July 1896 Mr. T. Williams
+pointed out that the name of a Sir Thomas Malorie occurred among those of a
+number of other Lancastrians excluded from a general pardon granted by Edward
+IV. in 1468, and that a William Mallerye was mentioned in the same year as
+taking part in a Lancastrian rising. In September 1897, again, in another
+letter to the same paper, Mr. A. T. Martin reported the finding of the will of
+a Thomas Malory of Papworth, a hundred partly in Cambridgeshire, partly in
+Hunts. This will was made on September 16, 1469, and as it was proved the 27th
+of the next month the testator must have been in immediate expectation of
+death. It contains the most careful provision for the education and starting in
+life of a family of three daughters and seven sons, of whom the youngest seems
+to have been still an infant. We cannot say with certainty that this Thomas
+Malory, whose last thoughts were so busy for his children, was our author, or
+that the Lancastrian knight discovered by Mr. Williams was identical with
+either or both, but such evidence as the Morte D&rsquo;Arthur offers favours
+such a belief. There is not only the epilogue with its petition, &ldquo;pray
+for me while I am alive that God send me good deliverance and when I am dead
+pray you all for my soul,&rdquo; but this very request is foreshadowed at the
+end of chap. 37 of Book ix. in the touching passage, surely inspired by
+personal experience, as to the sickness &ldquo;that is the greatest pain a
+prisoner may have&rdquo;; and the reflections on English fickleness in the
+first chapter of Book xxi., though the Wars of the Roses might have inspired
+them in any one, come most naturally from an author who was a Lancastrian
+knight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+If the Morte D&rsquo;Arthur was really written in prison and by a prisoner
+distressed by ill-health as well as by lack of liberty, surely no task was ever
+better devised to while away weary hours. Leaving abundant scope for
+originality in selection, modification, and arrangement, as a compilation and
+translation it had in it that mechanical element which adds the touch of
+restfulness to literary work. No original, it is said, has yet been found for
+Book vii., and it is possible that none will ever be forthcoming for chap. 20
+of Book xviii., which describes the arrival of the body of the Fair Maiden of
+Astolat at Arthur&rsquo;s court, or vii for chap. 25 of the same book, with its
+discourse on true love; but the great bulk of the work has been traced chapter
+by chapter to the &ldquo;Merlin&rdquo; of Robert de Borron and his successors
+(Bks. i.-iv.), the English metrical romance La Morte Arthur of the Thornton
+manuscript (Bk. v.), the French romances of Tristan (Bks. viii.-x.) and of
+Launcelot (Bks. vi., xi.-xix.), and lastly to the English prose Morte Arthur of
+Harley MS. 2252 (Bks. xviii., xx., xxi.). As to Malory&rsquo;s choice of his
+authorities critics have not failed to point out that now and again he gives a
+worse version where a better has come down to us, and if he had been able to
+order a complete set of Arthurian manuscripts from his bookseller, no doubt he
+would have done even better than he did! But of the skill, approaching to
+original genius, with which he used the books from which he worked there is
+little dispute.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Malory died leaving his work obviously unrevised, and in this condition it was
+brought to Caxton, who prepared it for the press with his usual enthusiasm in
+the cause of good literature, and also, it must be added, with his usual
+carelessness. New chapters are sometimes made to begin in the middle of a
+sentence, and in addition to simple misprints there are numerous passages in
+which it is impossible to believe that we have the text as Malory intended it
+to stand. After Caxton&rsquo;s edition Malory&rsquo;s manuscript must have
+disappeared, and subsequent editions are differentiated only by the degree of
+closeness with which they follow the first. Editions appeared printed by Wynkyn
+de Worde in 1498 and 1529, by William Copland in 1559, by Thomas East about
+1585, and by Thomas Stansby in 1634, each printer apparently taking the text of
+his immediate predecessor and reproducing it with modifications.
+Stansby&rsquo;s edition served for reprints in 1816 and 1856 (the latter edited
+by Thomas Wright); but in 1817 an edition supervised by Robert Southey went
+back to Caxton&rsquo;s text, though to a copy (only two are extant, and only
+one perfect!) in which eleven leaves were supplied from Wynkyn de Worde&rsquo;s
+reprint. In 1868 Sir Edward Strachey produced for the present publishers a
+reprint of Southey&rsquo;s text in modern spelling, with the substitution of
+current words for those now obsolete, and the softening of a handful of
+passages likely, he thought, to prevent the book being placed in the hands of
+boys. In 1889 a boon was conferred on scholars by the publication of Dr. H.
+Oskar Sommer&rsquo;s page-for-page reprint of Caxton&rsquo;s text, with an
+elaborate discussion of Malory&rsquo;s sources. Dr. Sommer&rsquo;s edition was
+used by Sir E. Strachey to revise his Globe text, and in 1897 Mr. Israel
+Gollancz produced for the &ldquo;Temple Classics&rdquo; a very pretty edition
+in which Sir Edward Strachey&rsquo;s principles of modernisation in spelling
+and punctuation were adopted, but with the restoration of obsolete words and
+omitted phrases. As to the present edition, Sir Edward Strachey altered with so
+sparing a hand that on many pages differences between his version and that here
+printed will be looked for in vain; but the most anxious care has been taken to
+produce a text modernised as to its spelling, but in other respects in accurate
+accordance with Caxton&rsquo;s text, as represented by Dr Sommer&rsquo;s
+reprint. Obvious misprints have been silently corrected, but in a few cases
+notes show where emendations have been introduced from Wynkyn de
+Worde&mdash;not that Wynkyn had any more right to emend Caxton than we, but
+because even a printer&rsquo;s conjecture gains a little sanctity after four
+centuries. The restoration of obsolete words has necessitated a much fuller
+glossary, and the index of names has therefore been separated from it and
+enlarged. In its present form the index is the work of Mr. Henry Littlehales.
+</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+A. W. POLLARD.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="pref01"></a>PREFACE OF WILLIAM CAXTON</h3>
+
+<p>
+After that I had accomplished and finished divers histories, as well of
+contemplation as of other historial and worldly acts of great conquerors and
+princes, and also certain books of ensamples and doctrine, many noble and
+divers gentlemen of this realm of England came and demanded me many and oft
+times, wherefore that I have not do made and imprint the noble history of the
+Saint Greal, and of the most renowned Christian king, first and chief of the
+three best Christian, and worthy, King Arthur, which ought most to be
+remembered among us Englishmen to-fore all other Christian kings; for it is
+notoyrly known through the universal world, that there be nine worthy and the
+best that ever were, that is to wit, three Paynims, three Jews, and three
+Christian men. As for the Paynims, they were to-fore the Incarnation of Christ,
+which were named, the first Hector of Troy, of whom the history is comen both
+in ballad and in prose, the second Alexander the Great, and the third Julius
+Caesar, Emperor of Rome, of whom the histories be well known and had. And as
+for the three Jews, which also were to-fore the incarnation of our Lord, of
+whom the first was duke Joshua which brought the children of Israel into the
+land of behest, the second David king of Jerusalem, and the third Judas
+Machabeus, of these three the Bible rehearseth all their noble histories and
+acts. And since the said Incarnation have been three noble Christian men,
+stalled and admitted through the universal world into the number of the nine
+best and worthy. Of whom was first the noble Arthur, whose noble acts I purpose
+to write in this present book here following. The second was Charlemain, or
+Charles the Great, of whom the history is had in many places, both in French
+and in English. And the third and last was Godfrey of Boloine, of whose acts
+and life I made a book unto the excellent prince and king of noble memory, King
+Edward the Fourth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The said noble gentlemen instantly required me to imprint the history of the
+said noble king and conqueror King Arthur, and of his knights, with the history
+of the Saint Greal, and of the death and ending of the said Arthur; affirming
+that I ought rather to imprint his acts and noble feats, than of Godfrey of
+Boloine, or any of the other eight, considering that he was a man born within
+this realm, and king and emperor of the same: and that there be in French
+divers and many noble volumes of his acts, and also of his knights. To whom I
+answered that divers men hold opinion that there was no such Arthur, and that
+all such books as been made of him be feigned and fables, because that some
+chronicles make of him no mention, nor remember him nothing, nor of his
+knights. Whereto they answered, and one in special said, that in him that
+should say or think that there was never such a king called Arthur might well
+be aretted great folly and blindness. For he said that there were many
+evidences of the contrary. First ye may see his sepulchre in the monastery of
+Glastonbury. And also in Policronicon, in the fifth book the sixth chapter, and
+in the seventh book the twenty-third chapter, where his body was buried, and
+after found, and translated into the said monastery. Ye shall see also in the
+history of Bochas, in his book De Casu Principum, part of his noble acts, and
+also of his fall. Also Galfridus in his British book recounteth his life: and
+in divers places of England many remembrances be yet of him, and shall remain
+perpetually, and also of his knights. First in the abbey of Westminster, at St.
+Edward&rsquo;s shrine, remaineth the print of his seal in red wax closed in
+beryl, in which is written, Patricius Arthurus Britannie, Gallie, Germanie,
+Dacie, Imperator. Item in the castle of Dover ye may see Gawaine&rsquo;s skull,
+and Cradok&rsquo;s mantle: at Winchester the Round Table: in other places
+Launcelot&rsquo;s sword and many other things. Then all these things
+considered, there can no man reasonably gainsay but there was a king of this
+land named Arthur. For in all places, Christian and heathen, he is reputed and
+taken for one of the nine worthy, and the first of the three Christian men. And
+also, he is more spoken of beyond the sea, more books made of his noble acts,
+than there be in England, as well in Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and Greekish, as
+in French. And yet of record remain in witness of him in Wales, in the town of
+Camelot, the great stones and the marvellous works of iron lying under the
+ground, and royal vaults, which divers now living have seen. Wherefore it is a
+marvel why he is no more renowned in his own country, save only it accordeth to
+the Word of God, which saith that no man is accepted for a prophet in his own
+country.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then all these things aforesaid alleged, I could not well deny but that there
+was such a noble king named Arthur, and reputed one of the nine worthy, and
+first and chief of the Christian men. And many noble volumes be made of him and
+of his noble knights in French, which I have seen and read beyond the sea,
+which be not had in our maternal tongue. But in Welsh be many and also in
+French, and some in English but nowhere nigh all. Wherefore, such as have late
+been drawn out briefly into English I have after the simple conning that God
+hath sent to me, under the favour and correction of all noble lords and
+gentlemen, enprised to imprint a book of the noble histories of the said King
+Arthur, and of certain of his knights, after a copy unto me delivered, which
+copy Sir Thomas Malorye did take out of certain books of French, and reduced it
+into English. And I, according to my copy, have done set it in imprint, to the
+intent that noble men may see and learn the noble acts of chivalry, the gentle
+and virtuous deeds that some knights used in those days, by which they came to
+honour, and how they that were vicious were punished and oft put to shame and
+rebuke; humbly beseeching all noble lords and ladies, with all other estates of
+what estate or degree they been of, that shall see and read in this said book
+and work, that they take the good and honest acts in their remembrance, and to
+follow the same. Wherein they shall find many joyous and pleasant histories,
+and noble and renowned acts of humanity, gentleness, and chivalry. For herein
+may be seen noble chivalry, courtesy, humanity, friendliness, hardiness, love,
+friendship, cowardice, murder, hate, virtue, and sin. Do after the good and
+leave the evil, and it shall bring you to good fame and renown. And for to pass
+the time this book shall be pleasant to read in, but for to give faith and
+belief that all is true that is contained herein, ye be at your liberty: but
+all is written for our doctrine, and for to beware that we fall not to vice nor
+sin, but to exercise and follow virtue, by which we may come and attain to good
+fame and renown in this life, and after this short and transitory life to come
+unto everlasting bliss in heaven; the which He grant us that reigneth in
+heaven, the blessed Trinity. Amen.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to proceed forth in this said book, which I direct unto all noble princes,
+lords and ladies, gentlemen or gentlewomen, that desire to read or hear read of
+the noble and joyous history of the great conqueror and excellent king, King
+Arthur, sometime king of this noble realm, then called Britain; I, William
+Caxton, simple person, present this book following, which I have enprised to
+imprint: and treateth of the noble acts, feats of arms of chivalry, prowess,
+hardiness, humanity, love, courtesy, and very gentleness, with many wonderful
+histories and adventures. And for to understand briefly the content of this
+volume, I have divided it into XXI Books, and every book chaptered, as
+hereafter shall by God&rsquo;s grace follow. The First Book shall treat how
+Uther Pendragon gat the noble conqueror King Arthur, and containeth xxviii
+chapters. The Second Book treateth of Balin the noble knight, and containeth
+xix chapters. The Third Book treateth of the marriage of King Arthur to Queen
+Guenever, with other matters, and containeth xv chapters. The Fourth Book, how
+Merlin was assotted, and of war made to King Arthur, and containeth xxix
+chapters. The Fifth Book treateth of the conquest of Lucius the emperor, and
+containeth xii chapters. The Sixth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and Sir
+Lionel, and marvellous adventures, and containeth xviii chapters. The Seventh
+Book treateth of a noble knight called Sir Gareth, and named by Sir Kay
+Beaumains, and containeth xxxvi chapters. The Eighth Book treateth of the birth
+of Sir Tristram the noble knight, and of his acts, and containeth xli chapters.
+The Ninth Book treateth of a knight named by Sir Kay Le Cote Male Taille, and
+also of Sir Tristram, and containeth xliv chapters. The Tenth Book treateth of
+Sir Tristram, and other marvellous adventures, and containeth lxxxviii
+chapters. The Eleventh Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and Sir Galahad, and
+containeth xiv chapters. The Twelfth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and his
+madness, and containeth xiv chapters. The Thirteenth Book treateth how Galahad
+came first to king Arthur&rsquo;s court, and the quest how the Sangreal was
+begun, and containeth xx chapters. The Fourteenth Book treateth of the quest of
+the Sangreal, and containeth x chapters. The Fifteenth Book treateth of Sir
+Launcelot, and containeth vi chapters. The Sixteenth Book treateth of Sir Bors
+and Sir Lionel his brother, and containeth xvii chapters. The Seventeenth Book
+treateth of the Sangreal, and containeth xxiii chapters. The Eighteenth Book
+treateth of Sir Launcelot and the queen, and containeth xxv chapters. The
+Nineteenth Book treateth of Queen Guenever and Launcelot, and containeth xiii
+chapters. The Twentieth Book treateth of the piteous death of Arthur, and
+containeth xxii chapters. The Twenty-first Book treateth of his last departing,
+and how Sir Launcelot came to revenge his death, and containeth xiii chapters.
+The sum is twenty-one books, which contain the sum of five hundred and seven
+chapters, as more plainly shall follow hereafter.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="part01"></a>BOOK I.</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap01"></a>CHAPTER I.<br/>First, How Uther Pendragon sent for the
+duke of Cornwall and Igraine his wife, and of their departing suddenly
+again.</h3>
+
+<p>
+It befell in the days of Uther Pendragon, when he was king of all England, and
+so reigned, that there was a mighty duke in Cornwall that held war against him
+long time. And the duke was called the Duke of Tintagil. And so by means King
+Uther sent for this duke, charging him to bring his wife with him, for she was
+called a fair lady, and a passing wise, and her name was called Igraine.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when the duke and his wife were come unto the king, by the means of great
+lords they were accorded both. The king liked and loved this lady well, and he
+made them great cheer out of measure, and desired to have lain by her. But she
+was a passing good woman, and would not assent unto the king. And then she told
+the duke her husband, and said, I suppose that we were sent for that I should
+be dishonoured; wherefore, husband, I counsel you, that we depart from hence
+suddenly, that we may ride all night unto our own castle. And in like wise as
+she said so they departed, that neither the king nor none of his council were
+ware of their departing. All so soon as King Uther knew of their departing so
+suddenly, he was wonderly wroth. Then he called to him his privy council, and
+told them of the sudden departing of the duke and his wife.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then they advised the king to send for the duke and his wife by a great charge;
+and if he will not come at your summons, then may ye do your best, then have ye
+cause to make mighty war upon him. So that was done, and the messengers had
+their answers; and that was this shortly, that neither he nor his wife would
+not come at him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then was the king wonderly wroth. And then the king sent him plain word again,
+and bade him be ready and stuff him and garnish him, for within forty days he
+would fetch him out of the biggest castle that he hath.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When the duke had this warning, anon he went and furnished and garnished two
+strong castles of his, of the which the one hight Tintagil, and the other
+castle hight Terrabil. So his wife Dame Igraine he put in the castle of
+Tintagil, and himself he put in the castle of Terrabil, the which had many
+issues and posterns out. Then in all haste came Uther with a great host, and
+laid a siege about the castle of Terrabil. And there he pight many pavilions,
+and there was great war made on both parties, and much people slain. Then for
+pure anger and for great love of fair Igraine the king Uther fell sick. So came
+to the king Uther Sir Ulfius, a noble knight, and asked the king why he was
+sick. I shall tell thee, said the king, I am sick for anger and for love of
+fair Igraine, that I may not be whole. Well, my lord, said Sir Ulfius, I shall
+seek Merlin, and he shall do you remedy, that your heart shall be pleased. So
+Ulfius departed, and by adventure he met Merlin in a beggar&rsquo;s array, and
+there Merlin asked Ulfius whom he sought. And he said he had little ado to tell
+him. Well, said Merlin, I know whom thou seekest, for thou seekest Merlin;
+therefore seek no farther, for I am he; and if King Uther will well reward me,
+and be sworn unto me to fulfil my desire, that shall be his honour and profit
+more than mine; for I shall cause him to have all his desire. All this will I
+undertake, said Ulfius, that there shall be nothing reasonable but thou shalt
+have thy desire. Well, said Merlin, he shall have his intent and desire. And
+therefore, said Merlin, ride on your way, for I will not be long behind.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap02"></a>CHAPTER II.<br/>How Uther Pendragon made war on the
+duke of Cornwall, and how by the mean of Merlin he lay by the duchess and gat
+Arthur.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Ulfius was glad, and rode on more than a pace till that he came to King
+Uther Pendragon, and told him he had met with Merlin. Where is he? said the
+king. Sir, said Ulfius, he will not dwell long. Therewithal Ulfius was ware
+where Merlin stood at the porch of the pavilion&rsquo;s door. And then Merlin
+was bound to come to the king. When King Uther saw him, he said he was welcome.
+Sir, said Merlin, I know all your heart every deal; so ye will be sworn unto me
+as ye be a true king anointed, to fulfil my desire, ye shall have your desire.
+Then the king was sworn upon the Four Evangelists. Sir, said Merlin, this is my
+desire: the first night that ye shall lie by Igraine ye shall get a child on
+her, and when that is born, that it shall be delivered to me for to nourish
+there as I will have it; for it shall be your worship, and the child&rsquo;s
+avail, as mickle as the child is worth. I will well, said the king, as thou
+wilt have it. Now make you ready, said Merlin, this night ye shall lie with
+Igraine in the castle of Tintagil; and ye shall be like the duke her husband,
+Ulfius shall be like Sir Brastias, a knight of the duke&rsquo;s, and I will be
+like a knight that hight Sir Jordanus, a knight of the duke&rsquo;s. But wait
+ye make not many questions with her nor her men, but say ye are diseased, and
+so hie you to bed, and rise not on the morn till I come to you, for the castle
+of Tintagil is but ten miles hence; so this was done as they devised. But the
+duke of Tintagil espied how the king rode from the siege of Terrabil, and
+therefore that night he issued out of the castle at a postern for to have
+distressed the king&rsquo;s host. And so, through his own issue, the duke
+himself was slain or ever the king came at the castle of Tintagil.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So after the death of the duke, King Uther lay with Igraine more than three
+hours after his death, and begat on her that night Arthur, and on day came
+Merlin to the king, and bade him make him ready, and so he kissed the lady
+Igraine and departed in all haste. But when the lady heard tell of the duke her
+husband, and by all record he was dead or ever King Uther came to her, then she
+marvelled who that might be that lay with her in likeness of her lord; so she
+mourned privily and held her peace. Then all the barons by one assent prayed
+the king of accord betwixt the lady Igraine and him; the king gave them leave,
+for fain would he have been accorded with her. So the king put all the trust in
+Ulfius to entreat between them, so by the entreaty at the last the king and she
+met together. Now will we do well, said Ulfius, our king is a lusty knight and
+wifeless, and my lady Igraine is a passing fair lady; it were great joy unto us
+all, an it might please the king to make her his queen. Unto that they all well
+accorded and moved it to the king. And anon, like a lusty knight, he assented
+thereto with good will, and so in all haste they were married in a morning with
+great mirth and joy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And King Lot of Lothian and of Orkney then wedded Margawse that was
+Gawaine&rsquo;s mother, and King Nentres of the land of Garlot wedded Elaine.
+All this was done at the request of King Uther. And the third sister Morgan le
+Fay was put to school in a nunnery, and there she learned so much that she was
+a great clerk of necromancy. And after she was wedded to King Uriens of the
+land of Gore, that was Sir Ewain&rsquo;s le Blanchemain&rsquo;s father.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap03"></a>CHAPTER III.<br/>Of the birth of King Arthur and of
+his nurture.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Queen Igraine waxed daily greater and greater, so it befell after within
+half a year, as King Uther lay by his queen, he asked her, by the faith she
+owed to him, whose was the body; then she sore abashed to give answer. Dismay
+you not, said the king, but tell me the truth, and I shall love you the better,
+by the faith of my body. Sir, said she, I shall tell you the truth. The same
+night that my lord was dead, the hour of his death, as his knights record,
+there came into my castle of Tintagil a man like my lord in speech and in
+countenance, and two knights with him in likeness of his two knights Brastias
+and Jordanus, and so I went unto bed with him as I ought to do with my lord,
+and the same night, as I shall answer unto God, this child was begotten upon
+me. That is truth, said the king, as ye say; for it was I myself that came in
+the likeness, and therefore dismay you not, for I am father of the child; and
+there he told her all the cause, how it was by Merlin&rsquo;s counsel. Then the
+queen made great joy when she knew who was the father of her child.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Soon came Merlin unto the king, and said, Sir, ye must purvey you for the
+nourishing of your child. As thou wilt, said the king, be it. Well, said
+Merlin, I know a lord of yours in this land, that is a passing true man and a
+faithful, and he shall have the nourishing of your child, and his name is Sir
+Ector, and he is a lord of fair livelihood in many parts in England and Wales;
+and this lord, Sir Ector, let him be sent for, for to come and speak with you,
+and desire him yourself, as he loveth you, that he will put his own child to
+nourishing to another woman, and that his wife nourish yours. And when the
+child is born let it be delivered to me at yonder privy postern unchristened.
+So like as Merlin devised it was done. And when Sir Ector was come he made
+fiaunce to the king for to nourish the child like as the king desired; and
+there the king granted Sir Ector great rewards. Then when the lady was
+delivered, the king commanded two knights and two ladies to take the child,
+bound in a cloth of gold, and that ye deliver him to what poor man ye meet at
+the postern gate of the castle. So the child was delivered unto Merlin, and so
+he bare it forth unto Sir Ector, and made an holy man to christen him, and
+named him Arthur; and so Sir Ector&rsquo;s wife nourished him with her own pap.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap04"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br/>Of the death of King Uther
+Pendragon.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then within two years King Uther fell sick of a great malady. And in the
+meanwhile his enemies usurped upon him, and did a great battle upon his men,
+and slew many of his people. Sir, said Merlin, ye may not lie so as ye do, for
+ye must to the field though ye ride on an horse-litter: for ye shall never have
+the better of your enemies but if your person be there, and then shall ye have
+the victory. So it was done as Merlin had devised, and they carried the king
+forth in an horse-litter with a great host towards his enemies. And at St.
+Albans there met with the king a great host of the North. And that day Sir
+Ulfius and Sir Brastias did great deeds of arms, and King Uther&rsquo;s men
+overcame the Northern battle and slew many people, and put the remnant to
+flight. And then the king returned unto London, and made great joy of his
+victory. And then he fell passing sore sick, so that three days and three
+nights he was speechless: wherefore all the barons made great sorrow, and asked
+Merlin what counsel were best. There is none other remedy, said Merlin, but God
+will have his will. But look ye all barons be before King Uther to-morn, and
+God and I shall make him to speak. So on the morn all the barons with Merlin
+came to-fore the king; then Merlin said aloud unto King Uther, 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&rsquo;s blessing and mine, and bid him pray for my soul, and righteously
+and worshipfully that he claim the crown, upon forfeiture of my blessing; and
+therewith he yielded up the ghost, and then was he interred as longed to a
+king. Wherefore the queen, fair Igraine, made great sorrow, and all the barons.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap05"></a>CHAPTER V.<br/>How Arthur was chosen king, and of
+wonders and marvels of a sword taken out of a stone by the said Arthur.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then stood the realm in great jeopardy long while, for every lord that was
+mighty of men made him strong, and many weened to have been king. Then Merlin
+went to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and counselled him for to send for all
+the lords of the realm, and all the gentlemen of arms, that they should to
+London come by Christmas, upon pain of cursing; and for this cause, that Jesus,
+that was born on that night, that he would of his great mercy show some
+miracle, as he was come to be king of mankind, for to show some miracle who
+should be rightwise king of this realm. So the Archbishop, by the advice of
+Merlin, sent for all the lords and gentlemen of arms that they should come by
+Christmas even unto London. And many of them made them clean of their life,
+that their prayer might be the more acceptable unto God. So in the greatest
+church of London, whether it were Paul&rsquo;s or not the French book maketh no
+mention, all the estates were long or day in the church for to pray. And when
+matins and the first mass was done, there was seen in the churchyard, against
+the high altar, a great stone four square, like unto a marble stone; and in
+midst thereof was like an anvil of steel a foot on high, and therein stuck a
+fair sword naked by the point, and letters there were written in gold about the
+sword that said thus:&mdash;Whoso pulleth out this sword of this stone and
+anvil, is rightwise king born of all England. Then the people marvelled, and
+told it to the Archbishop.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+I command, said the Archbishop, that ye keep you within your church and pray
+unto God still, that no man touch the sword till the high mass be all done. So
+when all masses were done all the lords went to behold the stone and the sword.
+And when they saw the scripture some assayed, such as would have been king. But
+none might stir the sword nor move it. He is not here, said the Archbishop,
+that shall achieve the sword, but doubt not God will make him known. But this
+is my counsel, said the Archbishop, that we let purvey ten knights, men of good
+fame, and they to keep this sword. So it was ordained, and then there was made
+a cry, that every man should assay that would, for to win the sword. And upon
+New Year&rsquo;s Day the barons let make a jousts and a tournament, that all
+knights that would joust or tourney there might play, and all this was ordained
+for to keep the lords together and the commons, for the Archbishop trusted that
+God would make him known that should win the sword.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So upon New Year&rsquo;s Day, when the service was done, the barons rode unto
+the field, some to joust and some to tourney, and so it happened that Sir
+Ector, that had great livelihood about London, rode unto the jousts, and with
+him rode Sir Kay his son, and young Arthur that was his nourished brother; and
+Sir Kay was made knight at All Hallowmass afore. So as they rode to the
+jousts-ward, Sir Kay lost his sword, for he had left it at his father&rsquo;s
+lodging, and so he prayed young Arthur for to ride for his sword. I will well,
+said Arthur, and rode fast after the sword, and when he came home, the lady and
+all were out to see the jousting. Then was Arthur wroth, and said to himself, I
+will ride to the churchyard, and take the sword with me that sticketh in the
+stone, for my brother Sir Kay shall not be without a sword this day. So when he
+came to the churchyard, Sir Arthur alighted and tied his horse to the stile,
+and so he went to the tent, and found no knights there, for they were at the
+jousting. And so he handled the sword by the handles, and lightly and fiercely
+pulled it out of the stone, and took his horse and rode his way until he came
+to his brother Sir Kay, and delivered him the sword. And as soon as Sir Kay saw
+the sword, he wist well it was the sword of the stone, and so he rode to his
+father Sir Ector, and said: Sir, lo here is the sword of the stone, wherefore I
+must be king of this land. When Sir Ector beheld the sword, he returned again
+and came to the church, and there they alighted all three, and went into the
+church. And anon he made Sir Kay swear upon a book how he came to that sword.
+Sir, said Sir Kay, by my brother Arthur, for he brought it to me. How gat ye
+this sword? said Sir Ector to Arthur. Sir, I will tell you. When I came home
+for my brother&rsquo;s sword, I found nobody at home to deliver me his sword;
+and so I thought my brother Sir Kay should not be swordless, and so I came
+hither eagerly and pulled it out of the stone without any pain. Found ye any
+knights about this sword? said Sir Ector. Nay, said Arthur. Now, said Sir Ector
+to Arthur, I understand 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 of
+this land. Now let me see whether ye can put the sword there as it was, and
+pull it out again. That is no mastery, said Arthur, and so he put it in the
+stone; wherewithal Sir Ector assayed to pull out the sword and failed.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap06"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br/>How King Arthur pulled out the sword
+divers times.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now assay, said Sir Ector unto Sir Kay. And anon he pulled at the sword with
+all his might; but it would not be. Now shall ye assay, said Sir Ector to
+Arthur. I will well, said Arthur, and pulled it out easily. And therewithal Sir
+Ector knelt down to the earth, and Sir Kay. Alas, said Arthur, my own dear
+father and brother, why kneel ye to me? Nay, nay, my lord Arthur, it is not so;
+I was never your father nor of your blood, but I wot well ye are of an higher
+blood than I weened ye were. And then Sir Ector told him all, how he was
+betaken him for to nourish him, and by whose commandment, and by Merlin&rsquo;s
+deliverance.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Arthur made great dole when he understood that Sir Ector was not his
+father. Sir, said Ector unto Arthur, will ye be my good and gracious lord when
+ye are king? Else were I to blame, said Arthur, for ye are the man in the world
+that I am most beholden to, and my good lady and mother your wife, that as well
+as her own hath fostered me and kept. And if ever it be God&rsquo;s will that I
+be king as ye say, ye shall desire of me what I may do, and I shall not fail
+you; God forbid I should fail you Sir, said Sir Ector, I will ask no more of
+you, but that ye will make my son, your foster brother, Sir Kay, seneschal of
+all your lands. That shall be done, said Arthur, and more, by the faith of my
+body, that never man shall have that office but he, while he and I live.
+Therewithal they went unto the Archbishop, and told him how the sword was
+achieved, and by whom; and on Twelfth-day all the barons came thither, and to
+assay to take the sword, who that would assay. But there afore them all, there
+might none take it out but Arthur; wherefore there were many lords wroth, and
+said it was great shame unto them all and the realm, to be overgoverned with a
+boy of no high blood born. And so they fell out at that time that it was put
+off till Candlemas and then all the barons should meet there again; but always
+the ten knights were ordained to watch the sword day and night, and so they set
+a pavilion over the stone and the sword, and five always watched. So at
+Candlemas many more great lords came thither for to have won the sword, but
+there might none prevail. And right as Arthur did at Christmas, he did at
+Candlemas, and pulled out the sword easily, whereof the barons were sore
+aggrieved and put it off in delay till the high feast of Easter. And as Arthur
+sped before, so did he at Easter; yet there were some of the great lords had
+indignation that Arthur should be king, and put it off in a delay till the
+feast of Pentecost.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the Archbishop of Canterbury by Merlin&rsquo;s providence let purvey then
+of the best knights that they might get, and such knights as Uther Pendragon
+loved best and most trusted in his days. And such knights were put about Arthur
+as Sir Baudwin of Britain, Sir Kay, Sir Ulfius, Sir Brastias. All these, with
+many other, were always about Arthur, day and night, till the feast of
+Pentecost.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap07"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br/>How King Arthur was crowned, and how
+he made officers.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And at the feast of Pentecost all manner of men assayed to pull at the sword
+that would assay; but none might prevail but Arthur, and 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&rsquo;s will that he shall be our king, and who that
+holdeth against it, we will slay him. And therewithal they kneeled at once,
+both rich and poor, and cried Arthur mercy because they had delayed him 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 so anon was the coronation made. And there
+was he sworn unto his lords and the commons for to be a true king, to stand
+with true justice from thenceforth the days of this life. Also then he made all
+lords that held of the crown to come in, and to do service as they ought to do.
+And many complaints were made unto Sir Arthur of great wrongs that were done
+since the death of King Uther, of many lands that were bereaved lords, knights,
+ladies, and gentlemen. Wherefore King Arthur made the lands to be given again
+unto them that owned them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When this was done, that the king had stablished all the countries about
+London, then he let make Sir Kay seneschal of England; and Sir Baudwin of
+Britain was made constable; and Sir Ulfius was made chamberlain; and Sir
+Brastias was made warden to wait upon the north from Trent forwards, for it was
+that time the most party the king&rsquo;s enemies. But within few years after
+Arthur won all the north, Scotland, and all that were under their obeissance.
+Also Wales, a part of it, held against Arthur, but he overcame them all, as he
+did the remnant, through the noble prowess of himself and his knights of the
+Round Table.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap08"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br/>How King Arthur held in Wales, at a
+Pentecost, a great feast, and what kings and lords came to his feast.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then the king removed into Wales, and let cry a great feast that it should be
+holden at Pentecost after the incoronation of him at the city of Carlion. Unto
+the feast came King Lot of Lothian and of Orkney, with five hundred knights
+with him. Also there came to the feast King Uriens of Gore with four hundred
+knights with him. Also there came to that feast King Nentres of Garlot, with
+seven hundred knights with him. Also there came to the feast the king of
+Scotland with six hundred knights with him, and he was but a young man. Also
+there came to the feast a king that was called the King with the Hundred
+Knights, but he and his men were passing well beseen at all points. Also there
+came the king of Carados with five hundred knights. And King Arthur was glad of
+their coming, for he weened that all the kings and knights had come for great
+love, and to have done him worship at his feast; wherefore the king made great
+joy, and sent the kings and knights great presents. But the kings would none
+receive, but rebuked the messengers shamefully, and said they had no joy to
+receive no gifts of a beardless boy that was come of low blood, and sent him
+word they would none of his gifts, but that they were come to give him gifts
+with hard swords betwixt the neck and the shoulders: and therefore they came
+thither, so they told to the messengers plainly, for it was great shame to all
+them to see such a boy to have a rule of so noble a realm as this land was.
+With this answer the messengers departed and told to King Arthur this answer.
+Wherefore, by the advice of his barons, he took him to a strong tower with five
+hundred good men with him. And all the kings aforesaid in a manner laid a siege
+to-fore him, but King Arthur was well victualed. And within fifteen days there
+came Merlin among them into the city of Carlion. Then all the kings were
+passing glad of Merlin, and asked him, For what cause is that boy Arthur made
+your king? Sirs, said Merlin, I shall tell you the cause, for he is King Uther
+Pendragon&rsquo;s son, born in wedlock, gotten on Igraine, the duke&rsquo;s
+wife of Tintagil. Then is he a bastard, they said all. Nay, said Merlin, after
+the death of the duke, more than three hours, was Arthur begotten, and thirteen
+days after King Uther wedded Igraine; and therefore I prove him he is no
+bastard. And who saith nay, he shall be king and overcome all his enemies; and,
+or he die, he shall be long king of all England, and have under his obeissance
+Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, and more realms than I will now rehearse. Some of
+the kings had marvel of Merlin&rsquo;s words, and deemed well that it should be
+as he said; and some of them laughed him to scorn, as King Lot; and more other
+called him a witch. But then were they accorded with Merlin, that King Arthur
+should come out and speak with the kings, and to come safe and to go safe, such
+surance there was made. So Merlin went unto King Arthur, and told him how he
+had done, and bade him fear not, but come out boldly and speak with them, and
+spare them not, but answer them as their king and chieftain; for ye shall
+overcome them all, whether they will or nill.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap09"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br/>Of the first war that King Arthur had,
+and how he won the field.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then King Arthur came out of his tower, and had under his gown a jesseraunt of
+double mail, and there went with him the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Sir
+Baudwin of Britain, and Sir Kay, and Sir Brastias: these were the men of most
+worship that were with him. And when they were met there was no meekness, but
+stout words on both sides; but always King Arthur answered them, and said he
+would make them to bow an he lived. Wherefore they departed with wrath, and
+King Arthur bade keep them well, and they bade the king keep him well. So the
+king returned him to the tower again and armed him and all his knights. What
+will ye do? said Merlin to the kings; ye were better for to stint, for ye shall
+not here prevail though ye were ten times so many. Be we well advised to be
+afeared of a dream-reader? said King Lot. With that Merlin vanished away, and
+came to King Arthur, and bade him set on them fiercely; and in the meanwhile
+there were three hundred good men, of the best that were with the kings, that
+went straight unto King Arthur, and that comforted him greatly. Sir, said
+Merlin to Arthur, fight not with the sword that ye had by miracle, till that ye
+see ye go unto the worse, then draw it out and do your best. So forthwithal
+King Arthur set upon them in their lodging. And Sir Baudwin, Sir Kay, and Sir
+Brastias slew on the right hand and on the left hand that it was marvel; and
+always King Arthur on horseback laid on with a sword, and did marvellous deeds
+of arms, that many of the kings had great joy of his deeds and hardiness.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then King Lot brake out on the back side, and the King with the Hundred
+Knights, and King Carados, and set on Arthur fiercely behind him. With that Sir
+Arthur turned with his knights, and smote behind and before, and ever Sir
+Arthur was in the foremost press till his horse was slain underneath him. And
+therewith King Lot smote down King Arthur. With that his four knights received
+him and set him on horseback. Then he drew his sword Excalibur, but it was so
+bright in his enemies&rsquo; eyes, that it gave light like thirty torches. And
+therewith he put them a-back, and slew much people. And then the commons of
+Carlion arose with clubs and staves and slew many knights; but all the kings
+held them together with their knights that were left alive, and so fled and
+departed. And Merlin came unto Arthur, and counselled him to follow them no
+further.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap10"></a>CHAPTER X.<br/>How Merlin counselled King Arthur to
+send for King Ban and King Bors, and of their counsel taken for the war.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So after the feast and journey, King Arthur drew him unto London, and so by the
+counsel of Merlin, the king let call his barons to council, for Merlin had told
+the king that the six kings that made war upon him would in all haste be awroke
+on him and on his lands. Wherefore the king asked counsel at them all. They
+could no counsel give, but said they were big enough. Ye say well, said Arthur;
+I thank you for your good courage, but will ye all that loveth me speak with
+Merlin? ye know well that he hath done much for me, and he knoweth many things,
+and when he is afore you, I would that ye prayed him heartily of his best
+advice. All the barons said they would pray him and desire him. So Merlin was
+sent for, and fair desired of all the barons to give them best counsel. I shall
+say you, said Merlin, I warn you all, your enemies are passing strong for you,
+and they are good men of arms as be alive, and by this time they have gotten to
+them four kings more, and a mighty duke; and unless that our king have more
+chivalry with him than he may make within the bounds of his own realm, an he
+fight with them in battle, he shall be overcome and slain. What were best to do
+in this cause? said all the barons. I shall tell you, said Merlin, mine advice;
+there are two brethren beyond the sea, and they be kings both, and marvellous
+good men of their hands; and that one hight King Ban of Benwick, and that other
+hight King Bors of Gaul, that is France. And on these two kings warreth a
+mighty man of men, the King Claudas, and striveth with them for a castle, and
+great war is betwixt them. But this Claudas is so mighty of goods whereof he
+getteth good knights, that he putteth these two kings most part to the worse;
+wherefore this is my counsel, that our king and sovereign lord send unto the
+kings Ban and Bors by two trusty knights with letters well devised, that an
+they will come and see King Arthur and his court, and so help him in his wars,
+that he will be sworn unto them to help them in their wars against King
+Claudas. Now, what say ye unto this counsel? said Merlin. This is well
+counselled, said the king and all the barons.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Right so in all haste there were ordained to go two knights on the message unto
+the two kings. So were there made letters in the pleasant wise according unto
+King Arthur&rsquo;s desire. Ulfius and Brastias were made the messengers, and
+so rode forth well horsed and well armed and as the guise was that time, and so
+passed the sea and rode toward the city of Benwick. And there besides were
+eight knights that espied them, and at a strait passage they met with Ulfius
+and Brastias, and would have taken them prisoners; so they prayed them that
+they might pass, for they were messengers unto King Ban and Bors sent from King
+Arthur. Therefore, said the eight knights, ye shall die or be prisoners, for we
+be knights of King Claudas. And therewith two of them dressed their spears, and
+Ulfius and Brastias dressed their spears, and ran together with great raundon.
+And Claudas&rsquo; knights brake their spears, and theirs to-held and bare the
+two knights out of their saddles to the earth, and so left them lying, and rode
+their ways. And the other six knights rode afore to a passage to meet with them
+again, and so Ulfius and Brastias smote other two down, and so passed on their
+ways. And at the fourth passage there met two for two, and both were laid unto
+the earth; so there was none of the eight knights but he was sore hurt or
+bruised. And when they come to Benwick it fortuned there were both kings, Ban
+and Bors.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when it was told the kings that there were come messengers, there were sent
+unto them two knights of worship, the one hight Lionses, lord of the country of
+Payarne, and Sir Phariance a worshipful knight. Anon they asked from whence
+they came, and they said from King Arthur, king of England; so they took them
+in their arms and made great joy each of other. But anon, as the two kings wist
+they were messengers of Arthur&rsquo;s, there was made no tarrying, but
+forthwith they spake with the knights, and welcomed them in the faithfullest
+wise, and said they were most welcome unto them before all the kings living;
+and therewith they kissed the letters and delivered them. And when Ban and Bors
+understood the letters, then they were more welcome than they were before. And
+after the haste of the letters they gave them this answer, that they would
+fulfil the desire of King Arthur&rsquo;s writing, and Ulfius and Brastias,
+tarry there as long as they would, they should have such cheer as might be made
+them in those marches. Then Ulfius and Brastias told the kings of the adventure
+at their passages of the eight knights. Ha! ah! said Ban and Bors, they were my
+good friends. I would I had wist of them; they should not have escaped so. So
+Ulfius and Brastias had good cheer and great gifts, as much as they might bear
+away; and had their answer by mouth and by writing, that those two kings would
+come unto Arthur in all the haste that they might. So the two knights rode on
+afore, and passed the sea, and came to their lord, and told him how they had
+sped, whereof King Arthur was passing glad. At what time suppose ye the two
+kings will be here? Sir, said they, afore All Hallowmass. Then the king let
+purvey for a great feast, and let cry a great jousts. And by All Hallowmass the
+two kings were come over the sea with three hundred knights well arrayed both
+for the peace and for the war. And King Arthur met with them ten mile out of
+London, and there was great joy as could be thought or made. And on All
+Hallowmass at the great feast, sat in the hall the three kings, and Sir Kay
+seneschal served in the hall, and Sir Lucas the butler, that was Duke
+Corneus&rsquo; son, and Sir Griflet, that was the son of Cardol, these three
+knights had the rule of all the service that served the kings. And anon, as
+they had washen and risen, all knights that would joust made them ready; by
+then they were ready on horseback there were seven hundred knights. And Arthur,
+Ban, and Bors, with the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Sir Ector, Kay&rsquo;s
+father, they were in a place covered with cloth of gold like an hall, with
+ladies and gentlewomen, for to behold who did best, and thereon to give
+judgment.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap11"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br/>Of a great tourney made by King Arthur
+and the two kings Ban and Bors, and how they went over the sea.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And King Arthur and the two kings let depart the seven hundred knights in two
+parties. And there were three hundred knights of the realm of Benwick and of
+Gaul turned on the other side. Then they dressed their shields, and began to
+couch their spears many good knights. So Griflet was the first that met with a
+knight, one Ladinas, and they met so eagerly that all men had wonder; and they
+so fought that their shields fell to pieces, and horse and man fell to the
+earth; and both the French knight and the English knight lay so long that all
+men weened they had been dead. When Lucas the butler saw Griflet so lie, he
+horsed him again anon, and they two did marvellous deeds of arms with many
+bachelors. Also Sir Kay came out of an ambushment with five knights with him,
+and they six smote other six down. But Sir Kay did that day marvellous deeds of
+arms, that there was none did so well as he that day. Then there came Ladinas
+and Gracian, two knights of France, and did passing well, that all men praised
+them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then came there Sir Placidas, a good knight, and met with Sir Kay, and smote
+him down horse and man, where fore Sir Griflet was wroth, and met with Sir
+Placidas so hard, that horse and man fell to the earth. But when the five
+knights wist that Sir Kay had a fall, they were wroth out of wit, and therewith
+each of them five bare down a knight. When King Arthur and the two kings saw
+them begin to wax wroth on both parties, they leapt on small hackneys, and let
+cry that all men should depart unto their lodging. And so they went home and
+unarmed them, and so to evensong and supper. And after, the three kings went
+into a garden, and gave the prize unto Sir Kay, and to Lucas the butler, and
+unto Sir Griflet. And then they went unto council, and with them Gwenbaus, the
+brother unto Sir Ban and Bors, a wise clerk, and thither went Ulfius and
+Brastias, and Merlin. And after they had been in council, they went unto bed.
+And on the morn they heard mass, and to dinner, and so to their council, and
+made many arguments what were best to do. At the last they were concluded, that
+Merlin should go with a token of King Ban, and that was a ring, unto his men
+and King Bors&rsquo;; and Gracian and Placidas should go again and keep their
+castles and their countries, as for [dread of King Claudas] King Ban of
+Benwick, and King Bors of Gaul had ordained them, and so passed the sea and
+came to Benwick. And when the people saw King Ban&rsquo;s ring, and Gracian and
+Placidas, they were glad, and asked how the kings fared, and made great joy of
+their welfare and cording, and according unto the sovereign lords desire, the
+men of war made them ready in all haste possible, so that they were fifteen
+thousand on horse and foot, and they had great plenty of victual with them, by
+Merlin&rsquo;s provision. But Gracian and Placidas were left to furnish and
+garnish the castles, for dread of King Claudas. Right so Merlin passed the sea,
+well victualled both by water and by land. And when he came to the sea he sent
+home the footmen again, and took no more with him but ten thousand men on
+horseback, the most part men of arms, and so shipped and passed the sea into
+England, and landed at Dover; and through the wit of Merlin, he had the host
+northward, the priviest way that could be thought, unto the forest of
+Bedegraine, and there in a valley he lodged them secretly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then rode Merlin unto Arthur and the two kings, and told them how he had sped;
+whereof they had great marvel, that man on earth might speed so soon, and go
+and come. So Merlin told them ten thousand were in the forest of Bedegraine,
+well armed at all points. Then was there no more to say, but to horseback went
+all the host as Arthur had afore purveyed. So with twenty thousand he passed by
+night and day, but there was made such an ordinance afore by Merlin, that there
+should no man of war ride nor go in no country on this side Trent water, but if
+he had a token from King Arthur, where through the king&rsquo;s enemies durst
+not ride as they did to-fore to espy.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap12"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br/>How eleven kings gathered a great
+host against King Arthur.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And so within a little space the three kings came unto the castle of
+Bedegraine, and found there a passing fair fellowship, and well beseen, whereof
+they had great joy, and victual they wanted none. This was the cause of the
+northern host: that they were reared for the despite and rebuke the six kings
+had at Carlion. And those six kings by their means, gat unto them five other
+kings; and thus they began to gather their people.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And now they sware that for weal nor woe, they should not leave other, till
+they had destroyed Arthur. And then they made an oath. The first that began the
+oath was the Duke of Cambenet, that he would bring with him five thousand men
+of arms, the which were ready on horseback. Then sware King Brandegoris of
+Stranggore that he would bring five thousand men of arms on horseback. Then
+sware King Clariance of Northumberland he would bring three thousand men of
+arms. Then sware the King of the Hundred Knights, that was a passing good man
+and a young, that he would bring four thousand men of arms on horseback. Then
+there swore King Lot, a passing good knight, and Sir Gawain&rsquo;s father,
+that he would bring five thousand men of arms on horseback. Also there swore
+King Urience, that was Sir Uwain&rsquo;s father, of the land of Gore, and he
+would bring six thousand men of arms on horseback. Also there swore King Idres
+of Cornwall, that he would bring five thousand men of arms on horseback. Also
+there swore King Cradelmas to bring five thousand men on horseback. Also there
+swore King Agwisance of Ireland to bring five thousand men of arms on
+horseback. Also there swore King Nentres to bring five thousand men of arms on
+horseback. Also there swore King Carados to bring five thousand men of arms on
+horseback. So their whole host was of clean men of arms on horseback fifty
+thousand, and a-foot ten thousand of good men&rsquo;s bodies. Then were they
+soon ready, and mounted upon horse and sent forth their fore-riders, for these
+eleven kings in their ways laid a siege unto the castle of Bedegraine; and so
+they departed and drew toward Arthur, and left few to abide at the siege, for
+the castle of Bedegraine was holden of King Arthur, and the men that were
+therein were Arthur&rsquo;s.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap13"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br/>Of a dream of the King with the
+Hundred Knights.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So by Merlin&rsquo;s advice there were sent fore-riders to skim the country,
+and they met with the fore-riders of the north, and made them to tell which way
+the host came, and then they told it to Arthur, and by King Ban and Bors&rsquo;
+council they let burn and destroy all the country afore them, there they should
+ride.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The King with the Hundred Knights met a wonder dream two nights afore the
+battle, that there blew a great wind, and blew down their castles and their
+towns, and after that came a water and bare it all away. All that heard of the
+sweven said it was a token of great battle. Then by counsel of Merlin, when
+they wist which way the eleven kings would ride and lodge that night, at
+midnight they set upon them, as they were in their pavilions. But the
+scout-watch by their host cried, Lords! at arms! for here be your enemies at
+your hand!
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap14"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br/>How the eleven kings with their host
+fought against Arthur and his host, and many great feats of the war.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then King Arthur and King Ban and King Bors, with their good and trusty
+knights, set on them so fiercely that they made them overthrow their pavilions
+on their heads, but the eleven kings, by manly prowess of arms, took a fair
+champaign, but there was slain that morrowtide ten thousand good men&rsquo;s
+bodies. And so they had afore them a strong passage, yet were they fifty
+thousand of hardy men. Then it drew toward day. Now shall ye do by mine advice,
+said Merlin unto the three kings: I would that King Ban and King Bors, with
+their fellowship of ten thousand men, were put in a wood here beside, in an
+ambushment, and keep them privy, and that they be laid or the light of the day
+come, and that they stir not till ye and your knights have fought with them
+long. And when it is daylight, dress your battle even afore them and the
+passage, that they may see all your host, for then will they be the more hardy,
+when they see you but about twenty thousand men, and cause them to be the
+gladder to suffer you and your host to come over the passage. All the three
+kings and the whole barons said that Merlin said passingly well, and it was
+done anon as Merlin had devised. So on the morn, when either host saw other,
+the host of the north was well comforted. Then to Ulfius and Brastias were
+delivered three thousand men of arms, and they set on them fiercely in the
+passage, and slew on the right hand and on the left hand that it was wonder to
+tell.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When that the eleven kings saw that there was so few a fellowship did such
+deeds of arms, they were ashamed and set on them again fiercely; and there was
+Sir Ulfius&rsquo;s horse slain under him, but he did marvellously well on foot.
+But the Duke Eustace of Cambenet and King Clariance of Northumberland, were
+alway grievous on Ulfius. Then Brastias saw his fellow fared so withal he smote
+the duke with a spear, that horse and man fell down. That saw King Clariance
+and returned unto Brastias, and either smote other so that horse and man went
+to the earth, and so they lay long astonied, and their horses&rsquo; knees
+brast to the hard bone. Then came Sir Kay the seneschal with six fellows with
+him, and did passing well. With that came the eleven kings, and there was
+Griflet put to the earth, horse and man, and Lucas the butler, horse and man,
+by King Brandegoris, and King Idres, and King Agwisance. Then waxed the medley
+passing hard on both parties. When Sir Kay saw Griflet on foot, he rode on King
+Nentres and smote him down, and led his horse unto Sir Griflet, and horsed him
+again. Also Sir Kay with the same spear smote down King Lot, and hurt him
+passing sore. That saw the King with the Hundred Knights, and ran unto Sir Kay
+and smote him down, and took his horse, and gave him King Lot, whereof he said
+gramercy. When Sir Griflet saw Sir Kay and Lucas the butler on foot, he took a
+sharp spear, great and square, and rode to Pinel, a good man of arms, and smote
+horse and man down, and then he took his horse, and gave him unto Sir Kay. Then
+King Lot saw King Nentres on foot, he ran unto Melot de la Roche, and smote him
+down, horse and man, and gave King Nentres the horse, and horsed him again.
+Also the King of the Hundred Knights saw King Idres on foot; then he ran unto
+Gwiniart de Bloi, and smote him down, horse and man, and gave King Idres the
+horse, and horsed him again; and King Lot smote down Clariance de la Forest
+Savage, and gave the horse unto Duke Eustace. And so when they had horsed the
+kings again they drew them, all eleven kings, together, and said they would be
+revenged of the damage that they had taken that day. The meanwhile came in Sir
+Ector with an eager countenance, and found Ulfius and Brastias on foot, in
+great peril of death, that were foul defoiled under horse-feet.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Arthur as a lion, ran unto King Cradelment of North Wales, and smote him
+through the left side, that the horse and the king fell down; and then he took
+the horse by the rein, and led him unto Ulfius, and said, Have this horse, mine
+old friend, for great need hast thou of horse. Gramercy, said Ulfius. Then Sir
+Arthur did so marvellously in arms, that all men had wonder. When the King with
+the Hundred Knights saw King Cradelment on foot, he ran unto Sir Ector, that
+was well horsed, Sir Kay&rsquo;s father, and smote horse and man down, and gave
+the horse unto the king, and horsed him again. And when King Arthur saw the
+king ride on Sir Ector&rsquo;s horse, he was wroth and with his sword he smote
+the king on the helm, that a quarter of the helm and shield fell down, and so
+the sword carved down unto the horse&rsquo;s neck, and so the king and the
+horse fell down to the ground. Then Sir Kay came unto Sir Morganore, seneschal
+with the King of the Hundred Knights, and smote him down, horse and man, and
+led the horse unto his father, Sir Ector; then Sir Ector ran unto a knight,
+hight Lardans, and smote horse and man down, and led the horse unto Sir
+Brastias, that great need had of an horse, and was greatly defoiled. When
+Brastias beheld Lucas the butler, that lay like a dead man under the
+horses&rsquo; feet, and ever Sir Griflet did marvellously for to rescue him,
+and there were always fourteen knights on Sir Lucas; then Brastias smote one of
+them on the helm, that it went to the teeth, and he rode to another and smote
+him, that the arm flew into the field. Then he went to the third and smote him
+on the shoulder, that shoulder and arm flew in the field. And when Griflet saw
+rescues, he smote a knight on the temples, that head and helm went to the
+earth, and Griflet took the horse of that knight, and led him unto Sir Lucas,
+and bade him mount upon the horse and revenge his hurts. For Brastias had slain
+a knight to-fore and horsed Griflet.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap15"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br/>Yet of the same battle.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Lucas saw King Agwisance, that late had slain Moris de la Roche, and Lucas
+ran to him with a short spear that was great, that he gave him such a fall,
+that the horse fell down to the earth. Also Lucas found there on foot, Bloias
+de La Flandres, and Sir Gwinas, two hardy knights, and in that woodness that
+Lucas was in, he slew two bachelors and horsed them again. Then waxed the
+battle passing hard on both parties, but Arthur was glad that his knights were
+horsed again, and then they fought together, that the noise and sound rang by
+the water and the wood. Wherefore King Ban and King Bors made them ready, and
+dressed their shields and harness, and they were so courageous that many
+knights shook and bevered for eagerness. All this while Lucas, and Gwinas, and
+Briant, and Bellias of Flanders, held strong medley against six kings, that was
+King Lot, King Nentres, King Brandegoris, King Idres, King Uriens, and King
+Agwisance. So with the help of Sir Kay and of Sir Griflet they held these six
+kings hard, that unnethe they had any power to defend them. But when Sir Arthur
+saw the battle would not be ended by no manner, he fared wood as a lion, and
+steered his horse here and there, on the right hand, and on the left hand, that
+he stinted not till he had slain twenty knights. Also he wounded King Lot sore
+on the shoulder, and made him to leave that ground, for Sir Kay and Griflet did
+with King Arthur there great deeds of arms. Then Ulfius, and Brastias, and Sir
+Ector encountered against the Duke Eustace, and King Cradelment, and King
+Clariance of Northumberland, and King Carados, and against the King with the
+Hundred Knights. So these knights encountered with these kings, that they made
+them to avoid the ground. Then King Lot made great dole for his damages and his
+fellows, and said unto the ten kings, But if ye will do as I devise we shall be
+slain and destroyed; let me have the King with the Hundred Knights, and King
+Agwisance, and King Idres, and the Duke of Cambenet, and we five kings will
+have fifteen thousand men of arms with us, and we will go apart while ye six
+kings hold medley with twelve thousand; an we see that ye have foughten with
+them long, then will we come on fiercely, and else shall we never match them,
+said King Lot, but by this mean. So they departed as they here devised, and six
+kings made their party strong against Arthur, and made great war long.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In the meanwhile brake the ambushment of King Ban and King Bors, and Lionses
+and Phariance had the vanguard, and they two knights met with King Idres and
+his fellowship, and there began a great medley of breaking of spears, and
+smiting of swords, with slaying of men and horses, and King Idres was near at
+discomforture.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That saw Agwisance the king, and put Lionses and Phariance in point of death;
+for the Duke of Cambenet came on withal with a great fellowship. So these two
+knights were in great danger of their lives that they were fain to return, but
+always they rescued themselves and their fellowship marvellously. When King
+Bors saw those knights put aback, it grieved him sore; then he came on so fast
+that his fellowship seemed as black as Inde. When King Lot had espied King
+Bors, he knew him well, then he said, O Jesu, defend us from death and horrible
+maims! for I see well we be in great peril of death; for I see yonder a king,
+one of the most worshipfullest men and one of the best knights of the world, is
+inclined unto his fellowship. What is he? said the King with the Hundred
+Knights. It is, said King Lot, King Bors of Gaul; I marvel how they came into
+this country without witting of us all. It was by Merlin&rsquo;s advice, said
+the knight. As for him, said King Carados, I will encounter with King Bors, an
+ye will rescue me when myster is. Go on, said they all, we will do all that we
+may. Then King Carados and his host rode on a soft pace, till that they came as
+nigh King Bors as bow-draught; then either battle let their horse run as fast
+as they might. And Bleoberis, that was godson unto King Bors, he bare his chief
+standard, that was a passing good knight. Now shall we see, said King Bors, how
+these northern Britons can bear the arms: and King Bors encountered with a
+knight, and smote him throughout with a spear that he fell dead unto the earth;
+and after drew his sword and did marvellous deeds of arms, that all parties had
+great wonder thereof; and his knights failed not, but did their part, and King
+Carados was smitten to the earth. With that came the King with the Hundred
+Knights and rescued King Carados mightily by force of arms, for he was a
+passing good knight of a king, and but a young man.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap16"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br/>Yet more of the same battle.</h3>
+
+<p>
+By then came into the field King Ban as fierce as a lion, with bands of green
+and thereupon gold. Ha! a! said King Lot, we must be discomfited, for yonder I
+see the most valiant knight of the world, and the man of the most renown, for
+such two brethren as is King Ban and King Bors are not living, wherefore we
+must needs void or die; and but if we avoid manly and wisely there is but
+death. When King Ban came into the battle, he came in so fiercely that the
+strokes redounded again from the wood and the water; wherefore King Lot wept
+for pity and dole that he saw so many good knights take their end. But through
+the great force of King Ban they made both the northern battles that were
+departed hurtled together for great dread; and the three kings and their
+knights slew on ever, that it was pity on to behold that multitude of the
+people that fled. But King Lot, and King of the Hundred Knights, and King
+Morganore gathered the people together passing knightly, and did great prowess
+of arms, and held the battle all that day, like hard.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When the King of the Hundred Knights beheld the great damage that King Ban did,
+he thrust unto him with his horse, and smote him on high upon the helm, a great
+stroke, and astonied him sore. Then King Ban was wroth with him, and followed
+on him fiercely; the other saw that, and cast up his shield, and spurred his
+horse forward, but the stroke of King Ban fell down and carved a cantel off the
+shield, and the sword slid down by the hauberk behind his back, and cut through
+the trapping of steel and the horse even in two pieces, that the sword felt the
+earth. Then the King of the Hundred Knights voided the horse lightly, and with
+his sword he broached the horse of King Ban through and through. With that King
+Ban voided lightly from the dead horse, and then King Ban smote at the other so
+eagerly, and smote him on the helm that he fell to the earth. Also in that ire
+he felled King Morganore, and there was great slaughter of good knights and
+much people. By then came into the press King Arthur, and found King Ban
+standing among dead men and dead horses, fighting on foot as a wood lion, that
+there came none nigh him, as far as he might reach with his sword, but he
+caught a grievous buffet; whereof King Arthur had great pity. And Arthur was so
+bloody, that by his shield there might no man know him, for all was blood and
+brains on his sword. And as Arthur looked by him he saw a knight that was
+passingly well horsed, and therewith Sir Arthur ran to him, and smote him on
+the helm, that his sword went unto his teeth, and the knight sank down to the
+earth dead, and anon Arthur took the horse by the rein, and led him unto King
+Ban, and said, Fair brother, have this horse, for he have great myster thereof,
+and me repenteth sore of your great damage. It shall be soon revenged, said
+King Ban, for I trust in God mine ure is not such but some of them may sore
+repent this. I will well, said Arthur, for I see your deeds full actual;
+nevertheless, I might not come at you at that time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when King Ban was mounted on horseback, then there began new battle, the
+which was sore and hard, and passing great slaughter. And so through great
+force King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors made their knights a little to
+withdraw them. But alway the eleven kings with their chivalry never turned
+back; and so withdrew them to a little wood, and so over a little river, and
+there they rested them, for on the night they might have no rest on the field.
+And then the eleven kings and knights put them on a heap all together, as men
+adread and out of all comfort. But there was no man might pass them, they held
+them so hard together both behind and before, that King Arthur had marvel of
+their deeds of arms, and was passing wroth. Ah, Sir Arthur, said King Ban and
+King Bors, blame them not, for they do as good men ought to do. For by my
+faith, said King Ban, they are the best fighting men, and knights of most
+prowess, that ever I saw or heard speak of, and those eleven kings are men of
+great worship; and if they were longing unto you there were no king under the
+heaven had such eleven knights, and of such worship. I may not love them, said
+Arthur, they would destroy me. That wot we well, said King Ban and King Bors,
+for they are your mortal enemies, and that hath been proved aforehand; and this
+day they have done their part, and that is great pity of their wilfulness.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then all the eleven kings drew them together, and then said King Lot, Lords, ye
+must other ways than ye do, or else the great loss is behind; ye may see what
+people we have lost, and what good men we lose, because we wait always on these
+foot-men, and ever in saving of one of the foot-men we lose ten horsemen for
+him; therefore this is mine advice, let us put our foot-men from us, for it is
+near night, for the noble Arthur will not tarry on the footmen, for they may
+save themselves, the wood is near hand. And when we horsemen be together, look
+every each of you kings let make such ordinance that none break upon pain of
+death. And who that seeth any man dress him to flee, lightly that he be slain,
+for it is better that we slay a coward, than through a coward all we to be
+slain. How say ye? said King Lot, answer me all ye kings. It is well said,
+quoth King Nentres; so said the King of the Hundred Knights; the same said the
+King Carados, and King Uriens; so did King Idres and King Brandegoris; and so
+did King Cradelment, and the Duke of Cambenet; the same said King Clariance and
+King Agwisance, and sware they would never fail other, neither for life nor for
+death. And whoso that fled, but did as they did, should be slain. Then they
+amended their harness, and righted their shields, and took new spears and set
+them on their thighs, and stood still as it had been a plump of wood.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap17"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br/>Yet more of the same battle, and how
+it was ended by Merlin.</h3>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Arthur and King Ban and Bors beheld them and all their knights, they
+praised them much for their noble cheer of chivalry, for the hardiest fighters
+that ever they heard or saw. With that, there dressed them a forty noble
+knights, and said unto the three kings, they would break their battle; these
+were their names: Lionses, Phariance, Ulfius, Brastias, Ector, Kay, Lucas the
+butler, Griflet le Fise de Dieu, Mariet de la Roche, Guinas de Bloi, Briant de
+la Forest Savage, Bellaus, Morians of the Castle [of] Maidens, Flannedrius of
+the Castle of Ladies, Annecians that was King Bors&rsquo; godson, a noble
+knight, Ladinas de la Rouse, Emerause, Caulas, Graciens le Castlein, one Blois
+de la Case, and Sir Colgrevaunce de Gorre; all these knights rode on afore with
+spears on their thighs, and spurred their horses mightily as the horses might
+run. And the eleven kings with part of their knights rushed with their horses
+as fast as they might with their spears, and there they did on both parties
+marvellous deeds of arms. So came into the thick of the press, Arthur, Ban, and
+Bors, and slew down right on both hands, that their horses went in blood up to
+the fetlocks. But ever the eleven kings and their host was ever in the visage
+of Arthur. Wherefore Ban and Bors had great marvel, considering the great
+slaughter that there was, but at the last they were driven aback over a little
+river. With that came Merlin on a great black horse, and said unto Arthur, Thou
+hast never done! Hast thou not done enough? of three score thousand this day
+hast thou left alive but fifteen thousand, and it is time to say Ho! For God is
+wroth with thee, that thou wilt never have done; for yonder eleven kings at
+this time will not be overthrown, but an thou tarry on them any longer, thy
+fortune will turn and they shall increase. And therefore withdraw you unto your
+lodging, and rest you as soon as ye may, and reward your good knights with gold
+and with silver, for they have well deserved it; there may no riches be too
+dear for them, for of so few men as ye have, there were never men did more of
+prowess than they have done today, for ye have matched this day with the best
+fighters of the world. That is truth, said King Ban and Bors. Also said Merlin,
+withdraw you where ye list, for this three year I dare undertake they shall not
+dere you; and by then ye shall hear new tidings. And then Merlin said unto
+Arthur, These eleven kings have more on hand than they are ware of, for the
+Saracens are landed in their countries, more than forty thousand, that burn and
+slay, and have laid siege at the castle Wandesborow, and make great
+destruction; therefore dread you not this three year. Also, sir, all the goods
+that be gotten at this battle, let it be searched, and when ye have it in your
+hands, let it be given freely unto these two kings, Ban and Bors, that they may
+reward their knights withal; and that shall cause strangers to be of better
+will to do you service at need. Also you be able to reward your own knights of
+your own goods whensomever it liketh you. It is well said, quoth Arthur, and as
+thou hast devised, so shall it be done. When it was delivered to Ban and Bors,
+they gave the goods as freely to their knights as freely as it was given to
+them. Then Merlin took his leave of Arthur and of the two kings, for to go and
+see his master Bleise, that dwelt in Northumberland; and so he departed and
+came to his master, that was passing glad of his coming; and there he told how
+Arthur and the two kings had sped at the great battle, and how it was ended,
+and told the names of every king and knight of worship that was there. And so
+Bleise wrote the battle word by word, as Merlin told him, how it began, and by
+whom, and in likewise how it was ended, and who had the worse. All the battles
+that were done in Arthur&rsquo;s days Merlin did his master Bleise do write;
+also he did do write all the battles that every worthy knight did of
+Arthur&rsquo;s court.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After this Merlin departed from his master and came to King Arthur, that was in
+the castle of Bedegraine, that was one of the castles that stand in the forest
+of Sherwood. And Merlin was so disguised that King Arthur knew him not, for he
+was all befurred in black sheep-skins, and a great pair of boots, and a bow and
+arrows, in a russet gown, and brought wild geese in his hand, and it was on the
+morn after Candlemas day; but King Arthur knew him not. Sir, said Merlin unto
+the king, will ye give me a gift? Wherefore, said King Arthur, should I give
+thee a gift, churl? Sir, said Merlin, ye were better to give me a gift that is
+not in your hand than to lose great riches, for here in the same place where
+the great battle was, is great treasure hid in the earth. Who told thee so,
+churl? said Arthur. Merlin told me so, said he. Then Ulfius and Brastias knew
+him well enough, and smiled. Sir, said these two knights, it is Merlin that so
+speaketh unto you. Then King Arthur was greatly abashed, and had marvel of
+Merlin, and so had King Ban and King Bors, and so they had great disport at
+him. So in the meanwhile there came a damosel that was an earl&rsquo;s
+daughter: his name was Sanam, and her name was Lionors, a passing fair damosel;
+and so she came thither for to do homage, as other lords did after the great
+battle. And King Arthur set his love greatly upon her, and so did she upon him,
+and the king had ado with her, and gat on her a child: his name was Borre, that
+was after a good knight, and of the Table Round. Then there came word that the
+King Rience of North Wales made great war on King Leodegrance of Cameliard, for
+the which thing Arthur was wroth, for he loved him well, and hated King Rience,
+for he was alway against him. So by ordinance of the three kings that were sent
+home unto Benwick, all they would depart for dread of King Claudas; and
+Phariance, and Antemes, and Gratian, and Lionses [of] Payarne, with the leaders
+of those that should keep the kings&rsquo; lands.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap18"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br/>How King Arthur, King Ban, and King
+Bors rescued King Leodegrance, and other incidents.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then King Arthur, and King Ban, and King Bors departed with their
+fellowship, a twenty thousand, and came within six days into the country of
+Cameliard, and there rescued King Leodegrance, and slew there much people of
+King Rience, unto the number of ten thousand men, and put him to flight. And
+then had these three kings great cheer of King Leodegrance, that thanked them
+of their great goodness, that they would revenge him of his enemies; and there
+had Arthur the first sight of Guenever, the king&rsquo;s daughter of Cameliard,
+and ever after he loved her. After they were wedded, as it telleth in the book.
+So, briefly to make an end, they took their leave to go into their own
+countries, for King Claudas did great destruction on their lands. Then said
+Arthur, I will go with you. Nay, said the kings, ye shall not at this time, for
+ye have much to do yet in these lands, therefore we will depart, and with the
+great goods that we have gotten in these lands by your gifts, we shall wage
+good knights and withstand the King Claudas&rsquo; malice, for by the grace of
+God, an we have need we will send to you for your succour; and if ye have need,
+send for us, and we will not tarry, by the faith of our bodies. It shall not,
+said Merlin, need that these two kings come again in the way of war, but I know
+well King Arthur may not be long from you, for within a year or two ye shall
+have great need, and then shall he revenge you on your enemies, as ye have done
+on his. For these eleven kings shall die all in a day, by the great might and
+prowess of arms of two valiant knights (as it telleth after); their names be
+Balin le Savage, and Balan, his brother, that be marvellous good knights as be
+any living.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we to the eleven kings that returned unto a city that hight Sorhaute,
+the which city was within King Uriens&rsquo;, and there they refreshed them as
+well as they might, and made leeches search their wounds, and sorrowed greatly
+for the death of their people. With that there came a messenger and told how
+there was come into their lands people that were lawless as well as Saracens, a
+forty thousand, and have burnt and slain all the people that they may come by,
+without mercy, and have laid siege on the castle of Wandesborow. Alas, said the
+eleven kings, here is sorrow upon sorrow, and if we had not warred against
+Arthur as we have done, he would soon revenge us. As for King Leodegrance, he
+loveth Arthur better than us, and as for King Rience, he hath enough to do with
+Leodegrance, for he hath laid siege unto him. So they consented together to
+keep all the marches of Cornwall, of Wales, and of the North. So first, they
+put King Idres in the City of Nauntes in Britain, with four thousand men of
+arms, to watch both the water and the land. Also they put in the city of
+Windesan, King Nentres of Garlot, with four thousand knights to watch both on
+water and on land. Also they had of other men of war more than eight thousand,
+for to fortify all the fortresses in the marches of Cornwall. Also they put
+more knights in all the marches of Wales and Scotland, with many good men of
+arms, and so they kept them together the space of three year, and ever allied
+them with mighty kings and dukes and lords. And to them fell King Rience of
+North Wales, the which and Nero that was a mighty man of men. And all this
+while they furnished them and garnished them of good men of arms, and victual,
+and of all manner of habiliment that pretendeth to the war, to avenge them for
+the battle of Bedegraine, as it telleth in the book of adventures following.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap19"></a>CHAPTER XIX.<br/>How King Arthur rode to Carlion, and
+of his dream, and how he saw the questing beast.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then after the departing of King Ban and of King Bors, King Arthur rode into
+Carlion. And thither came to him, King Lot&rsquo;s wife, of Orkney, in manner
+of a message, but she was sent thither to espy the court of King Arthur; and
+she came richly beseen, with her four sons, Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravine, and
+Gareth, with many other knights and ladies. For she was a passing fair lady,
+therefore the king cast great love unto her, and desired to lie by her; so they
+were agreed, and he begat upon her Mordred, and she was his sister, on his
+mother&rsquo;s side, Igraine. So there she rested her a month, and at the last
+departed. Then the king dreamed a marvellous dream whereof he was sore adread.
+But all this time King Arthur knew not that King Lot&rsquo;s wife was his
+sister. Thus was the dream of Arthur: Him thought there was come into this land
+griffins and serpents, and him thought they burnt and slew all the people in
+the land, and then him thought he fought with them, and they did him passing
+great harm, and wounded him full sore, but at the last he slew them. When the
+king awaked, he was passing heavy of his dream, and so to put it out of
+thoughts, he made him ready with many knights to ride a-hunting. As soon as he
+was in the forest the king saw a great hart afore him. This hart will I chase,
+said King Arthur, and so he spurred the horse, and rode after long, and so by
+fine force oft he was like to have smitten the hart; whereas the king had
+chased the hart so long, that his horse lost his breath, and fell down dead.
+Then a yeoman fetched the king another horse.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the king saw the hart enbushed, and his horse dead, he set him down by a
+fountain, and there he fell in great thoughts. And as he sat so, him thought he
+heard a noise of hounds, to the sum of thirty. And with that the king saw
+coming toward him the strangest beast that ever he saw or heard of; so the
+beast went to the well and drank, and the noise was in the beast&rsquo;s belly
+like unto the questing of thirty couple hounds; but all the while the beast
+drank there was no noise in the beast&rsquo;s belly: and there with the beast
+departed with a great noise, whereof the king had great marvel. And so he was
+in a great thought, and therewith he fell asleep. Right so there came a knight
+afoot unto Arthur and said, Knight full of thought and sleepy, tell me if thou
+sawest a strange beast pass this way. Such one saw I, said King Arthur, that is
+past two mile; what would ye with the beast? said Arthur. Sir, I have followed
+that beast long time, and killed mine horse, so would God I had another to
+follow my quest. Right so came one with the king&rsquo;s horse, and when the
+knight saw the horse, he prayed the king to give him the horse: for I have
+followed this quest this twelvemonth, and either I shall achieve him, or bleed
+of the best blood of my body. Pellinore, that time king, followed the Questing
+Beast, and after his death Sir Palamides followed it.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap20"></a>CHAPTER XX.<br/>How King Pellinore took Arthur&rsquo;s
+horse and followed the Questing Beast, and how Merlin met with Arthur.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Sir knight, said the king, leave that quest, and suffer me to have it, and I
+will follow it another twelvemonth. Ah, fool, said the knight unto Arthur, it
+is in vain thy desire, for it shall never be achieved but by me, or my next
+kin. Therewith he started unto the king&rsquo;s horse and mounted into the
+saddle, and said, Gramercy, this horse is my own. Well, said the king, thou
+mayst take my horse by force, but an I might prove thee whether thou were
+better on horseback or I.&mdash;Well, said the knight, seek me here when thou
+wilt, and here nigh this well thou shalt find me, and so passed on his way.
+Then the king sat in a study, and bade his men fetch his horse as fast as ever
+they might. Right so came by him Merlin like a child of fourteen year of age,
+and saluted the king, and asked him why he was so pensive. I may well be
+pensive, said the king, for I have seen the marvellest sight that ever I saw.
+That know I well, said Merlin, as well as thyself, and of all thy thoughts, but
+thou art but a fool to take thought, for it will not amend thee. Also I know
+what thou art, and who was thy father, and of whom thou wert begotten; King
+Uther Pendragon was thy father, and begat thee on Igraine. That is false, said
+King Arthur, how shouldest thou know it, for thou art not so old of years to
+know my father? Yes, said Merlin, I know it better than ye or any man living. I
+will not believe thee, said Arthur, and was wroth with the child. So departed
+Merlin, and came again in the likeness of an old man of fourscore year of age,
+whereof the king was right glad, for he seemed to be right wise.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then said the old man, Why are ye so sad? I may well be heavy, said Arthur, for
+many things. Also here was a child, and told me many things that meseemeth he
+should not know, for he was not of age to know my father. Yes, said the old
+man, the child told you truth, and more would he have told you an ye would have
+suffered him. But ye have done a thing late that God is displeased with you,
+for ye have lain by your sister, and on her ye have gotten a child that shall
+destroy you and all the knights of your realm. What are ye, said Arthur, that
+tell me these tidings? I am Merlin, and I was he in the child&rsquo;s likeness.
+Ah, said King Arthur, ye are a marvellous man, but I marvel much of thy words
+that I must die in battle. Marvel not, said Merlin, for it is God&rsquo;s will
+your body to be punished for your foul deeds; but I may well be sorry, said
+Merlin, for I shall die a shameful death, to be put in the earth quick, and ye
+shall die a worshipful death. And as they talked this, came one with the
+king&rsquo;s horse, and so the king mounted on his horse, and Merlin on
+another, and so rode unto Carlion. And anon the king asked Ector and Ulfius how
+he was begotten, and they told him Uther Pendragon was his father and Queen
+Igraine his mother. Then he said to Merlin, I will that my mother be sent for
+that I may speak with her; and if she say so herself then will I believe it. In
+all haste, the queen was sent for, and she came and brought with her Morgan le
+Fay, her daughter, that was as fair a lady as any might be, and the king
+welcomed Igraine in the best manner.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap21"></a>CHAPTER XXI.<br/>How Ulfius impeached Queen Igraine,
+Arthur&rsquo;s mother, of treason; and how a knight came and desired to have
+the death of his master revenged.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Right so came Ulfius, and said openly, that the king and all might hear that
+were feasted that day, Ye are the falsest lady of the world, and the most
+traitress unto the king&rsquo;s person. Beware, said Arthur, what thou sayest;
+thou speakest a great word. I am well ware, said Ulfius, what I speak, and here
+is my glove to prove it upon any man that will say the contrary, that this
+Queen Igraine is causer of your great damage, and of your great war. For, an
+she would have uttered it in the life of King Uther Pendragon, of the birth of
+you, and how ye were begotten ye had never had the mortal wars that ye have
+had; for the most part of your barons of your realm knew never whose son ye
+were, nor of whom ye were begotten; and she that bare you of her body should
+have made it known openly in excusing of her worship and yours, and in like
+wise to all the realm, wherefore I prove her false to God and to you and to all
+your realm, and who will say the contrary I will prove it on his body.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then spake Igraine and said, I am a woman and I may not fight, but rather than
+I should be dishonoured, there would some good man take my quarrel. More, she
+said, Merlin knoweth well, and ye Sir Ulfius, how King Uther came to me in the
+Castle of Tintagil in the likeness of my lord, that was dead three hours
+to-fore, and thereby gat a child that night upon me. And after the thirteenth
+day King Uther wedded me, and by his commandment when the child was born it was
+delivered unto Merlin and nourished by him, and so I saw the child never after,
+nor wot not what is his name, for I knew him never yet. And there, Ulfius said
+to the queen, Merlin is more to blame than ye. Well I wot, said the queen, I
+bare a child by my lord King Uther, but I wot not where he is become. Then
+Merlin took the king by the hand, saying, This is your mother. And therewith
+Sir Ector bare witness how he nourished him by Uther&rsquo;s commandment. And
+therewith King Arthur took his mother, Queen Igraine, in his arms and kissed
+her, and either wept upon other. And then the king let make a feast that lasted
+eight days.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then on a day there came in the court a squire on horseback, leading a knight
+before him wounded to the death, and told him how there was a knight in the
+forest had reared up a pavilion by a well, and hath slain my master, a good
+knight, his name was Miles; wherefore I beseech you that my master may be
+buried, and that some knight may revenge my master&rsquo;s death. Then the
+noise was great of that knight&rsquo;s death in the court, and every man said
+his advice. Then came Griflet that was but a squire, and he was but young, of
+the age of the king Arthur, so he besought the king for all his service that he
+had done him to give the order of knighthood.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap22"></a>CHAPTER XXII.<br/>How Griflet was made knight, and
+jousted with a knight.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Thou art full young and tender of age, said Arthur, for to take so high an
+order on thee. Sir, said Griflet, I beseech you make me knight. Sir, said
+Merlin, it were great pity to lose Griflet, for he will be a passing good man
+when he is of age, abiding with you the term of his life. And if he adventure
+his body with yonder knight at the fountain, it is in great peril if ever he
+come again, for he is one of the best knights of the world, and the strongest
+man of arms. Well, said Arthur. So at the desire of Griflet the king made him
+knight. Now, said Arthur unto Sir Griflet, sith I have made you knight thou
+must give me a gift. What ye will, said Griflet. Thou shalt promise me by the
+faith of thy body, when thou hast jousted with the knight at the fountain,
+whether it fall ye be on foot or on horseback, that right so ye shall come
+again unto me without making any more debate. I will promise you, said Griflet,
+as you desire. Then took Griflet his horse in great haste, and dressed his
+shield and took a spear in his hand, and so he rode a great wallop till he came
+to the fountain, and thereby he saw a rich pavilion, and thereby under a cloth
+stood a fair horse well saddled and bridled, and on a tree a shield of divers
+colours and a great spear. Then Griflet smote on the shield with the butt of
+his spear, that the shield fell 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 young, and late made knight, and your might is nothing to mine. As
+for that, said Griflet, I will joust with you. That is me loath, said the
+knight, but sith I must needs, I will dress me thereto. Of whence be ye? said
+the knight. Sir, I am of Arthur&rsquo;s court. So the two knights ran together
+that Griflet&rsquo;s spear all to-shivered; and there withal he smote Griflet
+through the shield and the left side, and brake the spear that the truncheon
+stuck in his body, that horse and knight fell down.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap23"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.<br/>How twelve knights came from Rome
+and asked truage for this land of Arthur, and how Arthur fought with a
+knight.</h3>
+
+<p>
+When the knight saw him lie so on the ground, he alighted, and was passing
+heavy, for he weened he had slain him, and then he unlaced his helm and gat him
+wind, and so with the truncheon he set him on his horse, and so betook him to
+God, and said he had a mighty heart, and if he might live he would prove a
+passing good knight. And so Sir Griflet rode to the court, where great dole was
+made for him. But through good leeches he was healed and saved. Right so came
+into the court twelve knights, and were aged men, and they came from the
+Emperor of Rome, and they asked of Arthur truage for this realm, other else the
+emperor would destroy him and his land. Well, said King Arthur, ye are
+messengers, therefore ye may say what ye will, other else ye should die
+therefore. But this is mine answer: I owe the emperor no truage, nor none will
+I hold him, but on a fair field I shall give him my truage that shall be with a
+sharp spear, or else with a sharp sword, and that shall not be long, by my
+father&rsquo;s soul, Uther Pendragon. And therewith the messengers departed
+passingly wroth, and King Arthur as wroth, for in evil time came they then; for
+the king was passingly wroth for the hurt of Sir Griflet. And so he commanded a
+privy man of his chamber that or it be day his best horse and armour, with all
+that longeth unto his person, be without the city or to-morrow day. Right so or
+to-morrow day he met with his man and his horse, and so mounted up and dressed
+his shield and took his spear, and bade his chamberlain tarry there till he
+came again. And so Arthur rode a soft pace till it was day, and then was he
+ware of three churls chasing Merlin, and would have slain him. Then the king
+rode unto them, and bade them: Flee, churls! then were they afeard when they
+saw a knight, and fled. O Merlin, said Arthur, here hadst thou been slain for
+all thy crafts had I not been. Nay, said Merlin, not so, for I could save
+myself an I would; and thou art more near thy death than I am, for thou goest
+to the deathward, an God be not thy friend.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So as they went thus talking they came to the fountain, and the rich pavilion
+there by it. Then King Arthur was ware where sat a knight armed in a chair. Sir
+knight, said Arthur, for what cause abidest thou here, that there may no knight
+ride this way but if he joust with thee? said the king. I rede thee leave that
+custom, said Arthur. This custom, said the knight, have I used and will use
+maugre who saith nay, and who is grieved with my custom let him amend it that
+will. I will amend it, said Arthur. I shall defend thee, said the knight. Anon
+he took his horse and dressed his shield and took a spear, and they met so hard
+either in other&rsquo;s shields, that all to-shivered their spears. Therewith
+anon Arthur pulled out his sword. Nay, not so, said the knight; it is fairer,
+said the knight, that we twain run more together with sharp spears. I will
+well, said Arthur, an I had any more spears. I have enow, said the knight; so
+there came a squire and brought two good spears, and Arthur chose one and he
+another; so they spurred their horses and came together with all their mights,
+that either brake their spears to their hands. Then Arthur set hand on his
+sword. Nay, said the knight, ye shall do better, ye are a passing good jouster
+as ever I met withal, and once for the love of the high order of knighthood let
+us joust once again. I assent me, said Arthur. Anon there were brought two
+great spears, and every knight gat a spear, and therewith they ran together
+that Arthur&rsquo;s spear all to-shivered. But the other knight hit him so hard
+in midst of the shield, that horse and man fell to the earth, and therewith
+Arthur was eager, and pulled out his sword, and said, I will assay thee, sir
+knight, on foot, for I have lost the honour on horseback. I will be on
+horseback, said the knight. Then was Arthur wroth, and dressed his shield
+toward him with his sword drawn. When the knight saw that, he alighted, for him
+thought no worship to have a knight at such avail, he to be on horseback and he
+on foot, and so he alighted and dressed his shield unto Arthur. And there began
+a strong battle with many great strokes, and so hewed with their swords that
+the cantels flew in the fields, and much blood they bled both, that all the
+place there as they fought was overbled with blood, and thus they fought long
+and rested them, and then they went to the battle again, and so hurtled
+together like two rams that either fell to the earth. So at the last they smote
+together that both their swords met even together. But the sword of the knight
+smote King Arthur&rsquo;s sword in two pieces, wherefore he was heavy. Then
+said the knight unto Arthur, Thou art in my daunger whether me list to save
+thee or slay thee, and but thou yield thee as overcome and recreant, thou shalt
+die. As for death, said King Arthur, welcome be it when it cometh, but to yield
+me unto thee as recreant I had liefer die than to be so shamed. And therewithal
+the king leapt unto Pellinore, and took him by the middle and threw him down,
+and raced off his helm. When the knight felt that he was adread, for he was a
+passing big man of might, and anon he brought Arthur under him, and raced off
+his helm and would have smitten off his head.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap24"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.<br/>How Merlin saved Arthur&rsquo;s
+life, and threw an enchantment on King Pellinore and made him to sleep.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Therewithal came Merlin and said, Knight, hold thy hand, for an thou slay that
+knight thou puttest this realm in the greatest damage that ever was realm: for
+this knight is a man of more worship than thou wotest of. Why, who is he? said
+the knight. It is King Arthur. Then would he have slain him for dread of his
+wrath, and heaved up his sword, and therewith Merlin cast an enchantment to the
+knight, that he fell to the earth in a great sleep. Then Merlin took up King
+Arthur, and rode forth on the knight&rsquo;s horse. Alas! said Arthur, what
+hast thou done, Merlin? hast thou slain this good knight by thy crafts? There
+liveth not so worshipful a knight as he was; I had liefer than the stint of my
+land a year that he were alive. Care ye not, said Merlin, for he is wholer than
+ye; for he is but asleep, and will awake within three hours. I told you, said
+Merlin, what a knight he was; here had ye been slain had I not been. Also there
+liveth not a bigger knight than he is one, and he shall hereafter do you right
+good service; and his name is Pellinore, and he shall have two sons that shall
+be passing good men; save one they shall have no fellow of prowess and of good
+living, and their names shall be Percivale of Wales and Lamerake of Wales, and
+he shall tell you the name of your own son, begotten of your sister, that shall
+be the destruction of all this realm.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap25"></a>CHAPTER XXV.<br/>How Arthur by the mean of Merlin gat
+Excalibur his sword of the Lady of the Lake.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Right so the king and he departed, and went unto an hermit that was a good man
+and a great leech. So the hermit searched all his wounds and gave him good
+salves; so the king was there three days, and then were his wounds well amended
+that he might ride and go, and so departed. And as they rode, Arthur said, I
+have no sword. No force, said Merlin, hereby is a sword that shall be yours, an
+I may. So they rode till they came to a lake, the which was a fair water and
+broad, and in the midst of the lake Arthur was ware of an arm clothed in white
+samite, that held a fair sword in that hand. Lo! said Merlin, yonder is that
+sword that I spake of. With that they saw a damosel going upon the lake. What
+damosel is that? said Arthur. That is the Lady of the Lake, said Merlin; and
+within that lake is a rock, and therein is as fair a place as any on earth, and
+richly beseen; and this damosel will come to you anon, and then speak ye fair
+to her that she will give you that sword. Anon withal came the damosel unto
+Arthur, and saluted him, and he her again. Damosel, said Arthur, what sword is
+that, that yonder the arm holdeth above the water? I would it were mine, for I
+have no sword. Sir Arthur, king, said the damosel, that sword is mine, and if
+ye will give me a gift when I ask it you, ye shall have it. By my faith, said
+Arthur, I will give you what gift ye will ask. Well! said the damosel, go ye
+into yonder barge, and row yourself to the sword, and take it and the scabbard
+with you, and I will ask my gift when I see my time. So Sir Arthur and Merlin
+alighted and tied their horses to two trees, and so they went into the ship,
+and when they came to the sword that the hand held, Sir Arthur took it up by
+the handles, and took it with him, and the arm and the hand went under the
+water. And so [they] came unto the land and rode forth, and then Sir Arthur saw
+a rich pavilion. What signifieth yonder pavilion? It is the knight&rsquo;s
+pavilion, said Merlin, that ye fought with last, Sir Pellinore; but he is out,
+he is not there. He hath ado with a knight of yours that hight Egglame, and
+they have foughten together, but at the last Egglame fled, and else he had been
+dead, and he hath chased him even to Carlion, and we shall meet with him anon
+in the highway. That is well said, said Arthur, now have I a sword, now will I
+wage battle with him, and be avenged on him. Sir, you shall not so, said
+Merlin, for the knight is weary of fighting and chasing, so that ye shall have
+no worship to have ado with him; also he will not be lightly matched of one
+knight living, and therefore it is my counsel, let him pass, for he shall do
+you good service in short time, and his sons after his days. Also ye shall see
+that day in short space, you shall be right glad to give him your sister to
+wed. When I see him, I will do as ye advise, said Arthur.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Arthur looked on the sword, and liked it passing well. Whether liketh
+you better, said Merlin, the sword or the scabbard? Me liketh better the sword,
+said Arthur. Ye are more unwise, said Merlin, for the scabbard is worth ten of
+the swords, for whiles ye have the scabbard upon you, ye shall never lose no
+blood, be ye never so sore wounded; therefore keep well the scabbard always
+with you. So they rode unto Carlion, and by the way they met with Sir
+Pellinore; but Merlin had done such a craft, that Pellinore saw not Arthur, and
+he passed by without any words. I marvel, said Arthur, that the knight would
+not speak. Sir, said Merlin, he saw you not, for an he had seen you, ye had not
+lightly departed. So they came unto Carlion, whereof his knights were passing
+glad. And when they heard of his adventures, they marvelled that he would
+jeopard his person so, alone. But all men of worship said it was merry to be
+under such a chieftain, that would put his person in adventure as other poor
+knights did.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap26"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.<br/>How tidings came to Arthur that King
+Rience had overcome eleven kings, and how he desired Arthur&rsquo;s beard to
+trim his mantle.</h3>
+
+<p>
+This meanwhile came a messenger from King Rience of North Wales, and king he
+was of all Ireland, and of many isles. And this was his message, greeting well
+King Arthur in this manner wise, saying that King Rience had discomfited and
+overcome eleven kings, and everych of them did him homage, and that was this,
+they gave him their beards clean flayed off, as much as there was; wherefore
+the messenger came for King Arthur&rsquo;s beard. For King Rience had purfled a
+mantle with kings&rsquo; beards, and there lacked one place of the mantle;
+wherefore he sent for his beard, or else he would enter into his lands, and
+burn and slay, and never leave till he have the head and the beard. Well, said
+Arthur, thou hast said thy message, the which is the most villainous and
+lewdest message that ever man heard sent unto a king; also thou mayest see my
+beard is full young yet to make a purfle of it. But tell thou thy king this: I
+owe him none homage, nor none of mine elders; but or it be long to, he shall do
+me homage on both his knees, or else he shall lose his head, by the faith of my
+body, for this is the most shamefulest message that ever I heard speak of. I
+have espied thy king met never yet with worshipful man, but tell him, I will
+have his head without he do me homage. Then the messenger departed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now is there any here, said Arthur, that knoweth King Rience? Then answered a
+knight that hight Naram, Sir, I know the king well; he is a passing good man of
+his body, as few be living, and a passing proud man, and Sir, doubt ye not he
+will make war on you with a mighty puissance. Well, said Arthur, I shall ordain
+for him in short time.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap27"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.<br/>How all the children were sent for
+that were born on May-day, and how Mordred was saved.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then King Arthur let send for all the children born on May-day, begotten of
+lords and born of ladies; for Merlin told King Arthur that he that should
+destroy him should be born on May-day, wherefore he sent for them all, upon
+pain of death; and so there were found many lords&rsquo; sons, and all were
+sent unto the king, and so was Mordred sent by King Lot&rsquo;s wife, and all
+were put in a ship to the sea, and some were four weeks old, and some less. And
+so by fortune the ship drave unto a castle, and was all to-riven, and destroyed
+the most part, save that Mordred was cast up, and a good man found him, and
+nourished him till he was fourteen year old, and then he brought him to the
+court, as it rehearseth afterward, toward the end of the Death of Arthur. So
+many lords and barons of this realm were displeased, for their children were so
+lost, and many put the wite on Merlin more than on Arthur; so what for dread
+and for love, they held their peace. But when the messenger came to King
+Rience, then was he wood out of measure, and purveyed him for a great host, as
+it rehearseth after in the book of Balin le Savage, that followeth next after,
+how by adventure Balin gat the sword.
+</p>
+
+<h5>Explicit liber primus.</h5>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="part02"></a>BOOK II.</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap28"></a>CHAPTER I.<br/>Of a damosel which came girt with a
+sword for to find a man of such virtue to draw it out of the scabbard.</h3>
+
+<p>
+After the death of Uther Pendragon reigned Arthur his son, the which had great
+war in his days for to get all England into his hand. For there were many kings
+within the realm of England, and in Wales, Scotland, and Cornwall. So it befell
+on a time when King Arthur was at London, there came a knight and told the king
+tidings how that the King Rience of North Wales had reared a great number of
+people, and were entered into the land, and burnt and slew the king&rsquo;s
+true liege people. If this be true, said Arthur, it were great shame unto mine
+estate but that he were mightily withstood. It is truth, said the knight, for I
+saw the host myself. Well, said the king, let make a cry, that all the lords,
+knights, and gentlemen of arms, should draw unto a castle called Camelot in
+those days, and there the king would let make a council-general and a great
+jousts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when the king was come thither with all his baronage, and lodged as they
+seemed best, there was come a damosel the which was sent on message from the
+great lady Lile of Avelion. And when she came before King Arthur, she told from
+whom she came, and how she was sent on message unto him for these causes. Then
+she let her mantle fall that was richly furred; and then was she girt with a
+noble sword whereof the king had marvel, and said, Damosel, for what cause are
+ye girt with that sword? it beseemeth you not. Now shall I tell you, said the
+damosel; this sword that I am girt withal doth me great sorrow and cumbrance,
+for I may not be delivered of this sword but by a knight, but he must be a
+passing good man of his hands and of his deeds, and without villainy or
+treachery, and without treason. And if I may find such a knight that hath all
+these virtues, he may draw out this sword out of the sheath, for I have been at
+King Rience&rsquo;s it was told me there were passing good knights, and he and
+all his knights have assayed it and none can speed. This is a great marvel,
+said Arthur, if this be sooth; I will myself assay to draw out the sword, not
+presuming upon myself that I am the best knight, but that I will begin to draw
+at your sword in giving example to all the barons that they shall assay everych
+one after other when I have assayed it. Then Arthur took the sword by the
+sheath and by the girdle and pulled at it eagerly, but the sword would not out.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sir, said the damosel, you need not to pull half so hard, for he that shall
+pull it out shall do it with little might. Ye say well, said Arthur; now assay
+ye all my barons; but beware ye be not defiled with shame, treachery, nor
+guile. Then it will not avail, said the damosel, for he must be a clean knight
+without villainy, and of a gentle strain of father side and mother side. Most
+of all the barons of the Round Table that were there at that time assayed all
+by row, but there might none speed; wherefore the damosel made great sorrow out
+of measure, and said, Alas! I weened in this court had been the best knights
+without treachery or treason. By my faith, said Arthur, here are good knights,
+as I deem, as any be in the world, but their grace is not to help you,
+wherefore I am displeased.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap29"></a>CHAPTER II.<br/>How Balin, arrayed like a poor knight,
+pulled out the sword, which afterward was the cause of his death.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then fell it so that time there was a poor knight with King Arthur, that had
+been prisoner with him half a year and more for slaying of a knight, the which
+was cousin unto King Arthur. The name of this knight was called Balin, and by
+good means of the barons he was delivered out of prison, for he was a good man
+named of his body, and he was born in Northumberland. And so he went privily
+into the court, and saw this adventure, whereof it raised his heart, and he
+would assay it as other knights did, but for he was poor and poorly arrayed he
+put him not far in press. But in his heart he was fully assured to do as well,
+if his grace happed him, as any knight that there was. And as the damosel took
+her leave of Arthur and of all the barons, so departing, this knight Balin
+called unto her, and said, Damosel, I pray you of your courtesy, suffer me as
+well to assay as these lords; though that I be so poorly clothed, in my heart
+meseemeth I am fully assured as some of these others, and meseemeth in my heart
+to speed right well. The damosel beheld the poor knight, and saw he was a
+likely man, but for his poor arrayment she thought he should be of no worship
+without villainy or treachery. And then she said unto the knight, Sir, it
+needeth not to put me to more pain or labour, for it seemeth not you to speed
+there as other have failed. Ah! fair damosel, said Balin, worthiness, and good
+tatches, and good deeds, are not only in arrayment, but manhood and worship is
+hid within man&rsquo;s person, and many a worshipful knight is not known unto
+all people, and therefore worship and hardiness is not in arrayment. By God,
+said the damosel, ye say sooth; therefore ye shall assay to do what ye may.
+Then Balin took the sword by the girdle and sheath, and drew it out easily; and
+when he looked on the sword it pleased him much. Then had the king and all the
+barons great marvel that Balin had done that adventure, and many knights had
+great despite of Balin. Certes, said the damosel, this is a passing good
+knight, and the best that ever I found, and most of worship without treason,
+treachery, or villainy, and many marvels shall he do. Now, gentle and courteous
+knight, give me the sword again. Nay, said Balin, for this sword will I keep,
+but it be taken from me with force. Well, said the damosel, ye are not wise to
+keep the sword from me, for ye shall slay with the sword the best friend that
+ye have, and the man that ye most love in the world, and the sword shall be
+your destruction. I shall take the adventure, said Balin, that God will ordain
+me, but the sword ye shall not have at this time, by the faith of my body. Ye
+shall repent it within short time, said the damosel, for I would have the sword
+more for your avail than for mine, for I am passing heavy for your sake; for ye
+will not believe that sword shall be your destruction, and that is great pity.
+With that the damosel departed, making great sorrow.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon after, Balin sent for his horse and armour, and so would depart from the
+court, and took his leave of King Arthur. Nay, said the king, I suppose ye will
+not depart so lightly from this fellowship, I suppose ye are displeased that I
+have shewed you unkindness; blame me the less, for I was misinformed against
+you, but I weened ye had not been such a knight as ye are, of worship and
+prowess, and if ye will abide in this court among my fellowship, I shall so
+advance you as ye shall be pleased. God thank your highness, said Balin, your
+bounty and highness may no man praise half to the value; but at this time I
+must needs depart, beseeching you alway of your good grace. Truly, said the
+king, I am right wroth for your departing; I pray you, fair knight, that ye
+tarry not long, and ye shall be right welcome to me, and to my barons, and I
+shall amend all miss that I have done against you; God thank your great
+lordship, said Balin, and therewith made him ready to depart. Then the most
+part of the knights of the Round Table said that Balin did not this adventure
+all only by might, but by witchcraft.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap30"></a>CHAPTER III.<br/>How the Lady of the Lake demanded the
+knight&rsquo;s head that had won the sword, or the maiden&rsquo;s head.</h3>
+
+<p>
+The meanwhile, that this knight was making him ready to depart, there came into
+the court a lady that hight the Lady of the Lake. And she came on horseback,
+richly beseen, and saluted King Arthur, and there asked him a gift that he
+promised her when she gave him the sword. That is sooth, said Arthur, a gift I
+promised you, but I have forgotten the name of my sword that ye gave me. The
+name of it, said the lady, is Excalibur, that is as much to say as Cut-steel.
+Ye say well, said the king; ask what ye will and ye shall have it, an it lie in
+my power to give it. Well, said the lady, I ask the head of the knight that
+hath won the sword, or else the damosel&rsquo;s head that brought it; I take no
+force though I have both their heads, for he slew my brother, a good knight and
+a true, and that gentlewoman was causer of my father&rsquo;s death. Truly, said
+King Arthur, I may not grant neither of their heads with my worship, therefore
+ask what ye will else, and I shall fulfil your desire. I will ask none other
+thing, said the lady. When Balin was ready to depart, he saw the Lady of the
+Lake, that by her means had slain Balin&rsquo;s mother, and he had sought her
+three years; and when it was told him that she asked his head of King Arthur,
+he went to her straight and said, Evil be you found; ye would have my head, and
+therefore ye shall lose yours, and with his sword lightly he smote off her head
+before King Arthur. Alas, for shame! said Arthur, why have 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.
+Sir, said Balin, me forthinketh of your displeasure, for this same lady was the
+untruest lady living, and by enchantment and sorcery she hath been the
+destroyer of many good knights, and she was causer that my mother was burnt,
+through her falsehood and treachery. What cause soever ye had, said Arthur, ye
+should have forborne her in my presence; therefore, think not the contrary, ye
+shall repent it, for such another despite had I never in my court; therefore
+withdraw you out of my court in all haste ye may.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Balin took up the head of the lady, and bare it with him to his hostelry,
+and there he met with his squire, that was sorry he had displeased King Arthur
+and so they rode forth out of the town. Now, said Balin, we must depart, take
+thou this head and bear it to my friends, and tell them how I have sped, and
+tell my friends in Northumberland that my most foe is dead. Also tell them how
+I am out of prison, and what adventure befell me at the getting of this sword.
+Alas! said the squire, ye are greatly to blame for to displease King Arthur. As
+for that, said Balin, I will hie me, in all the haste that I may, to meet with
+King Rience and destroy him, either else to die therefore; and if it may hap me
+to win him, then will King Arthur be my good and gracious lord. Where shall I
+meet with you? said the squire. In King Arthur&rsquo;s court, said Balin. So
+his squire and he departed at that time. Then King Arthur and all the court
+made great dole and had shame of the death of the Lady of the Lake. Then the
+king buried her richly.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap31"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br/>How Merlin told the adventure of this
+damosel.</h3>
+
+<p>
+At that time there was a knight, the which was the king&rsquo;s son of Ireland,
+and his name was Lanceor, the which was an orgulous knight, and counted himself
+one of the best of the court; and he had great despite at Balin for the
+achieving of the sword, that any should be accounted more hardy, or more of
+prowess; and he asked King Arthur if he would give him leave to ride after
+Balin and to revenge the despite that he had done. Do your best, said Arthur, I
+am right wroth with Balin; I would he were quit of the despite that he hath
+done to me and to my court. Then this Lanceor went to his hostelry to make him
+ready. In the meanwhile came Merlin unto the court of King Arthur, and there
+was told him the adventure of the sword, and the death of the Lady of the Lake.
+Now shall I say you, said Merlin; this same damosel that here standeth, that
+brought the sword unto your court, I shall tell you the cause of her coming:
+she was the falsest damosel that liveth. Say not so, said they. She hath a
+brother, a passing good knight of prowess and a full true man; and this damosel
+loved another knight that held her to paramour, and this good knight her
+brother met with the knight that held her to paramour, and slew him by force of
+his hands. When this false damosel understood this, she went to the Lady Lile
+of Avelion, and besought her of help, to be avenged on her own brother.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap32"></a>CHAPTER V.<br/>How Balin was pursued by Sir Lanceor,
+knight of Ireland, and how he jousted and slew him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And so this Lady Lile of Avelion took her this sword that she brought with her,
+and told there should no man pull it out of the sheath but if he be one of the
+best knights of this realm, and he should be hard and full of prowess, and with
+that sword he should slay her brother. This was the cause that the damosel came
+into this court. I know it as well as ye. Would God she had not come into this
+court, but she came never in fellowship of worship to do good, but always great
+harm; and that knight that hath achieved the sword shall be destroyed by that
+sword, for the which will be great damage, for there liveth not a knight of
+more prowess than he is, and he shall do unto you, my Lord Arthur, great honour
+and kindness; and it is great pity he shall not endure but a while, for of his
+strength and hardiness I know not his match living.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the knight of Ireland armed him at all points, and dressed his shield on his
+shoulder, and mounted upon horseback, and took his spear in his hand, and rode
+after a great pace, as much as his horse might go; and within a little space on
+a mountain he had a sight of Balin, and with a loud voice he cried, Abide,
+knight, for ye shall abide whether ye will or nill, and the shield that is
+to-fore you shall not help. When Balin heard the noise, he turned his horse
+fiercely, and said, Fair knight, what will ye with me, will ye joust with me?
+Yea, said the Irish knight, therefore come I after you. Peradventure, said
+Balin, it had been better to have holden you at home, for many a man weeneth to
+put his enemy to a rebuke, and oft it falleth to himself. Of what court be ye
+sent from? said Balin. I am come from the court of King Arthur, said the knight
+of Ireland, that come hither for to revenge the despite ye did this day to King
+Arthur and to his court. Well, said Balin, I see well I must have ado with you,
+that me forthinketh for to grieve King Arthur, or any of his court; and your
+quarrel is full simple, said Balin, unto me, for the lady that is dead, did me
+great damage, and else would I have been loath as any knight that liveth for to
+slay a lady. Make you ready, said the knight Lanceor, and dress you unto me,
+for that one shall abide in the field. Then they took their spears, and came
+together as much as their horses might drive, and the Irish knight smote Balin
+on the shield, that all went shivers off his spear, and Balin hit him through
+the shield, and the hauberk perished, and so pierced through his body and the
+horse&rsquo;s croup, and anon turned his horse fiercely, and drew out his
+sword, and wist not that he had slain him; and then he saw him lie as a dead
+corpse.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap33"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br/>How a damosel, which was love to
+Lanceor, slew herself for love, and how Balin met with his brother Balan.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then he looked by him, and was ware of a damosel that came riding full fast as
+the horse might ride, on a fair palfrey. And when she espied that Lanceor was
+slain, she made sorrow out of measure, and said, O Balin, two bodies thou hast
+slain and one heart, and two hearts in one body, and two souls thou hast lost.
+And therewith she took the sword from her love that lay dead, and fell to the
+ground in a swoon. And when she arose she made great dole out of measure, the
+which sorrow grieved Balin passingly sore, and he went unto her for to have
+taken the sword out of her hand, but she held it so fast he might not take it
+out of her hand unless he should have hurt her, and suddenly she set the pommel
+to the ground, and rove herself through the body. When Balin espied her deeds,
+he was passing heavy in his heart, and ashamed that so fair a damosel had
+destroyed herself for the love of his death. Alas, said Balin, me repenteth
+sore the death of this knight, for the love of this damosel, for there was much
+true love betwixt them both, and for sorrow might not longer behold him, but
+turned his horse and looked toward a great forest, and there he was ware, by
+the arms, of his brother Balan. And when they were met they put off their helms
+and kissed together, and wept for joy and pity. Then Balan said, I little
+weened to have met with you at this sudden adventure; I am right glad of your
+deliverance out of your dolorous prisonment, for a man told me, in the castle
+of Four Stones, that ye were delivered, and that man had seen you in the court
+of King Arthur, and therefore I came hither into this country, for here I
+supposed to find you. Anon the knight Balin told his brother of his adventure
+of the sword, and of the death of the Lady of the Lake, and how King Arthur was
+displeased with him. Wherefore he sent this knight after me, that lieth here
+dead, and the death of this damosel grieveth me sore. So doth it me, said
+Balan, but ye must take the adventure that God will ordain you. Truly, said
+Balin, I am right heavy that my Lord Arthur is displeased with me, for he is
+the most worshipful knight that reigneth now on earth, and his love will I get
+or else will I put my life in adventure. For the King Rience lieth at a siege
+at the Castle Terrabil, and thither will we draw in all haste, to prove our
+worship and prowess upon him. I will well, said Balan, that we do, and we will
+help each other as brethren ought to do.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap34"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br/>How a dwarf reproved Balin for the
+death of Lanceor, and how King Mark of Cornwall found them, and made a tomb
+over them.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now go we hence, said Balin, and well be we met. The meanwhile as they talked,
+there came a dwarf from the city of Camelot on horseback, as much as he might;
+and found the dead bodies, wherefore he made great dole, and pulled out his
+hair for sorrow, and said, Which of you knights have done this deed? Whereby
+askest thou it? said Balan. For I would wit it, said the dwarf. It was I, said
+Balin, that slew this knight in my defence, for hither he came to chase me, and
+either I must slay him or he me; and this damosel slew herself for his love,
+which repenteth me, and for her sake I shall owe all women the better love.
+Alas, said the dwarf, thou hast done great damage unto thyself, for this knight
+that is here dead was one of the most valiantest men that lived, and trust
+well, Balin, the kin of this knight will chase you through the world till they
+have slain you. As for that, said Balin, I fear not greatly, but I am right
+heavy that I have displeased my lord King Arthur, for the death of this knight.
+So as they talked together, there came a king of Cornwall riding, the which
+hight King Mark. And when he saw these two bodies dead, and understood how they
+were dead, by the two knights above said, then made the king great sorrow for
+the true love that was betwixt them, and said, I will not depart till I have on
+this earth made a tomb, and there he pight his pavilions and sought through all
+the country to find a tomb, and in a church they found one was fair and rich,
+and then the king let put them both in the earth, and put the tomb upon them,
+and wrote the names of them both on the tomb. How here lieth Lanceor the
+king&rsquo;s son of Ireland, that at his own request was slain by the hands of
+Balin; and how his lady, Colombe, and paramour, slew herself with her
+love&rsquo;s sword for dole and sorrow.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap35"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br/>How Merlin prophesied that two the
+best knights of the world should fight there, which were Sir Lancelot and Sir
+Tristram.</h3>
+
+<p>
+The meanwhile as this was a-doing, in came Merlin to King Mark, and seeing all
+his doing, said, Here shall be in this same place the greatest battle betwixt
+two knights that was or ever shall be, and the truest lovers, and yet none of
+them shall slay other. And there Merlin wrote their names upon the tomb with
+letters of gold that should fight in that place, whose names were Launcelot de
+Lake, and Tristram. Thou art a marvellous man, said King Mark unto Merlin, that
+speakest of such marvels, thou art a boistous man and an unlikely to tell of
+such deeds. What is thy name? said King Mark. At this time, said Merlin, I will
+not tell, but at that time when Sir Tristram is taken with his sovereign lady,
+then ye shall hear and know my name, and at that time ye shall hear tidings
+that shall not please you. Then said Merlin to Balin, Thou hast done thyself
+great hurt, because that thou savest not this lady that slew herself, that
+might have saved her an thou wouldest. By the faith of my body, said Balin, I
+might not save her, for she slew herself suddenly. Me repenteth, said Merlin;
+because of the death of that lady thou shalt strike a stroke most dolorous that
+ever man struck, except the stroke of our Lord, for thou shalt hurt the truest
+knight and the man of most worship that now liveth, and through that stroke
+three kingdoms shall be in great poverty, misery and wretchedness twelve years,
+and the knight shall not be whole of that wound for many years. Then Merlin
+took his leave of Balin. And Balin said, If I wist it were sooth that ye say I
+should do such a perilous deed as that, I would slay myself to make thee a
+liar. Therewith Merlin vanished away suddenly. And then Balan and his brother
+took their leave of King Mark. First, said the king, tell me your name. Sir,
+said Balan, ye may see he beareth two swords, thereby ye may call him the
+Knight with the Two Swords. And so departed King Mark unto Camelot to King
+Arthur, and Balin took the way toward King Rience; and as they rode together
+they met with Merlin disguised, but they knew him not. Whither ride you? said
+Merlin. We have little to do, said the two knights, to tell thee. But what is
+thy name? said Balin. At this time, said Merlin, I will not tell it thee. It is
+evil seen, said the knights, that thou art a true man that thou wilt not tell
+thy name. As for that, said Merlin, be it as it be may, I can tell you
+wherefore ye ride this way, for to meet King Rience; but it will not avail you
+without ye have my counsel. Ah! said Balin, ye are Merlin; we will be ruled by
+your counsel. Come on, said Merlin, ye shall have great worship, and look that
+ye do knightly, for ye shall have great need. As for that, said Balin, dread
+you not, we will do what we may.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap36"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br/>How Balin and his brother, by the
+counsel of Merlin, took King Rience and brought him to King Arthur.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Merlin lodged them in a wood among leaves beside the highway, and took off
+the bridles of their horses and put them to grass and laid them down to rest
+them till it was nigh midnight. Then Merlin bade them rise, and make them
+ready, for the king was nigh them, that was stolen away from his host with a
+three score horses of his best knights, and twenty of them rode to-fore to warn
+the Lady de Vance that the king was coming; for that night King Rience should
+have lain with her. Which is the king? said Balin. Abide, said Merlin, here in
+a strait way ye shall meet with him; and therewith he showed Balin and his
+brother where he rode.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon Balin and his brother met with the king, and smote him down, and wounded
+him fiercely, and laid him to the ground; and there they slew on the right hand
+and the left hand, and slew more than forty of his men, and the remnant fled.
+Then went they again to King Rience and would have slain him had he not yielded
+him unto their grace. Then said he thus: Knights full of prowess, slay me not,
+for by my life ye may win, and by my death ye shall win nothing. Then said
+these two knights, Ye say sooth and truth, and so laid him on a horse-litter.
+With that Merlin was vanished, and came to King Arthur aforehand, and told him
+how his most enemy was taken and discomfited. By whom? said King Arthur. By two
+knights, said Merlin, that would please your lordship, and to-morrow ye shall
+know what knights they are. Anon after came the Knight with the Two Swords and
+Balan his brother, and brought with them King Rience of North Wales, and there
+delivered him to the porters, and charged them with him; and so they two
+returned again in the dawning of the day. King Arthur came then to King Rience,
+and said, Sir king, ye are welcome: by what adventure come ye hither? Sir, said
+King Rience, I came hither by an hard adventure. Who won you? said King Arthur.
+Sir, said the king, the Knight with the Two Swords and his brother, which are
+two marvellous knights of prowess. I know them not, said Arthur, but much I am
+beholden to them. Ah, said Merlin, I shall tell you: it is Balin that achieved
+the sword, and his brother Balan, a good knight, there liveth not a better of
+prowess and of worthiness, and it shall be the greatest dole of him that ever I
+knew of knight, for he shall not long endure. Alas, said King Arthur, that is
+great pity; for I am much beholden unto him, and I have ill deserved it unto
+him for his kindness. Nay, said Merlin, he shall do much more for you, and that
+shall ye know in haste. But, sir, are ye purveyed, said Merlin, for to-morn the
+host of Nero, King Rience&rsquo;s brother, will set on you or noon with a great
+host, and therefore make you ready, for I will depart from you.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap37"></a>CHAPTER X.<br/>How King Arthur had a battle against
+Nero and King Lot of Orkney, and how King Lot was deceived by Merlin, and how
+twelve kings were slain.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then King Arthur made ready his host in ten battles and Nero was ready in the
+field afore the Castle Terrabil with a great host, and he had ten battles, with
+many more people than Arthur had. Then Nero had the vanguard with the most part
+of his people, and Merlin came to King Lot of the Isle of Orkney, and held him
+with a tale of prophecy, till Nero and his people were destroyed. And there Sir
+Kay the seneschal did passingly well, that the days of his life the worship
+went never from him; and Sir Hervis de Revel did marvellous deeds with King
+Arthur, and King Arthur slew that day twenty knights and maimed forty. At that
+time came in the Knight with the Two Swords and his brother Balan, but they two
+did so marvellously that the king and all the knights marvelled of them, and
+all they that beheld them said they were sent from heaven as angels, or devils
+from hell; and King Arthur said himself they were the best knights that ever he
+saw, for they gave such strokes that all men had wonder of them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In the meanwhile came one to King Lot, and told him while he tarried there Nero
+was destroyed and slain with all his people. Alas, said King Lot, I am ashamed,
+for by my default there is many a worshipful man slain, for an we had been
+together there had been none host under the heaven that had been able for to
+have matched with us; this faiter with his prophecy hath mocked me. All that
+did Merlin, for he knew well that an King Lot had been with his body there at
+the first battle, King Arthur had been slain, and all his people destroyed; and
+well Merlin knew that one of the kings should be dead that day, and loath was
+Merlin that any of them both should be slain; but of the twain, he had liefer
+King Lot had been slain than King Arthur. Now what is best to do? said King Lot
+of Orkney; whether is me better to treat with King Arthur or to fight, for the
+greater part of our people are slain and destroyed? Sir, said a knight, set on
+Arthur for they are weary and forfoughten and we be fresh. As for me, said King
+Lot, I would every knight would do his part as I would do mine. And then they
+advanced banners and smote together and all to-shivered their spears; and
+Arthur&rsquo;s knights, with the help of the Knight with the Two Swords and his
+brother Balan put King Lot and his host to the worse. But always King Lot held
+him in the foremost front, and did marvellous deeds of arms, for all his host
+was borne up by his hands, for he abode all knights. Alas he might not endure,
+the which was great pity, that so worthy a knight as he was one should be
+overmatched, that of late time afore had been a knight of King Arthur&rsquo;s,
+and wedded the sister of King Arthur; and for King Arthur lay by King
+Lot&rsquo;s wife, the which was Arthur&rsquo;s sister, and gat on her Mordred,
+therefore King Lot held against Arthur. So there was a knight that was called
+the Knight with the Strange Beast, and at that time his right name was called
+Pellinore, the which was a good man of prowess, and he smote a mighty stroke at
+King Lot as he fought with all his enemies, and he failed of his stroke, and
+smote the horse&rsquo;s neck, that he fell to the ground with King Lot. And
+therewith anon Pellinore smote him a great stroke through the helm and head
+unto the brows. And then all the host of Orkney fled for the death of King Lot,
+and there were slain many mothers&rsquo; sons. But King Pellinore bare the wite
+of the death of King Lot, wherefore Sir Gawaine revenged the death of his
+father the tenth year after he was made knight, and slew King Pellinore with
+his own hands. Also there were slain at that battle twelve kings on the side of
+King Lot with Nero, and all were buried in the Church of Saint Stephen&rsquo;s
+in Camelot, and the remnant of knights and of others were buried in a great
+rock.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap38"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br/>Of the interment of twelve kings, and
+of the prophecy of Merlin, and how Balin should give the dolorous stroke.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So at the interment came King Lot&rsquo;s wife Margawse with her four sons,
+Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris, and Gareth. Also there came thither King Uriens,
+Sir Ewaine&rsquo;s father, and Morgan le Fay his wife that was King
+Arthur&rsquo;s sister. All these came to the interment. But of all these twelve
+kings King Arthur let make the tomb of King Lot passing richly, and made his
+tomb by his own; and then Arthur let make twelve images of latten and copper,
+and over-gilt it with gold, in the sign of twelve kings, and each one of them
+held a taper of wax that burnt day and night; and King Arthur was made in sign
+of a figure standing above them with a sword drawn in his hand, and all the
+twelve figures had countenance like unto men that were overcome. All this made
+Merlin by his subtle craft, and there he told the king, When I am dead these
+tapers shall burn no longer, and soon after the adventures of the Sangreal
+shall come among you and be achieved. Also he told Arthur how Balin the
+worshipful knight shall give the dolorous stroke, whereof shall fall great
+vengeance. Oh, where is Balin and Balan and Pellinore? said King Arthur. As for
+Pellinore, said Merlin, he will meet with you soon; and as for Balin he will
+not be long from you; but the other brother will depart, ye shall see him no
+more. By my faith, said Arthur, they are two marvellous knights, and namely
+Balin passeth of prowess of any knight that ever I found, for much beholden am
+I unto him; would God he would abide with me. Sir, said Merlin, look ye keep
+well the scabbard of Excalibur, for ye shall lose no blood while ye have the
+scabbard upon you, though ye have as many wounds upon you as ye may have. So
+after, for great trust, Arthur betook the scabbard to Morgan le Fay his sister,
+and she loved another knight better than her husband King Uriens or King
+Arthur, and she would have had Arthur her brother slain, and therefore she let
+make another scabbard like it by enchantment, and gave the scabbard Excalibur
+to her love; and the knight&rsquo;s name was called Accolon, that after had
+near slain King Arthur. After this Merlin told unto King Arthur of the prophecy
+that there should be a great battle beside Salisbury, and Mordred his own son
+should be against him. Also he told him that Bagdemegus was his cousin, and
+germain unto King Uriens.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap39"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br/>How a sorrowful knight came before
+Arthur, and how Balin fetched him, and how that knight was slain by a knight
+invisible.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Within a day or two King Arthur was somewhat sick, and he let pitch his
+pavilion in a meadow, and there he laid him down on a pallet to sleep, but he
+might have no rest. Right so he heard a great noise of an horse, and therewith
+the king looked out at the porch of the pavilion, and saw a knight coming even
+by him, making great dole. Abide, fair sir, said Arthur, and tell me wherefore
+thou makest this sorrow. Ye may little amend me, said the knight, and so passed
+forth to the castle of Meliot. Anon after there came Balin, and when he saw
+King Arthur he alighted off his horse, and came to the King on foot, and
+saluted him. By my head, said Arthur, ye be welcome. Sir, right now came riding
+this way a knight making great mourn, for what cause I cannot tell; wherefore I
+would desire of you of your courtesy and of your gentleness to fetch again that
+knight either by force or else by his good will. I will do more for your
+lordship than that, said Balin; and so he rode more than a pace, and found the
+knight with a damosel in a forest, and said, Sir knight, ye must come with me
+unto King Arthur, for to tell him of your sorrow. That will I not, said the
+knight, for it will scathe me greatly, and do you none avail. Sir, said Balin,
+I pray you make you ready, for ye must go with me, or else I must fight with
+you and bring you by force, and that were me loath to do. Will ye be my
+warrant, said the knight, an I go with you? Yea, said Balin, or else I will die
+therefore. And so he made him ready to go with Balin, and left the damosel
+still. And as they were even afore King Arthur&rsquo;s pavilion, there came one
+invisible, and smote this knight that went with Balin throughout the body with
+a spear. Alas, said the knight, I am slain under your conduct with a knight
+called Garlon; therefore take my horse that is better than yours, and ride to
+the damosel, and follow the quest that I was in as she will lead you, and
+revenge my death when ye may. That shall I do, said Balin, and that I make vow
+unto knighthood; and so he departed from this knight with great sorrow. So King
+Arthur let bury this knight richly, and made a mention on his tomb, how there
+was slain Herlews le Berbeus, and by whom the treachery was done, the knight
+Garlon. But ever the damosel bare the truncheon of the spear with her that Sir
+Herlews was slain withal.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap40"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br/>How Balin and the damosel met with a
+knight which was in likewise slain, and how the damosel bled for the custom of
+a castle.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So Balin and the damosel rode into a forest, and there met with a knight that
+had been a-hunting, and that knight asked Balin for what cause he made so great
+sorrow. Me list not to tell you, said Balin. Now, said the knight, an I were
+armed as ye be I would fight with you. That should little need, said Balin, I
+am not afeard to tell you, and told him all the cause how it was. Ah, said the
+knight, is this all? here I ensure you by the faith of my body never to depart
+from you while my life lasteth. And so they went to the hostelry and armed
+them, and so rode forth with Balin. And as they came by an hermitage even by a
+churchyard, there came the knight Garlon invisible, and smote this knight,
+Perin de Mountbeliard, through the body with a spear. Alas, said the knight, I
+am slain by this traitor knight that rideth invisible. Alas, said Balin, it is
+not the first despite he hath done me; and there the hermit and Balin buried
+the knight under a rich stone and a tomb royal. And on the morn they found
+letters of gold written, how Sir Gawaine shall revenge his father&rsquo;s
+death, King Lot, on the King Pellinore. Anon after this Balin and the damosel
+rode till they came to a castle, and there Balin alighted, and he and the
+damosel went to go into the castle, and anon as Balin came within the
+castle&rsquo;s gate the portcullis fell down at his back, and there fell many
+men about the damosel, and would have slain her. When Balin saw that, he was
+sore aggrieved, for he might not help the damosel. Then he went up into the
+tower, and leapt over walls into the ditch, and hurt him not; and anon he
+pulled out his sword and would have foughten with them. And they all said nay,
+they would not fight with him, for they did nothing but the old custom of the
+castle; and told him how their lady was sick, and had lain many years, and she
+might not be whole but if she had a dish of silver full of blood of a clean
+maid and a king&rsquo;s daughter; and therefore the custom of this castle is,
+there shall no damosel pass this way but she shall bleed of her blood in a
+silver dish full. Well, said Balin, she shall bleed as much as she may bleed,
+but I will not lose the life of her whiles my life lasteth. And so Balin made
+her to bleed by her good will, but her blood helped not the lady. And so he and
+she rested there all night, and had there right good cheer, and on the morn
+they passed on their ways. And as it telleth after in the Sangreal, that Sir
+Percivale&rsquo;s sister helped that lady with her blood, whereof she was dead.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap41"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br/>How Balin met with that knight named
+Garlon at a feast, and there he slew him, to have his blood to heal therewith
+the son of his host.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then they rode three or four days and never met with adventure, and by hap they
+were lodged with a gentle man that was a rich man and well at ease. And as they
+sat at their supper Balin overheard one complain grievously by him in a chair.
+What is this noise? said Balin. Forsooth, said his host, I will tell you. I was
+but late at a jousting, and there I jousted with a knight that is brother unto
+King Pellam, and twice smote I him down, and then he promised to quit me on my
+best friend; and so he wounded my son, that cannot be whole till I have of that
+knight&rsquo;s blood, and he rideth alway invisible; but I know not his name.
+Ah! said Balin, I know that knight, his name is Garlon, he hath slain two
+knights of mine in the same manner, therefore I had liefer meet with that
+knight than all the gold in this realm, for the despite he hath done me. Well,
+said his host, I shall tell you, King Pellam of Listeneise hath made do cry in
+all this country a great feast that shall be within these twenty days, and no
+knight may come there but if he bring his wife with him, or his paramour; and
+that knight, your enemy and mine, ye shall see that day. Then I behote you,
+said Balin, part of his blood to heal your son withal. We will be forward
+to-morn, said his host. So on the morn they rode all three toward Pellam, and
+they had fifteen days&rsquo; journey or they came thither; and that same day
+began the great feast. And so they alighted and stabled their horses, and went
+into the castle; but Balin&rsquo;s host might not be let in because he had no
+lady. Then Balin was well received and brought unto a chamber and unarmed him;
+and there were brought him robes to his pleasure, and would have had Balin
+leave his sword behind him. Nay, said Balin, that do I not, for it is the
+custom of my country a knight always to keep his weapon with him, and that
+custom will I keep, or else I will depart as I came. Then they gave him leave
+to wear his sword, and so he went unto the castle, and was set among knights of
+worship, and his lady afore him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Soon Balin asked a knight, Is there not a knight in this court whose name is
+Garlon? Yonder he goeth, said a knight, he with the black face; he is the
+marvellest knight that is now living, for he destroyeth many good knights, for
+he goeth invisible. Ah well, said Balin, is that he? Then Balin advised him
+long: If I slay him here I shall not escape, and if I leave him now,
+peradventure I shall never meet with him again at such a steven, and much harm
+he will do an he live. Therewith this Garlon espied that this Balin beheld him,
+and then he came and smote Balin on the face with the back of his hand, and
+said, Knight, why beholdest me so? for shame therefore, eat thy meat and do
+that thou came for. Thou sayest sooth, said Balin, this is not the first
+despite that thou hast done me, and therefore I will do what I came for, and
+rose up fiercely and clave his head to the shoulders. Give me the truncheon,
+said Balin to his lady, wherewith he slew your knight. Anon she gave it him,
+for alway she bare the truncheon with her. And therewith Balin smote him
+through the body, and said openly, With that truncheon thou hast slain a good
+knight, and now it sticketh in thy body. And then Balin called unto him his
+host, saying, Now may ye fetch blood enough to heal your son withal.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap42"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br/>How Balin fought with King Pellam, and
+how his sword brake, and how he gat a spear wherewith he smote the dolorous
+stroke.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Anon all the knights arose from the table for to set on Balin, and King Pellam
+himself arose up fiercely, and said, Knight, hast thou slain my brother? thou
+shalt die therefore or thou depart. Well, said Balin, do it yourself. Yes, said
+King Pellam, there shall no man have ado with thee but myself, for the love of
+my brother. Then King Pellam caught in his hand a grim weapon and smote eagerly
+at Balin; but Balin put the sword betwixt his head and the stroke, and
+therewith his sword burst in sunder. And when Balin was weaponless he ran into
+a chamber for to seek some weapon, and so from chamber to chamber, and no
+weapon he could find, and always King Pellam after him. And at the last he
+entered into a chamber that was marvellously well dight and richly, and a bed
+arrayed with cloth of gold, the richest that might be thought, and one lying
+therein, and thereby stood a table of clean gold with four pillars of silver
+that bare up the table, and upon the table stood a marvellous spear strangely
+wrought. And when Balin saw that spear, he gat it in his hand and turned him to
+King Pellam, and smote him passingly sore with that spear, that King Pellam
+fell down in a swoon, and therewith the castle roof and walls brake and fell to
+the earth, and Balin fell down so that he might not stir foot nor hand. And so
+the most part of the castle, that was fallen down through that dolorous stroke,
+lay upon Pellam and Balin three days.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap43"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br/>How Balin was delivered by Merlin,
+and saved a knight that would have slain himself for love.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Merlin came thither and took up Balin, and gat him a good horse, for his
+was dead, and bade him ride out of that country. I would have my damosel, said
+Balin. Lo, said Merlin, where she lieth dead. And King Pellam lay so, many
+years sore wounded, and might never be whole till Galahad the haut prince
+healed him in the quest of the Sangreal, for in that place was part of the
+blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, that Joseph of Arimathea brought into this
+land, and there himself lay in that rich bed. And that was the same spear that
+Longius smote our Lord to the heart; and King Pellam was nigh of Joseph&rsquo;s
+kin, and that was the most worshipful man that lived in those days, and great
+pity it was of his hurt, for through that stroke, turned to great dole, tray
+and tene. Then departed Balin from Merlin, and said, In this world we meet
+never no more. So he rode forth through the fair countries and cities, and
+found the people dead, slain on every side. And all that were alive cried, O
+Balin, thou hast caused great damage in these countries; for 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 past those
+countries he was passing fain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he rode eight days or he met with adventure. And at the last he came into a
+fair forest in a valley, and was ware of a tower, and there beside he saw a
+great horse of war, tied to a tree, and there beside sat a fair knight on the
+ground and made great mourning, and he was a likely man, and a well made. Balin
+said, God save you, why be ye so heavy? tell me and I will amend it, an I may,
+to my power. Sir knight, said he again, thou dost me great grief, for I was in
+merry thoughts, and now thou puttest me to more pain. Balin went a little from
+him, and looked on his horse; then heard Balin him say thus: Ah, fair lady, why
+have ye broken my promise, for thou promisest me to meet me here by noon, and I
+may curse thee that ever ye gave me this sword, for with this sword I slay
+myself, and pulled it out. And therewith Balin stert unto him and took him by
+the hand. Let go my hand, said the knight, or else I shall slay thee. That
+shall not need, said Balin, for I shall promise you my help to get you your
+lady, an ye will tell me where she is. What is your name? said the knight. My
+name is Balin le Savage. Ah, sir, I know you well enough, ye are the Knight
+with the Two Swords, and the man of most prowess of your hands living. What is
+your name? said Balin. My name is Garnish of the Mount, a poor man&rsquo;s son,
+but by my prowess and hardiness a duke hath made me knight, and gave me lands;
+his name is Duke Hermel, and his daughter is she that I love, and she me as I
+deemed. How far is she hence? said Balin. But six mile, said the knight. Now
+ride we hence, said these two knights. So they rode more than a pace, till that
+they came to a fair castle well walled and ditched. I will into the castle,
+said Balin, and look if she be there. So he went in and searched from chamber
+to chamber, and found her bed, but she was not there. Then Balin looked into a
+fair little garden, and under a laurel tree he saw her lie upon a quilt of
+green samite and a knight in her arms, fast halsing either other, and under
+their heads grass and herbs. When Balin saw her lie so with the foulest knight
+that ever he saw, and she a fair lady, then Balin went through all the chambers
+again, and told the knight how he found her as she had slept fast, and so
+brought him in the place there she lay fast sleeping.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap44"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br/>How that knight slew his love and a
+knight lying by her, and after, how he slew himself with his own sword, and how
+Balin rode toward a castle where he lost his life.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And when Garnish beheld her so lying, for pure sorrow his mouth and nose burst
+out a-bleeding, and with his sword he smote off both their heads, and then he
+made sorrow out of measure, and said, O Balin, much sorrow hast thou brought
+unto me, for hadst thou not shewed me that sight I should have passed my
+sorrow. Forsooth, said Balin, I did it to this intent that it should better thy
+courage, and that ye might see and know her falsehood, and to cause you to
+leave love of such a lady; God knoweth I did none other but as I would ye did
+to me. Alas, said Garnish, now is my sorrow double that I may not endure, now
+have I slain that I most loved in all my life; and therewith suddenly he rove
+himself on his own sword unto the hilts. When Balin saw that, he dressed him
+thenceward, lest folk would say he had slain them; and so he rode forth, and
+within three days he came by a cross, and thereon were letters of gold written,
+that said, It is not for no knight alone to ride toward this castle. Then saw
+he an old hoar gentleman coming toward him, that said, Balin le Savage, thou
+passest thy bounds to come this way, therefore turn again and it will avail
+thee. And he vanished away anon; and so he heard an horn blow as it had been
+the death of a beast. That blast, said Balin, is blown for me, for I am the
+prize and yet am I not dead. Anon withal he saw an hundred ladies and many
+knights, that welcomed him with fair semblant, and made him passing good cheer
+unto his sight, and led him into the castle, and there was dancing and
+minstrelsy and all manner of joy. Then the chief lady of the castle said,
+Knight with the Two Swords, ye must have ado and joust with a knight hereby
+that keepeth an island, for there may no man pass this way but he must joust or
+he pass. That is an unhappy custom, said Balin, that a knight may not pass this
+way but if he joust. Ye shall not have ado but with one knight, said the lady.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Well, said Balin, since I shall thereto I am ready, but travelling men are oft
+weary and their horses too, but though my horse be weary my heart is not weary,
+I would be fain there my death should be. Sir, said a knight to Balin,
+methinketh your shield is not good, I will lend you a bigger. Thereof I pray
+you. And so he took the shield that was unknown and left his own, and so rode
+unto the island, and put him and his horse in a great boat; and when he came on
+the other side he met with a damosel, and she said, O knight Balin, why have ye
+left your own shield? alas ye have put yourself in great danger, for by your
+shield ye should have been known; it is great pity of you as ever was of
+knight, for of thy prowess and hardiness thou hast no fellow 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. And then he looked on his
+armour, and understood he was well armed, and therewith blessed him and mounted
+upon his horse.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap45"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br/>How Balin met with his brother
+Balan, and how each of them slew other unknown, till they were wounded to
+death.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then afore him he saw come riding out of a castle a knight, and his horse
+trapped all red, and himself in the same colour. When this knight in the red
+beheld Balin, him thought it should be his brother Balin by cause of his two
+swords, but by cause he knew not his shield he deemed it was not he. And so
+they aventryd their spears and came marvellously fast together, and they smote
+each other in the shields, but their spears and their course were so big that
+it bare down horse and man, that they lay both in a swoon. But Balin was
+bruised sore with the fall of his horse, for he was weary of travel. And Balan
+was the first that rose on foot and drew his sword, and went toward Balin, and
+he arose and went against him; but Balan smote Balin first, and he put up his
+shield and smote him through the shield and tamed his helm. Then Balin smote
+him again with that unhappy sword, and well-nigh had felled his brother Balan,
+and so they fought there together till their breaths failed. Then Balin looked
+up to the castle and saw the towers stand full of ladies. So they went unto
+battle again, and wounded everych other dolefully, and then they breathed
+ofttimes, and so went unto battle that all the place there as they fought was
+blood red. And at that time there was none of them both but they had either
+smitten other seven great wounds, so that the least of them might have been the
+death of the mightiest giant in this world.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then they went to battle again so marvellously that doubt it was to hear of
+that battle for the great blood-shedding, and their hauberks unnailed that
+naked they were on every side. At last Balan the younger brother withdrew him a
+little and laid him down. Then said Balin le Savage, What knight art thou? for
+or now I found never no knight that matched me. My name is, said he, Balan,
+brother unto the good knight, Balin. Alas, said Balin, that ever I should see
+this day, and therewith he fell backward in a swoon. Then Balan yede on all
+four feet and hands, and put off the helm off his brother, and might not know
+him by the visage it was so ful hewn and bled; but when he awoke he said, O
+Balan, my brother, thou hast slain me and I thee, wherefore all the wide world
+shall speak of us both. Alas, said Balan, that ever I saw this day, that
+through mishap I might not know you, for I espied well your two swords, but by
+cause ye had another shield I deemed ye had been another knight. Alas, said
+Balin, all that made an unhappy knight in the castle, for he caused me to leave
+my own shield to our both&rsquo;s destruction, and if I might live I would
+destroy that castle for ill customs. That were well done, said Balan, for I had
+never grace to depart from them since that I came hither, for here it happed me
+to slay a knight that kept this island, and since might I never depart, and no
+more should ye, brother, an ye might have slain me as ye have, and escaped
+yourself with the life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Right so came the lady of the tower with four knights and six ladies and six
+yeomen unto them, and there she heard how they made their moan either to other,
+and said, We came both out of one tomb, that is to say one mother&rsquo;s
+belly, and so shall we lie both in one pit. So Balan prayed the lady of her
+gentleness, for his true service, that she would bury them both in that same
+place there the battle was done. And she granted them, with weeping, it should
+be done richly in the best manner. Now, will ye send for a priest, that we may
+receive our sacrament, and receive the blessed body of our Lord Jesus Christ?
+Yea, said the lady, it shall be done; and so she sent for a priest and gave
+them their rights. Now, said Balin, when we are buried in one tomb, and the
+mention made over us how two brethren slew each other, there will never good
+knight, nor good man, see our tomb but they will pray for our souls. And so all
+the ladies and gentlewomen wept for pity. Then anon Balan died, but Balin died
+not till the midnight after, and so were they buried both, and the lady let
+make a mention of Balan how he was there slain by his brother&rsquo;s hands,
+but she knew not Balin&rsquo;s name.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap46"></a>CHAPTER XIX.<br/>How Merlin buried them both in one
+tomb, and of Balin&rsquo;s sword.</h3>
+
+<p>
+In the morn came Merlin and let write Balin&rsquo;s name on the tomb with
+letters of gold, that Here lieth Balin le Savage that was the Knight with the
+Two Swords, and he that smote the Dolorous Stroke. Also Merlin let make there a
+bed, that there should never man lie therein but he went out of his wit, yet
+Launcelot de Lake fordid that bed through his noblesse. And anon after Balin
+was dead, Merlin took his sword, and took off the pommel and set on another
+pommel. So Merlin bade a knight that stood afore him handle that sword, and he
+assayed, and he might not handle it. Then Merlin laughed. Why laugh ye? said
+the knight. This is the cause, said Merlin: there shall never man handle this
+sword but the best knight of the world, and that shall be Sir Launcelot or else
+Galahad his son, and Launcelot with this sword shall slay the man that in the
+world he loved best, that shall be Sir Gawaine. All this he let write in the
+pommel of the sword. Then Merlin let make a bridge of iron and of steel into
+that island, and it was but half a foot broad, and there shall never man pass
+that bridge, nor have hardiness to go over, but if he were a passing good man
+and a good knight without treachery or villainy. Also the scabbard of
+Balin&rsquo;s sword Merlin left it on this side the island, that Galahad should
+find it. Also Merlin let make by his subtilty that Balin&rsquo;s sword was put
+in a marble stone standing upright as great as a mill stone, and the stone
+hoved always above the water and did many years, and so by adventure it swam
+down the stream to the City of Camelot, that is in English Winchester. And that
+same day Galahad the haut prince came with King Arthur, and so Galahad brought
+with him the scabbard and achieved the sword that was there in the marble stone
+hoving upon the water. And on Whitsunday he achieved the sword as it is
+rehearsed in the book of Sangreal.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Soon after this was done Merlin came to King Arthur and told him of the
+dolorous stroke that Balin gave to King Pellam, and how Balin and Balan fought
+together the marvellest battle that ever was heard of, and how they were buried
+both in one tomb. Alas, said King Arthur, this is the greatest pity that ever I
+heard tell of two knights, for in the world I know not such two knights. Thus
+endeth the tale of Balin and of Balan, two brethren born in Northumberland,
+good knights.
+</p>
+
+<h5>Sequitur iii. liber.</h5>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="part03"></a>BOOK III.</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap47"></a>CHAPTER I.<br/>How King Arthur took a wife, and wedded
+Guenever, daughter to Leodegrance, King of the Land of Cameliard, with whom he
+had the Round Table.</h3>
+
+<p>
+In the beginning of Arthur, after he was chosen king by adventure and by grace;
+for the most part of the barons knew not that he was Uther Pendragon&rsquo;s
+son, but as Merlin made it openly known. But yet many kings and lords held
+great war against him for that cause, but well Arthur overcame them all, for
+the most part the days of his life he was ruled much by the counsel of Merlin.
+So it fell on a time King Arthur said unto Merlin, My barons will let me have
+no rest, but needs I must take a wife, and I will none take but by thy counsel
+and by thine advice. It is well done, said Merlin, that ye take a wife, for a
+man of your bounty and noblesse should not be without a wife. Now is there any
+that ye love more than another? Yea, said King Arthur, I love Guenever the
+king&rsquo;s daughter, Leodegrance of the land of Cameliard, the which holdeth
+in his house the Table Round that ye told he had of my father Uther. And this
+damosel is the most valiant and fairest lady that I know living, or yet that
+ever I could find. Sir, said Merlin, as of her beauty and fairness she is one
+of the fairest alive, but, an ye loved her not so well as ye do, I should find
+you a damosel of beauty and of goodness that should like you and please you, an
+your heart were not set; but there as a man&rsquo;s heart is set, he will be
+loath to return. That is truth, said King Arthur. But Merlin warned the king
+covertly that Guenever was not wholesome for him to take to wife, for he warned
+him that Launcelot should love her, and she him again; and so he turned his
+tale to the adventures of Sangreal.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Merlin desired of the king for to have men with him that should enquire of
+Guenever, and so the king granted him, and Merlin went forth unto King
+Leodegrance of Cameliard, and told him of the desires of the king that he would
+have unto his wife Guenever his daughter. That is to me, said King Leodegrance,
+the best tidings that ever I heard, that so worthy a king of prowess and
+noblesse will wed my daughter. And as for my lands, I will give him, wist I it
+might please him, but he hath lands enow, him needeth none; but I shall send
+him a gift shall please him much more, for I shall give him the Table Round,
+the which Uther Pendragon gave me, and when it is full complete, there is an
+hundred knights and fifty. And as for an hundred good knights I have myself,
+but I faute fifty, for so many have been slain in my days. And so Leodegrance
+delivered his daughter Guenever unto Merlin, and the Table Round with the
+hundred knights, and so they rode freshly, with great royalty, what by water
+and what by land, till that they came nigh unto London.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap48"></a>CHAPTER II.<br/>How the Knights of the Round Table
+were ordained and their sieges blessed by the Bishop of Canterbury.</h3>
+
+<p>
+When King Arthur heard of the coming of Guenever and the hundred knights with
+the Table Round, then King Arthur made great joy for her coming, and that rich
+present, and said openly, This fair lady is passing welcome unto me, for I have
+loved her long, and therefore there is nothing so lief to me. And these knights
+with the Round Table please me more than right great riches. And in all haste
+the king let ordain for the marriage and the coronation in the most honourable
+wise that could be devised. Now, Merlin, said King Arthur, go thou and espy me
+in all this land fifty knights which be of most prowess and worship. Within
+short time Merlin had found such knights that should fulfil twenty and eight
+knights, but no more he could find. Then the Bishop of Canterbury was fetched,
+and he blessed the sieges with great royalty and devotion, and there set the
+eight and twenty knights in their sieges. And when this was done Merlin said,
+Fair sirs, ye must all arise and come to King Arthur for to do him homage; he
+will have the better will to maintain you. And so they arose and did their
+homage, and when they were gone Merlin found in every sieges letters of gold
+that told the knights&rsquo; names that had sitten therein. But two sieges were
+void. And so anon came young Gawaine and asked the king a gift. Ask, said the
+king, and I shall grant it you. Sir, I ask that ye will make me knight that
+same day ye shall wed fair Guenever. I will do it with a good will, said King
+Arthur, and do unto you all the worship that I may, for I must by reason ye are
+my nephew, my sister&rsquo;s son.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap49"></a>CHAPTER III.<br/>How a poor man riding upon a lean
+mare desired King Arthur to make his son knight.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Forthwithal there came a poor man into the court, and brought with him a fair
+young man of eighteen years of age riding upon a lean mare; and the poor man
+asked all men that he met, Where shall I find King Arthur? Yonder he is, said
+the knights, wilt thou anything with him? Yea, said the poor man, therefore I
+came hither. Anon as he came before the king, he saluted him and said: O King
+Arthur, the flower of all knights and kings, I beseech Jesu save thee. Sir, it
+was told me that at this time of your marriage ye would give any man the gift
+that he would ask, out except that were unreasonable. That is truth, said the
+king, such cries I let make, and that will I hold, so it apair not my realm nor
+mine estate. Ye say well and graciously, said the poor man; Sir, I ask nothing
+else but that ye will make my son here a knight. It is a great thing thou
+askest of me, said the king. What is thy name? said the king to the poor man.
+Sir, my name is Aries the cowherd. Whether cometh this of thee or of thy son?
+said the king. Nay, sir, said Aries, this desire cometh of my son and not of
+me, for I shall tell you I have thirteen sons, and all they will fall to what
+labour I put them, and will be right glad to do labour, but this child will not
+labour for me, for anything that my wife or I may do, but always he will be
+shooting or casting darts, and glad for to see battles and to behold knights,
+and always day and night he desireth of me to be made a knight. What is thy
+name? said the king unto the young man. Sir, my name is Tor. The king beheld
+him fast, and saw he was passingly well-visaged and passingly well made of his
+years. Well, said King Arthur unto Aries the cowherd, fetch all thy sons afore
+me that I may see them. And so the poor man did, and all were shaped much like
+the poor man. But Tor was not like none of them all in shape nor in
+countenance, for he was much more than any of them. Now, said King Arthur unto
+the cow herd, where is the sword he shall be made knight withal? It is here,
+said Tor. Take it out of the sheath, said the king, and require me to make you
+a knight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Tor alighted off his mare and pulled out his sword, kneeling, and
+requiring the king that he would make him knight, and that he might be a knight
+of the Table Round. As for a knight I will make you, and therewith smote him in
+the neck with the sword, saying, Be ye a good knight, and so I pray to God so
+ye may be, and if ye be of prowess and of worthiness ye shall be a knight of
+the Table Round. Now Merlin, said Arthur, say whether this Tor shall be a good
+knight or no. Yea, sir, he ought to be a good knight, for he is come of as good
+a man as any is alive, and of kings&rsquo; blood. How so, sir? said the king. I
+shall tell you, said Merlin: This poor man, Aries the cowherd, is not his
+father; he is nothing sib to him, for King Pellinore is his father. I suppose
+nay, said the cowherd. Fetch thy wife afore me, said Merlin, and she shall not
+say nay. Anon the wife was fetched, which was a fair housewife, and there she
+answered Merlin full womanly, and there she told the king and Merlin that when
+she was a maid, and went to milk kine, there met with her a stern knight, and
+half by force he had my maidenhead, and at that time he begat my son Tor, and
+he took away from me my greyhound that I had that time with me, and said that
+he would keep the greyhound for my love. Ah, said the cowherd, I weened not
+this, but I may believe it well, for he had never no tatches of me. Sir, said
+Tor unto Merlin, dishonour not my mother. Sir, said Merlin, it is more for your
+worship than hurt, for your father is a good man and a king, and he may right
+well advance you and your mother, for ye were begotten or ever she was wedded.
+That is truth, said the wife. It is the less grief unto me, said the cowherd.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap50"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br/>How Sir Tor was known for son of King
+Pellinore, and how Gawaine was made knight.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So on the morn King Pellinore came to the court of King Arthur, which had great
+joy of him, and told him of Tor, how he was his son, and how he had made him
+knight at the request of the cowherd. When Pellinore beheld Tor, he pleased him
+much. So the king made Gawaine knight, but Tor was the first he made at the
+feast. What is the cause, said King Arthur, that there be two places void in
+the sieges? Sir, said Merlin, there shall no man sit in those places but they
+that shall be of most worship. But in the Siege Perilous there shall no man sit
+therein but one, and if there be any so hardy to do it he shall be destroyed,
+and he that shall sit there shall have no fellow. And therewith Merlin took
+King Pellinore by the hand, and in the one hand next the two sieges and the
+Siege Perilous he said, in open audience, This is your place and best ye are
+worthy to sit therein of any that is here. Thereat sat Sir Gawaine in great
+envy and told Gaheris his brother, yonder knight is put to great worship, the
+which grieveth me sore, for he slew our father King Lot, therefore I will slay
+him, said Gawaine, with a sword that was sent me that is passing trenchant. Ye
+shall not so, said Gaheris, at this time, for at this time I am but a squire,
+and when I am made knight I will be avenged on him, and therefore, brother, it
+is best ye suffer till another time, that we may have him out of the court, for
+an we did so we should trouble this high feast. I will well, said Gawaine, as
+ye will.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap51"></a>CHAPTER V.<br/>How at feast of the wedding of King
+Arthur to Guenever, a white hart came into the hall, and thirty couple hounds,
+and how a brachet pinched the hart which was taken away.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then was the high feast made ready, and the king was wedded at Camelot unto
+Dame Guenever in the church of Saint Stephen&rsquo;s, with great solemnity. And
+as every man was set after his degree, Merlin went to all the knights of the
+Round Table, and bade them sit still, that none of them remove. For ye shall
+see a strange and a marvellous adventure. Right so as they sat there came
+running in a white hart into the hall, and a white brachet next him, and thirty
+couple of black running hounds came after with a great cry, and the hart went
+about the Table Round as he went by other boards. The white brachet bit him by
+the buttock and pulled out a piece, wherethrough the hart leapt a great leap
+and overthrew a knight that sat at the board side; and therewith the knight
+arose and took up the brachet, and so went forth out of the hall, and took his
+horse and rode his way with the brachet. Right so anon came in a lady on a
+white palfrey, and cried aloud to King Arthur, Sir, suffer me not to have this
+despite, for the brachet was mine that the knight led away. I may not do
+therewith, said the king.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With this there came a knight riding all armed on a great horse, and took the
+lady away with him with force, and ever she cried and made great dole. When she
+was gone the king was glad, for she made such a noise. Nay, said Merlin, ye may
+not leave these adventures so lightly; for these adventures must be brought
+again or else it would be disworship to you and to your feast. I will, said the
+king, that all be done by your advice. Then, said Merlin, let call Sir Gawaine,
+for he must bring again the white hart. Also, sir, ye must let call Sir Tor,
+for he must bring again the brachet and the knight, or else slay him. Also let
+call King Pellinore, for he must bring again the lady and the knight, or else
+slay him. And these three knights shall do marvellous adventures or they come
+again. Then were they called all three as it rehearseth afore, and each of them
+took his charge, and armed them surely. But Sir Gawaine had the first request,
+and therefore we will begin at him.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap52"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br/>How Sir Gawaine rode for to fetch
+again the hart, and how two brethren fought each against other for the
+hart.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Sir Gawaine rode more than a pace, and Gaheris his brother that rode with him
+instead of a squire to do him service. So as they rode they saw two knights
+fight on horseback passing sore, so Sir Gawaine and his brother rode betwixt
+them, and asked them for what cause they fought so. The one knight answered and
+said, We fight for a simple matter, for we two be two brethren born and
+begotten of one man and of one woman. Alas, said Sir Gawaine, why do ye so?
+Sir, said the elder, there came a white hart this way this day, and many hounds
+chased him, and a white brachet was alway next him, and we understood it was
+adventure made for the high feast of King Arthur, and therefore I would have
+gone after to have won me worship; and here my younger brother said he would go
+after the hart, for he was better knight than I: and for this cause we fell at
+debate, and so we thought to prove which of us both was better knight. This is
+a simple cause, said Sir Gawaine; uncouth men ye should debate withal, and not
+brother with brother; therefore but if you will do by my counsel I will have
+ado with you, that is ye shall yield you unto me, and that ye go unto King
+Arthur and yield you unto his grace. Sir knight, said the two brethren, we are
+forfoughten and much blood have we lost through our wilfulness, and therefore
+we would be loath to have ado with you. Then do as I will have you, said Sir
+Gawaine. We will agree to fulfil your will; but by whom shall we say that we be
+thither sent? Ye may say, By the knight that followeth the quest of the hart
+that was white. Now what is your name? said Gawaine. Sorlouse of the Forest,
+said the elder. And my name is, said the younger, Brian of the Forest. And so
+they departed and went to the king&rsquo;s court, and Sir Gawaine on his quest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as Gawaine followed the hart by the cry of the hounds, even afore him there
+was a great river, and the hart swam over; and as Sir Gawaine would follow
+after, there stood a knight over the other side, and said, Sir knight, come not
+over after this hart but if thou wilt joust with me. I will not fail as for
+that, said Sir Gawaine, to follow the quest that I am in, and so made his horse
+to swim over the water. And anon they gat their spears and ran together full
+hard; but Sir Gawaine smote him off his horse, and then he turned his horse and
+bade him yield him. Nay, said the knight, not so, though thou have the better
+of me on horseback. I pray thee, valiant knight, alight afoot, and match we
+together with swords. What is your name? said Sir Gawaine. Allardin of the
+Isles, said the other. Then either dressed their shields and smote together,
+but Sir Gawaine smote him so hard through the helm that it went to the brains,
+and the knight fell down dead. Ah! said Gaheris, that was a mighty stroke of a
+young knight.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap53"></a>CHAPTER VII<br/>How the hart was chased into a castle
+and there slain, and how Sir Gawaine slew a lady.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Gawaine and Gaheris rode more than a pace after the white hart, and let
+slip at the hart three couple of greyhounds, and so they chased the hart into a
+castle, and in the chief place of the castle they slew the hart; Sir Gawaine
+and Gaheris followed after. Right so there came a knight out of a chamber with
+a sword drawn in his hand and slew two of the greyhounds, even in the sight of
+Sir Gawaine, and the remnant he chased them with his sword out of the castle.
+And when he came again, he said, O my white hart, me repenteth that thou art
+dead, for my sovereign lady gave thee to me, and evil have I kept thee, and thy
+death shall be dear bought an I live. And anon he went into his chamber and
+armed him, and came out fiercely, and there met he with Sir Gawaine. Why have
+ye slain my hounds? said Sir Gawaine, for they did but their kind, and liefer I
+had ye had wroken your anger upon me than upon a dumb beast. Thou sayest truth,
+said the knight, I have avenged me on thy hounds, and so I will on thee or thou
+go. Then Sir Gawaine alighted afoot and dressed his shield, and struck together
+mightily, and clave their shields, and stoned their helms, and brake their
+hauberks that the blood ran down to their feet.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At the last Sir Gawaine smote the knight so hard that he fell to the earth, and
+then he cried mercy, and yielded him, and besought him 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 have stricken off his head. Right
+so came his lady out of a chamber and fell over him, and so he smote off her
+head by misadventure. Alas, said Gaheris, that is foully and shamefully done,
+that shame shall never from you; also ye should give mercy unto them that ask
+mercy, for a knight without mercy is without worship. Sir Gawaine was so
+stonied of the death of this fair lady that he wist not what he did, and said
+unto the knight, Arise, I will give thee mercy. Nay, nay, said the knight, I
+take no force of mercy now, for thou hast slain my love and my lady that I
+loved best of all earthly things. Me sore repenteth it, said Sir Gawaine, for I
+thought to strike unto thee; but now thou shalt go unto King Arthur and tell
+him of thine adventures, and how thou art overcome by the knight that went in
+the quest of the white hart. I take no force, said the knight, whether I live
+or I die; but so for dread of death he swore to go unto King Arthur, and he
+made him to bear one greyhound before him on his horse, and another behind him.
+What is your name? said Sir Gawaine, or we depart. My name is, said the knight,
+Ablamar of the Marsh. So he departed toward Camelot.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap54"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br/>How four knights fought against
+Gawaine and Gaheris, and how they were overcome, and their lives saved at
+request of four ladies.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And Sir Gawaine went into the castle, and made him ready to lie there all
+night, and would have unarmed him. What will ye do, said Gaheris, will ye unarm
+you in this country? Ye may think ye have many enemies here. They had not
+sooner said that word but there came four knights well armed, and assailed Sir
+Gawaine hard, and said unto him, Thou new-made knight, thou hast shamed thy
+knighthood, for a knight without mercy is dishonoured. Also thou hast slain a
+fair lady to thy great shame to the world&rsquo;s end, and doubt thou not thou
+shalt have great need of mercy or thou depart from us. And therewith one of
+them smote Sir Gawaine a great stroke that nigh he fell to the earth, and
+Gaheris smote him again sore, and so they were on the one side and on the
+other, that Sir Gawaine and Gaheris were in jeopardy of their lives; and one
+with a bow, an archer, smote Sir Gawaine through the arm that it grieved him
+wonderly sore. And as they should have been slain, there came four fair ladies,
+and besought the knights of grace for Sir Gawaine; and goodly at request of the
+ladies they gave Sir Gawaine and Gaheris their lives, and made them to yield
+them as prisoners. Then Gawaine and Gaheris made great dole. Alas! said Sir
+Gawaine, mine arm grieveth me sore, I am like to be maimed; and so made his
+complaint piteously.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Early on the morrow there came to Sir Gawaine one of the four ladies that had
+heard all his complaint, and said, Sir knight, what cheer? Not good, said he.
+It is your own default, said the lady, for ye have done a passing foul deed in
+the slaying of the lady, the which will be great villainy unto you. But be ye
+not of King Arthur&rsquo;s kin? said the lady. Yes truly, said Sir Gawaine.
+What is your name? said the lady, ye must tell it me or ye pass. My name is
+Gawaine, the King Lot of Orkney&rsquo;s son, and my mother is King
+Arthur&rsquo;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 go to King Arthur
+for his love. And so she departed and told the four knights how their prisoner
+was King Arthur&rsquo;s nephew, and his name is Sir Gawaine, King Lot&rsquo;s
+son of Orkney. And they gave him the hart&rsquo;s head because it was in his
+quest. Then anon they delivered Sir Gawaine under this promise, that he should
+bear the dead lady with him in this manner; the head of her was hanged about
+his neck, and the whole body of her lay before him on his horse&rsquo;s mane.
+Right so rode he forth unto Camelot. And anon as he was come, Merlin desired of
+King Arthur that Sir Gawaine should be sworn to tell of all his adventures, and
+how he slew the lady, and how he would give no mercy unto the knight,
+wherethrough the lady was slain. Then the king and the queen were greatly
+displeased with Sir Gawaine for the slaying of the lady. And there by ordinance
+of the queen there was set a quest of ladies on Sir Gawaine, and they judged
+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 to refuse mercy to
+him that asketh mercy. Thus was Gawaine sworn upon the Four Evangelists that he
+should never be against lady nor gentlewoman, but if he fought for a lady and
+his adversary fought for another. And thus endeth the adventure of Sir Gawaine
+that he did at the marriage of King Arthur. Amen.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap55"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br/>How Sir Tor rode after the knight with
+the brachet, and of his adventure by the way.</h3>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Tor was ready, he mounted upon his horseback, and rode after the
+knight with the brachet. So as he rode he met with a dwarf suddenly that smote
+his horse on the head with a staff, that he went backward his spear length. Why
+dost thou so? said Sir Tor. For thou shalt not pass this way, but if thou joust
+with yonder knights of the pavilions. Then was Tor ware where two pavilions
+were, and great spears stood out, and two shields hung on trees by the
+pavilions. I may not tarry, said Sir Tor, for I am in a quest that I must needs
+follow. Thou shalt not pass, said the dwarf, and therewithal he blew his horn.
+Then there came one armed on horseback, and dressed his shield, and came fast
+toward Tor, and he dressed him against him, and so ran together that Tor bare
+him from his horse. And anon the knight yielded him to his mercy. But, sir, I
+have a fellow in yonder pavilion that will have ado with you anon. He shall be
+welcome, said Sir Tor. Then was he ware of another knight coming with great
+raundon, and each of them dressed to other, that marvel it was to see; but the
+knight smote Sir Tor a great stroke in midst of the shield that his spear all
+to-shivered. And Sir Tor smote him through the shield below of the shield that
+it went through the cost of the knight, but the stroke slew him not. And
+therewith Sir Tor alighted and smote him on the helm a great stroke, and
+therewith the knight yielded him and besought him of mercy. I will well, said
+Sir Tor, but thou and thy fellow must go unto King Arthur, and yield you
+prisoners unto him. By whom shall we say are we thither sent? Ye shall say by
+the knight that went in the quest of the knight that went with the brachet.
+Now, what be your two names? said Sir Tor. My name is, said the one, Sir Felot
+of Langduk; and my name is, said the other, Sir Petipase of Winchelsea. Now go
+ye forth, said Sir Tor, and God speed you and me. Then came the dwarf and said
+unto Sir Tor, I pray you give me a gift. I will well, said Sir Tor, ask. I ask
+no more, said the dwarf, but that ye will suffer me to do you service, for I
+will serve no more recreant knights. Take an horse, said Sir Tor, and ride on
+with me. I wot ye ride after the knight with the white brachet, and I shall
+bring you where he is, said the dwarf. And so they rode throughout a forest,
+and at the last they were ware of two pavilions, even by a priory, with two
+shields, and the one shield was enewed with white, and the other shield was
+red.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap56"></a>CHAPTER X.<br/>How Sir Tor found the brachet with a
+lady, and how a knight assailed him for the said brachet.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Therewith Sir Tor alighted and took the dwarf his glaive, and so he came to the
+white pavilion, and saw three damosels lie in it, on one pallet, sleeping, and
+so he went to the other pavilion, and found a lady lying sleeping therein, but
+there was the white brachet that bayed at her fast, and therewith the lady yede
+out of the pavilion and all her damosels. But anon as Sir Tor espied the white
+brachet, he took her by force and took her to the dwarf. What, will ye so, said
+the lady, take my brachet from me? Yea, said Sir Tor, this brachet have I
+sought from King Arthur&rsquo;s court hither. Well, said the lady, knight, ye
+shall not go far with her, but that ye shall be met and grieved. I shall abide
+what adventure that cometh by the grace of God, and so mounted upon his horse,
+and passed on his way toward Camelot; but it was so near night he might not
+pass but little further. Know ye any lodging? said Tor. I know none, said the
+dwarf, but here beside is an hermitage, and there ye must take lodging as ye
+find. And within a while they came to the hermitage and took lodging; and was
+there grass, oats and bread for their horses; soon it was sped, and full hard
+was their supper; but there they rested them all night till on the morn, and
+heard a mass devoutly, and took their leave of the hermit, and Sir Tor prayed
+the hermit to pray for him. He said he would, and betook him to God. And so
+mounted upon horseback and rode towards Camelot a long while.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With that they heard a knight call loud that came after them, and he said,
+Knight, abide and yield my brachet that thou took from my lady. Sir Tor
+returned again, and beheld him how he was a seemly knight and well horsed, and
+well armed at all points; then Sir Tor dressed his shield, and took his spear
+in his hands, and the other came fiercely upon him, and smote both horse and
+man to the earth. Anon they arose lightly and drew their swords as eagerly as
+lions, and put their shields afore them, and smote through the shields, that
+the cantels fell off both parties. Also they tamed their helms that the hot
+blood ran out, and the thick mails of their hauberks they carved and rove in
+sunder that the hot blood ran to the earth, and both they had many wounds and
+were passing weary. But Sir Tor espied that the other knight fainted, and then
+he sued fast upon him, and doubled his strokes, and gart him go to the earth on
+the one side. Then Sir Tor bade him yield him. That will I not, said Abelleus,
+while my life lasteth and the soul is within my body, unless that thou wilt
+give me the brachet. That will I not do, said Sir Tor, for it was my quest to
+bring again thy brachet, thee, or both.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap57"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br/>How Sir Tor overcame the knight, and
+how he lost his head at the request of a lady.</h3>
+
+<p>
+With that came a damosel riding on a palfrey as fast as she might drive, and
+cried with a loud voice unto Sir Tor. What will ye with me? said Sir Tor. I
+beseech thee, said the damosel, for King Arthur&rsquo;s love, give me a gift; I
+require thee, gentle knight, as thou art a gentleman. Now, said Tor, ask a gift
+and I will give it you. Gramercy, said the damosel; now I ask the head of the
+false knight Abelleus, for he is the most outrageous knight that liveth, and
+the greatest murderer. I am loath, said Sir Tor, of that gift I have given you;
+let him make amends in that he hath trespassed unto you. Now, said the damosel,
+he may not, for he slew mine own brother before mine own eyes, that was a
+better knight than he, an he had had grace; and I kneeled half an hour afore
+him in the mire for to save my brother&rsquo;s life, that had done him no
+damage, but fought with him by adventure of arms, and so for all that I could
+do he struck off his head; wherefore I require thee, as thou art a true knight,
+to give me my gift, or else I shall shame thee in all the court of King Arthur;
+for he is the falsest knight living, and a great destroyer of good knights.
+Then when Abelleus heard this, he was more afeard, and yielded him and asked
+mercy. I may not now, said Sir Tor, but if I should be found false of my
+promise; for while I would have taken you to mercy ye would none ask, but if ye
+had the brachet again, that was my quest. And therewith he took off his helm,
+and he arose and fled, and Sir Tor after him, and smote off his head quite.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now sir, said the damosel, it is near night; I pray you come and lodge with me
+here at my place, it is here fast by. I will well, said Sir Tor, for his horse
+and he had fared evil since they departed from Camelot, and so he rode with
+her, and had passing good cheer with her; and she had a passing fair old knight
+to her husband that made him passing good cheer, and well eased both his horse
+and him. And on the morn he heard his mass, and brake his fast, and took his
+leave of the knight and of the lady, that besought him to tell them his name.
+Truly, he said, my name is Sir Tor that was late made knight, and this was the
+first quest of arms that ever I did, to bring again that this knight Abelleus
+took away from King Arthur&rsquo;s court. O fair knight, said the lady and her
+husband, an ye come here in our marches, come and see our poor lodging, and it
+shall be always at your commandment. So Sir Tor departed and came to Camelot on
+the third day by noon, and the king and the queen and all the court was passing
+fain of his coming, and made great joy that he was come again; for he went from
+the court with little succour, but as King Pellinore his father gave him an old
+courser, and King Arthur gave him armour and a sword, and else had he none
+other succour, but rode so forth himself alone. And then the king and the queen
+by Merlin&rsquo;s advice made him to swear to tell of his adventures, and so he
+told and made proofs of his deeds as it is afore rehearsed, wherefore the king
+and the queen made great joy. Nay, nay, said Merlin, these be but japes to that
+he shall do; for he shall prove a noble knight of prowess, as good as any is
+living, and gentle and courteous, and of good tatches, and passing true of his
+promise, and never shall outrage. Wherethrough Merlin&rsquo;s words King Arthur
+gave him an earldom of lands that fell unto him. And here endeth the quest of
+Sir Tor, King Pellinore&rsquo;s son.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap58"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br/>How King Pellinore rode after the
+lady and the knight that led her away, and how a lady desired help of him, and
+how he fought with two knights for that lady, of whom he slew the one at the
+first stroke.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then King Pellinore armed him and mounted upon his horse, and rode more than a
+pace after the lady that the knight led away. And as he rode in a forest, he
+saw in a valley a damosel sit by a well, and a wounded knight in her arms, and
+Pellinore saluted her. And when she was ware of him, she cried overloud, Help
+me, knight; for Christ&rsquo;s sake, King Pellinore. And he would not tarry, he
+was so eager in his quest, and ever she cried an hundred times after help. When
+she saw he would not abide, she prayed unto God to send him as much need of
+help as she had, and that he might feel it or he died. So, as the book telleth,
+the knight there died that there was wounded, wherefore the lady for pure
+sorrow slew herself with his sword. As King Pellinore rode in that valley he
+met with a poor man, a labourer. Sawest thou not, said Pellinore, a knight
+riding and leading away a lady? Yea, said the man, I saw that knight, and the
+lady that made great dole; and yonder beneath in a valley there shall ye see
+two pavilions, and one of the knights of the pavilions challenged that lady of
+that knight, and said she was his cousin near, wherefore he should lead her no
+farther. And so they waged battle in that quarrel, the one said he would have
+her by force, and the other said he would have the rule of her, by cause he was
+her kinsman, and would lead her to her kin. For this quarrel he left them
+fighting. And if ye will ride a pace ye shall find them fighting, and the lady
+was beleft with the two squires in the pavilions. God thank thee, said King
+Pellinore.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then he rode a wallop till he had a sight of the two pavilions, and the two
+knights fighting. Anon he rode unto the pavilions, and saw the lady that was
+his quest, and said, Fair lady, ye must go with me unto the court of King
+Arthur. Sir knight, said the two squires that were with her, yonder are two
+knights that fight for this lady, go thither and depart them, and be agreed
+with them, and then may ye have her at your pleasure. Ye say well, said King
+Pellinore. And anon he rode betwixt them, and departed them, and asked them the
+causes why that they fought? Sir knight, said the one, I shall tell you, this
+lady is my kinswoman nigh, mine aunt&rsquo;s daughter, and when I heard her
+complain that she was with him maugre her head, I waged battle to fight with
+him. Sir knight, said the other, whose name was Hontzlake of Wentland, and this
+lady I gat by my prowess of arms this day at Arthur&rsquo;s court. That is
+untruly said, said King Pellinore, for ye came in suddenly there as we were at
+the high feast, and took away this lady or any man might make him ready; and
+therefore it was my quest to bring her again and you both, or else the one of
+us to abide in the field; therefore the lady shall go with me, or I will die
+for it, for I have promised it King Arthur. And therefore fight ye no more, for
+none of you shall have no part of her at this time; and if ye list to fight for
+her, fight with me, and I will defend her. Well, said the knights, make you
+ready, and we shall assail you with all our power. And as King Pellinore would
+have put his horse from them, Sir Hontzlake rove his horse through with a
+sword, and said: Now art thou on foot as well as we are. When King Pellinore
+espied that his horse was slain, lightly he leapt from his horse and pulled out
+his sword, and put his shield afore him, and said, Knight, keep well thy head,
+for thou shalt have a buffet for the slaying of my horse. So King Pellinore
+gave him such a stroke upon the helm that he clave the head down to the chin,
+that he fell to the earth dead.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap59"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br/>How King Pellinore gat the lady and
+brought her to Camelot to the court of King Arthur.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then he turned him to the other knight, that was sore wounded. But when he
+saw the other&rsquo;s buffet, he would not fight, but kneeled down and said,
+Take my cousin the lady with you at your request, and I require you, as ye be a
+true knight, put her to no shame nor villainy. What, said King Pellinore, will
+ye not fight for her? No, sir, said the knight, I will not fight with such a
+knight of prowess as ye be. Well, said Pellinore, ye say well; I promise you
+she shall have no villainy by me, as I am true knight; but now me lacketh an
+horse, said Pellinore, but I will have Hontzlake&rsquo;s horse. Ye shall not
+need, said the knight, for I shall give you such an horse as shall please you,
+so that you will lodge with me, for it is near night. I will well, said King
+Pellinore, abide with you all night. And there he had with him right good
+cheer, and fared of the best with passing good wine, and had merry rest that
+night. And on the morn he heard a mass and dined; and then was brought him a
+fair bay courser, and King Pellinore&rsquo;s saddle set upon him. Now, what
+shall I call you? said the knight, inasmuch as ye have my cousin at your desire
+of your quest. Sir, I shall tell you, my name is King Pellinore of the Isles
+and knight of the Table Round. Now I am glad, said the knight, that such a
+noble man shall have the rule of my cousin. Now, what is your name? said
+Pellinore, I pray you tell me. Sir, my name is Sir Meliot of Logurs, and this
+lady my cousin hight Nimue, and the knight that was in the other pavilion is my
+sworn brother, a passing good knight, and his name is Brian of the Isles, and
+he is full loath to do wrong, and full loath to fight with any man, but if he
+be sore sought on, so that for shame he may not leave it. It is marvel, said
+Pellinore, that he will not have ado with me. Sir, he will not have ado with no
+man but if it be at his request. Bring him to the court, said Pellinore, one of
+these days. Sir, we will come together. And ye shall be welcome, said
+Pellinore, to the court of King Arthur, and greatly allowed for your coming.
+And so he departed with the lady, and brought her to Camelot.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So as they rode in a valley it was full of stones, and there the lady&rsquo;s
+horse stumbled and threw her down, that her arm was sore bruised and near she
+swooned for pain. Alas! sir, said the lady, mine arm is out of lithe,
+wherethrough I must needs rest me. Ye shall well, said King Pellinore. And so
+he alighted under a fair tree where was fair grass, and he put his horse
+thereto, and so laid him under the tree and slept till it was nigh night. And
+when he awoke he would have ridden. Sir, said the lady, it is so dark that ye
+may as well ride backward as forward. So they abode still and made there their
+lodging. Then Sir Pellinore put off his armour; then a little afore midnight
+they heard the trotting of an horse. Be ye still, said King Pellinore, for we
+shall hear of some adventure.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap60"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br/>How on the way he heard two knights,
+as he lay by night in a valley, and of their adventures.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And therewith he armed him. So right even afore him there met two knights, the
+one came froward Camelot, and the other from the north, and either saluted
+other. What tidings at Camelot? said the one. By my head, said the other, there
+have I been and espied the court of King Arthur, and there is such a fellowship
+they may never be broken, and well-nigh all the world holdeth with Arthur, for
+there is the flower of chivalry. Now for this cause I am riding into the north,
+to tell our chieftains of the fellowship that is withholden with King Arthur.
+As for that, said the other knight, I have brought a remedy with me, that is
+the greatest poison that ever ye heard speak of, and to Camelot will I with it,
+for we have a friend right nigh King Arthur, and well cherished, that shall
+poison King Arthur; for so he hath promised our chieftains, and received great
+gifts for to do it. Beware, said the other knight, of Merlin, for he knoweth
+all things by the devil&rsquo;s craft. Therefore will I not let it, said the
+knight. And so they departed asunder. Anon after Pellinore made him ready, and
+his lady, [and] rode toward Camelot; and as they came by the well there as the
+wounded knight was and the lady, there he found the knight, and the lady eaten
+with lions or wild beasts, all save the head, wherefore he made great sorrow,
+and wept passing sore, and said, Alas! her life might I have saved; but I was
+so fierce in my quest, therefore I would not abide. Wherefore make ye such
+dole? said the lady. I wot not, said Pellinore, but my heart mourneth sore of
+the death of her, for she was a passing fair lady and a young. Now, will ye do
+by mine advice? said the lady, take this knight and let him be buried in an
+hermitage, and then take the lady&rsquo;s head and bear it with you unto
+Arthur. So King Pellinore took this dead knight on his shoulders, and brought
+him to the hermitage, and charged the hermit with the corpse, that service
+should be done for the soul; and take his harness for your pain. It shall be
+done, said the hermit, as I will answer unto God.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap61"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br/>How when he was come to Camelot he was
+sworn upon a book to tell the truth of his quest.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And therewith they departed, and came there as the head of the lady lay with a
+fair yellow hair that grieved King Pellinore passingly sore when he looked on
+it, for much he cast his heart on the visage. And so by noon they came to
+Camelot; and the king and the queen were passing fain of his coming to the
+court. And there he was made to swear upon the Four Evangelists, to tell the
+truth of his quest from the one to the other. Ah! Sir Pellinore, said Queen
+Guenever, ye were greatly to blame that ye saved not this lady&rsquo;s life.
+Madam, said Pellinore, ye were greatly to blame an ye would not save your own
+life an ye might, but, save your pleasure, I was so furious in my quest that I
+would not abide, and that repenteth me, and shall the days of my life. Truly,
+said Merlin, ye ought sore to repent it, for that lady was your own daughter
+begotten on the lady of the Rule, and that knight that was dead was her love,
+and should have wedded her, and he was a right good knight of a young man, and
+would have proved a good man, and to this court was he coming, and his name was
+Sir Miles of the Launds, and a knight came behind him and slew him with a
+spear, and his name is Loraine le Savage, a false knight and a coward; and she
+for great sorrow and dole slew herself with his sword, and her name was Eleine.
+And because ye would not abide and help her, ye shall see your best friend fail
+you when ye be in the greatest distress that ever ye were or shall be. And that
+penance God hath ordained you for that deed, that he that ye shall most trust
+to of any man alive, he shall leave you there ye shall be slain. Me
+forthinketh, said King Pellinore, that this shall me betide, but God may fordo
+well destiny.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus, when the quest was done of the white hart, the which followed Sir
+Gawaine; and the quest of the brachet, followed of Sir Tor, Pellinore&rsquo;s
+son; and the quest of the lady that the knight took away, the which King
+Pellinore at that time followed; then the king stablished all his knights, and
+them that were of lands not rich he gave them lands, and charged them never to
+do outrageousity nor murder, and always to flee treason; also, by no means to
+be cruel, but to give mercy unto him that asketh mercy, upon pain of forfeiture
+of their worship and lordship of King Arthur for evermore; and always to do
+ladies, damosels, and gentlewomen succour, upon pain of death. Also, that no
+man take no battles in a wrongful quarrel for no law, nor for no world&rsquo;s
+goods. Unto this were all the knights sworn of the Table Round, both old and
+young. And every year were they sworn at the high feast of Pentecost.
+</p>
+
+<h5>Explicit the Wedding of King Arthur.<br/>Sequitur quartus liber.</h5>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="part04"></a>BOOK IV.</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap62"></a>CHAPTER I.<br/>How Merlin was assotted and doted on
+one of the ladies of the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone and
+there died.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So after these quests of Sir Gawaine, Sir Tor, and King Pellinore, it fell so
+that Merlin fell in a dotage on the damosel that King Pellinore brought to
+court, and she was one of the damosels of the lake, that hight Nimue. But
+Merlin would let her have no rest, but always he would be with her. And ever
+she made Merlin good cheer till she had learned of him all manner thing that
+she desired; and he was assotted upon her, that he might not be from her. So on
+a time he told King Arthur that he should not dure long, but for all his crafts
+he should be put in the earth quick. And so he told the king many things that
+should befall, but always he warned the king to keep well his sword and the
+scabbard, for he told him how the sword and the scabbard should be stolen by a
+woman from him that he most trusted. Also he told King Arthur that he should
+miss him,&mdash;Yet had ye liefer than all your lands to have me again. Ah,
+said the king, since ye know of your adventure, purvey for it, and put away by
+your crafts that misadventure. Nay, said Merlin, it will not be; so he departed
+from the king. And within a while the Damosel of the Lake departed, and Merlin
+went with her evermore wheresomever she went. And ofttimes Merlin would have
+had her privily away by his subtle crafts; then she made him to swear that he
+should never do none enchantment upon her if he would have his will. And so he
+sware; so she and Merlin went over the sea unto the land of Benwick, whereas
+King Ban was king that had great war against King Claudas, and there Merlin
+spake with King Ban&rsquo;s wife, a fair lady and a good, and her name was
+Elaine, and there he saw young Launcelot. There the queen made great sorrow for
+the mortal war that King Claudas made on her lord and on her lands. Take none
+heaviness, said Merlin, for this same child within this twenty year shall
+revenge you on King Claudas, that all Christendom shall speak of it; and this
+same child shall be the most man of worship of the world, and his first name is
+Galahad, that know I well, said Merlin, and since ye have confirmed him
+Launcelot. That is truth, said the queen, his first name was Galahad. O Merlin,
+said the queen, shall I live to see my son such a man of prowess? Yea, lady, on
+my peril ye shall see it, and live many winters after.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so, soon after, the lady and Merlin departed, and by the way Merlin showed
+her many wonders, and came into Cornwall. And always Merlin lay about the lady
+to have her maidenhood, and she was ever passing weary of him, and fain would
+have been delivered of him, for she was afeard of him because he was a
+devil&rsquo;s son, and she could not beskift him by no mean. And so on a time
+it happed that Merlin showed to her in a rock whereas was a great wonder, and
+wrought by enchantment, that went under a great stone. So by her subtle working
+she made Merlin to go under that stone to let her wit of the marvels there; but
+she wrought so there for him that he came never out for all the craft he could
+do. And so she departed and left Merlin.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap63"></a>CHAPTER II.<br/>How five kings came into this land to
+war against King Arthur, and what counsel Arthur had against them.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And as King Arthur rode to Camelot, and held there a great feast with mirth and
+joy, so soon after he returned unto Cardoile, and there came unto Arthur new
+tidings that the king of Denmark, and the king of Ireland that was his brother,
+and the king of the Vale, and the king of Soleise, and the king of the Isle of
+Longtains, all these five kings with a great host were entered into the land of
+King Arthur, and burnt and slew clean afore them, both cities and castles, that
+it was pity to hear. Alas, said Arthur, yet had I never rest one month since I
+was crowned king of this land. Now shall I never rest till I meet with those
+kings in a fair field, that I make mine avow; for my true liege people shall
+not be destroyed in my default, go with me who will, and abide who that will.
+Then the king let write unto King Pellinore, and prayed him in all haste to
+make him ready with such people as he might lightliest rear and hie him after
+in all haste. All the barons were privily wroth that the king would depart so
+suddenly; but the king by no mean would abide, but made writing unto them that
+were not there, and bade them hie after him, such as were not at that time in
+the court. Then the king came to Queen Guenever, and said, Lady, make you
+ready, for ye shall go with me, for I may not long miss you; ye shall cause me
+to be the more hardy, what adventure so befall me; I will not wit my lady to be
+in no jeopardy. Sir, said she, I am at your commandment, and shall be ready
+what time so ye be ready. So on the morn the king and the queen departed with
+such fellowship as they had, and came into the north, into a forest beside
+Humber, and there lodged them. When the word and tiding came unto the five
+kings above said, that Arthur was beside Humber in a forest, there was a
+knight, brother unto one of the five kings, that gave them this counsel: Ye
+know well that Sir Arthur hath the flower of chivalry of the world with him, as
+it is proved by the great battle he did with the eleven kings; and therefore
+hie unto him night and day till that we be nigh him, for the longer he tarrieth
+the bigger he is, and we ever the weaker; and he is so courageous of himself
+that he is come to the field with little people, and therefore let us set upon
+him or day and we shall slay down; of his knights there shall none escape.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap64"></a>CHAPTER III.<br/>How King Arthur had ado with them and
+overthrew them, and slew the five kings and made the remnant to flee.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Unto this counsel these five kings assented, and so they passed forth with
+their host through North Wales, and came upon Arthur by night, and set upon his
+host as the king and his knights were in their pavilions. King Arthur was
+unarmed, and had laid him to rest with his Queen Guenever. Sir, said Sir Kay,
+it is not good we be unarmed. We shall have no need, said Sir Gawaine and Sir
+Griflet, that lay in a little pavilion by the king. With that they heard a
+great noise, and many cried, Treason, treason! Alas, said King Arthur, we be
+betrayed! Unto arms, fellows, then he cried. So they were armed anon at all
+points. Then came there a wounded knight unto the king, and said, Sir, save
+yourself and my lady the queen, for our host is destroyed, and much people of
+ours slain. So anon the king and the queen and the three knights took their
+horses, and rode toward Humber to pass over it, and the water was so rough that
+they were afraid to pass over. Now may ye choose, said King Arthur, whether ye
+will abide and take the adventure on this side, for an ye be taken they will
+slay you. It were me liefer, said the queen, to die in the water than to fall
+in your enemies&rsquo; hands and there be slain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as they stood so talking, Sir Kay saw the five kings coming on horseback by
+themselves alone, with their spears in their hands even toward them. Lo, said
+Sir Kay, yonder be the five kings; let us go to them and match them. That were
+folly, said Sir Gawaine, for we are but three and they be five. That is truth,
+said Sir Griflet. No force, said Sir Kay, I will undertake for two of them, and
+then may ye three undertake for the other three. And therewithal, Sir Kay let
+his horse run as fast as he might, and struck one of them through the shield
+and the body a fathom, that the king fell to the earth stark dead. That saw Sir
+Gawaine, and ran unto another king so hard that he smote him through the body.
+And therewithal King Arthur ran to another, and smote him through the body with
+a spear, that he fell to the earth dead. Then Sir Griflet ran unto the fourth
+king, and gave him such a fall that his neck brake. Anon Sir Kay ran unto the
+fifth king, and smote him so hard on the helm that the stroke clave the helm
+and the head to the earth. That was well stricken, said King Arthur, and
+worshipfully hast thou holden thy promise, therefore I shall honour thee while
+that I live. And therewithal they set the queen in a barge into Humber; but
+always Queen Guenever praised Sir Kay for his deeds, and said, What lady that
+ye love, and she love you not again she were greatly to blame; and among
+ladies, said the queen, I shall bear your noble fame, for ye spake a great
+word, and fulfilled it worshipfully. And therewith the queen departed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king and the three knights rode into the forest, for there they
+supposed to hear of them that were escaped; and there he found the most part of
+his people, and told them all how the five kings were dead. And therefore let
+us hold us together till it be day, and when their host have espied that their
+chieftains be slain, they will make such dole that they shall no more help
+themselves. And right so as the king said, so it was; for when they found the
+five kings dead, they made such dole that they fell from their horses.
+Therewithal came King Arthur but with a few people, and slew on the left hand
+and on the right hand, that well-nigh there escaped no man, but all were slain
+to the number thirty thousand. And when the battle was all ended, the king
+kneeled down and thanked God meekly. And then he sent for the queen, and soon
+she was come, and she made great joy of the overcoming of that battle.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap65"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br/>How the battle was finished or he
+came, and how King Arthur founded an abbey where the battle was.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Therewithal came one to King Arthur, and told him that King Pellinore was
+within three mile with a great host; and he said, Go unto him, and let him
+understand how we have sped. So within a while King Pellinore came with a great
+host, and saluted the people and the king, and there was great joy made on
+every side. Then the king let search how much people of his party there was
+slain; and there were found but little past two hundred men slain and eight
+knights of the Table Round in their pavilions. Then the king let rear and
+devise in the same place whereat the battle was done a fair abbey, and endowed
+it with great livelihood, and let it call the Abbey of La Beale Adventure. But
+when some of them came into their countries, whereof the five kings were kings,
+and told them how they were slain, there was made great dole. And all King
+Arthur&rsquo;s enemies, as the King of North Wales, and the kings of the North,
+[when they] wist of the battle, they were passing heavy. And so the king
+returned unto Camelot in haste.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when he was come to Camelot he called King Pellinore unto him, and said, Ye
+understand well that we have lost eight knights of the best of the Table Round,
+and by your advice we will choose eight again of the best we may find in this
+court. Sir, said Pellinore, I shall counsel you after my conceit the best:
+there are in your court full noble knights both of old and young; and therefore
+by mine advice ye shall choose half of the old and half of the young. Which be
+the old? said King Arthur. Sir, said King Pellinore, meseemeth that King Uriens
+that hath wedded your sister Morgan le Fay, and the King of the Lake, and Sir
+Hervise de Revel, a noble knight, and Sir Galagars, the fourth. This is well
+devised, said King Arthur, and right so shall it be. Now, which are the four
+young knights? said Arthur. Sir, said Pellinore, the first is Sir Gawaine, your
+nephew, that is as good a knight of his time as any is in this land; and the
+second as meseemeth best is Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu, that is a good knight
+and full desirous in arms, and who may see him live he shall prove a good
+knight; and the third as meseemeth is well to be one of the knights of the
+Round Table, Sir Kay the Seneschal, for many times he hath done full
+worshipfully, and now at your last battle he did full honourably for to
+undertake to slay two kings. By my head, said Arthur, he is best worth to be a
+knight of the Round Table of any that ye have rehearsed, an he had done no more
+prowess in his life days.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap66"></a>CHAPTER V.<br/>How Sir Tor was made knight of the
+Round Table, and how Bagdemagus was displeased.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now, said King Pellinore, I shall put to you two knights, and ye shall choose
+which is most worthy, that is Sir Bagdemagus, and Sir Tor, my son. But because
+Sir Tor is my son I may not praise him, but else, an he were not my son, I
+durst say that of his age there is not in this land a better knight than he is,
+nor of better conditions and loath to do any wrong, and loath to take any
+wrong. By my head, said Arthur, he is a passing good knight as any ye spake of
+this day, that wot I well, said the king; for I have seen him proved, but he
+saith little and he doth much more, for I know none in all this court an he
+were as well born on his mother&rsquo;s side as he is on your side, that is
+like him of prowess and of might: and therefore I will have him at this time,
+and leave Sir Bagdemagus till another time. So when they were so chosen by the
+assent of all the barons, so were there found in their sieges every
+knights&rsquo; names that here are rehearsed, and so were they set in their
+sieges; whereof Sir Bagdemagus was wonderly wroth, that Sir Tor was advanced
+afore him, and therefore suddenly he departed from the court, and took his
+squire with him, and rode long in a forest till they came to a cross, and there
+alighted and said his prayers devoutly. The meanwhile his squire found written
+upon the cross, that Bagdemagus should never return unto the court again, till
+he had won a knight&rsquo;s body of the Round Table, body for body. So, sir,
+said the squire, here I find writing of you, therefore I rede you return again
+to the court. That shall I never, said Bagdemagus, till men speak of me great
+worship, and that I be worthy to be a knight of the Round Table. And so he rode
+forth, and there by the way he found a branch of an holy herb that was the sign
+of the Sangreal, and no knight found such tokens but he were a good liver.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So, as Sir Bagdemagus rode to see many adventures, it happed him to come to the
+rock whereas the Lady of the Lake had put Merlin under the stone, and there he
+heard him make great dole; whereof Sir Bagdemagus would have holpen him, and
+went unto the great stone, and it was so heavy that an hundred men might not
+lift it up. When Merlin wist he was there, he bade leave his labour, for all
+was in vain, for he might never be holpen but by her that put him there. And so
+Bagdemagus departed and did many adventures, and proved after a full good
+knight, and came again to the court and was made knight of the Round Table. So
+on the morn there fell new tidings and other adventures.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap67"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br/>How King Arthur, King Uriens, and Sir
+Accolon of Gaul, chased an hart, and of their marvellous adventures.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then it befell that Arthur and many of his knights rode a-hunting into a great
+forest, and it happed King Arthur, King Uriens, and Sir Accolon of Gaul,
+followed a great hart, for they three were well horsed, and so they chased so
+fast that within a while they three were then ten mile from their fellowship.
+And 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 enbushed. What will we do? said King Arthur, we are hard
+bestead. Let us go on foot, said King Uriens, till we may meet with some
+lodging. Then were they ware of the hart that lay on a great water bank, and a
+brachet biting on his throat, and more other hounds came after. Then King
+Arthur blew the prise and dight the hart.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king looked about the world, and saw afore him in a great water a
+little ship, all apparelled with silk down to the water, and the ship came
+right unto them and landed on the sands. Then Arthur went to the bank and
+looked in, and saw none earthly creature therein. Sirs, said the king, come
+thence, and let us see what is in this ship. So they went in all three, and
+found it richly behanged with cloth of silk. By then 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; and therewithal there came out twelve
+fair damosels and saluted King Arthur on their knees, and called him by his
+name, and said he was right welcome, and such cheer as they had he should have
+of the best. The king thanked them fair. Therewithal they led the king and his
+two fellows into a fair chamber, and there was a cloth laid, richly beseen of
+all that longed unto a table, and there were they served of all wines and meats
+that they could think; of that the king had great marvel, for he fared never
+better in his life as for one supper. And so when they had supped at their
+leisure, King Arthur was led into a chamber, a richer beseen chamber saw he
+never none, and so was King Uriens served, and led into such another chamber,
+and Sir Accolon was led into the third chamber passing richly and well beseen;
+and so they were laid in their beds easily. And anon they fell asleep, and
+slept marvellously sore all the night. And on the morrow King Uriens was in
+Camelot abed in his wife&rsquo;s arms, Morgan le Fay. And when he awoke he had
+great marvel, how he came there, for on the even afore he was two days&rsquo;
+journey from Camelot. And when King Arthur awoke he found himself in a dark
+prison, hearing about him many complaints of woful knights.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap68"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br/>How Arthur took upon him to fight to
+be delivered out of prison, and also for to deliver twenty knights that were in
+prison.</h3>
+
+<p>
+What are ye that so complain? said King Arthur. We be here twenty knights,
+prisoners, said they, and some of us have lain here seven year, and some more
+and some less. For what cause? said Arthur. We shall tell you, said the
+knights; this lord of this castle, his name is Sir Damas, and he is the falsest
+knight that liveth, and full of treason, and a very coward as any liveth, and
+he hath a younger brother, a good knight of prowess, his name is Sir Ontzlake;
+and this traitor Damas, the elder brother will give him no part of his
+livelihood, but as Sir Ontzlake keepeth thorough prowess of his hands, and so
+he keepeth from him a full fair manor and a rich, and therein Sir Ontzlake
+dwelleth worshipfully, and is well beloved of all people. And this Sir Damas,
+our master is as evil beloved, for he is without mercy, and he is a coward, and
+great war hath been betwixt them both, but Ontzlake hath ever the better, and
+ever he proffereth Sir Damas to fight for the livelihood, body for body, but he
+will not do; other-else to find a knight to fight for him. Unto that Sir Damas
+had granted to find a knight, but he is so evil beloved and hated, that there
+is never a knight will fight for him. And when Damas saw this, that there was
+never a knight would fight for him, he hath daily lain await with many knights
+with him, and taken all the knights in this country to see and espy their
+adventures, he hath taken them by force and brought them to his prison. And so
+he took us separately as we rode on our adventures, and many good knights have
+died in this prison for hunger, to the number of eighteen knights; and if any
+of us all that here is, or hath been, would have foughten with his brother
+Ontzlake, he would have delivered us, but for because this Damas is so false
+and so full of treason we would never fight for him to die for it. And we be so
+lean for hunger that unnethe we may stand on our feet. God deliver you, for his
+mercy, said Arthur.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon, therewithal there came a damosel unto Arthur, and asked him, What cheer?
+I cannot say, said he. Sir, said she, an ye will fight for my lord, ye shall be
+delivered out of prison, and else ye escape never the life. Now, said Arthur,
+that is hard, yet had I liefer to fight with a knight than to die in prison;
+with this, said Arthur, I may be delivered and all these prisoners, I will do
+the battle. Yes, said the damosel. I am ready, said Arthur, an I had horse and
+armour. Ye shall lack none, said the damosel. Meseemeth, damosel, I should have
+seen you in the court of Arthur. Nay said the damosel, I came never there, I am
+the lord&rsquo;s daughter of this castle. Yet was she false, for she was one of
+the damosels of Morgan le Fay.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon she went unto Sir Damas, and told him how he would do battle for him, and
+so he sent for Arthur. And when he came he was well coloured, and well made of
+his limbs, that all knights that saw him said it were pity that such a knight
+should die in prison. So Sir Damas and he were agreed that he should fight for
+him upon this covenant, that all other knights should be delivered; and unto
+that was Sir Damas sworn unto Arthur, and also to do the battle to the
+uttermost. And with that all the twenty knights were brought out of the dark
+prison into the hall, and delivered, and so they all abode to see the battle.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap69"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br/>How Accolon found himself by a well,
+and he took upon him to do battle against Arthur.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Accolon of Gaul, that when he awoke he found himself by a deep
+well-side, within half a foot, in great peril of death. And there came out of
+that fountain a pipe of silver, and out of that pipe ran water all on high in a
+stone of marble. When Sir Accolon saw this, he blessed him and said, Jesus save
+my lord King Arthur, and King Uriens, for these damosels in this ship have
+betrayed us, they were devils and no women; and if I may escape this
+misadventure, I shall destroy all where I may find these false damosels that
+use enchantments. Right with that there came a dwarf with a great mouth and a
+flat nose, and saluted Sir Accolon, and said how he came from Queen Morgan le
+Fay, and she greeteth you well, and biddeth you be of strong heart, for ye
+shall fight to morrow with a knight at the hour of prime, and therefore she
+hath sent you here Excalibur, Arthur&rsquo;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 had promised her when ye spake together in privity; and what
+damosel that bringeth her the knight&rsquo;s head, which ye shall fight withal,
+she will make her a queen. Now I understand you well, said Accolon, I shall
+hold that I have promised her now I have the sword: when saw ye my lady Queen
+Morgan le Fay? Right late, said the dwarf. Then Accolon took him in his arms
+and said, Recommend me unto my lady queen, and tell her all shall be done that
+I have promised her, and else I will die for it. Now I suppose, said Accolon,
+she hath made all these crafts and enchantments for this battle. Ye may well
+believe it, said the dwarf. Right so there came a knight and a lady with six
+squires, and saluted Accolon, and prayed him for to arise, and come and rest
+him at his manor. And so Accolon mounted upon a void horse, and went with the
+knight unto a fair manor by a priory, and there he had passing good cheer.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Damas sent unto his brother Sir Ontzlake, and bade make him ready by
+to-morn at the hour of prime, and to be in the field to fight with a good
+knight, for he had found a good knight that was ready to do battle at all
+points. When this word came unto Sir Ontzlake he was passing heavy, for he was
+wounded a little to-fore through both his thighs with a spear, and made great
+dole; but as he was wounded, he would have taken the battle on hand. So it
+happed at that time, by the means of Morgan le Fay, Accolon was with Sir
+Ontzlake lodged; and when he heard of that battle, and how Ontzlake was
+wounded, he said that he would fight for him. Because Morgan le Fay had sent
+him Excalibur and the sheath for to fight with the knight on the morn: this was
+the cause Sir Accolon took the battle on hand. Then Sir Ontzlake was passing
+glad, and thanked Sir Accolon with all his heart that he would do so much for
+him. And therewithal Sir Ontzlake sent word unto his brother Sir Damas, that he
+had a knight that for him should be ready in the field by the hour of prime.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So on the morn Sir Arthur was armed and well horsed, and asked Sir Damas, When
+shall we to the field? Sir, said Sir Damas, ye shall hear mass. And so Arthur
+heard a mass, and when mass was done there came a squire on a great horse, and
+asked Sir Damas if his knight were ready, for our knight is ready in the field.
+Then Sir Arthur mounted upon horseback, and there were all the knights and
+commons of that country; and so by all advices there were chosen twelve good
+men of the country for to wait upon the two knights. And right as Arthur was on
+horseback there came a damosel from Morgan le Fay, and brought unto Sir Arthur
+a sword like unto Excalibur, and the scabbard, and said unto Arthur, Morgan le
+Fay sendeth here your sword for great love. And he thanked her, and weened it
+had been so, but she was false, for the sword and the scabbard was counterfeit,
+and brittle, and false.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap70"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br/>Of the battle between King Arthur and
+Accolon.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then they dressed them on both parties of the field, and let their horses
+run so fast that either smote other in the midst of the shield with their
+spear-heads, that both horse and man went to the earth; and then they started
+up both, and pulled out their swords. The meanwhile that they were thus at the
+battle, came the Damosel of the Lake into the field, that put Merlin under the
+stone; and she came thither for love of King Arthur, for she knew how Morgan le
+Fay had so ordained that King Arthur should have been slain that day, and
+therefore she came to save his life. And so they went eagerly to the battle,
+and gave many great strokes, but always Arthur&rsquo;s sword bit not like
+Accolon&rsquo;s sword; but for the most part, every stroke that Accolon gave he
+wounded sore Arthur, that it was marvel he stood, and always his blood fell
+from him fast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Arthur beheld the ground so sore be-bled he was dismayed, and then he
+deemed treason that his sword was changed; for his sword bit not steel as it
+was wont to do, therefore he dreaded him sore to be dead, for ever him seemed
+that the sword in Accolon&rsquo;s hand was Excalibur, for at every stroke that
+Accolon struck he drew blood on Arthur. Now, knight, said Accolon unto Arthur,
+keep thee well from me; but Arthur answered not again, and gave him such a
+buffet on the helm that it made him to stoop, nigh falling down to the earth.
+Then Sir Accolon withdrew him a little, and came on with Excalibur on high, and
+smote Sir Arthur such a buffet that he fell nigh to the earth. Then were they
+wroth both, and gave each other many sore strokes, but always Sir Arthur lost
+so much blood that it was marvel he stood on his feet, but he was so full of
+knighthood that knightly he endured the pain. And Sir Accolon lost not a deal
+of blood, therefore he waxed passing light, and Sir Arthur was passing feeble,
+and weened verily to have died; but for all that he made countenance as though
+he might endure, and held Accolon as short as he might. But Accolon was so bold
+because of Excalibur that he waxed passing hardy. But all men that beheld him
+said they saw never knight fight so well as Arthur did considering the blood
+that he bled. So was all the people sorry for him, but the two brethren would
+not accord. Then always they fought together as fierce knights, and Sir Arthur
+withdrew him a little for to rest him, and Sir Accolon called him to battle and
+said, It is no time for me to suffer thee to rest. And therewith he came
+fiercely upon Arthur, and Sir Arthur was wroth for the blood that he had lost,
+and smote Accolon on high upon the helm, so mightily, that he made him nigh to
+fall to the earth; and therewith Arthur&rsquo;s sword brast at the cross, and
+fell in the grass among the blood, and the pommel and the sure handles he held
+in his hands. When Sir Arthur saw that, he was in great fear to die, but always
+he held up his shield and lost no ground, nor bated no cheer.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap71"></a>CHAPTER X.<br/>How King Arthur&rsquo;s sword that he
+fought with brake, and how he recovered of Accolon his own sword Excalibur, and
+overcame his enemy.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Accolon began with words of treason, and said, Knight, thou art
+overcome, and mayst not endure, and also thou art weaponless, and thou hast
+lost much of thy blood, and I am full loath to slay thee, therefore yield thee
+to me 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 me lasteth the
+life, and therefore I had liefer to die with honour than to live with shame;
+and if it were possible for me to die an hundred times, I had liefer to die so
+oft than yield me to thee; for though I lack weapon, I shall lack no worship,
+and if thou slay me weaponless that shall be thy shame. Well, said Accolon, as
+for the shame I will not spare, now keep thee from me, for thou art but a dead
+man. And therewith Accolon gave him such a stroke that he fell nigh to the
+earth, and would have had Arthur to have cried him mercy. But Sir Arthur
+pressed unto Accolon with his shield, and gave him with the pommel in his hand
+such a buffet that he went three strides aback.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When the Damosel of the Lake beheld Arthur, how full of prowess his body was,
+and the false treason that was wrought for him to have had him slain, she had
+great pity that so good a knight and such a man of worship should so be
+destroyed. And at the next stroke Sir Accolon struck him such a stroke that by
+the damosel&rsquo;s enchantment the sword Excalibur fell out of Accolon&rsquo;s
+hand to the earth. And therewithal Sir Arthur lightly leapt to it, and gat it
+in his hand, and forthwithal he knew that it was his sword Excalibur, and said,
+Thou hast been from me all too long, and much damage hast thou done me; and
+therewith he espied the scabbard hanging by his side, and suddenly he sterte to
+him and pulled the scabbard from him, and threw it from him as far as he might
+throw it. O knight, said Arthur, this day hast thou done me great damage with
+this sword; now are ye come unto your death, for I shall not warrant you but ye
+shall as well be rewarded with this sword, or ever we depart, as thou hast
+rewarded me; for much pain have ye made me to endure, and much blood have I
+lost. And therewith Sir Arthur rushed on him with all his might and pulled him
+to the earth, and then rushed off his helm, and gave him such a buffet on the
+head that the blood came out at his ears, his nose, and his mouth. Now will I
+slay thee, said Arthur. Slay me ye may well, said Accolon, an it please you,
+for ye are the best knight that ever I found, and I see well that God is with
+you. But for I promised to do this battle, said Accolon, to the uttermost, and
+never to be recreant while I lived, therefore shall I never yield me with my
+mouth, but God do with my body what he will. Then Sir Arthur remembered him,
+and thought he should have seen this knight. Now tell me, said Arthur, or I
+will slay thee, of what country art thou, and of what court? Sir Knight, said
+Sir Accolon, I am of the court of King Arthur, and my name is Accolon of Gaul.
+Then was Arthur more dismayed than he was beforehand; for then he remembered
+him of his sister Morgan le Fay, and of the enchantment of the ship. O sir
+knight, said he, I pray you tell me who gave you this sword, and by whom ye had
+it.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap72"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br/>How Accolon confessed the treason of
+Morgan le Fay, King Arthur&rsquo;s sister, and how she would have done slay
+him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Accolon bethought him, and said, Woe worth this sword, for by it have
+I got my death. It may well be, said the king. Now, sir, said Accolon, I will
+tell you; this sword hath been in my keeping the most part of this twelvemonth;
+and Morgan le Fay, King Uriens&rsquo; wife, sent it me yesterday by a dwarf, to
+this intent, that I should slay King Arthur, her brother. For ye shall
+understand King Arthur is the man in the world that she most hateth, because he
+is most of worship and of prowess of any of her blood; also she loveth me out
+of measure as paramour, and I her again; and if she might bring about to slay
+Arthur by her crafts, she would slay her husband King Uriens lightly, and then
+had she me devised to be king in this land, and so to reign, and she to be my
+queen; but that is now done, said Accolon, for I am sure of my death. Well,
+said Sir Arthur, I feel by you ye would have been king in this land. It had
+been great damage to have destroyed your lord, said Arthur. It is truth, said
+Accolon, but now I have told you truth, wherefore I pray you tell me of whence
+ye are, and of what court? O Accolon, said King Arthur, now I let thee wit that
+I am King Arthur, to whom thou hast done great damage. When Accolon heard that
+he cried aloud, Fair, sweet lord, have mercy on me, for I knew not you. O Sir
+Accolon, said King Arthur, mercy shalt thou have, because I feel by thy words
+at this time thou knewest not my person; but I understand well by thy words
+that thou hast agreed to the death of my person, and therefore thou art a
+traitor; but I wite thee the less, for my sister Morgan le Fay by her false
+crafts made thee to agree and consent to her false lusts, but I shall be sore
+avenged upon her an I live, that all Christendom shall speak of it; God knoweth
+I have honoured her and worshipped her more than all my kin, and more have I
+trusted her than mine own wife and all my kin after.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Arthur called the keepers of the field, and said, Sirs, come hither,
+for here are we two knights that have fought unto a great damage unto us both,
+and like each one of us to have slain other, if it had happed so; and had any
+of us known other, here had been no battle, nor stroke stricken. Then all aloud
+cried Accolon unto all the knights and men that were then there gathered
+together, and said to them in this manner, O lords, this noble knight that I
+have fought withal, the which me sore repenteth, is the most man of prowess, of
+manhood, and of worship in the world, for it is himself King Arthur, our alther
+liege lord, and with mishap and with misadventure have I done this battle with
+the king and lord that I am holden withal.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap73"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br/>How Arthur accorded the two brethren,
+and delivered the twenty knights, and how Sir Accolon died.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then all the people fell down on their knees and cried King Arthur mercy. Mercy
+shall ye have, said Arthur: here may ye see what adventures befall ofttime of
+errant knights, how that I have fought with a knight of mine own unto my great
+damage and his both. But, sirs, because I am sore hurt, and he both, and I had
+great need of a little rest, ye shall understand the opinion betwixt you two
+brethren: As to thee, Sir Damas, for whom I have been champion and won the
+field of this knight, yet will I judge because ye, Sir Damas, are called an
+orgulous knight, and full of villainy, and not worth of prowess your deeds,
+therefore I will that ye give unto your brother all the whole manor with the
+appurtenance, under this form, that Sir Ontzlake hold the manor of you, and
+yearly to give you a palfrey to ride upon, for that will become you better to
+ride on than upon a courser. Also I charge thee, Sir Damas, upon pain of death,
+that thou never distress no knights errant that ride on their adventure. And
+also that thou restore these twenty knights that thou hast long kept prisoners,
+of all their harness, that they be content for; and if any of them come to my
+court and complain of thee, by my head thou shalt die therefore. Also, Sir
+Ontzlake, as to you, because ye are named a good knight, and full of prowess,
+and true and gentle in all your deeds, this shall be your charge I will give
+you, that in all goodly haste ye come unto me and my court, and ye shall be a
+knight of mine, and if your deeds be thereafter I shall so prefer you, by the
+grace of God, that ye shall in short time be in ease for to live as
+worshipfully as your brother Sir Damas. God thank your largeness of your
+goodness and of your bounty, I shall be from henceforward at all times at your
+commandment; for, sir, said Sir Ontzlake, as God would, as I was hurt but late
+with an adventurous knight through both my thighs, that grieved me sore, and
+else had I done this battle with you. God would, said Arthur, it had been so,
+for then had not I been hurt as I am. I shall tell you the cause why: for I had
+not been hurt as I am, had it not been mine own sword, that was stolen from me
+by treason; and this battle was ordained aforehand to have slain me, and so it
+was brought to the purpose by false treason, and by false enchantment. Alas,
+said Sir Ontzlake, that is great pity that ever so noble a man as ye are of
+your deeds and prowess, that any man or woman might find in their hearts to
+work any treason against you. I shall reward them, said Arthur, in short time,
+by the grace of God. Now, tell me, said Arthur, how far am I from Camelot? Sir,
+ye are two days&rsquo; journey therefrom. I would fain be at some place of
+worship, said Sir Arthur, that I might rest me. Sir, said Sir Ontzlake, hereby
+is a rich abbey of your elders&rsquo; foundation, of nuns, but three miles
+hence. So the king took his leave of all the people, and mounted upon
+horseback, and Sir Accolon with him. And when they were come to the abbey, he
+let fetch leeches and search his wounds and Accolon&rsquo;s both; but Sir
+Accolon died within four days, for he had bled so much blood that he might not
+live, but King Arthur was well recovered. So when Accolon was dead he let send
+him on an horse-bier with six knights unto Camelot, and said: Bear him to my
+sister Morgan le Fay, and say that I send her him to a present, and tell her I
+have my sword Excalibur and the scabbard; so they departed with the body.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap74"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br/>How Morgan would have slain Sir
+Uriens her husband, and how Sir Uwaine her son saved him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+The meanwhile Morgan le Fay had weened King Arthur had been dead. So on a day
+she espied King Uriens lay in his bed sleeping. Then she called unto her a
+maiden of her counsel, and said, Go fetch me my lord&rsquo;s sword, for I saw
+never better time to slay him than now. O madam, said the damosel, an ye slay
+my lord ye can never escape. Care not you, said Morgan le Fay, for now I see my
+time in the which it is best to do it, and therefore hie thee fast and fetch me
+the sword. Then the damosel departed, and found Sir Uwaine sleeping upon a bed
+in another chamber, so she went unto Sir Uwaine, and awaked him, and bade him,
+Arise, and wait on my lady your mother, for she will slay the king your father
+sleeping in his bed, for I go to fetch his sword. Well, said Sir Uwaine, go on
+your way, and let me deal. Anon the damosel brought Morgan the sword with
+quaking hands, and she lightly took the sword, and pulled it out, and went
+boldly unto the bed&rsquo;s side, and awaited how and where she might slay him
+best. And as she lifted up the sword to smite, Sir Uwaine leapt unto his
+mother, and caught her by the hand, and said, Ah, fiend, what wilt thou do? An
+thou wert not my mother, with this sword I should smite off thy head. Ah, said
+Sir Uwaine, men saith that Merlin was begotten of a devil, but I may say an
+earthly devil bare me. O fair son, Uwaine, have mercy upon me, I was tempted
+with a devil, wherefore I cry thee mercy; I will never more do so; and save my
+worship and discover me not. On this covenant, said Sir Uwaine, I will forgive
+it you, so ye will never be about to do such deeds. Nay, son, said she, and
+that I make you assurance.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap75"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br/>How Queen Morgan le Fay made great
+sorrow for the death of Accolon, and how she stole away the scabbard from
+Arthur.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then came tidings unto Morgan le Fay that Accolon was dead, and his body
+brought unto the church, and how King Arthur had his sword again. But when
+Queen Morgan wist that Accolon was dead, she was so sorrowful that near her
+heart to-brast. But because she would not it were known, outward she kept her
+countenance, and made no semblant of sorrow. But well she wist an she abode
+till her brother Arthur came thither, there should no gold go for her life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+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, or 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 same abbey of nuns whereas
+lay King Arthur; and she knowing he was there, she asked where he was. And they
+answered how he had laid him in his bed to sleep, for he had had but little
+rest these three nights. Well, said she, I charge you that none of you awake
+him till I do, and then she alighted off her horse, and thought for to steal
+away Excalibur his sword, and so she went straight unto his chamber, and no man
+durst disobey her commandment, and 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 she had awaked him, and then she
+wist well she had been dead. Then she took the scabbard and went her way on
+horseback. When the king awoke and missed his scabbard, he was wroth, and he
+asked who had been there, and they said his sister, Queen Morgan had been
+there, and had put the scabbard under her mantle and was gone. Alas, said
+Arthur, falsely ye have watched me. Sir, said they all, we durst not disobey
+your sister&rsquo;s commandment. Ah, said the king, let fetch the best horse
+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 found a cowherd, and they
+asked the poor man if there came any lady riding that way. Sir, said this poor
+man, right late came a lady riding with a forty horses, and to yonder forest
+she rode. Then they spurred their horses, and followed fast, and within a while
+Arthur had a sight of Morgan le Fay; then 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, and when she saw she might not escape, she rode unto a
+lake thereby, and said, Whatsoever come of me, my brother shall not have this
+scabbard. And then she let throw the scabbard in the deepest of the water so it
+sank, for it was heavy of gold and precious stones.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then she rode into a valley where many great stones were, and when she saw she
+must be overtaken, she shaped herself, horse and man, by enchantment unto a
+great marble stone. Anon withal came Sir Arthur and Sir Ontzlake whereas the
+king might know his sister and her men, and one knight from another. Ah, said
+the king, here may ye see the vengeance of God, and now am I sorry that this
+misadventure is befallen. And then he looked for the scabbard, but it would not
+be found, so he returned to the abbey where he came from. So when Arthur was
+gone she turned all into the likeliness as she and they were before, and said,
+Sirs, now may we go where we will.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap76"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br/>How Morgan le Fay saved a knight that
+should have been drowned, and how King Arthur returned home again.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then said Morgan, Saw ye Arthur, my brother? Yea, said her knights, right well,
+and that ye should have found an we might have stirred from one stead, for by
+his armyvestal countenance he would have caused us to have fled. I believe you,
+said Morgan. Anon after as she rode she met a knight leading another knight on
+his horse before him, bound hand and foot, blindfold, to have drowned him in a
+fountain. When she saw this knight so bound, she asked him, What will ye do
+with that knight? Lady, said he, I will drown him. For what cause? she asked.
+For I found him with my wife, and she shall have the same death anon. That were
+pity, said Morgan le Fay. Now, what say ye, knight, is it truth that he saith
+of you? she said to the knight that should be drowned. Nay truly, madam, he
+saith not right on me. Of whence be ye, said Morgan le Fay, and of what
+country? I am of the court of King Arthur, and my name is Manassen, cousin unto
+Accolon of Gaul. Ye say well, said she, and for the love of him ye shall be
+delivered, and ye shall have your adversary in the same case ye be in. So
+Manassen was loosed and the other knight bound. And anon Manassen unarmed him,
+and armed himself in his harness, and so mounted on horseback, and the knight
+afore him, and so threw him into the fountain and drowned him. And then he rode
+unto Morgan again, and asked if she would anything unto King Arthur. Tell him
+that I rescued thee, not for the love of him but for the love of Accolon, and
+tell him I fear him not while I can make me and them that be with me in
+likeness of stones; and let him wit I can do much more when I see my time. And
+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 dreaded much King
+Arthur.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+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, then all had marvel of the falsehood
+of Morgan le Fay; many knights wished her burnt. Then came Manassen to court
+and told the king of his adventure. Well, said the king, she is a kind sister;
+I shall so be avenged on her an I live, that all Christendom shall speak of it.
+So on the morn there came a damosel 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 damosel 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 but little.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap77"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br/>How the Damosel of the Lake saved
+King Arthur from mantle that should have burnt him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+With that came the Damosel of the Lake unto the king, and said, Sir, I must
+speak with you in privity. Say on, said the king, what ye will. Sir, said the
+damosel, put not on you this mantle till ye have seen more, and in no wise let
+it not come on you, nor on no 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 damosel that came from his sister,
+Damosel, this mantle that ye have brought me, I will see it upon you. Sir, she
+said, It will not beseem me to wear a king&rsquo;s garment. By my head, said
+Arthur, ye shall wear it or it come on my back, or any man&rsquo;s that here
+is. And so the king made it to be put upon her, and forth withal she fell down
+dead, and never more spake word after and burnt to coals. Then was the king
+wonderly wroth, more than he was to-forehand, and said unto King Uriens, My
+sister, your wife, is alway about to betray me, and well I wot either ye, or my
+nephew, your son, 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
+Accolon confessed to me by his own mouth, that she would have destroyed you as
+well as me, therefore I hold you excused; but as for your son, Sir Uwaine, I
+hold him suspect, therefore I charge you put him out of my court. So Sir Uwaine
+was discharged. And when Sir Gawaine wist that, he made him ready to go with
+him; and said, Whoso banisheth my cousin-germain shall banish me. So they two
+departed, and rode into a great forest, and so they came to an abbey of monks,
+and there 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&rsquo;s brother, we have lost two good knights for
+the love of one. So on the morn they heard their masses in the abbey, and so
+they rode forth till that they came to a great forest. Then was Sir Gawaine
+ware in a valley by a turret [of] twelve fair damosels, and two knights armed
+on great horses, and the damosels went to and fro by a tree. And then was Sir
+Gawaine ware how there hung a white shield on that tree, and ever as the
+damosels came by it they spit upon it, and some threw mire upon the shield.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap78"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br/>How Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine met
+with twelve fair damosels, and how they complained on Sir Marhaus.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine went and saluted them, and asked why they did
+that despite to the shield. Sir, said the damosels, we shall tell you. There is
+a knight in this country that owneth this white shield, and he is a passing
+good man of his hands, but he hateth all ladies and gentlewomen, and therefore
+we do all this despite to the shield. I shall say you, said Sir Gawaine, it
+beseemeth evil a good knight to despise all ladies and gentlewomen, and
+peradventure though he hate you he hath some certain cause, and peradventure he
+loveth in some other places ladies and gentlewomen, and to be loved again, an
+he be such a man of prowess as ye speak of. Now, what is his name? Sir, said
+they, his name is Marhaus, the king&rsquo;s son of Ireland. I know him well,
+said Sir Uwaine, he is a passing good knight as any is alive, for I saw him
+once proved at a jousts where many knights were gathered, and that time there
+might no man withstand him. Ah! said Sir Gawaine, damosels, methinketh ye are
+to blame, for it is to suppose, he that hung that shield there, he will not be
+long therefrom, and then may those knights match him on horseback, and that is
+more your worship than thus; for I will abide no longer to see a knight&rsquo;s
+shield dishonoured. And therewith Sir Uwaine and Gawaine departed a little from
+them, and then were they ware where Sir Marhaus came riding on a great horse
+straight toward them. And when the twelve damosels saw Sir Marhaus they fled
+into the turret as they were wild, so that some of them fell by the way. Then
+the one of the knights of the tower dressed his shield, and said on high, Sir
+Marhaus, defend thee. And so they ran together that the knight brake his spear
+on Marhaus, and Marhaus smote him so hard that he brake his neck and the
+horse&rsquo;s back. That saw the other knight of the turret, and dressed him
+toward Marhaus, and they met so eagerly together that the knight of the turret
+was soon smitten down, horse and man, stark dead.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap79"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br/>How Sir Marhaus jousted with Sir
+Gawaine and Sir Uwaine, and overthrew them both.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then Sir Marhaus rode unto his shield, and saw how it was defouled, and
+said, Of this despite I am a part avenged, but for her love that gave me this
+white shield I shall wear thee, and hang mine where thou wast; and so he hanged
+it about his neck. Then he rode straight unto Sir Gawaine and to Sir Uwaine,
+and asked them what they did there? They answered him that they came from King
+Arthur&rsquo;s court to see adventures. Well, said Sir Marhaus, here am I
+ready, an adventurous knight that will fulfil any adventure that ye will
+desire; and so departed from them, to fetch his range. Let him go, said Sir
+Uwaine unto Sir Gawaine, for he is a passing good knight as any is living; I
+would not by my will that any of us were matched with him. Nay, said Sir
+Gawaine, not so, it were shame to us were he not assayed, were he never so good
+a knight. Well, said Sir Uwaine, I will assay him afore you, for I am more
+weaker than ye, and if he smite me down then may ye revenge me. So these two
+knights came together with great raundon, that Sir Uwaine smote Sir Marhaus
+that his spear brast in pieces on the shield, and Sir Marhaus smote him so sore
+that horse and man he bare to the earth, and hurt Sir Uwaine on the left side.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Marhaus turned his horse and rode toward Gawaine with his spear, and
+when Sir Gawaine saw that he dressed his shield, and they aventred their
+spears, and they came together with all the might of their horses, that either
+knight smote other so hard in midst of their shields, but Sir Gawaine&rsquo;s
+spear brake, but Sir Marhaus&rsquo; spear held; and therewith Sir Gawaine and
+his horse rushed down to the earth. And lightly Sir Gawaine rose on his feet,
+and pulled out his sword, and dressed him toward Sir Marhaus on foot, and Sir
+Marhaus saw that, and pulled out his sword and began to come to Sir Gawaine on
+horseback. Sir knight, said Sir Gawaine, alight on foot, or else I will slay
+thy horse. Gramercy, said Sir Marhaus, of your gentleness ye teach me courtesy,
+for it is not for one knight to be on foot, and the other on horseback. And
+therewith Sir Marhaus set his spear against a tree and alighted and tied his
+horse to a tree, and dressed his shield, and either came unto other eagerly,
+and smote together with their swords that their shields flew in cantels, and
+they bruised their helms and their hauberks, and wounded either other. But Sir
+Gawaine from it passed nine of the clock waxed ever stronger and stronger, for
+then it came to the hour of noon, and thrice his might was increased. All this
+espied Sir Marhaus and had great wonder how his might increased, and so they
+wounded other passing sore. And then when it was past noon, and when it drew
+toward evensong, Sir Gawaine&rsquo;s strength feebled, and waxed passing faint
+that unnethes he might dure any longer, and Sir Marhaus was then bigger and
+bigger. Sir knight, said Sir Marhaus, I have well felt that ye are a passing
+good knight and a marvellous man of might as ever I felt any, while it lasteth,
+and our quarrels are not great, and therefore it were pity to do you hurt, for
+I feel ye are passing feeble. Ah, said Sir Gawaine, gentle knight, ye say the
+word that I should say. And therewith they took off their helms, and either
+kissed other, and there they swore together either to love other as brethren.
+And Sir Marhaus prayed Sir Gawaine to lodge with him that night. And so they
+took their horses, and rode toward Sir Marhaus&rsquo; house. And as they rode
+by the way, Sir knight, said Sir Gawaine, I have marvel that so valiant a man
+as ye be love no ladies nor damosels. Sir, said Sir Marhaus, they name me
+wrongfully those that give me that name, but well I wot it be the damosels of
+the turret that so name me, and other such as they be. Now shall I tell you for
+what cause I hate them: for they be sorceresses and enchanters many of them,
+and be a knight never so good of his body and full of prowess as man may be,
+they will make him a stark coward to have the better of him, and this is the
+principal cause that I hate them; and to all good ladies and gentlewomen I owe
+my service as a knight ought to do.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As the book rehearseth in French, there were many knights that overmatched Sir
+Gawaine, for all the thrice might that he had: Sir Launcelot de Lake, Sir
+Tristram, Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Percivale, Sir Pelleas, and Sir Marhaus, these
+six knights had the better of Sir Gawaine. Then within a little while they came
+to Sir Marhaus&rsquo; place, which was in a little priory, and there they
+alighted, and ladies and damosels unarmed them, and hastily looked to their
+hurts, for they were all three hurt. And so they had all three good lodging
+with Sir Marhaus, and good cheer; for when he wist that they were King
+Arthur&rsquo;s sister&rsquo;s sons he made them all the cheer that lay in his
+power, and so they sojourned there a sennight, and were well eased of their
+wounds, and at the last departed. Now, said Sir Marhaus, we will not depart so
+lightly, for I will bring you through the forest; and rode day by day well a
+seven days or they found any adventure. At the last they came into a great
+forest, that was named the country and forest of Arroy, and the country of
+strange adventures. In this country, said Sir Marhaus, came never knight since
+it was christened but he found strange adventures; and so they rode, and came
+into a deep valley full of stones, and thereby they saw a fair stream of water;
+above thereby was the head of the stream a fair fountain, and three damosels
+sitting thereby. And then they rode to them, and either saluted other, and the
+eldest had a garland of gold about her head, and she was three score winter of
+age or more, and her hair was white under the garland. The second damosel was
+of thirty winter of age, with a circlet of gold about her head. The third
+damosel was but fifteen year of age, and a garland of flowers about her head.
+When these knights had so beheld them, they asked them the cause why they sat
+at that fountain? We be here, said the damosels, for this cause: if we may see
+any errant knights, to teach them unto strange adventures; and ye be three
+knights that seek adventures, and we be three damosels, and therefore each one
+of you must choose one of us; and when ye have done so we will lead you unto
+three highways, and there each of you shall choose a way and his damosel with
+him. And this day twelvemonth ye must meet here again, and God send you your
+lives, and thereto ye must plight your troth. This is well said, said Sir
+Marhaus.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap80"></a>CHAPTER XIX.<br/>How Sir Marhaus, Sir Gawaine, and Sir
+Uwaine met three damosels, and each of them took one.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now shall everych of us choose a damosel. I shall tell you, said Sir Uwaine, I
+am the youngest and most weakest of you both, therefore I will have the eldest
+damosel, for she hath seen much, and can best help me when I have need, for I
+have most need of help of you both. Now, said Sir Marhaus, I will have the
+damosel of thirty winter age, for she falleth best to me. Well, said Sir
+Gawaine, I thank you, for ye have left me the youngest and the fairest, and she
+is most liefest to me. Then every damosel took her knight by the reins of his
+bridle, and brought him to the three ways, and there was their oath made to
+meet at the fountain that day twelvemonth an they were living, and so they
+kissed and departed, and each knight set his lady behind him. And Sir Uwaine
+took the way that lay west, and Sir Marhaus took the way that lay south, and
+Sir Gawaine took the way that lay north. Now will we begin at Sir Gawaine, that
+held that way till that he came unto a fair manor, where dwelled an old knight
+and a good householder, and there Sir Gawaine asked the knight if he knew any
+adventures in that country. I shall show you some to-morn, said the old knight,
+and that marvellous. So, on the morn they rode into the forest of adventures to
+a laund, and thereby they found a cross, and as they stood and hoved there came
+by them the fairest knight and the seemliest man that ever they saw, making the
+greatest dole that ever man made. And then he was ware of Sir Gawaine, and
+saluted him, and prayed God to send him much worship. As to that, said Sir
+Gawaine, gramercy; also I pray to God that he send you honour and worship. Ah,
+said the knight, I may lay that aside, for sorrow and shame cometh to me after
+worship.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap81"></a>CHAPTER XX.<br/>How a knight and a dwarf strove for a
+lady.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And therewith he passed unto the one side of the laund; and on the other side
+saw Sir Gawaine ten knights that hoved still and made them ready with their
+shields and spears against that one knight that came by Sir Gawaine.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then this one knight aventred a great spear, and one of the ten knights
+encountered with him, but this woful knight smote him so hard that he fell over
+his horse&rsquo;s tail. So this same dolorous knight served them all, that at
+the leastway he smote down horse and man, and all he did with one spear; and so
+when they were all ten on foot, they went to that one knight, and he stood
+stone still, and suffered them to pull him down off his horse, and bound him
+hand and foot, and tied him under the horse&rsquo;s belly, and so led him with
+them. O Jesu! said Sir Gawaine, this is a doleful sight, to see the yonder
+knight so to be entreated, and it seemeth by the knight that he suffereth them
+to bind him so, for he maketh no resistance. No, said his host, that is truth,
+for an he would they all were too weak so to do him. Sir, said the damosel unto
+Sir Gawaine, meseemeth it were your worship to help that dolorous knight, for
+methinketh he is one of the best knights that ever I saw. I would do for him,
+said Sir Gawaine, but it seemeth he will have no help. Then, said the damosel,
+methinketh ye have no lust to help him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus as they talked they saw a knight on the other side of the laund all armed
+save the head. And on the other side there came a dwarf on horseback all armed
+save the head, with a great mouth and a short nose; and when the dwarf came
+nigh he said, Where is the lady should meet us here? and therewithal she came
+forth out of the wood. And then they began to strive for the lady; for the
+knight said he would have her, and the dwarf said he would have her. Will we do
+well? said the dwarf; yonder is a knight at the cross, let us put it both upon
+him, and as he deemeth so shall it be. I will well, said the knight, and so
+they went all three unto Sir Gawaine and told him wherefore they strove. Well,
+sirs, said he, will ye put the matter in my hand? Yea, they said both. Now
+damosel, said Sir Gawaine, ye shall stand betwixt them both, and whether ye
+list better to go to, he shall have you. And when she was set between them
+both, she left the knight and went to the dwarf, and the dwarf took her and
+went his way singing, and the knight went his way with great mourning.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then came there two knights all armed, and cried on high, Sir Gawaine! knight
+of King Arthur&rsquo;s, make thee ready in all haste and joust with me. So they
+ran together, that either fell down, and then on foot they drew their swords,
+and did full actually. The meanwhile the other knight went to the damosel, and
+asked her why she abode with that knight, and if ye would abide with me, I will
+be your faithful knight. And with you will I be, said the damosel, for with Sir
+Gawaine I may not find in mine heart to be with him; for now here was one
+knight discomfited ten knights, and at the last he was cowardly led away; and
+therefore let us two go whilst they fight. And Sir Gawaine fought with that
+other knight long, but at the last they accorded both. And then the knight
+prayed Sir Gawaine to lodge with him that night. So as Sir Gawaine went with
+this knight he asked him, What knight is he in this country that smote down the
+ten knights? For when he had done so manfully he suffered them to bind him hand
+and foot, and so led him away. Ah, said the knight, that is the best knight I
+trow in the world, and the most man of prowess, and he hath been served so as
+he was even more than ten times, and his name hight Sir Pelleas, and he loveth
+a great lady in this country and her name is Ettard. And so when he loved her
+there was cried in this country a great jousts three days, and all the knights
+of this country were there and gentlewomen, and who that proved him the best
+knight should have a passing good sword and a circlet of gold, and the circlet
+the knight should give it to the fairest lady that was at the jousts. And this
+knight Sir Pelleas was the best knight that was there, and there were five
+hundred knights, but there was never man that ever Sir Pelleas met withal but
+he struck him down, or else from his horse; and every day of three days he
+struck down twenty knights, therefore they gave him the prize, and forthwithal
+he went thereas the Lady Ettard was, and gave her the circlet, and said openly
+she was the fairest lady that there was, and that would he prove upon any
+knight that would say nay.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap82"></a>CHAPTER XXI.<br/>How King Pelleas suffered himself to
+be taken prisoner because he would have a sight of his lady, and how Sir
+Gawaine promised him to get to him the love of his lady.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And so he chose her for his sovereign lady, and never to love other but her,
+but she was so proud that she had scorn of him, and said that she would never
+love him though he would die for her. Wherefore all ladies and gentlewomen had
+scorn of her that she was so proud, for there were fairer than she, and there
+was none that was there but an Sir Pelleas would have proffered them love, they
+would have loved him for his noble prowess. And so this knight promised the
+Lady Ettard to follow her into this country, and never to leave her till she
+loved him. And thus he is here the most part nigh her, and lodged by a priory,
+and every week she sendeth knights to fight with him. And when he hath put them
+to the worse, then will he suffer them wilfully to take him prisoner, because
+he would have a sight of this lady. And always she doth him great despite, for
+sometime she maketh her knights to tie him to his horse&rsquo;s tail, and some
+to bind him under the horse&rsquo;s belly; thus in the most shamefullest ways
+that she can think he is brought to her. And all she doth it for to cause him
+to leave this country, and to leave his loving; but all this cannot make him to
+leave, for an he would have fought on foot he might have had the better of the
+ten knights as well on foot as on horseback. Alas, said Sir Gawaine, it is
+great pity of him; and after this night I will seek him to-morrow, in this
+forest, to do him all the help I can. So on the morn Sir Gawaine took his leave
+of his host Sir Carados, and rode into the forest; and at the last he met with
+Sir Pelleas, making great moan out of measure, so each of them saluted other,
+and asked him why he made such sorrow. And as it is above rehearsed, Sir
+Pelleas told Sir Gawaine: But always I suffer her knights to fare so with me as
+ye saw yesterday, in trust at the last to win her love, for she knoweth well
+all her knights should not lightly win me, an me list to fight with them to the
+uttermost. Wherefore an I loved her not so sore, I had liefer die an hundred
+times, an I might die so oft, rather than I would suffer that despite; but I
+trust she will have pity upon me at the last, for love causeth many a good
+knight to suffer to have his entent, but alas I am unfortunate. And therewith
+he made so great dole and sorrow that unnethe he might hold him on horseback.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now, said Sir Gawaine, leave your mourning and I shall promise you by the faith
+of my body to do all that lieth in my power to get you the love of your lady,
+and thereto I will plight you my troth. Ah, said Sir Pelleas, of what court are
+ye? tell me, I pray you, my good friend. And then Sir Gawaine said, I am of the
+court of King Arthur, and his sister&rsquo;s son, and King Lot of Orkney was my
+father, and my name is Sir Gawaine. And then he said, My name is Sir Pelleas,
+born in the Isles, and of many isles I am lord, and never have I loved lady nor
+damosel till now in an unhappy time; and, sir knight, since ye are so nigh
+cousin unto King Arthur, and a king&rsquo;s son, therefore betray me not but
+help me, for I may never come by her but by some good knight, for she is in a
+strong castle here, fast by within this four mile, and over all this country
+she is lady of. And so I may never come to her presence, but as I suffer her
+knights to take me, and but if I did so that I might have a sight of her, I had
+been dead long or this time; and yet fair word had I never of her, but when I
+am brought to-fore her she rebuketh me in the foulest manner. And then they
+take my horse and harness and put me out of the gates, and she will not suffer
+me to eat nor drink; and always I offer me to be her prisoner, but that she
+will not suffer me, for I would desire no more, what pains so ever I had, so
+that I might have a sight of her daily. Well, said Sir Gawaine, all this shall
+I amend an ye will do as I shall devise: I will have your horse and your
+armour, and so will I ride unto her castle and tell her that I have slain you,
+and so shall I come within her to cause her to cherish me, and then shall I do
+my true part that ye shall not fail to have the love of her.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap83"></a>CHAPTER XXII.<br/>How Sir Gawaine came to the Lady
+Ettard, and how Sir Pelleas found them sleeping.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And therewith Sir Gawaine plight his troth unto Sir Pelleas to be true and
+faithful unto him; so each one plight their troth to other, and so they changed
+horses and harness, and Sir Gawaine departed, and came to the castle whereas
+stood the pavilions of this lady without the gate. And as soon as Ettard had
+espied Sir Gawaine she fled in toward the castle. Sir Gawaine spake on high,
+and bade her abide, for he was not Sir Pelleas; I am another knight that have
+slain Sir Pelleas. Do off your helm, said the Lady Ettard, that I may see your
+visage. And so when she saw that it was not Sir Pelleas, she bade him alight
+and led him unto her castle, and asked him faithfully whether he had slain Sir
+Pelleas. And he said her yea, and told her his name was Sir Gawaine of the
+court of King Arthur, and his sister&rsquo;s son. Truly, said she, that is
+great pity, for he was a passing good knight of his body, but of all men alive
+I hated him most, for I could never be quit of him; and for ye have slain him I
+shall be your woman, and to do anything that might please you. So she made Sir
+Gawaine good cheer. Then Sir Gawaine said that he loved a lady and by no means
+she would love him. She is to blame, said Ettard, an she will not love you, for
+ye that be so well born a man, and such a man of prowess, there is no lady in
+the world too good for you. Will ye, said Sir Gawaine, promise me to do all
+that ye may, by the faith of your body, to get me the love of my lady? Yea,
+sir, said she, and that I promise you by the faith of my body. Now, said Sir
+Gawaine, it is yourself that I love so well, therefore I pray you hold your
+promise. I may not choose, said the Lady Ettard, but if I should be forsworn;
+and so she granted him to fulfil all his desire.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So it was then in the month of May that she and Sir Gawaine went out of the
+castle and supped in a pavilion, and there was made a bed, and there Sir
+Gawaine and the Lady Ettard went to bed together, and in another pavilion she
+laid her damosels, and in the third pavilion she laid part of her knights, for
+then she had no dread of Sir Pelleas. And there Sir Gawaine lay with her in
+that pavilion two days and two nights. And on the third day, in the morning
+early, Sir Pelleas armed him, for he had never slept since Sir Gawaine departed
+from him; for Sir Gawaine had promised him by the faith of his body, to come to
+him unto his pavilion by that priory within the space of a day and a night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Pelleas mounted upon horseback, and came to the pavilions that stood
+without the castle, and found in the first pavilion three knights in three
+beds, and three squires lying at their feet. Then went he to the second
+pavilion and found four gentlewomen lying in four beds. And then he yede to the
+third pavilion and found Sir Gawaine lying in bed with his Lady Ettard, and
+either clipping other in arms, and when he saw that his heart well-nigh brast
+for sorrow, and said: Alas! that ever a knight should be found so false; and
+then he took his horse and might not abide no longer for pure sorrow. And when
+he had ridden nigh half a mile he turned again and thought to slay them both;
+and when he saw them both so lie sleeping fast, unnethe he might hold him on
+horseback for sorrow, and said thus to himself, Though this knight be never so
+false, I will never slay him sleeping, for I will never destroy the high order
+of knighthood; and therewith he departed again. And or he had ridden half a
+mile he returned again, and thought then to slay them both, making the greatest
+sorrow that ever man made. And when he came to the pavilions, he tied his horse
+unto a tree, and pulled out his sword naked in his hand, and went to them
+thereas they lay, and yet he thought it were shame to slay them sleeping, and
+laid the naked sword overthwart both their throats, and so took his horse and
+rode his way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when Sir Pelleas came to his pavilions he told his knights and his squires
+how he had sped, and said thus to them, For your true and good service ye have
+done me I shall give you all my goods, for I will go unto my bed and never
+arise until I am dead. And when that I am dead I charge you that ye take the
+heart out of my body and bear it her betwixt two silver dishes, and tell her
+how I saw her lie with the false knight Sir Gawaine. Right so Sir Pelleas
+unarmed himself, and went unto his bed making marvellous dole and sorrow.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Gawaine and Ettard awoke of their sleep, and found the naked sword
+overthwart their throats, then she knew well it was Sir Pelleas&rsquo; sword.
+Alas! said she to Sir Gawaine, ye have betrayed me and Sir Pelleas both, for ye
+told me ye had slain him, and now I know well it is not so, he is alive. And if
+Sir Pelleas had been as uncourteous to you as ye have been to him ye had been a
+dead knight; but ye have deceived me and betrayed me falsely, that all ladies
+and damosels may beware by you and me. And therewith Sir Gawaine made him
+ready, and went into the forest. So it happed then that the Damosel of the
+Lake, Nimue, met with a knight of Sir Pelleas, that went on his foot in the
+forest making great dole, and she asked him the cause. And so the woful knight
+told her how his master and lord was betrayed through a knight and lady, and
+how he will never arise out of his bed till he be dead. Bring me to him, said
+she anon, and I will warrant his life he shall not die for love, and she that
+hath caused him so to love, she shall be in as evil plight as he is or it be
+long to, for it is no joy of such a proud lady that will have no mercy of such
+a valiant knight. Anon that knight brought her unto him, and when she saw him
+lie in his bed, she thought she saw never so likely a knight; and therewith she
+threw an enchantment upon him, and he fell asleep. And therewhile she rode unto
+the Lady Ettard, and charged no man to awake him till she came again. So within
+two hours she brought the Lady Ettard thither, and both ladies found him
+asleep: Lo, said the Damosel of the Lake, ye ought to be ashamed for to murder
+such a knight. And therewith she threw such an enchantment upon her that she
+loved him sore, that well-nigh she was out of her mind. O Lord Jesu, said the
+Lady Ettard, how is it befallen unto me that I love now him that I have most
+hated of any man alive? That is the righteous judgment of God, said the
+damosel. And then anon Sir Pelleas awaked and looked upon Ettard; and when he
+saw her he knew her, and then he hated her more than any woman alive, and said:
+Away, traitress, come never in my sight. And when she heard him say so, she
+wept and made great sorrow out of measure.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap84"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.<br/>How Sir Pelleas loved no more
+Ettard by means of the Damosel of the Lake, whom he loved ever after.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Sir knight Pelleas, said the Damosel of the Lake, take your horse and come
+forth with me out of this country, and ye shall love a lady that shall love
+you. I will well, said Sir Pelleas, for this Lady Ettard hath done me great
+despite and shame, and there he told her the beginning and ending, and how he
+had purposed never to have arisen till that he had been dead. And now such
+grace God hath sent me, that I hate her as much as ever I loved her, thanked be
+our Lord Jesus! Thank me, said the Damosel of the Lake. Anon Sir Pelleas armed
+him, and took his horse, and commanded his men to bring after his pavilions and
+his stuff where the Damosel of the Lake would assign. So the Lady Ettard died
+for sorrow, and the Damosel of the Lake rejoiced Sir Pelleas, and loved
+together during their life days.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap85"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.<br/>How Sir Marhaus rode with the
+damosel, and how he came to the Duke of the South Marches.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Marhaus, that rode with the damosel of thirty winter of
+age, southward. And so they came into a deep forest, and by fortune they were
+nighted, and rode long in a deep way, and at the last they came unto a
+courtelage, and there they asked harbour. But the man of the courtelage would
+not lodge them for no treatise that they could treat, but thus much the good
+man said, An ye will take the adventure of your lodging, I shall bring you
+where ye shall be lodged. What adventure is that that I shall have for my
+lodging? said Sir Marhaus. Ye shall wit when ye come there, said the good man.
+Sir, what adventure so it be, bring me thither I pray thee, said Sir Marhaus;
+for I am weary, my damosel, and my horse. So the good man went and opened the
+gate, and within an hour he brought him unto a fair castle, and then the poor
+man called the porter, and anon he was let into the castle, and so he told the
+lord how he brought him a knight errant and a damosel that would be lodged with
+him. Let him in, said the lord, it may happen he shall repent that they took
+their lodging here.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So Sir Marhaus was let in with torchlight, and there was a goodly sight of
+young men that welcomed him. And then his horse was led into the stable, and he
+and the damosel were brought into the hall, and there stood a mighty duke and
+many goodly men about him. Then this lord asked him what he hight, and from
+whence he came, and with whom he dwelt. Sir, he said, I am a knight of King
+Arthur&rsquo;s and knight of the Table Round, and my name is Sir Marhaus, and
+born I am in Ireland. And then said the duke to him, That me sore repenteth:
+the cause is this, for I love not thy lord nor none of thy fellows of the Table
+Round; and therefore ease thyself this night as well as thou mayest, for as
+to-morn I and my six sons shall match with you. Is there no remedy but that I
+must have ado with you and your six sons at once? said Sir Marhaus. No, said
+the duke, for this cause I made mine avow, for Sir Gawaine slew my seven sons
+in a recounter, therefore I made mine avow, there should never knight of King
+Arthur&rsquo;s court lodge with me, or come thereas I might have ado with him,
+but that I would have a revenging of my sons&rsquo; death. What is your name?
+said Sir Marhaus; I require you tell me, an it please you. Wit thou well I am
+the Duke of South Marches. Ah, said Sir Marhaus, I have heard say that ye have
+been long time a great foe unto my lord Arthur and to his knights. That shall
+ye feel to-morn, said the duke. Shall I have ado with you? said Sir Marhaus.
+Yea, said the duke, thereof shalt thou not choose, and therefore take you to
+your chamber, and ye shall have all that to you longeth. So Sir Marhaus
+departed and was led to a chamber, and his damosel was led unto her chamber.
+And on the morn the duke sent unto Sir Marhaus and bade make him ready. And so
+Sir Marhaus arose and armed him, and then there was a mass sung afore him, and
+brake his fast, and so mounted on horseback in the court of the castle where
+they should do the battle. So there was the duke all ready on horseback, clean
+armed, and his six sons by him, and everych had a spear in his hand, and so
+they encountered, whereas the duke and his two sons brake their spears upon
+him, but Sir Marhaus held up his spear and touched none of them.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap86"></a>CHAPTER XXV.<br/>How Sir Marhaus fought with the duke
+and his four sons and made them to yield them.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then came the four sons by couple, and two of them brake their spears, and so
+did the other two. And all this while Sir Marhaus touched them not. Then Sir
+Marhaus ran to the duke, and smote him with his spear that horse and man fell
+to the earth, and so he served his sons; and then Sir Marhaus alighted down and
+bade the duke yield him or else he would slay him. And then some of his sons
+recovered, and would have set upon Sir Marhaus; then Sir Marhaus said to the
+duke, Cease thy sons, or else I will do the uttermost to you all. Then the duke
+saw he might not escape the death, he cried to his sons, and charged them to
+yield them to Sir Marhaus; and they kneeled all down and put the pommels of
+their swords to the knight, and so he received them. And then they helped up
+their father, and so by their cominal assent promised to Sir Marhaus never to
+be foes unto King Arthur, and thereupon at Whitsuntide after to come, he and
+his sons, and put them in the king&rsquo;s grace.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Marhaus departed, and within two days his damosel brought him whereas
+was a great tournament that the Lady de Vawse had cried. And who that did best
+should have a rich circlet of gold worth a thousand besants. And there Sir
+Marhaus did so nobly that he was renowned, and had sometime down forty knights,
+and so the circlet of gold was rewarded him. Then he departed from them with
+great worship; and so within seven nights his damosel brought him to an
+earl&rsquo;s place, his name was the Earl Fergus, that after was Sir
+Tristram&rsquo;s knight; and this earl was but a young man, and late come into
+his lands, and there was a giant fast by him that hight Taulurd, and he had
+another brother in Cornwall that hight Taulas, that Sir Tristram slew when he
+was out of his mind. So this earl made his complaint unto Sir Marhaus, that
+there was a giant by him that destroyed all his lands, and how he durst nowhere
+ride nor go for him. Sir, said the knight, whether useth he to fight on
+horseback or on foot? Nay, said the earl, there may no horse bear him. Well,
+said Sir Marhaus, then will I fight with him on foot; so on the morn Sir
+Marhaus prayed the earl that one of his men might bring him whereas the giant
+was; and so he was, for he saw him sit under a tree of holly, and many clubs of
+iron and gisarms about him. So this knight dressed him to the giant, putting
+his shield afore him, and the giant took an iron club in his hand, and at the
+first stroke he clave Sir Marhaus&rsquo; shield in two pieces. And there he was
+in great peril, for the giant was a wily fighter, but at last Sir Marhaus smote
+off his right arm above the elbow.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the giant fled and the knight after him, and so he drove him into a water,
+but the giant was so high that he might not wade after him. And then Sir
+Marhaus made the Earl Fergus&rsquo; man to fetch him stones, and with those
+stones the knight gave the giant many sore knocks, till at the last he made him
+fall down into the water, and so was he there dead. Then Sir Marhaus went unto
+the giant&rsquo;s castle, and there he delivered twenty-four ladies and twelve
+knights out of the giant&rsquo;s prison, and there he had great riches without
+number, so that the days of his life he was never poor man. Then he returned to
+the Earl Fergus, the which thanked him greatly, and would have given him half
+his lands, but he would none take. So Sir Marhaus dwelled with the earl nigh
+half a year, for he was sore bruised with the giant, and at the last he took
+his leave. And as he rode by the way, he met with Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine,
+and so by adventure he met with four knights of Arthur&rsquo;s court, the first
+was Sir Sagramore le Desirous, Sir Osanna, Sir Dodinas le Savage, and Sir Felot
+of Listinoise; and there Sir Marhaus with one spear smote down these four
+knights, and hurt them sore. So he departed to meet at his day aforeset.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap87"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.<br/>How Sir Uwaine rode with the damosel
+of sixty year of age, and how he gat the prize at tourneying.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Uwaine, that rode westward with his damosel of three score
+winter of age, and she brought him thereas was a tournament nigh the march of
+Wales. And at that tournament Sir Uwaine smote down thirty knights, therefore
+was given him the prize, and that was a gerfalcon, and a white steed trapped
+with cloth of gold. So then Sir Uwaine did many strange adventures by the means
+of the old damosel, and so she brought him to a lady that was called the Lady
+of the Rock, the which was much courteous. So there were in the country two
+knights that were brethren, and they were called two perilous knights, the one
+knight hight Sir Edward of the Red Castle, and the other Sir Hue of the Red
+Castle; and these two brethren had disherited the Lady of the Rock of a barony
+of lands by their extortion. And as this knight was lodged with this lady she
+made her complaint to him of these two knights.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Madam, said Sir Uwaine, they are to blame, for they do against the high order
+of knighthood, and the oath that they made; and if it like you I will speak
+with them, because I am a knight of King Arthur&rsquo;s, and I will entreat
+them with fairness; and if they will not, I shall do battle with them, and in
+the defence of your right. Gramercy said the lady, and thereas I may not acquit
+you, God shall. So on the morn the two knights were sent for, that they should
+come thither to speak with the Lady of the Rock, and wit ye well they failed
+not, for they came with an hundred horse. But when this lady saw them in this
+manner so big, she would not suffer Sir Uwaine to go out to them upon no surety
+nor for no fair language, but she made him speak with them over a tower, but
+finally these two brethren would not be entreated, and answered that they would
+keep that they had. Well, said Sir Uwaine, then will I fight with one of you,
+and prove that ye do this lady wrong. That will we not, said they, for an we do
+battle, we two will fight with one knight at once, and therefore if ye will
+fight so, we will be ready at what hour ye will assign. And if ye win us in
+battle the lady shall have her lands again. Ye say well, said Sir Uwaine,
+therefore make you ready so that ye be here to-morn in the defence of the
+lady&rsquo;s right.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap88"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.<br/>How Sir Uwaine fought with two
+knights and overcame them.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So was there sikerness made on both parties that no treason should be wrought
+on neither party; so then the knights departed and made them ready, and that
+night Sir Uwaine had great cheer. And on the morn he arose early and heard
+mass, and brake his fast, and so he rode unto the plain without the gates,
+where hoved the two brethren abiding him. So they rode together passing sore,
+that Sir Edward and Sir Hue brake their spears upon Sir Uwaine. And Sir Uwaine
+smote Sir Edward that he fell over his horse and yet his spear brast not. And
+then he spurred his horse and came upon Sir Hue and overthrew him, but they
+soon recovered and dressed their shields and drew their swords and bade Sir
+Uwaine alight and do his battle to the uttermost. Then Sir Uwaine devoided his
+horse suddenly, and put his shield afore him and drew his sword, and so they
+dressed together, and either gave other such strokes, and there these two
+brethren wounded Sir Uwaine passing grievously that the Lady of the Rock weened
+he should have died. And thus they fought together five hours as men raged out
+of reason. And at the last Sir Uwaine smote Sir Edward upon the helm such a
+stroke that his sword carved unto his canel bone, and then Sir Hue abated his
+courage, but Sir Uwaine pressed fast to have slain him. That saw Sir Hue: he
+kneeled down and yielded him to Sir Uwaine. And he of his gentleness received
+his sword, and took him by the hand, and went into the castle together. Then
+the Lady of the Rock was passing glad, and the other brother made great sorrow
+for his brother&rsquo;s death. Then the lady was restored of all her lands, and
+Sir Hue was commanded to be at the court of King Arthur at the next feast of
+Pentecost. So Sir Uwaine dwelt with the lady nigh half a year, for it was long
+or he might be whole of his great hurts. And so when it drew nigh the term-day
+that Sir Gawaine, Sir Marhaus, and Sir Uwaine should meet at the cross-way,
+then every knight drew him thither to hold his promise that they had made; and
+Sir Marhaus and Sir Uwaine brought their damosels with them, but Sir Gawaine
+had lost his damosel, as it is afore rehearsed.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap89"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.<br/>How at the year&rsquo;s end all
+three knights with their three damosels met at the fountain.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Right so at the twelvemonths&rsquo; end they met all three knights at the
+fountain and their damosels, but the damosel that Sir Gawaine had could say but
+little worship of him so they departed from the damosels and rode through a
+great forest, and there they met with a messenger that came from King Arthur,
+that had sought them well-nigh a twelvemonth throughout all England, Wales, and
+Scotland, and charged if ever he might find Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine to bring
+them to the court again. And then were they all glad, and so prayed they Sir
+Marhaus to ride with them to the king&rsquo;s court. And so within twelve days
+they came to Camelot, and the king was passing glad of their coming, and so was
+all the court. Then the king made them to swear upon a book to tell him all
+their adventures that had befallen them that twelvemonth, and so they did. And
+there was Sir Marhaus well known, for there were knights that he had matched
+aforetime, and he was named one of the best knights living.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Against the feast of Pentecost came the Damosel of the Lake and brought with
+her Sir Pelleas; and at that high feast there was great jousting of knights,
+and of all knights that were at that jousts, Sir Pelleas had the prize, and Sir
+Marhaus was named the next; but Sir Pelleas was so strong there might but few
+knights sit him a buffet with a spear. And at that next feast Sir Pelleas and
+Sir Marhaus were made knights of the Table Round, for there were two sieges
+void, for two knights were slain that twelvemonth, and great joy had King
+Arthur of Sir Pelleas and of Sir Marhaus. But Pelleas loved never after Sir
+Gawaine, but as he spared him for the love of King Arthur; but ofttimes at
+jousts and tournaments Sir Pelleas quit Sir Gawaine, for so it rehearseth in
+the book of French. So Sir Tristram many days after fought with Sir Marhaus in
+an island, and there they did a great battle, but at the last Sir Tristram slew
+him, so Sir Tristram was wounded that unnethe he might recover, and lay at a
+nunnery half a year. And Sir Pelleas was a worshipful knight, and was one of
+the four that achieved the Sangreal, and the Damosel of the Lake made by her
+means that never he had ado with Sir Launcelot de Lake, for where Sir Launcelot
+was at any jousts or any tournament, she would not suffer him be there that
+day, but if it were on the side of Sir Launcelot.
+</p>
+
+<h5>Explicit liber quartus.<br/>
+Incipit liber quintus.</h5>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="part05"></a>BOOK V.</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap90"></a>CHAPTER I.<br/>How twelve aged ambassadors of Rome
+came to King Arthur to demand truage for Britain.</h3>
+
+<p>
+When King Arthur had after long war rested, and held a royal feast and Table
+Round with his allies of kings, princes, and noble knights all of the Round
+Table, there came into his hall, he sitting in his throne royal, twelve ancient
+men, bearing each of them a branch of olive, in token that they came as
+ambassadors and messengers from the Emperor Lucius, which was called at that
+time, Dictator or Procuror of the Public Weal of Rome. Which said messengers,
+after their entering and coming into the presence of King Arthur, did to him
+their obeisance in making to him reverence, and said to him in this wise: The
+high and mighty Emperor Lucius sendeth to the King of Britain greeting,
+commanding thee to acknowledge him for thy lord, and to send him the truage due
+of this realm unto the Empire, which thy father and other to-fore thy
+precessors have paid as is of record, and thou as rebel not knowing him as thy
+sovereign, withholdest and retainest contrary to the statutes and decrees made
+by the noble and worthy Julius Cesar, 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, that it shall be ensample perpetual unto
+all kings and princes, for to deny their truage unto that noble empire which
+domineth upon the universal world. Then when they had showed the effect of
+their message, the king commanded them to withdraw them, and said he should
+take advice of council and give to them an answer. Then some of the young
+knights, hearing this their message, would have run on them to have slain them,
+saying that it was a rebuke to all the knights there being present to suffer
+them to say so to the king. And anon the king commanded that none of them, upon
+pain of death, to missay them nor do them any harm, and commanded a knight to
+bring them to their lodging, and see that they have all that is necessary and
+requisite for them, with the best cheer, and that no dainty be spared, for the
+Romans be great lords, and though their message please me not nor my court, yet
+I must remember mine honour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After this the king let call all his lords and knights of the Round Table to
+counsel upon this matter, and desired them to say their advice. Then Sir Cador
+of Cornwall spake first and said, Sir, this message liketh me well, for we have
+many days rested us and have been idle, and now I hope ye shall make sharp war
+on the Romans, where I doubt not we shall get honour. I believe well, said
+Arthur, that this matter pleaseth thee well, but these answers may not be
+answered, for the demand grieveth me sore, for truly I will never pay truage to
+Rome, wherefore I pray you to counsel me. I have understood that Belinus and
+Brenius, kings of Britain, have had the empire in their hands many days, and
+also Constantine the son of Heleine, which is an open evidence that we owe no
+tribute to Rome but of right we that be descended of them have right to claim
+the title of the empire.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap91"></a>CHAPTER II.<br/>How the kings and lords promised to
+King Arthur aid and help against the Romans.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then answered King Anguish of Scotland, Sir, ye ought of right to be above all
+other kings, for unto you is none like nor pareil in Christendom, of knighthood
+nor of dignity, and I counsel you never to obey the Romans, for when they
+reigned on us they distressed our elders, and put this land to great extortions
+and tallies, wherefore I make here mine avow to avenge me on them; and for to
+strengthen your quarrel I shall furnish twenty thousand good men of war, and
+wage them on my costs, which shall await on you with myself when it shall
+please you. And the king of Little Britain granted him to the same thirty
+thousand; wherefore King Arthur thanked them. And then every man agreed to make
+war, and to aid after their power; that is to wit, the lord of West Wales
+promised to bring thirty thousand men, and Sir Uwaine, Sir Ider his son, with
+their cousins, promised to bring thirty thousand. Then Sir Launcelot with all
+other promised in likewise every man a great multitude.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when King Arthur understood their courages and good wills he thanked them
+heartily, and after let call the ambassadors to hear their answer. And in
+presence of all his lords and knights he said to them in this wise: I will that
+ye return unto your lord and Procuror of the Common Weal for the Romans, and
+say ye to him, Of his demand and commandment I set nothing, and that I know of
+no truage nor tribute that I owe to him, nor to none earthly prince, Christian
+nor heathen; but I pretend to have and occupy the sovereignty of the empire,
+wherein I am entitled by the right of my predecessors, sometime kings of this
+land; and say to him that I am delibered and fully concluded, to go with mine
+army with strength and power unto Rome, by the grace of God, to take possession
+in the empire and subdue them that be rebel. Wherefore I command him and all
+them of Rome, that incontinent they make to me their homage, and to acknowledge
+me for their Emperor and Governor, upon pain that shall ensue. And then he
+commanded his treasurer to give to them great and large gifts, and to pay all
+their dispenses, and assigned Sir Cador to convey them out of the land. And so
+they took their leave and departed, and took their shipping at Sandwich, and
+passed forth by Flanders, Almaine, the mountains, and all Italy, until they
+came unto Lucius. And after the reverence made, they made relation of their
+answer, like as ye to-fore have heard.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When the Emperor Lucius had well understood their credence, he was sore moved
+as he had been all araged, and said, I had supposed that Arthur would have
+obeyed to my commandment, and have served you himself, as him well beseemed or
+any other king to do. O Sir, said one of the senators, let be such vain words,
+for we let you wit that I and my fellows were full sore afeard to behold his
+countenance; I fear me ye have made a rod for yourself, for he intendeth to be
+lord of this empire, which sore is to be doubted if he come, for he is all
+another man than ye ween, and holdeth the most noble court of the world, all
+other kings nor princes may not compare unto his noble maintenance. On New
+Year&rsquo;s Day we saw him in his estate, which was the royalest that ever we
+saw, for he was served at his table with nine kings, and the noblest fellowship
+of other princes, lords, and knights that be in the world, and every knight
+approved and like a lord, and holdeth Table Round: and in his person the most
+manly man that liveth, and is like to conquer all the world, for unto his
+courage it is too little: wherefore I advise you to keep well your marches and
+straits in the mountains; for certainly he is a lord to be doubted. Well, said
+Lucius, before Easter I suppose to pass the mountains, and so forth into
+France, and there bereave him his lands with Genoese and other mighty warriors
+of Tuscany and Lombardy. And I shall send for them all that be subjects and
+allied to the empire of Rome to come to mine aid. And forthwith sent old wise
+knights unto these countries following: first to Ambage and Arrage, to
+Alexandria, to India, to Armenia, whereas the river of Euphrates runneth into
+Asia, to Africa, and Europe the Large, to Ertayne and Elamye, to Araby, Egypt,
+and to Damascus, to Damietta and Cayer, to Cappadocia, to Tarsus, Turkey,
+Pontus and Pamphylia, to Syria and Galatia. And all these were subject to Rome
+and many more, as Greece, Cyprus, Macedonia, Calabria, Cateland, Portugal, with
+many thousands of Spaniards. Thus all these kings, dukes, and admirals,
+assembled about Rome, with sixteen kings at once, with great multitude of
+people. When the emperor understood their coming he made ready his Romans and
+all the people between him and Flanders.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he had gotten with him fifty giants which had been engendered of fiends;
+and they were ordained to guard his person, and to break the front of the
+battle of King Arthur. And thus departed from Rome, and came down the mountains
+for to destroy the lands that Arthur had conquered, and came unto Cologne, and
+besieged a castle thereby, and won it soon, and stuffed it with two hundred
+Saracens or Infidels, and after destroyed many fair countries which Arthur had
+won of King Claudas. And thus Lucius came with all his host, which were
+disperplyd sixty mile in breadth, and commanded them to meet with him in
+Burgoyne, for he purposed to destroy the realm of Little Britain.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap92"></a>CHAPTER III.<br/>How King Arthur held a parliament at
+York, and how he ordained the realm should be governed in his absence.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now leave we of Lucius the Emperor and speak we of King Arthur, that commanded
+all them of his retinue to be ready at the utas of Hilary for to hold a
+parliament at York. And at that parliament was concluded to arrest all the navy
+of the land, and to be ready within fifteen days at Sandwich, and there he
+showed to his army how he purposed to conquer the empire which he ought to have
+of right. And there he ordained two governors of this realm, that is to say,
+Sir Baudwin of Britain, for to counsel to the best, and Sir Constantine, son to
+Sir Cador of Cornwall, which after the death of Arthur was king of this realm.
+And in the presence of all his lords he resigned the rule of the realm and
+Guenever his queen to them, wherefore Sir Launcelot was wroth, for he left Sir
+Tristram with King Mark for the love of Beale Isould. Then the Queen Guenever
+made great sorrow for the departing of her lord and other, and swooned in such
+wise that the ladies bare her into her chamber. Thus the king with his great
+army departed, leaving the queen and realm in the governance of Sir Baudwin and
+Constantine. And when he was on his horse he said with an high voice, If I die
+in this journey I will that Sir Constantine be mine heir and king crowned of
+this realm as next of my blood. And after departed and entered into the sea at
+Sandwich with all his army, with a great multitude of ships, galleys, cogs, and
+dromounds, sailing on the sea.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap93"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br/>How King Arthur being shipped and
+lying in his cabin had a marvellous dream and of the exposition thereof.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And as the king lay in his cabin in the ship, he fell in a slumbering and
+dreamed a marvellous dream: him seemed that a dreadful dragon did drown much of
+his people, and he came flying out of the west, and his head was enamelled with
+azure, and his shoulders shone as gold, his belly like mails of a marvellous
+hue, his tail full of tatters, his feet full of fine sable, and his claws like
+fine gold; and an hideous flame of fire flew out of his mouth, like as the land
+and water had flamed all of fire. After, him seemed there came out of the
+orient, a grimly boar all black in a cloud, and his paws as big as a post; he
+was rugged looking roughly, he was the foulest beast that ever man saw, he
+roared and romed so hideously that it were marvel to hear. Then the dreadful
+dragon advanced him and came in the wind like a falcon giving great strokes on
+the boar, and the boar hit him again with his grizzly tusks that his breast was
+all bloody, and that the hot blood made all the sea red of his blood. Then the
+dragon flew away all on an height, and came down with such a swough, and smote
+the boar on the ridge, which was ten foot large from the head to the tail, and
+smote the boar all to powder both flesh and bones, that it flittered all abroad
+on the sea.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And therewith the king awoke anon, and was sore abashed of this dream, and sent
+anon for a wise philosopher, commanding to tell him the signification of his
+dream. Sir, said the philosopher, the dragon that thou dreamedst of betokeneth
+thine own person that sailest here, and the colours of his wings be thy realms
+that thou hast won, and his tail which is all to-tattered signifieth the noble
+knights of the Round Table; and the boar that the dragon slew coming from the
+clouds betokeneth some tyrant that tormenteth the people, or else thou art like
+to fight with some giant thyself, being horrible and abominable, whose peer ye
+saw never in your days, wherefore of this dreadful dream doubt thee nothing,
+but as a conqueror come forth thyself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then after this soon they had sight of land, and sailed till they arrived at
+Barflete in Flanders, and when they were there he found many of his great lords
+ready, as they had been commanded to wait upon him.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap94"></a>CHAPTER V.<br/>How a man of the country told to him of
+a marvellous giant, and how he fought and conquered him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then came to him an husbandman of the country, and told him how there was in
+the country of Constantine beside Brittany, a great giant which had slain,
+murdered and devoured much people of the country, and had been sustained seven
+year with the children of the commons of that land, insomuch that all the
+children be all slain and destroyed; and now late he hath taken the Duchess of
+Brittany as she rode with her meiny, and hath led her to his lodging which is
+in a mountain, for to ravish and lie by her to her life&rsquo;s end, and many
+people followed her, more than five hundred, but all they might not rescue her,
+but they left her shrieking and crying lamentably, wherefore I suppose that he
+hath slain her in fulfilling his foul lust of lechery. She was wife unto thy
+cousin Sir Howell, whom we call full nigh of thy blood. Now, as thou art a
+rightful king, have pity on this lady, and revenge us all as thou art a noble
+conqueror. Alas, said King Arthur, this is a great mischief, I had liefer than
+the best realm that I have that I had been a furlong way to-fore him for to
+have rescued that lady. Now, fellow, said King Arthur, canst thou bring me
+thereas this giant haunteth? Yea, Sir, said the good man, look yonder whereas
+thou seest those two great fires, there shalt thou find him, and more treasure
+than I suppose is in all France. When the king had understood this piteous
+case, he returned into his tent.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then he called to him Sir Kay and Sir Bedivere, and commanded them secretly to
+make ready horse and harness for himself and them twain; for after evensong he
+would ride on pilgrimage with them two only unto Saint Michael&rsquo;s mount.
+And then anon he made him ready, and armed him at all points, and took his
+horse and his shield. And so they three departed thence and rode forth as fast
+as ever they might till that they came to the foreland of that mount. And there
+they alighted, and the king commanded them to tarry there, for he would himself
+go up into that mount. And so he ascended up into that hill till he came to a
+great fire, and there he found a careful widow wringing her hands and making
+great sorrow, sitting by a grave new made. And then King Arthur saluted her,
+and demanded of her wherefore she made such lamentation, to whom she answered
+and said, Sir knight, speak soft, for yonder is a devil, if he hear thee speak
+he will come and destroy thee; I hold thee unhappy; what dost thou here in this
+mountain? for if ye were such fifty as ye be, ye were not able to make
+resistance against this devil: here lieth a duchess dead, the which was the
+fairest of all the world, wife to Sir Howell, Duke of Brittany, he hath
+murdered her in forcing her, and hath slit her unto the navel.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Dame, said the king, I come from the noble conqueror King Arthur, for to treat
+with that tyrant for his liege people. Fie on such treaties, said she, he
+setteth not by the king nor by no man else; but an if thou have brought
+Arthur&rsquo;s wife, dame Guenever, he shall be gladder than thou hadst given
+to him half France. Beware, approach him not too nigh, for he hath vanquished
+fifteen kings, and hath made him a coat full of precious stones embroidered
+with their beards, which they sent him to have his love for salvation of their
+people at this last Christmas. And if thou wilt, speak with him at yonder great
+fire at supper. Well, said Arthur, I will accomplish my message for all your
+fearful words; and went forth by the crest of that hill, and saw where he sat
+at supper gnawing on a limb of a man, baking his broad limbs by the fire, and
+breechless, and three fair damosels turning three broaches whereon were
+broached twelve young children late born, like young birds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When King Arthur beheld that piteous sight he had great compassion on them, so
+that his heart bled for sorrow, and hailed him, saying in this wise: He that
+all the world wieldeth give thee short life and shameful death; and the devil
+have thy soul; why hast thou murdered these young innocent children, and
+murdered this duchess? Therefore, arise and dress thee, thou glutton, for this
+day shalt thou die of my hand. Then the glutton anon started up, and took a
+great club in his hand, and smote at the king that his coronal fell to the
+earth. And the king hit him again that he carved his belly and cut off his
+genitours, that his guts and his entrails fell down to the ground. Then the
+giant threw away his club, and caught the king in his arms that he crushed his
+ribs. Then the three maidens kneeled down and called to Christ for help and
+comfort of Arthur. And then Arthur weltered and wrung, that he was other while
+under and another time above. And so weltering and wallowing they rolled down
+the hill till they came to the sea mark, and ever as they so weltered Arthur
+smote him with his dagger.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And it fortuned they came to the place whereas the two knights were and kept
+Arthur&rsquo;s horse; then when they saw the king fast in the giant&rsquo;s
+arms they came and loosed him. And then the king commanded Sir Kay to smite off
+the giant&rsquo;s head, and to set it upon a truncheon of a spear, and bear it
+to Sir Howell, and tell him that his enemy was slain; and after let this head
+be bound to a barbican that all the people may see and behold it; and go ye two
+up to the mountain, and fetch me my shield, my sword, and the club of iron; and
+as for the treasure, take ye it, for ye shall find there goods out of number;
+so I have the kirtle and the club I desire no more. This was the fiercest giant
+that ever I met with, save one in the mount of Araby, which I overcame, but
+this was greater and fiercer. Then the knights fetched the club and the kirtle,
+and some of the treasure they took to themselves, and returned again to the
+host. And anon this was known through all the country, wherefore the people
+came and thanked the king. And he said again, Give the thanks to God, and
+depart the goods among you.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And after that King Arthur said and commanded his cousin Howell, that he should
+ordain for a church to be builded on the same hill in the worship of Saint
+Michael. And on the morn the king removed with his great battle, and came into
+Champayne and in a valley, and there they pight their tents; and the king being
+set at his dinner, there came in two messengers, of whom that one was Marshal
+of France, and said to the king that the emperor was entered into France, and
+had destroyed a great part, and was in Burgoyne, and had destroyed and made
+great slaughter of people, and burnt towns and boroughs; wherefore, if thou
+come not hastily, they must yield up their bodies and goods.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap95"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br/>How King Arthur sent Sir Gawaine and
+other to Lucius, and how they were assailed and escaped with worship.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then the king did do call Sir Gawaine, Sir Bors, Sir Lionel, and Sir Bedivere,
+and commanded them to go straight to Sir Lucius, and say ye to him that hastily
+he remove out of my land; and if he will not, bid him make him ready to battle
+and not distress the poor people. Then anon these noble knights dressed them to
+horseback, and when they came to the green wood, they saw many pavilions set in
+a meadow, of silk of divers colours, beside a river, and the emperor&rsquo;s
+pavilion was in the middle with an eagle displayed above. To the which tent our
+knights rode toward, and ordained Sir Gawaine and Sir Bors to do the message,
+and left in a bushment Sir Lionel and Sir Bedivere. And then Sir Gawaine and
+Sir Bors did their message, and commanded Lucius, in Arthur&rsquo;s name to
+avoid his land, or shortly to address him to battle. To whom Lucius answered
+and said, Ye shall return to your lord, and say ye to him that I shall subdue
+him and all his lands. Then Sir Gawaine was wroth and said, I had liefer than
+all France fight against thee; and so had I, said Sir Bors, liefer than all
+Brittany or Burgoyne.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then a knight named Sir Gainus, nigh cousin to the emperor, said, Lo, how these
+Britons be full of pride and boast, and they brag as though they bare up all
+the world. Then Sir Gawaine was sore grieved with these words, and pulled out
+his sword and smote off his head. And therewith turned their horses and rode
+over waters and through woods till they came to their bushment, whereas Sir
+Lionel and Sir Bedivere were hoving. The Romans followed fast after, on
+horseback and on foot, over a champaign unto a wood; then Sir Bors turned his
+horse and saw a knight come fast on, whom he smote through the body with a
+spear that he fell dead down to the earth; then came Caliburn one of the
+strongest of Pavie, and smote down many of Arthur&rsquo;s knights. And when Sir
+Bors saw him do so much harm, he addressed toward him, and smote him through
+the breast, that he fell down dead to the earth. Then Sir Feldenak thought to
+revenge the death of Gainus upon Sir Gawaine, but Sir Gawaine was ware thereof,
+and smote him on the head, which stroke stinted not till it came to his breast.
+And then he returned and came to his fellows in the bushment. And there was a
+recounter, for the bushment brake on the Romans, and slew and hew down the
+Romans, and forced the Romans to flee and return, whom the noble knights chased
+unto their tents.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the Romans gathered more people, and also footmen came on, and there was a
+new battle, and so much people that Sir Bors and Sir Berel were taken. But when
+Sir Gawaine saw that, he took with him Sir Idrus the good knight, and said he
+would never see King Arthur but if he rescued them, and pulled out Galatine his
+good sword, and followed them that led those two knights away; and he smote him
+that led Sir Bors, and took Sir Bors from him and delivered him to his fellows.
+And Sir Idrus in likewise rescued Sir Berel. Then began the battle to be great,
+that our knights were in great jeopardy, wherefore Sir Gawaine sent to King
+Arthur for succour, and that he hie him, for I am sore wounded, and that our
+prisoners may pay goods out of number. And the messenger came to the king and
+told him his message. And anon the king did do assemble his army, but anon, or
+he departed the prisoners were come, and Sir Gawaine and his fellows gat the
+field and put the Romans to flight, and after returned and came with their
+fellowship in such wise that no man of worship was lost of them, save that Sir
+Gawaine was sore hurt. Then the king did do ransack his wounds and comforted
+him. And thus was the beginning of the first journey of the Britons and Romans,
+and there were slain of the Romans more than ten thousand, and great joy and
+mirth was made that night in the host of King Arthur. And on the morn he sent
+all the prisoners into Paris under the guard of Sir Launcelot, with many
+knights, and of Sir Cador.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap96"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br/>How Lucius sent certain spies in a
+bushment for to have taken his knights being prisoners, and how they were
+letted.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we to the Emperor of Rome, which espied that these prisoners should be
+sent to Paris, and anon he sent to lie in a bushment certain knights and
+princes with sixty thousand men, for to rescue his knights and lords that were
+prisoners. And so on the morn as Launcelot and Sir Cador, chieftains and
+governors of all them that conveyed the prisoners, as they should pass through
+a wood, Sir Launcelot sent certain knights to espy if any were in the woods to
+let them. And when the said knights came into the wood, anon they espied and
+saw the great embushment, and returned and told Sir Launcelot that there lay in
+await for them three score thousand Romans. And then Sir Launcelot with such
+knights as he had, and men of war to the number of ten thousand, put them in
+array, and met with them and fought with them manly, and slew and detrenched
+many of the Romans, and slew many knights and admirals of the party of the
+Romans and Saracens; there was slain the king of Lyly and three great lords,
+Aladuke, Herawd, and Heringdale. But Sir Launcelot fought so nobly that no man
+might endure a stroke of his hand, but where he came he showed his prowess and
+might, for he slew down right on every side; and the Romans and Saracens fled
+from him as the sheep from the wolf or from the lion, and put them, all that
+abode alive, to flight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so long they fought that tidings came to King Arthur, and anon he graithed
+him and came to the battle, and saw his knights how they had vanquished the
+battle, he embraced them knight by knight in his arms, and said, Ye be worthy
+to wield all your honour and worship; there was never king save myself that had
+so noble knights. Sir, said Cador, there was none of us failed other, but of
+the prowess and manhood of Sir Launcelot were more than wonder to tell, and
+also of his cousins which did that day many noble feats of war. And also Sir
+Cador told who of his knights were slain, as Sir Berel, and other Sir Moris and
+Sir Maurel, two good knights. Then the king wept, and dried his eyes with a
+kerchief, and said, Your courage had near-hand destroyed you, for though ye had
+returned again, ye had lost no worship; for I call it folly, knights to abide
+when they be overmatched. Nay, said Launcelot and the other, for once shamed
+may never be recovered.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap97"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br/>How a senator told to Lucius of
+their discomfiture, and also of the great battle between Arthur and
+Lucius.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now leave we King Arthur and his noble knights which had won the field, and had
+brought their prisoners to Paris, and speak we of a senator which escaped from
+the battle, and came to Lucius the emperor, and said to him, Sir emperor, I
+advise thee for to withdraw thee; what dost thou here? thou shalt win nothing
+in these marches but great strokes out of all measure, for this day one of
+Arthur&rsquo;s knights was worth in the battle an hundred of ours. Fie on thee,
+said Lucius, thou speakest cowardly; for thy words grieve me more than all the
+loss that I had this day. And anon he sent forth a king, which hight Sir
+Leomie, with a great army, and bade him hie him fast to-fore, and he would
+follow hastily after. King Arthur was warned privily, and sent his people to
+Sessoine, and took up the towns and castles from the Romans. Then the king
+commanded Sir Cador to take the rearward, and to take with him certain knights
+of the Round Table, and Sir Launcelot, Sir Bors, Sir Kay, Sir Marrok, with Sir
+Marhaus, shall await on our person. Thus the King Arthur disperpled his host in
+divers parties, to the end that his enemies should not escape.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When the emperor was entered into the vale of Sessoine, he might see where King
+Arthur was embattled and his banner displayed; and he was beset round about
+with his enemies, that needs he must fight or yield him, for he might not flee,
+but said openly unto the Romans, Sirs, I admonish you that this day ye fight
+and acquit you as men, and remember how Rome domineth and is chief and head
+over all the earth and universal world, and suffer not these Britons this day
+to abide against us; and therewith he did command his trumpets to blow the
+bloody sounds, in such wise that the ground trembled and dindled.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the battles approached and shoved and shouted on both sides, and great
+strokes were smitten on both sides, many men overthrown, hurt, and slain; and
+great valiances, prowesses and appertices of war were that day showed, which
+were over long to recount the noble feats of every man, for they should contain
+an whole volume. But in especial, King Arthur rode in the battle exhorting his
+knights to do well, and himself did as nobly with his hands as was possible a
+man to do; he drew out Excalibur his sword, and awaited ever whereas the Romans
+were thickest and most grieved his people, and anon he addressed him on that
+part, and hew and slew down right, and rescued his people; and he slew a great
+giant named Galapas, which was a man of an huge quantity and height, he shorted
+him and smote off both his legs by the knees, saying, Now art thou better of a
+size to deal with than thou were, and after smote off his head. There Sir
+Gawaine fought nobly and slew three admirals in that battle. And so did all the
+knights of the Round Table. Thus the battle between King Arthur and Lucius the
+Emperor endured long. Lucius had on his side many Saracens which were slain.
+And thus the battle was great, and oftsides that one party was at a fordeal and
+anon at an afterdeal, which endured so long till at the last King Arthur espied
+where Lucius the Emperor fought, and did wonder with his own hands. And anon he
+rode to him. And either smote other fiercely, and at last Lucius smote Arthur
+thwart the visage, and gave him a large wound. And when King Arthur felt
+himself hurt, anon he smote him again with Excalibur that it cleft his head,
+from the summit of his head, and stinted not till it came to his breast. And
+then the emperor fell down dead and there ended his life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when it was known that the emperor was slain, anon all the Romans with all
+their host put them to flight, and King Arthur with all his knights followed
+the chase, and slew down right all them that they might attain. And thus was
+the victory given to King Arthur, and the triumph; and there were slain on the
+part of Lucius more than an hundred thousand. And after King Arthur did do
+ransack the dead bodies, and did do bury them that were slain of his retinue,
+every man according to the estate and degree that he was of. And them that were
+hurt he let the surgeons do search their hurts and wounds, and commanded to
+spare no salves nor medicines till they were whole.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king rode straight to the place where the Emperor Lucius lay dead, and
+with him he found slain the Soudan of Syria, the King of Egypt and of Ethiopia,
+which were two noble kings, with seventeen other kings of divers regions, and
+also sixty senators of Rome, all noble men, whom the king did do balm and gum
+with many good gums aromatic, and after did do cere them in sixty fold of cered
+cloth of sendal, and laid them in chests of lead, because they should not chafe
+nor savour, and upon all these bodies their shields with their arms and banners
+were set, to the end they should be known of what country they were. And after
+he found three senators which were alive, to whom he said, For to save your
+lives I will that ye take these dead bodies, and carry them with you unto great
+Rome, and present them to the Potestate on my behalf, shewing him my letters,
+and tell them that I in my person shall hastily be at Rome. And I suppose the
+Romans shall beware how they shall demand any tribute of me. And I command you
+to say when ye shall come to Rome, to the Potestate and all the Council and
+Senate, that I send to them these dead bodies for the tribute that they have
+demanded. And if they be not content with these, I shall pay more at my coming,
+for other tribute owe I none, nor none other will I pay. And methinketh this
+sufficeth for Britain, Ireland and all Almaine with Germany. And furthermore, I
+charge you to say to them, that I command them upon pain of their heads never
+to demand tribute nor tax of me nor of my lands. Then with this charge and
+commandment, the three senators aforesaid departed with all the said dead
+bodies, laying the body of Lucius in a car covered with the arms of the Empire
+all alone; and after alway two bodies of kings in a chariot, and then the
+bodies of the senators after them, and so went toward Rome, and showed their
+legation and message to the Potestate and Senate, recounting the battle done in
+France, and how the field was lost and much people and innumerable slain.
+Wherefore they advised them in no wise to move no more war against that noble
+conqueror Arthur, for his might and prowess is most to be doubted, seen the
+noble kings and great multitude of knights of the Round Table, to whom none
+earthly prince may compare.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap98"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br/>How Arthur, after he had achieved the
+battle against the Romans, entered into Almaine, and so into Italy.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto King Arthur and his noble knights, which, after the great
+battle achieved against the Romans, entered into Lorraine, Brabant and
+Flanders, and sithen returned into Haut Almaine, and so over the mountains into
+Lombardy, and after, into Tuscany wherein was a city which in no wise would
+yield themself nor obey, wherefore King Arthur besieged it, and lay long about
+it, and gave many assaults to the city; and they within defended them
+valiantly. Then, on a time, the king called Sir Florence, a knight, and said to
+him they lacked victual, And not far from hence be great forests and woods,
+wherein be many of mine enemies with much bestial: I will that thou make thee
+ready and go thither in foraying, and take with thee Sir Gawaine my nephew, Sir
+Wisshard, Sir Clegis, Sir Cleremond, and the Captain of Cardiff with other, and
+bring with you all the beasts that ye there can get.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And anon these knights made them ready, and rode over holts and hills, through
+forests and woods, till they came into a fair meadow full of fair flowers and
+grass; and there they rested them and their horses all that night. And in the
+springing of the day in the next morn, Sir Gawaine took his horse and stole
+away from his fellowship, to seek some adventures. And anon he was ware of a
+man armed, walking his horse easily by a wood&rsquo;s side, and his shield
+laced to his shoulder, sitting on a strong courser, without any man saving a
+page bearing a mighty spear. The knight bare in his shield three griffins of
+gold, in sable carbuncle, the chief of silver. When Sir Gawaine espied this gay
+knight, he feutred his spear, and rode straight to him, and demanded of him
+from whence that he was. That other answered and said he was of Tuscany, and
+demanded of Sir Gawaine, What, profferest thou, proud knight, thee so boldly?
+here gettest thou no prey, thou mayest prove what thou wilt, for thou shalt be
+my prisoner or thou depart. Then said Gawaine, thou avauntest thee greatly and
+speakest proud words, I counsel thee for all thy boast that thou make thee
+ready, and take thy gear to thee, to-fore greater grame fall to thee.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap99"></a>CHAPTER X.<br/>Of a battle done by Sir Gawaine against
+a Saracen, which after was yielden and became Christian.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then they took their spears and ran each at other with all the might they had,
+and smote each other through their shields into their shoulders, wherefore anon
+they pulled out their swords, and smote great strokes that the fire sprang out
+of their helms. Then Sir Gawaine was all abashed, and with Galatine his good
+sword he smote through shield and thick hauberk made of thick mails, and all
+to-rushed and break the precious stones, and made him a large wound, that men
+might see both liver and lung. Then groaned that knight, and addressed him to
+Sir Gawaine, and with an awk stroke gave him a great wound and cut a vein,
+which grieved Gawaine sore, and he bled sore. Then the knight said to Sir
+Gawaine, bind thy wound or thy blee[ding] change, for thou be-bleedest all thy
+horse and thy fair arms, for all the barbers of Brittany shall not con staunch
+thy blood, for whosomever is hurt with this blade he shall never be staunched
+of bleeding. Then answered Gawaine, it grieveth me but little, thy great words
+shall not fear me nor lessen my courage, but thou shalt suffer teen and sorrow
+or we depart, but tell me in haste who may staunch my bleeding. That may I do,
+said the knight, if I will, and so will I if thou wilt succour and aid me, that
+I may be christened and believe on God, and thereof I require thee of thy
+manhood, and it shall be great merit for thy soul. I grant, said Gawaine, so
+God help me, to accomplish all thy desire, but first tell me what thou
+soughtest here thus alone, and of what land and liegiance thou art of. Sir, he
+said, my name is Priamus, and a great prince is my father, and he hath been
+rebel unto Rome and overridden many of their lands. My father is lineally
+descended of Alexander and of Hector by right line. And Duke Joshua and
+Maccabaeus were of our lineage. I am right inheritor of Alexandria and Africa,
+and all the out isles, yet will I believe on thy Lord that thou believest on;
+and for thy labour I shall give thee treasure enough. I was so elate and
+hauteyn in my heart that I thought no man my peer, nor to me semblable. I was
+sent into this war with seven score knights, and now I have encountered with
+thee, which hast given to me of fighting my fill, wherefore sir knight, I pray
+thee to tell me what thou art. I am no knight, said Gawaine, I have been
+brought up in the guardrobe with the noble King Arthur many years, for to take
+heed to his armour and his other array, and to point his paltocks that long to
+himself. At Yule last he made me yeoman, and gave to me horse and harness, and
+an hundred pound in money; and if fortune be my friend, I doubt not but to be
+well advanced and holpen by my liege lord. Ah, said Priamus, if his knaves be
+so keen and fierce, his knights be passing good: now for the King&rsquo;s love
+of Heaven, whether thou be a knave or a knight, tell thou me thy name. By God,
+said Sir Gawaine, now I will say thee sooth, my name is Sir Gawaine, and known
+I am in his court and in his chamber, and one of the knights of the Round
+Table, he dubbed me a duke with his own hand. Therefore grudge not if this
+grace is to me fortuned, it is the goodness of God that lent to me my strength.
+Now am I better pleased, said Priamus, than thou hadst given to me all the
+Provence and Paris the rich. I had liefer to have been torn with wild horses,
+than any varlet had won such loos, or any page or priker should have had prize
+on me. But now sir knight I warn thee that hereby is a Duke of Lorraine with
+his army, and the noblest men of Dolphiny, and lords of Lombardy, with the
+garrison of Godard, and Saracens of Southland, y-numbered sixty thousand of
+good men of arms; wherefore but if we hie us hence, it will harm us both, for
+we be sore hurt, never like to recover; but take heed to my page, that he no
+horn blow, for if he do, there be hoving here fast by an hundred knights
+awaiting on my person, and if they take thee, there shall no ransom of gold nor
+silver acquit thee.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Gawaine rode over a water for to save him, and the knight followed
+him, and so rode forth till they came to his fellows which were in the meadow,
+where they had been all the night. Anon as Sir Wisshard was ware of Sir Gawaine
+and saw that he was hurt, he ran to him sorrowfully weeping, and demanded of
+him who had so hurt him; and Gawaine told how he had foughten with that man,
+and each of them had hurt other, and how he had salves to heal them; but I can
+tell you other tidings, that soon we shall have ado with many enemies.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Priamus and Sir Gawaine alighted, and let their horses graze in the
+meadow, and unarmed them, and then the blood ran freshly from their wounds. And
+Priamus took from his page a vial full of the four waters that came out of
+Paradise, and with certain balm anointed their wounds, and washed them with
+that water, and within an hour after they were both as whole as ever they were.
+And then with a trumpet were they all assembled to council, and there Priamus
+told unto them what lords and knights had sworn to rescue him, and that without
+fail they should be assailed with many thousands, wherefore he counselled them
+to withdraw them. Then Sir Gawaine said, it were great shame to them to avoid
+without any strokes; Wherefore I advise to take our arms and to make us ready
+to meet with these Saracens and misbelieving men, and with the help of God we
+shall overthrow them and have a fair day on them. And Sir Florence shall abide
+still in this field to keep the stale as a noble knight, and we shall not
+forsake yonder fellows. Now, said Priamus, cease your words, for I warn you ye
+shall find in yonder woods many perilous knights; they will put forth beasts to
+call you on, they be out of number, and ye are not past seven hundred, which be
+over few to fight with so many. Nevertheless, said Sir Gawaine, we shall once
+encounter them, and see what they can do, and the best shall have the victory.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap100"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br/>How the Saracens came out of a wood
+for to rescue their beasts, and of a great battle.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Florence called to him Sir Floridas, with an hundred knights, and
+drove forth the herd of beasts. Then followed him seven hundred men of arms;
+and Sir Ferant of Spain on a fair steed came springing out of the woods, and
+came to Sir Florence and asked him why he fled. Then Sir Florence took his
+spear and rode against him, and smote him in the forehead and brake his neck
+bone. Then all the other were moved, and thought to avenge the death of Sir
+Ferant, and smote in among them, and there was great fight, and many slain and
+laid down to ground, and Sir Florence with his hundred knights alway kept the
+stale, and fought manly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when Priamus the good knight perceived the great fight, he went to Sir
+Gawaine, and bade him that he should go and succour his fellowship, which were
+sore bestead with their enemies. Sir, grieve you not, said Sir Gawaine, for
+their gree shall be theirs. I shall not once move my horse to them ward, but if
+I see more than there be; for they be strong enough to match them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And with that he saw an earl called Sir Ethelwold and the duke of Dutchmen,
+came leaping out of a wood with many thousands, and Priamus&rsquo; knights, and
+came straight unto the battle. Then Sir Gawaine comforted his knights, and bade
+them not to be abashed, for all shall be ours. Then they began to wallop and
+met with their enemies, there were men slain and overthrown on every side. Then
+thrust in among them the knights of the Table Round, and smote down to the
+earth all them that withstood them, in so much that they made them to recoil
+and flee. By God, said Sir Gawaine, this gladdeth my heart, for now be they
+less in number by twenty thousand. Then entered into the battle Jubance a
+giant, and fought and slew down right, and distressed many of our knights,
+among whom was slain Sir Gherard, a knight of Wales. Then our knights took
+heart to them, and slew many Saracens. And then came in Sir Priamus with his
+pennon, and rode with the knights of the Round Table, and fought so manfully
+that many of their enemies lost their lives. And there Sir Priamus slew the
+Marquis of Moises land, and Sir Gawaine with his fellows so quit them that they
+had the field, but in that stour was Sir Chestelaine, a child and ward of Sir
+Gawaine slain, wherefore was much sorrow made, and his death was soon avenged.
+Thus was the battle ended, and many lords of Lombardy and Saracens left dead in
+the field.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Florence and Sir Gawaine harboured surely their people, and took great
+plenty of bestial, of gold and silver, and great treasure and riches, and
+returned unto King Arthur, which lay still at the siege. And when they came to
+the king they presented their prisoners and recounted their adventures, and how
+they had vanquished their enemies.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap101"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br/>How Sir Gawaine returned to King
+Arthur with his prisoners, and how the King won a city, and how he was crowned
+Emperor.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now thanked be God, said the noble King Arthur. But what manner man is he that
+standeth by himself, him seemeth no prisoner. Sir, said Gawaine, this is a good
+man of arms, he hath matched me, but he is yielden unto God, and to me, for to
+become Christian; had not he have been we should never have returned, wherefore
+I pray you that he may be baptised, for there liveth not a nobler man nor
+better knight of his hands. Then the king let him anon be christened, and did
+do call him his first name Priamus, and made him a duke and knight of the Table
+Round. And then anon the king let do cry assault to the city, and there was
+rearing of ladders, breaking of walls, and the ditch filled, that men with
+little pain might enter into the city. Then came out a duchess, and Clarisin
+the countess, with many ladies and damosels, and kneeling before King Arthur,
+required him for the love of God to receive the city, and not to take it by
+assault, for then should many guiltless be slain. Then the king avaled his
+visor with a meek and noble countenance, and said, Madam, there shall none of
+my subjects misdo you nor your maidens, nor to none that to you belong, but the
+duke shall abide my judgment. Then anon the king commanded to leave the
+assault, and anon the duke&rsquo;s oldest son brought out the keys, and
+kneeling delivered them to the king, and besought him of grace; and the king
+seized the town by assent of his lords, and took the duke and sent him to
+Dover, there for to abide prisoner term of his life, and assigned certain rents
+for the dower of the duchess and for her children.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then he made lords to rule those lands, and laws as a lord ought to do in his
+own country; and after he took his journey toward Rome, and sent Sir Floris and
+Sir Floridas to-fore, with five hundred men of arms, and they came to the city
+of Urbino and laid there a bushment, thereas them seemed most best for them,
+and rode to-fore the town, where anon issued out much people and skirmished
+with the fore-riders. Then brake out the bushment and won the bridge, and after
+the town, and set upon the walls the king&rsquo;s banner. Then came the king
+upon an hill, and saw the city and his banner on the walls, by which he knew
+that the city was won. And anon he sent and commanded that none of his liege
+men should defoul nor lie by no lady, wife nor maid; and when he came into the
+city, he passed to the castle, and comforted them that were in sorrow, and
+ordained there a captain, a knight of his own country.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when they of Milan heard that thilk city was won, they sent to King Arthur
+great sums of money, and besought him as their lord to have pity on them,
+promising to be his subjects for ever, and yield to him homage and fealty for
+the lands of Pleasance and Pavia, Petersaint, and the Port of Tremble, and to
+give him yearly a million of gold all his lifetime. Then he rideth into
+Tuscany, and winneth towns and castles, and wasted all in his way that to him
+will not obey, and so to Spolute and Viterbe, and from thence he rode into the
+Vale of Vicecount among the vines. And from thence he sent to the senators, to
+wit whether they would know him for their lord. But soon after on a Saturday
+came unto King Arthur all the senators that were left alive, and the noblest
+cardinals that then dwelt in Rome, and prayed him of peace, and proferred him
+full large, and besought him as governor to give licence for six weeks for to
+assemble all the Romans, and then to crown him emperor with chrism as it
+belongeth to so high estate. I assent, said the king, like as ye have devised,
+and at Christmas there to be crowned, and to hold my Round Table with my
+knights as me liketh. And then the senators made ready for his enthronization.
+And at the day appointed, as the romance telleth, he came into Rome, and was
+crowned emperor by the pope&rsquo;s hand, with all the royalty that could be
+made, and sojourned there a time, and established all his lands from Rome into
+France, and gave lands and realms unto his servants and knights, to everych
+after his desert, in such wise that none complained, rich nor poor. And he gave
+to Sir Priamus the duchy of Lorraine; and he thanked him, and said he would
+serve him the days of his life; and after made dukes and earls, and made every
+man rich.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then after this all his knights and lords assembled them afore him, and said:
+Blessed be God, your war is finished and your conquest achieved, in so much
+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 and worship. Then said the king, Ye say truth, and for to tempt God it
+is no wisdom, and therefore make you ready and return we into England. Then
+there was trussing of harness and baggage and great carriage. And after licence
+given, he returned and commanded that no man in pain of death should not rob
+nor take victual, nor other thing by the way but that he should pay therefore.
+And thus he came over the sea and landed at Sandwich, against whom Queen
+Guenever his wife came and met him, and he was nobly received of all his
+commons in every city and burgh, and great gifts presented to him at his
+home-coming to welcome him with.
+</p>
+
+<h5>Thus endeth the fifth book of the conquest that King Arthur had against
+Lucius the Emperor of Rome, and here followeth the sixth book, which is of Sir
+Launcelot du Lake.</h5>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="part06"></a>BOOK VI.</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap102"></a>CHAPTER I.<br/>How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel
+departed from the court, and how Sir Lionel left him sleeping and was
+taken.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Soon after that King Arthur was come from Rome into England, then all the
+knights of the Table Round resorted unto the king, and made many jousts and
+tournaments, and some there were that were but knights, which increased so in
+arms and worship that they passed all their fellows in prowess and noble deeds,
+and that was well proved on many; but in especial it was proved on Sir
+Launcelot du Lake, for in all tournaments and jousts and deeds of arms, both
+for life and death, he passed all other knights, and at no time he was never
+overcome but if it were by treason or enchantment; so Sir Launcelot increased
+so marvellously in worship, and in honour, therefore is he the first knight
+that the French book maketh mention of after King Arthur came from Rome.
+Wherefore Queen Guenever had him in great favour above all other knights, and
+in certain he loved the queen again above all other ladies and damosels of his
+life, and for her he did many deeds of arms, and saved her from the fire
+through his noble chivalry.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus Sir Launcelot rested him long with play and game. And then he thought
+himself to prove himself in strange adventures, then he bade his nephew, Sir
+Lionel, for to make him ready; for we two will seek adventures. So they mounted
+on their horses, armed at all rights, and rode into a deep forest and so into a
+deep plain. And then the weather was hot about noon, and Sir Launcelot had
+great lust to sleep. Then Sir Lionel espied a great apple-tree that stood by an
+hedge, and said, Brother, yonder is a fair shadow, there may we rest us [and]
+our horses. It is well said, fair brother, said Sir Launcelot, for this eight
+year I was not so sleepy as I am now; and so they there alighted and tied their
+horses unto sundry trees, and so Sir Launcelot laid him down under an
+appletree, and his helm he laid under his head. And Sir Lionel waked while he
+slept. So Sir Launcelot was asleep passing fast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And in the meanwhile there came three knights riding, as fast fleeing as ever
+they might ride. And there followed them three but one knight. And when Sir
+Lionel saw him, him thought he saw never so great a knight, nor so well faring
+a man, neither so well apparelled unto all rights. So within a while this
+strong knight had overtaken one of these knights, and there he smote him to the
+cold earth that he lay still. And then he rode unto the second knight, and
+smote him so that man and horse fell down. And then straight to the third
+knight he rode, and smote him behind his horse&rsquo;s arse a spear length. And
+then he alighted down and reined his horse on the bridle, and bound all the
+three knights fast with the reins of their own bridles. When Sir Lionel saw him
+do thus, he thought to assay him, and made him ready, and stilly and privily he
+took his horse, and thought not for to awake Sir Launcelot. And when he was
+mounted upon his horse, he overtook this strong knight, and bade him turn, and
+the other smote Sir Lionel so hard that horse and man he bare to the earth, and
+so he alighted down and bound him fast, and threw him overthwart his own horse,
+and so he served them all four, and rode with them away to his own castle. And
+when he came there he gart unarm them, and beat them with thorns all naked, and
+after put them in a deep prison where were many more knights, that made great
+dolour.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap103"></a>CHAPTER II.<br/>How Sir Ector followed for to seek
+Sir Launcelot, and how he was taken by Sir Turquine.</h3>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Ector de Maris wist that Sir Launcelot was passed out of the court to
+seek adventures, he was wroth with himself, and made him ready to seek Sir
+Launcelot, and as he had ridden long in a great forest he met with a man was
+like a forester. Fair fellow, said Sir Ector, knowest thou in this country any
+adventures that be here nigh hand? Sir, said the forester, this country know I
+well, and hereby, within this mile, is a strong manor, and well dyked, and by
+that manor, on the left hand, there is a fair ford for horses to drink of, and
+over that ford there groweth a fair tree, and thereon hang many fair shields
+that wielded sometime good knights, and at the hole of the tree hangeth a basin
+of copper and latten, and strike upon that basin with the butt of thy spear
+thrice, and soon after thou shalt hear new tidings, and else hast thou the
+fairest grace that many a year had ever knight that passed through this forest.
+Gramercy, said Sir Ector, and departed and came to the tree, and saw many fair
+shields. And among them he saw his brother&rsquo;s shield, Sir Lionel, and many
+more that he knew that were his fellows of the Round Table, the which grieved
+his heart, and promised to revenge his brother.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then anon Sir Ector beat on the basin as he were wood, and then he gave his
+horse drink at the ford, and there came a knight behind him and bade him come
+out of the water and make him ready; and Sir Ector anon turned him shortly, and
+in feuter cast his spear, and smote the other knight a great buffet that his
+horse turned twice about. This was well done, said the strong knight, and
+knightly thou hast stricken me; and therewith he rushed his horse on Sir Ector,
+and cleight him under his right arm, and bare him clean out of the saddle, and
+rode with him away into his own hall, and threw him down in midst of the floor.
+The name of this knight was Sir Turquine. Then he said unto Sir Ector, For thou
+hast done this day more unto me than any knight did these twelve years, now
+will I grant thee thy life, so thou wilt be sworn to be my prisoner all thy
+life days. Nay, said Sir Ector, that will I never promise thee, but that I will
+do mine advantage. That me repenteth, said Sir Turquine. And then he gart to
+unarm him, and beat him with thorns all naked, and sithen put him down in a
+deep dungeon, where he knew many of his fellows. But when Sir Ector saw Sir
+Lionel, then made he great sorrow. Alas, brother, said Sir Ector, where is my
+brother Sir Launcelot? Fair brother, I left him asleep when that I from him
+yode, under an apple-tree, and what is become of him I cannot tell you. Alas,
+said the knights, but Sir Launcelot help us we may never be delivered, for we
+know now no knight that is able to match our master Turquine.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap104"></a>CHAPTER III.<br/>How four queens found Launcelot
+sleeping, and how by enchantment he was taken and led into a castle.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now leave we these knights prisoners, and speak we of Sir Launcelot du Lake
+that lieth under the apple-tree sleeping. Even about the noon there came by him
+four queens of great estate; and, for the heat should not annoy them, there
+rode four knights about them, and bare a cloth of green silk on four spears,
+betwixt them and the sun, and the queens rode on four white mules. Thus as they
+rode they heard by them a great horse grimly neigh, then were they ware of a
+sleeping knight, that lay all armed under an apple-tree; anon as these queens
+looked on his face, they knew it was Sir Launcelot. Then they began for to
+strive for that knight, everych one said they would have him to her love. We
+shall not strive, said Morgan le Fay, that was King Arthur&rsquo;s sister, I
+shall put an enchantment upon him that he shall not awake in six hours, and
+then I will lead him away unto my castle, and when he is surely within my hold,
+I shall take the enchantment from him, and then let him choose which of us he
+will have unto paramour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So this enchantment was cast upon Sir Launcelot, and then they laid him upon
+his shield, and bare him so on horseback betwixt two knights, and brought him
+unto the castle Chariot, and there they laid him in a chamber cold, and at
+night they sent unto him a fair damosel with his supper ready dight. By that
+the enchantment was past, and when she came she saluted him, and asked him what
+cheer. I cannot say, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, for I wot not how I came
+into this castle but it be by an enchantment. Sir, said she, ye must make good
+cheer, and if ye be such a knight as it is said ye be, I shall tell you more
+to-morn by prime of the day. Gramercy, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, of
+your good will I require you. And so she departed. And there he lay all that
+night without comfort of anybody. And on the morn early came these four queens,
+passingly well beseen, all they bidding him good morn, and he them again.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sir knight, the four queens said, thou must understand thou art our prisoner,
+and we here know thee well that thou art Sir Launcelot du Lake, King
+Ban&rsquo;s son, and because we understand your worthiness, that thou art the
+noblest knight living, and as we know well there can no lady have thy love but
+one, and that is Queen Guenever, and now thou shalt lose her for ever, and she
+thee, and therefore thee behoveth now to choose one of us four. I am the Queen
+Morgan le Fay, queen of the land of Gore, and here is the queen of Northgalis,
+and the queen of Eastland, and the queen of the Out Isles; now choose one of us
+which thou wilt have to thy paramour, for thou mayest not choose or else in
+this prison to die. This is an hard case, said Sir Launcelot, that either I
+must die or else choose one of you, yet had I liefer to die in this prison with
+worship, than to have one of you to my paramour maugre my head. And therefore
+ye be answered, I will none of you, for ye be false enchantresses, and as for
+my lady, Dame Guenever, were I at my liberty as I was, I would prove it on you
+or on yours, that she is the truest lady unto her lord living. Well, said the
+queens, is this your answer, that ye will refuse us. Yea, on my life, said Sir
+Launcelot, refused ye be of me. So they departed and left him there alone that
+made great sorrow.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap105"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br/>How Sir Launcelot was delivered by
+the mean of a damosel.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Right so at the noon came the damosel unto him with his dinner, and asked him
+what cheer. Truly, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, in my life days never so
+ill. Sir, she said, that me repenteth, but an ye will be ruled by me, I shall
+help you out of this distress, and ye shall have no shame nor villainy, so that
+ye hold me a promise. Fair damosel, I will grant you, and sore I am of these
+queen-sorceresses afeard, for they have destroyed many a good knight. Sir, said
+she, that is sooth, and for the renown and bounty that they hear of you they
+would have your love, and Sir, they say, your name is Sir Launcelot du Lake,
+the flower of knights, and they be passing wroth with you that ye have refused
+them. But Sir, an ye would promise me to help my father on Tuesday next coming,
+that hath made a tournament betwixt him and the King of Northgalis&mdash;for
+the last Tuesday past my father lost the field through three knights of
+Arthur&rsquo;s court&mdash;an ye will be there on Tuesday next coming, and help
+my father, to-morn or prime, by the grace of God, I shall deliver you clean.
+Fair maiden, said Sir Launcelot, tell me what is your father&rsquo;s name, and
+then shall I give you an answer. Sir knight, she said, my father is King
+Bagdemagus, that was foul rebuked at the last tournament. I know your father
+well, said Sir Launcelot, for a noble king and a good knight, and by the faith
+of my body, ye shall have my body ready to do your father and you service at
+that day. Sir, she said, gramercy, and to-morn await ye be ready betimes and I
+shall be she that shall deliver you and take you your armour and your horse,
+shield and spear, and hereby within this ten mile, is an abbey of white monks,
+there I pray you that ye me abide, and thither shall I bring my father unto
+you. All this shall be done, said Sir Launcelot as I am true knight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so she departed, and came on the morn early, and found him ready; then she
+brought him out of twelve locks, and brought him unto his armour, and when he
+was clean armed, she brought him until his own horse, and lightly he saddled
+him and took a great spear in his hand and so rode forth, and said, Fair
+damosel, I shall not fail you, by the grace of God. And so he rode into a great
+forest all that day, and never could find no highway and so the night fell on
+him, and then was he ware in a slade, of a pavilion of red sendal. By my faith,
+said Sir Launcelot, in that pavilion will I lodge all this night, and so there
+he alighted down, and tied his horse to the pavilion, and there he unarmed him,
+and there he found a bed, and laid him therein and fell asleep sadly.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap106"></a>CHAPTER V.<br/>How a knight found Sir Launcelot lying
+in his leman&rsquo;s bed, and how Sir Launcelot fought with the knight.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then within an hour there came the knight to whom the pavilion ought, and he
+weened that his leman had lain in that bed, and so he laid him down beside Sir
+Launcelot, and took him in his arms and began to kiss him. And when Sir
+Launcelot felt a rough beard kissing him, he started out of the bed lightly,
+and the other knight after him, and either of them gat their swords in their
+hands, and out at the pavilion door went the knight of the pavilion, and Sir
+Launcelot followed him, and there by a little slake Sir Launcelot wounded him
+sore, nigh unto the death. And then he yielded him unto Sir Launcelot, and so
+he granted him, so that he would tell him why he came into the bed. Sir, said
+the knight, the pavilion is mine own, and there this night I had assigned my
+lady to have slept with me, and now I am likely to die of this wound. That me
+repenteth, said Launcelot, of your hurt, but I was adread of treason, for I was
+late beguiled, and therefore come on your way into your pavilion and take your
+rest, and as I suppose I shall staunch your blood. And so they went both into
+the pavilion, and anon Sir Launcelot staunched his blood.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewithal came the knight&rsquo;s lady, that was a passing fair lady, and
+when she espied that her lord Belleus was sore wounded, she cried out on Sir
+Launcelot, and made great dole out of measure. Peace, my lady and my love, said
+Belleus, for this knight is a good man, and a knight adventurous, and there he
+told her all the cause how he was wounded; And when that I yielded me unto him,
+he left me goodly and hath staunched my blood. Sir, said the lady, I require
+thee tell me what knight ye be, and what is your name? Fair lady, he said, my
+name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. So me thought ever by your speech, said the
+lady, for I have seen you oft or this, and I know you better than ye ween. But
+now an ye would promise me of your courtesy, for the harms that ye have done to
+me and my Lord Belleus, that when he cometh unto Arthur&rsquo;s court for to
+cause him to be made knight of the Round Table, for he is a passing good man of
+arms, and a mighty lord of lands of many out isles.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Fair lady, said Sir Launcelot, let him come unto the court the next high feast,
+and look that ye come with him, and I shall do my power, an ye prove you
+doughty of your hands, that ye shall have your desire. So thus within a while,
+as they thus talked, the night passed, and the day shone, and then Sir
+Launcelot armed him, and took his horse, and they taught him to the Abbey, and
+thither he rode within the space of two hours.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap107"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br/>How Sir Launcelot was received of
+King Bagdemagus&rsquo; daughter, and how he made his complaint to her
+father.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And soon as Sir Launcelot came within the abbey yard, the daughter of King
+Bagdemagus heard a great horse go on the pavement. And she then arose and yede
+unto a window, and there she saw Sir Launcelot, and anon she made men fast to
+take his horse from him and let lead him into a stable, and himself was led
+into a fair chamber, and unarmed him, and the lady sent him a long gown, and
+anon she came herself. And then she made Launcelot passing good cheer, and she
+said he was the knight in the world was most welcome to her. Then in all haste
+she sent for her father Bagdemagus that was within twelve mile of that Abbey,
+and afore even he came, with a fair fellowship of knights with him. And when
+the king was alighted off his horse he yode straight unto Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s
+chamber and there he found his daughter, and then the king embraced Sir
+Launcelot in his arms, and either made other good cheer.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon Sir Launcelot made his complaint unto the king how he was betrayed, and
+how his brother Sir Lionel was departed from him he wist not where, and how his
+daughter had delivered him out of prison; Therefore while I live I shall do her
+service and all her kindred. Then am I sure of your help, said the king, on
+Tuesday next coming. Yea, sir, said Sir Launcelot, I shall not fail you, for so
+I have promised my lady your daughter. But, sir, what knights be they of my
+lord Arthur&rsquo;s that were with the King of Northgalis? And the king said it
+was Sir Mador de la Porte, and Sir Mordred and Sir Gahalantine that all
+for-fared my knights, for against them three I nor my knights might bear no
+strength. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, as I hear say that the tournament shall be
+here within this three mile of this abbey, ye shall send unto me three knights
+of yours, such as ye trust, and look that the three knights have all white
+shields, and I also, and no painture on the shields, and we four will come out
+of a little wood in midst of both parties, and we shall fall in the front of
+our enemies and grieve them that we may; and thus shall I not be known what
+knight I am.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they took their rest that night, and this was on the Sunday, and so the king
+departed, and sent unto Sir Launcelot three knights with the four white
+shields. And on the Tuesday they lodged them in a little leaved wood beside
+there the tournament should be. And there were scaffolds and holes that lords
+and ladies might behold and to give the prize. Then came into the field the
+King of Northgalis with eight score helms. And then the three knights of
+Arthur&rsquo;s stood by themselves. Then came into the field King Bagdemagus
+with four score of helms. And then they feutred their spears, and came together
+with a great dash, and there were slain of knights at the first recounter
+twelve of King Bagdemagus&rsquo; party, and six of the King of
+Northgalis&rsquo; party, and King Bagdemagus&rsquo; party was far set aback.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap108"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br/>How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a
+tournament, and how he met with Sir Turquine leading Sir Gaheris.</h3>
+
+<p>
+With that came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he thrust in with his spear in the
+thickest of the press, and there he smote down with one spear five knights, and
+of four of them he brake their backs. And in that throng he smote down the King
+of Northgalis, and brake his thigh in that fall. All this doing of Sir
+Launcelot saw the three knights of Arthur&rsquo;s. Yonder is a shrewd guest,
+said Sir Mador de la Porte, therefore have here once at him. So they
+encountered, and Sir Launcelot bare him down horse and man, so that his
+shoulder went out of lith. Now befalleth it to me to joust, said Mordred, for
+Sir Mador hath a sore fall. Sir Launcelot was ware of him, and gat a great
+spear in his hand, and met him, and Sir Mordred brake a spear upon him, and Sir
+Launcelot gave him such a buffet that the arson of his saddle brake, and so he
+flew over his horse&rsquo;s tail, that his helm butted into the earth a foot
+and more, that nigh his neck was broken, and there he lay long in a swoon.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then came in Sir Gahalantine with a great spear and Launcelot against him, with
+all their strength that they might drive, that both their spears to-brast even
+to their hands, and then they flang out with their swords and gave many a grim
+stroke. Then was Sir Launcelot wroth out of measure, and then he smote Sir
+Gahalantine on the helm that his nose brast out on blood, and ears and mouth
+both, and therewith his head hung low. And therewith his horse ran away with
+him, and he fell down to the earth. Anon therewithal Sir Launcelot gat a great
+spear in his hand, and or ever that great spear brake, he bare down to the
+earth sixteen knights, some horse and man, and some the man and not the horse,
+and there was none but that he hit surely, he bare none arms that day. And then
+he gat another great spear, and smote down twelve knights, and the most part of
+them never throve after. And then the knights of the King of Northgalis would
+joust no more. And there the gree was given to King Bagdemagus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So either party departed unto his own place, and Sir Launcelot rode forth with
+King Bagdemagus unto his castle, and there he had passing good cheer both with
+the king and with his daughter, and they proffered him great gifts. And on the
+morn he took his leave, and told the king that he would go and seek his brother
+Sir Lionel, that went from him when that he slept, so he took his horse, and
+betaught them all to God. And there he said unto the king&rsquo;s daughter, If
+ye have need any time of my service I pray you let me have knowledge, and I
+shall not fail you as I am true knight. And so Sir Launcelot departed, and by
+adventure he came into the same forest there he was taken sleeping. And in the
+midst of a highway he met a damosel riding on a white palfrey, and there either
+saluted other. Fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, know ye in this country any
+adventures? Sir knight, said that damosel, here are adventures near hand, an
+thou durst prove them. Why should I not prove adventures? said Sir Launcelot
+for that cause come I hither. Well, said she, thou seemest well to be a good
+knight, and if thou dare meet with a good knight, I shall bring thee where is
+the best knight, and the mightiest that ever thou found, so thou wilt tell me
+what is thy name, and what knight thou art. Damosel, as for to tell thee my
+name I take no great force; truly my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Sir, thou
+beseemest well, here be adventures by that fall for thee, for hereby dwelleth a
+knight that will not be overmatched for no man I know but ye overmatch him, and
+his name is Sir Turquine. And, as I understand, he hath in his prison, of
+Arthur&rsquo;s court, good knights three score and four, that he hath won with
+his own hands. But when ye have done that journey ye shall promise me as ye are
+a true knight for to go with me, and to help me and other damosels that are
+distressed daily with a false knight. All your intent, damosel, and desire I
+will fulfil, so ye will bring me unto this knight. Now, fair knight, come on
+your way; and so she brought him unto the ford and the tree where hung the
+basin.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So Sir Launcelot let his horse drink, and then he beat on the basin with the
+butt of his spear so hard with all his might till the bottom fell out, and long
+he did so, but he saw nothing. Then he rode endlong the gates of that manor
+nigh half-an-hour. And then was he ware of a great knight that drove an horse
+afore him, and overthwart the horse there lay an armed knight bound. And ever
+as they came near and near, Sir Launcelot thought he should know him. Then Sir
+Launcelot was ware that it was Sir Gaheris, Gawaine&rsquo;s brother, a knight
+of the Table Round. Now, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, I see yonder cometh
+a knight fast bounden that is a fellow of mine, and brother he is unto Sir
+Gawaine. And at the first beginning I promise you, by the leave of God, to
+rescue that knight; but if his master sit better in the saddle I shall deliver
+all the prisoners that he hath out of danger, for I am sure he hath two
+brethren of mine prisoners with him. By that time that either had seen other,
+they gripped their spears unto them. Now, fair knight, said Sir Launcelot, put
+that wounded knight off the horse, and let him rest awhile, and let us two
+prove our strengths; for as it is informed me, thou doest and hast done great
+despite and shame unto knights of the Round Table, and therefore now defend
+thee. An thou be of the Table Round, said Turquine, I defy thee and all thy
+fellowship. That is overmuch said, said Sir Launcelot.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap109"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br/>How Sir Launcelot and Sir Turquine
+fought together.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then they put their spears in the rests, and came together with their
+horses as fast as they might run, and either smote other in midst of their
+shields, that both their horses&rsquo; backs brast under them, and the knights
+were both stonied. And as soon as they might avoid their horses, they took
+their shields afore them, and drew out their swords, and came together eagerly,
+and either gave other many strong strokes, for there might neither shields nor
+harness hold their strokes. And so within a while they had both grimly wounds,
+and bled passing grievously. Thus they fared two hours or more trasing and
+rasing either other, where they might hit any bare place.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then at the last they were breathless both, and stood leaning on their swords.
+Now fellow, said Sir Turquine, hold thy hand a while, and tell me what I shall
+ask thee. Say on. Then Turquine said, Thou art the biggest man that ever I met
+withal, and the best breathed, and like one knight that I hate above all other
+knights; so be it that thou be not he I will lightly accord with thee, and for
+thy love I will deliver all the prisoners that I have, that is three score and
+four, so thou wilt tell me thy name. And thou and I we will be fellows
+together, and never to fail thee while that I live. It is well said, said Sir
+Launcelot, but sithen it is so that I may have thy friendship, what knight is
+he that thou so hatest above all other? Faithfully, said Sir Turquine, his name
+is Sir Launcelot du Lake, for he slew my brother, Sir Carados, at the dolorous
+tower, that was one of the best knights alive; and therefore him I except of
+all knights, for may I once meet with him, the one of us shall make an end of
+other, I make mine avow. And for Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s sake I have slain an
+hundred good knights, and as many I have maimed all utterly that they might
+never after help themselves, and many have died in prison, and yet have I three
+score and four, and all shall be delivered so thou wilt tell me thy name, so be
+it that thou be not Sir Launcelot.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now, see I well, said Sir Launcelot, that such a man I might be, I might have
+peace, and such a man I might be, that there should be war mortal betwixt us.
+And now, sir knight, at thy request I will that thou wit and know that I am
+Launcelot du Lake, King Ban&rsquo;s son of Benwick, and very knight of the
+Table Round. And now I defy thee, and do thy best. Ah, said Turquine,
+Launcelot, thou art unto me most welcome that ever was knight, for we shall
+never depart till the one of us be dead. Then they hurtled together as two wild
+bulls rushing and lashing with their shields and swords, that sometime they
+fell both over their noses. Thus they fought still two hours and more, and
+never would have rest, and Sir Turquine gave Sir Launcelot many wounds that all
+the ground thereas they fought was all bespeckled with blood.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap110"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br/>How Sir Turquine was slain, and how
+Sir Launcelot bade Sir Gaheris deliver all the prisoners.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then at the last Sir Turquine waxed faint, and gave somewhat aback, and bare
+his shield low for weariness. That espied Sir Launcelot, and leapt upon him
+fiercely and gat him by the beaver of his helmet, and plucked him down on his
+knees, and anon he raced off his helm, and smote his neck in sunder. And when
+Sir Launcelot had done this, he yode unto the damosel and said, Damosel, I am
+ready to go with you where ye will have me, but I have no horse. Fair sir, said
+she, take this wounded knight&rsquo;s horse and send him into this manor, and
+command him to deliver all the prisoners. So Sir Launcelot went unto Gaheris,
+and prayed him not to be aggrieved for to lend him his horse. Nay, fair lord,
+said Gaheris, I will that ye take my horse at your own commandment, for ye have
+both saved me and my horse, and this day I say ye are the best knight in the
+world, for ye have slain this day in my sight the mightiest man and the best
+knight except you that ever I saw, and, fair sir, said Gaheris, I pray you tell
+me your name. Sir, my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake, that ought to help you of
+right for King Arthur&rsquo;s sake, and in especial for my lord Sir
+Gawaine&rsquo;s sake, your own dear brother; and when that ye come within
+yonder manor, I am sure ye shall find there many knights of the Round Table,
+for I have seen many of their shields that I know on yonder tree. There is
+Kay&rsquo;s shield, and Sir Brandel&rsquo;s shield, and Sir Marhaus&rsquo;
+shield, and Sir Galind&rsquo;s shield, and Sir Brian de Listnois&rsquo; shield,
+and Sir Aliduke&rsquo;s shield, with many more that I am not now advised of,
+and also my two brethren&rsquo;s shields, Sir Ector de Maris and Sir Lionel;
+wherefore I pray you greet them all from me, and say that I bid them take such
+stuff there as they find, and that in any wise my brethren go unto the court
+and abide me there till that I come, for by the feast of Pentecost I cast me to
+be there, for as at this time I must ride with this damosel for to save my
+promise.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so he departed from Gaheris, and Gaheris yede in to the manor, and there he
+found a yeoman porter keeping there many keys. Anon withal Sir Gaheris threw
+the porter unto the ground and took the keys from him, and hastily he opened
+the prison door, and there he let out all the prisoners, and every man loosed
+other of their bonds. And when they saw Sir Gaheris, all they thanked him, for
+they weened that he was wounded. Not so, said Gaheris, it was Launcelot that
+slew him worshipfully with his own hands. I saw it with mine own eyes. And he
+greeteth you all well, and prayeth you to haste you to the court; and as unto
+Sir Lionel and Ector de Maris he prayeth you to abide him at the court. That
+shall we not do, says his brethren, we will find him an we may live. So shall
+I, said Sir Kay, find him or I come at the court, as I am true knight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then all those knights sought the house thereas the armour was, and then they
+armed them, and every knight found his own horse, and all that ever longed unto
+him. And when this was done, there came a forester with four horses laden with
+fat venison. Anon, Sir Kay said, Here is good meat for us for one meal, for we
+had not many a day no good repast. And so that venison was roasted, baken, and
+sodden, and so after supper some abode there all night, but Sir Lionel and
+Ector de Maris and Sir Kay rode after Sir Launcelot to find him if they might.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap111"></a>CHAPTER X.<br/>How Sir Launcelot rode with a damosel
+and slew a knight that distressed all ladies and also a villain that kept a
+bridge.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot, that rode with the damosel in a fair highway.
+Sir, said the damosel, here by this way haunteth a knight that distressed all
+ladies and gentlewomen, and at the least he robbeth them or lieth by them.
+What, said Sir Launcelot, is he a thief and a knight and a ravisher of women?
+he doth shame unto the order of knighthood, and contrary unto his oath; it is
+pity that he liveth. But, fair damosel, ye shall ride on afore, yourself, and I
+will keep myself in covert, and if that he trouble you or distress you I shall
+be your rescue and learn him to be ruled as a knight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the maid rode on by the way a soft ambling pace, and within a while came out
+that knight on horseback out of the wood, and his page with him, and there he
+put the damosel from her horse, and then she cried. With that came Launcelot as
+fast as he might till he came to that knight, saying, O thou false knight and
+traitor unto knighthood, who did learn thee to distress ladies and gentlewomen?
+When the knight saw Sir Launcelot thus rebuking him he answered not, but drew
+his sword and rode unto Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot threw his spear from
+him, and drew out his sword, and struck him such a buffet on the helmet that he
+clave his head and neck unto the throat. Now hast thou thy payment that long
+thou hast deserved! That is truth, said the damosel, for like as Sir Turquine
+watched to destroy knights, so did this knight attend to destroy and distress
+ladies, damosels, and gentlewomen, and his name was Sir Peris de Forest Savage.
+Now, damosel, said Sir Launcelot, will ye any more service of me? Nay, sir, she
+said, at this time, but almighty Jesu preserve you wheresomever ye ride or go,
+for the curteist knight thou art, and meekest unto all ladies and gentlewomen,
+that now liveth. But one thing, sir knight, methinketh ye lack, ye that are a
+knight wifeless, that he will not love some maiden or gentlewoman, for I could
+never hear say that ever ye loved any of no manner degree, and that is great
+pity; but it is noised that ye love Queen Guenever, and that she hath ordained
+by enchantment that ye shall never love none other but her, nor none other
+damosel nor lady shall rejoice you; wherefore many in this land, of high estate
+and low, make great sorrow.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, I may not warn people to speak of me what it
+pleaseth them; but for to be a wedded man, I think it not; for then I must
+couch with her, and leave arms and tournaments, battles, and adventures; and as
+for to say for to take my pleasaunce with paramours, that will I refuse in
+principal for dread of God; for knights that be adventurous or lecherous shall
+not be happy nor fortunate unto the wars, for other they shall be overcome with
+a simpler knight than they be themselves, other else they shall by unhap and
+their cursedness slay better men than they be themselves. And so who that useth
+paramours shall be unhappy, and all thing is unhappy that is about them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so Sir Launcelot and she departed. And then he rode in a deep forest two
+days and more, and had strait lodging. So on the third day he rode over a long
+bridge, and there stert upon him suddenly a passing foul churl, and he smote
+his horse on the nose that he turned about, and asked him why he rode over that
+bridge without his licence. Why should I not ride this way? said Sir Launcelot,
+I may not ride beside. Thou shalt not choose, said the churl, and lashed at him
+with a great club shod with iron. Then Sir Launcelot drew his sword and put the
+stroke aback, and clave his head unto the paps. At the end of the bridge was a
+fair village, and all the people, men and women, cried on Sir Launcelot, and
+said, A worse deed didst thou never for thyself, for thou hast slain the chief
+porter of our castle. Sir Launcelot let them say what they would, and straight
+he went into the castle; and when he came into the castle he alighted, and tied
+his horse to a ring on the wall and there he saw a fair green court, and
+thither he dressed him, for there him thought was a fair place to fight in. So
+he looked about, and saw much people in doors and windows that said, Fair
+knight, thou art unhappy.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap112"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br/>How Sir Launcelot slew two giants,
+and made a castle free.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Anon withal came there upon him two great giants, well armed all save the
+heads, with two horrible clubs in their hands. Sir Launcelot put his shield
+afore him and put the stroke away of the one giant, and with his sword he clave
+his head asunder. When his fellow saw that, he ran away as he were wood, for
+fear of the horrible strokes, and Launcelot after him with all his might, and
+smote him on the shoulder, and clave him to the navel. Then Sir Launcelot went
+into the hall, and there came afore him three score ladies and damosels, and
+all kneeled unto him, and thanked God and him of their deliverance; For sir,
+said they, the most party of us have been here this seven year their prisoners,
+and we have worked all manner of silk works for our meat, and we are all great
+gentlewomen born; and blessed be the time, knight, that ever thou be born, for
+thou hast done the most worship that ever did knight in this world, that will
+we bear record, and we all pray you to tell us your name, that we may tell our
+friends who delivered us out of prison. Fair damosel, he said, my name is Sir
+Launcelot du Lake. Ah, sir, said they all, well mayest thou be he, for else
+save yourself, as we deemed, there might never knight have the better of these
+two giants; for many fair knights have assayed it, and here have ended, and
+many times have we wished after you, and these two giants dread never knight
+but you. Now may ye say, said Sir Launcelot, unto your friends how and who hath
+delivered you, and greet them all from me, and if that I come in any of your
+marches, show me such cheer as ye have cause, and what treasure that there in
+this castle is I give it you for a reward for your grievance, and the lord that
+is owner of this castle I would he received it as is right. Fair sir, said
+they, the name of this castle is Tintagil, and a duke ought it sometime that
+had wedded fair Igraine, and after wedded her Uther Pendragon, and gat on her
+Arthur. Well, said Sir Launcelot, I understand to whom this castle longeth; and
+so he departed from them, and betaught them unto God.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And then he mounted upon his horse, and rode into many strange and wild
+countries, and through many waters and valleys, and evil was he lodged. And at
+the last by fortune him happened, against a night, to come to a fair
+courtelage, and therein he found an old gentlewoman that lodged him with good
+will, and there he had good cheer for him and his horse. And when time was, his
+host brought him into a fair garret, over the gate, to his bed. There Sir
+Launcelot unarmed him, and set his harness by him, and went to bed, and anon he
+fell asleep. So, soon after, there came one on horseback, and knocked at the
+gate in great haste, and when Sir Launcelot heard this, he arose up and looked
+out at the window, and saw by the moonlight three knights came riding after
+that one man, and all three lashed on him at once with swords, and that one
+knight turned on them knightly again, and defended him. Truly, said Sir
+Launcelot, yonder one knight shall I help, for it were shame for me to see
+three knights on one, and if he be slain I am partner of his death; and
+therewith he took his harness, and went out at a window by a sheet down to the
+four knights, and then Sir Launcelot said on high, Turn you knights unto me,
+and leave your fighting with that knight. And then they all three left Sir Kay,
+and turned unto Sir Launcelot, and there began great battle, for they alighted
+all three, and struck many great strokes at Sir Launcelot, and assailed him on
+every side. Then Sir Kay dressed him for to have holpen Sir Launcelot. Nay,
+sir, said he, I will none of your help; therefore as ye will have my help, let
+me alone with them. Sir Kay, for the pleasure of the knight, suffered him for
+to do his will, and so stood aside. And then anon within six strokes, Sir
+Launcelot had stricken them to the earth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And then they all three cried: Sir knight, we yield us unto you as a man of
+might makeless. As to that, said Sir Launcelot, I will not take your yielding
+unto me. But so that ye will yield you unto Sir Kay the Seneschal, on that
+covenant I will save your lives, and else not. Fair knight, said they, that
+were we loath to do; for as for Sir Kay, we chased him hither, and had overcome
+him had not ye been, therefore to yield us unto him it were no reason. Well, as
+to that, said Launcelot, advise you well, for ye may choose whether ye will die
+or live, for an ye be yolden it shall be unto Sir Kay. Fair knight, then they
+said, in saving of our lives we will do as thou commandest us. Then shall ye,
+said Sir Launcelot, on Whitsunday next coming, go unto the court of King
+Arthur, and there shall ye yield you unto Queen Guenever, and put you all three
+in her grace and mercy, and say that Sir Kay sent you thither to be her
+prisoners. Sir, they said, it shall be done by the faith of our bodies, an we
+be living, and there they swore every knight upon his sword. And so Sir
+Launcelot suffered them so to depart. And then Sir Launcelot knocked at the
+gate with the pommel of his sword, and with that came his host, and in they
+entered Sir Kay and he. Sir, said his host, I weened ye had been in your bed.
+So I was, said Sir Launcelot, but I rose and leapt out at my window for to help
+an old fellow of mine. And so when they came nigh the light, Sir Kay knew well
+that it was Sir Launcelot, and therewith he kneeled down and thanked him of all
+his kindness that he had holpen him twice from the death. Sir, he said, I have
+nothing done but that me ought for to do, and ye are welcome, and here shall ye
+repose you and take your rest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when Sir Kay was unarmed, he asked after meat; so there was meat fetched
+him, and he ate strongly. And when he had supped they went to their beds and
+were lodged together in one bed. On the morn Sir Launcelot arose early, and
+left Sir Kay sleeping, and Sir Launcelot took Sir Kay&rsquo;s armour and his
+shield, and armed him, and so he went to the stable, and took his horse, and
+took his leave of his host, and so he departed. Then soon after arose Sir Kay
+and missed Sir Launcelot. And then he espied that he had his armour and his
+horse. Now by my faith I know well that he will grieve some of the court of
+King Arthur; for on him knights will be bold, and deem that it is I, and that
+will beguile them. And because of his armour and shield I am sure I shall ride
+in peace. And then soon after departed Sir Kay and thanked his host.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap113"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br/>How Sir Launcelot rode disguised in
+Sir Kay&rsquo;s harness, and how he smote down a knight.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot that had ridden long in a great forest, and at
+the last he came into a low country, full of fair rivers and meadows. And afore
+him he saw a long bridge, and three pavilions stood thereon, of silk and sendal
+of divers hue. And without the pavilions hung three white shields on truncheons
+of spears, and great long spears stood upright by the pavilions, and at every
+pavilion&rsquo;s door stood three fresh squires, and so Sir Launcelot passed by
+them and spake no word. When he was passed the three knights said them that it
+was the proud Kay; He weeneth no knight so good as he, and the contrary is
+ofttime proved. By my faith, said one of the knights, his name was Sir Gaunter,
+I will ride after him and assay him for all his pride, and ye may behold how
+that I speed. So this knight, Sir Gaunter, armed him, and hung his shield upon
+his shoulder, and mounted upon a great horse, and gat his spear in his hand,
+and walloped after Sir Launcelot. And when he came nigh him, he cried, Abide,
+thou proud knight Sir Kay, for thou shalt not pass quit. So Sir Launcelot
+turned him, and either feutred their spears, and came together with all their
+mights, and Sir Gaunter&rsquo;s spear brake, but Sir Launcelot smote him down
+horse and man. And when Sir Gaunter was at the earth his brethren said each one
+to other, Yonder knight is not Sir Kay, for he is bigger than he. I dare lay my
+head, said Sir Gilmere, yonder knight hath slain Sir Kay and hath taken his
+horse and his harness. Whether it be so or no, said Sir Raynold, the third
+brother, let us now go mount upon our horses and rescue our brother Sir
+Gaunter, upon pain of death. We all shall have work enough to match that
+knight, for ever meseemeth by his person it is Sir Launcelot, or Sir Tristram,
+or Sir Pelleas, the good knight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then anon they took their horses and overtook Sir Launcelot, and Sir Gilmere
+put forth his spear, and ran to Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot smote him down
+that he lay in a swoon. Sir knight, said Sir Raynold, thou art a strong man,
+and as I suppose thou hast slain my two brethren, for the which raseth my heart
+sore against thee, and if I might with my worship I would not have ado with
+you, but needs I must take part as they do, and therefore, knight, he said,
+keep thyself. And so they hurtled together with all their mights, and all
+to-shivered both their spears. And then they drew their swords and lashed
+together eagerly. Anon therewith arose Sir Gaunter, and came unto his brother
+Sir Gilmere, and bade him, Arise, and help we our brother Sir Raynold, that
+yonder marvellously matched yonder good knight. Therewithal, they leapt on
+their horses and hurtled unto Sir Launcelot.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when he saw them come he smote a sore stroke unto Sir Raynold, that he fell
+off his horse to the ground, and then he struck to the other two brethren, and
+at two strokes he struck them down to the earth. With that Sir Raynold began to
+start up with his head all bloody, and came straight unto Sir Launcelot. Now
+let be, said Sir Launcelot, I was not far from thee when thou wert made knight,
+Sir Raynold, and also I know thou art a good knight, and loath I were to slay
+thee. Gramercy, said Sir Raynold, as for your goodness; and I dare say as for
+me and my brethren, we will not be loath to yield us unto you, with that we
+knew your name, for well we know ye are not Sir Kay. As for that be it as it be
+may, for ye shall yield you unto dame Guenever, and look that ye be with her on
+Whitsunday, and yield you unto her as prisoners, and say that Sir Kay sent you
+unto her. Then they swore it should be done, and so passed forth Sir Launcelot,
+and each one of the brethren holp other as well as they might.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap114"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br/>How Sir Launcelot jousted against
+four knights of the Round Table and overthrew them.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So Sir Launcelot rode into a deep forest, and thereby in a slade, he saw four
+knights hoving under an oak, and they were of Arthur&rsquo;s court, one was Sir
+Sagramour le Desirous, and Ector de Maris, and Sir Gawaine, and Sir Uwaine.
+Anon as these four knights had espied Sir Launcelot, they weened by his arms it
+had been Sir Kay. Now by my faith, said Sir Sagramour, I will prove Sir
+Kay&rsquo;s might, and gat his spear in his hand, and came toward Sir
+Launcelot. Therewith Sir Launcelot was ware and knew him well, and feutred his
+spear against him, and smote Sir Sagramour so sore that horse and man fell both
+to the earth. Lo, my fellows, said he, 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 gat his spear in his hand and walloped toward Sir
+Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot smote him through the shield and shoulder, that
+man and horse went to the earth, and ever his spear held.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+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.
+And therewithal, Sir Uwaine gat his spear in his hand and rode toward Sir
+Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot knew him well, and so he met him on the plain, and
+gave him such a buffet that he was astonied, that long he wist not where he
+was. Now see I well, said Sir Gawaine, I must encounter with that knight. Then
+he dressed his shield and gat a good spear in his hand, and Sir Launcelot knew
+him well; and then they let run their horses with all their mights, and either
+knight smote other in midst of the shield. But Sir Gawaine&rsquo;s spear
+to-brast, and Sir Launcelot charged so sore upon him that his horse reversed
+up-so-down. And much sorrow had Sir Gawaine to avoid his horse, and so Sir
+Launcelot passed on a pace and smiled, and said, God give him joy that this
+spear made, for there came never a better in my hand.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the four knights went each one to other and comforted each other. What say
+ye by this guest? said Sir Gawaine, that one spear hath felled us all four. We
+commend him unto the devil, they said all, for he is a man of great might. Ye
+may well say it, said Sir Gawaine, that he is a man of might, for I dare lay my
+head it is Sir Launcelot, I know it by his riding. Let him go, said Sir
+Gawaine, for when we come to the court then shall we wit; and then had they
+much sorrow to get their horses again.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap115"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br/>How Sir Launcelot followed a brachet
+into a castle, where he found a dead knight, and how he after was required of a
+damosel to heal her brother.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now leave we there and speak of Sir Launcelot that rode a great while in a deep
+forest, where he saw a black brachet, seeking in manner as it had been in the
+feute of an hurt deer. And therewith he rode after the brachet, and he saw lie
+on the ground a large feute of blood. And then Sir Launcelot rode after. And
+ever the brachet looked behind her, and so she went through a great marsh, and
+ever Sir Launcelot followed. And then was he ware of an old manor, and thither
+ran the brachet, and so over the bridge. So Sir Launcelot rode over that bridge
+that was old and feeble; and when he came in midst of a great hall, there he
+saw lie a dead knight that was a seemly man, and that brachet licked his
+wounds. And therewithal came out a lady weeping and wringing her hands; and
+then she said, O knight, too much sorrow hast thou brought me. Why say ye so?
+said Sir Launcelot, I did never this knight no harm, for hither by feute of
+blood this brachet brought me; and therefore, fair lady, be not displeased with
+me, for I am full sore aggrieved of your grievance. Truly, sir, she said, I
+trow it be not ye that hath slain my husband, for he that did that deed is sore
+wounded, and he is never likely to recover, that shall I ensure him. What was
+your husband&rsquo;s name? said Sir Launcelot. Sir, said she, his name was
+called Sir Gilbert the Bastard, one of the best knights of the world, and he
+that hath slain him I know not his name. Now God send you better comfort, said
+Sir Launcelot; and so he departed and went into the forest again, and there he
+met with a damosel, the which knew him well, and she said aloud, Well be ye
+found, my lord; and now I require thee, on thy knighthood, help my brother that
+is sore wounded, and never stinteth bleeding; for this day he fought with Sir
+Gilbert the Bastard and slew him in plain battle, and there was my brother sore
+wounded, and there is a lady a sorceress that dwelleth in a castle here beside,
+and this day she told me my brother&rsquo;s wounds should never be whole till I
+could find a knight that would go into the Chapel Perilous, and there he should
+find a sword and a bloody cloth that the wounded knight was lapped in, and a
+piece of that cloth and sword should heal my brother&rsquo;s wounds, so that
+his wounds were searched with the sword and the cloth. This is a marvellous
+thing, said Sir Launcelot, but what is your brother&rsquo;s name? Sir, she
+said, his name was Sir Meliot de Logres. That me repenteth, said Sir Launcelot,
+for he is a fellow of the Table Round, and to his help I will do my power.
+Then, sir, said she, follow even this highway, and it will bring you unto the
+Chapel Perilous; and here I shall abide till God send you here again, and, but
+you speed, I know no knight living that may achieve that adventure.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap116"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br/>How Sir Launcelot came into the
+Chapel Perilous and gat there of a dead corpse a piece of the cloth and a
+sword.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Right so Sir Launcelot departed, and when he came unto the Chapel Perilous he
+alighted down, and tied his horse unto a little gate. And as soon as he was
+within the churchyard he saw on the front of the chapel many fair rich shields
+turned up-so-down, and many of the shields Sir Launcelot had seen knights bear
+beforehand. With that he saw by him there stand a thirty great knights, more by
+a yard than any man that ever he had seen, and all those grinned and gnashed at
+Sir Launcelot. And when he saw their countenance he dreaded him sore, and so
+put his shield afore him, and took his sword ready in his hand ready unto
+battle, and they were all armed in black harness ready with their shields and
+their swords drawn. And when Sir Launcelot would have gone throughout them,
+they scattered on every side of him, and gave him the way, and therewith he
+waxed all bold, and entered into the chapel, and then he saw no light but a dim
+lamp burning, and then was he ware of a corpse hilled with a cloth of silk.
+Then Sir Launcelot stooped down, and cut a piece away of that cloth, and then
+it fared under him as the earth had quaked a little; therewithal he feared. And
+then he saw a fair sword lie by the dead knight, and that he gat in his hand
+and hied him out of the chapel.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon as ever he was in the chapel yard all the knights spake to him with a
+grimly voice, and said, Knight, Sir Launcelot, lay that sword from thee or else
+thou shalt die. Whether that I live or die, said Sir Launcelot, with no great
+word get ye it again, therefore fight for it an ye list. Then right so he
+passed throughout them, and beyond the chapel yard there met him a fair
+damosel, and said, Sir Launcelot, leave that sword behind thee, or thou wilt
+die for it. I leave it not, said Sir Launcelot, for no treaties. No, said she,
+an thou didst leave that sword, Queen Guenever should thou never see. Then were
+I a fool an I would leave this sword, said Launcelot. Now, gentle knight, said
+the damosel, I require thee to kiss me but once. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, that
+God me forbid. Well, sir, said she, an thou hadst kissed me thy life days had
+been done, but now, alas, she said, I have lost all my labour, for I ordained
+this chapel for thy sake, and for Sir Gawaine. And once I had Sir Gawaine
+within me, and at that time he fought with that knight that lieth there dead in
+yonder chapel, Sir Gilbert the Bastard; and at that time he smote the left hand
+off of Sir Gilbert the Bastard. And, Sir Launcelot, now I tell thee, I have
+loved thee this seven year, but there may no woman have thy love but Queen
+Guenever. But sithen I may not rejoice thee to have thy body alive, I had kept
+no more joy in this world but to have thy body dead. Then would I have balmed
+it and served it, and so have kept it my life days, and daily I should have
+clipped thee, and kissed thee, in despite of Queen Guenever. Ye say well, said
+Sir Launcelot, Jesu preserve me from your subtle crafts. And therewithal he
+took his horse and so departed from her. And as the book saith, when Sir
+Launcelot was departed she took such sorrow that she died within a fourteen
+night, and her name was Hellawes the sorceress, Lady of the Castle Nigramous.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon Sir Launcelot met with the damosel, Sir Meliot&rsquo;s sister. And when
+she saw him she clapped her hands, and wept for joy. And then they rode unto a
+castle thereby where lay Sir Meliot. And anon as Sir Launcelot saw him he knew
+him, but he was passing pale, as the earth, for bleeding. When Sir Meliot saw
+Sir Launcelot he kneeled upon his knees and cried on high: O lord Sir
+Launcelot, help me! Anon Sir Launcelot leapt unto him and touched his wounds
+with Sir Gilbert&rsquo;s sword. And then he wiped his wounds with a part of the
+bloody cloth that Sir Gilbert was wrapped in, and anon an wholer man in his
+life was he never. And then there was great joy between them, and they made Sir
+Launcelot all the cheer that they might, and so on the morn Sir Launcelot took
+his leave, and bade Sir Meliot hie him to the court of my lord Arthur, for it
+draweth nigh to the Feast of Pentecost, and there by the grace of God ye shall
+find me. And therewith they departed.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap117"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br/>How Sir Launcelot at the request of
+a lady recovered a falcon, by which he was deceived.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And so Sir Launcelot rode through many strange countries, over marshes and
+valleys, till by fortune he came to a fair castle, and as he passed beyond the
+castle him thought he heard two bells ring. And then was he ware of a falcon
+came flying over his head toward an high elm, and long lunes about her feet,
+and as she flew unto the elm to take her perch the lunes over-cast about a
+bough. And when she would have taken her flight she hung by the legs fast; and
+Sir Launcelot saw how she hung, and beheld the fair falcon perigot, and he was
+sorry for her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The meanwhile came a lady out of the castle and cried on high: O Launcelot,
+Launcelot, as thou art flower of all knights, help me to get my hawk, for an my
+hawk be lost my lord will destroy me; for I kept the hawk and she slipped from
+me, and if my lord my husband wit it he is so hasty that he will slay me. What
+is your lord&rsquo;s name? said Sir Launcelot. Sir, she said, his name is Sir
+Phelot, a knight that longeth unto the King of Northgalis. Well, fair lady,
+since that ye know my name, and require me of knighthood to help you, I will do
+what I may to get your hawk, and yet God knoweth I am an ill climber, and the
+tree is passing high, and few boughs to help me withal. And therewith Sir
+Launcelot alighted, and tied his horse to the same tree, and prayed the lady to
+unarm him. And so when he was unarmed, he put off all his clothes unto his
+shirt and breech, and with might and force he clomb up to the falcon, and tied
+the lines to a great rotten boyshe, and threw the hawk down and it withal.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon the lady gat the hawk in her hand; and therewithal came out Sir Phelot out
+of the groves suddenly, that was her husband, all armed and with his naked
+sword in his hand, and said: O knight Launcelot, now have I found thee as I
+would, and stood at the bole 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, and therefore there nis none other boot but thine hour is come
+that thou must die. That were shame unto thee, said Sir Launcelot, thou an
+armed knight to slay a naked man by treason. Thou gettest none other grace,
+said Sir Phelot, and therefore help thyself an thou canst. Truly, said Sir
+Launcelot, that shall be thy shame, but since thou wilt do none other, take
+mine harness with thee, and hang my sword upon a bough that I may get it, and
+then do thy best to slay me an thou canst. Nay, nay, said Sir Phelot, for I
+know thee better than thou weenest, therefore thou gettest no weapon, an I may
+keep you therefrom. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, that ever a knight should die
+weaponless. And therewith he waited above him and under him, and over his head
+he saw a rownsepyk, a big bough leafless, and therewith he brake it off by the
+body. And then he came lower and awaited how his own horse stood, and suddenly
+he leapt on the further side of the horse, fro-ward the knight. And then Sir
+Phelot lashed at him eagerly, weening to have slain him. But Sir Launcelot put
+away the stroke with the rownsepyk, and therewith he smote him on the one side
+of the head, that he fell down in a swoon to the ground. So then Sir Launcelot
+took his sword out of his hand, and struck his neck from the body. Then cried
+the lady, Alas! why hast thou slain my husband? I am not causer, said Sir
+Launcelot, for with falsehood ye would have had slain me with treason, and now
+it is fallen on you both. And then she swooned as though she would die. And
+therewithal Sir Launcelot gat all his armour as well as he might, and put it
+upon him for dread of more resort, for he dreaded that the knight&rsquo;s
+castle was so nigh. And so, as soon as he might, he took his horse and
+departed, and thanked God that he had escaped that adventure.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap118"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br/>How Sir Launcelot overtook a knight
+which chased his wife to have slain her, and how he said to him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So Sir Launcelot rode many wild ways, throughout marches and many wild ways.
+And as he rode in a valley he saw a knight chasing a lady, with a naked sword,
+to have slain her. And by fortune as this knight should have slain this lady,
+she cried on Sir Launcelot and prayed him to rescue her. When Sir Launcelot saw
+that mischief, he took his horse and rode between them, saying, Knight, fie for
+shame, why wilt thou slay this lady? thou dost shame unto thee and all knights.
+What hast thou to do betwixt me and my wife? said the knight. I will slay her
+maugre thy head. That shall ye not, said Sir Launcelot, for rather we two will
+have ado together. Sir Launcelot, said the knight, thou dost not thy part, for
+this lady hath betrayed me. It is not so, said the lady, truly he saith wrong
+on me. And for because I love and cherish my cousin germain, he is jealous
+betwixt him and me; and as I shall answer to God there was never sin betwixt
+us. But, sir, said the lady, as thou art called the worshipfullest knight of
+the world, I require thee of true knighthood, keep me and save me. For
+whatsomever ye say he will slay me, for he is without mercy. Have ye no doubt,
+said Launcelot, it shall not lie in his power. Sir, said the knight, in your
+sight I will be ruled as ye will have me. And so Sir Launcelot rode on the one
+side and she on the other: he had not ridden but a while, but the knight bade
+Sir Launcelot turn him and look behind him, and said, Sir, yonder come men of
+arms after us riding. And so Sir Launcelot turned him and thought no treason,
+and therewith was the knight and the lady on one side, and suddenly he swapped
+off his lady&rsquo;s head.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when Sir Launcelot had espied him what he had done, he said, and called
+him, Traitor, thou hast shamed me for ever. And suddenly Sir Launcelot alighted
+off his horse, and pulled out his sword to slay him, and therewithal he fell
+flat to the earth, and gripped Sir Launcelot by the thighs, and cried mercy.
+Fie on thee, said Sir Launcelot, thou shameful knight, thou mayest have no
+mercy, and therefore arise and fight with me. Nay, said the knight, I will
+never arise till ye grant me mercy. Now will I proffer thee fair, said
+Launcelot, I will unarm me unto my shirt, and I will have nothing upon me but
+my shirt, and my sword and my hand. And if thou canst slay me, quit be thou for
+ever. Nay, sir, said Pedivere, that will I never. Well, said Sir Launcelot,
+take this lady and the head, and bear it upon thee, and here shalt thou swear
+upon my sword, to bear it always upon thy back, and never to rest till thou
+come to Queen Guenever. Sir, said he, that will I do, by the faith of my body.
+Now, said Launcelot, tell me what is your name? Sir, my name is Pedivere. In a
+shameful hour wert thou born, said Launcelot.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So Pedivere departed with the dead lady and the head, and found the queen with
+King Arthur at Winchester, and there he told all the truth. Sir knight, said
+the queen, this is an horrible deed and a shameful, and a great rebuke unto Sir
+Launcelot; but notwithstanding his worship is not known in many divers
+countries; but this shall I give you in penance, make ye as good shift as ye
+can, ye shall bear this lady with you on horseback unto the Pope of Rome, and
+of him receive your penance for your foul deeds; and ye shall never rest one
+night whereas ye do another; an ye go to any bed the dead body shall lie with
+you. This oath there he made, and so departed. And as it telleth in the French
+book, when he came to Rome, the Pope bade him go again unto Queen Guenever, and
+in Rome was his lady buried by the Pope&rsquo;s commandment. And after this Sir
+Pedivere fell to great goodness, and was an holy man and an hermit.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap119"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br/>How Sir Launcelot came to King
+Arthur&rsquo;s Court, and how there were recounted all his noble feats and
+acts.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot du Lake, that came home two days afore the Feast
+of Pentecost; and the king and all the court were passing fain of his coming.
+And when Sir Gawaine, Sir Uwaine, Sir Sagramore, Sir Ector de Maris, saw Sir
+Launcelot in Kay&rsquo;s armour, then they wist well it was he that smote them
+down all with one spear. Then there was laughing and smiling among them. And
+ever now and now came all the knights home that Sir Turquine had prisoners, and
+they all honoured and worshipped Sir Launcelot.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Gaheris heard them speak, he said, I saw all the battle from the
+beginning to the ending, and there he told King Arthur all how it was, and how
+Sir Turquine was the strongest knight that ever he saw except Sir Launcelot:
+there were many knights bare him record, nigh three score. Then Sir Kay told
+the king how Sir Launcelot had rescued him when he should have been slain, and
+how he made the knights yield them to me, and not to him. And there they were
+all three, and bare record. And by Jesu, said Sir Kay, because Sir Launcelot
+took my harness and left me his I rode in good peace, and no man would have ado
+with me.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon therewithal there came the three knights that fought with Sir Launcelot at
+the long bridge. And there they yielded them unto Sir Kay, and Sir Kay forsook
+them and said he fought never with them. But I shall ease your heart, said Sir
+Kay, yonder is Sir Launcelot that overcame you. When they wist that they were
+glad. And then Sir Meliot de Logres came home, and told the king how Sir
+Launcelot had saved him from the death. And all his deeds were known, how four
+queens, sorceresses, had him in prison, and how he was delivered by King
+Bagdemagus&rsquo; daughter. Also there were told all the great deeds of arms
+that Sir Launcelot did betwixt the two kings, that is for to say the King of
+Northgalis and King Bagdemagus. All the truth Sir Gahalantine did tell, and Sir
+Mador de la Porte and Sir Mordred, for they were at that same tournament. Then
+came in the lady that knew Sir Launcelot when that he wounded Sir Belleus at
+the pavilion. And there, at request of Sir Launcelot, Sir Belleus was made
+knight of the Round Table. And so at that time Sir Launcelot had the greatest
+name of any knight of the world, and most he was honoured of high and low.
+</p>
+
+<h5> Explicit the noble tale of Sir Launcelot du Lake, which is the vi. book.
+Here followeth the tale of Sir Gareth of Orkney that was called Beaumains by
+Sir Kay, and is the seventh book. </h5>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="part07"></a>BOOK VII.</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap120"></a>CHAPTER I.<br/>How Beaumains came to King
+Arthur&rsquo;s Court and demanded three petitions of King Arthur.</h3>
+
+<p>
+When Arthur held his Round Table most plenour, it fortuned that he commanded
+that the high feast of Pentecost should be holden at a city and a castle, the
+which in those days was called Kynke Kenadonne, upon the sands that marched
+nigh Wales. So ever the king had a custom that at the feast of Pentecost in
+especial, afore other feasts in the year, he would not go that day to meat
+until he had heard or seen of a great marvel. And for that custom all manner of
+strange adventures came before Arthur as at that feast before all other feasts.
+And so Sir Gawaine, a little to-fore noon of the day of Pentecost, espied at a
+window three men upon horseback, and a dwarf on foot, and so the three men
+alighted, and the dwarf kept their horses, and one of the three men was higher
+than the other twain by a foot and an half. Then Sir Gawaine went unto the king
+and said, Sir, go to your meat, for here at the hand come strange adventures.
+So Arthur went unto his meat with many other kings. And there were all the
+knights of the Round Table, [save] only those that were prisoners or slain at a
+recounter. Then at the high feast evermore they should be fulfilled the whole
+number of an hundred and fifty, for then was the Round Table fully complished.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Right so 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 they
+all saw, and he was large and long, and broad in the shoulders, and well
+visaged, and the fairest and the largest handed that ever man saw, but he fared
+as though he might not go nor bear himself but if he leaned upon their
+shoulders. Anon as Arthur saw him there was made peace and room, and right so
+they yede with him unto the high dais, without saying of any words. Then this
+much young man pulled him aback, and easily stretched up straight, saying, King
+Arthur, God you bless and all your fair fellowship, and in especial the
+fellowship of the Table Round. And for this cause I am come hither, to pray you
+and require you to give me three gifts, and they shall not be unreasonably
+asked, but that ye may worshipfully and honourably grant them me, and to you no
+great hurt nor loss. And the first don and gift I will ask now, and the other
+two gifts I will ask this day twelvemonth, wheresomever ye hold your high
+feast. Now ask, said Arthur, and ye shall have your asking.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now, sir, this is my petition for this feast, that ye will give me meat and
+drink sufficiently for this twelvemonth, and at that day I will ask mine other
+two gifts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+My fair son, said Arthur, ask better, I counsel thee, for this is but a simple
+asking; for my heart giveth me to thee greatly, that thou art come of men of
+worship, and greatly my conceit faileth me but thou shalt prove a man of right
+great worship. Sir, he said, thereof be as it be may, I have asked that I will
+ask. Well, said the king, ye shall have meat and drink enough; I never defended
+that none, neither my friend nor my foe. But what is thy name I would wit? I
+cannot tell you, said he. That is marvel, said the king, that thou knowest not
+thy name, and thou art the goodliest young man that ever I saw. Then the king
+betook him to Sir Kay the steward, and charged him that he should give him of
+all manner of meats and drinks of the best, and also that he had all manner of
+finding as though he were a lord&rsquo;s son. That shall little need, said Sir
+Kay, to do such cost upon him; for I dare undertake he is a villain born, and
+never will make man, for an he had come of gentlemen he would have asked of you
+horse and armour, but such as he is, so he asketh. And sithen he hath no name,
+I shall give him a name that shall be Beaumains, that is Fair-hands, and into
+the kitchen I shall bring him, and there he shall have fat brose every day,
+that he shall be as fat by the twelvemonths&rsquo; end as a pork hog. Right so
+the two men departed and beleft him to Sir Kay, that scorned him and mocked
+him.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap121"></a>CHAPTER II.<br/>How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine
+were wroth because Sir Kay mocked Beaumains, and of a damosel which desired a
+knight to fight for a lady.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Thereat was Sir Gawaine wroth, and in especial Sir Launcelot bade Sir Kay leave
+his mocking, for I dare lay my head he shall prove a man of great worship. Let
+be said Sir Kay, it may not be by no reason, for as he is, so he hath asked.
+Beware, said Sir Launcelot, so ye gave the good knight Brewnor, Sir
+Dinadan&rsquo;s brother, a name, and ye called him La Cote Male Taile, and that
+turned you to anger afterward. As for that, said Sir Kay, this shall never
+prove none such. For Sir Brewnor desired ever worship, and this desireth bread
+and drink and broth; upon pain of my life he was fostered up in some abbey,
+and, howsomever it was, they failed meat and drink, and so hither he is come
+for his sustenance.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so Sir Kay bade get him a place, and sit down to meat; so Beaumains went to
+the hall door, and set him down among boys and lads, and there he ate sadly.
+And then Sir Launcelot after meat bade him come to his chamber, and there 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, for no proffer. But
+as touching Sir Gawaine, he had reason to proffer him lodging, meat, and drink,
+for that proffer came of his blood, for he was nearer kin to him than he wist.
+But that as Sir Launcelot did was of his great gentleness and courtesy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So thus he 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 that he saw any jousting
+of knights, that would he see an he might. And ever Sir Launcelot would give
+him gold to spend, and clothes, and so did Sir Gawaine, and where there 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 liketh you my boy of the
+kitchen? So it passed on till the feast of Whitsuntide. And at that time the
+king held it at Carlion in the most royallest wise that might be, like as he
+did yearly. But the king would no meat eat upon the Whitsunday, until he heard
+some adventures. Then came there a squire to the king and said, Sir, ye may go
+to your meat, for here cometh a damosel with some strange adventures. Then was
+the king glad and sat him down.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Right so there came a damosel into the hall and saluted the king, and prayed
+him of succour. For whom? said the king, what is the adventure?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sir, she said, I have a lady of great worship and renown, and she is besieged
+with a tyrant, so that she may not out of her castle; and because here are
+called the noblest knights of the world, I come to you to pray you of succour.
+What hight your lady, and where dwelleth she, and who is she, and what is his
+name that hath besieged her? Sir king, she said, as for my lady&rsquo;s name
+that shall not ye know for me as at this time, but I let you wit she is a lady
+of great worship and of great lands; and as for the tyrant that besiegeth her
+and destroyeth her lands, he is called the Red Knight of the Red Launds. I know
+him not, said the king. Sir, said Sir Gawaine, I know him well, for he is one
+of the perilloust knights of the world; men say that he hath seven men&rsquo;s
+strength, and from him I escaped once full hard with my life. Fair damosel,
+said the king, there be knights here would do their power for to rescue your
+lady, but because you will not tell her name, nor where she dwelleth, therefore
+none of my knights that here be now shall go with you by my will. Then must I
+speak further, said the damosel.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap122"></a>CHAPTER III.<br/>How Beaumains desired the battle,
+and how it was granted to him, and how he desired to be made knight of Sir
+Launcelot.</h3>
+
+<p>
+With these words came before the king Beaumains, while the damosel was there,
+and thus he said, Sir king, God thank you, I have been this twelvemonth 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, this shall be my two gifts,
+first that ye will grant me to have this adventure of the damosel, for it
+belongeth unto me. Thou shalt have it, said the king, I grant it thee. Then,
+sir, this is the other gift, that ye shall bid Launcelot du Lake to make me
+knight, for of him I will be made knight and else of none. And when I am passed
+I pray you let him ride after me, and make me knight when I require him. All
+this shall be done, said the king. Fie on thee, said the damosel, shall I have
+none but one that is your kitchen page? Then was she wroth and took her horse
+and departed. And with that there came one to Beaumains and told him his horse
+and armour was come for him; and there was the dwarf come with all thing that
+him needed, in the richest manner; thereat all the court had much marvel from
+whence came all that gear. So when he was armed there was none but few so
+goodly a man as he was; and right so as he came into the hall and took his
+leave of King Arthur, and Sir Gawaine, and Sir Launcelot, and prayed that he
+would hie after him, and so departed and rode after the damosel.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap123"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br/>How Beaumains departed, and how he
+gat of Sir Kay a spear and a shield, and how he jousted with Sir
+Launcelot.</h3>
+
+<p>
+But there went many after 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 open in the
+hall, I will ride after my boy in the kitchen, to wit whether he will know me
+for his better. Said Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine, Yet abide at home. So Sir
+Kay made him ready and took his horse and his spear, and rode after him. And
+right as Beaumains overtook the damosel, right so came Sir Kay and said,
+Beaumains, 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 ye have heard afore. Yea, said
+Beaumains, I know you for an ungentle knight of the court, and therefore beware
+of me. Therewith Sir Kay put his spear in the rest, and ran straight upon him;
+and Beaumains came as fast upon him with his sword in his hand, and so he put
+away his spear with his sword, and with a foin thrust him through the side,
+that Sir Kay fell down as he had been dead; and he alighted down and took Sir
+Kay&rsquo;s shield and his spear, and stert upon his own horse and rode his
+way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+All that saw Sir Launcelot, and so did the damosel. And then he bade his dwarf
+stert upon Sir Kay&rsquo;s horse, and so he did. By that Sir Launcelot was
+come, then he proffered Sir Launcelot to joust; and either made them ready, and
+they came together so fiercely that either bare down other to the earth, and
+sore were they bruised. Then Sir Launcelot arose and helped him from his horse.
+And then Beaumains threw his shield from him, and proffered to fight with Sir
+Launcelot on foot; and so they rushed together like boars, tracing, rasing, and
+foining to the mountenance of an hour; and Sir Launcelot felt him so big that
+he marvelled of his strength, for he fought more liker a giant than a knight,
+and that his fighting was durable and passing perilous. For Sir Launcelot had
+so much ado with him that he dreaded himself to be shamed, and said, Beaumains,
+fight not so sore, your quarrel and mine is not so great but we may leave off.
+Truly that is truth, said Beaumains, but it doth me good to feel your might,
+and yet, my lord, I showed not the utterance.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap124"></a>CHAPTER V.<br/>How Beaumains told to Sir Launcelot
+his name, and how he was dubbed knight of Sir Launcelot, and after overtook the
+damosel.</h3>
+
+<p>
+In God&rsquo;s name, said Sir Launcelot, for I promise you, by the faith of my
+body, I had as much to do as I might to save myself from you unshamed, and
+therefore have ye no doubt of none earthly knight. Hope ye so that I may any
+while stand a proved knight? said Beaumains. Yea, said Launcelot, do as ye have
+done, and I shall be your warrant. Then, I pray you, said Beaumains, give me
+the order of knighthood. Then must ye tell me your name, said Launcelot, and of
+what kin ye be born. Sir, so that ye will not discover me I shall, said
+Beaumains. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, and that I promise you by the faith of my
+body, until it be openly known. Then, sir, he said, my name is Gareth, and
+brother unto Sir Gawaine of father and mother. Ah, sir, said Sir Launcelot, I
+am more gladder of you than I was; for ever me thought ye should be of great
+blood, and that ye came not to the court neither for meat nor for drink. And
+then Sir Launcelot gave him the order of knighthood, and then Sir Gareth prayed
+him for to depart and let him go.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So Sir Launcelot departed from him and came to Sir Kay, and made him to be
+borne home upon his shield, and so he was healed hard with the life; and all
+men scorned Sir Kay, and in especial Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot said it was
+not his part to rebuke no young man, for full little knew he of what birth he
+is come, and for what cause he came to this court; and so we leave Sir Kay and
+turn we unto Beaumains.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When he had overtaken the damosel, anon she said, What dost thou here? thou
+stinkest all of the kitchen, thy clothes be bawdy of the grease and tallow that
+thou gainest in King Arthur&rsquo;s kitchen; weenest thou, said she, that I
+allow thee, for yonder knight that thou killest. Nay truly, for thou slewest
+him unhappily and cowardly; therefore turn again, bawdy kitchen page, I know
+thee well, for Sir Kay named thee Beaumains. What art thou but a lusk and a
+turner of broaches and a ladle-washer? Damosel, said Beaumains, say to me what
+ye will, I will not go from you whatsomever ye say, for I have undertaken to
+King Arthur for to achieve your adventure, and so shall I finish it to the end,
+either I shall die therefore. Fie on thee, kitchen knave, wilt thou finish mine
+adventure? thou shalt anon be met withal, that thou wouldest not for all the
+broth that ever thou suppest once look him in the face. I shall assay, said
+Beaumains.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So thus as they rode in the wood, there came a man flying all that ever he
+might. Whither wilt thou? said Beaumains. O lord, he said, help me, for here by
+in a slade are six thieves that have taken my lord and bound him, so I am
+afeard lest they will slay him. Bring me thither, said Beaumains. And so they
+rode together until they came thereas was the knight bounden; and then he rode
+unto them, and struck one unto the death, and then another, and at the third
+stroke he slew the third thief, and then the other three fled. And he rode
+after them, and he overtook them; and then those three thieves turned again and
+assailed Beaumains hard, but at the last he slew them, and returned and unbound
+the knight. And the knight thanked him, and prayed him to ride with him to his
+castle there a little beside, and he should worshipfully reward him for his
+good deeds. Sir, said Beaumains, I will no reward have: I was this day made
+knight of noble Sir Launcelot, and therefore I will no reward have, but God
+reward me. And also I must follow this damosel.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when he came nigh her she bade him ride from her, For thou smellest all of
+the kitchen: weenest thou that I have joy of thee, for all this deed that thou
+hast done is but mishapped thee: but thou shalt see a sight shall make thee
+turn again, and that lightly. Then the same knight which was rescued of the
+thieves rode after that damosel, and prayed her to lodge with him all that
+night. And because it was near night the damosel rode with him to his castle,
+and there they had great cheer, and at supper the knight sat Sir Beaumains
+afore the damosel. 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 damosel of high parage. Then the knight was ashamed at her words, and took
+him up, and set him at a sideboard, and set himself afore him, and so all that
+night they had good cheer and merry rest.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap125"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br/>How Beaumains fought and slew two
+knights at a passage.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And on the morn the damosel and he took their leave and thanked the knight, and
+so departed, and rode on their way until they came to a great forest. And there
+was a great river and but one passage, and there were ready two knights on the
+farther side to let them the passage. What sayest thou, said the damosel, wilt
+thou match yonder knights or turn again? Nay, said Sir Beaumains, I will not
+turn again an they were six more. And therewithal he rushed into the water, and
+in midst of the water either brake their spears upon other to their hands, and
+then they drew their swords, and smote eagerly at other. And at the last Sir
+Beaumains smote the other upon the helm that his head stonied, and therewithal
+he fell down in the water, and there was he drowned. And then he spurred his
+horse upon the land, where the other knight fell upon him, and brake his spear,
+and so they drew their swords and fought long together. At the last Sir
+Beaumains clave his helm and his head down to the shoulders; and so he rode
+unto the damosel and bade her ride forth on her way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Alas, she said, that ever a kitchen page should have that fortune to destroy
+such two doughty knights: thou weenest thou hast done doughtily, that is not
+so; for the first knight his horse stumbled, and there he was drowned in the
+water, and never it was by thy force, nor by thy might. And the last knight by
+mishap thou camest behind him and mishappily thou slew him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Damosel, said Beaumains, ye may say what ye will, but with whomsomever I have
+ado withal, I trust to God to serve him or he depart. And therefore I reck not
+what ye say, so that I may win your lady. Fie, fie, foul kitchen knave, thou
+shalt see knights that shall abate thy boast. Fair damosel, give me goodly
+language, and then my care is past, for what knights somever they be, I care
+not, nor I doubt them not. Also, said she, I say it for thine avail, yet mayest
+thou turn again with thy worship; for an thou follow me, thou art but slain,
+for I see all that ever thou dost is but by misadventure, and not by prowess of
+thy hands. Well, damosel, ye may say what ye will, but wheresomever ye go I
+will follow you. So this Beaumains rode with that lady till evensong time, and
+ever she chid him, and would not rest. And they came to a black laund; 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.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap126"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br/>How Beaumains fought with the Knight
+of the Black Launds, and fought with him till he fell down and died.</h3>
+
+<p>
+There sat a knight all armed in black harness, and his name was the Knight of
+the Black Laund. Then the damosel, when she saw that knight, she bade him flee
+down that valley, for his horse was not saddled. Gramercy, said Beaumains, for
+always ye would have me a coward. With that the Black Knight, when she came
+nigh him, spake and said, Damosel, 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&rsquo;s kitchen for alms. Why cometh he, said the
+knight, in such array? it is shame that he beareth you company. Sir, I cannot
+be delivered of him, said she, for with me he rideth maugre mine head: God
+would that ye should put him from me, other to slay him an ye may, for he is an
+unhappy knave, and unhappily he hath done this day: through mishap I saw him
+slay two knights at the passage of the water; and other deeds he did before
+right marvellous and through unhappiness. That marvelleth me, said the Black
+Knight, that any man that is of worship will have ado with him. They know him
+not, said the damosel, and for because he rideth with me, they ween that he be
+some man of worship born. That may be, said the Black Knight; howbeit as ye say
+that he be no man of worship, he is a full likely person, and full like to be a
+strong man: but 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.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Beaumains heard him say thus, he said, Sir knight, thou art full large
+of my horse and my harness; I let thee wit it cost thee nought, and whether it
+liketh thee or not, this laund will I pass maugre thine head. And horse nor
+harness gettest thou none of mine, but if thou win them with thy hands; and
+therefore let see what thou canst do. Sayest thou that? said the Black Knight,
+now yield thy lady from thee, for it beseemeth never a kitchen page to ride
+with such a lady. Thou liest, said Beaumains, I am a gentleman born, and of
+more high lineage than thou, and that will I prove on thy body.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then in great wrath they departed with their horses, and came together as it
+had been the thunder, and the Black Knight&rsquo;s spear brake, and Beaumains
+thrust him through both his sides, and therewith his spear brake, and the
+truncheon left still in his side. But nevertheless the Black Knight drew his
+sword, and smote many eager strokes, and of great might, and hurt Beaumains
+full sore. But at the last the Black Knight, within an hour and an half, he
+fell down off his horse in swoon, and there he died. And when Beaumains saw him
+so well horsed and armed, then he alighted down and armed him in his armour,
+and so took his horse and rode after the damosel.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When she saw him come nigh, she said, Away, kitchen knave, out of the wind, for
+the smell of thy bawdy clothes grieveth me. Alas, she said, that ever such a
+knave should by mishap slay so good a knight as thou hast done, but all this is
+thine unhappiness. But here by is one shall pay thee all thy payment, and
+therefore yet I counsel thee, flee. It may happen me, said Beaumains, to be
+beaten or slain, but I warn you, fair damosel, I will not flee away, a nor
+leave your company, for all that ye can say; for ever ye say that they will
+kill me or beat me, but howsomever it happeneth I escape, and they lie on the
+ground. And therefore it were as good for you to hold you still thus all day
+rebuking me, for away will I not till I see the uttermost of this journey, or
+else I will be slain, other truly beaten; therefore ride on your way, for
+follow you I will whatsomever happen.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap127"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br/>How the brother of the knight that
+was slain met with Beaumains, and fought with Beaumains till he was
+yielden.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Thus as they rode together, they saw a knight come driving by them all in
+green, both his horse and his harness; and when he came nigh the damosel, he
+asked her, Is that my brother the Black Knight that ye have brought with you?
+Nay, nay, she said, this unhappy kitchen knave hath slain your brother through
+unhappiness. Alas, said the Green Knight, that is great pity, that so noble a
+knight as he was should so unhappily be slain, and namely of a knave&rsquo;s
+hand, as ye say that he is. Ah! traitor, said the Green Knight, thou shalt die
+for slaying of my brother; he was a full noble knight, and his name was Sir
+Perard. I defy thee, said Beaumains, for I let thee wit I slew him knightly and
+not shamefully.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewithal the Green Knight rode unto an horn that was green, and it hung upon
+a thorn, and there he blew three deadly motes, and there came two damosels and
+armed him lightly. And then he took a great horse, and a green shield and a
+green spear. And then they ran together with all their mights, and brake their
+spears unto their hands. And then they drew their swords, and gave many sad
+strokes, and either of them wounded other full ill. And at the last, at an
+overthwart, Beaumains with his horse struck the Green Knight&rsquo;s horse upon
+the side, that he fell to the earth. And then the Green Knight avoided his
+horse lightly, and dressed him upon foot. That saw Beaumains, and therewithal
+he alighted, and they rushed together like two mighty kemps a long while, and
+sore they bled both. With that came the damosel, 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 to match such a
+knight, as the weed overgrew the corn. Therewith the Green Knight was ashamed,
+and therewithal he gave a great stroke of might, and clave his shield through.
+When Beaumains saw his shield cloven asunder he was a little ashamed of that
+stroke and of her language; and then he gave him such a buffet upon the helm
+that he fell on his knees. And so suddenly Beaumains pulled him upon the ground
+grovelling. And then the Green Knight cried him mercy, and yielded him unto Sir
+Beaumains, and prayed him to slay him not. All is in vain, said Beaumains, for
+thou shalt die but if this damosel that came with me pray me to save thy life.
+And therewithal he unlaced his helm like as he would slay him. Fie upon thee,
+false kitchen page, I will never pray thee to save his life, for I will never
+be so much in thy danger. Then shall he die, said Beaumains. Not so hardy, thou
+bawdy knave, said the damosel, that thou slay him. Alas, said the Green Knight,
+suffer me not to die for a fair word may save me. Fair knight, said the Green
+Knight, save my life, and I will forgive thee the death of my brother, and for
+ever to become thy man, and thirty knights that hold of me for ever shall do
+you service. In the devil&rsquo;s name, said the damosel, that such a bawdy
+kitchen knave should have thee and thirty knights&rsquo; service.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sir knight, said Beaumains, all this availeth thee not, but if my damosel speak
+with me for thy life. And therewithal he made a semblant to slay him. Let be,
+said the damosel, thou bawdy knave; slay him not, for an thou do thou shalt
+repent it. Damosel, said Beaumains, your charge is to me a pleasure, and at
+your commandment his life shall be saved, and else not. Then he said, Sir
+knight with the green arms, I release thee quit at this damosel&rsquo;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. Then
+said the damosel, Me repenteth, Green Knight, of your damage, and of your
+brother&rsquo;s death, the Black Knight, for of your help I had great mister,
+for I dread me sore to pass this forest. Nay, dread you 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.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap128"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br/>How the damosel again rebuked
+Beaumains, and would not suffer him to sit at her table, but called him kitchen
+boy.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And ever she rebuked Beaumains, and would not suffer him to sit at her table,
+but as the Green Knight took him and sat him at a side table. Marvel
+methinketh, said the Green Knight to the damosel, why ye rebuke this noble
+knight as ye do, for I warn you, damosel, he is a full noble knight, and I know
+no knight is able to match him; therefore ye do great wrong to rebuke him, for
+he shall do you right good service, for whatsomever he maketh himself, ye shall
+prove at the end that he is come of a noble blood and of king&rsquo;s lineage.
+Fie, fie, said the damosel, it is shame for you to say of him such worship.
+Truly, said the Green Knight, it were shame for me to say of him any
+disworship, for he hath proved himself a better knight than I am, yet have I
+met with many knights in my days, and never or this time have I found no knight
+his match. And so that night they yede unto rest, and all that night the Green
+Knight commanded thirty knights privily to watch Beaumains, for to keep him
+from all treason.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so on the morn they all arose, and heard their mass and brake their fast;
+and then they took their horses and rode on their way, and the Green Knight
+conveyed them through the forest; and there the Green Knight said, My lord
+Beaumains, I and these thirty knights shall be always at your summons, both
+early and late, at your calling and whither that ever ye will send us. It is
+well said, said Beaumains; when that I call upon you ye must yield you unto
+King Arthur, and all your knights. If that ye so command us, we shall be ready
+at all times, said the Green Knight. Fie, fie upon thee, in the devil&rsquo;s
+name, said the damosel, that any good knights should be obedient unto a kitchen
+knave. So then departed the Green Knight and the damosel. And then she said
+unto Beaumains, Why followest thou me, thou kitchen boy? Cast away thy shield
+and thy spear, and flee away; yet I counsel thee betimes or thou shalt say
+right soon, alas; for wert thou as wight as ever was Wade or Launcelot,
+Tristram, or the good knight Sir Lamorak, thou shalt not pass a pass here that
+is called the Pass Perilous. Damosel, said Beaumains, who is afeard let him
+flee, for it were shame to turn again sithen I have ridden so long with you.
+Well, said the damosel, ye shall soon, whether ye will or not.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap129"></a>CHAPTER X.<br/>How the third brother, called the Red
+Knight, jousted and fought against Beaumains, and how Beaumains overcame
+him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So within a while they saw a tower as white as any snow, well matchecold all
+about, and double dyked. And over the tower gate there hung a fifty shields of
+divers colours, and under that tower there was a fair meadow. And therein were
+many knights and squires to behold, scaffolds and pavilions; for there upon the
+morn should be a great tournament: and the lord of the tower was in his castle
+and looked out at a window, and saw a damosel, a dwarf, and a knight armed at
+all points. So God me help, said the lord, with that knight will I joust, for I
+see that he is a knight-errant. And so he armed him and horsed him hastily. And
+when he was on horseback with his shield and his spear, it was all red, both
+his horse and his harness, and all that to him longeth. And when that he came
+nigh him he weened it had been his brother the Black Knight; and then he cried
+aloud, Brother, what do ye in these marches? Nay, nay, said the damosel, it is
+not he; this is but a kitchen knave that was brought up for alms in King
+Arthur&rsquo;s court. Nevertheless, said the Red Knight, I will speak with him
+or he depart. Ah, said the damosel, this knave hath killed thy brother, and Sir
+Kay named him Beaumains, and this horse and this harness was thy
+brother&rsquo;s, the Black Knight. Also I saw thy brother the Green Knight
+overcome of his hands. Now may ye be revenged upon him, for I may never be quit
+of him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With this either knights departed in sunder, and they came together with all
+their might, and either of their horses fell to the earth, and they avoided
+their horses, and put their shields afore them and drew their swords, and
+either gave other sad strokes, now here, now there, rasing, tracing, foining,
+and hurling like two boars, the space of two hours. And then she cried on high
+to the Red Knight, Alas, thou noble Red Knight, think what worship hath
+followed thee, let never a kitchen knave endure thee so long as he doth. Then
+the Red Knight waxed wroth and doubled his strokes, and hurt Beaumains wonderly
+sore, that the blood ran down to the ground, that it was wonder to see that
+strong battle. Yet at the last Sir Beaumains struck him to the earth, and as he
+would have slain the Red Knight, he cried mercy, saying, Noble knight, slay me
+not, and I shall yield me to thee with fifty knights with me that be at my
+commandment. And I forgive thee all the despite that thou hast done to me, and
+the death of my brother the Black Knight. All this availeth not, said
+Beaumains, but if my damosel pray me to save thy life. And therewith he made
+semblant to strike off his head. Let be, thou Beaumains, slay him not, for he
+is a noble knight, and not so hardy, upon thine head, but thou save him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Beaumains bade the Red Knight, Stand up, and thank the damosel now of thy
+life. Then the Red Knight prayed him to see his castle, and to be there all
+night. So the damosel then granted him, and there they had merry cheer. But
+always the damosel spake many foul words unto Beaumains, whereof the Red Knight
+had great marvel; and all that night the Red Knight made three score knights to
+watch Beaumains, that he should have no shame nor villainy. And upon the morn
+they heard mass and dined, and the Red Knight came before Beaumains with his
+three score knights, and there he proffered him his homage and fealty at all
+times, he and his knights to do him service. I thank you, said Beaumains, but
+this ye shall grant me: when I call upon you, to come afore my lord King
+Arthur, and yield you unto him to be his knights. Sir, said the Red Knight, I
+will be ready, and my fellowship, at your summons. So Sir Beaumains departed
+and the damosel, and ever she rode chiding him in the foulest manner.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap130"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br/>How Sir Beaumains suffered great
+rebukes of the damosel, and he suffered it patiently.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Damosel, said Beaumains, ye are uncourteous so to rebuke me as ye do, for
+meseemeth 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 boast they lie in the
+dust or in the mire, and therefore I pray you rebuke me no more; and when ye
+see me beaten or yielden 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 an I would depart from you all the while that I win worship.
+Well, said she, right soon there shall meet a knight shall pay thee all thy
+wages, for he is the most man of worship of the world, except King Arthur. I
+will well, said Beaumains, the more he is of worship, the more shall be my
+worship to have ado with him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then anon they were ware where was afore them a city rich and fair. And betwixt
+them and the city a mile and an half there was a fair meadow that seemed new
+mown, and therein were many pavilions fair to behold. Lo, said the damosel,
+yonder is a lord that owneth yonder city, and his custom is, when the weather
+is fair, to lie in this meadow to joust and tourney. And ever there be about
+him five hundred knights and gentlemen of arms, and there be all manner of
+games that any gentleman can devise. That goodly lord, said Beaumains, would I
+fain see. Thou shalt see him time enough, said the damosel, and so as she rode
+near she espied the pavilion where he was. Lo, said she, seest thou yonder
+pavilion that is all of the colour of Inde, and all manner of thing that there
+is about, men and women, and horses trapped, shields and spears were all of the
+colour of Inde, and his name is Sir Persant of Inde, the most lordliest knight
+that ever thou lookedst on. It may well be, said Beaumains, but be he never so
+stout a knight, in this field I shall abide till that I see him under his
+shield. Ah, fool, said she, thou wert better flee betimes. Why, said Beaumains,
+an he be such a knight as ye make him, he will not set upon me with all his
+men, or with his five hundred knights. For an there come no more but one at
+once, I shall him not fail whilst my life lasteth. Fie, fie, said the damosel,
+that ever such a stinking knave should blow such a boast. Damosel, he said, ye
+are to blame so to rebuke me, for I had liefer do five battles than so to be
+rebuked, let him come and then let him do his worst.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sir, she said, I marvel what thou art and of what kin thou art come; boldly
+thou speakest, and boldly thou hast done, that have I seen; therefore I pray
+thee save thyself an thou mayest, for thy horse and thou have had great
+travail, and I dread we dwell over long from the siege, for it is but hence
+seven mile, and all perilous passages we are passed save all only this passage;
+and here I dread me sore lest ye shall catch some hurt, therefore I would ye
+were hence, that ye were not bruised nor hurt with this strong knight. But I
+let you wit that Sir Persant of Inde is nothing of might nor strength unto the
+knight that laid the siege about my lady. As for that, said Sir Beaumains, be
+it as it be may. For sithen I am come so nigh this knight I will prove his
+might or I depart from him, and else I shall be shamed an I now withdraw me
+from him. And therefore, damosel, have ye no doubt by the grace of God I shall
+so deal with this knight that within two hours after noon I shall deliver him.
+And then shall we come to the siege by daylight. O Jesu, marvel have I, said
+the damosel, what manner a man ye be, for it may never be otherwise but that ye
+be come of a noble blood, for so foul nor 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 a gentle blood.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Damosel, said Beaumains, a knight may little do that may not suffer a damosel,
+for whatsomever ye said unto me I took none 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&rsquo;s kitchen, yet I might
+have had meat enough in other places, but all that I did it for to prove and
+assay my friends, and that shall be known another day; and whether that I be a
+gentleman born or none, I let you wit, fair damosel, I have done you
+gentleman&rsquo;s service, and peradventure better service yet will I do or I
+depart from you. Alas, she said, fair Beaumains, forgive me all that I have
+missaid or done against thee. With all my heart, said he, I forgive it you, for
+ye did nothing but as ye should do, for all your evil words pleased me; and
+damosel, said Beaumains, since it liketh you to say thus fair unto me, wit ye
+well it gladdeth my heart greatly, and now meseemeth there is no knight living
+but I am able enough for him.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap131"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br/>How Beaumains fought with Sir
+Persant of Inde, and made him to be yielden.</h3>
+
+<p>
+With this Sir Persant of Inde had espied them as they hoved in the field, and
+knightly he sent to them whether he came in war or in peace. Say to thy lord,
+said Beaumains, I take no force, but whether as him list himself. So the
+messenger went again unto Sir Persant and told him all his answer. Well then
+will I have ado with him to the utterance, and so he purveyed him and rode
+against him. And Beaumains saw him and made him ready, and there they met with
+all that ever their horses might run, and brast their spears either in three
+pieces, and their horses rushed so together that both their horses fell dead to
+the earth; and lightly they avoided their horses and put their shields afore
+them, and drew their swords, and gave many great strokes that sometime they
+hurtled together that they fell grovelling on the ground. Thus they fought two
+hours and more, that their shields and their hauberks were all forhewen, and in
+many steads they were wounded. So at the last Sir Beaumains smote him through
+the cost of the body, and then he retrayed him here and there, and knightly
+maintained his battle long time. And at the last, though him loath were,
+Beaumains smote Sir Persant above upon the helm, that he fell grovelling to the
+earth; and then he leapt upon him overthwart and unlaced his helm to have slain
+him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Persant yielded him and asked him mercy. With that came the damosel
+and prayed to save his life. I will well, for it were pity this noble knight
+should die. Gramercy, said Persant, gentle knight and damosel. For certainly
+now I wot well it was ye that slew my brother the Black Knight at the black
+thorn; he was a full noble knight, his name was Sir Percard. Also I am sure
+that ye are he that won mine other brother the Green Knight, his name was Sir
+Pertolepe. Also ye won my brother the Red Knight, Sir Perimones. And now since
+ye have won these, this shall I do for to please you: ye shall have homage and
+fealty of me, and an hundred knights to be always at your commandment, to go
+and ride where ye will command us. And so they went unto Sir Persant&rsquo;s
+pavilion and drank the wine, and ate spices, and afterward Sir Persant made him
+to rest upon a bed until supper time, and after supper to bed again. When
+Beaumains was abed, Sir Persant had a lady, a fair daughter of eighteen year of
+age, and there he called her unto him, and charged her and commanded her upon
+his blessing to go unto the knight&rsquo;s bed, and lie down by his side, and
+make him no strange cheer, but good cheer, and take him in thine arms and kiss
+him, and look that this be done, I charge you, as ye will have my love and my
+good will. So Sir Persant&rsquo;s daughter did as her father bade her, and so
+she went unto Sir Beaumains&rsquo; bed, and privily she dispoiled her, and laid
+her down by him, and then he awoke and saw her, and asked her what she was.
+Sir, she said, I am Sir Persant&rsquo;s daughter, that by the commandment of my
+father am come hither. Be ye a maid or a wife? said he. Sir, she said, I am a
+clean maiden. God defend, said he, that I should defoil you to do Sir Persant
+such a shame; therefore, fair damosel, arise out of this bed or else I will.
+Sir, she said, I came not to you by mine own will, but as I was commanded.
+Alas, said Sir Beaumains, I were a shameful knight an I would do your father
+any disworship; and so he kissed her, and so she departed and came unto Sir
+Persant her father, and told him all how she had sped. Truly, said Sir Persant,
+whatsomever he be, he is come of a noble blood. And so we leave them there till
+on the morn.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap132"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br/>Of the goodly communication between
+Sir Persant and Beaumains, and how he told him that his name was Sir
+Gareth.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And so on the morn the damosel and Sir Beaumains heard mass and brake their
+fast, and so took their leave. Fair damosel, said Persant, whitherward are ye
+way-leading this knight? Sir, she said, this knight is going to the siege that
+besiegeth my sister in the Castle Dangerous. Ah, ah, said Persant, that is the
+Knight of the Red Laund, the which is the most perilous knight that I know now
+living, and a man that is without mercy, and men say that he hath seven
+men&rsquo;s strength. God save you, said he to Beaumains, from that knight, for
+he doth great wrong to that lady, and that is great pity, for she is one of the
+fairest ladies of the world, and meseemeth that your damosel is her sister: is
+not your name Linet? said he. Yea, sir, said she, and my lady my sister&rsquo;s
+name is Dame Lionesse. Now shall I tell you, said Sir Persant, this Red Knight
+of the Red Laund hath lain long at the siege, well-nigh this two years, and
+many times he might have had her an he had would, but he prolongeth the time to
+this intent, for to have Sir Launcelot du Lake to do battle with him, or Sir
+Tristram, or Sir Lamorak de Galis, or Sir Gawaine, and this is his tarrying so
+long at the siege.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now my lord Sir Persant of Inde, said the damosel Linet, I require you that ye
+will make this gentleman knight or ever he fight with the Red Knight. I will
+with all my heart, said Sir Persant, an it please him to take the order of
+knighthood of so simple a man as I am. Sir, said Beaumains, I thank you for
+your good will, for I am better sped, for certainly the noble knight Sir
+Launcelot made me knight. Ah, said Sir Persant, of a more renowned knight might
+ye not be made knight; for of all knights he may be called chief of knighthood;
+and so all the world saith, that betwixt three knights is departed clearly
+knighthood, that is Launcelot du Lake, Sir Tristram de Liones, and Sir Lamorak
+de Galis: these bear now the renown. There be many other knights, as Sir
+Palamides the Saracen and Sir Safere his brother; also Sir Bleoberis and Sir
+Blamore de Ganis his brother; also Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir Ector de Maris and
+Sir Percivale de Galis; these and many more be noble knights, but there be none
+that pass the three above said; therefore God speed you well, said Sir Persant,
+for an ye may match the Red Knight ye shall be called the fourth of the world.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sir, said Beaumains, I would fain be of good fame and of knighthood. And I let
+you wit I came of good men, for I dare say my father was a noble man, and so
+that ye will keep it in close, and this damosel, I will tell you of what kin I
+am. We will not discover you, said they both, till ye command us, by the faith
+we owe unto God. Truly then, said he, my name is Gareth of Orkney, and King Lot
+was my father, and my mother is King Arthur&rsquo;s sister, her name is Dame
+Morgawse, and Sir Gawaine is my brother, and Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, and
+I am the youngest of them all. And yet wot not King Arthur nor Sir Gawaine what
+I am.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap133"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br/>How the lady that was besieged had
+word from her sister how she had brought a knight to fight for her, and what
+battles he had achieved.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So the book saith that the lady that was besieged had word of her
+sister&rsquo;s coming by the dwarf, and a knight with her, and how he had
+passed all the perilous passages. What manner a man is he? said the lady. He is
+a noble knight, truly, madam, said the dwarf, and but a young man, but he is as
+likely a man as ever ye saw any. What is he? said the damosel, and of what kin
+is he come, and of whom was he made knight? Madam, said the dwarf, he is the
+king&rsquo;s son of Orkney, but his name I will not tell you as at this time;
+but wit ye well, of Sir Launcelot was he made knight, for of none other would
+he be made knight, and Sir Kay named him Beaumains. How escaped he, said the
+lady, from the brethren of Persant? Madam, he said, as a noble knight should.
+First, he slew two brethren at a passage of a water. Ah! said she, they were
+good knights, but they were murderers, the one hight Gherard le Breuse, and the
+other knight hight Sir Arnold le Breuse. Then, madam, he recountered with the
+Black Knight, and slew him in plain battle, and so he took his horse and his
+armour and fought with the Green Knight and won him in plain battle, and in
+like wise he served the Red Knight, and after in the same wise he served the
+Blue Knight and won him in plain battle. Then, said the lady, he hath overcome
+Sir Persant of Inde, one of the noblest knights of the world, and the dwarf
+said, He hath won all the four brethren and slain the Black Knight, and yet he
+did more to-fore: he overthrew Sir Kay and left him nigh dead upon the ground;
+also he did a great battle with Sir Launcelot, and there they departed on even
+hands: and then Sir Launcelot made him knight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Dwarf, said the lady, I am glad of these tidings, therefore go thou in an
+hermitage of mine hereby, and there shalt thou bear with thee of my wine in two
+flagons of silver, they are of two gallons, and also two cast of bread with fat
+venison baked, and dainty fowls; and a cup of gold here I deliver thee, that is
+rich and precious; and bear all this to mine hermitage, and put it in the
+hermit&rsquo;s hands. And sithen go thou unto my sister and greet her well, and
+commend me unto that gentle knight, and pray him to eat and to drink and make
+him strong, and say ye him I thank him of his courtesy and goodness, that he
+would take upon him such labour for me that never did him bounty nor courtesy.
+Also pray him that he be of good heart and courage, for he shall meet with a
+full noble knight, but he is neither of bounty, courtesy, nor gentleness; for
+he attendeth unto nothing but to murder, and that is the cause I cannot praise
+him nor love him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So this dwarf departed, and came to Sir Persant, where he found the damosel
+Linet and Sir Beaumains, and there he told them all as ye have heard; and then
+they took their leave, but Sir Persant took an ambling hackney and conveyed
+them on their ways, and then beleft them to God; and so within a little while
+they came to that hermitage, and there they drank the wine, and ate the venison
+and the fowls baken. And so when they had repasted them well, the dwarf
+returned again with his vessel unto the castle again; and there met with him
+the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and asked him from whence that he came, and
+where he had been. Sir, said the dwarf, I have been with my lady&rsquo;s sister
+of this castle, and she hath been at King Arthur&rsquo;s court, and brought a
+knight with her. Then I account her travail but lost; for though she had
+brought with her Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram, Sir Lamorak, or Sir Gawaine, I
+would think myself good enough for them all.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+It may well be, said the dwarf, but this knight hath passed all the perilous
+passages, and slain the Black Knight and other two more, and won the Green
+Knight, the Red Knight, and the Blue Knight. Then is he one of these four that
+I have afore rehearsed. He is none of those, said the dwarf, but he is a
+king&rsquo;s son. What is his name? said the Red Knight of the Red Launds. That
+will I not tell you, said the dwarf, but Sir Kay upon scorn named him
+Beaumains. I care not, said the knight, what knight so ever he be, for I shall
+soon deliver him. And if I ever match him he shall have a shameful death as
+many other have had. That were pity, said the dwarf, and it is marvel that ye
+make such shameful war upon noble knights.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap134"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br/>How the damosel and Beaumains came to
+the siege; and came to a sycamore tree, and there Beaumains blew a horn, and
+then the Knight of the Red Launds came to fight with him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now leave we the knight and the dwarf, and speak we of Beaumains, that all
+night lay in the hermitage; and upon the morn he and the damosel Linet heard
+their mass and brake their fast. And then they took their horses and rode
+throughout a fair forest; and then they came to a plain, and saw where were
+many pavilions and tents, and a fair castle, and there was much smoke and great
+noise; and when they came near the siege Sir Beaumains espied upon great trees,
+as he rode, how there hung full goodly armed knights by the neck, and their
+shields about their necks with their swords, and gilt spurs upon their heels,
+and so there hung nigh a forty knights shamefully with full rich arms.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Beaumains abated his countenance and said, What meaneth this? Fair
+sir, said the damosel, abate not your cheer for all this sight, for ye must
+courage yourself, or else ye be all shent, for all these knights came hither to
+this siege to rescue my sister Dame Lionesse, and when the Red Knight of the
+Red Launds had overcome them, he put them to this shameful death without mercy
+and pity. And in the same wise he will serve you but if you quit you the
+better.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Jesu defend me, said Beaumains, from such a villainous death and shenship
+of arms. For rather than I should so be faren withal, I would rather be slain
+manly in plain battle. So were ye better, said the damosel; for trust not, in
+him is no courtesy, but all goeth to the death or shameful murder, and that is
+pity, for he is a full likely man, well made of body, and a full noble knight
+of prowess, and a lord of great lands and possessions. Truly, said Beaumains,
+he may well be a good knight, but he useth shameful customs, and it is marvel
+that he endureth so long that none of the noble knights of my lord
+Arthur&rsquo;s have not dealt with him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And then they rode to the dykes, and saw them double dyked with full warlike
+walls; and there were lodged many great lords nigh the walls; and there was
+great noise of minstrelsy; and the sea beat upon the one side of the walls,
+where were many ships and mariners&rsquo; noise with &ldquo;hale and
+how.&rdquo; And also there was fast by a sycamore tree, and there hung an horn,
+the greatest that ever they saw, of an elephant&rsquo;s bone; and this Knight
+of the Red Launds had hanged it up there, that if there came any errant-knight,
+he must blow that horn, and then will he make him ready and come to him to do
+battle. But, sir, I pray you, said the damosel Linet, blow ye not the horn till
+it be high noon, for now it is about prime, and now increaseth his might, that
+as men say he hath seven men&rsquo;s strength. Ah, fie for shame, fair damosel,
+say ye never so more to me; for, an he were as good a knight as ever was, I
+shall never fail him in his most might, for either I will win worship
+worshipfully, or die knightly in the field. And therewith he spurred his horse
+straight to the sycamore tree, and blew so the horn eagerly that all the siege
+and the castle rang thereof. And then there leapt out knights out of their
+tents and pavilions, and they within the castle looked over the walls and out
+at windows.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the Red Knight of the Red Launds armed him hastily, and two barons set on
+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
+spear and 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.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap135"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br/>How the two knights met together,
+and of their talking, and how they began their battle.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Sir, said the damosel Linet unto Sir Beaumains, look ye be glad and light, for
+yonder is your deadly enemy, and at yonder window is my lady, my sister, Dame
+Lionesse. Where? said Beaumains. Yonder, said the damosel, and pointed with her
+finger. That is truth, said Beaumains. She beseemeth afar the fairest lady that
+ever I looked upon; and truly, he said, I ask no better quarrel than now for to
+do battle, for truly she shall be my lady, and for her I will fight. And ever
+he looked up to the window with glad countenance, and the Lady Lionesse made
+curtsey to him down to the earth, with holding up both their hands.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With that the Red Knight of the Red Launds called to Sir Beaumains, Leave, sir
+knight, thy looking, and behold me, I counsel thee; for I warn thee well she is
+my lady, and for her I have done many strong battles. If thou have so done,
+said Beaumains, meseemeth it was but waste labour, for she loveth none of thy
+fellowship, and thou to love that loveth not thee is but great folly. For an I
+understood that she were not glad of my coming, I would be advised or I did
+battle for her. But I understand by the besieging of this castle she may
+forbear thy fellowship. And therefore wit thou well, thou Red Knight of the Red
+Launds, I love her, and will rescue her, or else to die. Sayst thou that? said
+the Red Knight, meseemeth thou ought of reason to be ware by yonder knights
+that thou sawest hang upon yonder trees. Fie for shame, said Beaumains, that
+ever thou shouldest say or do so evil, for in that thou shamest thyself and
+knighthood, and thou mayst be sure there will no lady love thee that knoweth
+thy wicked customs. And now thou weenest that the sight of these hanged knights
+should fear me. Nay truly, not so; that shameful sight causeth me to have
+courage and hardiness against thee, more than I would have had against thee an
+thou wert a well-ruled knight. Make thee ready, said the Red Knight of the Red
+Launds, and talk no longer with me.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Beaumains bade the damosel go from him; and then they put their spears
+in their rests, and came together with all their might that they had both, and
+either smote other in midst of their shields that the paitrelles, surcingles,
+and cruppers brast, and fell to the earth both, and the reins of their bridles
+in their hands; and so they lay a great while sore astonied, that all that were
+in the castle and in the siege weened their necks had been broken; and then
+many a stranger and other said the strange knight was a big man, and a noble
+jouster, for or now we saw never no knight match the Red Knight of the Red
+Launds: thus they said, both within the castle and without. Then lightly they
+avoided their horses and put their shields afore them, and drew their swords
+and ran together like two fierce lions, and either gave other such buffets upon
+their helms that they reeled backward both two strides; and then they recovered
+both, and hewed great pieces off their harness and their shields that a great
+part fell into the fields.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap136"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br/>How after long fighting Beaumains
+overcame the knight and would have slain him, but at the request of the lords
+he saved his life, and made him to yield him to the lady.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then thus they fought till it was past noon, and never would stint, till at
+the last they lacked wind both; and then they stood wagging and scattering,
+panting, blowing and bleeding, that all that beheld them for the most part wept
+for pity. So when they had rested them a while they yede to battle again,
+tracing, racing, foining as two boars. And at some time they took their run as
+it had been two rams, and hurtled together that sometime they fell grovelling
+to the earth: and at some time they were so amazed that either took
+other&rsquo;s sword instead of his own.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they endured till evensong time, that there was none that beheld them
+might know whether was like to win the battle; and their armour was so forhewn
+that men might see their naked sides; and in other places they were naked, but
+ever the naked places they did defend. And the Red Knight was a wily knight of
+war, and his wily fighting taught Sir Beaumains to be wise; but he abought it
+full sore or he did espy his fighting.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And thus by assent of them both they granted either other to rest; and so they
+set them down upon two mole-hills there beside the fighting place, and either
+of them unlaced his helm, and took the cold wind; for either of their pages was
+fast by them, to come when they called to unlace their harness and to set them
+on again at their commandment. And then when Sir Beaumains&rsquo; helm was off,
+he looked up to the window, and there he saw the fair lady Dame Lionesse, and
+she made him such countenance that his heart waxed light and jolly; and
+therewith he bade the Red Knight of the Red Launds make him ready, and let us
+do the battle to the utterance. I will well, said the knight, and then they
+laced up their helms, and their pages avoided, and they stepped together and
+fought freshly; but the Red Knight of the Red Launds awaited him, and at an
+overthwart smote him within the hand, that his sword fell out of his hand; and
+yet he gave him another buffet upon the helm that he fell grovelling to the
+earth, and the Red Knight fell over him, for to hold him down.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then cried the maiden Linet on high: O Sir Beaumains, where is thy courage
+become? Alas, my lady my sister beholdeth thee, and she sobbeth and weepeth,
+that maketh mine heart heavy. When Sir Beaumains heard her say so, he abraid up
+with a great might and gat him upon his feet, and lightly he leapt to his sword
+and gripped it in his hand, and doubled his pace unto the Red Knight, and there
+they fought a new battle together. But Sir Beaumains then doubled his strokes,
+and smote so thick that he smote the sword out of his hand, and then he smote
+him upon the helm that he fell to the earth, and Sir Beaumains fell upon him,
+and unlaced his helm to have slain him; and then he yielded him and asked
+mercy, and said with a loud voice: O noble knight, I yield me to thy mercy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Beaumains bethought him upon the knights that he had made to be hanged
+shamefully, and then he said: I may not with my worship save thy life, for the
+shameful deaths that thou hast caused many full good knights to die. Sir, said
+the Red Knight of the Red Launds, hold your hand and ye shall know the causes
+why I put them to so shameful a death. Say on, said Sir Beaumains. Sir, I loved
+once a lady, a fair damosel, and she had her brother slain; and she said it was
+Sir Launcelot du Lake, or else Sir Gawaine; and she prayed me as that I loved
+her heartily, that I would make her a promise by the faith of my knighthood,
+for to labour daily in arms unto I met with one of them; and all that I might
+overcome I should put them unto a villainous death; and this is the cause that
+I have put all these knights to death, and so I ensured her to do all the
+villainy unto King Arthur&rsquo;s knights, and that I should take vengeance
+upon all these knights. And, sir, now I will thee tell that every day my
+strength increaseth till noon, and all this time have I seven men&rsquo;s
+strength.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap137"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br/>How the knight yielded him, and
+how Beaumains made him to go unto King Arthur&rsquo;s court, and to cry Sir
+Launcelot mercy.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then came there many earls, and barons, and noble knights, and prayed that
+knight to save his life, and take him to your prisoner. And all they fell upon
+their knees, and prayed him of mercy, and that he would save his life; and,
+Sir, they all said, it were fairer of him to take homage and fealty, and let
+him hold his lands of you than for to slay him; by his death ye shall have none
+advantage, and his misdeeds that be done may not be undone; and therefore he
+shall make amends to all parties, and we all will become your men and do you
+homage and fealty. Fair lords, said Beaumains, wit you well I am full loath to
+slay this knight, nevertheless he hath done passing ill and shamefully; but
+insomuch all that he did was at a lady&rsquo;s request I blame him the less;
+and so for your sake I will release him that he shall have his life upon this
+covenant, that he go within the castle, and yield him there to the lady, and if
+she will forgive and quit him, I will well; with this he make her amends of all
+the trespass he hath done against her and her lands. And also, when that is
+done, that ye go unto the court of King Arthur, and there that ye ask Sir
+Launcelot mercy, and Sir Gawaine, for the evil will ye have had against them.
+Sir, said the Red Knight of the Red Launds, all this will I do as ye command,
+and siker assurance and borrows ye shall have. And so then when the assurance
+was made, he made his homage and fealty, and all those earls and barons with
+him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And then the maiden Linet came to Sir Beaumains, and unarmed him and searched
+his wounds, and stinted his blood, and in likewise she did to the Red Knight of
+the Red Launds. And there they sojourned ten days in their tents; and the Red
+Knight made his lords and servants to do all the pleasure that they might unto
+Sir Beaumains. And so within a while the Red Knight of the Red Launds yede unto
+the castle, and put him in her grace. And so she received him upon sufficient
+surety, so all her hurts were well restored of all that she could complain. And
+then he departed unto the court of King Arthur, and there openly the Red Knight
+of the Red Launds put him in the mercy of Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine, and
+there he told openly how he was overcome and by whom, and also he told all the
+battles from the beginning unto the ending. Jesu mercy, said King Arthur and
+Sir Gawaine, we marvel much of what blood he is come, for he is a noble knight.
+Have ye no marvel, said Sir Launcelot, for ye shall right well wit that he is
+come of a full noble blood; and as for his might and hardiness, there be but
+few now living that is so mighty as he is, and so noble of prowess. It seemeth
+by you, said King Arthur, that ye know his name, and from whence he is come,
+and of what blood he is. I suppose I do so, said Launcelot, or else I would not
+have given him the order of knighthood; but he gave me such charge at that time
+that I should never discover him until he required me, or else it be known
+openly by some other.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap138"></a>CHAPTER XIX.<br/>How Beaumains came to the lady, and
+when he came to the castle the gates were closed against him, and of the words
+that the lady said to him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Beaumains that desired of Linet that he might see her
+sister, his lady. Sir, she said, I would fain ye saw her. Then Sir Beaumains
+all armed him, and took his horse and his spear, and rode straight unto the
+castle. And when he came to the gate he found there many men armed, and pulled
+up the drawbridge and drew the port close.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then marvelled he why they would not suffer him to enter. And then he looked up
+to the window; and there he saw the fair Lionesse that said on high: Go thy
+way, Sir Beaumains, for as yet thou shalt not have wholly my love, unto the
+time that thou be called one of the number of the worthy knights. And therefore
+go labour in worship this twelvemonth, and then thou shalt hear new tidings.
+Alas, fair lady, said Beaumains, I have not deserved that ye should show me
+this strangeness, and I had weened that I should have right good cheer with
+you, and unto my power I have deserved thank, and well I am sure I have bought
+your love with part of the best blood within my body. Fair courteous knight,
+said Dame Lionesse, be not displeased nor over-hasty; for wit you well your
+great travail nor good love shall not be lost, for I consider your great
+travail and labour, your bounty and your goodness as me ought to do. And
+therefore go on your way, and look that ye be of good comfort, for all shall be
+for your worship and for the best, and perdy a twelvemonth will soon be done,
+and trust me, fair knight, I shall be true to you, and never to betray you, but
+to my death I shall love you and none other. And therewithal she turned her
+from the window, and Sir Beaumains rode awayward from the castle, making great
+dole, and so he rode here and there and wist not where he rode, till it was
+dark night. And then it happened him to come to a poor man&rsquo;s house, and
+there he was harboured all that night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Sir Beaumains had no rest, but wallowed and writhed for the love of the
+lady of the castle. And so upon the morrow he took his horse and rode until
+underne, and then he came to a broad water, and thereby was a great lodge, and
+there he alighted to sleep and laid his head upon the shield, and betook his
+horse to the dwarf, and commanded him to watch all night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we to the lady of the same castle, that thought much upon Beaumains,
+and then she called unto her Sir Gringamore her brother, and prayed him in all
+manner, as he loved her heartily, that he would ride after Sir Beaumains: And
+ever have ye wait upon him till ye may find him sleeping, for I am sure in his
+heaviness he will alight down in some place, and lie him down to sleep; and
+therefore have ye your wait upon him, and in the priviest manner ye can, take
+his dwarf, and go ye your way with him as fast as ever ye may or Sir Beaumains
+awake. For my sister Linet telleth me that he can tell of what kindred he is
+come, and what is his right name. And the meanwhile I and my sister will ride
+unto your castle to await when ye bring with you the dwarf. And then when ye
+have brought him unto your castle, I will have him in examination myself. Unto
+the time that I know what is his right name, and of what kindred he is come,
+shall I never be merry at my heart. Sister, said Sir Gringamore, all this shall
+be done after your intent.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so he rode all the other day and the night till that he found Sir Beaumains
+lying by a water, and his head upon his shield, for to sleep. And then when he
+saw Sir Beaumains fast asleep, he came stilly stalking behind the dwarf, and
+plucked him fast under his arm, and so he rode away with him as fast as ever he
+might unto his own castle. And this Sir Gringamore&rsquo;s arms were all black,
+and that to him longeth. But ever as he rode with the dwarf toward his castle,
+he cried unto his lord and prayed him of help. And therewith awoke Sir
+Beaumains, and up he leapt lightly, and saw where Sir Gringamore rode his way
+with the dwarf, and so Sir Gringamore rode out of his sight.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap139"></a>CHAPTER XX.<br/>How Sir Beaumains rode after to
+rescue his dwarf, and came into the castle where he was.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Beaumains put on his helm anon, and buckled his shield, and took his
+horse, and rode after him all that ever he might ride through marshes, and
+fields, and great dales, that many times his horse and he plunged over the head
+in deep mires, for he knew not the way, but took the gainest way in that
+woodness, that many times he was like to perish. And at the last him happened
+to come to a fair green way, and there he met with a poor man of the country,
+whom he saluted and asked him whether he met not with a knight upon a black
+horse and all black harness, a little dwarf sitting behind him with heavy
+cheer. Sir, said the poor man, here by me came Sir Gringamore the knight, with
+such a dwarf mourning as ye say; and therefore I rede you not follow him, for
+he is one of the periloust knights of the world, and his castle is here nigh
+hand but two mile; therefore we advise you ride not after Sir Gringamore, but
+if ye owe him good will.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So leave we Sir Beaumains riding toward the castle, and speak we of Sir
+Gringamore and the dwarf. Anon as the dwarf was come to the castle, Dame
+Lionesse and Dame Linet her sister, asked the dwarf where was his master born,
+and of what lineage he was come. And but if thou tell me, said Dame Lionesse,
+thou shalt never escape this castle, but ever here to be prisoner. As for that,
+said the dwarf, I fear not greatly to tell his name and of what kin he is come.
+Wit you well he is a king&rsquo;s son, and his mother is sister to King Arthur,
+and he is brother to the good knight Sir Gawaine, and his name is Sir Gareth of
+Orkney. And now I have told you his right name, I pray you, fair lady, let me
+go to my lord again, for he will never out of this country until that he have
+me again. And if he be angry he will do much harm or that he be stint, and work
+you wrack in this country. As for that threatening, said Sir Gringamore, be it
+as it be may, we will go to dinner. And so they washed and went to meat, and
+made them merry and well at ease, and because the Lady Lionesse of the castle
+was there, they made great joy. Truly, madam, said Linet unto her sister, well
+may he be a king&rsquo;s son, for he hath many good tatches on him, for he is
+courteous and mild, and the most suffering man that ever I met withal. For I
+dare say there was never gentlewoman reviled man in so foul a manner as I have
+rebuked him; and at all times he gave me goodly and meek answers again.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as they sat thus talking, there came Sir Gareth in at the gate with an
+angry countenance, and his sword drawn in his hand, and cried aloud that all
+the castle might hear it, saying: Thou traitor, Sir Gringamore, deliver me my
+dwarf again, or by the faith that I owe to the order of knighthood, I shall do
+thee all the harm that I can. Then Sir Gringamore looked out at a window and
+said, Sir Gareth of Orkney, leave thy boasting words, for thou gettest not thy
+dwarf again. Thou coward knight, said Sir Gareth, bring him with thee, and come
+and do battle with me, and win him and take him. So will I do, said Sir
+Gringamore, an me list, but for all thy great words thou gettest him not. Ah!
+fair brother, said Dame Lionesse, I would he had his dwarf again, for I would
+he were not wroth, for now he hath told me all my desire I keep no more of the
+dwarf. And also, brother, he hath done much for me, and delivered me from the
+Red Knight of the Red Launds, and therefore, brother, I owe him my service
+afore all knights living. And wit ye well that I love him before all other, and
+full fain I would speak with him. But in nowise I would that he wist what I
+were, but that I were another strange lady.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Well, said Sir Gringamore, sithen I know now your will, I will obey now unto
+him. And right therewithal he went down unto Sir Gareth, and said: Sir, I cry
+you mercy, and all that I have misdone I will amend it at your will. And
+therefore I pray you that ye would alight, and take such cheer as I can make
+you in this castle. Shall I have my dwarf? said Sir Gareth. Yea, sir, and all
+the pleasaunce that I can make you, for as soon as your dwarf told me what ye
+were and of what blood ye are come, and what noble deeds ye have done in these
+marches, then I repented of my deeds. And then Sir Gareth alighted, and there
+came his dwarf and took his horse. O my fellow, said Sir Gareth, I have had
+many adventures for thy sake. And so Sir Gringamore took him by the hand and
+led him into the hall where his own wife was.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap140"></a>CHAPTER XXI.<br/>How Sir Gareth, otherwise called
+Beaumains, came to the presence of his lady, and how they took acquaintance,
+and of their love.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then came forth Dame Lionesse arrayed like a princess, and there she made
+him passing good cheer, and he her again; and they had goodly language and
+lovely countenance together. And Sir Gareth thought many times, Jesu, would
+that the lady of the Castle Perilous were so fair as she was. There were all
+manner of games and plays, of dancing and singing. And ever the more Sir Gareth
+beheld that lady, the more he loved her; and so he burned in love that he was
+past himself in his reason; and forth toward night they yede unto supper, and
+Sir Gareth might not eat, for his love was so hot that he wist not where he
+was.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+All these looks espied Sir Gringamore, and then at-after supper he called his
+sister Dame Lionesse into a chamber, and said: Fair sister, I have well espied
+your countenance betwixt you and this knight, and I will, sister, that ye wit
+he is a full noble knight, and if ye can make him to abide here I will do him
+all the pleasure that I can, for an ye were better than ye are, ye were well
+bywaryd upon him. Fair brother, said Dame Lionesse, I understand well that the
+knight is good, and come he is of a noble house. Notwithstanding, I will assay
+him better, howbeit I am most beholden to him of any earthly man; for he hath
+had great labour for my love, and passed many a dangerous passage.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Right so Sir Gringamore went unto Sir Gareth, and said, Sir, make ye good
+cheer, for ye shall have none other cause, for this lady, my sister, is yours
+at all times, her worship saved, for wit ye well she loveth you as well as ye
+do her, and better if better may be. An I wist that, said Sir Gareth, there
+lived not a gladder man than I would be. Upon my worship, said Sir Gringamore,
+trust unto my promise; and as long as it liketh you ye shall sojourn with me,
+and this lady shall be with us daily and nightly to make you all the cheer that
+she can. I will well, said Sir Gareth, for I have promised to be nigh this
+country this twelvemonth. And well I am sure King Arthur and other noble
+knights will find me where that I am within this twelvemonth. For I shall be
+sought and found, if that I be alive. And then the noble knight Sir Gareth went
+unto the Dame Lionesse, which he then much loved, and kissed her many times,
+and either made great joy of other. And there she promised him her love
+certainly, to love him and none other the days of her life. Then this lady,
+Dame Lionesse, by the assent of her brother, told Sir Gareth all the truth what
+she was, and how she was the same lady that he did battle for, and how she was
+lady of the Castle Perilous, and there she told him how she caused her brother
+to take away his dwarf.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap141"></a>CHAPTER XXII.<br/>How at night came an armed knight,
+and fought with Sir Gareth, and he, sore hurt in the thigh, smote off the
+knight&rsquo;s head.</h3>
+
+<p>
+For this cause, to know the certainty what was your name, and of what kin ye
+were come.
+</p
+>
+<p>
+And then she let fetch to-fore him Linet, the damosel that had ridden with him
+many wildsome ways. Then was Sir Gareth more gladder than he was to-fore. And
+then they troth-plight each other to love, and never to fail whiles their life
+lasteth. And so they burnt both in love, that they were accorded to abate their
+lusts secretly. And there Dame Lionesse counselled Sir Gareth to sleep in none
+other place but in the hall. And there she promised him to come to his bed a
+little afore midnight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This counsel was not so privily kept but it was understood; for they were but
+young both, and tender of age, and had not used none such crafts to-fore.
+Wherefore the damosel Linet was a little displeased, and she thought her sister
+Dame Lionesse was a little over-hasty, that she might not abide the time of her
+marriage; and for saving their worship, she thought to abate their hot lusts.
+And so she let ordain by her subtle crafts that they had not their intents
+neither with other, as in their delights, until they were married. And so it
+passed on. At-after supper was made clean avoidance, that every lord and lady
+should go unto his rest. But Sir Gareth said plainly he would go no farther
+than the hall, for in such places, he said, was convenient for an errant-knight
+to take his rest in; and so there were ordained great couches, and thereon
+feather beds, and there laid him down to sleep; and within a while came Dame
+Lionesse, wrapped in a mantle furred with ermine, and laid her down beside Sir
+Gareth. And therewithal he began to kiss her. And then he looked afore him, and
+there he apperceived and saw come an armed knight, with many lights about him;
+and this knight had a long gisarm in his hand, and made grim countenance to
+smite him. When Sir Gareth saw him come in that wise, he leapt out of his bed,
+and gat in his hand his sword, and leapt straight toward that knight. And when
+the knight saw Sir Gareth come so fiercely upon him, he smote him with a foin
+through the thick of the thigh that the wound was a shaftmon broad and had cut
+a-two many veins and sinews. And therewithal Sir Gareth smote him upon the helm
+such a buffet that he fell grovelling; and then he leapt over him and unlaced
+his helm, and smote off his head from the body. And then he bled so fast that
+he might not stand, but so he laid him down upon his bed, and there he swooned
+and lay as he had been dead.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Dame Lionesse cried aloud, that her brother Sir Gringamore heard, and came
+down. And when he saw Sir Gareth so shamefully wounded he was sore displeased,
+and said: I am shamed that this noble knight is thus honoured. Sir, said Sir
+Gringamore, how may this be, that ye be here, and this noble knight wounded?
+Brother, she said, I can not tell you, for it was not done by me, nor by mine
+assent. For he is my lord and I am his, and he must be mine husband; therefore,
+my brother, I will that ye wit I shame me not to be with him, nor to do him all
+the pleasure that I can. Sister, said Sir Gringamore, and I will that ye wit
+it, and Sir Gareth both, that it was never done by me, nor by my assent that
+this unhappy deed was done. And there they staunched his bleeding as well as
+they might, and great sorrow made Sir Gringamore and Dame Lionesse.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And forthwithal came Dame Linet, and took up the head in the sight of them all,
+and anointed it with an ointment thereas it was smitten off; and in the same
+wise she did to the other part thereas the head stuck, and then she set it
+together, and it stuck as fast as ever it did. And the knight arose lightly up,
+and the damosel Linet put him in her chamber. All this saw Sir Gringamore and
+Dame Lionesse, and so did Sir Gareth; and well he espied that it was the
+damosel Linet, that rode with him through the perilous passages. Ah well,
+damosel, said Sir Gareth, I weened ye would not have done as ye have done. My
+lord Gareth, said Linet, all that I have done I will avow, and all that I have
+done shall be for your honour and worship, and to us all. And so within a while
+Sir Gareth was nigh whole, and waxed light and jocund, and sang, danced, and
+gamed; and he and Dame Lionesse were so hot in burning love that they made
+their covenant at the tenth night after, that she should come to his bed. And
+because he was wounded afore, he laid his armour and his sword nigh his
+bed&rsquo;s side.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap142"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.<br/>How the said knight came again the
+next night and was beheaded again, and how at the feast of Pentecost all the
+knights that Sir Gareth had overcome came and yielded them to King Arthur.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Right as she promised she came; and she was not so soon in his bed but she
+espied an armed knight coming toward the bed: therewithal she warned Sir
+Gareth, and lightly through the good help of Dame Lionesse he was armed; and
+they hurtled together with great ire and malice all about the hall; and there
+was great light as it had been the number of twenty torches both before and
+behind, so that Sir Gareth strained him, so that his old wound brast again
+a-bleeding; but he was hot and courageous and took no keep, but with his great
+force he struck down that knight, and voided his helm, and struck off his head.
+Then he hewed the head in an hundred pieces. And when he had done so he took up
+all those pieces, and threw them out at a window into the ditches of the
+castle; and by this done he was so faint that unnethes he might stand for
+bleeding. And by when he was almost unarmed he fell in a deadly swoon on the
+floor; and then Dame Lionesse cried so that Sir Gringamore heard; and when he
+came and found Sir Gareth in that plight he made great sorrow; and there he
+awaked Sir Gareth, and gave him a drink that relieved him wonderly well; but
+the sorrow that Dame Lionesse made there may no tongue tell, for she so fared
+with herself as she would have died.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Right so came this damosel Linet before them all, and she had fetched all the
+gobbets of the head that Sir Gareth had thrown out at a window, and there she
+anointed them as she had done to-fore, and set them together again. Well,
+damosel Linet, said Sir Gareth, I have not deserved all this despite that ye do
+unto me. Sir knight, she said, I have nothing done but I will avow, and all
+that I have done shall be to your worship, and to us all. And then was Sir
+Gareth staunched of his bleeding. But the leeches said that there was no man
+that bare the life should heal him throughout of his wound but if they healed
+him that caused that stroke by enchantment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So leave we Sir Gareth there with Sir Gringamore and his sisters, and turn we
+unto King Arthur, that at the next feast of Pentecost held his feast; and there
+came the Green Knight with fifty knights, and yielded them all unto King
+Arthur. And so there came the Red Knight his brother, and yielded him to King
+Arthur, and three score knights with him. Also there came the Blue Knight,
+brother to them, with an hundred knights, and yielded them unto King Arthur;
+and the Green Knight&rsquo;s name was Pertolepe, and the Red Knight&rsquo;s
+name was Perimones, and the Blue Knight&rsquo;s name was Sir Persant of Inde.
+These three brethren told King Arthur how they were overcome by a knight that a
+damosel had with her, and called him Beaumains. Jesu, said the king, I marvel
+what knight he is, and of what lineage he is come. He was with me a
+twelvemonth, and poorly and shamefully he was fostered, and Sir Kay in scorn
+named him Beaumains. So right as the king stood so talking with these three
+brethren, there came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and told the king that there was
+come a goodly lord with six hundred knights with him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king went out of Carlion, for there was the feast, and there came to
+him this lord, and saluted the king in a goodly manner. What will ye, said King
+Arthur, and what is your errand? Sir, he said, my name is the Red Knight of the
+Red Launds, but my name is Sir Ironside; and sir, wit ye well, here I am sent
+to you of a knight that is called Beaumains, for he won me in plain battle hand
+for hand, and so did never no knight but he, that ever had the better of me
+this thirty winter; the which commanded to yield me to you at your will. Ye are
+welcome, said the king, for ye have been long a great foe to me and my court,
+and now I trust to God I shall so entreat you that ye shall be my friend. Sir,
+both I and these five hundred knights shall always be at your summons to do you
+service as may lie in our powers. Jesu mercy, said King Arthur, I am much
+beholden unto that knight that hath put so his body in devoir to worship me and
+my court. And as to thee, Ironside, that art called the Red Knight of the Red
+Launds, thou art called a perilous knight; and if thou wilt hold of me I shall
+worship thee and make thee knight of the Table Round; but then thou must be no
+more a murderer. Sir, as to that, I have promised unto Sir Beaumains never more
+to use such customs, for all the shameful customs that I used I did at the
+request of a lady that I loved; and therefore I must go unto Sir Launcelot, and
+unto Sir Gawaine, and ask them forgiveness of the evil will I had unto them;
+for all that I put to death was all only for the love of Sir Launcelot and of
+Sir Gawaine. They be here now, said the king, afore thee, now may ye say to
+them what ye will. And then he kneeled down unto Sir Launcelot, and to Sir
+Gawaine, and prayed them of forgiveness of his enmity that ever he had against
+them.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap143"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.<br/>How King Arthur pardoned them, and
+demanded of them where Sir Gareth was.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then goodly they said all at once, God forgive you, and we do, and pray you
+that ye will tell us where we may find Sir Beaumains. Fair lords, said Sir
+Ironside, I cannot tell you, for it is full hard to find him; for such young
+knights as he is one, when they be in their adventures be never abiding in no
+place. But to say the worship that the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and Sir
+Persant and his brother said of Beaumains, it was marvel to hear. Well, my fair
+lords, said King Arthur, wit you well I shall do you honour for the love of Sir
+Beaumains, and as soon as ever I meet with him I shall make you all upon one
+day knights of the Table Round. And as to thee, Sir Persant of Inde, thou hast
+been ever called a full noble knight, and so have ever been thy three brethren
+called. But I marvel, said the king, that I hear not of the Black Knight your
+brother, he was a full noble knight. Sir, said Pertolepe, the Green Knight, Sir
+Beaumains slew him in a recounter with his spear, his name was Sir Percard.
+That was great pity, said the king, and so said many knights. For these four
+brethren were full well known in the court of King Arthur for noble knights,
+for long time they had holden war against the knights of the Round Table. Then
+said Pertolepe, the Green Knight, to the king: At a passage of the water of
+Mortaise there encountered Sir Beaumains with two brethren that ever for the
+most part kept that passage, and they were two deadly knights, and there he
+slew the eldest brother in the water, and smote him upon the head such a buffet
+that he fell down in the water, and there he was drowned, and his name was Sir
+Gherard le Breusse; and after he slew the other brother upon the land, his name
+was Sir Arnold le Breusse.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap144"></a>CHAPTER XXV.<br/>How the Queen of Orkney came to this
+feast of Pentecost, and Sir Gawaine and his brethren came to ask her blessing.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+So then the king and they went to meat, and were served in the best manner. And
+as they sat at the meat, there came in the Queen of Orkney, with ladies and
+knights a great number. And then Sir Gawaine, Sir Agravaine, and Gaheris arose,
+and went to her and saluted her upon their knees, and asked her blessing; for
+in fifteen year 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, the which is shame to
+you all. Alas, where have ye done my dear son that was my joy and bliss? O dear
+mother, said Sir Gawaine, I knew him not. Nor I, said the king, that now me
+repenteth, but thanked be God he is proved a worshipful knight as any is now
+living of his years, and I shall never be glad till I may find him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ah, brother, said the Queen unto King Arthur, and unto Sir Gawaine, and to all
+her sons, ye did yourself great shame when ye amongst you kept my son in the
+kitchen and fed him like a poor hog. Fair sister, said King Arthur, ye shall
+right well wit I knew him not, nor no more did Sir Gawaine, nor his brethren;
+but sithen it is so, said the king, that he is thus gone from us all, we must
+shape a remedy to find him. Also, sister, meseemeth ye might have done me to
+wit of his coming, and then an I had not done well to him ye might have blamed
+me. For when he came to this court he came leaning upon two men&rsquo;s
+shoulders, as though he might not have gone. And then he asked me three gifts;
+and one he asked the same day, that was that I would give him meat enough that
+twelvemonth; and the other two gifts he asked that day a twelvemonth, and that
+was that he might have the adventure of the damosel Linet, and the third was
+that Sir Launcelot should make him knight when he desired him. And so I granted
+him all his desire, and many in this court marvelled that he desired his
+sustenance for a twelvemonth. And thereby, we deemed, many of us, that he was
+not come of a noble house.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sir, said the Queen of Orkney unto King Arthur her brother, wit ye well that I
+sent him unto you right well armed and horsed, and worshipfully beseen of his
+body, and gold and silver plenty to spend. It may be, said the King, but
+thereof saw we none, save that same day as he departed from us, knights told me
+that there came a dwarf hither suddenly, and brought him armour and a good
+horse full well and richly beseen; and thereat we all had marvel from whence
+that riches came, that we deemed all that he was come of men of worship.
+Brother, said the queen, all that ye say I believe, for ever sithen he was
+grown he was marvellously witted, and ever he was faithful and true of his
+promise. But I marvel, said she, that Sir Kay did mock him and scorn him, and
+gave him that name Beaumains; yet, Sir Kay, said the queen, named him more
+righteously than he weened; for I dare say an he be alive, he is as fair an
+handed man and well disposed as any is living. Sir, said Arthur, let this
+language be still, and by the grace of God he shall be found an he be within
+this seven realms, and let all this pass and be merry, for he is proved to be a
+man of worship, and that is my joy.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap145"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.<br/>How King Arthur sent for the Lady
+Lionesse, and how she let cry a tourney at her castle, whereas came many
+knights.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then said Sir Gawaine and his brethren unto Arthur, Sir, an ye will give us
+leave, we will go and seek our brother. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, that shall ye
+not need; and so said Sir Baudwin of Britain: for as by our advice the king
+shall send unto Dame Lionesse a messenger, and pray her that she will come to
+the court in all the haste that she may, and doubt ye not she will come; and
+then she may give you best counsel where ye shall find him. This is well said
+of you, said the king. So then goodly letters were made, and the messenger sent
+forth, that night and day he went till he came unto the Castle Perilous. And
+then the lady Dame Lionesse was sent for, thereas she was with Sir Gringamore
+her brother and Sir Gareth. And when she understood this message, she bade him
+ride on his way unto King Arthur, and she would come after in all goodly haste.
+Then when she came to Sir Gringamore and to Sir Gareth, she told them all how
+King Arthur had sent for her. That is because of me, said Sir Gareth. Now
+advise me, said Dame Lionesse, what shall I say, and in what manner I shall
+rule me. My lady and my love, said Sir Gareth, I pray you in no wise be ye
+aknowen where I am; but well I wot my mother is there and all my brethren, and
+they will take upon them to seek me, I wot well that they do. But this, madam,
+I would ye said and advised the king when he questioned with you of me. Then
+may ye say, this is your advice that, an it like his good grace, ye will do
+make a cry against the feast of the Assumption of our Lady, that what knight
+there proveth him best he shall wield you and all your land. And if so be that
+he be a wedded man, that his wife shall have the degree, and a coronal of gold
+beset with stones of virtue to the value of a thousand pound, and a white
+gerfalcon.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So Dame Lionesse departed and came to King Arthur, where she was nobly
+received, and there she was sore questioned of the king and of the Queen of
+Orkney. And she answered, where Sir Gareth was she could not tell. But thus
+much she said unto Arthur: Sir, I will let cry a tournament that shall be done
+before my castle at the Assumption of our Lady, and the cry shall be this: that
+you, my lord Arthur, shall be there, and your knights, and I will purvey that
+my knights shall be against yours; and then I am sure ye shall hear of Sir
+Gareth. This is well advised, said King Arthur; and so she departed. And the
+king and she made great provision to that tournament.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Dame Lionesse was come to the Isle of Avilion, that was the same isle
+thereas her brother Sir Gringamore dwelt, then she told them all how she had
+done, and what promise she had made to King Arthur. Alas, said Sir Gareth, I
+have been so wounded with unhappiness sithen I came into this castle that I
+shall not be able to do at that tournament like a knight; for I was never
+thoroughly whole since I was hurt. Be ye of good cheer, said the damosel Linet,
+for I undertake within these fifteen days to make ye whole, and as lusty as
+ever ye were. And then she laid an ointment and a salve to him as it pleased to
+her, that he was never so fresh nor so lusty. Then said the damosel Linet: Send
+you unto Sir Persant of Inde, and assummon him and his knights to be here with
+you as they have promised. Also, that ye send unto Sir Ironside, that is the
+Red Knight of the Red Launds, and charge him that he be ready with you with his
+whole sum of knights, and then shall ye be able to match with King Arthur and
+his knights. So this was done, and all knights were sent for unto the Castle
+Perilous; and then the Red Knight answered and said unto Dame Lionesse, and to
+Sir Gareth, Madam, and my lord Sir Gareth, ye shall understand that I have been
+at the court of King Arthur, and Sir Persant of Inde and his brethren, and
+there we have done our homage as ye commanded us. Also Sir Ironside said, I
+have taken upon me with Sir Persant of Inde and his brethren to hold part
+against my lord Sir Launcelot and the knights of that court. And this have I
+done for the love of my lady Dame Lionesse, and you my lord Sir Gareth. Ye have
+well done, said Sir Gareth; but wit you well ye shall be full sore matched with
+the most noble knights of the world; therefore we must purvey us of good
+knights, where we may get them. That is well said, said Sir Persant, and
+worshipfully.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so the cry was made in England, Wales, and Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall, and
+in all the Out Isles, and in Brittany and in many countries; that at the feast
+of our Lady the Assumption next coming, men should come to the Castle Perilous
+beside the Isle of Avilion; and there all the knights that there came should
+have the choice whether them list to be on the one party with the knights of
+the castle, or on the other party with King Arthur. And two months was to the
+day that the tournament should be. And so there came many good knights that
+were at their large, and held them for the most part against King Arthur and
+his knights of the Round Table and came in the side of them of the castle. For
+Sir Epinogrus was the first, and he was the king&rsquo;s son of Northumberland,
+and Sir Palamides the Saracen was another, and Sir Safere his brother, and Sir
+Segwarides his brother, but they were christened, and Sir Malegrine another,
+and Sir Brian de les Isles, a noble knight, and Sir Grummore Grummursum, a good
+knight of Scotland, and Sir Carados of the dolorous tower, a noble knight, and
+Sir Turquine his brother, and Sir Arnold and Sir Gauter, two brethren, good
+knights of Cornwall. There came Sir Tristram de Liones, and with him Sir Dinas,
+the Seneschal, and Sir Sadok; but this Sir Tristram was not at that time knight
+of the Table Round, but he was one of the best knights of the world. And so all
+these noble knights accompanied them with the lady of the castle, and with the
+Red Knight of the Red Launds; but as for Sir Gareth, he would not take upon him
+more but as other mean knights.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap146"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.<br/>How King Arthur went to the
+tournament with his knights, and how the lady received him worshipfully, and
+how the knights encountered.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then there came with King Arthur Sir Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris, his
+brethren. And then his nephews Sir Uwaine le Blanchemains, and Sir Aglovale,
+Sir Tor, Sir Percivale de Galis, and Sir Lamorak de Galis. Then came Sir
+Launcelot du Lake with his brethren, nephews, and cousins, as Sir Lionel, Sir
+Ector de Maris, Sir Bors de Ganis, and Sir Galihodin, Sir Galihud, and many
+more of Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s blood, and Sir Dinadan, Sir La Cote Male Taile,
+his brother, a good knight, and Sir Sagramore, a good knight; and all the most
+part of the Round Table. Also there came with King Arthur these knights, the
+King of Ireland, King Agwisance, and the King of Scotland, King Carados and
+King Uriens of the land of Gore, and King Bagdemagus and his son Sir
+Meliaganus, and Sir Galahault the noble prince. All these kings, princes, and
+earls, barons, and other noble knights, as Sir Brandiles, Sir Uwaine les
+Avoutres, and Sir Kay, Sir Bedivere, Sir Meliot de Logres, Sir Petipase of
+Winchelsea, Sir Godelake: all these came with King Arthur, and more that cannot
+be rehearsed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now leave we of these kings and knights, and let us speak of the great array
+that was made within the castle and about the castle for both parties. The Lady
+Dame Lionesse ordained great array upon her part for her noble knights, for all
+manner of lodging and victual that came by land and by water, that there lacked
+nothing for her party, nor for the other, but there was plenty to be had for
+gold and silver for King Arthur and his knights. And then there came the
+harbingers from King Arthur for to harbour him, and his kings, dukes, earls,
+barons, and knights. And then Sir Gareth prayed Dame Lionesse and the Red
+Knight of the Red Launds, and Sir Persant and his brother, and Sir Gringamore,
+that in no wise there should none of them tell not his name, and make no more
+of him than of the least knight that there was, For, he said, I will not be
+known of neither more nor less, neither at the beginning neither at the ending.
+Then Dame Lionesse said unto Sir Gareth: Sir, I will lend you a ring, but I
+would pray you as you love me heartily let me have it again when the tournament
+is done, for that ring increaseth my beauty much more than it is of himself.
+And the virtue of my ring is that, that is green it will turn to red, and that
+is red it will turn in likeness to green, and that is blue it will turn to
+likeness of white, and that is white it will turn in likeness to blue, and so
+it will do of all manner of colours. Also who that beareth my ring shall lose
+no blood, and for great love I will give you this ring. Gramercy, said Sir
+Gareth, mine own lady, for this ring is passing meet for me, for it will turn
+all manner of likeness that I am in, and that shall cause me that I shall not
+be known. Then Sir Gringamore gave Sir Gareth a bay courser that was a passing
+good horse; also he gave him good armour and sure, and a noble sword that
+sometime Sir Gringamore&rsquo;s father won upon an heathen tyrant. And so thus
+every knight made him ready to that tournament. And King Arthur was come two
+days to-fore the Assumption of our Lady. And there was all manner of royalty of
+all minstrelsy that might be found. Also there came Queen Guenever and the
+Queen of Orkney, Sir Gareth&rsquo;s mother.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And upon the Assumption Day, when mass and matins were done, there were heralds
+with trumpets commanded to blow to the field. And so there came out Sir
+Epinogrus, the king&rsquo;s son of Northumberland, from the castle, and there
+encountered with him Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and either of them brake their
+spears to their hands. And then came in Sir Palamides out of the castle, and
+there encountered with him Gawaine, and either of them smote other so hard that
+both the good knights and their horses fell to the earth. And then knights of
+either party rescued their knights. And then came in Sir Safere and Sir
+Segwarides, brethren to Sir Palamides; and there encountered Sir Agravaine with
+Sir Safere and Sir Gaheris encountered with Sir Segwarides. So Sir Safere smote
+down Agravaine, Sir Gawaine&rsquo;s brother; and Sir Segwarides, Sir
+Safere&rsquo;s brother. And Sir Malegrine, a knight of the castle, encountered
+with Sir Uwaine le Blanchemains, and there Sir Uwaine gave Sir Malegrine a
+fall, that he had almost broke his neck.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap147"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.<br/>How the knights bare them in the
+battle.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Brian de les Isles and Grummore Grummursum, knights of the castle,
+encountered with Sir Aglovale, and Sir Tor smote down Sir Grummore Grummursum
+to the earth. Then came in Sir Carados of the dolorous tower, and Sir Turquine,
+knights of the castle; and there encountered with them Sir Percivale de Galis
+and Sir Lamorak de Galis, that were two brethren. And there encountered Sir
+Percivale with Sir Carados, and either brake their spears unto their hands, and
+then Sir Turquine with Sir Lamorak, and either of them smote down other&rsquo;s
+horse and all to the earth, and either parties rescued other, and horsed them
+again. And Sir Arnold and Sir Gauter, knights of the castle, encountered with
+Sir Brandiles and Sir Kay, and these four knights encountered mightily, and
+brake their spears to their hands. Then came in Sir Tristram, Sir Sadok, and
+Sir Dinas, knights of the castle, and there encountered Sir Tristram with Sir
+Bedivere, and there Sir Bedivere was smitten to the earth both horse and man.
+And Sir Sadok encountered with Sir Petipase, and there Sir Sadok was
+overthrown. And there Uwaine les Avoutres smote down Sir Dinas, the Seneschal.
+Then came in Sir Persant of Inde, a knight of the castle, and there encountered
+with him Sir Launcelot du Lake, and there he smote Sir Persant, horse and man,
+to the earth. Then came Sir Pertolepe from the castle, and there encountered
+with him Sir Lionel, and there Sir Pertolepe, the Green Knight, smote down Sir
+Lionel, brother to Sir Launcelot. All this was marked by noble heralds, who
+bare him best, and their names.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And then came into the field Sir Perimones, the Red Knight, Sir Persant&rsquo;s
+brother, that was a knight of the castle, and he encountered with Sir Ector de
+Maris, and either smote other so hard that both their horses and they fell to
+the earth. And then came in the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and Sir Gareth,
+from the castle, and there encountered with them Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir
+Bleoberis, and there the Red Knight and Sir Bors [either] smote other so hard
+that their spears brast, and their horses fell grovelling to the earth. Then
+Sir Bleoberis brake his spear upon Sir Gareth, but of that stroke Sir Bleoberis
+fell to the earth. When Sir Galihodin saw that he bade Sir Gareth keep him, and
+Sir Gareth smote him to the earth. Then Sir Galihud gat a spear to avenge his
+brother, and in the same wise Sir Gareth served him, and Sir Dinadan and his
+brother, La Cote Male Taile, and Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and Sir Dodinas le
+Savage. All these he bare down with one spear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When King Agwisance of Ireland saw Sir Gareth fare so, he marvelled what he
+might be that one time seemed green, and another time, at his again coming, he
+seemed blue. And thus at every course that he rode to and fro he changed his
+colour, so that there might neither king nor knight have ready cognisance of
+him. Then Sir Agwisance, the King of Ireland, encountered with Sir Gareth, and
+there Sir Gareth smote him from his horse, saddle and all. And then came King
+Carados of Scotland, and Sir Gareth smote him down horse and man. And in the
+same wise he served King Uriens of the land of Gore. And then came in Sir
+Bagdemagus, and Sir Gareth smote him down, horse and man, to the earth. And
+Bagdemagus&rsquo; son, Meliganus, brake a spear upon Sir Gareth mightily and
+knightly. And then Sir Galahault, the noble prince, cried on high: Knight with
+the many colours, well hast thou jousted; now make thee ready that I may joust
+with thee. Sir Gareth heard him, and he gat a great spear, and so they
+encountered together, and there the prince brake his spear; but Sir Gareth
+smote him upon the left side of the helm that he reeled here and there, and he
+had fallen down had not his men recovered him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So God me help, said King Arthur, that same knight with the many colours is a
+good knight. Wherefore the king called unto him Sir Launcelot, and prayed him
+to encounter with that knight. Sir, said Launcelot, I may well find in my heart
+for to forbear him as at this time, for he hath had travail enough this day;
+and when a good knight doth so well upon some day, it is no good knight&rsquo;s
+part to let him of his worship, and namely, when he seeth a knight hath done so
+great labour; for peradventure, said Sir Launcelot, his quarrel is here this
+day, and peradventure he is best beloved with this lady of all that be here;
+for I see well he paineth him and enforceth him to do great deeds, and
+therefore, said Sir Launcelot, as for me, this day he shall have the honour;
+though it lay in my power to put him from it I would not.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap148"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.<br/>Yet of the said tournament.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then when this was done there was drawing of swords, and then there began a
+sore tournament. And there did Sir Lamorak marvellous deeds of arms; and
+betwixt Sir Lamorak and Sir Ironside, that was the Red Knight of the Red
+Launds, there was strong battle; and betwixt Sir Palamides and Bleoberis there
+was a strong battle; and Sir Gawaine and Sir Tristram met, and there Sir
+Gawaine had the worse, for he pulled Sir Gawaine from his horse, and there he
+was long upon foot, and defouled. Then came in Sir Launcelot, and he smote Sir
+Turquine, and he him; and then came Sir Carados his brother, and both at once
+they assailed him, and he as the most noblest knight of the world worshipfully
+fought with them both, that all men wondered of the noblesse of Sir Launcelot.
+And then came in Sir Gareth, and knew that it was Sir Launcelot that fought
+with the two perilous knights. And then Sir Gareth came with his good horse and
+hurtled them in-sunder, and no stroke would he smite to Sir Launcelot. That
+espied Sir Launcelot, and deemed it should be the good knight Sir Gareth: and
+then Sir Gareth rode here and there, and smote on the right hand and on the
+left hand, and all the folk might well espy where that he rode. And by fortune
+he met with his brother Sir Gawaine, and there he put Sir Gawaine to the worse,
+for he put off his helm, and so he served five or six knights of the Round
+Table, that all men said he put him in the most pain, and best he did his
+devoir. For when Sir Tristram beheld him how he first jousted and after fought
+so well with a sword, then he rode unto Sir Ironside and to Sir Persant of
+Inde, and asked them, by their faith, What manner a knight is yonder knight
+that seemeth in so many divers colours? Truly, meseemeth, said Tristram, that
+he putteth himself in great pain, for he never ceaseth. Wot ye not what he is?
+said Sir Ironside. No, said Sir Tristram. Then shall ye know that this is he
+that loveth the lady of the castle, and she him again; and this is he that won
+me when I besieged the lady of this castle, and this is he that won Sir Persant
+of Inde, and his three brethren. What is his name, said Sir Tristram, and of
+what blood is he come? He was called in the court of King Arthur, Beaumains,
+but his right name is Sir Gareth of Orkney, brother to Sir Gawaine. By my head,
+said Sir Tristram, he is a good knight, and a big man of arms, and if he be
+young he shall prove a full noble knight. He is but a child, they all said, and
+of Sir Launcelot he was made knight. Therefore he is mickle the better, said
+Tristram. And then Sir Tristram, Sir Ironside, Sir Persant, and his brother,
+rode together for to help Sir Gareth; and then there were given many strong
+strokes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And then Sir Gareth rode out on the one side to amend his helm; and then said
+his dwarf: Take me your ring, that ye lose it not while that ye drink. And so
+when he had drunk he gat on his helm, and eagerly took his horse and rode into
+the field, and left his ring with his dwarf; and the dwarf was glad the ring
+was from him, for then he wist well he should be known. And then when Sir
+Gareth was in the field all folks saw him well and plainly that he was in
+yellow colours; and there he rased off helms and pulled down knights, that King
+Arthur had marvel what knight he was, for the king saw by his hair that it was
+the same knight.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap149"></a>CHAPTER XXX.<br/>How Sir Gareth was espied by the
+heralds, and how he escaped out of the field.</h3>
+
+<p>
+But before he was in so many colours, and now he is but in one colour; that is
+yellow. Now go, said King Arthur unto divers heralds, and ride about him, and
+espy what manner knight he is, for I have spered of many knights this day that
+be upon his party, and all say they know him not.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so an herald rode nigh Gareth as he could; and there he saw written about
+his helm in gold, This helm is Sir Gareth of Orkney.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the herald cried as he were wood, and many heralds with him:&mdash;This is
+Sir Gareth of Orkney in the yellow arms; that by all kings and knights of
+Arthur&rsquo;s beheld him and awaited; and then they pressed all to behold him,
+and ever the heralds cried: This is Sir Gareth of Orkney, King Lot&rsquo;s son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when Sir Gareth espied that he was discovered, then he doubled his strokes,
+and smote down Sir Sagramore, and his brother Sir Gawaine.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+O brother, said Sir Gawaine, I weened ye would not have stricken me.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when he heard him say so he thrang here and there, and so with great pain he
+gat out of the press, and there he met with his dwarf. O boy, said Sir Gareth,
+thou hast beguiled me foul this day that thou kept my ring; give it me anon
+again, that I may hide my body withal; and so he took it him. And then they all
+wist not where he was become; and Sir Gawaine had in manner espied where Sir
+Gareth rode, and then he rode after with all his might. That espied Sir Gareth,
+and rode lightly into the forest, that Sir Gawaine wist not where he was
+become. And when Sir Gareth wist that Sir Gawaine was passed, he asked the
+dwarf of best counsel. Sir, said the dwarf, meseemeth it were best, now that ye
+are escaped from spying, that ye send my lady Dame Lionesse her ring. It is
+well advised, said Sir Gareth; now have it here and bear it to her, and say
+that I recommend me unto her good grace, and say her I will come when I may,
+and I pray her to be true and faithful to me as I will be to her. Sir, said the
+dwarf, it shall be done as ye command: and so he rode his way, and did his
+errand unto the lady. Then she said, Where is my knight, Sir Gareth? Madam,
+said the dwarf, he bade me say that he would not be long from you. And so
+lightly the dwarf came again unto Sir Gareth, that would full fain have had a
+lodging, for he had need to be reposed. And then fell there a thunder and a
+rain, as heaven and earth should go together. And Sir Gareth was not a little
+weary, for of all that day he had but little rest, neither his horse nor he. So
+this Sir Gareth rode so long in that forest until the night came. And ever it
+lightened and thundered, as it had been wood. At the last by fortune he came to
+a castle, and there he heard the waits upon the walls.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap150"></a>CHAPTER XXXI.<br/>How Sir Gareth came to a castle
+where he was well lodged, and he jousted with a knight and slew him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Gareth rode unto the barbican of the castle, and prayed the porter
+fair to let him into the castle. The porter answered ungoodly again, and said,
+Thou gettest no lodging here. Fair sir, say not so, for I am a knight of King
+Arthur&rsquo;s, and pray the lord or the lady of this castle to give me harbour
+for the love of King Arthur. Then the porter went unto the duchess, and told
+her how there was a knight of King Arthur&rsquo;s would have harbour. Let him
+in, said the duchess, for I will see that knight, and for King Arthur&rsquo;s
+sake he shall not be harbourless. Then she yode up into a tower over the gate,
+with great torchlight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Gareth saw that torch-light he cried on high: Whether thou be lord or
+lady, giant or champion, I take no force so that I may have harbour this night;
+and if it so be that I must needs fight, spare me not to-morn when I have
+rested me, for both I and mine horse be weary. Sir knight, said the lady, thou
+speakest knightly and boldly; but wit thou well the lord of this castle loveth
+not King Arthur, nor none of his court, for my lord hath ever been against him;
+and therefore thou were better not to come within this castle; for an thou come
+in this night, thou must come in under such form, that wheresomever thou meet
+my lord, by stigh or by street, thou must yield thee to him as prisoner. Madam,
+said Sir Gareth, what is your lord, and what is his name? Sir, my lord&rsquo;s
+name is the Duke de la Rowse. Well madam, said Sir Gareth, I shall promise you
+in what place I meet your lord I shall yield me unto him and to his good grace;
+with that I understand he will do me no harm: and if I understand that he will,
+I will release myself an I can with my spear and my sword. Ye say well, said
+the duchess; and then she let the drawbridge down, and so he rode into the
+hall, and there he alighted, and his horse was led into a stable; and in the
+hall he unarmed him and said, Madam, I will not out of this hall this night;
+and when it is daylight, let see who will have ado with me, he shall find me
+ready. Then was he set unto supper, and had many good dishes. Then Sir Gareth
+list well to eat, and knightly he ate his meat, and eagerly; there was many a
+fair lady by him, and some said they never saw a goodlier man nor so well of
+eating. Then they made him passing good cheer, and shortly when he had supped
+his bed was made there; so he rested him all night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And on the morn he heard mass, and brake his fast and took his leave at the
+duchess, and at them all; and thanked her goodly of her lodging, and of his
+good cheer; and then she asked him his name. Madam, he said, truly my name is
+Gareth of Orkney, and some men call me Beaumains. Then knew she well it was the
+same knight that fought for Dame Lionesse. So Sir Gareth departed and rode up
+into a mountain, and there met him a knight, his name was Sir Bendelaine, and
+said to Sir Gareth: Thou shalt not pass this way, for either thou shalt joust
+with me, or else be my prisoner. Then will I joust, said Sir Gareth. And so
+they let their horses run, and there Sir Gareth smote him throughout the body;
+and Sir Bendelaine rode forth to his castle there beside, and there died. So
+Sir Gareth would have rested him, and he came riding to Bendelaine&rsquo;s
+castle. Then his knights and servants espied that it was he that had slain
+their lord. Then they armed twenty good men, and came out and assailed Sir
+Gareth; and so he had no spear, but his sword, and put his shield afore him;
+and there they brake their spears upon him, and they assailed him passingly
+sore. But ever Sir Gareth defended him as a knight.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap151"></a>CHAPTER XXXII.<br/>How Sir Gareth fought with a
+knight that held within his castle thirty ladies, and how he slew him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So when they saw that they might not overcome him, they rode from him, and took
+their counsel to slay his horse; and so they came in upon Sir Gareth, and with
+spears they slew his horse, and then they assailed him hard. But when he was on
+foot, there was none that he fought but he gave him such a buffet that he did
+never recover. So he slew them by one and one till they were but four, and
+there they fled; and Sir Gareth took a good horse that was one of theirs, and
+rode his way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then he rode a great pace till that he came to a castle, and there he heard
+much mourning of ladies and gentlewomen. So there came by him a page. What
+noise is this, said Sir Gareth, that I hear within this castle? Sir knight,
+said the page, here be within this castle thirty ladies, and all they be
+widows; for here is a knight that waiteth daily upon this castle, and his name
+is the Brown Knight without Pity, and he is the periloust knight that now
+liveth; and therefore sir, said the page, I rede you flee. Nay, said Sir
+Gareth, I will not flee though thou be afeard of him. And then the page saw
+where came the Brown Knight: Lo, said the page, yonder he cometh. Let me deal
+with him, said Sir Gareth. And when either of other had a sight they let their
+horses run, and the Brown Knight brake his spear, and Sir Gareth smote him
+throughout the body, that he overthrew him to the ground stark dead. So Sir
+Gareth rode into the castle, and prayed the ladies that he might repose him.
+Alas, said the ladies, ye may not be lodged here. Make him good cheer, said the
+page, for this knight hath slain your enemy. Then they all made him good cheer
+as lay in their power. But wit ye well they made him good cheer, for they might
+none otherwise do, for they were but poor.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so on the morn he went to mass, and there he saw the thirty ladies kneel,
+and lay grovelling upon divers tombs, making great dole and sorrow. Then Sir
+Gareth wist well that in the tombs lay their lords. Fair ladies, said Sir
+Gareth, ye must at the next feast of Pentecost be at the court of King Arthur,
+and say that I, Sir Gareth, sent you thither. We shall do this, said the
+ladies. So he departed, and by fortune he came to a mountain, and there he
+found a goodly knight that bade him, Abide sir knight, and joust with me. What
+are ye? said Sir Gareth. My name is, said he, the Duke de la Rowse. Ah sir, ye
+are the same knight that I lodged once in your castle; and there I made promise
+unto your lady that I should yield me unto you. Ah, said the duke, art thou
+that proud knight that profferest to fight with my knights; therefore make thee
+ready, for I will have ado with you. So they let their horses run, and there
+Sir Gareth smote the duke down from his horse. But the duke lightly avoided his
+horse, and dressed his shield and drew his sword, and bade Sir Gareth alight
+and fight with him. So he did alight, and they did great battle together more
+than an hour, and either hurt other full sore. At the last Sir Gareth gat the
+duke to the earth, and would have slain him, and then he yield him to him. Then
+must ye go, said Sir Gareth, unto Sir Arthur my lord at the next feast, and say
+that I, Sir Gareth of Orkney, sent you unto him. It shall be done, said the
+duke, and I will do to you homage and fealty with an hundred knights with me;
+and all the days of my life to do you service where ye will command me.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap152"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII.<br/>How Sir Gareth and Sir Gawaine
+fought each against other, and how they knew each other by the damosel
+Linet.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So the duke departed, and Sir Gareth stood there alone; and there he saw an
+armed knight coming toward him. Then Sir Gareth took the duke&rsquo;s shield,
+and mounted upon horseback, and so without biding they ran together as it had
+been the thunder. And there that knight hurt Sir Gareth under the side with his
+spear. And then they alighted and drew their swords, and gave great strokes
+that the blood trailed to the ground. And so they fought two hours.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+At the last there came the damosel Linet, that some men called the damosel
+Savage, and she came riding upon an ambling mule; and there she cried all on
+high, Sir Gawaine, Sir Gawaine, leave thy fighting with thy brother Sir Gareth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when he heard her say so he threw away his shield and his sword, and ran to
+Sir Gareth, and took him in his arms, and sithen kneeled down and asked him
+mercy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+What are ye, said Sir Gareth, that right now were so strong and so mighty, and
+now so suddenly yield you to me? O Gareth, I am your brother Sir Gawaine, that
+for your sake have had great sorrow and labour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Gareth unlaced his helm, and kneeled down to him, and asked him mercy.
+Then they rose both, and embraced either other in their arms, and wept a great
+while or they might speak, and either of them gave other the prize of the
+battle. And there were many kind words between them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Alas, my fair brother, said Sir Gawaine, perdy I owe of right to worship you an
+ye were not my brother, for ye have worshipped King Arthur and all his court,
+for ye have sent me more worshipful knights this twelvemonth than six the best
+of the Round Table have done, except Sir Launcelot.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then came the damosel Savage that was the Lady Linet, that rode with Sir Gareth
+so long, and there she did staunch Sir Gareth&rsquo;s wounds and Sir
+Gawaine&rsquo;s. Now what will ye do? said the damosel Savage; meseemeth that
+it were well done that Arthur had witting of you both, for your horses are so
+bruised that they may not bear. Now, fair damosel, said Sir Gawaine, I pray you
+ride unto my lord mine uncle, King Arthur, and tell him what adventure is to me
+betid here, and I suppose he will not tarry long. Then she took her mule, and
+lightly she came to King Arthur that was but two mile thence. And when she had
+told him tidings the king bade get him a palfrey. And when he was upon his back
+he bade the lords and ladies come after, who that would; and there was saddling
+and bridling of queens&rsquo; horses and princes&rsquo; horses, and well was
+him that soonest might be ready.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when the king came thereas they were, he saw Sir Gawaine and Sir Gareth sit
+upon a little hill-side, and then the king avoided his horse. And when he came
+nigh Sir Gareth he would have spoken but he might not; and therewith he sank
+down in a swoon for gladness. And so they stert unto their uncle, and required
+him of his good grace to be of good comfort. Wit ye well the king made great
+joy, and many a piteous complaint he made to Sir Gareth, and ever he wept as he
+had been a child. With that came his mother, the Queen of Orkney, Dame
+Morgawse, and when she saw Sir Gareth readily in the visage she might not weep,
+but suddenly fell down in a swoon, and lay there a great while like as she had
+been dead. And then Sir Gareth recomforted his mother in such wise that she
+recovered and made good cheer. Then the king commanded that all manner of
+knights that were under his obeissance should make their lodging right there
+for the love of his nephews. And so it was done, and all manner of purveyance
+purveyed, that there lacked nothing that might be gotten of tame nor wild for
+gold or silver. And then by the means of the damosel Savage Sir Gawaine and Sir
+Gareth were healed of their wounds; and there they sojourned eight days.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then said King Arthur unto the damosel Savage: I marvel that your sister, Dame
+Lionesse, cometh not here to me, and in especial that she cometh not to visit
+her knight, my nephew Sir Gareth, that hath had so much travail for her love.
+My lord, said the damosel Linet, ye must of your good grace hold her excused,
+for she knoweth not that my lord, Sir Gareth, is here. Go then for her, said
+King Arthur, that we may be appointed what is best to be done, according to the
+pleasure of my nephew. Sir, said the damosel, that shall be done, and so she
+rode unto her sister. And as lightly as she might she made her ready; and she
+came on the morn with her brother Sir Gringamore, and with her forty knights.
+And so when she was come she had all the cheer that might be done, both of the
+king, and of many other kings and queens.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap153"></a>CHAPTER XXXIV.<br/>How Sir Gareth acknowledged that
+they loved each other to King Arthur, and of the appointment of their
+wedding.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And among all these ladies she was named the fairest, and peerless. Then when
+Sir Gawaine saw her there was many a goodly look and goodly words, that all men
+of worship had joy to behold them. Then came King Arthur and many other kings,
+and Dame Guenever, and the Queen of Orkney. And there the king asked his
+nephew, Sir Gareth, whether he would have that lady as paramour, or to have her
+to his wife. My lord, wit you well that I love her above all ladies living.
+Now, fair lady, said King Arthur, what say ye? Most noble King, said Dame
+Lionesse, wit you well that my lord, Sir Gareth, is to me more liefer to have
+and wield as my husband, than any king or prince that is christened; and if I
+may not have him I promise you I will never have none. For, my lord Arthur,
+said Dame Lionesse, wit ye well he is my first love, and he shall be the last;
+and if ye will suffer him to have his will and free choice I dare say he will
+have me. That is truth, said Sir Gareth; an I have not you and wield not you as
+my wife, there shall never lady nor gentlewoman rejoice me. What, nephew, said
+the king, is the wind in that door? for wit ye well I would not for the stint
+of my crown to be causer to withdraw your hearts; and wit ye well ye cannot
+love so well but I shall rather increase it than distress it. And also ye shall
+have my love and my lordship in the uttermost wise that may lie in my power.
+And in the same wise said Sir Gareth&rsquo;s mother.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then there was made a provision for the day of marriage; and by the
+king&rsquo;s advice it was provided that it should be at Michaelmas following,
+at Kink Kenadon by the seaside, for there is a plentiful country. And so it was
+cried in all the places through the realm. And then Sir Gareth sent his summons
+to all these knights and ladies that he had won in battle to-fore, that they
+should be at his day of marriage at Kink Kenadon by the sands.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And then Dame Lionesse, and the damosel Linet with Sir Gringamore, rode to
+their castle; and a goodly and a rich ring she gave to Sir Gareth, and he gave
+her another. And King Arthur gave her a rich pair of bee of gold; and so she
+departed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And King Arthur and his fellowship rode toward Kink Kenadon, and Sir Gareth
+brought his lady on the way, and so came to the king again and rode with him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Lord! the great cheer that Sir Launcelot made of Sir Gareth and he of him, for
+there was never no knight that Sir Gareth loved so well as he did Sir
+Launcelot; and ever for the most part he would be in Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s
+company; for after Sir Gareth had espied Sir Gawaine&rsquo;s conditions, he
+withdrew himself from his brother, Sir Gawaine&rsquo;s, fellowship, for he was
+vengeable, and where he hated he would be avenged with murder, and that hated
+Sir Gareth.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap154"></a>CHAPTER XXXV.<br/>Of the Great Royalty, and what
+officers were made at the feast of the wedding, and of the jousts at the
+feast.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So it drew fast to Michaelmas; and thither came Dame Lionesse, the lady of the
+Castle Perilous, and her sister, Dame Linet, with Sir Gringamore, her brother,
+with them for he had the conduct of these ladies. And there they were lodged at
+the device of King Arthur. And upon Michaelmas Day the Bishop of Canterbury
+made the wedding betwixt Sir Gareth and the Lady Lionesse with great solemnity.
+And King Arthur made Gaheris to wed the Damosel Savage, that was Dame Linet;
+and King Arthur made Sir Agravaine to wed Dame Lionesse&rsquo;s niece, a fair
+lady, her name was Dame Laurel.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so when this solemnization was done, then came in the Green Knight, Sir
+Pertolepe, with thirty knights, and there he did homage and fealty to Sir
+Gareth, and these knights to hold of him for evermore. Also Sir Pertolepe said:
+I pray you that at this feast I may be your chamberlain. With a good will, said
+Sir Gareth sith it liketh you to take so simple an office. Then came in the Red
+Knight, with three score knights with him, and did to Sir Gareth homage and
+fealty, and all those knights to hold of him for evermore. And then this Sir
+Perimones prayed Sir Gareth to grant him to be his chief butler at that high
+feast. I will well, said Sir Gareth, that ye have this office, and it were
+better. Then came in Sir Persant of Inde, with an hundred knights with him, and
+there he did homage and fealty, and all his knights should do him service, and
+hold their lands of him for ever; and there he prayed Sir Gareth to make him
+his sewer-chief at the feast. I will well, said Sir Gareth, that ye have it and
+it were better. Then came the Duke de la Rowse with an hundred knights with
+him, and there he did homage and fealty to Sir Gareth, and so to hold their
+lands of him for ever. And he required Sir Gareth that he might serve him of
+the wine that day of that feast. I will well, said Sir Gareth, and it were
+better. Then came in the Red Knight of the Red Launds, that was Sir Ironside,
+and he brought with him three hundred knights, and there he did homage and
+fealty, and all these knights to hold their lands of him for ever. And then he
+asked Sir Gareth to be his carver. I will well, said Sir Gareth, an it please
+you.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then came into the court thirty ladies, and all they seemed widows, and those
+thirty ladies brought with them many fair gentlewomen. And all they kneeled
+down at once unto King Arthur and unto Sir Gareth, and there all those ladies
+told the king how Sir Gareth delivered them from the dolorous tower, and slew
+the Brown Knight without Pity: And therefore we, and our heirs for evermore,
+will do homage unto Sir Gareth of Orkney. So then the kings and queens, princes
+and earls, barons and many bold knights, went unto meat; and well may ye wit
+there were all manner of meat plenteously, all manner revels and games, with
+all manner of minstrelsy that was used in those days. Also there was great
+jousts three days. But the king would not suffer Sir Gareth to joust, because
+of his new bride; for, as the French book saith, that Dame Lionesse desired of
+the king that none that were wedded should joust at that feast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the first day there jousted Sir Lamorak de Galis, for he overthrew thirty
+knights, and did passing marvellously deeds of arms; and then King Arthur made
+Sir Persant and his two brethren Knights of the Round Table to their
+lives&rsquo; end, and gave them great lands. Also the second day there jousted
+Tristram best, and he overthrew forty knights, and did there marvellous deeds
+of arms. And there King Arthur made Ironside, that was the Red Knight of the
+Red Launds, a Knight of the Table Round to his life&rsquo;s end, and gave him
+great lands. The third day there jousted Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he
+overthrew fifty knights, and did many marvellous deeds of arms, that all men
+wondered on him. And there King Arthur made the Duke de la Rowse a Knight of
+the Round Table to his life&rsquo;s end, and gave him great lands to spend. But
+when these jousts were done, Sir Lamorak and Sir Tristram departed suddenly,
+and would not be known, for the which King Arthur and all the court were sore
+displeased. And 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.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus endeth this tale of Sir Gareth of Orkney that wedded Dame Lionesse of the
+Castle Perilous. And also Sir Gaheris wedded her sister, Dame Linet, that was
+called the Damosel Sabage. And Sir Agrabaine wedded Dame Laurel, a fair lady
+and great, and mighty lands with great riches gave with them King Arthur, that
+royally they might live till their lives&rsquo; end.
+</p>
+
+<h5> Here followeth the viii. book, the which is the first book of Sir Tristram
+de Liones, and who was his father and his mother, and how he was born and
+fostered, and how he was made knight. </h5>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="part08"></a>BOOK VIII.</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap155"></a>CHAPTER I.<br/>How Sir Tristram de Liones was born,
+and how his mother died at his birth, wherefore she named him Tristram.</h3>
+
+<p>
+It was a king that hight Meliodas, and he was lord and king of the country of
+Liones, and this Meliodas was a likely knight as any was that time living. And
+by fortune he wedded King Mark&rsquo;s sister of Cornwall, and she was called
+Elizabeth, that was called both good and fair. And at that time King Arthur
+reigned, and he was whole king of England, Wales, and Scotland, and of many
+other realms: howbeit there were many kings that were lords of many countries,
+but all they held their lands of King Arthur; for in Wales were two kings, and
+in the north were many kings; and in Cornwall and in the west were two kings;
+also in Ireland were two or three kings, and all were under the obeissance of
+King Arthur. So was the King of France, and the King of Brittany, and all the
+lordships unto Rome.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when this King Meliodas had been with his wife, within a while she waxed
+great with child, and she was a full meek lady, and well she loved her lord,
+and he her again, so there was great joy betwixt them. Then there was a lady in
+that country that had loved King Meliodas long, and by no mean she never could
+get his love; therefore she let ordain upon a day, as King Meliodas rode
+a-hunting, for he was a great chaser, and there by an enchantment she made him
+chase an hart by himself alone till that he came to an old castle, and there
+anon he was taken prisoner by the lady that him loved. When Elizabeth, King
+Meliodas&rsquo; wife, missed her lord, and she was nigh out of her wit, and
+also as great with child as she was, she took a gentlewoman with her, and ran
+into the forest to seek her lord. And when she was far in the forest she might
+no farther, for she began to travail fast of her child. And she had many grimly
+throes; her gentlewoman helped her all that she might, and so by miracle of Our
+Lady of Heaven she was delivered with great pains. But she had taken such cold
+for the default of help that deep draughts of death took her, that needs she
+must die and depart out of this world; there was none other bote.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when this Queen Elizabeth saw that there was none other bote, then she made
+great dole, and said unto her gentlewoman: When ye see my lord, King Meliodas,
+recommend me unto him, and tell him what pains I endure here for his love, and
+how I must die here for his sake for default of good help; and let him wit that
+I am full sorry to depart out of this world from him, therefore pray him to be
+friend to my soul. Now let me see my little child, for whom I have had all this
+sorrow. And when she saw him she said thus: Ah, my little son, thou hast
+murdered thy mother, and therefore I suppose, thou that art a murderer so
+young, thou art full likely to be a manly man in thine age. And because I shall
+die of the birth of thee, I charge thee, gentlewoman, that thou pray my lord,
+King Meliodas, that when he is christened let call him Tristram, that is as
+much to say as a sorrowful birth. And therewith this queen gave up the ghost
+and died. Then the gentlewoman laid her under an umbre of a great tree, and
+then she lapped the child as well as she might for cold. Right so there came
+the barons, following after the queen, and when they saw that she was dead, and
+understood none other but the king was destroyed.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap156"></a>CHAPTER II.<br/>How the stepmother of Sir Tristram
+had ordained poison for to have poisoned Sir Tristram.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then certain of them would have slain the child, because they would have been
+lords of the country of Liones. But then through the fair speech of the
+gentlewoman, and by the means that she made, the most part of the barons would
+not assent thereto. And then they let carry home the dead queen, and much dole
+was made for her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then this meanwhile Merlin delivered King Meliodas out of prison on the morn
+after his queen was dead. And so when the king was come home the most part of
+the barons made great joy. But the sorrow that the king made for his queen that
+might no tongue tell. So then the king let inter her richly, and after he let
+christen his child as his wife had commanded afore her death. And then he let
+call him Tristram, the sorrowful born child. Then the King Meliodas endured
+seven years without a wife, and all this time Tristram was nourished well. Then
+it befell that King Meliodas wedded King Howell&rsquo;s daughter of Brittany,
+and anon she had children of King Meliodas: then was she heavy and wroth that
+her children should not rejoice the country of Liones, wherefore this queen
+ordained for to poison young Tristram. So she let poison be put in a piece of
+silver in the chamber whereas Tristram and her children were together, unto
+that intent that when Tristram were thirsty he should drink that drink. And so
+it fell upon a day, the queen&rsquo;s son, as he was in that chamber, espied
+the piece with poison, and he weened it had been good drink, and because the
+child was thirsty he took the piece with poison and drank freely; and
+therewithal suddenly the child brast and was dead.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When the queen of Meliodas wist of the death of her son, wit ye well that she
+was heavy. But yet the king understood nothing of her treason. Notwithstanding
+the queen would not leave this, but eft she let ordain more poison, and put it
+in a piece. And by fortune King Meliodas, her husband, found the piece with
+wine where was the poison, and he that was much thirsty took the piece for to
+drink thereout. And as he would have drunken thereof the queen espied him, and
+then she ran unto him, and pulled the piece from him suddenly. The king
+marvelled why she did so, and remembered him how her son was suddenly slain
+with poison. And then he took her by the hand, and said: Thou false traitress,
+thou shalt tell me what manner of drink this is, or else I shall slay thee. And
+therewith he pulled out his sword, and sware a great oath that he should slay
+her but if she told him truth. Ah! mercy, my lord, said she, and I shall tell
+you all. And then she told him why she would have slain Tristram, because her
+children should rejoice his land. Well, said King Meliodas, and therefore shall
+ye have the law. And so she was condemned by the assent of the barons to be
+burnt; and then was there made a great fire, and right as she was at the fire
+to take her execution, young Tristram kneeled afore King Meliodas, and besought
+him to give him a boon. I will well, said the king again. Then said young
+Tristram, Give me the life of thy queen, my stepmother. That is unrightfully
+asked, said King Meliodas, for thou ought of right to hate her, for she would
+have slain thee with that poison an she might have had her will; and for thy
+sake most is my cause that she should die.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sir, said Tristram, as for that, I beseech you of your mercy that you will
+forgive it her, and as for my part, God forgive it her, and I do; and so much
+it liked your highness to grant me my boon, for God&rsquo;s love I require you
+hold your promise. Sithen it is so, said the king, I will that ye have her
+life. Then, said the king, I give her to you, and 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 the death. But after that King
+Meliodas would never have ado with her, as at bed and board. But by the good
+means of young Tristram he made the king and her accorded. But then the king
+would not suffer young Tristram to abide no longer in his court.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap157"></a>CHAPTER III.<br/>How Sir Tristram was sent into
+France, and had one to govern him named Gouvernail, and how he learned to harp,
+hawk, and hunt.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then he let ordain a gentleman that was well learned and taught, his name
+was Gouvernail; and then he sent young Tristram with Gouvernail into France to
+learn the language, and nurture, and deeds of arms. And there was Tristram more
+than seven years. And then when he well could speak the language, and had
+learned all that he might learn in that country, then he came home to his
+father, King Meliodas, again. And so Tristram learned to be an harper passing
+all other, that there was none such called in no country, and so on harping and
+on instruments of music he applied him in his youth for to learn.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And after, as he grew in might and strength, he laboured ever in hunting and in
+hawking, so that never gentleman more, that ever we heard read of. And as the
+book saith, he began good measures of blowing of beasts of venery, and beasts
+of chase, and all manner of vermin, and all these terms we have yet of hawking
+and hunting. And therefore the book of venery, of hawking, and hunting, is
+called the book of Sir Tristram. Wherefore, as meseemeth, all gentlemen that
+bear old arms ought of right to honour Sir Tristram for the goodly terms that
+gentlemen have and use, and shall to the day of doom, that thereby in a manner
+all men of worship may dissever a gentleman from a yeoman, and from a yeoman a
+villain. For he that gentle is will draw him unto gentle tatches, and to follow
+the customs of noble gentlemen.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus Sir Tristram endured in Cornwall until he was big and strong, of the age
+of eighteen years. And then the King Meliodas had great joy of Sir Tristram,
+and so had the queen, his wife. For ever after in her life, because Sir
+Tristram saved her from the fire, she did never hate him more after, but loved
+him ever after, and gave Tristram many great gifts; for every estate loved him,
+where that he went.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap158"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br/>How Sir Marhaus came out of Ireland
+for to ask truage of Cornwall, or else he would fight therefore.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then it befell that King Anguish of Ireland sent unto King Mark of Cornwall for
+his truage, that Cornwall had paid many winters. And all that time King Mark
+was behind of the truage for seven years. And King Mark and his barons gave
+unto the messenger of Ireland these words and answer, that they would none pay;
+and bade the messenger go unto his King Anguish, and tell him we will pay him
+no truage, but tell your lord, an he will always have truage of us of Cornwall,
+bid him send a trusty knight of his land, that will fight for his right, and we
+shall find another for to defend our right. With this answer the messengers
+departed into Ireland. And when King Anguish understood the answer of the
+messengers he was wonderly wroth. And then he called unto him Sir Marhaus, the
+good knight, that was nobly proved, and a Knight of the Table Round. And this
+Marhaus was brother unto the queen of Ireland. Then the king said thus: Fair
+brother, Sir Marhaus, I pray you go into Cornwall for my sake, and do battle
+for our truage that of right we ought to have; and whatsomever ye spend ye
+shall have sufficiently, more than ye shall need. Sir, said Marhaus, wit ye
+well that I shall not be loath to do battle in the right of you and your land
+with the best knight of the Table Round; for I know them, for the most part,
+what be their deeds; and for to advance my deeds and to increase my worship I
+will right gladly go unto this journey for our right.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So in all haste there was made purveyance for Sir Marhaus, and he had all
+things that to him needed; and so he departed out of Ireland, and arrived up in
+Cornwall even fast by the Castle of Tintagil. And when King Mark understood
+that he was there arrived to fight for Ireland, then made King Mark great
+sorrow when he understood that the good and noble knight Sir Marhaus was come.
+For they knew no knight that durst have ado with him. For at that time Sir
+Marhaus was called one of the famousest and renowned knights of the world. And
+thus Sir Marhaus abode in the sea, and every day he sent unto King Mark for to
+pay the truage that was behind of seven year, other else to find a knight to
+fight with him for the truage. This manner of message Sir Marhaus sent daily
+unto King Mark.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then they of Cornwall let make cries in every place, that what knight would
+fight for to save the truage of Cornwall, he should be rewarded so that he
+should fare the better, term of his life. Then some of the barons said to King
+Mark, and counselled him to send to the court of King Arthur for to seek Sir
+Launcelot du Lake, that was that time named for the marvelloust knight of all
+the world. Then there were some other barons that counselled the king not to do
+so, and said that it was labour in vain, because Sir Marhaus was a knight of
+the Round Table, therefore any of them will be loath to have ado with other,
+but if it were any knight at his own request would fight disguised and unknown.
+So the king and all his barons assented that it was no bote to seek any knight
+of the Round Table. This mean while came the language and the noise unto King
+Meliodas, how that Sir Marhaus abode battle fast by Tintagil, and how King Mark
+could find no manner knight to fight for him. When young Tristram heard of this
+he was wroth, and sore ashamed that there durst no knight in Cornwall have ado
+with Sir Marhaus of Ireland.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap159"></a>CHAPTER V.<br/>How Tristram enterprized the battle to
+fight for the truage of Cornwall, and how he was made knight.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Therewithal Tristram went unto his father, King Meliodas, and asked him counsel
+what was best to do for to recover Cornwall from truage. For, as meseemeth,
+said Sir Tristram, it were shame that Sir Marhaus, the queen&rsquo;s brother of
+Ireland, should go away unless that he were foughten withal. As for that, said
+King Meliodas, wit you well, son Tristram, that Sir Marhaus is called one of
+the best knights of the world, and Knight of the Table Round; and therefore I
+know no knight in this country that is able to match with him. Alas, said Sir
+Tristram, that I am not made knight; and if Sir Marhaus should thus depart into
+Ireland, God let me never have worship: an I were made knight I should match
+him. And sir, said Tristram, I pray you give me leave to ride to King Mark;
+and, so ye be not displeased, of King Mark will I be made knight. I will well,
+said King Meliodas, that ye be ruled as your courage will rule you. Then Sir
+Tristram thanked his father much. And then he made him ready to ride into
+Cornwall.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In the meanwhile there came a messenger with letters of love from King Faramon
+of France&rsquo;s daughter unto Sir Tristram, that were full piteous letters,
+and in them were written many complaints of love; but Sir Tristram had no joy
+of her letters nor regard unto her. Also she sent him a little brachet that was
+passing fair. But when the king&rsquo;s daughter understood that Sir Tristram
+would not love her, as the book saith, she died for sorrow. And then the same
+squire that brought the letter and the brachet came again unto Sir Tristram, as
+after ye shall hear in the tale.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So this young Sir Tristram rode unto his eme, King Mark of Cornwall. And when
+he came there he heard say that there would no knight fight with Sir Marhaus.
+Then yede Sir Tristram unto his eme and said: Sir, if ye will give me the order
+of knighthood, I will do battle with Sir Marhaus. What are ye, said the king,
+and from whence be ye come? Sir, said Tristram, I come from King Meliodas that
+wedded your sister, and a gentleman wit ye well I am. King Mark beheld Sir
+Tristram and saw that he was but a young man of age, but he was passingly well
+made and big. Fair sir, said the king, what is your name, and where were ye
+born? Sir, said he again, my name is Tristram, and in the country of Liones was
+I born. Ye say well, said the king; and if ye will do this battle I shall make
+you knight. Therefore I come to you, said Sir Tristram, and for none other
+cause. But then King Mark made him knight. And therewithal, anon as he had made
+him knight, he sent a messenger unto Sir Marhaus with letters that said that he
+had found a young knight ready for to take the battle to the uttermost. It may
+well be, said Sir Marhaus; but tell King Mark I will not fight with no knight
+but he be of blood royal, that is to say, other king&rsquo;s son, other
+queen&rsquo;s son, born of a prince or princess.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When King Mark understood that, he sent for Sir Tristram de Liones and told him
+what was the answer of Sir Marhaus. Then said Sir Tristram: Sithen that he
+saith so, let him wit that I am come of father side and mother side of as noble
+blood as he is: for, sir, now shall ye know that I am King Meliodas&rsquo; son,
+born of your own sister, Dame Elizabeth, that died in the forest in the birth
+of me. O Jesu, said King Mark, ye are welcome fair nephew to me. Then in all
+the haste the king let horse Sir Tristram, and armed him in the best manner
+that might be had or gotten for gold or silver. And then King Mark sent unto
+Sir Marhaus, and did him to wit that a better born man than he was himself
+should fight with him, and his name is Sir Tristram de Liones, gotten of King
+Meliodas, and born of King Mark&rsquo;s sister. Then was Sir Marhaus glad and
+blithe that he should fight with such a gentleman. And so by the assent of King
+Mark and of Sir Marhaus they let ordain that they should fight within an island
+nigh Sir Marhaus&rsquo; ships; and so was Sir Tristram put into a vessel both
+his horse and he, and all that to him longed both for his body and for his
+horse. Sir Tristram lacked nothing. And when King Mark and his barons of
+Cornwall beheld how young Sir Tristram departed with such a carriage to fight
+for the right of Cornwall, there was neither man nor woman of worship but they
+wept to see and understand so young a knight to jeopardy himself for their
+right.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap160"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br/>How Sir Tristram arrived into the
+Island for to furnish the battle with Sir Marhaus.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So to shorten this tale, when Sir Tristram was arrived within the island he
+looked to the farther side, and there he saw at an anchor six ships nigh to the
+land; and under the shadow of the ships upon the land, there hoved the noble
+knight, Sir Marhaus of Ireland. Then Sir Tristram commanded his servant
+Gouvernail to bring his horse to the land, and dress his harness at all manner
+of rights. And then when he had so done he mounted upon his horse; and when he
+was in his saddle well apparelled, and his shield dressed upon his shoulder,
+Tristram asked Gouvernail, Where is this knight that I shall have ado withal?
+Sir, said Gouvernail, see ye him not? I weened ye had seen him; yonder he
+hoveth under the umbre of his ships on horseback, with his spear in his hand
+and his shield upon his shoulder. That is truth, said the noble knight, Sir
+Tristram, now I see him well enough.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then he commanded his servant Gouvernail to go to his vessel again: And commend
+me unto mine eme King Mark, and pray him, if that I be slain in this battle,
+for to inter my body as him seemed best; and as for me, let him wit that I will
+never yield me for cowardice; and if I be slain and flee not, then they have
+lost no truage for me; and if so be that I flee or yield me as recreant, bid
+mine eme never bury me in Christian burials. And upon thy life, said Sir
+Tristram to Gouvernail, come thou not nigh this island till that thou see me
+overcome or slain, or else that I win yonder knight. So either departed from
+other sore weeping.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap161"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br/>How Sir Tristram fought against Sir
+Marhaus and achieved his battle, and how Sir Marhaus fled to his ship.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then Sir Marhaus avised Sir Tristram, and said thus: Young knight, Sir
+Tristram, what dost thou here? me sore repenteth of thy courage, for wit thou
+well I have been assayed, and the best knights of this land have been assayed
+of my hand; and also I have matched with the best knights of the world, and
+therefore by my counsel return again unto thy vessel. And fair knight, and
+well-proved knight, said Sir Tristram, thou shalt well wit I may not forsake
+thee in this quarrel, for I am for thy sake made knight. And thou shalt well
+wit that I am a king&rsquo;s son born, and gotten upon a queen; and such
+promise I have made at my uncle&rsquo;s request and mine own seeking, that I
+shall fight with thee unto the uttermost, and deliver Cornwall from the old
+truage. And also wit thou well, Sir Marhaus, that this is the greatest cause
+that thou couragest me to have ado with thee, for thou art called one of the
+most renowned knights of the world, and because of that noise and fame that
+thou hast thou givest me courage to have ado with thee, for never yet was I
+proved with good knight; and sithen I took the order of knighthood this day, I
+am well pleased that I may have ado with so good a knight as thou art. And now
+wit thou well, Sir Marhaus, that I cast me to get worship on thy body; and if
+that I be not proved, I trust to God that I shall be worshipfully proved upon
+thy body, and to deliver the country of Cornwall for ever from all manner of
+truage from Ireland for ever.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Marhaus had heard him say what he would, he said then thus again: Fair
+knight, sithen it is so that thou castest to win worship of me, I let thee wit
+worship may 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.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then they began to feutre their spears, and they met so fiercely together that
+they smote either other down, both horse and all. But Sir Marhaus smote Sir
+Tristram a great wound in the side with his spear, and then they avoided their
+horses, and pulled out their swords, and threw their shields afore them. And
+then they lashed together as men that were wild and courageous. And when they
+had stricken so together long, then they left their strokes, and foined at
+their breaths and visors; and when they saw that that might not prevail them,
+then they hurtled together like rams to bear either other down. Thus they
+fought still more than half a day, and either were wounded passing sore, that
+the blood ran down freshly from them upon the ground. By then Sir Tristram
+waxed more fresher than Sir Marhaus, and better winded and bigger; and with a
+mighty stroke he smote Sir Marhaus upon the helm such a buffet that it went
+through his helm, and through the coif of steel, and through the brain-pan, and
+the sword stuck so fast in the helm and in his brain-pan that Sir Tristram
+pulled thrice at his sword or ever he might pull it out from his head; and
+there Marhaus fell down on his knees, the edge of Tristram&rsquo;s sword left
+in his brain-pan. And suddenly Sir Marhaus rose grovelling, and threw his sword
+and his shield from him, and so ran to his ships and fled his way, and Sir
+Tristram had ever his shield and his sword.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when Sir Tristram saw Sir Marhaus withdraw him, he said: Ah! Sir Knight of
+the Round Table, why withdrawest thou thee? thou dost thyself and thy kin great
+shame, for I am but a young knight, or now I was never proved, and rather than
+I should withdraw me from thee, I had rather be hewn in an hundred pieces. Sir
+Marhaus answered no word but yede his way sore groaning. Well, Sir Knight, said
+Sir Tristram, I promise thee thy sword and thy shield shall be mine; and thy
+shield shall I wear in all places where I ride on mine adventures, and in the
+sight of King Arthur and all the Round Table.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap162"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br/>How Sir Marhaus after that he was
+arrived in Ireland died of the stroke that Sir Tristram had given him, and how
+Tristram was hurt.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Anon Sir Marhaus and his fellowship departed into Ireland. And as soon as he
+came to the king, his brother, he let search his wounds. And when his head was
+searched a piece of Sir Tristram&rsquo;s sword was found therein, and might
+never be had out of his head for no surgeons, and so he died of Sir
+Tristram&rsquo;s sword; and that piece of the sword the queen, his sister, kept
+it for ever with her, for she thought to be revenged an she might.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we again unto Sir Tristram, that was sore wounded, and full sore bled
+that he might not within a little while, when he had taken cold, unnethe stir
+him of his limbs. And then he set him down softly upon a little hill, and bled
+fast. Then anon came Gouvernail, his man, with his vessel; and the king and his
+barons came with procession against him. And when he was come unto the land,
+King Mark took him in his arms, and the king and Sir Dinas, the seneschal, led
+Sir Tristram into the castle of Tintagil. And then was he searched in the best
+manner, and laid in his bed. And when King Mark saw his wounds he wept
+heartily, and so did all his lords. So God me help, said King Mark, I would not
+for all my lands that my nephew died. So Sir Tristram lay there a month and
+more, and ever he was like to die of that stroke that Sir Marhaus smote him
+first with the spear. For, as the French book saith, the spear&rsquo;s head was
+envenomed, that Sir Tristram might not be whole. Then was King Mark and all his
+barons passing heavy, for they deemed none other but that Sir Tristram should
+not recover. Then the king let send after all manner of leeches and surgeons,
+both unto men and women, and there was none that would behote him the life.
+Then came there a lady that was a right wise lady, and she said plainly unto
+King Mark, and to Sir Tristram, and to all his barons, that he should never be
+whole but if Sir Tristram went in the same country that the venom came from,
+and in that country should he be holpen or else never. Thus said the lady unto
+the king.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When King Mark understood that, he let purvey for Sir Tristram a fair vessel,
+well victualled, and therein was put Sir Tristram, and Gouvernail with him, and
+Sir Tristram took his harp with him, and so he was put into the sea to sail
+into Ireland; and so by good fortune he arrived up in Ireland, even fast by a
+castle where the king and the queen was; and at his arrival he sat and harped
+in his bed a merry lay, such one heard they never none in Ireland before that
+time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when it was told the king and the queen of such a knight that was such an
+harper, anon the king sent for him, and let search his wounds, and then asked
+him his name. Then he answered, I am of the country of Liones, and my name is
+Tramtrist, that thus was wounded in a battle as I fought for a lady&rsquo;s
+right. So God me help, said King Anguish, ye shall have all the help in this
+land that ye may have here; but I let you wit, in Cornwall I had a great loss
+as ever had king, for there I lost the best knight of the world; his name was
+Marhaus, a full noble knight, and Knight of the Table Round; and there he told
+Sir Tristram wherefore Sir Marhaus was slain. Sir Tristram made semblant as he
+had been sorry, and better knew he how it was than the king.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap163"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br/>How Sir Tristram was put to the
+keeping of La Beale Isoud first for to be healed of his wound.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then the king for great favour made Tramtrist to be put in his daughter&rsquo;s
+ward and keeping, because she was a noble surgeon. And when she had searched
+him she found in the bottom of his wound that therein was poison, and so she
+healed him within a while; and therefore Tramtrist cast great love to La Beale
+Isoud, for she was at that time the fairest maid and lady of the world. And
+there Tramtrist learned her to harp, and she began to have a great fantasy unto
+him. And at that time Sir Palamides, the Saracen, was in that country, and well
+cherished with the king and the queen. And every day Sir Palamides drew unto La
+Beale Isoud and proffered her many gifts, for he loved her passingly well. All
+that espied Tramtrist, and full well knew he Sir Palamides for a noble knight
+and a mighty man. And wit you well Sir Tramtrist had great despite at Sir
+Palamides, for La Beale Isoud told Tramtrist that Palamides was in will to be
+christened for her sake. Thus was there great envy betwixt Tramtrist and Sir
+Palamides.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then it befell that King Anguish let cry a great jousts and a great tournament
+for a lady that was called the Lady of the Launds, and she was nigh cousin unto
+the king. And what man won her, three days after he should wed her and have all
+her lands. This cry was made in England, Wales, Scotland, and also in France
+and in Brittany. It befell upon a day La Beale Isoud came unto Sir Tramtrist,
+and told him of this tournament. He answered and said: Fair lady, I am but a
+feeble knight, and but late I had been dead had not your good ladyship been.
+Now, fair lady, what would ye I should do in this matter? well ye wot, my lady,
+that I may not joust. Ah, Tramtrist, said La Beale Isoud, why will ye not have
+ado at that tournament? well I wot Sir Palamides shall be there, and to do what
+he may; and therefore Tramtrist, I pray you for to be there, for else Sir
+Palamides is like to win the degree. Madam, said Tramtrist, as for that, it may
+be so, for he is a proved knight, and I am but a young knight and late made;
+and the first battle that I did it mishapped me to be sore wounded as ye see.
+But an I wist ye would be my better lady, at that tournament I will be, so that
+ye will keep my counsel and let no creature have knowledge that I shall joust
+but yourself, and such as ye will to keep your counsel, my poor person shall I
+jeopard there for your sake, that, peradventure, Sir Palamides shall know when
+that I come. Thereto, said La Beale Isoud, do your best, and as I can, said La
+Beale Isoud, I shall purvey horse and armour for you at my device. As ye will
+so be it, said Sir Tramtrist, I will be at your commandment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So at the day of jousts there came Sir Palamides with a black shield, and he
+overthrew many knights, that all the people had marvel of him. For he put to
+the worse Sir Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravaine, Bagdemagus, Kay, Dodinas le Savage,
+Sagramore le Desirous, Gumret le Petit, and Griflet le Fise de Dieu. All these
+the first day Sir Palamides struck down to the earth. And then all manner of
+knights were adread of Sir Palamides, and many called him the Knight with the
+Black Shield. So that day Sir Palamides had great worship.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then came King Anguish unto Tramtrist, and asked him why he would not joust.
+Sir, he said, I was but late hurt, and as yet I dare not adventure me. Then
+came there the same squire that was sent from the king&rsquo;s daughter of
+France unto Sir Tristram. And when he had espied Sir Tristram he fell flat to
+his feet. All that espied La Beale Isoud, what courtesy the squire made unto
+Sir Tristram. And therewithal suddenly Sir Tristram ran unto his squire, whose
+name was Hebes le Renoumes, and prayed him heartily in no wise to tell his
+name. Sir, said Hebes, I will not discover your name but if ye command me.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap164"></a>CHAPTER X.<br/>How Sir Tristram won the degree at a
+tournament in Ireland, and there made Palamides to bear no more harness in a
+year.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram asked him what he did in those countries. Sir, he said, I
+came hither with Sir Gawaine for to be made knight, and if it please you, of
+your hands that I may be made knight. Await upon me as to-morn secretly, and in
+the field I shall make you a knight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then had La Beale Isoud great suspicion unto Tramtrist, that he was some man of
+worship proved, and therewith she comforted herself, and cast more love unto
+him than she had done to-fore. And so on the morn Sir Palamides made him ready
+to come into the field as he did the first day. And there he smote down the
+King with the Hundred Knights, and the King of Scots. Then had La Beale Isoud
+ordained and well arrayed Sir Tristram in white horse and harness. And right so
+she let put him out at a privy postern, and so he came into the field as it had
+been a bright angel. And anon Sir Palamides espied him, and therewith he
+feutred a spear unto Sir Tramtrist, and he again unto him. And there Sir
+Tristram smote down Sir Palamides unto the earth. And then there was a great
+noise of people: some said Sir Palamides had a fall, some said the Knight with
+the Black Shield had a fall. And wit you well La Beale Isoud was passing glad.
+And then Sir Gawaine and his fellows nine had marvel what knight it might be
+that had smitten down Sir Palamides. Then would there none joust with
+Tramtrist, but all that there were forsook him, most and least. Then Sir
+Tristram made Hebes a knight, and caused him to put himself forth, and did
+right well that day. So after Sir Hebes held him with Sir Tristram.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when Sir Palamides had received this fall, wit ye well that he was sore
+ashamed, and as privily as he might he withdrew him out of the field. All that
+espied Sir Tristram, and lightly he rode after Sir Palamides and overtook him,
+and bade him turn, for better he would assay him or ever he departed. Then Sir
+Palamides turned him, and either lashed at other with their swords. But at the
+first stroke Sir Tristram smote down Palamides, and gave him such a stroke upon
+the head that he fell to the earth. So then Tristram bade yield him, and do his
+commandment, or else he would slay him. When Sir Palamides beheld his
+countenance, he dread his buffets so, that he granted all his askings. Well
+said, said Sir Tristram, this shall be your charge. First, upon pain of your
+life that ye forsake my lady La Beale Isoud, and in no manner wise that ye draw
+not to her. Also this twelvemonth and a day that ye bear none armour nor none
+harness of war. Now promise me this, or here shalt thou die. Alas, said
+Palamides, for ever am I ashamed. Then he sware as Sir Tristram had commanded
+him. Then for despite and anger Sir Palamides cut off his harness, and threw
+them away.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so Sir Tristram turned again to the castle where was La Beale Isoud; and by
+the way he met with a damosel that asked after Sir Launcelot, that won the
+Dolorous Guard worshipfully; and this damosel asked Sir Tristram what he was.
+For it was told her that it was he that smote down Sir Palamides, by whom the
+ten knights of King Arthur&rsquo;s were smitten down. Then the damosel prayed
+Sir Tristram to tell her what he was, and whether that he were Sir Launcelot du
+Lake, for she deemed that there was no knight in the world might do such deeds
+of arms but if it were Launcelot. Fair damosel, said Sir Tristram, wit ye well
+that I am not Sir Launcelot, for I was never of such prowess, but in God is all
+that he may make me as good a knight as the good knight Sir Launcelot. Now,
+gentle knight, said she, put up thy visor; and when she beheld his visage she
+thought she saw never a better man&rsquo;s visage, nor a better faring knight.
+And then when the damosel knew certainly that he was not Sir Launcelot, then
+she took her leave, and departed from him. And then Sir Tristram rode privily
+unto the postern, where kept him La Beale Isoud, and there she made him good
+cheer, and thanked God of his good speed. So anon, within a while the king and
+the queen understood that it was Tramtrist that smote down Sir Palamides; then
+was he much made of, more than he was before.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap165"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br/>How the queen espied that Sir
+Tristram had slain her brother Sir Marhaus by his sword, and in what jeopardy
+he was.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Thus was Sir Tramtrist long there well cherished with the king and the queen,
+and namely with La Beale Isoud. So upon a day the queen and La Beale Isoud made
+a bain for Sir Tramtrist. And when he was in his bain the queen and Isoud, her
+daughter, roamed up and down in the chamber; and therewhiles Gouvernail and
+Hebes attended upon Tramtrist, and the queen beheld his sword thereas it lay
+upon his bed. And then by unhap the queen drew out his sword and beheld it a
+long while, and both they thought it a passing fair sword; but within a foot
+and an half of the point there was a great piece thereof out-broken of the
+edge. And 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, the good
+knight that was her brother. Alas then, said she unto her daughter, La Beale
+Isoud, this is the same traitor knight that slew my brother, thine eme. When
+Isoud heard her say so she was passing sore abashed, for passing well she loved
+Tramtrist, and full well she knew the cruelness of her mother the queen.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon therewithal the queen went unto her own chamber, and sought her coffer,
+and there she took out the piece or the sword that was pulled out of Sir
+Marhaus&rsquo; head after that he was dead. And then she ran with that piece of
+iron to the sword that lay upon the bed. And when she put that piece of steel
+and iron unto the sword, it was as meet as it might be when it was new broken.
+And then the queen gripped that sword in her hand fiercely, and with all her
+might she ran straight upon Tramtrist where he sat in his bain, and there she
+had rived him through had not Sir Hebes gotten her in his arms, and pulled the
+sword from her, and else she had thrust him through.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when she was let of her evil will she ran to the King Anguish, her
+husband, and said on her knees: O my lord, here have ye in your house that
+traitor knight that slew my brother and your servant, that noble knight, Sir
+Marhaus. Who is that, said King Anguish, and where is he? Sir, she said, it is
+Sir Tramtrist, the same knight that my daughter healed. Alas, said the king,
+therefore am I right heavy, for he is a full noble knight as ever I saw in
+field. But I charge you, said the king to the queen, that ye have not ado with
+that knight, but let me deal with him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king went into the chamber unto Sir Tramtrist, and then was he gone
+unto his chamber, and the king found him all ready armed to mount upon his
+horse. When the king saw him all ready armed to go unto horseback, the king
+said: Nay, Tramtrist, it will not avail to compare thee against me; but thus
+much I shall do for my worship and for thy love; in so much as thou art within
+my court it were no worship for me to slay thee: therefore upon this condition
+I will give thee leave for to depart from this court in safety, so thou wilt
+tell me who was thy father, and what is thy name, and if thou slew Sir Marhaus,
+my brother.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap166"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br/>How Sir Tristram departed from the
+king and La Beale Isoud out of Ireland for to come into Cornwall.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Sir, said Tristram, now I shall tell you all the truth: my father&rsquo;s name
+is Sir Meliodas, King of Liones, and my mother hight Elizabeth, that was sister
+unto King Mark of Cornwall; and my mother died of me in the forest, and because
+thereof she commanded, or she died, that when I were christened they should
+christen me Tristram; and because I would not be known in this country I turned
+my name and let me call Tramtrist; and for the truage of Cornwall I fought for
+my eme&rsquo;s sake, and for the right of Cornwall that ye had posseded many
+years. And wit ye well, said Tristram unto the king, I did the battle for the
+love of mine uncle, King Mark, and for the love of the country of Cornwall, and
+for to increase mine honour; for that same day that I fought with Sir Marhaus I
+was made knight, and never or then did I battle with no knight, and from me he
+went alive, and left his shield and his sword behind.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So God me help, said the king, I may not say but ye did as a knight should, and
+it was your part to do for your quarrel, and to increase your worship as a
+knight should; howbeit I may not maintain you in this country with my worship,
+unless that I should displease my barons, and my wife and her kin. Sir, said
+Tristram, I thank you of your good lordship that I have had with you here, and
+the great goodness my lady, your daughter, hath shewed me, and therefore, said
+Sir Tristram, it may so happen that ye shall win more by my life than by my
+death, for in the parts of England it may happen I may do you service at some
+season, that ye shall be glad that ever ye shewed me your good lordship. With
+more I promise you as I am true knight, that in all places I shall be my lady
+your daughter&rsquo;s servant and knight in right and in wrong, and I shall
+never fail her, to do as much as a knight may do. Also I beseech your good
+grace that I may take my leave at my lady, your daughter, and at all the barons
+and knights. I will well, said the king.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram went unto La Beale Isoud and took his leave of her. And then
+he told her all, what he was, and how he had changed his name because he would
+not be known, and how a lady told him that he should never be whole till he
+came into this country where the poison was made, wherethrough I was near my
+death had not your ladyship been. O gentle knight, said La Beale Isoud, full
+woe am I of thy departing, for I saw never man that I owed so good will to. And
+therewithal she wept heartily. Madam, said Sir Tristram, ye shall understand
+that my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, gotten of King Meliodas, and born of
+his queen. And I promise you faithfully that I shall be all the days of my life
+your knight. Gramercy, said La Beale Isoud, and I promise you there-against
+that I shall not be married this seven years but by your assent; and to whom
+that ye will I shall be married to him will I have, and he will have me if ye
+will consent.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And 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
+at most and least, and openly he said among them all: Fair lords, now it is so
+that I must depart: if there be any man here that I have offended unto, or that
+any man be with me grieved, let complain him here afore me or that ever I
+depart, and I shall amend it unto my power. And if there be any that will
+proffer me wrong, or say of me wrong or shame behind my back, say it now or
+never, and here is my body to make it good, body against body. And all they
+stood still, there was not one that would say one word; yet were there some
+knights that were of the queen&rsquo;s blood, and of Sir Marhaus&rsquo; blood,
+but they would not meddle with him.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap167"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br/>How Sir Tristram and King Mark
+hurted each other for the love of a knight&rsquo;s wife.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So Sir Tristram departed, and took the sea, and with good wind he arrived up at
+Tintagil in Cornwall; and when King Mark was whole in his prosperity there came
+tidings that Sir Tristram was arrived, and whole of his wounds: thereof was
+King Mark passing glad, and so were all the barons; and when he saw his time he
+rode unto his father, King Meliodas, and there he had all the cheer that the
+king and the queen could make him. And then largely King Meliodas and his queen
+departed of their lands and goods to Sir Tristram.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then by the license of King Meliodas, his father, he returned again unto the
+court of King Mark, and there he lived in great joy long time, until at the
+last there befell a jealousy and an unkindness betwixt King Mark and Sir
+Tristram, for they loved both one lady. And she was an earl&rsquo;s wife that
+hight Sir Segwarides. And this lady loved Sir Tristram passingly well. And he
+loved her again, for she was a passing fair lady, and that espied Sir Tristram
+well. Then King Mark understood that and was jealous, for King Mark loved her
+passingly well.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So it fell upon a day this lady sent a dwarf unto Sir Tristram, and bade him,
+as he loved her, that he would be with her the night next following. Also she
+charged you that ye come not to her but if ye be well armed, for her lover was
+called a good knight. Sir Tristram answered to the dwarf: Recommend me unto my
+lady, and tell her I will not fail but I will be with her the term that she
+hath set me. And with this answer the dwarf departed. And King Mark espied that
+the dwarf was with Sir Tristram upon message from Segwarides&rsquo; wife; then
+King Mark sent for the dwarf, and when he was come he made the dwarf by force
+to tell him all, why and wherefore that he came on message from Sir Tristram.
+Now, said King Mark, go where thou wilt, and upon pain of death that thou say
+no word that thou spakest with me; so the dwarf departed from the king.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And that same night that the steven was set betwixt Segwarides&rsquo; wife and
+Sir Tristram, King Mark armed him, and made him ready, and took two knights of
+his counsel with him; and so he rode afore for to abide by the way for to wait
+upon Sir Tristram. And as Sir Tristram came riding upon his way with his spear
+in his hand, King Mark came hurtling upon him with his two knights suddenly.
+And all three smote him with their spears, and King Mark hurt Sir Tristram on
+the breast right sore. And then Sir Tristram feutred his spear, and smote his
+uncle, King Mark, so sore, that he rashed him to the earth, and bruised him
+that he lay still in a swoon, and long it was or ever he might wield himself.
+And then he ran to the one knight, and eft to the other, and smote them to the
+cold earth, that they lay still. And therewithal Sir Tristram rode forth sore
+wounded to the lady, and found her abiding him at a postern.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap168"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br/>How Sir Tristram lay with the lady,
+and how her husband fought with Sir Tristram.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And there she welcomed him fair, and either halsed other in arms, and so she
+let put up his horse in the best wise, and then she unarmed him. And so they
+supped lightly, and went to bed with great joy and pleasaunce; and so in his
+raging he took no keep of his green wound that King Mark had given him. And so
+Sir Tristram be-bled both the over sheet and the nether, and pillows, and head
+sheet. And within a while there came one afore, that warned her that her lord
+was near-hand within a bow-draught. So she made Sir Tristram to arise, and so
+he armed him, and took his horse, and so departed. By then was come Segwarides,
+her lord, and when he found her bed troubled and broken, and went near and
+beheld it by candle light, then he saw that there had lain a wounded knight.
+Ah, false traitress, then he said, why hast thou betrayed me? And therewithal
+he swang out a sword, and said: But if thou tell me who hath been here, here
+thou shalt die. Ah, my lord, mercy, said the lady, and held up her hands,
+saying: Slay me not, and I shall tell you all who hath been here. Tell anon,
+said Segwarides, to me all the truth. Anon for dread she said: Here was Sir
+Tristram with me, and by the way as he came to me ward, he was sore wounded.
+Ah, false traitress, said Segwarides, where is he become? Sir, she said, he is
+armed, and departed on horseback, not yet hence half a mile. Ye say well, said
+Segwarides.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then he armed him lightly, and gat his horse, and rode after Sir Tristram that
+rode straightway unto Tintagil. And within a while he overtook Sir Tristram,
+and then he bade him, Turn, false traitor knight. And Sir Tristram anon turned
+him against him. And therewithal Segwarides smote Sir Tristram with a spear
+that it all to-brast; and then he swang out his sword and smote fast at Sir
+Tristram. Sir knight, said Sir Tristram, I counsel you that ye smite no more,
+howbeit for the wrongs that I have done you I will forbear you as long as I
+may. Nay, said Segwarides, that shall not be, for either thou shalt die or I.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram drew out his sword, and hurtled his horse unto him fiercely,
+and through the waist of the body he smote Sir Segwarides that he fell to the
+earth in a swoon. And so Sir Tristram departed and left him there. And so he
+rode unto Tintagil and took his lodging secretly, for he would not be known
+that he was hurt. Also Sir Segwarides&rsquo; men rode after their master, whom
+they found lying in the field sore wounded, and brought him home on his shield,
+and there he lay long or that he were whole, but at the last he recovered. Also
+King Mark would not be aknown of that Sir Tristram and he had met that night.
+And as for Sir Tristram, he knew not that King Mark had met with him. And so
+the king askance came to Sir Tristram, to comfort him as he lay sick in his
+bed. But as long as King Mark lived he loved never Sir Tristram after that;
+though there was fair speech, love was there none. And thus it passed many
+weeks and days, and all was forgiven and forgotten; for Sir Segwarides durst
+not have ado with Sir Tristram, because of his noble prowess, and also because
+he was nephew unto King Mark; therefore he let it overslip: for he that hath a
+privy hurt is loath to have a shame outward.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap169"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br/>How Sir Bleoberis demanded the
+fairest lady in King Mark&rsquo;s court, whom he took away, and how he was
+fought with.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then it befell upon a day that the good knight Bleoberis de Ganis, brother to
+Blamore de Ganis, and nigh cousin unto the good knight Sir Launcelot du Lake,
+this Bleoberis came unto the court of King Mark, and there he asked of King
+Mark a boon, to give him what gift that he would ask in his court. When the
+king heard him ask so, he marvelled of his asking, but because he was a knight
+of the Round Table, and of a great renown, King Mark granted him his whole
+asking. Then, said Sir Bleoberis, I will have the fairest lady in your court
+that me list to choose. I may not say nay, said King Mark; now choose at your
+adventure. And so Sir Bleoberis did choose Sir Segwarides&rsquo; wife, and took
+her by the hand, and so went his way with her; and so he took his horse and
+gart set her behind his squire, and rode upon his way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Segwarides heard tell that his lady was gone with a knight of King
+Arthur&rsquo;s court, then he armed him and rode after that knight for to
+rescue his lady. So when Bleoberis was gone with this lady, King Mark and all
+the court was wroth that she was away. Then were there certain ladies that knew
+that there were great love between Sir Tristram and her, and also that lady
+loved Sir Tristram above all other knights. Then there was one lady that
+rebuked Sir Tristram in the horriblest wise, and called him coward knight, that
+he would for shame of his knighthood see a lady so shamefully be taken away
+from his uncle&rsquo;s court. But she meant that either of them had loved other
+with entire heart. But Sir Tristram answered her thus: Fair lady, it is not my
+part to have ado in such matters while her lord and husband is present here;
+and if it had been that her lord had not been here in this court, then for the
+worship of this court peradventure I would have been her champion, and if so be
+Sir Segwarides speed not well, it may happen that I will speak with that good
+knight or ever he pass from this country.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then within a while came one of Sir Segwarides&rsquo; squires, and told in the
+court that Sir Segwarides was beaten sore and wounded to the point of death; as
+he would have rescued his lady Sir Bleoberis overthrew him and sore hath
+wounded him. Then was King Mark heavy thereof, and all the court. When Sir
+Tristram heard of this he was ashamed and sore grieved; and then was he soon
+armed and on horseback, and Gouvernail, his servant, bare his shield and spear.
+And so as Sir Tristram rode fast he met with Sir Andred his cousin, that by the
+commandment of King Mark was sent to bring forth, an ever it lay in his power,
+two knights of Arthur&rsquo;s court, that rode by the country to seek their
+adventures. When Sir Tristram saw Sir Andred he asked him what tidings. So God
+me help, said Sir Andred, there was never worse with me, for here by the
+commandment of King Mark I was sent to fetch two knights of King Arthur&rsquo;s
+court, and that one beat me and wounded me, and set nought by my message. Fair
+cousin, said Sir Tristram, ride on your way, and if I may meet them it may
+happen I shall revenge you. So Sir Andred rode into Cornwall, and Sir Tristram
+rode after the two knights, the which one hight Sagramore le Desirous, and the
+other hight Dodinas le Savage.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap170"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br/>How Sir Tristram fought with two
+knights of the Round Table.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then within a while Sir Tristram saw them afore him, two likely knights. Sir,
+said Gouvernail unto his master, Sir, I would counsel you not to have ado with
+them, for they be two proved knights of Arthur&rsquo;s court. As for that, said
+Sir Tristram, have ye no doubt but I will have ado with them to increase my
+worship, for it is many day sithen I did any deeds of arms. Do as ye list, said
+Gouvernail. And therewithal anon Sir Tristram asked them from whence they came,
+and whither they would, and what they did in those marches. Sir Sagramore
+looked upon Sir Tristram, and had scorn of his words, and asked him again, Fair
+knight, be ye a knight of Cornwall? Whereby ask ye it? said Sir Tristram. For
+it is seldom seen, said Sir Sagramore, that ye Cornish knights be valiant men
+of arms; for within these two hours there met us one of your Cornish knights,
+and great words he spake, and anon with little might he was laid to the earth.
+And, as I trow, said Sir Sagramore, ye shall have the same handsel that he had.
+Fair lords, said Sir Tristram, it may so happen that I may better withstand
+than he did, and whether ye will or nill I will have ado with you, because he
+was my cousin that ye beat. And therefore here do your best, and wit ye well
+but if ye quit you the better here upon this ground, one knight of Cornwall
+shall beat you both.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Dodinas le Savage heard him say so he gat a spear in his hand, and
+said, Sir knight, keep well thyself: And then they departed and came together
+as it had been thunder. And Sir Dodinas&rsquo; spear brast in-sunder, but Sir
+Tristram smote him with a more might, that he smote him clean over the
+horse-croup, that nigh he had broken his neck. When Sir Sagramore saw his
+fellow have such a fall he marvelled what knight he might be. And he dressed
+his spear with all his might, and Sir Tristram against him, and they came
+together as the thunder, and there Sir Tristram smote Sir Sagramore a strong
+buffet, that he bare his horse and him to the earth, and in the falling he
+brake his thigh.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When this was done Sir Tristram asked them: Fair knights, will ye any more? Be
+there no bigger knights in the court of King Arthur? it is to you shame to say
+of us knights of Cornwall dishonour, for it may happen a Cornish knight may
+match you. That is truth, said Sir Sagramore, that have we well proved; but I
+require thee, said Sir Sagramore, tell us your right name, by the faith and
+troth that ye owe to the high order of knighthood. Ye charge me with a great
+thing, said Sir Tristram, and sithen ye list to wit it, ye shall know and
+understand that my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, King Meliodas&rsquo; son,
+and nephew unto King Mark. Then were they two knights fain that they had met
+with Tristram, and so they prayed him to abide in their fellowship. Nay, said
+Sir Tristram, for I must have ado with one of your fellows, his name is Sir
+Bleoberis de Ganis. God speed you well, said Sir Sagramore and Dodinas. Sir
+Tristram departed and rode onward on his way. And then was he ware before him
+in a valley where rode Sir Bleoberis, with Sir Segwarides&rsquo; lady, that
+rode behind his squire upon a palfrey.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap171"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br/>How Sir Tristram fought with Sir
+Bleoberis for a lady, and how the lady was put to choice to whom she would
+go.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram rode more than a pace until that he had overtaken him. Then
+spake Sir Tristram: Abide, he said, Knight of Arthur&rsquo;s court, bring again
+that lady, or deliver her to me. I will do neither, said Bleoberis, for I dread
+no Cornish knight so sore that me list to deliver her. Why, said Sir Tristram,
+may not a Cornish knight do as well as another knight? this same day two
+knights of your court within this three mile met with me, and or ever we
+departed they found a Cornish knight good enough for them both. What were their
+names? said Bleoberis. They told me, said Sir Tristram, that the one of them
+hight Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and the other hight Dodinas le Savage. Ah,
+said Sir Bleoberis, have ye met with them? so God me help, they were two good
+knights and men of great worship, and if ye have beat them both ye must needs
+be a good knight; but if it so be ye have beat them both, yet shall ye not fear
+me, but ye shall beat me or ever ye have this lady. Then defend you, said Sir
+Tristram. So they departed and came together like thunder, and either bare
+other down, horse and all, to the earth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then they avoided their horses, and lashed together eagerly with swords, and
+mightily, now tracing and traversing on the right hand and on the left hand
+more than two hours. And sometime they rushed together with such a might that
+they lay both grovelling on the ground. Then Sir Bleoberis de Ganis stert
+aback, and said thus: Now, gentle good knight, a while hold your hands, and let
+us speak together. Say what ye will, said Tristram, and I will answer you. Sir,
+said Bleoberis, I would wit of whence ye be, and of whom ye be come, and what
+is your name? So God me help, said Sir Tristram, I fear not to tell you my
+name. Wit ye well I am King Meliodas&rsquo; son, and my mother is King
+Mark&rsquo;s sister, and my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and King Mark is
+mine uncle. Truly, said Bleoberis, I am right glad of you, for ye are he that
+slew Marhaus the knight, hand for hand in an island, for the truage of
+Cornwall; also ye overcame Sir Palamides the good knight, at a tournament in an
+island, where ye beat Sir Gawaine and his nine fellows. So God me help, said
+Sir Tristram, wit ye well that I am the same knight; now I have told you my
+name, tell me yours with good will. Wit ye well that my name is Sir Bleoberis
+de Ganis, and my brother hight Sir Blamore de Ganis, that is called a good
+knight, and we be sister&rsquo;s children unto my lord Sir Launcelot du Lake,
+that we call one of the best knights of the world. That is truth, said Sir
+Tristram, Sir Launcelot is called peerless of courtesy and of knighthood; and
+for his sake, said Sir Tristram, I will not with my good will fight no more
+with you, for the great love I have to Sir Launcelot du Lake. In good faith,
+said Bleoberis, as for me I will be loath to fight with you; but sithen ye
+follow me here to have this lady, I shall proffer you kindness, courtesy, and
+gentleness right here upon this ground. This lady shall be betwixt us both, and
+to whom that she will go, let him have her in peace. I will well, said
+Tristram, for, as I deem, she will leave you and come to me. Ye shall prove it
+anon, said Bleoberis.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap172"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br/>How the lady forsook Sir Tristram
+and abode with Sir Bleoberis, and how she desired to go to her husband.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So when she was set betwixt them both she said these words unto Sir Tristram:
+Wit ye well, Sir Tristram de Liones, that but late thou wast the man in the
+world that I most loved and trusted, and I weened thou hadst loved me again
+above all ladies; but when thou sawest this knight lead me away thou madest no
+cheer to rescue me, but suffered my lord Segwarides ride after me; but until
+that time I weened thou haddest loved me, and therefore now I will leave thee,
+and never love thee more. And therewithal she went unto Sir Bleoberis.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Tristram saw her do so he was wonderly wroth with that lady, and
+ashamed to come to the court. Sir Tristram, said Sir Bleoberis, ye are in the
+default, for I hear by this lady&rsquo;s words she before this day trusted you
+above all earthly knights, and, as she saith, ye have deceived her, therefore
+wit ye well, there may no man hold that will away; and rather than ye should be
+heartily displeased with me I would ye had her, an she would abide with you.
+Nay, said the lady, so God me help I will never go with him; for he that I
+loved most I weened he had loved me. And therefore, Sir Tristram, she said,
+ride as thou came, for though thou haddest overcome this knight, as ye was
+likely, with thee never would I have gone. And I shall pray this knight so fair
+of his knighthood, that or ever he pass this country, that he will lead me to
+the abbey where my lord Sir Segwarides lieth. So God me help, said Bleoberis, I
+let you wit, good knight Sir Tristram, because King Mark gave me the choice of
+a gift in this court, and so this lady liked me best&mdash;notwithstanding, she
+is wedded and hath a lord, and I have fulfilled my quest, she shall be sent
+unto her husband again, and in especial most for your sake, Sir Tristram; and
+if she would go with you I would ye had her. I thank you, said Sir Tristram,
+but for her love I shall beware what manner a lady I shall love or trust; for
+had her lord, Sir Segwarides, been away from the court, I should have been the
+first that should have followed you; but sithen that ye have refused me, as I
+am true knight I shall her know passingly well that I shall love or trust. And
+so they took their leave one from the other and departed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so Sir Tristram rode unto Tintagil, and Sir Bleoberis rode unto the abbey
+where Sir Segwarides lay sore wounded, and there he delivered his lady, and
+departed as a noble knight; and when Sir Segwarides saw his lady, he was
+greatly comforted; and then she told him that Sir Tristram had done great
+battle with Sir Bleoberis, and caused him to bring her again. These words
+pleased Sir Segwarides right well, that Sir Tristram would do so much; and so
+that lady told all the battle unto King Mark betwixt Sir Tristram and Sir
+Bleoberis.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap173"></a>CHAPTER XIX.<br/>How King Mark sent Sir Tristram for
+La Beale Isoud toward Ireland, and how by fortune he arrived into England.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then when this was done King Mark cast always in his heart how he might destroy
+Sir Tristram. And then he imagined in himself to send Sir Tristram into Ireland
+for La Beale Isoud. For Sir Tristram had so praised her beauty and her goodness
+that King Mark said that he would wed her, whereupon he prayed Sir Tristram to
+take his way into Ireland for him on message. And all this was done to the
+intent to slay Sir Tristram. Notwithstanding, Sir Tristram would not refuse the
+message for no danger nor peril that might fall, for the pleasure of his uncle,
+but to go he made him ready in the most goodliest wise that might be devised.
+For Sir Tristram took with him the most goodliest knights that he might find in
+the court; and they were arrayed, after the guise that was then used, in the
+goodliest manner. So Sir Tristram departed and took the sea with all his
+fellowship. And anon, as he was in the broad sea a tempest took him and his
+fellowship, and drove them back into the coast of England; and there they
+arrived fast by Camelot, and full fain they were to take the land.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when they were landed Sir Tristram set up his pavilion upon the land of
+Camelot, and there he let hang his shield upon the pavilion. And that same day
+came two knights of King Arthur&rsquo;s, that one was Sir Ector de Maris, and
+Sir Morganor. And they touched the shield, and bade him come out of the
+pavilion for to joust, an he would joust. Ye shall be answered, said Sir
+Tristram, an ye will tarry a little while. So he made him ready, and first he
+smote down Sir Ector de Maris, and after he smote down Sir Morganor, all with
+one spear, and sore bruised them. And when they lay upon the earth they asked
+Sir Tristram what he was, and of what country he was knight. Fair lords, said
+Sir Tristram, wit ye well that I am of Cornwall. Alas, said Sir Ector, now am I
+ashamed that ever any Cornish knight should overcome me. And then for despite
+Sir Ector put off his armour from him, and went on foot, and would not ride.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap174"></a>CHAPTER XX.<br/>How King Anguish of Ireland was
+summoned to come to King Arthur&rsquo;s court for treason.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then it fell that Sir Bleoberis and Sir Blamore de Ganis, that were brethren,
+they had summoned the King Anguish of Ireland for to come to Arthur&rsquo;s
+court upon pain of forfeiture of King Arthur&rsquo;s good grace. And if the
+King of Ireland came not in, at the day assigned and set, the king should lose
+his lands. So it happened that at the day assigned, King Arthur neither Sir
+Launcelot might not be there for to give the judgment, for King Arthur was with
+Sir Launcelot at the Castle Joyous Garde. And so King Arthur assigned King
+Carados and the King of Scots to be there that day as judges. So when the kings
+were at Camelot King Anguish of Ireland was come to know his accusers. Then was
+there Sir Blamore de Ganis, and appealed the King of Ireland of treason, that
+he had slain a cousin of his in his court in Ireland by treason. The king was
+sore abashed of his accusation, for-why he was come at the summons of King
+Arthur, and or he came at Camelot he wist not wherefore he was sent after. And
+when the king heard Sir Blamore say his will, he understood well there was none
+other remedy but for to answer him knightly; for the custom was such in those
+days, that an any man were appealed of any treason or murder he should fight
+body for body, or else to find another knight for him. And all manner of
+murders in those days were called treason.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when King Anguish understood his accusing he was passing heavy, for he knew
+Sir Blamore de Ganis that he was a noble knight, and of noble knights come.
+Then the King of Ireland was simply purveyed of his answer; therefore the
+judges gave him respite by the third day to give his answer. So the king
+departed unto his lodging. The meanwhile there came a lady by Sir
+Tristram&rsquo;s pavilion making great dole. What aileth you, said Sir
+Tristram, that ye make such dole? Ah, fair knight, said the lady, I am ashamed
+unless that some good knight help me; for a great lady of worship sent by me a
+fair child and a rich, unto Sir Launcelot du Lake, and hereby there met with me
+a knight, and threw me down from my palfrey, and took away the child from me.
+Well, my lady, said Sir Tristram, and for my lord Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s sake I
+shall get you that child again, or else I shall be beaten for it. And so Sir
+Tristram took his horse, and asked the lady which way the knight rode; and then
+she told him. And he rode after him, and within a while he overtook that
+knight. And then Sir Tristram bade him turn and give again the child.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap175"></a>CHAPTER XXI.<br/>How Sir Tristram rescued a child
+from a knight, and how Gouvernail told him of King Anguish.</h3>
+
+<p>
+The knight turned his horse and made him ready to fight. And then Sir Tristram
+smote him with a sword such a buffet that he tumbled to the earth. And then he
+yielded him unto Sir Tristram. Then come thy way, said Sir Tristram, and bring
+the child to the lady again. So he took his horse meekly and rode with Sir
+Tristram; and then by the way Sir Tristram asked him his name. Then he said, My
+name is Breuse Saunce Pité. So when he had delivered that child to the lady, he
+said: Sir, as in this the child is well remedied. Then Sir Tristram let him go
+again that sore repented him after, for he was a great foe unto many good
+knights of King Arthur&rsquo;s court.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when Sir Tristram was in his pavilion Gouvernail, his man, came and told
+him how that King Anguish of Ireland was come thither, and he was put in great
+distress; and there Gouvernail told Sir Tristram how King Anguish was summoned
+and appealed of murder. So God me help, said Sir Tristram, these be the best
+tidings that ever came to me this seven years, for now shall the King of
+Ireland have need of my help; for I daresay there is no knight in this country
+that is not of Arthur&rsquo;s court dare do battle with Sir Blamore de Ganis;
+and for to win the love of the King of Ireland I will take the battle upon me;
+and therefore Gouvernail bring me, I charge thee, to the king.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Gouvernail went unto King Anguish of Ireland, and saluted him fair. The
+king welcomed him and asked him what he would. Sir, said Gouvernail, here is a
+knight near hand that desireth to speak with you: he bade me say he would do
+you service. What knight is he? said the king. Sir, said he, it is Sir Tristram
+de Liones, that for your good grace that ye showed him in your lands will
+reward you in this country. Come on, fellow, said the king, with me anon and
+show me unto Sir Tristram. So the king took a little hackney and but few
+fellowship with him, until he came unto Sir Tristram&rsquo;s pavilion. And when
+Sir Tristram saw the king he ran unto him and would have holden his stirrup.
+But the king leapt from his horse lightly, and either halsed other in their
+arms. My gracious lord, said Sir Tristram, gramercy of your great goodnesses
+showed unto me in your marches and lands: and at that time I promised you to do
+you service an ever it lay in my power. And, gentle knight, said the king unto
+Sir Tristram, now have I great need of you, never had I so great need of no
+knight&rsquo;s help. How so, my good lord? said Sir Tristram. I shall tell you,
+said the king: I am summoned and appealed from my country for the death of a
+knight that was kin unto the good knight Sir Launcelot; wherefore Sir Blamore
+de Ganis, brother to Sir Bleoberis hath appealed me to fight with him, outher
+to find a knight in my stead. And well I wot, said the king, these that are
+come of King Ban&rsquo;s blood, as Sir Launcelot and these other, are passing
+good knights, and hard men for to win in battle as any that I know now living.
+Sir, said Sir Tristram, for the good lordship ye showed me in Ireland, and for
+my lady your daughter&rsquo;s sake, La Beale Isoud, I will take the battle for
+you upon this condition that ye shall grant me two things: that one is that ye
+shall swear to me that ye are in the right, that ye were never consenting to
+the knight&rsquo;s death; Sir, then said Sir Tristram, when that I have done
+this battle, if God give me grace that I speed, that ye shall give me a reward,
+what thing reasonable that I will ask of you. So God me help, said the king, ye
+shall have whatsomever ye will ask. It is well said, said Sir Tristram.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap176"></a>CHAPTER XXII.<br/>How Sir Tristram fought for Sir
+Anguish and overcame his adversary, and how his adversary would never yield
+him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now make your answer that your champion is ready, for I shall die in your
+quarrel rather than to be recreant. I have no doubt of you, said the king,
+that, an ye should have ado with Sir Launcelot du Lake&mdash; Sir, said Sir
+Tristram, as for Sir Launcelot, he is called the noblest knight of the world,
+and wit ye well that the knights of his blood are noble men, and dread shame;
+and as for Bleoberis, brother unto Sir Blamore, I have done battle with him,
+therefore upon my head it is no shame to call him a good knight. It is noised,
+said the king, that Blamore is the hardier knight. Sir, as for that let him be,
+he shall never be refused, an as he were the best knight that now beareth
+shield or spear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So King Anguish departed unto King Carados and the kings that were that time as
+judges, and told them that he had found his champion ready. Then by the
+commandment of the kings Sir Blamore de Ganis and Sir Tristram were sent for to
+hear the charge. And when they were come before the judges there were many
+kings and knights beheld Sir Tristram, and much speech they had of him because
+that he slew Sir Marhaus, the good knight, and because he for-jousted Sir
+Palamides the good knight. So when they had taken their charge they withdrew
+them to make them ready to do battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then said Sir Bleoberis unto his brother, Sir Blamore: Fair dear brother,
+remember of what kin we be come of, and what a man is Sir Launcelot du Lake,
+neither farther nor nearer but brother&rsquo;s children, and there was never
+none of our kin that ever was shamed in battle; and rather suffer death,
+brother, than to be shamed. Brother, said Blamore, have ye no doubt of me, for
+I shall never shame none of my blood; howbeit I am sure that yonder knight is
+called a passing good knight as of his time one of the world, yet shall I never
+yield me, nor say the loath word: well may he happen to smite me down with his
+great might of chivalry, but rather shall he slay me than I shall yield me as
+recreant. God speed you well, said Sir Bleoberis, for ye shall find him the
+mightiest knight that ever ye had ado withal, for I know him, for I have had
+ado with him. God me speed, said Sir Blamore de Ganis; and therewith he took
+his horse at the one end of the lists, and Sir Tristram at the other end of the
+lists, and so they feutred their spears and came together as it had been
+thunder; and there Sir Tristram through great might smote down Sir Blamore and
+his horse to the earth. Then anon Sir Blamore avoided his horse and pulled out
+his sword and threw his shield afore him, and bade Sir Tristram alight: For
+though an horse hath failed me, I trust to God the earth will not fail me. And
+then Sir Tristram alighted, and dressed him unto battle; and there they lashed
+together strongly as racing and tracing, foining and dashing, many sad strokes,
+that the kings and knights had great wonder that they might stand; for ever
+they fought like wood men, so that there was never knights seen fight more
+fiercely than they did; for Sir Blamore was so hasty that he would have no
+rest, that all men wondered that they had breath to stand on their feet; and
+all the place was bloody that they fought in. And at the last, Sir Tristram
+smote Sir Blamore such a buffet upon the helm that he there fell down upon his
+side, and Sir Tristram stood and beheld him.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap177"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.<br/>How Sir Blamore desired Tristram
+to slay him, and how Sir Tristram spared him, and how they took
+appointment.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then when Sir Blamore might speak, he said thus: Sir Tristram de Liones, I
+require thee, as thou art a noble knight, and the best knight that ever I
+found, that thou wilt slay me out, for I would not live to be made lord of all
+the earth, for I have liefer die with worship than live with shame; and needs,
+Sir Tristram, thou must slay me, or else thou shalt never win the field, for I
+will never say the loath word. And therefore if thou dare slay me, slay me, I
+require thee. When Sir Tristram heard him say so knightly, he wist not what to
+do with him; he remembering him of both parties, of what blood he was come, and
+for Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s sake he would be loath to slay him; and in the other
+party in no wise he might not choose, but that he must make him to say the
+loath word, or else to slay him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram stert aback, and went to the kings that were judges, and
+there he kneeled down to-fore them, and besought them for their worships, and
+for King Arthur&rsquo;s and Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s sake, that they would take
+this matter in their hands. For, my fair lords, said Sir Tristram, it were
+shame and pity that this noble knight that yonder lieth should be slain; for ye
+hear well, shamed will he not be, and I pray to God that he never be slain nor
+shamed for me. And as for the king for whom I fight for, I shall require him,
+as I am his true champion and true knight in this field, that he will have
+mercy upon this good knight. So God me help, said King Anguish, I will for your
+sake; Sir Tristram, be ruled as ye will have me, for I know you for my true
+knight; and therefore I will heartily pray the kings that be here as judges to
+take it in their hands. And the kings that were judges called Sir Bleoberis to
+them, and asked him his advice. My lords, said Bleoberis, though my brother be
+beaten, and hath the worse through might of arms, I dare say, though Sir
+Tristram hath beaten his body he hath not beaten his heart, and I thank God he
+is not shamed this day; and rather than he should be shamed I require you, said
+Bleoberis, let Sir Tristram slay him out. It shall not be so, said the kings,
+for his part adversary, both the king and the champion, have pity of Sir
+Blamore&rsquo;s knighthood. My lords, said Bleoberis, I will right well as ye
+will.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the kings called the King of Ireland, and found him goodly and treatable.
+And then, by all their advices, Sir Tristram and Sir Bleoberis took up Sir
+Blamore, and the two brethren were accorded with King Anguish, and kissed and
+made friends for ever. And then Sir Blamore and Sir Tristram kissed together,
+and there they made their oaths that they would never none of them two brethren
+fight with Sir Tristram, and Sir Tristram made the same oath. And for that
+gentle battle all the blood of Sir Launcelot loved Sir Tristram for ever.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then King Anguish and Sir Tristram took their leave, and sailed into Ireland
+with great noblesse and joy. So 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 there were made the most of him that they
+might. But the joy that La Beale Isoud made of Sir Tristram there might no
+tongue tell, for of all men earthly she loved him most.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap178"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.<br/>How Sir Tristram demanded La Beale
+Isoud for King Mark, and how Sir Tristram and Isoud drank the love drink.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then upon a day King Anguish asked Sir Tristram why he asked not his boon, for
+whatsomever he had promised him he should have it without fail. Sir, said Sir
+Tristram, now is it time; this is all that I will desire, that ye will give me
+La Beale 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 liefer than all the land that I have ye would wed her yourself. Sir, an I
+did then I were shamed for ever in this world, and false of my promise.
+Therefore, said Sir I Tristram, I pray you hold your promise that ye promised
+me; for this is my desire, that ye will give me La Beale Isoud to go with me
+into Cornwall for to be wedded to King Mark, mine uncle. As for that, said King
+Anguish, ye shall have her with you to do with her what it please you; that is
+for to say if that ye list to wed her yourself, that is me liefest, and if ye
+will give her unto King Mark, your uncle, that is in your choice. So, to make
+short conclusion, La Beale Isoud was made ready to go with Sir Tristram, and
+Dame Bragwaine went with her for her chief gentlewoman, with many other.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the queen, Isoud&rsquo;s mother, gave to her and Dame Bragwaine, her
+daughter&rsquo;s gentlewoman, and unto Gouvernail, a drink, and charged them
+that what day King Mark should wed, that same day they should give him that
+drink, so that King Mark should drink to La Beale Isoud, 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, and La Beale Isoud; and when they were in their cabin,
+it happed so that they were thirsty, and they saw a little flasket of gold
+stand by them, and it seemed by the colour and the taste that it was noble
+wine. Then Sir Tristram took the flasket in his hand, and said, Madam Isoud,
+here is the best drink that ever ye drank, that Dame Bragwaine, your maiden,
+and Gouvernail, my servant, have kept for themselves. Then they laughed and
+made good cheer, and either drank to other freely, and they thought never drink
+that ever they drank to other was so sweet nor so good. But by that their drink
+was in their bodies, they loved either other so well that never their love
+departed for weal neither for woe. And thus it happed the love first betwixt
+Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud, the which love never departed the days of
+their life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So then they sailed till by fortune they came nigh a castle that hight Pluere,
+and thereby arrived for to repose them, weening to them to have had good
+harbourage. But anon as Sir Tristram was within the castle they were taken
+prisoners; for the custom of the castle was such; who that rode by that castle
+and brought any lady, he must needs fight with the lord, that hight Breunor.
+And if it were so that Breunor won the field, then should the knight stranger
+and his lady be put to death, what that ever they were; and if it were so that
+the strange knight won the field of Sir Breunor, then should he die and his
+lady both. This custom was used many winters, for it was called the Castle
+Pluere, that is to say the Weeping Castle.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap179"></a>CHAPTER XXV.<br/>How Sir Tristram and Isoud were in
+prison, and how he fought for her beauty, and smote off another lady&rsquo;s
+head.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Thus as Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud were in prison, it happed a knight and
+a lady came unto them where they were, to cheer them. I have marvel, said
+Tristram unto the knight and the lady, what is the cause the lord of this
+castle holdeth us in prison: it was never the custom of no place of worship
+that ever I came in, when a knight and a lady asked harbour, and they to
+receive them, and after to destroy them that be his guests. Sir, said the
+knight, this is the old custom of this castle, that when a knight cometh here
+he must needs fight with our lord, and he that is weaker must lose his head.
+And when that is done, if his lady that he bringeth be fouler than our
+lord&rsquo;s wife, she must lose her head: and if she be fairer proved than is
+our lady, then shall the lady of this castle lose her head. So God me help,
+said Sir Tristram, this is a foul custom and a shameful. But one advantage have
+I, said Sir Tristram, I have a lady is fair enough, fairer saw I never in all
+my life-days, and I doubt not for lack of beauty she shall not lose her head;
+and rather than I should lose my head I will fight for it on a fair field.
+Wherefore, sir knight, I pray you tell your lord that I will be ready as
+to-morn with my lady, and myself to do battle, if it be so I may have my horse
+and mine armour. Sir, said that knight, I undertake that your desire shall be
+sped right well. And then he said: Take your rest, and look that ye be up
+betimes and make you ready and your lady, for ye shall want no thing that you
+behoveth. And therewith he departed, and on the morn betimes that same knight
+came to Sir Tristram, and fetched him out and his lady, and brought him horse
+and armour that was his own, and bade him make him ready to the field, for all
+the estates and commons of that lordship were there ready to behold that battle
+and judgment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then came Sir Breunor, the lord of that castle, with his lady in his hand,
+muffled, and asked Sir Tristram where was his lady: For an thy lady be fairer
+than mine, with thy sword smite off my lady&rsquo;s head; and if my lady be
+fairer than thine, with my sword I must strike off her head. And if I may win
+thee, yet shall thy lady be mine, and thou shalt lose thy head. Sir, said
+Tristram, this is a foul custom and horrible; and rather than my lady should
+lose her head, yet had I liefer lose my head. Nay, nay, said Sir Breunor, the
+ladies shall be first showed together, and the one shall have her judgment.
+Nay, I will not so, said Sir Tristram, for here is none that will give
+righteous judgment. But I doubt not, said Sir Tristram, my lady is fairer than
+thine, and that will I prove and make good with my hand. And whosomever he be
+that will say the contrary I will prove it on his head. And therewith Sir
+Tristram showed La Beale Isoud, and turned her thrice about with his naked
+sword in his hand. And when Sir Breunor saw that, he did the same wise turn his
+lady. But when Sir Breunor beheld La Beale Isoud, him thought he saw never a
+fairer lady, and then he dread his lady&rsquo;s head should be off. And so all
+the people that were there present gave judgment that La Beale Isoud was the
+fairer lady and the better made. How now, said Sir Tristram, meseemeth it were
+pity that my lady should lose her head, but because thou and she of long time
+have used this wicked custom, and by you both have many good knights and ladies
+been destroyed, for that cause it were no loss to destroy you both. So God me
+help, said Sir Breunor, for to say the sooth, thy lady is fairer than mine, and
+that me sore repenteth. And so I hear the people privily say, for of all women
+I saw none so fair; and therefore, an thou wilt slay my lady, I doubt not but I
+shall slay thee and have thy lady. Thou shalt win her, said Sir Tristram, as
+dear as ever knight won lady. And because of thine own judgment, as thou
+wouldst have done to my lady if that she had been fouler, and because of the
+evil custom, give me thy lady, said Sir Tristram. And therewithal Sir Tristram
+strode unto him and took his lady from him, and with an awk stroke he smote off
+her head clean. Well, knight, said Sir Breunor, now hast thou done me a
+despite.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap180"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.<br/>How Sir Tristram fought with Sir
+Breunor, and at the last smote off his head.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now take thine horse: sithen I am ladyless I will win thy lady an I may.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then they took their horses and came together as it had been the thunder; and
+Sir Tristram smote Sir Breunor clean from his horse, and lightly he rose up;
+and as Sir Tristram came again by him he thrust his horse throughout both the
+shoulders, that his horse hurled here and there and fell dead to the ground.
+And ever Sir Breunor ran after to have slain Sir Tristram, but Sir Tristram was
+light and nimble, and voided his horse lightly. And or ever Sir Tristram might
+dress his shield and his sword the other gave him three or four sad strokes.
+Then they rushed together like two boars, tracing and traversing mightily and
+wisely as two noble knights. For this Sir Breunor was a proved knight, and had
+been or then the death of many good knights, that it was pity that he had so
+long endured.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they fought, hurling here and there nigh two hours, and either were
+wounded sore. Then at the last Sir Breunor rashed upon Sir Tristram and took
+him in his arms, for he trusted much in his strength. Then was Sir Tristram
+called the strongest and the highest knight of the world; for he was called
+bigger than Sir Launcelot, but Sir Launcelot was better breathed. So anon Sir
+Tristram thrust Sir Breunor down grovelling, and then he unlaced his helm and
+struck off his head. And then all they that longed to the castle came to him,
+and did him homage and fealty, praying him that he would abide there still a
+little while to fordo that foul custom. Sir Tristram granted thereto. The
+meanwhile one of the knights of the castle rode unto Sir Galahad, the haut
+prince, the which was Sir Breunor&rsquo;s son, which was a noble knight, and
+told him what misadventure his father had and his mother.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap181"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.<br/>How Sir Galahad fought with Sir
+Tristram, and how Sir Tristram yielded him and promised to fellowship with
+Launcelot.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then came Sir Galahad, and the King with the Hundred Knights with him; and this
+Sir Galahad proffered to fight with Sir Tristram hand for hand. And so they
+made them ready to go unto battle on horseback with great courage. Then Sir
+Galahad and Sir Tristram met together so hard that either bare other down,
+horse and all, to the earth. And then they avoided their horses as noble
+knights, and dressed their shields, and drew their swords with ire and rancour,
+and they lashed together many sad strokes, and one while striking, another
+while foining, tracing and traversing as noble knights; thus they fought long,
+near half a day, and either were sore wounded. At the last Sir Tristram waxed
+light and big, and doubled his strokes, and drove Sir Galahad aback on the one
+side and on the other, so that he was like to have been slain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With that came the King with the Hundred Knights, and all that fellowship went
+fiercely upon Sir Tristram. When Sir Tristram saw them coming upon him, then he
+wist well he might not endure. Then as a wise knight of war, he said to Sir
+Galahad, the haut prince: Sir, ye show to me no knighthood, for to suffer all
+your men to have ado with me all at once; and as meseemeth ye be a noble knight
+of your hands it is great shame to you. So God me help, said Sir Galahad, there
+is none other way but thou must yield thee to me, other else to die, said Sir
+Galahad to Sir Tristram. I will rather yield me to you than die for that is
+more for the might of your men than of your hands. And therewithal Sir Tristram
+took his own sword by the point, and put the pommel in the hand of Sir Galahad.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewithal came the King with the Hundred Knights, and hard began to assail
+Sir Tristram. Let be, said Sir Galahad, be ye not so hardy to touch him, for I
+have given this knight his life. That is your shame, said the King with the
+Hundred Knights; hath he not slain your father and your mother? As for that,
+said Sir Galahad, I may not wite him greatly, for my father had him in prison,
+and enforced him to do battle with him; and my father had such a custom that
+was a shameful custom, that what knight came there to ask harbour his lady must
+needs die but if she were fairer than my mother; and if my father overcame that
+knight he must needs die. This was a shameful custom and usage, a knight for
+his harbour-asking to have such harbourage. And for this custom I would never
+draw about him. So God me help, said the King, this was a shameful custom.
+Truly, said Sir Galahad, so seemed me; and meseemed it had been great pity that
+this knight should have been slain, for I dare say he is the noblest man that
+beareth life, but if it were Sir Launcelot du Lake. Now, fair knight, said Sir
+Galahad, I require thee tell me thy name, and of whence thou art, and whither
+thou wilt. Sir, he said, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and from King Mark
+of Cornwall I was sent on message unto King Anguish of Ireland, for to fetch
+his daughter to be his wife, and here she is ready to go with me into Cornwall,
+and her name is La Beale Isoud. And, Sir Tristram, said Sir Galahad, the haut
+prince, well be ye found in these marches, and so ye will promise me to go unto
+Sir Launcelot du Lake, and accompany with him, ye shall go where ye will, and
+your fair lady with you; and I shall promise you never in all my days shall
+such customs be used in this castle as have been used. Sir, said Sir Tristram,
+now I let you wit, so God me help, I weened ye had been Sir Launcelot du Lake
+when I saw you first, and therefore I dread you the more; and sir, I promise
+you, said Sir Tristram, as soon as I may I will see Sir Launcelot and in
+fellowship me with him; for of all the knights of the world I most desire his
+fellowship.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap182"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.<br/>How Sir Launcelot met with Sir
+Carados bearing away Sir Gawaine, and of the rescue of Sir Gawaine.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then Sir Tristram took his leave when he saw his time, and took the sea.
+And in the meanwhile word came unto Sir Launcelot and to Sir Tristram that Sir
+Carados, the mighty king, that was made like a giant, fought with Sir Gawaine,
+and gave him such strokes that he swooned in his saddle, and after that he took
+him by the collar and pulled him out of his saddle, and fast bound him to the
+saddle-bow, and so rode his way with him toward his castle. And as he rode, by
+fortune Sir Launcelot met with Sir Carados, and anon he knew Sir Gawaine that
+lay bound after him. Ah, said Sir Launcelot unto Sir Gawaine, how stands it
+with you? Never so hard, said Sir Gawaine, unless that ye help me, for so God
+me help, without ye rescue me I know no knight that may, but outher you or Sir
+Tristram. Wherefore Sir Launcelot was heavy of Sir Gawaine&rsquo;s words. And
+then Sir Launcelot bade Sir Carados: Lay down that knight and fight with me.
+Thou art but a fool, said Sir Carados, for I will serve you in the same wise.
+As for that, said Sir Launcelot, spare me not, for I warn thee I will not spare
+thee. And then he bound Sir Gawaine hand and foot, and so threw him to the
+ground. And then he gat his spear of his squire, and departed from Sir
+Launcelot to fetch his course. And so either met with other, and brake their
+spears to their hands; and then they pulled out swords, and hurtled together on
+horseback more than an hour. And at the last Sir Launcelot smote Sir Carados
+such a buffet upon the helm that it pierced his brain-pan. So then Sir
+Launcelot took Sir Carados by the collar and pulled him under his horse&rsquo;s
+feet, and then he alighted and pulled off his helm and struck off his head. And
+then Sir Launcelot unbound Sir Gawaine. So this same tale was told to Sir
+Galahad and to Sir Tristram:&mdash;here may ye hear the nobleness that
+followeth Sir Launcelot. Alas, said Sir Tristram, an I had not this message in
+hand with this fair lady, truly I would never stint or I had found Sir
+Launcelot. Then Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud went to the sea and came into
+Cornwall, and there all the barons met them.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap183"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.<br/>Of the wedding of King Mark to La
+Beale Isoud, and of Bragwaine her maid, and of Palamides.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And anon they were richly wedded with great noblesse. But ever, as the French
+book saith, Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud loved ever together. Then was there
+great jousts and great tourneying, and many lords and ladies were at that
+feast, and Sir Tristram was most praised of all other. Thus dured the feast
+long, and after the feast was done, within a little while after, by the assent
+of two ladies that were with Queen Isoud, they ordained for hate and envy for
+to destroy Dame Bragwaine, that was maiden and lady unto La Beale Isoud; and
+she was sent into the forest for to fetch herbs, and there she was met, and
+bound feet and hand to a tree, and so she was bounden three days. And by
+fortune, Sir Palamides found Dame Bragwaine, and there he delivered her from
+the death, and brought her to a nunnery there beside, for to be recovered. When
+Isoud the queen missed her maiden, wit ye well she was right heavy as ever was
+any queen, for of all earthly women she loved her best: the cause was for she
+came with her out of her country. And so upon a day Queen Isoud walked into the
+forest to put away her thoughts, and there she went herself unto a well and
+made great moan. And suddenly there came Palamides to her, and had heard all
+her complaint, and said: Madam Isoud, an ye will grant me my boon, I shall
+bring to you Dame Bragwaine safe and sound. And the queen was so glad of his
+proffer that suddenly unadvised she granted all his asking. Well, Madam, said
+Palamides, I trust to your promise, and if ye will abide here half an hour I
+shall bring her to you. I shall abide you, said La Beale Isoud. And Sir
+Palamides rode forth his way to that nunnery, and lightly he came again with
+Dame Bragwaine; but by her good will she would not have come again, because for
+love of the queen she stood in adventure of her life. Notwithstanding, half
+against her will, she went with Sir Palamides unto the queen. And when the
+queen saw her she was passing glad. Now, Madam, said Palamides, remember upon
+your promise, for I have fulfilled my promise. Sir Palamides, said the queen, I
+wot not what is your desire, but I will that ye wit, howbeit I promised you
+largely, I thought none evil, nor I warn you none evil will I do. Madam, said
+Sir Palamides, as at this time, ye shall not know my desire, but before my lord
+your husband there shall ye know that I will have my desire that ye have
+promised me. And therewith the queen departed, and rode home to the king, and
+Sir Palamides rode after her. And when Sir Palamides came before the king, he
+said: Sir King, I require you as ye be a righteous king, that ye will judge me
+the right. Tell me your cause, said the king, and ye shall have right.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap184"></a>CHAPTER XXX.<br/>How Palamides demanded Queen Isoud,
+and how Lambegus rode after to rescue her, and of the escape of Isoud.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Sir, said Palamides, I promised your Queen Isoud to bring again Dame Bragwaine
+that she had lost, upon this covenant, that she should grant me a boon that I
+would ask, and without grudging, outher advisement, she granted me. What say
+ye, my lady? said the king. It is as he saith, so God me help, said the queen;
+to say thee sooth I promised him his asking for love and joy that I had to see
+her. Well, Madam, said the king, and if ye were hasty to grant him what boon he
+would ask, I will well that ye perform your promise. Then, said Palamides, I
+will that ye wit that I will have your queen to lead her and govern her whereas
+me list. Therewith the king stood still, and bethought him of Sir Tristram, and
+deemed that he would rescue her. And then hastily the king answered: Take her
+with the adventures that shall fall of it, for as I suppose thou wilt not enjoy
+her no while. As for that, said Palamides, I dare right well abide the
+adventure. And so, to make short tale, Sir Palamides took her by the hand and
+said: Madam, grudge not to go with me, for I desire nothing but your own
+promise. As for that, said the queen, I fear not greatly to go with thee,
+howbeit thou hast me at advantage upon my promise, for I doubt not I shall be
+worshipfully rescued from thee. As for that, said Sir Palamides, be it as it be
+may. So Queen Isoud was set behind Palamides, and rode his way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Anon the king sent after Sir Tristram, but in no wise he could be found, for he
+was in the forest a-hunting; for that was always his custom, but if he used
+arms, to chase and to hunt in the forests. Alas, said the king, now I am shamed
+for ever, that by mine own assent my lady and my queen shall be devoured. Then
+came forth a knight, his name was Lambegus, and he was a knight of Sir
+Tristram. My lord, said this knight, sith ye have trust in my lord, Sir
+Tristram, wit ye well for his sake I will ride after your queen and rescue her,
+or else I shall be beaten. Gramercy, said the king, as I live, Sir Lambegus, I
+shall deserve it. And then Sir Lambegus armed him, and rode after as fast as he
+might. And then within a while he overtook Sir Palamides. And then Sir
+Palamides left the queen. What art thou, said Palamides, art thou Tristram?
+Nay, he said, I am his servant, and my name is Sir Lambegus. That me repenteth,
+said Palamides. I had liefer thou hadst been Sir Tristram. I believe you well,
+said Lambegus, but when thou meetest with Sir Tristram thou shalt have thy
+hands full. And then they hurtled together and all to-brast their spears, and
+then they pulled out their swords, and hewed on helms and hauberks. At the last
+Sir Palamides gave Sir Lambegus such a wound that he fell down like a dead
+knight to the earth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then he looked after La Beale Isoud, and then she was gone he nist where. Wit
+ye well Sir Palamides was never so heavy. So the queen ran into the forest, and
+there she found a well, and therein she had thought to have drowned herself.
+And as good fortune would, there came a knight to her that had a castle
+thereby, his name was Sir Adtherp. And when he found the queen in that mischief
+he rescued her, and brought her to his castle. And when he wist what she was he
+armed him, and took his horse, and said he would be avenged upon Palamides; and
+so he rode on till he met with him, and there Sir Palamides wounded him sore,
+and by force he made him to tell him the cause why he did battle with him, and
+how he had led the queen unto his castle. Now bring me there, said Palamides,
+or thou shalt die of my hands. Sir, said Sir Adtherp, I am so wounded I may not
+follow, but ride you this way and it shall bring you into my castle, and there
+within is the queen. Then Sir Palamides rode still till he came to the castle.
+And at a window La Beale Isoud saw Sir Palamides; then she made the gates to be
+shut strongly. And when he saw he might not come within the castle, he put off
+his bridle and his saddle, and put his horse to pasture, and set himself down
+at the gate like a man that was out of his wit that recked not of himself.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap185"></a>CHAPTER XXXI.<br/>How Sir Tristram rode after
+Palamides, and how he found him and fought with him, and by the means of Isoud
+the battle ceased.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that when he was come home and wist La Beale
+Isoud was gone with Sir Palamides, wit ye well he was wroth out of measure.
+Alas, said Sir Tristram, I am this day shamed. Then he cried to Gouvernail his
+man: Haste thee that I were armed and on horseback, for well I wot Lambegus
+hath no might nor strength to withstand Sir Palamides: alas that I have not
+been in his stead! So anon as he was armed and horsed Sir Tristram and
+Gouvernail rode after into the forest, and within a while he found his knight
+Lambegus almost wounded to the death; and Sir Tristram bare him to a forester,
+and charged him to keep him well. And then he rode forth, and there he found
+Sir Adtherp sore wounded, and he told him how the queen would have drowned
+herself had he not been, and how for her sake and love he had taken upon him to
+do battle with Sir Palamides. Where is my lady? said Sir Tristram. Sir, said
+the knight, she is sure enough within my castle, an she can hold her within it.
+Gramercy, said Sir Tristram, of thy great goodness. And so he rode till he came
+nigh to that castle; and then Sir Tristram saw where Sir Palamides sat at the
+gate sleeping, and his horse pastured fast afore him. Now go thou, Gouvernail,
+said Sir Tristram, and bid him awake, and make him ready. So Gouvernail rode
+unto him and said: Sir Palamides, arise, and take to thee thine harness. But he
+was in such a study he heard not what Gouvernail said. So Gouvernail came again
+and told Sir Tristram he slept, or else he was mad. Go thou again, said Sir
+Tristram, and bid him arise, and tell him that I am here, his mortal foe. So
+Gouvernail rode again and put upon him the butt of his spear, and said: Sir
+Palamides, make thee ready, for wit ye well Sir Tristram hoveth yonder, and
+sendeth thee word he is thy mortal foe. And therewithal Sir Palamides arose
+stilly, without words, and gat his horse, and saddled him and bridled him, and
+lightly he leapt upon, and gat his spear in his hand, and either feutred their
+spears and hurtled fast together; and there Tristram smote down Sir Palamides
+over his horse&rsquo;s tail. Then lightly Sir Palamides put his shield afore
+him and drew his sword. And there began strong battle on both parts, for both
+they fought for the love of one lady, and ever she lay on the walls and beheld
+them how they fought out of measure, and either were wounded passing sore, but
+Palamides was much sorer wounded. Thus they fought tracing and traversing more
+than two hours, that well-nigh for dole and sorrow La Beale Isoud swooned.
+Alas, she said, that one I loved and yet do, and the other I love not, yet it
+were great pity that I should see Sir Palamides slain; for well I know by that
+time the end be done Sir Palamides is but a dead knight: because he is not
+christened I would be loath that he should die a Saracen. And therewithal she
+came down and besought Sir Tristram to fight no more. Ah, madam, said he, what
+mean you, will ye have me shamed? Well ye know I will be ruled by you. I will
+not your dishonour, said La Beale Isoud, but I would that ye would for my sake
+spare this unhappy Saracen Palamides. Madam, said Sir Tristram, I will leave
+fighting at this time for your sake. Then she said to Sir Palamides: This shall
+be your charge, that thou shalt go out of this country while I am therein. I
+will obey your commandment, said Sir Palamides, the which is sore against my
+will. Then take thy way, said La Beale Isoud, unto the court of King Arthur,
+and there recommend me unto Queen Guenever, and tell her that I send her word
+that there be within this land but four lovers, that is, Sir Launcelot du Lake
+and Queen Guenever, and Sir Tristram de Liones and Queen Isoud.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap186"></a>CHAPTER XXXII.<br/>How Sir Tristram brought Queen
+Isoud home, and of the debate of King Mark and Sir Tristram.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And so Sir Palamides departed with great heaviness. And Sir Tristram took the
+queen and brought her again to King Mark, and then was there made great joy of
+her home-coming. Who was cherished but Sir Tristram! Then Sir Tristram let
+fetch Sir Lambegus, his knight, from the forester&rsquo;s house, and it was
+long or he was whole, but at the last he was well recovered. Thus they lived
+with joy and play a long while. But ever Sir Andred, that was nigh cousin to
+Sir Tristram, lay in a watch to wait betwixt Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud,
+for to take them and slander them. So upon a day Sir Tristram talked with La
+Beale 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 was nigh him,
+and 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 at that
+time there was not one would move for his words. When Sir Tristram saw that
+there was not one would be against him, he shook the sword to the king, and
+made countenance as though he would have stricken him. And then King Mark fled,
+and Sir Tristram followed him, and smote upon him five or six strokes flatling
+on the neck, that he made him to fall upon the nose. And then Sir Tristram yede
+his way and armed him, and took his horse and his man, and so he rode into that
+forest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And there upon a day Sir Tristram met with two brethren that were knights with
+King Mark, and there he struck off the head of the one, and wounded the other
+to the death; and he made him to bear his brother&rsquo;s head in his helm unto
+the king, and thirty more there he wounded. And when that knight came before
+the king to say his message, he there died afore the king and the queen. Then
+King Mark called his council unto him, and asked advice of his barons what was
+best to do with Sir Tristram. Sir, said the barons, in especial Sir Dinas, the
+Seneschal, Sir, we will give you counsel for to send for Sir Tristram, for we
+will that ye wit many men will hold with Sir Tristram an he were hard bestead.
+And sir, said Sir Dinas, ye shall understand that Sir Tristram is called
+peerless and makeless of any Christian knight, and of his might and hardiness
+we knew none so good a knight, but if it be Sir Launcelot du Lake. And if he
+depart from your court and go to King Arthur&rsquo;s court, wit ye well he will
+get him such friends there that he will not set by your malice. And therefore,
+sir, I counsel you to take him to your grace. I will well, said the king, that
+he be sent for, that we may be friends. Then the barons sent for Sir Tristram
+under a safe conduct. And so when Sir Tristram came to the king he was welcome,
+and no rehearsal was made, and there was game and play. And then the king and
+the queen went a-hunting, and Sir Tristram.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap187"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII.<br/>How Sir Lamorak jousted with
+thirty knights, and Sir Tristram at the request of King Mark smote his horse
+down.</h3>
+
+<p>
+The king and the queen made their pavilions and their tents in that forest
+beside a river, and there was daily hunting and jousting, for there were ever
+thirty knights ready to joust unto all them that came in at that time. And
+there by fortune came Sir Lamorak de Galis and Sir Driant; and there Sir Driant
+jousted right well, but at the last he had a fall. Then Sir Lamorak proffered
+to joust. And when he began he fared so with the thirty knights that there was
+not one of them but that he gave him a fall, and some of them were sore hurt. I
+marvel, said King Mark, what knight he is that doth such deeds of arms. Sir,
+said Sir Tristram, I know him well for a noble knight as few now be living, and
+his name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. It were great shame, said the king, that he
+should go thus away, unless that some of you meet with him better. Sir, said
+Sir Tristram, meseemeth it were no worship for a noble man to have ado with
+him: and for because at this time he hath done over much for any mean knight
+living, therefore, as meseemeth, it were great shame and villainy to tempt him
+any more at this time, insomuch as he and his horse are weary both; for the
+deeds of arms that he hath done this day, an they be well considered, it were
+enough for Sir Launcelot du Lake. As for that, said King Mark, I require you,
+as ye love me and my lady the queen, La Beale Isoud, take your arms and joust
+with Sir Lamorak de Galis. Sir, said Sir Tristram, ye bid me do a thing that is
+against knighthood, and well I can deem that I shall give him a fall, for it is
+no mastery, for my horse and I be fresh both, and so is not his horse and he;
+and wit ye well that he will take it for great unkindness, for ever one good
+knight is loath to take another at disadvantage; but because I will not
+displease you, as ye require me so will I do, and obey your commandment.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so Sir Tristram armed him and took his horse, and put him forth, and there
+Sir Lamorak met him mightily, and what with the might of his own spear, and of
+Sir Tristram&rsquo;s spear, Sir Lamorak&rsquo;s horse fell to the earth, and he
+sitting in the saddle. Then anon as lightly as he might he avoided the saddle
+and his horse, and put his shield afore him and drew his sword. And then he
+bade Sir Tristram: Alight, thou knight, an thou durst. Nay, said Sir Tristram,
+I will no more have ado with thee, for I have done to thee over much unto my
+dishonour and to thy worship. As for that, said Sir Lamorak, I can thee no
+thank; since thou hast for-jousted me on horseback I require thee and I beseech
+thee, an thou be Sir Tristram, fight with me on foot. I will not so, said Sir
+Tristram; and wit ye well my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and well I know ye
+be Sir Lamorak de Galis, and this that I have done to you was against my will,
+but I was required thereto; but to say that I will do at your request as at
+this time, I will have no more ado with you, for me shameth of that I have
+done. As for the shame, said Sir Lamorak, on thy part or on mine, bear thou it
+an thou wilt, for though a mare&rsquo;s son hath failed me, now a queen&rsquo;s
+son shall not fail thee; and therefore, an thou be such a knight as men call
+thee, I require thee, alight, and fight with me. Sir Lamorak, said Sir
+Tristram, I understand your heart is great, and cause why ye have, to say thee
+sooth; for it would grieve me an any knight should keep him fresh and then to
+strike down a weary knight, for that knight nor horse was never formed that
+alway might stand or endure. And therefore, said Sir Tristram, I will not have
+ado with you, for me forthinketh of that I have done. As for that, said Sir
+Lamorak, I shall quit you, an ever I see my time.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap188"></a>CHAPTER XXXIV.<br/>How Sir Lamorak sent an horn to
+King Mark in despite of Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram was driven into a
+chapel.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So he departed from him with Sir Driant, and by the way they met with a knight
+that was sent from Morgan le Fay unto King Arthur; and this knight had a fair
+horn harnessed with gold, and the horn had such a virtue that there might no
+lady nor gentlewoman drink of that horn but if she were true to her husband,
+and if she were false she should spill all the drink, and if she were true to
+her lord she might drink peaceable. And because of the Queen Guenever, and in
+the despite of Sir Launcelot, this horn was sent unto King Arthur; and by force
+Sir Lamorak made that knight to tell all the cause why he bare that horn. Now
+shalt thou bear this horn, said Lamorak, unto King Mark, or else choose thou to
+die for it; for I tell thee plainly, in despite and reproof of Sir Tristram
+thou shalt bear that horn unto King Mark, his uncle, and say thou to him that I
+sent it him for to assay his lady, and if she be true to him he shall prove
+her. So the knight went his way unto King Mark, and brought him that rich horn,
+and said that Sir Lamorak sent it him, and thereto he told him the virtue of
+that horn. Then the king made Queen Isoud to drink thereof, and an hundred
+ladies, and there were but four ladies of all those that drank clean. Alas,
+said King Mark, this is a great despite, and sware a great oath that she should
+be burnt and the other ladies.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the barons gathered them together, and said plainly they would not have
+those ladies burnt for an horn made by sorcery, that came from as false a
+sorceress and witch as then was living. For that horn did never good, but
+caused strife and debate, and always in her days she had been an enemy to all
+true lovers. So there were many knights made their avow, an ever they met with
+Morgan le Fay, that they would show her short courtesy. Also Sir Tristram was
+passing wroth that Sir Lamorak sent that horn unto King Mark, for well he knew
+that it was done in the despite of him. And therefore he thought to quite Sir
+Lamorak.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram used daily and nightly to go to Queen Isoud when he might,
+and ever Sir Andred his cousin watched him night and day for to take him with
+La Beale Isoud. And so upon a night Sir Andred espied the hour and the time
+when Sir Tristram went to his lady. Then Sir Andred gat unto him twelve
+knights, and at midnight he set upon Sir Tristram secretly and suddenly and
+there Sir Tristram was taken naked abed with La Beale Isoud, and then was he
+bound hand and foot, and so was he kept until day. And then by the assent of
+King Mark, and of Sir Andred, and of some of the barons, Sir Tristram was led
+unto a chapel that stood upon the sea rocks, there for to take his judgment:
+and so he was led bounden with forty knights. And when Sir Tristram saw that
+there was none other boot but needs that he must die, then said he: Fair lords,
+remember what I have done for the country of Cornwall, and in what jeopardy I
+have been in for the weal of you all; for when I fought for the truage of
+Cornwall with Sir Marhaus, the good knight, I was promised for to be better
+rewarded, when ye all refused to take the battle; therefore, as ye be good
+gentle knights, see me not thus shamefully to die, for it is shame to all
+knighthood thus to see me die; for I dare say, said Sir Tristram, that I never
+met with no knight but I was as good as he, or better. Fie upon thee, said Sir
+Andred, false traitor that thou art, with thine avaunting; for all thy boast
+thou shalt die this day. O Andred, Andred, said Sir Tristram, thou shouldst be
+my kinsman, and now thou art to me full unfriendly, but an there were no more
+but thou and I, thou wouldst not put me to death. No! said Sir Andred, and
+therewith he drew his sword, and would have slain him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Sir Tristram saw him make such countenance he looked upon both his hands
+that were fast bounden unto two knights, and suddenly he pulled them both to
+him, and unwrast his hands, and then he leapt unto his cousin, Sir Andred, and
+wrested his sword out of his hands; then he smote Sir Andred that he fell to
+the earth, and so Sir Tristram fought till that he had killed ten knights. So
+then Sir Tristram gat the chapel and kept it mightily. Then the cry was great,
+and the people drew fast unto Sir Andred, mo than an hundred. When Sir Tristram
+saw the people draw unto him, he remembered he was naked, and sperd fast the
+chapel door, and brake the bars of a window, and so he leapt out and fell upon
+the crags in the sea. And so at that time Sir Andred nor none of his fellows
+might get to him, at that time.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap189"></a>CHAPTER XXXV.<br/>How Sir Tristram was holpen by his
+men, and of Queen Isoud which was put in a lazar-cote, and how Tristram was
+hurt.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So when they were departed, Gouvernail, and Sir Lambegus, and Sir Sentraille de
+Lushon, that were Sir Tristram&rsquo;s men, sought their master. When they
+heard he was escaped then they were passing glad; and on the rocks they found
+him, and with towels they pulled him up. And then Sir Tristram asked them where
+was La Beale Isoud, for he weened she had been had away of Andred&rsquo;s
+people. Sir, said Gouvernail, she is put in a lazar-cote. Alas, said Sir
+Tristram, this is a full ungoodly place for such a fair lady, and if I may she
+shall not be long there. And so he took his men and went thereas was La Beale
+Isoud, and fetched her away, and brought her into a forest to a fair manor, and
+Sir Tristram there abode with her. So the good knight bade his men go from him:
+For at this time I may not help you. So they departed all save Gouvernail. And
+so upon a day Sir Tristram yede into the forest for to disport him, and then it
+happened that there he fell sleep; and there came a man that Sir Tristram
+aforehand had slain his brother, and when this man had found him he shot him
+through the shoulder with an arrow, and Sir Tristram leapt up and killed that
+man. And in the meantime it was told King Mark how Sir Tristram and La Beale
+Isoud were in that same manor, and as soon as ever he might thither he came
+with many knights to slay Sir Tristram. And when he came there he found him
+gone; and there he took La Beale Isoud home with him, and kept her strait that
+by no means never she might wit nor send unto Tristram, nor he unto her. And
+then when Sir Tristram came toward the old manor he found the track of many
+horses, and thereby he wist his lady was gone. And then Sir Tristram took great
+sorrow, and endured with great pain long time, for the arrow that he was hurt
+withal was envenomed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then by the mean of La Beale Isoud she told a lady that was cousin unto Dame
+Bragwaine, and she came to Sir Tristram, and told him that he might not be
+whole by no means. For thy lady, La Beale Isoud, may not help thee, therefore
+she biddeth you haste into Brittany to King Howel, and there ye shall find his
+daughter, Isoud la Blanche Mains, and she shall help thee. Then Sir Tristram
+and Gouvernail gat them shipping, and so sailed into Brittany. And when King
+Howel wist that it was Sir Tristram he was full glad of him. Sir, he said, I am
+come into this country to have help of your daughter, for it is told me that
+there is none other may heal me but she; and so within a while she healed him.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap190"></a>CHAPTER XXXVI.<br/>How Sir Tristram served in war
+King Howel of Brittany, and slew his adversary in the field.</h3>
+
+<p>
+There was an earl that hight Grip, and this earl made great war upon the king,
+and put the king to the worse, and besieged him. And on a time Sir Kehydius,
+that was son to King Howel, as he issued out he was sore wounded, nigh to the
+death. Then Gouvernail went to the king and said: Sir, I counsel you to desire
+my lord, Sir Tristram, as in your need to help you. I will do by your counsel,
+said the king. And so he yede unto Sir Tristram, and prayed him in his wars to
+help him: For my son, Sir Kehydius, may not go into the field. Sir, said Sir
+Tristram, I will go to the field and do what I may. Then Sir Tristram issued
+out of the town with such fellowship as he might make, and did such deeds that
+all Brittany spake of him. And then, at the last, by great might and force, he
+slew the Earl Grip with his own hands, and more than an hundred knights he slew
+that day. And then Sir Tristram was received worshipfully with procession. Then
+King Howel embraced him in his arms, and said: Sir Tristram, all my kingdom I
+will resign to thee. God defend, said Sir Tristram, for I am beholden unto you
+for your daughter&rsquo;s sake to do for you.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then by the great means of King Howel and Kehydius his son, by great proffers,
+there grew great love betwixt Isoud and Sir Tristram, for that lady was both
+good and fair, and a woman of noble blood and fame. And for because Sir
+Tristram had such cheer and riches, and all other pleasaunce that he had,
+almost he had forsaken La Beale Isoud. And so upon a time Sir Tristram agreed
+to wed Isoud la Blanche Mains. And at the last they were wedded, and solemnly
+held their marriage. And so when they were abed both Sir Tristram remembered
+him of his old lady La Beale Isoud. And then he took such a thought suddenly
+that he was all dismayed, and other cheer made he none but with clipping and
+kissing; as for other fleshly lusts Sir Tristram never thought nor had ado with
+her: such mention maketh the French book; also it maketh mention that the lady
+weened there had been no pleasure but kissing and clipping. And in the meantime
+there was a knight in Brittany, his name was Suppinabiles, and he came over the
+sea into England, and then he came into the court of King Arthur, and there he
+met with Sir Launcelot du Lake, and told him of the marriage of Sir Tristram.
+Then said Sir Launcelot: Fie upon him, untrue knight to his lady, that so noble
+a knight as Sir Tristram is should be found to his first lady false, La Beale
+Isoud, Queen of Cornwall; but say ye him this, said Sir Launcelot, that of all
+knights in the world I loved him most, and had most joy of him, and all was for
+his noble deeds; and let him wit the love between him and me is done for ever,
+and that I give him warning from this day forth as his mortal enemy.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap191"></a>CHAPTER XXXVII.<br/>How Sir Suppinabiles told Sir
+Tristram how he was defamed in the court of King Arthur, and of Sir
+Lamorak.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then departed Sir Suppinabiles unto Brittany again, and there he found Sir
+Tristram, and told him that he had been in King Arthur&rsquo;s court. Then said
+Sir Tristram: Heard ye anything of me? So God me help, said Sir Suppinabiles,
+there I heard Sir Launcelot speak of you great shame, and that ye be a false
+knight to your lady and he bade me do you to wit that he will be your mortal
+enemy in every place where he may meet you. That me repenteth, said Tristram,
+for of all knights I loved to be in his fellowship. So Sir Tristram made great
+moan and was ashamed that noble knights should defame him for the sake of his
+lady. And in this meanwhile La Beale Isoud made a letter unto Queen Guenever,
+complaining her of the untruth of Sir Tristram, and how he had wedded the
+king&rsquo;s daughter of Brittany. Queen Guenever sent her another letter, and
+bade her be of good cheer, for she should have joy after sorrow, for Sir
+Tristram was so noble a knight called, that by crafts of sorcery ladies would
+make such noble men to wed them. But in the end, Queen Guenever said, it shall
+be thus, that he shall hate her, and love you better than ever he did to-fore.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So leave we Sir Tristram in Brittany, and speak we of Sir Lamorak de Galis,
+that as he sailed his ship fell on a rock and perished all, save Sir Lamorak
+and his squire; and there he swam mightily, and fishers of the Isle of Servage
+took him up, and his squire was drowned, and the shipmen had great labour to
+save Sir Lamorak&rsquo;s life, for all the comfort that they could do.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the lord of that isle, hight Sir Nabon le Noire, a great mighty giant. And
+this Sir Nabon hated all the knights of King Arthur&rsquo;s, and in no wise he
+would do them favour. And these fishers told Sir Lamorak all the guise of Sir
+Nabon; how there came never knight of King Arthur&rsquo;s but he destroyed him.
+And at the last battle that he did was slain Sir Nanowne le Petite, the which
+he put to a shameful death in despite of King Arthur, for he was drawn
+limb-meal. That forthinketh me, said Sir Lamorak, for that knight&rsquo;s
+death, for he was my cousin; and if I were at mine ease as well as ever I was,
+I would revenge his death. Peace, said the fishers, and make here no words, for
+or ever ye depart from hence Sir Nabon must know that ye have been here, or
+else we should die for your sake. So that I be whole, said Lamorak, of my
+disease that I have taken in the sea, I will that ye tell him that I am a
+knight of King Arthur&rsquo;s, for I was never afeard to reneye my lord.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap192"></a>CHAPTER XXXVIII.<br/>How Sir Tristram and his wife
+arrived in Wales, and how he met there with Sir Lamorak.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that upon a day he took a little barget, and his
+wife Isoud la Blanche Mains, with Sir Kehydius her brother, to play them in the
+coasts. And when they were from the land, there was a wind drove them in to the
+coast of Wales upon this Isle of Servage, whereas was Sir Lamorak, and there
+the barget all to-rove; and there Dame Isoud was hurt; and as well as they
+might they gat into the forest, and there by a well he saw Segwarides and a
+damosel. And then either saluted other. Sir, said Segwarides, I know you for
+Sir Tristram de Liones, the man in the world that I have most cause to hate,
+because ye departed the love between me and my wife; but as for that, said Sir
+Segwarides, I will never hate a noble knight for a light lady; and therefore, I
+pray you, be my friend, and I will be yours unto my power; for wit ye well ye
+are hard bestead in this valley, and we shall have enough to do either of us to
+succour other. And then Sir Segwarides brought Sir Tristram to a lady thereby
+that was born in Cornwall, and she told him all the perils of that valley, and
+how there came never knight there but he were taken prisoner or slain. Wit you
+well, fair lady, said Sir Tristram, that I slew Sir Marhaus and delivered
+Cornwall from the truage of Ireland, and I am he that delivered the King of
+Ireland from Sir Blamore de Ganis, and I am he that beat Sir Palamides; and wit
+ye well I am Sir Tristram de Liones, that by the grace of God shall deliver
+this woful Isle of Servage. So Sir Tristram was well eased.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then one told him there was a knight of King Arthur&rsquo;s that was wrecked on
+the rocks. What is his name? said Sir Tristram. We wot not, said the fishers,
+but he keepeth it no counsel but that he is a knight of King Arthur&rsquo;s,
+and by the mighty lord of this isle he setteth nought. I pray you, said Sir
+Tristram, an ye may, bring him hither that I may see him, and if he be any of
+the knights of Arthur&rsquo;s I shall know him. Then the lady prayed the
+fishers to bring him to her place. So on the morrow they brought him thither in
+a fisher&rsquo;s raiment; and as soon as Sir Tristram saw him he smiled upon
+him and knew him well, but he knew not Sir Tristram. Fair sir, said Sir
+Tristram, meseemeth by your cheer ye have been diseased but late, and also
+methinketh I should know you heretofore. I will well, said Sir Lamorak, that ye
+have seen me and met with me. Fair sir, said Sir Tristram, tell me your name.
+Upon a covenant I will tell you, said Sir Lamorak, that is, that ye will tell
+me whether ye be lord of this island or no, that is called Nabon le Noire.
+Forsooth, said Sir Tristram, I am not he, nor I hold not of him; I am his foe
+as well as ye be, and so shall I be found or I depart out of this isle. Well,
+said Sir Lamorak, since ye have said so largely unto me, my name is Sir Lamorak
+de Galis, son unto King Pellinore. Forsooth, I trow well, said Sir Tristram,
+for an ye said other I know the contrary. What are ye, said Sir Lamorak, that
+knoweth me? I am Sir Tristram de Liones. Ah, sir, remember ye not of the fall
+ye did give me once, and after ye refused me to fight on foot. That was not for
+fear I had of you, said Sir Tristram, but me shamed at that time to have more
+ado with you, for meseemed ye had enough; but, Sir Lamorak, for my kindness
+many ladies ye put to a reproof when ye sent the horn from Morgan le Fay to
+King Mark, whereas ye did this in despite of me. Well, said he, an it were to
+do again, so would I do, for I had liefer strife and debate fell in King
+Mark&rsquo;s court rather than Arthur&rsquo;s court, for the honour of both
+courts be not alike. As to that, said Sir Tristram, I know well; but that that
+was done it was for despite of me, but all your malice, I thank God, hurt not
+greatly. Therefore, said Sir Tristram, ye shall leave all your malice, and so
+will I, and let us assay how we may win worship between you and me upon this
+giant Sir Nabon le Noire that is lord of this island, to destroy him. Sir, said
+Sir Lamorak, now I understand your knighthood, it may not be false that all men
+say, for of your bounty, noblesse, and worship, of all knights ye are peerless,
+and for your courtesy and gentleness I showed you ungentleness, and that now me
+repenteth.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap193"></a>CHAPTER XXXIX.<br/>How Sir Tristram fought with Sir
+Nabon, and overcame him, and made Sir Segwarides lord of the isle.</h3>
+
+<p>
+In the meantime there came word that Sir Nabon had made a cry that all the
+people of that isle should be at his castle the fifth day after. And the same
+day the son of Nabon should be made knight, and all the knights of that valley
+and thereabout should be there to joust, and all those of the realm of Logris
+should be there to joust with them of North Wales: and thither came five
+hundred knights, and they of the country brought thither Sir Lamorak, and Sir
+Tristram, and Sir Kehydius, and Sir Segwarides, for they durst none otherwise
+do; and then Sir Nabon lent Sir Lamorak horse and armour at Sir Lamorak&rsquo;s
+desire, and Sir Lamorak jousted and did such deeds of arms that Nabon and all
+the people said there was never knight that ever they saw do such deeds of
+arms; for, as the French book saith, he for-jousted all that were there, for
+the most part of five hundred knights, that none abode him in his saddle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Nabon proffered to play with him his play: For I saw never no knight
+do so much upon a day. I will well, said Sir Lamorak, play as I may, but I am
+weary and sore bruised. And there either gat a spear, but Nabon would not
+encounter with Sir Lamorak, but smote his horse in the forehead, and so slew
+him; and then Sir Lamorak yede on foot, and turned his shield and drew his
+sword, and there began strong battle on foot. But Sir Lamorak was so sore
+bruised and short breathed, that he traced and traversed somewhat aback. Fair
+fellow, said Sir Nabon, hold thy hand and I shall show thee more courtesy than
+ever I showed knight, because I have seen this day thy noble knighthood, and
+therefore stand thou by, and I will wit whether any of thy fellows will have
+ado with me. Then when Sir Tristram heard that, he stepped forth and said:
+Nabon, lend me horse and sure armour, and I will have ado with thee. Well,
+fellow, said Sir Nabon, go thou to yonder pavilion, and arm thee of the best
+thou findest there, and I shall play a marvellous play with thee. Then said Sir
+Tristram: Look ye play well, or else peradventure I shall learn you a new play.
+That is well said, fellow, said Sir Nabon. So when Sir Tristram was armed as
+him liked best, and well shielded and sworded, he dressed to him on foot; for
+well he knew that Sir Nabon would not abide a stroke with a spear, therefore he
+would slay all knights&rsquo; horses. Now, fair fellow, Sir Nabon, let us play.
+So then they fought long on foot, tracing and traversing, smiting and foining
+long without any rest. At the last Sir Nabon prayed him to tell him his name.
+Sir Nabon, I tell thee my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, a knight of Cornwall
+under King Mark. Thou art welcome, said Sir Nabon, for of all knights I have
+most desired to fight with thee or with Sir Launcelot.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So then they went eagerly together, and Sir Tristram slew Sir Nabon, and so
+forthwith he leapt to his son, and struck off his head; and then all the
+country said they would hold of Sir Tristram. Nay, said Sir Tristram, I will
+not so; here is a worshipful knight, Sir Lamorak de Galis, that for me he shall
+be lord of this country, for he hath done here great deeds of arms. Nay, said
+Sir Lamorak, I will not be lord of this country, for I have not deserved it as
+well as ye, therefore give ye it where ye will, for I will none have. Well,
+said Sir Tristram, since ye nor I will not have it, let us give it to him that
+hath not so well deserved it. Do as ye list, said Segwarides, for the gift is
+yours, for I will none have an I had deserved it. So was it given to
+Segwarides, whereof he thanked them; and so was he lord, and worshipfully he
+did govern it. And then Sir Segwarides delivered all prisoners, and set good
+governance in that valley; and so he returned into Cornwall, and told King Mark
+and La Beale Isoud how Sir Tristram had advanced him to the Isle of Servage,
+and there he proclaimed in all Cornwall of all the adventures of these two
+knights, so was it openly known. But full woe was La Beale Isoud when she heard
+tell that Sir Tristram was wedded to Isoud la Blanche Mains.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap194"></a>CHAPTER XL.<br/>How Sir Lamorak departed from Sir
+Tristram, and how he met with Sir Frol, and after with Sir Launcelot.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So turn we unto Sir Lamorak, that rode toward Arthur&rsquo;s court, and Sir
+Tristram&rsquo;s wife and Kehydius took a vessel and sailed into Brittany, unto
+King Howel, where he was welcome. And when he heard of these adventures they
+marvelled of his noble deeds. Now turn we unto Sir Lamorak, that when he was
+departed from Sir Tristram he rode out of the forest, till he came to an
+hermitage. When the hermit saw him, he asked him from whence he came. Sir, said
+Sir Lamorak, I come from this valley. Sir, said the hermit: thereof I marvel.
+For this twenty winter I saw never no knight pass this country but he was
+either slain or villainously wounded, or pass as a poor prisoner. Those ill
+customs, said Sir Lamorak, are fordone, for Sir Tristram slew your lord, Sir
+Nabon, and his son. Then was the hermit glad, and all his brethren, for he said
+there was never such a tyrant among Christian men. And therefore, said the
+hermit, this valley and franchise we will hold of Sir Tristram.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So on the morrow Sir Lamorak departed; and as he rode he saw four knights fight
+against one, and that one knight defended him well, but at the last the four
+knights had him down. And then Sir Lamorak went betwixt them, and asked them
+why they would slay that one knight, and said it was shame, four against one.
+Thou shalt well wit, said the four knights, that he is false. That is your
+tale, said Sir Lamorak, and when I hear him also speak, I will say as ye say.
+Then said Lamorak: Ah, knight, can ye not excuse you, but that ye are a false
+knight. Sir, said he, yet can I excuse me both with my word and with my hands,
+that I will make good upon one of the best of them, my body to his body. Then
+spake they all at once: We will not jeopardy our bodies as for thee. But wit
+thou well, they said, an King Arthur were here himself, it should not lie in
+his power to save his life. That is too much said, said Sir Lamorak, but many
+speak behind a man more than they will say to his face; and because of your
+words ye shall understand that I am one of the simplest of King Arthur&rsquo;s
+court; in the worship of my lord now do your best, and in despite of you I
+shall rescue him. And then they lashed all at once to Sir Lamorak, but anon at
+two strokes Sir Lamorak had slain two of them, and then the other two fled. So
+then Sir Lamorak turned again to that knight, and asked him his name. Sir, he
+said, my name is Sir Frol of the Out Isles. Then he rode with Sir Lamorak and
+bare him company.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as they rode by the way they saw a seemly knight riding against them, and
+all in white. Ah, said Frol, yonder knight jousted late with me and smote me
+down, therefore I will joust with him. Ye shall not do so, said Sir Lamorak, by
+my counsel, an ye will tell me your quarrel, whether ye jousted at his request,
+or he at yours. Nay, said Sir Frol, I jousted with him at my request. Sir, said
+Lamorak, then will I counsel you deal no more with him, for meseemeth by his
+countenance he should be a noble knight, and no japer; for methinketh he should
+be of the Table Round. Therefore I will not spare, said Sir Frol. And then he
+cried and said: Sir knight, make thee ready to joust. That needeth not, said
+the White Knight, for I have no lust to joust with thee; but yet they feutred
+their spears, and the White Knight overthrew Sir Frol, and then he rode his way
+a soft pace. Then Sir Lamorak rode after him, and prayed him to tell him his
+name: For meseemeth ye should be of the fellowship of the Round Table. Upon a
+covenant, said he, I will tell you my name, so that ye will not discover my
+name, and also that ye will tell me yours. Then, said he, my name is Sir
+Lamorak de Galis. And my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Then they put up their
+swords, and kissed heartily together, and either made great joy of other. Sir,
+said Sir Lamorak, an it please you I will do you service. God defend, said
+Launcelot, that any of so noble a blood as ye be should do me service. Then he
+said: More, I am in a quest that I must do myself alone. Now God speed you,
+said Sir Lamorak, and so they departed. Then Sir Lamorak came to Sir Frol and
+horsed him again. What knight is that? said Sir Frol. Sir, he said, it is not
+for you to know, nor it is no point of my charge. Ye are the more uncourteous,
+said Sir Frol, and therefore I will depart from you. Ye may do as ye list, said
+Sir Lamorak, and yet by my company ye have saved the fairest flower of your
+garland; so they departed.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap195"></a>CHAPTER XLI.<br/>How Sir Lamorak slew Sir Frol, and
+of the courteous fighting with Sir Belliance his brother.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then within two or three days Sir Lamorak found a knight at a well sleeping,
+and his lady sat with him and waked. Right so came Sir Gawaine and took the
+knight&rsquo;s lady, and set her up behind his squire. So Sir Lamorak rode
+after Sir Gawaine, and said: Sir Gawaine, turn again. And then said Sir
+Gawaine: What will ye do with me? for I am nephew unto King Arthur. Sir, said
+he, for that cause I will spare you, else that lady should abide with me, or
+else ye should joust with me. Then Sir Gawaine turned him and ran to him that
+ought the lady, with his spear, but the knight with pure might smote down Sir
+Gawaine, and took his lady with him. All this Sir Lamorak saw, and said to
+himself: But I revenge my fellow he will say of me dishonour in King
+Arthur&rsquo;s court. Then Sir Lamorak returned and proffered that knight to
+joust. Sir, said he, I am ready. And there they came together with all their
+might, and there Sir Lamorak smote the knight through both sides that he fell
+to the earth dead.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then that lady rode to that knight&rsquo;s brother that hight Belliance le
+Orgulus, that dwelt fast thereby, and then she told him how his brother was
+slain. Alas, said he, I will be revenged. And so he horsed him, and armed him,
+and within a while he overtook Sir Lamorak, and bade him: Turn and leave that
+lady, for thou and I must play a new play; for thou hast slain my brother Sir
+Frol, that was a better knight than ever wert thou. It might well be, said Sir
+Lamorak, but this day in the field I was found the better. So they rode
+together, and unhorsed other, and turned their shields, and drew their swords,
+and fought mightily as noble knights proved, by the space of two hours. So then
+Sir Belliance prayed him to tell him his name. Sir, said he, my name is Sir
+Lamorak de Galis. Ah, said Sir Belliance, thou art the man in the world that I
+most hate, for I slew my sons for thy sake, where I saved thy life, and now
+thou hast slain my brother Sir Frol. Alas, how should I be accorded with thee;
+therefore defend thee, for thou shalt die, there is none other remedy. Alas,
+said Sir Lamorak, full well me ought to know you, for ye are the man that most
+have done for me. And therewithal Sir Lamorak kneeled down, and besought him of
+grace. Arise, said Sir Belliance, or else thereas thou kneelest I shall slay
+thee. That shall not need, said Sir Lamorak, for I will yield me unto you, not
+for fear of you, nor for your strength, but your goodness maketh me full loath
+to have ado with you; wherefore I require you for God&rsquo;s sake, and for the
+honour of knighthood, forgive me all that I have offended unto you. Alas, said
+Belliance, leave thy kneeling, or else I shall slay thee without mercy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then they yede again unto battle, and either wounded other, that all the ground
+was bloody thereas they fought. And at the last Belliance withdrew him aback
+and set him down softly upon a little hill, for he was so faint for bleeding
+that he might not stand. Then Sir Lamorak threw his shield upon his back, and
+asked him what cheer. Well, said Sir Belliance. Ah, Sir, yet shall I show you
+favour in your mal-ease. Ah, Knight Sir Belliance, said Sir Lamorak, thou art a
+fool, for an I had had thee at such advantage as thou hast done me, I should
+slay thee; but thy gentleness is so good and so large, that I must needs
+forgive thee mine evil will. And then Sir Lamorak kneeled down, and unlaced
+first his umberere, and then his own, and then either kissed other with weeping
+tears. Then Sir Lamorak led Sir Belliance to an abbey fast by, and there Sir
+Lamorak would not depart from Belliance till he was whole. And then they sware
+together that none of them should never fight against other. So Sir Lamorak
+departed and went to the court of King Arthur.
+</p>
+
+<h5> Here leave we of Sir Lamorak and of Sir Tristram. And here beginneth the
+history of La Cote Male Taile. </h5>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="part09"></a>BOOK IX.</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap196"></a>CHAPTER I.<br/>How a young man came into the court of
+King Arthur, and how Sir Kay called him in scorn La Cote Male Taile.</h3>
+
+<p>
+At the court of King Arthur there came a young man and bigly made, and he was
+richly beseen: and he desired to be made knight of the king, but his
+over-garment sat over-thwartly, howbeit it was rich cloth of gold. What is your
+name? said King Arthur. Sir, said he, my name is Breunor le Noire, and within
+short space ye shall know that I am of good kin. It may well be, said Sir Kay,
+the Seneschal, but in mockage ye shall be called La Cote Male Taile, that is as
+much to say, the evil-shapen coat. It is a great thing that thou askest, said
+the king; and for what cause wearest thou that rich coat? tell me, for I can
+well think for some cause it is. Sir, he answered, I had a father, a noble
+knight, and as he rode a-hunting, upon a day it happed him to lay him down to
+sleep; and there came a knight that had been long his enemy, and when he saw he
+was fast asleep he all to-hew him; and this same coat had my father on the same
+time; and that maketh this coat to sit so evil upon me, for the strokes be on
+it as I found it, and never shall be amended for me. Thus to have my
+father&rsquo;s death in remembrance I wear this coat till I be revenged; and
+because ye are called the most noblest king of the world I come to you that ye
+should make me knight. Sir, said Sir Lamorak and Sir Gaheris, it were well done
+to make him knight; for him beseemeth well of person and of countenance, that
+he shall prove a good man, and a good knight, and a mighty; for, Sir, an ye be
+remembered, even such one was Sir Launcelot du Lake when he came first into
+this court, and full few of us knew from whence he came; and now is he proved
+the man of most worship in the world; and all your court and all your Round
+Table is by Sir Launcelot worshipped and amended more than by any knight now
+living. That is truth, said the king, and to-morrow at your request I shall
+make him knight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So on the morrow there was an hart found, and thither rode King Arthur with a
+company of his knights to slay the hart. And this young man that Sir Kay named
+La Cote Male Taile was there left behind with Queen Guenever; and by sudden
+adventure there was an horrible lion kept in a strong tower of stone, and it
+happened that he at that time brake loose, and came hurling afore the queen and
+her knights. And when the queen saw the lion she cried and fled, and prayed her
+knights to rescue her. And there was none of them all but twelve that abode,
+and all the other fled. Then said La Cote Male Taile: Now I see well that all
+coward knights be not dead; and therewithal he drew his sword and dressed him
+afore the lion. And that lion gaped wide and came upon him ramping to have
+slain him. And he then smote him in the midst of the head such a mighty stroke
+that it clave his head in sunder, and dashed to the earth. Then was it told the
+queen how the young man that Sir Kay named by scorn La Cote Male Taile had
+slain the lion. With that the king came home. And when the queen told him of
+that adventure, he was well pleased, and said: Upon pain of mine head he shall
+prove a noble man and a faithful knight, and true of his promise: then the king
+forthwithal made him knight. Now Sir, said this young knight, I require you and
+all the knights of your court, that ye call me by none other name but La Cote
+Male Taile: in so much as Sir Kay hath so named me so will I be called. I
+assent me well thereto, said the king.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap197"></a>CHAPTER II.<br/>How a damosel came into the court and
+desired a knight to take on him an enquest, which La Cote Male Taile
+emprised.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then that same day there came a damosel into the court, and she brought with
+her a great black shield, with a white hand in the midst holding a sword. Other
+picture was there none in that shield. When King Arthur saw her he asked her
+from whence she came and what she would. Sir, she said, I have ridden long and
+many a day with this shield many ways, and for this cause I am come to your
+court: there was a good knight that ought this shield, and this knight had
+undertaken a great deed of arms to enchieve it; and so it misfortuned him
+another strong knight met with him by sudden adventure, and there they fought
+long, and either wounded other passing sore; and they were so weary that they
+left that battle even hand. So this knight that ought this shield saw none
+other way but he must die; and then he commanded me to bear this shield to the
+court of King Arthur, he requiring and praying some good knight to take this
+shield, and that he would fulfil the quest that he was in. Now what say ye to
+this quest? said King Arthur; is there any of you here that will take upon him
+to wield this shield? Then was there not one that would speak one word. Then
+Sir Kay took the shield in his hands. Sir knight, said the damosel, what is
+your name? Wit ye well, said he, my name is Sir Kay, the Seneschal, that
+wide-where is known. Sir, said that damosel, lay down that shield, for wit ye
+well it falleth not for you, for he must be a better knight than ye that shall
+wield this shield. Damosel, said Sir Kay, wit ye well I took this shield in my
+hands by your leave for to behold it, not to that intent; but go wheresomever
+thou wilt, for I will not go with you.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the damosel stood still a great while and beheld many of those knights.
+Then spake the knight, La Cote Male Taile: Fair damosel, I will take the shield
+and that adventure upon me, so I wist I should know whitherward my journey
+might be; for because I was this day made knight I would take this adventure
+upon me. What is your name, fair young man? said the damosel. My name is, said
+he, La Cote Male Taile. Well mayest thou be called so, said the damosel, the
+knight with the evil-shapen coat; but an thou be so hardy to take upon thee to
+bear that shield and to follow me, wit thou well thy skin shall be as well hewn
+as thy coat. As for that, said La Cote Male Taile, when I am so hewn I will ask
+you no salve to heal me withal. And forthwithal there came into the court two
+squires and brought him great horses, and his armour, and his spears, and anon
+he was armed and took his leave. I would not by my will, said the king, that ye
+took upon you that hard adventure. Sir, said he, this adventure is mine, and
+the first that ever I took upon me, and that will I follow whatsomever come of
+me. Then that damosel departed, and La Cote Male Taile fast followed after. And
+within a while he overtook the damosel, and anon she missaid him in the foulest
+manner.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap198"></a>CHAPTER III.<br/>How La Cote Male Taile overthrew Sir
+Dagonet the king&rsquo;s fool, and of the rebuke that he had of the
+damosel.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Kay ordained Sir Dagonet, King Arthur&rsquo;s fool, to follow after La
+Cote Male Taile; and there Sir Kay ordained that Sir Dagonet was horsed and
+armed, and bade him follow La Cote Male Taile and proffer him to joust, and so
+he did; and when he saw La Cote Male Taile, he cried and bade him make him
+ready to joust. So Sir La Cote Male Taile smote Sir Dagonet over his
+horse&rsquo;s croup. Then the damosel mocked La Cote Male Taile, and said: Fie
+for shame! now art thou shamed in Arthur&rsquo;s court, when they send a fool
+to have ado with thee, and specially at thy first jousts; thus she rode long,
+and chid. And within a while there came Sir Bleoberis, the good knight, and
+there he jousted with La Cote Male Taile, and there Sir Bleoberis smote him so
+sore, that horse and all fell to the earth. Then La Cote Male Taile arose up
+lightly, and dressed his shield, and drew his sword, and would have done battle
+to the utterance, for he was wood wroth. Not so, said Sir Bleoberis de Ganis,
+as at this time I will not fight upon foot. Then the damosel Maledisant rebuked
+him in the foulest manner, and bade him: Turn again, coward. Ah, damosel, he
+said, I pray you of mercy to missay me no more, my grief is enough though ye
+give me no more; I call myself never the worse knight when a mare&rsquo;s son
+faileth me, and also I count me never the worse knight for a fall of Sir
+Bleoberis.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So thus he rode with her two days; and by fortune there came Sir Palomides and
+encountered with him, and he in the same wise served him as did Bleoberis
+to-forehand. What dost thou here in my fellowship? said the damosel Maledisant,
+thou canst not sit no knight, nor withstand him one buffet, but if it were Sir
+Dagonet. Ah, fair damosel, I am not the worse to take a fall of Sir Palomides,
+and yet great disworship have I none, for neither Bleoberis nor yet Palomides
+would not fight with me on foot. As for that, said the damosel, wit thou well
+they have disdain and scorn to light off their horses to fight with such a lewd
+knight as thou art. So in the meanwhile there came Sir Mordred, Sir
+Gawaine&rsquo;s brother, and so he fell in the fellowship with the damosel
+Maledisant. And then they came afore the Castle Orgulous, and there was such a
+custom that there might no knight come by that castle but either he must joust
+or be prisoner, or at the least to lose his horse and his harness. And there
+came out two knights against them, and Sir Mordred jousted with the foremost,
+and that knight of the castle smote Sir Mordred down off his horse. And then La
+Cote Male Taile jousted with that other, and either of them smote other down,
+horse and all, to the earth. And when they avoided their horses, then either of
+them took other&rsquo;s horses. And then La Cote Male Taile rode unto that
+knight that smote down Sir Mordred, and jousted with him. And there Sir La Cote
+Male Taile hurt and wounded him passing sore, and put him from his horse as he
+had been dead. So he turned unto him that met him afore, and he took the flight
+towards the castle, and Sir La Cote Male Taile rode after him into the Castle
+Orgulous, and there La Cote Male Taile slew him.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap199"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br/>How La Cote Male Taile fought against
+an hundred knights, and how he escaped by the mean of a lady.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And anon there came an hundred knights about him and assailed him; and when he
+saw his horse should be slain he alighted and voided his horse, and put the
+bridle under his feet, and so put him out of the gate. And when he had so done
+he hurled in among them, and dressed his back unto a lady&rsquo;s chamber-wall,
+thinking himself that he had liefer die there with worship than to abide the
+rebukes of the damosel Maledisant. And in the meantime as he stood and fought,
+that lady whose was the chamber went out slily at her postern, and without the
+gates she found La Cote Male Taile&rsquo;s horse, and lightly she gat him by
+the bridle, and tied him to the postern. And then she went unto her chamber
+slily again for to behold how that one knight fought against an hundred
+knights. And when she had beheld him long she went to a window behind his back,
+and said: Thou knight, thou fightest wonderly well, but for all that at the
+last thou must needs die, but, an thou canst through thy mighty prowess, win
+unto yonder postern, for there have I fastened thy horse to abide thee: but wit
+thou well thou must think on thy worship, and think not to die, for thou mayst
+not win unto that postern without thou do nobly and mightily. When La Cote Male
+Taile heard her say so he gripped his sword in his hands, and put his shield
+fair afore him, and through the thickest press he thrulled through them. And
+when he came to the postern he found there ready four knights, and at two the
+first strokes he slew two of the knights, and the other fled; and so he won his
+horse and rode from them. And all as it was it was rehearsed in King
+Arthur&rsquo;s court, how he slew twelve knights within the Castle Orgulous;
+and so he rode on his way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And in the meanwhile the damosel said to Sir Mordred: I ween my foolish knight
+be either slain or taken prisoner: then were they ware where he came riding.
+And when he was come unto them he told all how he had sped and escaped in
+despite of them all: And some of the best of them will tell no tales. Thou
+liest falsely, said the damosel, that dare I make good, but as a fool and a
+dastard to all knighthood they have let thee pass. That may ye prove, said La
+Cote Male Taile. With that she sent a courier of hers, that rode alway with
+her, for to know the truth of this deed; and so he rode thither lightly, and
+asked how and in what manner that La Cote Male Taile was escaped out of the
+castle. Then all the knights cursed him, and said that he was a fiend and no
+man: For he hath slain here twelve of our best knights, and we weened unto this
+day that it had been too much for Sir Launcelot du Lake or for Sir Tristram de
+Liones. And in despite of us all he is departed from us and maugre our heads.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With this answer the courier departed and came to Maledisant his lady, and told
+her all how Sir La Cote Male Taile had sped at the Castle Orgulous. Then she
+smote down her head, and said little. By my head, said Sir Mordred to the
+damosel, ye are greatly to blame so to rebuke him, for I warn you plainly he is
+a good knight, and I doubt not but he shall prove a noble knight; but as yet he
+may not yet sit sure on horseback, for he that shall be a good horseman it must
+come of usage and exercise. But when he cometh to the strokes of his sword he
+is then noble and mighty, and that saw Sir Bleoberis and Sir Palomides, for wit
+ye well they are wily men of arms, and anon they know when they see a young
+knight by his riding, how they are sure to give him a fall from his horse or a
+great buffet. But for the most part they will not light on foot with young
+knights, for they are wight and strongly armed. For in likewise Sir Launcelot
+du Lake, when he was first made knight, he was often put to the worse upon
+horseback, but ever upon foot he recovered his renown, and slew and defoiled
+many knights of the Round Table. And therefore the rebukes that Sir Launcelot
+did unto many knights causeth them that be men of prowess to beware; for often
+I have seen the old proved knights rebuked and slain by them that were but
+young beginners. Thus they rode sure talking by the way together.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Here leave we off a while of this tale, and speak we of Sir Launcelot du Lake.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap200"></a>CHAPTER V.<br/>How Sir Launcelot came to the court
+and heard of La Cote Male Taile, and how he followed after him, and how La Cote
+Male Taile was prisoner.</h3>
+
+<p>
+That when he was come to the court of King Arthur, then heard he tell of the
+young knight La Cote Male Taile, how he slew the lion, and how he took upon him
+the adventure of the black shield, the which was named at that time the
+hardiest adventure of the world. So God me save, said Sir Launcelot unto many
+of his fellows, it was shame to all the noble knights to suffer such a young
+knight to take such adventure upon him for his destruction; for I will that ye
+wit, said Sir Launcelot, that that damosel Maledisant hath borne that shield
+many a day for to seek the most proved knights, and that was she that Breuse
+Saunce Pité took that shield from her, and after Tristram de Liones rescued
+that shield from him and gave it to the damosel again, a little afore that time
+that Sir Tristram fought with my nephew Sir Blamore de Ganis, for a quarrel
+that was betwixt the King of Ireland and him. Then many knights were sorry that
+Sir La Cote Male Taile was gone forth to that adventure. Truly, said Sir
+Launcelot, I cast me to ride after him. And within seven days Sir Launcelot
+overtook La Cote Male Taile, and then he saluted him and the damosel
+Maledisant. And when Sir Mordred saw Sir Launcelot, then he left their
+fellowship; and so Sir Launcelot rode with them all a day, and ever that
+damosel rebuked La Cote Male Taile; and then Sir Launcelot answered for him,
+then she left off, and rebuked Sir Launcelot.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So this meantime Sir Tristram sent by a damosel a letter unto Sir Launcelot,
+excusing him of the wedding of Isoud la Blanche Mains; and said in the letter,
+as he was a true knight he had never ado fleshly with Isoud la Blanche Mains;
+and passing courteously and gentily Sir Tristram wrote unto Sir Launcelot, ever
+beseeching him to be his good friend and unto La Beale Isoud of Cornwall, and
+that Sir Launcelot would excuse him if that ever he saw her. And within short
+time by the grace of God, said Sir Tristram, that he would speak with La Beale
+Isoud, and with him right hastily. Then Sir Launcelot departed from the damosel
+and from Sir La Cote Male Taile, for to oversee that letter, and to write
+another letter unto Sir Tristram de Liones.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And in the meanwhile La Cote Male Taile rode with the damosel until they came
+to a castle that hight Pendragon; and there were six knights stood afore him,
+and one of them proffered to joust with La Cote Male Taile. And there La Cote
+Male Taile smote him over his horse&rsquo;s croup. And then the five knights
+set upon him all at once with their spears, and there they smote La Cote Male
+Taile down, horse and man. And then they alighted suddenly, and set their hands
+upon him all at once, and took him prisoner, and so led him unto the castle and
+kept him as prisoner.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And on the morn Sir Launcelot arose, and delivered the damosel with letters
+unto Sir Tristram, and then he took his way after La Cote Male Taile; and by
+the way upon a bridge there was a knight proffered Sir Launcelot to joust, and
+Sir Launcelot smote him down, and then they fought upon foot a noble battle
+together, and a mighty; and at the last Sir Launcelot smote him down grovelling
+upon his hands and his knees. And then that knight yielded him, and Sir
+Launcelot received him fair. Sir, said the knight, I require thee tell me your
+name, for much my heart giveth unto you. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, as at this
+time I will not tell you my name, unless then that ye tell me your name.
+Certainly, said the knight, my name is Sir Nerovens, that was made knight of my
+lord Sir Launcelot du Lake. Ah, Nerovens de Lile, said Sir Launcelot, I am
+right glad that ye are proved a good knight, for now wit ye well my name is Sir
+Launcelot du Lake. Alas, said Sir Nerovens de Lile, what have I done! And
+therewithal flatling he fell to his feet, and would have kissed them, but Sir
+Launcelot would not let him; and then either made great joy of other. And then
+Sir Nerovens told Sir Launcelot that he should not go by the Castle of
+Pendragon: For there is a lord, a mighty knight, and many knights with him, and
+this night I heard say that they took a knight prisoner yesterday that rode
+with a damosel, and they say he is a Knight of the Round Table.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap201"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br/>How Sir Launcelot fought with six
+knights, and after with Sir Brian, and how he delivered the prisoners.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Ah, said Sir Launcelot, that knight is my fellow, and him shall I rescue or
+else I shall lose my life therefore. And therewithal he rode fast till he came
+before the Castle of Pendragon; and anon therewithal there came six knights,
+and all made them ready to set upon Sir Launcelot at once; then Sir Launcelot
+feutred his spear, and smote the foremost that he brake his back in-sunder, and
+three of them hit and three failed. And then Sir Launcelot passed through them,
+and lightly he turned in again, and smote another knight through the breast and
+throughout the back more than an ell, and therewithal his spear brake. So then
+all the remnant of the four knights drew their swords and lashed at Sir
+Launcelot. And at every stroke Sir Launcelot bestowed so his strokes that at
+four strokes sundry they avoided their saddles, passing sore wounded; and
+forthwithal he rode hurling into that castle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And anon the lord of the castle, that was that time cleped Sir Brian de les
+Isles, the which was a noble man and a great enemy unto King Arthur, within a
+while he was armed and upon horseback. And then they feutred their spears and
+hurled together so strongly that both their horses rashed to the earth. And
+then they avoided their saddles, and dressed their shields, and drew their
+swords, and flang together as wood men, and there were many strokes given in a
+while. At the last Sir Launcelot gave to Sir Brian such a buffet that he
+kneeled upon his knees, and then Sir Launcelot rashed upon him, and with great
+force he pulled off his helm; and when Sir Brian saw that he should be slain he
+yielded him, and put him in his mercy and in his grace. Then Sir Launcelot made
+him to deliver all his prisoners that he had within his castle, and therein Sir
+Launcelot found of Arthur&rsquo;s knights thirty, and forty ladies, and so he
+delivered them; and then he rode his way. And anon as La Cote Male Taile was
+delivered he gat his horse, and his harness, and his damosel Maledisant.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The meanwhile Sir Nerovens, that Sir Launcelot had foughten withal afore at the
+bridge, he sent a damosel after Sir Launcelot to wit how he sped at the Castle
+of Pendragon. And then they within the castle marvelled what knight he was,
+when Sir Brian and his knights delivered all those prisoners. Have ye no
+marvel, said the damosel, for the best knight in this world was here, and did
+this journey, and wit ye well, she said, it was Sir Launcelot. Then was Sir
+Brian full glad, and so was his lady, and all his knights, that such a man
+should win them. And when the damosel and La Cote Male Taile understood that it
+was Sir Launcelot du Lake that had ridden with them in fellowship, and that she
+remembered her how she had rebuked him and called him coward, then was she
+passing heavy.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap202"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br/>How Sir Launcelot met with the
+damosel named Male disant, and named her the Damosel Bienpensant.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So then they took their horses and rode forth a pace after Sir Launcelot. And
+within two mile they overtook him, and saluted him, and thanked him, and the
+damosel cried Sir Launcelot mercy of her evil deed and saying: For now I know
+the flower of all knighthood is departed even between Sir Tristram and you. For
+God knoweth, said the damosel, that I have sought you my lord, Sir Launcelot,
+and Sir Tristram long, and now I thank God I have met with you; and once at
+Camelot I met with Sir Tristram, and there he rescued this black shield with
+the white hand holding a naked sword that Sir Breuse Saunce Pité had taken from
+me. Now, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, who told you my name? Sir, said she,
+there came a damosel from a knight that ye fought withal at the bridge, and she
+told me your name was Sir Launcelot du Lake. Blame have she then, said Sir
+Launcelot, but her lord, Sir Nerovens, hath told her. But, damosel, said Sir
+Launcelot, upon this covenant I will ride with you, so that ye will not rebuke
+this knight Sir La Cote Male Taile no more; for he is a good knight, and I
+doubt not he shall prove a noble knight, and for his sake and pity that he
+should not be destroyed I followed him to succour him in this great need. Ah,
+Jesu thank you, said the damosel, for now I will say unto you and to him both,
+I rebuked him never for no hate that I hated him, but for great love that I had
+to him. For ever I supposed that he had been too young and too tender to take
+upon him these adventures. And therefore by my will I would have driven him
+away for jealousy that I had of his life, for it may be no young knight&rsquo;s
+deed that shall enchieve this adventure to the end. Pardieu, said Sir
+Launcelot, it is well said, and where ye are called the Damosel Maledisant I
+will call you the Damosel Bienpensant.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so they rode forth a great while unto they came to the border of the
+country of Surluse, and there they found a fair village with a strong bridge
+like a fortress. And when Sir Launcelot and they were at the bridge there stert
+forth afore them of gentlemen and yeomen many, that said: Fair lords, ye may
+not pass this bridge and this fortress because of that black shield that I see
+one of you bear, and therefore there shall not pass but one of you at once;
+therefore choose you which of you shall enter within this bridge first. Then
+Sir Launcelot proffered himself first to enter within this bridge. Sir, said La
+Cote Male Taile, I beseech you let me enter within this fortress, and if I may
+speed well I will send for you, and if it happened that I be slain, there it
+goeth. And if so be that I am a prisoner taken, then may ye rescue me. I am
+loath, said Sir Launcelot, to let you pass this passage. Sir, said La Cote Male
+Taile, I pray you let me put my body in this adventure. Now go your way, said
+Sir Launcelot, and Jesu be your speed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he entered, and anon there met with him two brethren, the one hight Sir
+Plaine de Force, and the other hight Sir Plaine de Amours. And anon they met
+with Sir La Cote Male Taile; and first La Cote Male Taile smote down Plaine de
+Force, and after he smote down Plaine de Amours; and then they dressed them to
+their shields and swords, and bade La Cote Male Taile alight, and so he did;
+and there was dashing and foining with swords, and so they began to assail full
+hard La Cote Male Taile, and many great wounds they gave him upon his head, and
+upon his breast, and upon his shoulders. And as he might ever among he gave sad
+strokes again. And then the two brethren traced and traversed for to be of both
+hands of Sir La Cote Male Taile, but he by fine force and knightly prowess gat
+them afore him. And then when he felt himself so wounded, then he doubled his
+strokes, and gave them so many wounds that he felled them to the earth, and
+would have slain them had they not yielded them. And right so Sir La Cote Male
+Taile took the best horse that there was of them three, and so rode forth his
+way to the other fortress and bridge; and there he met with the third brother
+whose name was Sir Plenorius, a full noble knight, and there they jousted
+together, and either smote other down, horse and man, to the earth. And then
+they avoided their horses, and dressed their shields, and drew their swords,
+and gave many sad strokes, and one while the one knight was afore on the
+bridge, and another while the other. And thus they fought two hours and more,
+and never rested. And ever Sir Launcelot and the damosel beheld them. Alas,
+said the damosel, my knight fighteth passing sore and over long. Now may ye
+see, said Sir Launcelot, that he is a noble knight, for to consider his first
+battle, and his grievous wounds; and even forthwithal so wounded as he is, it
+is marvel that he may endure this long battle with that good knight.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap203"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br/>How La Cote Male Taile was taken
+prisoner, and after rescued by Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot overcame
+four brethren.</h3>
+
+<p>
+This meanwhile Sir La Cote Male Taile sank right down upon the earth, what
+for-wounded and what for-bled he might not stand. Then the other knight had
+pity of him, and said: Fair young knight, dismay you not, for had ye been fresh
+when ye met with me, as I was, I wot well that I should not have endured so
+long as ye have done; and therefore for your noble deeds of arms I shall show
+to you kindness and gentleness in all that I may. And forthwithal this noble
+knight, Sir Plenorius, took him up in his arms, and led him into his tower. And
+then he commanded him the wine, and made to search him and to stop his bleeding
+wounds. Sir, said La Cote Male Taile, withdraw you from me, and hie you to
+yonder bridge again, for there will meet with you another manner knight than
+ever was I. Why, said Plenorius, is there another manner knight behind of your
+fellowship? Yea, said La Cote Male Taile, there is a much better knight than I
+am. What is his name? said Plenorius. Ye shall not know for me, said La Cote
+Male Taile. Well, said the knight, he shall be encountered withal whatsomever
+he be.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Plenorius heard a knight call that said: Sir Plenorius, where art
+thou? either thou must deliver me the prisoner that thou hast led unto thy
+tower, or else come and do battle with me. Then Plenorius gat his horse, and
+came with a spear in his hand walloping toward Sir Launcelot; and then they
+began to feutre their spears, and came together as thunder, and smote either
+other so mightily that their horses fell down under them. And then they avoided
+their horses, and pulled out their swords, and like two bulls they lashed
+together with great strokes and foins; but ever Sir Launcelot recovered ground
+upon him, and Sir Plenorius traced to have gone about him. But Sir Launcelot
+would not suffer that, but bare him backer and backer, till he came nigh his
+tower gate. And then said Sir Launcelot: I know thee well for a good knight,
+but wit thou well thy life and death is in my hand, and therefore yield thee to
+me, and thy prisoner. The other answered no word, but struck mightily upon Sir
+Launcelot&rsquo;s helm, that the fire sprang out of his eyes. Then Sir
+Launcelot doubled his strokes so thick, and smote at him so mightily, that he
+made him kneel upon his knees. And therewith Sir Launcelot leapt upon him, and
+pulled him grovelling down. Then Sir Plenorius yielded him, and his tower, and
+all his prisoners at his will.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Launcelot received him and took his troth; and then he rode to the
+other bridge, and there Sir Launcelot jousted with other three of his brethren,
+the one hight Pillounes, and the other hight Pellogris, and the third Sir
+Pellandris. And first upon horseback Sir Launcelot smote them down, and
+afterward he beat them on foot, and made them to yield them unto him; and then
+he returned unto Sir Plenorius, and there he found in his prison King Carados
+of Scotland, and many other knights, and all they were delivered. And then Sir
+La Cote Male Taile came to Sir Launcelot, and then Sir Launcelot would have
+given him all these fortresses and these bridges. Nay, said La Cote Male Taile,
+I will not have Sir Plenorius&rsquo; livelihood; with that he will grant you,
+my lord Sir Launcelot, to come unto King Arthur&rsquo;s court, and to be his
+knight, and all his brethren, I will pray you, my lord, to let him have his
+livelihood. I will well, said Sir Launcelot, with this that he will come to the
+court of King Arthur and become his man, and his brethren five. And as for you,
+Sir Plenorius, I will undertake, said Sir Launcelot, at the next feast, so
+there be a place voided, that ye shall be Knight of the Round Table. Sir, said
+Plenorius, at the next feast of Pentecost I will be at Arthur&rsquo;s court,
+and at that time I will be guided and ruled as King Arthur and ye will have me.
+Then Sir Launcelot and Sir La Cote Male Taile reposed them there, unto the time
+that Sir La Cote Male Taile was whole of his wounds, and there they had merry
+cheer, and good rest, and many good games, and there were many fair ladies.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap204"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br/>How Sir Launcelot made La Cote Male
+Taile lord of the Castle of Pendragon, and after was made knight of the Round
+Table.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And in the meanwhile came Sir Kay, the Seneschal, and Sir Brandiles, and anon
+they fellowshipped with them. And then within ten days, then departed those
+knights of Arthur&rsquo;s court from these fortresses. And as Sir Launcelot
+came by the Castle of Pendragon there he put Sir Brian de les Isles from his
+lands, for cause he would never be withhold with King Arthur; and all that
+Castle of Pendragon and all the lands thereof he gave to Sir La Cote Male
+Taile. And then Sir Launcelot sent for Nerovens that he made once knight, and
+he made him to have all the rule of that castle and of that country, under La
+Cote Male Taile; and so they rode to Arthur&rsquo;s court all wholly together.
+And at Pentecost next following there was Sir Plenorius and Sir La Cote Male
+Taile, called otherwise by right Sir Breunor le Noire, both made Knights of the
+Table Round; and great lands King Arthur gave them, and there Breunor le Noire
+wedded that damosel Maledisant. And after she was called Beauvivante, but ever
+after for the more part he was called La Cote Male Taile; and he proved a
+passing noble knight, and mighty; and many worshipful deeds he did after in his
+life; and Sir Plenorius proved a noble knight and full of prowess, and all the
+days of their life for the most part they awaited upon Sir Launcelot; and Sir
+Plenorius&rsquo; brethren were ever knights of King Arthur. And also, as the
+French book maketh mention, Sir La Cote Male Taile avenged his father&rsquo;s
+death.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap205"></a>CHAPTER X.<br/>How La Beale Isoud sent letters to Sir
+Tristram by her maid Bragwaine, and of divers adventures of Sir Tristram.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now leave we here Sir La Cote Male Taile, and turn we unto Sir Tristram de
+Liones that was in Brittany. When La Beale Isoud understood that he was wedded
+she sent to him by her maiden Bragwaine as piteous letters as could be thought
+and made, and her conclusion was that, an it pleased Sir Tristram, that he
+would come to her court, and bring with him Isoud la Blanche Mains, and they
+should be kept as well as she herself. Then Sir Tristram called unto him Sir
+Kehydius, and asked him whether he would go with him into Cornwall secretly. He
+answered him that he was ready at all times. And then he let ordain privily a
+little vessel, and therein they went, Sir Tristram, Kehydius, Dame Bragwaine,
+and Gouvernail, Sir Tristram&rsquo;s squire. So when they were in the sea a
+contrarious wind blew them on the coasts of North Wales, nigh the Castle
+Perilous. Then said Sir Tristram: Here shall ye abide me these ten days, and
+Gouvernail, my squire, with you. And if so be I come not again by that day take
+the next way into Cornwall; for in this forest are many strange adventures, as
+I have heard say, and some of them I cast me to prove or I depart. And when I
+may I shall hie me after you.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram and Kehydius took their horses and departed from their
+fellowship. And so they rode within that forest a mile and more; and at the
+last Sir Tristram saw afore him a likely knight, armed, sitting by a well, and
+a strong mighty horse passing nigh him tied to an oak, and a man hoving and
+riding by him leading an horse laden with spears. And this knight that sat at
+the well seemed by his countenance to be passing heavy. Then Sir Tristram rode
+near him and said: Fair knight, why sit ye so drooping? ye seem to be a
+knight-errant by your arms and harness, and therefore dress you to joust with
+one of us, or with both. Therewithal that knight made no words, but took his
+shield and buckled it about his neck, and lightly he took his horse and leapt
+upon him. And then he took a great spear of his squire, and departed his way a
+furlong. Sir Kehydius asked leave of Sir Tristram to joust first. Do your best,
+said Sir Tristram. So they met together, and there Sir Kehydius had a fall, and
+was sore wounded on high above the paps. Then Sir Tristram said: Knight, that
+is well jousted, now make you ready unto me. I am ready, said the knight. And
+then that knight took a greater spear in his hand, and encountered with Sir
+Tristram, and there by great force that knight smote down Sir Tristram from his
+horse and had a great fall. Then Sir Tristram was sore ashamed, and lightly he
+avoided his horse, and put his shield afore his shoulder, and drew his sword.
+And then Sir Tristram required that knight of his knighthood to alight upon
+foot and fight with him. I will well, said the knight; and so he alighted upon
+foot, and avoided his horse, and cast his shield upon his shoulder, and drew
+his sword, and there they fought a long battle together full nigh two hours.
+Then Sir Tristram said: Fair knight, hold thine hand, and tell me of whence
+thou art, and what is thy name. As for that, said the knight, I will be avised;
+but an thou wilt tell me thy name peradventure I will tell thee mine.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap206"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br/>How Sir Tristram met with Sir Lamorak
+de Galis, and how they fought, and after accorded never to fight together.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now fair knight, he said, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones. Sir, said the
+other knight, and my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. Ah, Sir Lamorak, said Sir
+Tristram, well be we met, and bethink thee now of the despite thou didst me of
+the sending of the horn unto King Mark&rsquo;s court, to the intent to have
+slain or dishonoured my lady the queen, La Beale Isoud; and therefore wit thou
+well, said Sir Tristram, the one of us shall die or we depart. Sir, said Sir
+Lamorak, remember that we were together in the Isle of Servage, and at that
+time ye promised me great friendship. Then Sir Tristram would make no longer
+delays, but lashed at Sir Lamorak; and thus they fought long till either were
+weary of other. Then Sir Tristram said to Sir Lamorak: In all my life met I
+never with such a knight that was so big and well breathed as ye be, therefore,
+said Sir Tristram, it were pity that any of us both should here be mischieved.
+Sir, said Sir Lamorak, for your renown and name I will that ye have the worship
+of this battle, and therefore I will yield me unto you. And therewith he took
+the point of his sword to yield him. Nay, said Sir Tristram, ye shall not do
+so, for well I know your proffers, and more of your gentleness than for any
+fear or dread ye have of me. And therewithal Sir Tristram proffered him his
+sword and said: Sir Lamorak, as an overcome knight I yield me unto you as to a
+man of the most noble prowess that ever I met withal. Nay, said Sir Lamorak, I
+will do you gentleness; I require you let us be sworn together that never none
+of us shall after this day have ado with other. And therewithal Sir Tristram
+and Sir Lamorak sware that never none of them should fight against other, nor
+for weal nor for woe.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap207"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br/>How Sir Palomides followed the
+Questing Beast, and smote down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one
+spear.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And this meanwhile there came Sir Palomides, the good knight, following the
+Questing Beast that had in shape a head like a serpent&rsquo;s head, and a body
+like a leopard, buttocks like a lion, and footed like an hart; and in his body
+there was such a noise as it had been the noise of thirty couple of hounds
+questing, and such a noise that beast made wheresomever he went; and this beast
+ever more Sir Palomides followed, for it was called his quest. And right so as
+he followed this beast it came by Sir Tristram, and soon after came Palomides.
+And to brief this matter he smote down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak both with
+one spear; and so he departed after the beast Galtisant, that was called the
+Questing Beast; wherefore these two knights were passing wroth that Sir
+Palomides would not fight on foot with them. Here men may understand that be of
+worship, that he was never formed that all times might stand, but sometime he
+was put to the worse by mal-fortune; and at sometime the worse knight put the
+better knight to a rebuke.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak gat Sir Kehydius upon a shield betwixt them
+both, and led him to a forester&rsquo;s lodge, and there they gave him in
+charge to keep him well, and with him they abode three days. Then the two
+knights took their horses and at the cross they departed. And then said Sir
+Tristram to Sir Lamorak: I require you if ye hap to meet with Sir Palomides,
+say him that he shall find me at the same well where I met him, and there I,
+Sir Tristram, shall prove whether he be better knight than I. And so either
+departed from other a sundry way, and Sir Tristram rode nigh thereas was Sir
+Kehydius; and Sir Lamorak rode until he came to a chapel, and there he put his
+horse unto pasture. And anon there came Sir Meliagaunce, that was King
+Bagdemagus&rsquo; son, and he there put his horse to pasture, and was not ware
+of Sir Lamorak; and then this knight Sir Meliagaunce made his moan of the love
+that he had to Queen Guenever, and there he made a woful complaint. All this
+heard Sir Lamorak, and on the morn Sir Lamorak took his horse and rode unto the
+forest, and there he met with two knights hoving under the wood-shaw. Fair
+knights, said Sir Lamorak, what do ye hoving here and watching? and if ye be
+knights-errant that will joust, lo I am ready. Nay, sir knight, they said, not
+so, we abide not here to joust with you, but we lie here in await of a knight
+that slew our brother. What knight was that, said Sir Lamorak, that you would
+fain meet withal? Sir, they said, it is Sir Launcelot that slew our brother,
+and if ever we may meet with him he shall not escape, but we shall slay him. Ye
+take upon you a great charge, said Sir Lamorak, for Sir Launcelot is a noble
+proved knight. As for that we doubt not, for there nis none of us but we are
+good enough for him. I will not believe that, said Sir Lamorak, for I heard
+never yet of no knight the days of my life but Sir Launcelot was too big for
+him.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap208"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br/>How Sir Lamorak met with Sir
+Meliagaunce, and fought together for the beauty of Dame Guenever.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Right so as they stood talking thus Sir Lamorak was ware how Sir Launcelot came
+riding straight toward them; then Sir Lamorak saluted him, and he him again.
+And then Sir Lamorak asked Sir Launcelot if there were anything that he might
+do for him in these marches. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, not at this time I thank
+you. Then either departed from other, and Sir Lamorak rode again thereas he
+left the two knights, and then he found them hid in the leaved wood. Fie on
+you, said Sir Lamorak, false cowards, pity and shame it is that any of you
+should take the high order of knighthood. So Sir Lamorak departed from them,
+and within a while he met with Sir Meliagaunce. And then Sir Lamorak asked him
+why he loved Queen Guenever as he did: For I was not far from you when ye made
+your complaint by the chapel. Did ye so? said Sir Meliagaunce, then will I
+abide by it: I love Queen Guenever, what will ye with it? I will prove and make
+good that she is the fairest lady and most of beauty in the world. As to that,
+said Sir Lamorak, I say nay thereto, for Queen Morgawse of Orkney, mother to
+Sir Gawaine, and his mother is the fairest queen and lady that beareth the
+life. That is not so, said Sir Meliagaunce, and that will I prove with my hands
+upon thy body. Will ye so? said Sir Lamorak, and in a better quarrel keep I not
+to fight. Then they departed either from other in great wrath. And then they
+came riding together as it had been thunder, and either smote other so sore
+that their horses fell backward to the earth. And then they avoided their
+horses, and dressed their shields, and drew their swords. And then they hurtled
+together as wild boars, and thus they fought a great while. For Meliagaunce was
+a good man and of great might, but Sir Lamorak was hard big for him, and put
+him always aback, but either had wounded other sore.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as they stood thus fighting, by fortune came Sir Launcelot and Sir
+Bleoberis riding. And then Sir Launcelot rode betwixt them, and asked them for
+what cause they fought so together: And ye are both knights of King Arthur!
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sir, said Meliagaunce, I shall tell you for what cause we do this battle. I
+praised my lady, Queen Guenever, and said she was the fairest lady of the
+world, and Sir Lamorak said nay thereto, for he said Queen Morgawse of Orkney
+was fairer than she and more of beauty. Ah, Sir Lamorak, why sayest thou so? it
+is not thy part to dispraise thy princess that thou art under her obeissance,
+and we all. And therewith he alighted on foot, and said: For this quarrel, make
+thee ready, for I will prove upon thee that Queen Guenever is the fairest lady
+and most of bounty in the world. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, I am loath to have ado
+with you in this quarrel, for every man thinketh his own lady fairest; and
+though I praise the lady that I love most ye should not be wroth; for though my
+lady, Queen Guenever, be fairest in your eye, wit ye well Queen Morgawse of
+Orkney is fairest in mine eye, and so every knight thinketh his own lady
+fairest; and wit ye well, sir, ye are the man in the world except Sir Tristram
+that I am most loathest to have ado withal, but, an ye will needs fight with me
+I shall endure you as long as I may. Then spake Sir Bleoberis and said: My lord
+Sir Launcelot, I wist you never so misadvised as ye are now, for Sir Lamorak
+sayeth you but reason and knightly; for I warn you I have a lady, and
+methinketh that she is the fairest lady of the world. Were this a great reason
+that ye should be wroth with me for such language? And well ye wot, that Sir
+Lamorak is as noble a knight as I know, and he hath ought you and us ever good
+will, and therefore I pray you be good friends. Then Sir Launcelot said unto
+Sir Lamorak. I pray you forgive me mine evil will, and if I was misadvised I
+will amend it. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, the amends is soon made betwixt you and
+me. And so Sir Launcelot and Sir Bleoberis departed, and Sir Meliagaunce and
+Sir Lamorak took their horses, and either departed from other.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And within a while came King Arthur, and met with Sir Lamorak, and jousted with
+him; and there he smote down Sir Lamorak, and wounded him sore with a spear,
+and so he rode from him; wherefore Sir Lamorak was wroth that he would not
+fight with him on foot, howbeit that Sir Lamorak knew not King Arthur.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap209"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br/>How Sir Kay met with Sir Tristram,
+and after of the shame spoken of the knights of Cornwall, and how they
+jousted.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now leave we of this tale, and speak we of Sir Tristram, that as he rode he met
+with Sir Kay, the Seneschal; and there Sir Kay asked Sir Tristram of what
+country he was. He answered that he was of the country of Cornwall. It may well
+be, said Sir Kay, for yet heard I never that ever good knight came out of
+Cornwall. That is evil spoken, said Sir Tristram, but an it please you to tell
+me your name I require you. Sir, wit ye well, said Sir Kay, that my name is Sir
+Kay, the Seneschal. Is that your name? said Sir Tristram, now wit ye well that
+ye are named the shamefullest knight of your tongue that now is living; howbeit
+ye are called a good knight, but ye are called unfortunate, and passing
+overthwart of your tongue. And thus they rode together till they came to a
+bridge. And there was a knight would not let them pass till one of them jousted
+with him; and so that knight jousted with Sir Kay, and there that knight gave
+Sir Kay a fall: his name was Sir Tor, Sir Lamorak&rsquo;s half-brother. And
+then they two rode to their lodging, and there they found Sir Brandiles, and
+Sir Tor came thither anon after. And as they sat at supper these four knights,
+three of them spake all shame by Cornish knights. Sir Tristram heard all that
+they said and he said but little, but he thought the more, but at that time he
+discovered not his name.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Upon the morn Sir Tristram took his horse and abode them upon their way. And
+there Sir Brandiles proffered to joust with Sir Tristram, and Sir Tristram
+smote him down, horse and all, to the earth. Then Sir Tor le Fise de Vayshoure
+encountered with Sir Tristram and there Sir Tristram smote him down, and then
+he rode his way, and Sir Kay followed him, but he would not of his fellowship.
+Then Sir Brandiles came to Sir Kay and said: I would wit fain what is that
+knight&rsquo;s name. Come on with me, said Sir Kay, and we shall pray him to
+tell us his name. So they rode together till they came nigh him, and then they
+were ware where he sat by a well, and had put off his helm to drink at the
+well. And when he saw them come he laced on his helm lightly, and took his
+horse, and proffered them to joust. Nay, said Sir Brandiles, we jousted late
+enough with you, we come not in that intent. But for this we come to require
+you of knighthood to tell us your name. My fair knights, sithen that is your
+desire, and to please you, ye shall wit that my name is Sir Tristram de Liones,
+nephew unto King Mark of Cornwall. In good time, said Sir Brandiles, and well
+be ye found, and wit ye well that we be right glad that we have found you, and
+we be of a fellowship that would be right glad of your company. For ye are the
+knight in the world that the noble fellowship of the Round Table most desireth
+to have the company of. God thank them, said Sir Tristram, of their great
+goodness, but as yet I feel well that I am unable to be of their fellowship,
+for I was never yet of such deeds of worthiness to be in the company of such a
+fellowship. Ah, said Sir Kay, an ye be Sir Tristram de Liones, ye are the man
+called now most of prowess except Sir Launcelot du Lake; for he beareth not the
+life, Christian nor heathen, that can find such another knight, to speak of his
+prowess, and of his hands, and his truth withal. For yet could there never
+creature say of him dishonour and make it good. Thus they talked a great while,
+and then they departed either from other such ways as them seemed best.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap210"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br/>How King Arthur was brought into the
+Forest Perilous, and how Sir Tristram saved his life.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now shall ye hear what was the cause that King Arthur came into the Forest
+Perilous, that was in North Wales, by the means of a lady. Her name was
+Annowre, and this lady came to King Arthur at Cardiff; and she by fair promise
+and fair behests made King Arthur to ride with her into that Forest Perilous;
+and she was a great sorceress; and many days she had loved King Arthur, and
+because she would have him to lie by her she came into that country. So when
+the king was gone with her many of his knights followed after King Arthur when
+they missed him, as Sir Launcelot, Brandiles, and many other; and when she had
+brought him to her tower she desired him to lie by her; and then the king
+remembered him of his lady, and would not lie by her for no craft that she
+could do. Then every day she would make him ride into that forest with his own
+knights, to the intent to have had King Arthur slain. For when this Lady
+Annowre saw that she might not have him at her will, then she laboured by false
+means to have destroyed King Arthur, and slain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the Lady of the Lake that was alway friendly to King Arthur, she
+understood by her subtle crafts that King Arthur was like to be destroyed. And
+therefore this Lady of the Lake, that hight Nimue, came into that forest to
+seek after Sir Launcelot du Lake or Sir Tristram for to help King Arthur; foras
+that same day this Lady of the Lake knew well that King Arthur should be slain,
+unless that he had help of one of these two knights. And thus she rode up and
+down till she met with Sir Tristram, and anon as she saw him she knew him. O my
+lord Sir Tristram, she said, well be ye met, and blessed be the time that I
+have met with you; for this same day, and within these two hours, shall be done
+the foulest deed that ever was done in this land. O fair damosel, said Sir
+Tristram, may I amend it. Come on with me, she said, and that in all the haste
+ye may, for ye shall see the most worshipfullest knight of the world hard
+bestead. Then said Sir Tristram: I am ready to help such a noble man. He is
+neither better nor worse, said the Lady of the Lake, but the noble King Arthur
+himself. God defend, said Sir Tristram, that ever he should be in such
+distress. Then they rode together a great pace, until they came to a little
+turret or castle; and underneath that castle they saw a knight standing upon
+foot fighting with two knights; and so Sir Tristram beheld them, and at the
+last the two knights smote down the one knight, and that one of them unlaced
+his helm to have slain him. And the Lady Annowre gat King Arthur&rsquo;s sword
+in her hand to have stricken off his head. And therewithal came Sir Tristram
+with all his might, crying: Traitress, traitress, leave that. And anon there
+Sir Tristram smote the one of the knights through the body that he fell dead;
+and then he rashed to the other and smote his back asunder; and in the
+meanwhile the Lady of the Lake cried to King Arthur: Let not that false lady
+escape. Then King Arthur overtook her, and with the same sword he smote off her
+head, and the Lady of the Lake took up her head and hung it up by the hair of
+her saddle-bow. And then Sir Tristram horsed King Arthur and rode forth with
+him, but he charged the Lady of the Lake not to discover his name as at that
+time.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When the king was horsed he thanked heartily Sir Tristram, and desired to wit
+his name; but he would not tell him, but that he was a poor knight adventurous;
+and so he bare King Arthur fellowship till he met with some of his knights. And
+within a while he met with Sir Ector de Maris, and he knew not King Arthur nor
+Sir Tristram, and he desired to joust with one of them. Then Sir Tristram rode
+unto Sir Ector, and smote him from his horse. And when he had done so he came
+again to the king and said: My lord, yonder is one of your knights, he may bare
+you fellowship, and another day that deed that I have done for you I trust to
+God ye shall understand that I would do you service. Alas, said King Arthur,
+let me wit what ye are? Not at this time, said Sir Tristram. So he departed and
+left King Arthur and Sir Ector together.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap211"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br/>How Sir Tristram came to La Beale
+Isoud, and how Kehydius began to love Beale Isoud, and of a letter that
+Tristram found.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then at a day set Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak met at the well; and then
+they took Kehydius at the forester&rsquo;s house, and so they rode with him to
+the ship where they left Dame Bragwaine and Gouvernail, and so they sailed into
+Cornwall all wholly together. And by assent and information of Dame Bragwaine
+when they were landed they rode unto Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, a trusty friend
+of Sir Tristram&rsquo;s. And so Dame Bragwaine and Sir Dinas rode to the court
+of King Mark, and told the queen, La Beale Isoud, that Sir Tristram was nigh
+her in that country. Then for very pure joy La Beale Isoud swooned; and when
+she might speak she said: Gentle knight Seneschal, help that I might speak with
+him, outher my heart will brast. Then Sir Dinas and Dame Bragwaine brought Sir
+Tristram and Kehydius privily unto the court, unto a chamber whereas La Beale
+Isoud had assigned it; and to tell the joys that were betwixt La Beale Isoud
+and Sir Tristram, there is no tongue can tell it, nor heart think it, nor pen
+write it. And as the French book maketh mention, at the first time that ever
+Sir Kehydius saw La Beale Isoud he was so enamoured upon her that for very pure
+love he might never withdraw it. And at the last, as ye shall hear or the book
+be ended, Sir Kehydius died for the love of La Beale Isoud. And then privily he
+wrote unto her letters and ballads of the most goodliest that were used in
+those days. And when La Beale Isoud understood his letters she had pity of his
+complaint, and unavised she wrote another letter to comfort him withal.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Sir Tristram was all this while in a turret at the commandment of La Beale
+Isoud, and when she might she came unto Sir Tristram. So on a day King Mark
+played at the chess under a chamber window; and at that time Sir Tristram and
+Sir Kehydius were within the chamber over King Mark, and as it mishapped Sir
+Tristram found the letter that Kehydius sent unto La Beale Isoud, also he had
+found the letter that she wrote unto Kehydius, and at that same time La Beale
+Isoud was in the same chamber. Then Sir Tristram came unto La Beale Isoud and
+said: Madam, here is a letter that was sent unto you, and here is the letter
+that ye sent unto him that sent you that letter. Alas, Madam, the good love
+that I have loved you; and many lands and riches have I forsaken for your love,
+and now ye are a traitress to me, the which doth me great pain. But as for
+thee, Sir Kehydius, I brought thee out of Brittany into this country, and thy
+father, King Howel, I won his lands, howbeit I wedded thy sister Isoud la
+Blanche Mains for the goodness she did unto me. And yet, as I am true knight,
+she is a clean maiden for me; but wit thou well, Sir Kehydius, for this
+falsehood and treason thou hast done me, I will revenge it upon thee. And
+therewithal Sir Tristram drew out his sword and said: Sir Kehydius, keep thee,
+and then La Beale Isoud swooned to the earth. And when Sir Kehydius saw Sir
+Tristram come upon him he saw none other boot, but leapt out at a bay-window
+even over the head where sat King Mark playing at the chess. And when the king
+saw one come hurling over his head he said: Fellow, what art thou, and what is
+the cause thou leapest out at that window? My lord the king, said Kehydius, it
+fortuned me that I was asleep in the window above your head, and as I slept I
+slumbered, and so I fell down. And thus Sir Kehydius excused him.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap212"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br/>How Sir Tristram departed from
+Tintagil, and how he sorrowed and was so long in a forest till he was out of
+his mind.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram dread sore lest he were discovered unto the king that he was
+there; wherefore he drew him to the strength of the Tower, and armed him in
+such armour as he had for to fight with them that would withstand him. And so
+when Sir Tristram saw there was no resistance against him he sent Gouvernail
+for his horse and his spear, and knightly he rode forth out of the castle
+openly, that was called the Castle of Tintagil. And even at gate he met with
+Gingalin, Sir Gawaine&rsquo;s son. And anon Sir Gingalin put his spear in his
+rest, and ran upon Sir Tristram and brake his spear; and Sir Tristram at that
+time had but a sword, and gave him such a buffet upon the helm that he fell
+down from his saddle, and his sword slid adown, and carved asunder his
+horse&rsquo;s neck. And so Sir Tristram rode his way into the forest, and all
+this doing saw King Mark. And then he sent a squire unto the hurt knight, and
+commanded him to come to him, and so he did. And when King Mark wist that it
+was Sir Gingalin he welcomed him and gave him an horse, and asked him what
+knight it was that had encountered with him. Sir, said Gingalin, I wot not what
+knight he was, but well I wot that he sigheth and maketh great dole.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram within a while met with a knight of his own, that hight Sir
+Fergus. And when he had met with him he made great sorrow, insomuch that he
+fell down off his horse in a swoon, and in such sorrow he was in three days and
+three nights. Then at the last Sir Tristram sent unto the court by Sir Fergus,
+for to spere what tidings. And so as he rode by the way he met with a damosel
+that came from Sir Palomides, to know and seek how Sir Tristram did. Then Sir
+Fergus told her how he was almost out of his mind. Alas, said the damosel,
+where shall I find him? In such a place, said Sir Fergus. Then Sir Fergus found
+Queen Isoud sick in her bed, making the greatest dole that ever any earthly
+woman made. And when the damosel found Sir Tristram she made great dole because
+she might not amend him, for the more she made of him the more was his pain.
+And at the last Sir Tristram took his horse and rode away from her. And then
+was it three days or that she could find him, and then she brought him meat and
+drink, but he would none; and then another time Sir Tristram escaped away from
+the damosel, and it happed him to ride by the same castle where Sir Palomides
+and Sir Tristram did battle when La Beale Isoud departed them. And there by
+fortune the damosel met with Sir Tristram again, making the greatest dole that
+ever earthly creature made; and she yede to the lady of that castle and told
+her of the misadventure of Sir Tristram. Alas, said the lady of that castle,
+where is my lord, Sir Tristram? Right here by your castle, said the damosel. In
+good time, said the lady, is he so nigh me; he shall have meat and drink of the
+best; and an harp I have of his whereupon he taught me, for of goodly harping
+he beareth the prize in the world. So this lady and damosel brought him meat
+and drink, but he ate little thereof. Then upon a night he put his horse from
+him, and then he unlaced his armour, and then Sir Tristram would go into the
+wilderness, and brast down the trees and boughs; and otherwhile when he found
+the harp that the lady sent him, then would he harp, and play thereupon and
+weep together. And sometime when Sir Tristram was in the wood that the lady
+wist not where he was, then would she sit her down and play upon that harp:
+then would Sir Tristram come to that harp, and hearken thereto, and sometime he
+would harp himself. Thus he there endured a quarter of a year. Then at the last
+he ran his way, and she wist not where he was become. And then was he naked and
+waxed lean and poor of flesh; and so he fell in the fellowship of herdmen and
+shepherds, and daily they would give him some of their meat and drink. And when
+he did any shrewd deed they would beat him with rods, and so they clipped him
+with shears and made him like a fool.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap213"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br/>How Sir Tristram soused Dagonet in a
+well, and how Palomides sent a damosel to seek Tristram, and how Palomides met
+with King Mark.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And upon a day Dagonet, King Arthur&rsquo;s fool, came into Cornwall with two
+squires with him; and as they rode through that forest they came by a fair well
+where Sir Tristram was wont to be; and the weather was hot, and they alighted
+to drink of that well, and in the meanwhile their horses brake loose. Right so
+Sir Tristram came unto them, and first he soused Sir Dagonet in that well, and
+after his squires, and thereat laughed the shepherds; and forthwithal he ran
+after their horses and brought them again one by one, and right so, wet as they
+were, he made them leap up and ride their ways. Thus Sir Tristram endured there
+an half year naked, and would never come in town nor village. The meanwhile the
+damosel that Sir Palomides sent to seek Sir Tristram, she yede unto Sir
+Palomides and told him all the mischief that Sir Tristram endured. Alas, said
+Sir Palomides, it is great pity that ever so noble a knight should be so
+mischieved for the love of a lady; but nevertheless, I will go and seek him,
+and comfort him an I may. Then a little before that time La Beale Isoud had
+commanded Sir Kehydius out of the country of Cornwall. So Sir Kehydius departed
+with a dolorous heart, and by adventure he met with Sir Palomides, and they
+enfellowshipped together; and either complained to other of their hot love that
+they loved La Beale Isoud. Now let us, said Sir Palomides, seek Sir Tristram,
+that loved her as well as we, and let us prove whether we may recover him. So
+they rode into that forest, and three days and three nights they would never
+take their lodging, but ever sought Sir Tristram.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And upon a time, by adventure, they met with King Mark that was ridden from his
+men all alone. When they saw him Sir Palomides knew him, but Sir Kehydius knew
+him not. Ah, false king, said Sir Palomides, it is pity thou hast thy life, for
+thou art a destroyer of all worshipful knights, and by thy mischief and thy
+vengeance thou hast destroyed that most noble knight, Sir Tristram de Liones.
+And therefore defend thee, said Sir Palomides, for thou shalt die this day.
+That were shame, said King Mark, for ye two are armed and I am unarmed. As for
+that, said Sir Palomides, I shall find a remedy therefore; here is a knight
+with me, and thou shalt have his harness. Nay, said King Mark, I will not have
+ado with you, for cause have ye none to me; for all the misease that Sir
+Tristram hath was for a letter that he found; for as to me I did to him no
+displeasure, and God knoweth I am full sorry for his disease and malady. So
+when the king had thus excused him they were friends, and King Mark would have
+had them unto Tintagil; but Sir Palomides would not, but turned unto the realm
+of Logris, and Sir Kehydius said that he would go into Brittany.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Dagonet again, that when he and his squires were upon
+horseback he deemed that the shepherds had sent that fool to array them so,
+because that they laughed at them, and so they rode unto the keepers of beasts
+and all to-beat them. Sir Tristram saw them beat that were wont to give him
+meat and drink, then he ran thither and gat Sir Dagonet by the head, and gave
+him such a fall to the earth that he bruised him sore so that he lay still. And
+then he wrast his sword out of his hand, and therewith he ran to one of his
+squires and smote off his head, and the other fled. And so Sir Tristram took
+his way with that sword in his hand, running as he had been wild wood. Then Sir
+Dagonet rode to King Mark and told him how he had sped in that forest. And
+therefore, said Sir Dagonet, beware, King Mark, that thou come not about that
+well in the forest, for there is a fool naked, and that fool and I fool met
+together, and he had almost slain me. Ah, said King Mark, that is Sir Matto le
+Breune, that fell out of his wit because he lost his lady; for when Sir Gaheris
+smote down Sir Matto and won his lady of him, never since was he in his mind,
+and that was pity, for he was a good knight.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap214"></a>CHAPTER XIX.<br/>How it was noised how Sir Tristram
+was dead, and how La Beale Isoud would have slain herself.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Andred, that was cousin unto Sir Tristram, made a lady that was his
+paramour to say and to noise it that she was with Sir Tristram or ever he died.
+And this tale she brought unto King Mark&rsquo;s court, that she buried him by
+a well, and that or he died he besought King Mark to make his cousin, Sir
+Andred, king of the country of Liones, of the which Sir Tristram was lord of.
+All this did Sir Andred because he would have had Sir Tristram&rsquo;s lands.
+And when King Mark heard tell that Sir Tristram was dead he wept and made great
+dole. But when Queen Isoud heard of these tidings she made such sorrow that she
+was nigh out of her mind; and so upon a day she thought to slay herself and
+never to live after Sir Tristram&rsquo;s death. And so upon a day La Beale
+Isoud gat a sword privily and bare it to her garden, and there she pight the
+sword through a plum tree up to the hilt, so that it stuck fast, and it stood
+breast high. And as she would have run upon the sword and to have slain herself
+all this espied King Mark, how she kneeled down and said: Sweet Lord Jesu, have
+mercy upon me, for I may not live after the death of Sir Tristram de Liones,
+for he was my first love and he shall be the last. And with these words came
+King Mark and took her in his arms, and then he took up the sword, and bare her
+away with him into a tower; and there he made her to be kept, and watched her
+surely, and after that she lay long sick, nigh at the point of death.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+This meanwhile ran Sir Tristram naked in the forest with the sword in his hand,
+and so he came to an hermitage, and there he laid him down and slept; and in
+the meanwhile the hermit stole away his sword, and laid meat down by him. Thus
+was he kept there ten days; and at the last he departed and came to the herdmen
+again. And there was a giant in that country that hight Tauleas, and for fear
+of Sir Tristram more than seven year he durst never much go at large, but for
+the most part he kept him in a sure castle of his own; and so this Tauleas
+heard tell that Sir Tristram was dead, by the noise of the court of King Mark.
+Then this Tauleas went daily at large. And so he happed upon a day he came to
+the herdmen wandering and langering, and there he set him down to rest among
+them. The meanwhile there came a knight of Cornwall that led a lady with him,
+and his name was Sir Dinant; and when the giant saw him he went from the
+herdmen and hid him under a tree, and so the knight came to that well, and
+there he alighted to repose him. And as soon as he was from his horse this
+giant Tauleas came betwixt this knight and his horse, and took the horse and
+leapt upon him. So forthwith he rode unto Sir Dinant and took him by the
+collar, and pulled him afore him upon his horse, and there would have stricken
+off his head. Then the herdmen said unto Sir Tristram: Help yonder knight. Help
+ye him, said Sir Tristram. We dare not, said the herdmen. Then Sir Tristram was
+ware of the sword of the knight thereas it lay; and so thither he ran and took
+up the sword and struck off Sir Tauleas&rsquo; head, and so he yede his way to
+the herdmen.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap215"></a>CHAPTER XX.<br/>How King Mark found Sir Tristram
+naked, and made him to be borne home to Tintagil, and how he was there known by
+a brachet.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then the knight took up the giant&rsquo;s head and bare it with him unto King
+Mark, and told him what adventure betid him in the forest, and how a naked man
+rescued him from the grimly giant, Tauleas. Where had ye this adventure? said
+King Mark. Forsooth, said Sir Dinant, at the fair fountain in your forest where
+many adventurous knights meet, and there is the mad man. Well, said King Mark,
+I will see that wild man. So within a day or two King Mark commanded his
+knights and his hunters that they should be ready on the morn for to hunt, and
+so upon the morn he went unto that forest. And when the king came to that well
+he found there lying by that well a fair naked man, and a sword by him. Then
+King Mark blew and straked, and therewith his knights came to him; and then the
+king commanded his knights to: Take that naked man with fairness, and bring him
+to my castle. So they did softly and fair, and cast mantles upon Sir Tristram,
+and so led him unto Tintagil; and there they bathed him, and washed him, and
+gave him hot suppings till they had brought him well to his remembrance; but
+all this while there was no creature that knew Sir Tristram, nor what man he
+was.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So it fell upon a day that the queen, La Beale Isoud, heard of such a man, that
+ran naked in the forest, and how the king had brought him home to the court.
+Then La Beale Isoud called unto her Dame Bragwaine and said: Come on with me,
+for we will go see this man that my lord brought from the forest the last day.
+So they passed forth, and spered where was the sick man. And then a squire told
+the queen that he was in the garden taking his rest, and reposing him against
+the sun. So when the queen looked upon Sir Tristram she was not remembered of
+him. But ever she said unto Dame Bragwaine: Meseemeth I should have seen him
+heretofore in many places. But as soon as Sir Tristram saw her he knew her well
+enough. And then he turned away his visage and wept.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the queen had always a little brachet with her that Sir Tristram gave her
+the first time that ever she came into Cornwall, and never would that brachet
+depart from her but if Sir Tristram was nigh thereas was La Beale Isoud; and
+this brachet was sent from the king&rsquo;s daughter of France unto Sir
+Tristram for great love. And anon as this little brachet felt a savour of Sir
+Tristram, she leapt upon him and licked his lears and his ears, and then she
+whined and quested, and she smelled at his feet and at his hands, and on all
+parts of his body that she might come to. Ah, my lady, said Dame Bragwaine unto
+La Beale Isoud, alas, alas, said she, I see it is mine own lord, Sir Tristram.
+And thereupon Isoud fell down in a swoon, and so lay a great while. And when
+she might speak she said: My lord Sir Tristram, blessed be God ye have your
+life, and now I am sure ye shall be discovered by this little brachet, for she
+will never leave you. And also I am sure as soon as my lord, King Mark, do know
+you he will banish you out of the country of Cornwall, or else he will destroy
+you; for God&rsquo;s sake, mine own lord, grant King Mark his will, and then
+draw you unto the court of King Arthur, for there are ye beloved, and ever when
+I may I shall send unto you; and when ye list ye may come to me, and at all
+times early and late I will be at your commandment, to live as poor a life as
+ever did queen or lady. O Madam, said Sir Tristram, go from me, for mickle
+anger and danger have I escaped for your love.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap216"></a>CHAPTER XXI.<br/>How King Mark, by the advice of his
+council, banished Sir Tristram out of Cornwall the term of ten years.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then the queen departed, but the brachet would not from him; and therewithal
+came King Mark, and the brachet set upon him, and bayed at them all. There
+withal Sir Andred spake and said: Sir, this is Sir Tristram, I see by the
+brachet. Nay, said the king, I cannot suppose that. Then the king asked him
+upon his faith what he was, and what was his name. So God me help, said he, my
+name is Sir Tristram de Liones; now do by me what ye list. Ah, said King Mark,
+me repenteth of your recovery. And then he let call his barons to judge Sir
+Tristram to the death. Then many of his barons would not assent thereto, and in
+especial Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, and Sir Fergus. And so by the advice of them
+all Sir Tristram was banished out of the country for ten year, and thereupon he
+took his oath upon a book before the king and his barons. And so he was made to
+depart out of the country of Cornwall; and there were many barons brought him
+unto his ship, of the which some were his friends and some his foes. And in the
+meanwhile there came a knight of King Arthur&rsquo;s, his name was Dinadan, and
+his coming was for to seek after Sir Tristram; then they showed him where he
+was armed at all points going to the ship. Now fair knight, said Sir Dinadan,
+or ye pass this court that ye will joust with me I require thee. With a good
+will, said Sir Tristram, an these lords will give me leave. Then the barons
+granted thereto, and so they ran together, and there Sir Tristram gave Sir
+Dinadan a fall. And then he prayed Sir Tristram to give him leave to go in his
+fellowship. Ye shall be right welcome, said then Sir Tristram.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And so they took their horses and rode to their ships together, and when Sir
+Tristram was in the sea he said: Greet well King Mark and all mine enemies, and
+say them I will come again when I may; and well am I rewarded for the fighting
+with Sir Marhaus, and delivered all this country from servage; and well am I
+rewarded for the fetching and costs of Queen Isoud out of Ireland, and the
+danger that I was in first and last, and by the way coming home what danger I
+had to bring again Queen Isoud from the Castle Pluere; and well am I rewarded
+when I fought with Sir Bleoberis for Sir Segwarides&rsquo; wife; and well am I
+rewarded when I fought with Sir Blamore de Ganis for King Anguish, father unto
+La Beale Isoud; and well am I rewarded when I smote down the good knight, Sir
+Lamorak de Galis, at King Mark&rsquo;s request; and well am I rewarded when I
+fought with the King with the Hundred Knights, and the King of Northgalis, and
+both these would have put his land in servage, and by me they were put to a
+rebuke; and well am I rewarded for the slaying of Tauleas, the mighty giant,
+and many other deeds have I done for him, and now have I my warison. And tell
+King Mark that many noble knights of the Table Round have spared the barons of
+this country for my sake. Also am I not well rewarded when I fought with the
+good knight Sir Palomides and rescued Queen Isoud from him; and at that time
+King Mark said afore all his barons I should have been better rewarded. And
+forthwithal he took the sea.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap217"></a>CHAPTER XXII.<br/>How a damosel sought help to help
+Sir Launcelot against thirty knights, and how Sir Tristram fought with
+them.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And at the next landing, fast by the sea, there met with Sir Tristram and with
+Sir Dinadan, Sir Ector de Maris and Sir Bors de Ganis; and there Sir Ector
+jousted with Sir Dinadan, and he smote him and his horse down. And then Sir
+Tristram would have jousted with Sir Bors, and Sir Bors said that he would not
+joust with no Cornish knights, for they are not called men of worship; and all
+this was done upon a bridge. And with this came Sir Bleoberis and Sir Driant,
+and Sir Bleoberis proffered to joust with Sir Tristram, and there Sir Tristram
+smote down Sir Bleoberis. Then said Sir Bors de Ganis: I wist never Cornish
+knight of so great valour nor so valiant as that knight that beareth the
+trappings embroidered with crowns. And then Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan
+departed from them into a forest, and there met them a damosel that came for
+the love of Sir Launcelot to seek after some noble knights of King
+Arthur&rsquo;s court for to rescue Sir Launcelot. And so Sir Launcelot was
+ordained, for-by the treason of Queen Morgan le Fay to have slain Sir
+Launcelot, and for that cause she ordained thirty knights to lie in await for
+Sir Launcelot, and this damosel knew this treason. And for this cause the
+damosel came for to seek noble knights to help Sir Launcelot. For that night,
+or the day after, Sir Launcelot should come where these thirty knights were.
+And so this damosel met with Sir Bors and Sir Ector and with Sir Driant, and
+there she told them all four of the treason of Morgan le Fay; and then they
+promised her that they would be nigh where Sir Launcelot should meet with the
+thirty knights. And if so be they set upon him we will do rescues as we can.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the damosel departed, and by adventure the damosel met with Sir Tristram and
+with Sir Dinadan, and there the damosel told them all the treason that was
+ordained for Sir Launcelot. Fair damosel, said Sir Tristram, bring me to that
+same place where they should meet with Sir Launcelot. Then said Sir Dinadan:
+What will ye do? it is not for us to fight with thirty knights, and wit you
+well I will not thereof; as to match one knight two or three is enough an they
+be men, but for to match fifteen knights that will I never undertake. Fie for
+shame, said Sir Tristram, do but your part. Nay, said Sir Dinadan, I will not
+thereof but if ye will lend me your shield, for ye bear a shield of Cornwall;
+and for the cowardice that is named to the knights of Cornwall, by your shields
+ye be ever forborne. Nay, said Sir Tristram, I will not depart from my shield
+for her sake that gave it me. But one thing, said Sir Tristram, I promise thee,
+Sir Dinadan, but if thou wilt promise me to abide with me, here I shall slay
+thee, for I desire no more of thee but answer one knight. And if thy heart will
+not serve thee, stand by and look upon me and them. Sir, said Sir Dinadan, I
+promise you to look upon and to do what I may to save myself, but I would I had
+not met with you.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So then anon these thirty knights came fast by these four knights, and they
+were ware of them, and either of other. And so these thirty knights let them
+pass, for this cause, that they would not wrath them, if case be that they had
+ado with Sir Launcelot; and the four knights let them pass to this intent, that
+they would see and behold what they would do with Sir Launcelot. And so the
+thirty knights passed on and came by Sir Tristram and by Sir Dinadan, and then
+Sir Tristram cried on high: Lo, here is a knight against you for the love of
+Sir Launcelot. And there he slew two with one spear and ten with his sword. And
+then came in Sir Dinadan and he did passing well, and so of the thirty knights
+there went but ten away, and they fled. All this battle saw Sir Bors de Ganis
+and his three fellows, and then they saw well it was the same knight that
+jousted with them at the bridge; then they took their horses and rode unto Sir
+Tristram, and praised him and thanked him of his good deeds, and they all
+desired Sir Tristram to go with them to their lodging; and he said: Nay, he
+would not go to no lodging. Then they all four knights prayed him to tell them
+his name. Fair lords, said Sir Tristram, as at this time I will not tell you my
+name.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap218"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.<br/>How Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan
+came to a lodging where they must joust with two knights.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan rode forth their way till they came to the
+shepherds and to the herdmen, and there they asked them if they knew any
+lodging or harbour there nigh hand. Forsooth, sirs, said the herdmen, hereby is
+good lodging in a castle; but there is such a custom that there shall no knight
+be harboured but if he joust with two knights, and if he be but one knight he
+must joust with two. And as ye be therein soon shall ye be matched. There is
+shrewd harbour, said Sir Dinadan; lodge where ye will, for I will not lodge
+there. Fie for shame, said Sir Tristram, are ye not a knight of the Table
+Round? wherefore ye may not with your worship refuse your lodging. Not so, said
+the herdmen, for an ye be beaten and have the worse ye shall not be lodged
+there, and if ye beat them ye shall be well harboured. Ah, said Sir Dinadan,
+they are two sure knights. Then Sir Dinadan would not lodge there in no manner
+but as Sir Tristram required him of his knighthood; and so they rode thither.
+And to make short tale, Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan smote them down both, and
+so they entered into the castle and had good cheer as they could think or
+devise.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when they were unarmed, and thought to be merry and in good rest, there
+came in at the gates Sir Palomides and Sir Gaheris, requiring to have the
+custom of the castle. What array is this? said Sir Dinadan, I would have my
+rest. That may not be, said Sir Tristram; now must we needs defend the custom
+of this castle, insomuch as we have the better of the lords of this castle, and
+therefore, said Sir Tristram, needs must ye make you ready. In the
+devil&rsquo;s name, said Sir Dinadan, came I into your company. And so they
+made them ready; and Sir Gaheris encountered with Sir Tristram, and Sir Gaheris
+had a fall; and Sir Palomides encountered with Sir Dinadan, and Sir Dinadan had
+a fall: then was it fall for fall. So then must they fight on foot. That would
+not Sir Dinadan, for he was so sore bruised of the fall that Sir Palomides gave
+him. Then Sir Tristram unlaced Sir Dinadan&rsquo;s helm, and prayed him to help
+him. I will not, said Sir Dinadan, for I am sore wounded of the thirty knights
+that we had but late ago to do withal. But ye fare, said Sir Dinadan unto Sir
+Tristram, as a madman and as a man that is out of his mind that would cast
+himself away, and I may curse the time that ever I saw you, for in all the
+world are not two such knights that be so wood as is Sir Launcelot and ye Sir
+Tristram; for once I fell in the fellowship of Sir Launcelot as I have done now
+with you, and he set me a work that a quarter of a year I kept my bed. Jesu
+defend me, said Sir Dinadan, from such two knights, and specially from your
+fellowship. Then, said Sir Tristram, I will fight with them both. Then Sir
+Tristram bade them come forth both, for I will fight with you. Then Sir
+Palomides and Sir Gaheris dressed them, and smote at them both. Then Dinadan
+smote at Sir Gaheris a stroke or two, and turned from him. Nay, said Sir
+Palomides, it is too much shame for us two knights to fight with one. And then
+he did bid Sir Gaheris stand aside with that knight that hath no list to fight.
+Then they rode together and fought long, and at the last Sir Tristram doubled
+his strokes, and drove Sir Palomides aback more than three strides. And then by
+one assent Sir Gaheris and Sir Dinadan went betwixt them, and departed them
+in-sunder. And then by assent of Sir Tristram they would have lodged together.
+But Sir Dinadan would not lodge in that castle. And then he cursed the time
+that ever he came in their fellowship, and so he took his horse, and his
+harness, and departed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram prayed the lords of that castle to lend him a man to bring
+him to a lodging, and so they did, and overtook Sir Dinadan, and rode to their
+lodging two mile thence with a good man in a priory, and there they were well
+at ease. And that same night Sir Bors and Sir Bleoberis, and Sir Ector and Sir
+Driant, abode still in the same place thereas Sir Tristram fought with the
+thirty knights; and there they met with Sir Launcelot the same night, and had
+made promise to lodge with Sir Colgrevance the same night.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap219"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.<br/>How Sir Tristram jousted with Sir
+Kay and Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and how Sir Gawaine turned Sir Tristram from
+Morgan le Fay.</h3>
+
+<p>
+But anon as the noble knight, Sir Launcelot, heard of the shield of Cornwall,
+then wist he well that it was Sir Tristram that fought with his enemies. And
+then Sir Launcelot praised Sir Tristram, and called him the man of most worship
+in the world. So there was a knight in that priory that hight Pellinore, and he
+desired to wit the name of Sir Tristram, but in no wise he could not; and so
+Sir Tristram departed and left Sir Dinadan in the priory, for he was so weary
+and so sore bruised that he might not ride. Then this knight, Sir Pellinore,
+said to Sir Dinadan: Sithen that ye will not tell me that knight&rsquo;s name I
+will ride after him and make him to tell me his name, or he shall die
+therefore. Beware, sir knight, said Sir Dinadan, for an ye follow him ye shall
+repent it. So that knight, Sir Pellinore, rode after Sir Tristram and required
+him of jousts. Then Sir Tristram smote him down and wounded him through the
+shoulder, and so he passed on his way. And on the next day following Sir
+Tristram met with pursuivants, and they told him that there was made a great
+cry of tournament between King Carados of Scotland and the King of North Wales,
+and either should joust against other at the Castle of Maidens; and these
+pursuivants sought all the country after the good knights, and in especial King
+Carados let make seeking for Sir Launcelot du Lake, and the King of Northgalis
+let seek after Sir Tristram de Liones. And at that time Sir Tristram thought to
+be at that jousts; and so by adventure they met with Sir Kay, the Seneschal,
+and Sir Sagramore le Desirous; and Sir Kay required Sir Tristram to joust, and
+Sir Tristram in a manner refused him, because he would not be hurt nor bruised
+against the great jousts that should be before the Castle of Maidens, and
+therefore thought to repose him and to rest him. And alway Sir Kay cried: Sir
+knight of Cornwall, joust with me, or else yield thee to me as recreant. When
+Sir Tristram heard him say so he turned to him, and then Sir Kay refused him
+and turned his back. Then Sir Tristram said: As I find thee I shall take thee.
+Then Sir Kay turned with evil will, and Sir Tristram smote Sir Kay down, and so
+he rode forth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Sagramore le Desirous rode after Sir Tristram, and made him to joust
+with him, and there Sir Tristram smote down Sir Sagramore le Desirous from his
+horse, and rode his way; and the same day he met with a damosel that told him
+that he should win great worship of a knight adventurous that did much harm in
+all that country. When Sir Tristram heard her say so, he was glad to go with
+her to win worship. So Sir Tristram rode with that damosel a six mile, and then
+met him Sir Gawaine, and therewithal Sir Gawaine knew the damosel, that she was
+a damosel of Queen Morgan le Fay. Then Sir Gawaine understood that she led that
+knight to some mischief. Fair knight, said Sir Gawaine, whither ride you now
+with that damosel? Sir, said Sir Tristram, I wot not whither I shall ride but
+as the damosel will lead me. Sir, said Sir Gawaine, ye shall not ride with her,
+for she and her lady did never good, but ill. And then Sir Gawaine pulled out
+his sword and said: Damosel, but if thou tell me anon for what cause thou
+leadest this knight with thee thou shalt die for it right anon: I know all your
+lady&rsquo;s treason, and yours. Mercy, Sir Gawaine, she said, and if ye will
+save my life I will tell you. Say on, said Sir Gawaine, and thou shalt have thy
+life. Sir, she said, Queen Morgan le Fay, my lady, hath ordained a thirty
+ladies to seek and espy after Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram, and by the trains
+of these ladies, who that may first meet any of these two knights they should
+turn them unto Morgan le Fay&rsquo;s castle, saying that they should do deeds
+of worship; and if any of the two knights came there, there be thirty knights
+lying and watching in a tower to wait upon Sir Launcelot or upon Sir Tristram.
+Fie for shame, said Sir Gawaine, that ever such false treason should be wrought
+or used in a queen, and a king&rsquo;s sister, and a king and queen&rsquo;s
+daughter.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap220"></a>CHAPTER XXV.<br/>How Sir Tristram and Sir Gawaine
+rode to have foughten with the thirty knights, but they durst not come
+out.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Sir, said Sir Gawaine, will ye stand with me, and we will see the malice of
+these thirty knights. Sir, said Sir Tristram, go ye to them, an it please you,
+and ye shall see I will not fail you, for it is not long ago since I and a
+fellow met with thirty knights of that queen&rsquo;s fellowship; and God speed
+us so that we may win worship. So then Sir Gawaine and Sir Tristram rode toward
+the castle where Morgan le Fay was, and ever Sir Gawaine deemed well that he
+was Sir Tristram de Liones, because he heard that two knights had slain and
+beaten thirty knights. And when they came afore the castle Sir Gawaine spake on
+high and said: Queen Morgan le Fay, send out your knights that ye have laid in
+a watch for Sir Launcelot and for Sir Tristram. Now, said Sir Gawaine, I know
+your false treason, and through all places where that I ride men shall know of
+your false treason; and now let see, said Sir Gawaine, whether ye dare come out
+of your castle, ye thirty knights. Then the queen spake and all the thirty
+knights at once, and said: Sir Gawaine, full well wottest thou what thou dost
+and sayest; for by God we know thee passing well, but all that thou speakest
+and dost, thou sayest it upon pride of that good knight that is there with
+thee. For there be some of us that know full well the hands of that knight over
+all well. And wit thou well, Sir Gawaine, it is more for his sake than for
+thine that we will not come out of this castle. For wit ye well, Sir Gawaine,
+the knight that beareth the arms of Cornwall, we know him and what he is.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Gawaine and Sir Tristram departed and rode on their ways a day or two
+together; and there by adventure, they met with Sir Kay and Sir Sagramore le
+Desirous. And then they were glad of Sir Gawaine, and he of them, but they wist
+not what he was with the shield of Cornwall, but by deeming. And thus they rode
+together a day or two. And then they were ware of Sir Breuse Saunce Pité
+chasing a lady for to have slain her, for he had slain her paramour afore. Hold
+you all still, said Sir Gawaine, and show none of you forth, and ye shall see
+me reward yonder false knight; for an he espy you he is so well horsed that he
+will escape away. And then Sir Gawaine rode betwixt Sir Breuse and the lady,
+and said: False knight, leave her, and have ado with me. When Sir Breuse saw no
+more but Sir Gawaine he feutred his spear, and Sir Gawaine against him; and
+there Sir Breuse overthrew Sir Gawaine, and then he rode over him, and
+overthwart him twenty times to have destroyed him; and when Sir Tristram saw
+him do so villainous a deed, he hurled out against him. And when Sir Breuse saw
+him with the shield of Cornwall he knew him well that it was Sir Tristram, and
+then he fled, and Sir Tristram followed after him; and Sir Breuse Saunce Pité
+was so horsed that he went his way quite, and Sir Tristram followed him long,
+for he would fain have been avenged upon him. And so when he had long chased
+him, he saw a fair well, and thither he rode to repose him, and tied his horse
+till a tree.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap221"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.<br/>How damosel Bragwaine found
+Tristram sleeping by a well, and how she delivered letters to him from La Beale
+Isoud.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And then he pulled off his helm and washed his visage and his hands, and so he
+fell asleep. In the meanwhile came a damosel that had sought Sir Tristram many
+ways and days within this land. And when she came to the well she looked upon
+him, and had forgotten him as in remembrance of Sir Tristram, but by his horse
+she knew him, that hight Passe-Brewel that had been Sir Tristram&rsquo;s horse
+many years. For when he was mad in the forest Sir Fergus kept him. So this
+lady, Dame Bragwaine, abode still till he was awake. So when she saw him wake
+she saluted him, and he her again, for either knew other of old acquaintance;
+then she told him how she had sought him long and broad, and there she told him
+how she had letters from Queen La Beale Isoud. Then anon Sir Tristram read
+them, and wit ye well he was glad, for therein was many a piteous complaint.
+Then Sir Tristram said: Lady Bragwaine, ye shall ride with me till that
+tournament be done at the Castle of Maidens, and then shall bear letters and
+tidings with you. And then Sir Tristram took his horse and sought lodging, and
+there he met with a good ancient knight and prayed him to lodge with him. Right
+so came Gouvernail unto Sir Tristram, that was glad of that lady. So this old
+knight&rsquo;s name was Sir Pellounes, and he told of the great tournament that
+should be at the Castle of Maidens. And there Sir Launcelot and thirty-two
+knights of his blood had ordained shields of Cornwall. And right so there came
+one unto Sir Pellounes, and told him that Sir Persides de Bloise was come home;
+then that knight held up his hands and thanked God of his coming home. And
+there Sir Pellounes told Sir Tristram that in two years he had not seen his
+son, Sir Persides. Sir, said Sir Tristram, I know your son well enough for a
+good knight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So on a time Sir Tristram and Sir Persides came to their lodging both at once,
+and so they unarmed them, and put upon them their clothing. And then these two
+knights each welcomed other. And when Sir Persides understood that Sir Tristram
+was of Cornwall, he said he was once in Cornwall: And there I jousted afore
+King Mark; and so it happed me at that time to overthrow ten knights, and then
+came to me Sir Tristram de Liones and overthrew me, and took my lady away from
+me, and that shall I never forget, but I shall remember me an ever I see my
+time. Ah, said Sir Tristram, now I understand that ye hate Sir Tristram. What
+deem ye, ween ye that Sir Tristram is not able to withstand your malice? Yes,
+said Sir Persides, I know well that Sir Tristram is a noble knight and a much
+better knight than I, yet shall I not owe him my good will. Right as they stood
+thus talking at a bay-window of that castle, they saw many knights riding to
+and fro toward the tournament. And then was Sir Tristram ware of a likely
+knight riding upon a great black horse, and a black-covered shield. What knight
+is that, said Sir Tristram, with the black horse and the black shield? he
+seemeth a good knight. I know him well, said Sir Persides, he is one of the
+best knights of the world. Then is it Sir Launcelot, said Tristram. Nay, said
+Sir Persides, it is Sir Palomides, that is yet unchristened.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap222"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.<br/>How Sir Tristram had a fall with
+Sir Palomides, and how Launcelot overthrew two knights.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then they saw much people of the country salute Sir Palomides. And within a
+while after there came a squire of the castle, that told Sir Pellounes that was
+lord of that castle, that a knight with a black shield had smitten down
+thirteen knights. Fair brother, said Sir Tristram unto Sir Persides, let us
+cast upon us cloaks, and let us go see the play. Not so, said Sir Persides, we
+will not go like knaves thither, but we will ride like men and good knights to
+withstand our enemies. So they armed them, and took their horses and great
+spears, and thither they went thereas many knights assayed themself before the
+tournament. And anon Sir Palomides saw Sir Persides, and then he sent a squire
+unto him and said: Go thou to the yonder knight with the green shield and
+therein a lion of gold, and say him I require him to joust with me, and tell
+him that my name is Sir Palomides. When Sir Persides understood that request of
+Sir Palomides, he made him ready, and there anon they met together, but Sir
+Persides had a fall. Then Sir Tristram dressed him to be revenged upon Sir
+Palomides, and that saw Sir Palomides that was ready and so was not Sir
+Tristram, and took him at an advantage and smote him over his horse&rsquo;s
+tail when he had no spear in his rest. Then stert up Sir Tristram and took his
+horse lightly, and was wroth out of measure, and sore ashamed of that fall.
+Then Sir Tristram sent unto Sir Palomides by Gouvernail, and prayed him to
+joust with him at his request. Nay, said Sir Palomides, as at this time I will
+not joust with that knight, for I know him better than he weeneth. And if he be
+wroth he may right it to-morn at the Castle of Maidens, where he may see me and
+many other knights.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With that came Sir Dinadan, and when he saw Sir Tristram wroth he list not to
+jape. Lo, said Sir Dinadan, here may a man prove, be a man never so good yet
+may he have a fall, and he was never so wise but he might be overseen, and he
+rideth well that never fell. So Sir Tristram was passing wroth, and said to Sir
+Persides and to Sir Dinadan: I will revenge me. Right so as they stood talking
+there, there came by Sir Tristram a likely knight riding passing soberly and
+heavily with a black shield. What knight is that? said Sir Tristram unto Sir
+Persides. I know him well, said Sir Persides, for his name is Sir Briant of
+North Wales; so he passed on among other knights of North Wales. And there came
+in Sir Launcelot du Lake with a shield of the arms of Cornwall, and he sent a
+squire unto Sir Briant, and required him to joust with him. Well, said Sir
+Briant, sithen I am required to joust I will do what I may; and there Sir
+Launcelot smote down Sir Briant from his horse a great fall. And then Sir
+Tristram marvelled what knight he was that bare the shield of Cornwall.
+Whatsoever he be, said Sir Dinadan, I warrant you he is of King Ban&rsquo;s
+blood, the which be knights of the most noble prowess in the world, for to
+account so many for so many. Then there came two knights of Northgalis, that
+one hight Hew de la Montaine, and the other Sir Madok de la Montaine, and they
+challenged Sir Launcelot foot-hot. Sir Launcelot not refusing them but made him
+ready, with one spear he smote them down both over their horses&rsquo; croups;
+and so Sir Launcelot rode his way. By the good lord, said Sir Tristram, he is a
+good knight that beareth the shield of Cornwall, and meseemeth he rideth in the
+best manner that ever I saw knight ride.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the King of Northgalis rode unto Sir Palomides and prayed him heartily for
+his sake to joust with that knight that hath done us of Northgalis despite.
+Sir, said Sir Palomides, I am full loath to have ado with that knight, and
+cause why is, for as to-morn the great tournament shall be; and therefore I
+will keep myself fresh by my will. Nay, said the King of Northgalis, I pray you
+require him of jousts. Sir, said Sir Palomides, I will joust at your request,
+and require that knight to joust with me, and often I have seen a man have a
+fall at his own request.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap223"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.<br/>How Sir Launcelot jousted with
+Palomides and overthrew him, and after he was assailed with twelve
+knights.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Palomides sent unto Sir Launcelot a squire, and required him of
+jousts. Fair fellow, said Sir Launcelot, tell me thy lord&rsquo;s name. Sir,
+said the squire, my lord&rsquo;s name is Sir Palomides, the good knight. In
+good hour, said Sir Launcelot, for there is no knight that I saw this seven
+years that I had liefer ado withal than with him. And so either knights made
+them ready with two great spears. Nay, said Sir Dinadan, ye shall see that Sir
+Palomides will quit him right well. It may be so, said Sir Tristram, but I
+undertake that knight with the shield of Cornwall shall give him a fall. I
+believe it not, said Sir Dinadan. Right so they spurred their horses and
+feutred their spears, and either hit other, and Sir Palomides brake a spear
+upon Sir Launcelot, and he sat and moved not; but Sir Launcelot smote him so
+lightly that he made his horse to avoid the saddle, and the stroke brake his
+shield and the hauberk, and had he not fallen he had been slain. How now, said
+Sir Tristram, I wist well by the manner of their riding both that Sir Palomides
+should have a fall.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Right so Sir Launcelot rode his way, and rode to a well to drink and to repose
+him, and they of Northgalis espied him whither he rode; and then there followed
+him twelve knights for to have mischieved him, for this cause that upon the
+morn at the tournament of the Castle of Maidens that he should not win the
+victory. So they came upon Sir Launcelot suddenly, and unnethe he might put
+upon him his helm and take his horse, but they were in hands with him; and then
+Sir Launcelot gat his spear, and rode through them, and there he slew a knight
+and brake a spear in his body. Then he drew his sword and smote upon the right
+hand and upon the left hand, so that within a few strokes he had slain other
+three knights, and the remnant that abode he wounded them sore all that did
+abide. Thus Sir Launcelot escaped from his enemies of North Wales, and then Sir
+Launcelot rode his way till a friend, and lodged him till on the morn; for he
+would not the first day have ado in the tournament because of his great labour.
+And on the first day he was with King Arthur thereas he was set on high upon a
+scaffold to discern who was best worthy of his deeds. So Sir Launcelot was with
+King Arthur, and jousted not the first day.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap224"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.<br/>How Sir Tristram behaved him the
+first day of the tournament, and there he had the prize.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Tristram de Liones, that commanded Gouvernail, his
+servant, to ordain him a black shield with none other remembrance therein. And
+so Sir Persides and Sir Tristram departed from their host Sir Pellounes, and
+they rode early toward the tournament, and then they drew them to King
+Carados&rsquo; side, of Scotland; and anon knights began the field what of King
+Northgalis&rsquo; part, and what of King Carados&rsquo; part, and there began
+great party. Then there was hurling and rashing. Right so came in Sir Persides
+and Sir Tristram and so they did fare that they put the King of Northgalis
+aback. Then came in Sir Bleoberis de Ganis and Sir Gaheris with them of
+Northgalis, and then was Sir Persides smitten down and almost slain, for more
+than forty horse men went over him. For Sir Bleoberis did great deeds of arms,
+and Sir Gaheris failed him not. When Sir Tristram beheld them, and saw them do
+such deeds of arms, he marvelled what they were. Also Sir Tristram thought
+shame that Sir Persides was so done to; and then he gat a great spear in his
+hand, and then he rode to Sir Gaheris and smote him down from his horse. And
+then was Sir Bleoberis wroth, and gat a spear and rode against Sir Tristram in
+great ire; and there Sir Tristram met with him, and smote Sir Bleoberis from
+his horse. So then the King with the Hundred Knights was wroth, and he horsed
+Sir Bleoberis and Sir Gaheris again, and there began a great medley; and ever
+Sir Tristram held them passing short, and ever Sir Bleoberis was passing busy
+upon Sir Tristram; and there came Sir Dinadan against Sir Tristram, and Sir
+Tristram gave him such a buffet that he swooned in his saddle. Then anon Sir
+Dinadan came to Sir Tristram and said: Sir, I know thee better than thou
+weenest; but here I promise thee my troth I will never come against thee more,
+for I promise thee that sword of thine shall never come on mine helm.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With that came Sir Bleoberis, and Sir Tristram gave him such a buffet that down
+he laid his head; and then he caught him so sore by the helm that he pulled him
+under his horse&rsquo;s feet. And then King Arthur blew to lodging. Then Sir
+Tristram departed to his pavilion, and Sir Dinadan rode with him; and Sir
+Persides and King Arthur then, and the kings upon both parties, marvelled what
+knight that was with the black shield. Many said their advice, and some knew
+him for Sir Tristram, and held their peace and would nought say. So that first
+day King Arthur, and all the kings and lords that were judges, gave Sir
+Tristram the prize; howbeit they knew him not, but named him the Knight with
+the Black Shield.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap225"></a>CHAPTER XXX.<br/>How Sir Tristram returned against
+King Arthur&rsquo;s party because he saw Sir Palomides on that party.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then upon the morn Sir Palomides returned from the King of Northgalis, and rode
+to King Arthur&rsquo;s side, where was King Carados, and the King of Ireland,
+and Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s kin, and Sir Gawaine&rsquo;s kin. So Sir Palomides
+sent the damosel unto Sir Tristram that he sent to seek him when he was out of
+his mind in the forest, and this damosel asked Sir Tristram what he was and
+what was his name?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As for that, said Sir Tristram, tell Sir Palomides ye shall not wit as at this
+time unto the time I have broken two spears upon him. But let him wit thus
+much, said Sir Tristram, that I am the same knight that he smote down in over
+evening at the tournament; and tell him plainly on what party that Sir
+Palomides be I will be of the contrary party.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sir, said the damosel, ye shall understand that Sir Palomides will be on King
+Arthur&rsquo;s side, where the most noble knights of the world be. In the name
+of God, said Sir Tristram, then will I be with the King of Northgalis, because
+Sir Palomides will be on King Arthur&rsquo;s side, and else I would not but for
+his sake. So when King Arthur was come they blew unto the field; and then there
+began a great party, and so King Carados jousted with the King of the Hundred
+Knights, and there King Carados had a fall: then was there hurling and rushing,
+and right so came in knights of King Arthur&rsquo;s, and they bare aback the
+King of Northgalis&rsquo; knights.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram came in, and began so roughly and so bigly that there was
+none might withstand him, and thus Sir Tristram dured long. And at the last Sir
+Tristram fell among the fellowship of King Ban, and there fell upon him Sir
+Bors de Ganis, and Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Blamore de Ganis, and many other
+knights. And then Sir Tristram smote on the right hand and on the left hand,
+that all lords and ladies spake of his noble deeds. But at the last Sir
+Tristram should have had the worse had not the King with the Hundred Knights
+been. And then he came with his fellowship and rescued Sir Tristram, and
+brought him away from those knights that bare the shields of Cornwall. And then
+Sir Tristram saw another fellowship by themself, and there were a forty knights
+together, and Sir Kay, the Seneschal, was their governor. Then Sir Tristram
+rode in amongst them, and there he smote down Sir Kay from his horse; and there
+he fared among those knights like a greyhound among conies.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Launcelot found a knight that was sore wounded upon the head. Sir,
+said Sir Launcelot, who wounded you so sore? Sir, he said, a knight that
+beareth a black shield, and I may curse the time that ever I met with him, for
+he is a devil and no man. So Sir Launcelot departed from him and thought to
+meet with Sir Tristram, and so he rode with his sword drawn in his hand to seek
+Sir Tristram; and then he espied him how he hurled here and there, and at every
+stroke Sir Tristram wellnigh smote down a knight. O mercy Jesu! said the king,
+sith the times I bare arms saw I never no knight do so marvellous deeds of
+arms. And if I should set upon this knight, said Sir Launcelot to himself, I
+did shame to myself, and therewithal Sir Launcelot put up his sword. And then
+the King with the Hundred Knights and an hundred more of North Wales set upon
+the twenty of Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s kin: and they twenty knights held them ever
+together as wild swine, and none would fail other. And so when Sir Tristram
+beheld the noblesse of these twenty knights he marvelled of their good deeds,
+for he saw by their fare and by their rule that they had liefer die than avoid
+the field. Now Jesu, said Sir Tristram, well may he be valiant and full of
+prowess that hath such a sort of noble knights unto his kin, and full like is
+he to be a noble man that is their leader and governor. He meant it by Sir
+Launcelot du Lake. So when Sir Tristram had beholden them long he thought shame
+to see two hundred knights battering upon twenty knights. Then Sir Tristram
+rode unto the King with the Hundred Knights and said: Sir, leave your fighting
+with those twenty knights, for ye win no worship of them, ye be so many and
+they so few; and wit ye well they will not out of the field I see by their
+cheer and countenance; and worship get ye none an ye slay them. Therefore leave
+your fighting with them, for I to increase my worship I will ride to the twenty
+knights and help them with all my might and power. Nay, said the King with the
+Hundred Knights, ye shall not do so; now I see your courage and courtesy I will
+withdraw my knights for your pleasure, for evermore a good knight will favour
+another, and like will draw to like.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap226"></a>CHAPTER XXXI.<br/>How Sir Tristram found Palomides
+by a well, and brought him with him to his lodging.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then the King with the Hundred Knights withdrew his knights. And all this
+while, and long to-fore, Sir Launcelot had watched upon Sir Tristram with a
+very purpose to have fellowshipped with him. And then suddenly Sir Tristram,
+Sir Dinadan, and Gouvernail, his man, rode their way into the forest, that no
+man perceived where they went. So then King Arthur blew unto lodging, and gave
+the King of Northgalis the prize because Sir Tristram was upon his side. Then
+Sir Launcelot rode here and there, so wood as lion that fauted his fill,
+because he had lost Sir Tristram, and so he returned unto King Arthur. And then
+in all the field was a noise that with the wind it might be heard two mile
+thence, how the lords and ladies cried: The Knight with the Black Shield hath
+won the field. Alas, said King Arthur, where is that knight become? It is shame
+to all those in the field so to let him escape away from you; but with
+gentleness and courtesy ye might have brought him unto me to the Castle of
+Maidens. Then the noble King Arthur went unto his knights and comforted them in
+the best wise that he could, and said: My fair fellows, be not dismayed,
+howbeit ye have lost the field this day. And many were hurt and sore wounded,
+and many were whole. My fellows, said King Arthur, look that ye be of good
+cheer, for to-morn I will be in the field with you and revenge you of your
+enemies. So that night King Arthur and his knights reposed themself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The damosel that came from La Beale Isoud unto Sir Tristram, all the while the
+tournament was a-doing she was with Queen Guenever, and ever the queen asked
+her for what cause she came into that country. Madam, she answered, I come for
+none other cause but from my lady La Beale Isoud to wit of your welfare. For in
+no wise she would not tell the queen that she came for Sir Tristram&rsquo;s
+sake. So this lady, Dame Bragwaine, took her leave of Queen Guenever, and she
+rode after Sir Tristram. And as she rode through the forest she heard a great
+cry; then she commanded her squire to go into the forest to wit what was that
+noise. And so he came to a well, and there he found a knight bounden till a
+tree crying as he had been wood, and his horse and his harness standing by him.
+And when he espied that squire, therewith he abraid and brake himself loose,
+and took his sword in his hand, and ran to have slain the squire. Then he took
+his horse and fled all that ever he might unto Dame Bragwaine, and told her of
+his adventure. Then she rode unto Sir Tristram&rsquo;s pavilion, and told Sir
+Tristram what adventure she had found in the forest. Alas, said Sir Tristram,
+upon my head there is some good knight at mischief.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Tristram took his horse and his sword and rode thither, and there he
+heard how the knight complained unto himself and said: I, woful knight Sir
+Palomides, what misadventure befalleth me, that thus am defoiled with falsehood
+and treason, through Sir Bors and Sir Ector. Alas, he said, why live I so long!
+And then he gat his sword in his hands, and made many strange signs and tokens;
+and so through his raging he threw his sword into that fountain. Then Sir
+Palomides wailed and wrang his hands. And at the last for pure sorrow he ran
+into that fountain, over his belly, and sought after his sword. Then Sir
+Tristram saw that, and ran upon Sir Palomides, and held him in his arms fast.
+What art thou, said Palomides, that holdeth me so? I am a man of this forest
+that would thee none harm. Alas, said Sir Palomides, I may never win worship
+where Sir Tristram is; for ever where he is an I be there, then get I no
+worship; and if he be away for the most part I have the gree, unless that Sir
+Launcelot be there or Sir Lamorak. Then Sir Palomides said: Once in Ireland Sir
+Tristram put me to the worse, and another time in Cornwall, and in other places
+in this land. What would ye do, said Sir Tristram, an ye had Sir Tristram? I
+would fight with him, said Sir Palomides, and ease my heart upon him; and yet,
+to say thee sooth, Sir Tristram is the gentlest knight in this world living.
+What will ye do, said Sir Tristram, will ye go with me to your lodging? Nay,
+said he, I will go to the King with the Hundred Knights, for he rescued me from
+Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir Ector and else had I been slain traitorly. Sir
+Tristram said him such kind words that Sir Palomides went with him to his
+lodging. Then Gouvernail went to-fore, and charged Dame Bragwaine to go out of
+the way to her lodging. And bid ye Sir Persides that he make him no quarrels.
+And so they rode together till they came to Sir Tristram&rsquo;s pavilion, and
+there Sir Palomides had all the cheer that might be had all that night. But in
+no wise Sir Palomides might not know what was Sir Tristram; and so after supper
+they yede to rest, and Sir Tristram for great travail slept till it was day.
+And Sir Palomides might not sleep for anguish; and in the dawning of the day he
+took his horse privily, and rode his way unto Sir Gaheris and unto Sir
+Sagramore le Desirous, where they were in their pavilions; for they three were
+fellows at the beginning of the tournament. And then upon the morn the king
+blew unto the tournament upon the third day.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap227"></a>CHAPTER XXXII.<br/>How Sir Tristram smote down Sir
+Palomides, and how he jousted with King Arthur, and other feats.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So the King of Northgalis and the King with the Hundred Knights, they two
+encountered with King Carados and with the King of Ireland; and there the King
+with the Hundred Knights smote down King Carados, and the King of Northgalis
+smote down the King of Ireland. With that came in Sir Palomides, and when he
+came he made great work, for by his indented shield he was well known. So came
+in King Arthur, and did great deeds of arms together, and put the King of
+Northgalis and the King with the Hundred Knights to the worse. With this came
+in Sir Tristram with his black shield, and anon he jousted with Sir Palomides,
+and there by fine force Sir Tristram smote Sir Palomides over his horse&rsquo;s
+croup. Then King Arthur cried: Knight with the Black Shield, make thee ready to
+me, and in the same wise Sir Tristram smote King Arthur. And then by force of
+King Arthur&rsquo;s knights the King and Sir Palomides were horsed again. Then
+King Arthur with a great eager heart he gat a spear in his hand, and there upon
+the one side he smote Sir Tristram over his horse. Then foot-hot Sir Palomides
+came upon Sir Tristram, as he was upon foot, to have overridden him. Then Sir
+Tristram was ware of him, and there he stooped aside, and with great ire he gat
+him by the arm, and pulled him down from his horse. Then Sir Palomides lightly
+arose, and then they dashed together mightily with their swords; and many
+kings, queens, and lords, stood and beheld them. And at the last Sir Tristram
+smote Sir Palomides upon the helm three mighty strokes, and at every stroke
+that he gave him he said: This for Sir Tristram&rsquo;s sake. With that Sir
+Palomides fell to the earth grovelling.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then came the King with the Hundred Knights, and brought Sir Tristram an horse,
+and so was he horsed again. By then was Sir Palomides horsed, and with great
+ire he jousted upon Sir Tristram with his spear as it was in the rest, and gave
+him a great dash with his sword. Then Sir Tristram avoided his spear, and gat
+him by the neck with his both hands, and pulled him clean out of his saddle,
+and so he bare him afore him the length of ten spears, and then in the presence
+of them all he let him fall at his adventure. Then Sir Tristram was ware of
+King Arthur with a naked sword in his hand, and with his spear Sir Tristram ran
+upon King Arthur; and then King Arthur boldly abode him and with his sword he
+smote a-two his spear, and therewithal Sir Tristram stonied; and so King Arthur
+gave him three or four strokes or he might get out his sword, and at the last
+Sir Tristram drew his sword and [either] assailed other passing hard. With that
+the great press departed [them]. Then Sir Tristram rode here and there and did
+his great pain, that eleven of the good knights of the blood of King Ban, that
+was of Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s kin, that day Sir Tristram smote down; that all
+the estates marvelled of his great deeds and all cried upon the Knight with the
+Black Shield.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap228"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII.<br/>How Sir Launcelot hurt Sir
+Tristram, and how after Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then this cry was so large that Sir Launcelot heard it. And then he gat a great
+spear in his hand and came towards the cry. Then Sir Launcelot cried: The
+Knight with the Black Shield, make thee ready to joust with me. When Sir
+Tristram heard him say so he gat his spear in his hand, and either abashed down
+their heads, and came together as thunder; and Sir Tristram&rsquo;s spear brake
+in pieces, and Sir Launcelot by malfortune struck Sir Tristram on the side a
+deep wound nigh to the death; but yet Sir Tristram avoided not his saddle, and
+so the spear brake. Therewithal Sir Tristram that was wounded gat out his
+sword, and he rushed to Sir Launcelot, and gave him three great strokes upon
+the helm that the fire sprang thereout, and Sir Launcelot abashed his head
+lowly toward his saddle-bow. And therewithal Sir Tristram departed from the
+field, for he felt him so wounded that he weened he should have died; and Sir
+Dinadan espied him and followed him into the forest. Then Sir Launcelot abode
+and did many marvellous deeds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when Sir Tristram was departed by the forest&rsquo;s side he alighted, and
+unlaced his harness and freshed his wound; then weened Sir Dinadan that he
+should have died. Nay, nay, said Sir Tristram, Dinadan never dread thee, for I
+am heart-whole, and of this wound I shall soon be whole, by the mercy of God.
+By that Sir Dinadan was ware where came Palomides riding straight upon them.
+And then Sir Tristram was ware that Sir Palomides came to have destroyed him.
+And so Sir Dinadan gave him warning, and said: Sir Tristram, my lord, ye are so
+sore wounded that ye may not have ado with him, therefore I will ride against
+him and do to him what I may, and if I be slain ye may pray for my soul; and in
+the meanwhile ye may withdraw you and go into the castle, or in the forest,
+that he shall not meet with you. Sir Tristram smiled and said: I thank you, Sir
+Dinadan, of your good will, but ye shall wit that I am able to handle him. And
+then anon hastily he armed him, and took his horse, and a great spear in his
+hand, and said to Sir Dinadan: Adieu; and rode toward Sir Palomides a soft
+pace. Then when Sir Palomides saw that, he made countenance to amend his horse,
+but he did it for this cause, for he abode Sir Gaheris that came after him. And
+when he was come he rode toward Sir Tristram. Then Sir Tristram sent unto Sir
+Palomides, and required him to joust with him; and if he smote down Sir
+Palomides he would do no more to him; and if it so happened that Sir Palomides
+smote down Sir Tristram, he bade him do his utterance. So they were accorded.
+Then they met together, and Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides that he had a
+grievous fall, so that he lay still as he had been dead. And then Sir Tristram
+ran upon Sir Gaheris, and he would not have jousted; but whether he would or
+not Sir Tristram smote him over his horse&rsquo;s croup, that he lay still as
+though he had been dead. And then Sir Tristram rode his way and left Sir
+Persides&rsquo; squire within the pavilions, and Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan
+rode to an old knight&rsquo;s place to lodge them. And that old knight had five
+sons at the tournament, for whom he prayed God heartily for their coming home.
+And so, as the French book saith, they came home all five well beaten.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when Sir Tristram departed into the forest Sir Launcelot held alway the
+stour like hard, as a man araged that took no heed to himself, and wit ye well
+there was many a noble knight against him. And when King Arthur saw Sir
+Launcelot do so marvellous deeds of arms he then armed him, and took his horse
+and his armour, and rode into the field to help Sir Launcelot; and so many
+knights came in with King Arthur. And to make short tale in conclusion, the
+King of Northgalis and the King of the Hundred Knights were put to the worse;
+and because Sir Launcelot abode and was the last in the field the prize was
+given him. But Sir Launcelot would neither for king, queen, nor knight, have
+the prize, but where the cry was cried through the field: Sir Launcelot, Sir
+Launcelot hath won the field this day, Sir Launcelot let make another cry
+contrary: Sir Tristram hath won the field, for he began first, and last he hath
+endured, and so hath he done the first day, the second, and the third day.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap229"></a>CHAPTER XXXIV.<br/>How the prize of the third day was
+given to Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot gave it to Sir Tristram.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then all the estates and degrees high and low said of Sir Launcelot great
+worship, for the honour that he did unto Sir Tristram; and for that honour
+doing to Sir Tristram he was at that time more praised and renowned than an he
+had overthrown five hundred knights; and all the people wholly for this
+gentleness, first the estates both high and low, and after the commonalty cried
+at once: Sir Launcelot hath won the field whosoever say nay. Then was Sir
+Launcelot wroth and ashamed, and so therewithal he rode to King Arthur. Alas,
+said the king, we are all dismayed that Sir Tristram is thus departed from us.
+By God, said King Arthur, he is one of the noblest knights that ever I saw hold
+spear or sword in hand, and the most courteoust knight in his fighting; for
+full hard I saw him, said King Arthur, when he smote Sir Palomides upon the
+helm thrice, that he abashed his helm with his strokes, and also he said: Here
+is a stroke for Sir Tristram, and thus thrice he said. Then King Arthur, Sir
+Launcelot, and Sir Dodinas le Savage took their horses to seek Sir Tristram,
+and by the means of Sir Persides he had told King Arthur where Sir Tristram was
+in his pavilion. But when they came there, Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan were
+gone.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then King Arthur and Sir Launcelot were heavy, and returned again to the Castle
+of Maidens making great dole for the hurt of Sir Tristram, and his sudden
+departing. So God me help, said King Arthur, I am more heavy that I cannot meet
+with him than for all the hurts that all my knights have had at the tournament.
+Right so came Sir Gaheris and told King Arthur how Sir Tristram had smitten
+down Sir Palomides, and it was at Sir Palomides&rsquo; own request. Alas, said
+King Arthur, that was great dishonour to Sir Palomides, inasmuch as Sir
+Tristram was sore wounded, and now may we all, kings, and knights, and men of
+worship, say that Sir Tristram may be called a noble knight, and one of the
+best knights that ever I saw the days of my life. For I will that ye all, kings
+and knights, know, said King Arthur, that I never saw knight do so marvellously
+as he hath done these three days; for he was the first that began and that
+longest held on, save this last day. And though he was hurt, it was a manly
+adventure of two noble knights, and when two noble men encounter needs must the
+one have the worse, like as God will suffer at that time. As for me, said Sir
+Launcelot, for all the lands that ever my father left me I would not have hurt
+Sir Tristram an I had known him at that time; that I hurt him was for I saw not
+his shield. For an I had seen his black shield, I would not have meddled with
+him for many causes; for late he did as much for me as ever did knight, and
+that is well known that he had ado with thirty knights, and no help save Sir
+Dinadan. And one thing shall I promise, said Sir Launcelot, Sir Palomides shall
+repent it as in his unkindly dealing for to follow that noble knight that I by
+mishap hurted thus. Sir Launcelot said all the worship that might be said by
+Sir Tristram. Then King Arthur made a great feast to all that would come. And
+thus we let pass King Arthur, and a little we will turn unto Sir Palomides,
+that after he had a fall of Sir Tristram, he was nigh-hand araged out of his
+wit for despite of Sir Tristram. And so he followed him by adventure. And as he
+came by a river, in his woodness he would have made his horse to have leapt
+over; and the horse failed footing and fell in the river, wherefore Sir
+Palomides was adread lest he should have been drowned; and then he avoided his
+horse, and swam to the land, and let his horse go down by adventure.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap230"></a>CHAPTER XXXV.<br/>How Palomides came to the castle
+where Sir Tristram was, and of the quest that Sir Launcelot and ten knights
+made for Sir Tristram.</h3>
+
+<p>
+And when he came to the land he took off his harness, and sat roaring and
+crying as a man out of his mind. Right so came a damosel even by Sir Palomides,
+that was sent from Sir Gawaine and his brother unto Sir Mordred, that lay sick
+in the same place with that old knight where Sir Tristram was. For, as the
+French book saith, Sir Persides hurt so Sir Mordred a ten days afore; and had
+it not been for the love of Sir Gawaine and his brother, Sir Persides had slain
+Sir Mordred. And so this damosel came by Sir Palomides, and she and he had
+language together, the which pleased neither of them; and so the damosel rode
+her ways till she came to the old knight&rsquo;s place, and there she told that
+old knight how she met with the woodest knight by adventure that ever she met
+withal. What bare he in his shield? said Sir Tristram. It was indented with
+white and black, said the damosel. Ah, said Sir Tristram, that was Sir
+Palomides, the good knight. For well I know him, said Sir Tristram, for one of
+the best knights living in this realm. Then that old knight took a little
+hackney, and rode for Sir Palomides, and brought him unto his own manor; and
+full well knew Sir Tristram Sir Palomides, but he said but little, for at that
+time Sir Tristram was walking upon his feet, and well amended of his hurts; and
+always when Sir Palomides saw Sir Tristram he would behold him full
+marvellously, and ever him seemed that he had seen him. Then would he say unto
+Sir Dinadan: An ever I may meet with Sir Tristram he shall not escape mine
+hands. I marvel, said Sir Dinadan, that ye boast behind Sir Tristram, for it is
+but late that he was in your hands, and ye in his hands; why would ye not hold
+him when ye had him? for I saw myself twice or thrice that ye gat but little
+worship of Sir Tristram. Then was Sir Palomides ashamed. So leave we them a
+little while in the old castle with the old knight Sir Darras.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now shall we speak of King Arthur, that said to Sir Launcelot: Had not ye been
+we had not lost Sir Tristram, for he was here daily unto the time ye met with
+him, and in an evil time, said Arthur, ye encountered with him. My lord Arthur,
+said Launcelot, ye put upon me that I should be cause of his departition; God
+knoweth it was against my will. But when men be hot in deeds of arms oft they
+hurt their friends as well as their foes. And my lord, said Sir Launcelot, ye
+shall understand that Sir Tristram is a man that I am loath to offend, for he
+hath done for me more than ever I did for him as yet. But then Sir Launcelot
+made bring forth a book: and then Sir Launcelot said: Here we are ten knights
+that will swear upon a book never to rest one night where we rest another this
+twelvemonth until that we find Sir Tristram. And as for me, said Sir Launcelot,
+I promise you upon this book that an I may meet with him, either with fairness
+or foulness I shall bring him to this court, or else I shall die therefore. And
+the names of these ten knights that had undertaken this quest were these
+following: First was Sir Launcelot, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Bors de Ganis, and
+Bleoberis, and Sir Blamore de Ganis, and Lucan the Butler, Sir Uwaine, Sir
+Galihud Lionel, and Galiodin. So these ten noble knights departed from the
+court of King Arthur, and so they rode upon their quest together until they
+came to a cross where departed four ways, and there departed the fellowship in
+four to seek Sir Tristram.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as Sir Launcelot rode by adventure he met with Dame Bragwaine that was sent
+into that country to seek Sir Tristram, and she fled as fast as her palfrey
+might go. So Sir Launcelot met with her and asked her why she fled. Ah, fair
+knight, said Dame Bragwaine, I flee for dread of my life, for here followeth me
+Sir Breuse Saunce Pité to slay me. Hold you nigh me, said Sir Launcelot. Then
+when Sir Launcelot saw Sir Breuse Saunce Pité, Sir Launcelot cried unto him,
+and said: False knight, destroyer of ladies and damosels, now thy last days be
+come. When Sir Breuse Saunce Pité saw Sir Launcelot&rsquo;s shield he knew it
+well, for at that time he bare not the arms of Cornwall, but he bare his own
+shield. And then Sir Breuse fled, and Sir Launcelot followed after him. But Sir
+Breuse was so well horsed that when him list to flee he might well flee, and
+also abide when him list. And then Sir Launcelot returned unto Dame Bragwaine,
+and she thanked him of his great labour.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap231"></a>CHAPTER XXXVI.<br/>How Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides,
+and Sir Dinadan were taken and put in prison.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now will we speak of Sir Lucan the butler, that by fortune he came riding to
+the same place thereas was Sir Tristram, and in he came in none other intent
+but to ask harbour. Then the porter asked what was his name. Tell your lord
+that my name is Sir Lucan, the butler, a Knight of the Round Table. So the
+porter went unto Sir Darras, lord of the place, and told him who was there to
+ask harbour. Nay, nay, said Sir Daname, that was nephew to Sir Darras, say him
+that he shall not be lodged here, but let him wit that I, Sir Daname, will meet
+with him anon, and bid him make him ready. So Sir Daname came forth on
+horseback, and there they met together with spears, and Sir Lucan smote down
+Sir Daname over his horse&rsquo;s croup, and then he fled into that place, and
+Sir Lucan rode after him, and asked after him many times.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sir Dinadan said to Sir Tristram: It is shame to see the lord&rsquo;s
+cousin of this place defoiled. Abide, said Sir Tristram, and I shall redress
+it. And in the meanwhile Sir Dinadan was on horseback, and he jousted with
+Lucan the butler, and there Sir Lucan smote Dinadan through the thick of the
+thigh, and so he rode his way; and Sir Tristram was wroth that Sir Dinadan was
+hurt, and followed after, and thought to avenge him; and within a while he
+overtook Sir Lucan, and bade him turn; and so they met together so that Sir
+Tristram hurt Sir Lucan passing sore and gave him a fall. With that came Sir
+Uwaine, a gentle knight, and when he saw Sir Lucan so hurt he called Sir
+Tristram to joust with him. Fair knight, said Sir Tristram, tell me your name I
+require you. Sir knight, wit ye well my name is Sir Uwaine le Fise de Roy
+Ureine. Ah, said Sir Tristram, by my will I would not have ado with you at no
+time. Ye shall not so, said Sir Uwaine, but ye shall have ado with me. And then
+Sir Tristram saw none other bote, but rode against him, and overthrew Sir
+Uwaine and hurt him in the side, and so he departed unto his lodging again. And
+when Sir Dinadan understood that Sir Tristram had hurt Sir Lucan he would have
+ridden after Sir Lucan for to have slain him, but Sir Tristram would not suffer
+him. Then Sir Uwaine let ordain an horse litter, and brought Sir Lucan to the
+abbey of Ganis, and the castle thereby hight the Castle of Ganis, of the which
+Sir Bleoberis was lord. And at that castle Sir Launcelot promised all his
+fellows to meet in the quest of Sir Tristram.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when Sir Tristram was come to his lodging there came a damosel that told Sir
+Darras that three of his sons were slain at that tournament, and two grievously
+wounded that they were never like to help themself. And all this was done by a
+noble knight that bare the black shield, and that was he that bare the prize.
+Then came there one and told Sir Darras that the same knight was within, him
+that bare the black shield. Then Sir Darras yede unto Sir Tristram&rsquo;s
+chamber, and there he found his shield and showed it to the damosel. Ah sir,
+said the damosel, that same is he that slew your three sons. Then without any
+tarrying Sir Darras put Sir Tristram, and Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan,
+within a strong prison, and there Sir Tristram was like to have died of great
+sickness; and every day Sir Palomides would reprove Sir Tristram of old hate
+betwixt them. And ever Sir Tristram spake fair and said little. But when Sir
+Palomides saw the falling of sickness of Sir Tristram, then was he heavy for
+him, and comforted him in all the best wise he could. And as the French book
+saith, there came forty knights to Sir Darras that were of his own kin, and
+they would have slain Sir Tristram and his two fellows, but Sir Darras would
+not suffer that, but kept them in prison, and meat and drink they had. So Sir
+Tristram endured there great pain, for sickness had undertaken him, and that is
+the greatest pain a prisoner may have. For all the while a prisoner may have
+his health of body he may endure under the mercy of God and in hope of good
+deliverance; but when sickness toucheth a prisoner&rsquo;s body, then may a
+prisoner say all wealth is him bereft, and then he hath cause to wail and to
+weep. Right so did Sir Tristram when sickness had undertaken him, for then he
+took such sorrow that he had almost slain himself.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap232"></a>CHAPTER XXXVII.<br/>How King Mark was sorry for the
+good renown of Sir Tristram. Some of King Arthur&rsquo;s knights jousted with
+knights of Cornwall.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now will we speak, and leave Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan in
+prison, and speak we of other knights that sought after Sir Tristram many
+divers parts of this land. And some yede into Cornwall; and by adventure Sir
+Gaheris, nephew unto King Arthur, came unto King Mark, and there he was well
+received and sat at King Mark&rsquo;s own table and ate of his own mess. Then
+King Mark asked Sir Gaheris what tidings there were in the realm of Logris.
+Sir, said Sir Gaheris, the king reigneth as a noble knight; and now but late
+there was a great jousts and tournament as ever I saw any in the realm of
+Logris, and the most noble knights were at that jousts. But there was one
+knight that did marvellously three days, and he bare a black shield, and of all
+knights that ever I saw he proved the best knight. Then, said King Mark, that
+was Sir Launcelot, or Sir Palomides the paynim. Not so, said Sir Gheris, for
+both Sir Launcelot and Sir Palomides were on the contrary party against the
+Knight with the Black Shield. Then was it Sir Tristram, said the king. Yea,
+said Sir Gaheris. And therewithal the king smote down his head, and in his
+heart he feared sore that Sir Tristram should get him such worship in the realm
+of Logris wherethrough that he himself should not be able to withstand him.
+Thus Sir Gaheris had great cheer with King Mark, and with Queen La Beale Isoud,
+the which was glad of Sir Gaheris&rsquo; words; for well she wist by his deeds
+and manners that it was Sir Tristram. And then the king made a feast royal, and
+to that feast came Sir Uwaine le Fise de Roy Ureine, and some called him Uwaine
+le Blanchemains. And this Sir Uwaine challenged all the knights of Cornwall.
+Then was the king wood wroth that he had no knights to answer him. Then Sir
+Andred, nephew unto King Mark, leapt up and said: I will encounter with Sir
+Uwaine. Then he yede and armed him and horsed him in the best manner. And there
+Sir Uwaine met with Sir Andred, and smote him down that he swooned on the
+earth. Then was King Mark sorry and wroth out of measure that he had no knight
+to revenge his nephew, Sir Andred.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the king called unto him Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, and prayed him for his
+sake to take upon him to joust with Sir Uwaine. Sir, said Sir Dinas, I am full
+loath to have ado with any knight of the Round Table. Yet, said the king, for
+my love take upon thee to joust. So Sir Dinas made him ready, and anon they
+encountered together with great spears, but Sir Dinas was overthrown, horse and
+man, a great fall. Who was wroth but King Mark! Alas, he said, have I no knight
+that will encounter with yonder knight? Sir, said Sir Gaheris, for your sake I
+will joust. So Sir Gaheris made him ready, and when he was armed he rode into
+the field. And when Sir Uwaine saw Sir Gaheris&rsquo; shield he rode to him and
+said: Sir, ye do not your part. For, sir, the first time ye were made Knight of
+the Round Table ye sware that ye should not have ado with your fellowship
+wittingly. And pardie, Sir Gaheris, ye knew me well enough by my shield, and so
+do I know you by your shield, and though ye would break your oath I would not
+break mine; for there is not one here, nor ye, that shall think I am afeard of
+you, but I durst right well have ado with you, and yet we be sisters&rsquo;
+sons. Then was Sir Gaheris ashamed, and so therewithal every knight went their
+way, and Sir Uwaine rode into the country.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then King Mark armed him, and took his horse and his spear, with a squire with
+him. And then he rode afore Sir Uwaine, and suddenly at a gap he ran upon him
+as he that was not ware of him, and there he smote him almost through the body,
+and there left him. So within a while there came Sir Kay and found Sir Uwaine,
+and asked him how he was hurt. I wot not, said Sir Uwaine, why nor wherefore,
+but by treason I am sure I gat this hurt; for here came a knight suddenly upon
+me or that I was ware, and suddenly hurt me. Then there was come Sir Andred to
+seek King Mark. Thou traitor knight, said Sir Kay, an I wist it were thou that
+thus traitorly hast hurt this noble knight thou shouldst never pass my hands.
+Sir, said Sir Andred, I did never hurt him, and that I will report me to
+himself. Fie on you false knight, said Sir Kay, for ye of Cornwall are nought
+worth. So Sir Kay made carry Sir Uwaine to the Abbey of the Black Cross, and
+there he was healed. And then Sir Gaheris took his leave of King Mark, but or
+he departed he said: Sir king, ye did a foul shame unto you and your court,
+when ye banished Sir Tristram out of this country, for ye needed not to have
+doubted no knight an he had been here. And so he departed.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap233"></a>CHAPTER XXXVIII.<br/>Of the treason of King Mark, and
+how Sir Gaheris smote him down and Andred his cousin.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then there came Sir Kay, the Seneschal, unto King Mark, and there he had good
+cheer showing outward. Now, fair lords, said he, will ye prove any adventure in
+the forest of Morris, in the which I know well is as hard an adventure as I
+know any. Sir, said Sir Kay, I will prove it. And Sir Gaheris said he would be
+avised for King Mark was ever full of treason: and therewithal Sir Gaheris
+departed and rode his way. And by the same way that Sir Kay should ride he laid
+him down to rest, charging his squire to wait upon Sir Kay; And warn me when he
+cometh. So within a while Sir Kay came riding that way, and then Sir Gaheris
+took his horse and met him, and said: Sir Kay, ye are not wise to ride at the
+request of King Mark, for he dealeth all with treason. Then said Sir Kay: I
+require you let us prove this adventure. I shall not fail you, said Sir
+Gaheris. And so they rode that time till a lake that was that time called the
+Perilous Lake, and there they abode under the shaw of the wood.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The meanwhile King Mark within the castle of Tintagil avoided all his barons,
+and all other save such as were privy with him were avoided out of his chamber.
+And then he let call his nephew Sir Andred, and bade arm him and horse him
+lightly; and by that time it was midnight. And so King Mark was armed in black,
+horse and all; and so at a privy postern they two issued out with their varlets
+with them, and rode till they came to that lake. Then Sir Kay espied them
+first, and gat his spear, and proffered to joust. And King Mark rode against
+him, and smote each other full hard, for the moon shone as the bright day. And
+there at that jousts Sir Kay&rsquo;s horse fell down, for his horse was not so
+big as the king&rsquo;s horse, and Sir Kay&rsquo;s horse bruised him full sore.
+Then Sir Gaheris was wroth that Sir Kay had a fall. Then he cried: Knight, sit
+thou fast in thy saddle, for I will revenge my fellow. Then King Mark was
+afeard of Sir Gaheris, and so with evil will King Mark rode against him, and
+Sir Gaheris gave him such a stroke that he fell down. So then forthwithal Sir
+Gaheris ran unto Sir Andred and smote him from his horse quite, that his helm
+smote in the earth, and nigh had broken his neck. And therewithal Sir Gaheris
+alighted, and gat up Sir Kay. And then they yode both on foot to them, and bade
+them yield them, and tell their names outher they should die. Then with great
+pain Sir Andred spake first, and said: It is King Mark of Cornwall, therefore
+be ye ware what ye do, and I am Sir Andred, his cousin. Fie on you both, said
+Sir Gaheris, for a false traitor, and false treason hast thou wrought and he
+both, under the feigned cheer that ye made us! it were pity, said Sir Gaheris,
+that thou shouldst live any longer. Save my life, said King Mark, and I will
+make amends; and consider that I am a king anointed. It were the more shame,
+said Sir Gaheris, to save thy life; thou art a king anointed with cream, and
+therefore thou shouldst hold with all men of worship; and therefore thou art
+worthy to die. With that he lashed at King Mark without saying any more, and
+covered him with his shield and defended him as he might. And then Sir Kay
+lashed at Sir Andred, and therewithal King Mark yielded him unto Sir Gaheris.
+And then he kneeled adown, and made his oath upon the cross of the sword, that
+never while he lived he would be against errant-knights. And also he sware to
+be good friend unto Sir Tristram if ever he came into Cornwall.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+By then Sir Andred was on the earth, and Sir Kay would have slain him. Let be,
+said Sir Gaheris, slay him not I pray you. It were pity, said Sir Kay, that he
+should live any longer, for this is nigh cousin unto Sir Tristram, and ever he
+hath been a traitor unto him, and by him he was exiled out of Cornwall, and
+therefore I will slay him, said Sir Kay. Ye shall not, said Sir Gaheris; sithen
+I have given the king his life, I pray you give him his life. And therewithal
+Sir Kay let him go. And so Sir Kay and Sir Gaheris rode their way unto Dinas,
+the Seneschal, for because they heard say that he loved well Sir Tristram. So
+they reposed them there, and soon after they rode unto the realm of Logris. And
+so within a little while they met with Sir Launcelot that always had Dame
+Bragwaine with him, to that intent he weened to have met the sooner with Sir
+Tristram; and Sir Launcelot asked what tidings in Cornwall, and whether they
+heard of Sir Tristram or not. Sir Kay and Sir Gaheris answered and said, that
+they heard not of him. Then they told Sir Launcelot word by word of their
+adventure. Then Sir Launcelot smiled and said: Hard it is to take out of the
+flesh that is bred in the bone; and so made them merry together.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap234"></a>CHAPTER XXXIX.<br/>How after that Sir Tristram, Sir
+Palomides, and Sir Dinadan had been long in prison they were delivered.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now leave we off this tale, and speak we of Sir Dinas that had within the
+castle a paramour, and she loved another knight better than him. And so when
+Sir Dinas went out a-hunting she slipped down by a towel, and took with her two
+brachets, and so she yede to the knight that she loved, and he her again. And
+when Sir Dinas came home and missed his paramour and his brachets, then was he
+the more wrother for his brachets than for the lady. So then he rode after the
+knight that had his paramour, and bade him turn and joust. So Sir Dinas smote
+him down, that with the fall he brake his leg and his arm. And then his lady
+and paramour cried Sir Dinas mercy, and said she would love him better than
+ever she did. Nay, said Sir Dinas, I shall never trust them that once betrayed
+me, and therefore, as ye have begun, so end, for I will never meddle with you.
+And so Sir Dinas departed, and took his brachets with him, and so rode to his
+castle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now will we turn unto Sir Launcelot, that was right heavy that he could never
+hear no tidings of Sir Tristram, for all this while he was in prison with Sir
+Darras, Palomides, and Dinadan. Then Dame Bragwaine took her leave to go into
+Cornwall, and Sir Launcelot, Sir Kay, and Sir Gaheris rode to seek Sir Tristram
+in the country of Surluse.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now speaketh this tale of Sir Tristram and of his two fellows, for every day
+Sir Palomides brawled and said language against Sir Tristram. I marvel, said
+Sir Dinadan, of thee, Sir Palomides, an thou haddest Sir Tristram here thou
+wouldst do him no harm; for an a wolf and a sheep were together in a prison the
+wolf would suffer the sheep to be in peace. And wit thou well, said Sir
+Dinadan, this same is Sir Tristram at a word, and now must thou do thy best
+with him, and let see now if ye can skift it with your hands. Then was Sir
+Palomides abashed and said little. Sir Palomides, then said Sir Tristram, I
+have heard much of your maugre against me, but I will not meddle with you as at
+this time by my will, because I dread the lord of this place that hath us in
+governance; for an I dread him not more than I do thee, soon it should be
+skift: so they peaced themself. Right so came in a damosel and said: Knights,
+be of good cheer, for ye are sure of your lives, and that I heard say my lord,
+Sir Darras. Then were they glad all three, for daily they weened they should
+have died.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then soon after this Sir Tristram fell sick that he weened to have died; then
+Sir Dinadan wept, and so did Sir Palomides under them both making great sorrow.
+So a damosel came in to them and found them mourning. Then she went unto Sir
+Darras, and told him how that mighty knight that bare the black shield was
+likely to die. That shall not be, said Sir Darras, for God defend when knights
+come to me for succour that I should suffer them to die within my prison.
+Therefore, said Sir Darras to the damosel, fetch that knight and his fellows
+afore me. And then anon Sir Darras saw Sir Tristram brought afore him. He said:
+Sir knight, me repenteth of thy sickness for thou art called a full noble
+knight, and so it seemeth by thee; and wit ye well it shall never be said that
+Sir Darras shall destroy such a noble knight as thou art in prison, howbeit
+that thou hast slain three of my sons whereby I was greatly aggrieved. But now
+shalt thou go and thy fellows, and your harness and horses have been fair and
+clean kept, and ye shall go where it liketh you, upon this covenant, that thou,
+knight, wilt promise me to be good friend to my sons two that be now alive, and
+also that thou tell me thy name. Sir, said he, as for me my name is Sir
+Tristram de Liones, and in Cornwall was I born, and nephew I am unto King Mark.
+And as for the death of your sons I might not do withal, for an they had been
+the next kin that I have I might have done none otherwise. And if I had slain
+them by treason or treachery I had been worthy to have died. All this I
+consider, said Sir Darras, that all that ye did was by force of knighthood, and
+that was the cause I would not put you to death. But sith ye be Sir Tristram,
+the good knight, I pray you heartily to be my good friend and to my sons. Sir,
+said Sir Tristram, I promise you by the faith of my body, ever while I live I
+will do you service, for ye have done to us but as a natural knight ought to
+do. Then Sir Tristram reposed him there till that he was amended of his
+sickness; and when he was big and strong they took their leave, and every
+knight took their horses, and so departed and rode together till they came to a
+cross way. Now fellows, said Sir Tristram, here will we depart in sundry ways.
+And because Sir Dinadan had the first adventure of him I will begin.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap235"></a>CHAPTER XL.<br/>How Sir Dinadan rescued a lady from
+Sir Breuse Saunce Pité, and how Sir Tristram received a shield of Morgan le
+Fay.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So as Sir Dinadan rode by a well he found a lady making great dole. What aileth
+you? said Sir Dinadan. Sir knight, said the lady, I am the wofullest lady of
+the world, for within these five days here came a knight called Sir Breuse
+Saunce Pité, and he slew mine own brother, and ever since he hath kept me at
+his own will, and of all men in the world I hate him most; and therefore I
+require you of knighthood to avenge me, for he will not tarry, but be here
+anon. Let him come, said Sir Dinadan, and because of honour of all women I will
+do my part. With this came Sir Breuse, and when he saw a knight with his lady
+he was wood wroth. And then he said: Sir knight, keep thee from me. So they
+hurtled together as thunder, and either smote other passing sore, but Sir
+Dinadan put him through the shoulder a grievous wound, and or ever Sir Dinadan
+might turn him Sir Breuse was gone and fled. Then the lady prayed him to bring
+her to a castle there beside but four mile thence; and so Sir Dinadan brought
+her there, and she was welcome, for the lord of that castle was her uncle; and
+so Sir Dinadan rode his way upon his adventure.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we this tale unto Sir Tristram, that by adventure he came to a castle
+to ask lodging, wherein was Queen Morgan le Fay; and so when Sir Tristram was
+let into that castle he had good cheer all that night. And upon the morn when
+he would have departed the queen said: Wit ye well ye shall not depart lightly,
+for ye are here as a prisoner. Jesu defend! said Sir Tristram, for I was but
+late a prisoner. Fair knight, said the queen, ye shall abide with me till that
+I wit what ye are and from whence ye come. And ever the queen would set Sir
+Tristram on her own side, and her paramour on the other side. And ever Queen
+Morgan would behold Sir Tristram, and thereat the knight was jealous, and was
+in will suddenly to have run upon Sir Tristram with a sword, but he left it for
+shame. Then the queen said to Sir Tristram: Tell me thy name, and I shall
+suffer you to depart when ye will. Upon that covenant I tell you my name is Sir
+Tristram de Liones. Ah, said Morgan le Fay, an I had wist that, thou shouldst
+not have departed so soon as thou shalt. But sithen I have made a promise I
+will hold it, with that thou wilt promise me to bear upon thee a shield that I
+shall deliver thee, unto the castle of the Hard Rock, where King Arthur had
+cried a great tournament, and there I pray you that ye will be, and to do for
+me as much deeds of arms as ye may do. For at the Castle of Maidens, Sir
+Tristram, ye did marvellous deeds of arms as ever I heard knight do. Madam,
+said Sir Tristram, let me see the shield that I shall bear. Then the shield was
+brought forth, and the field was goldish, with a king and a queen therein
+painted, and a knight standing above them, [one foot] upon the king&rsquo;s
+head, and the other upon the queen&rsquo;s. Madam, said Sir Tristram, this is a
+fair shield and a mighty; but what signifieth this king and this queen, and the
+knight standing upon both their heads? I shall tell you, said Morgan le Fay, it
+signifieth King Arthur and Queen Guenever, and a knight who holdeth them both
+in bondage and in servage. Who is that knight? said Sir Tristram. That shall ye
+not wit as at this time, said the queen. But as the French book saith, Queen
+Morgan loved Sir Launcelot best, and ever she desired him, and he would never
+love her nor do nothing at her request, and therefore she held many knights
+together for to have taken him by strength. And because she deemed that Sir
+Launcelot loved Queen Guenever paramour, and she him again, therefore Queen
+Morgan le Fay ordained that shield to put Sir Launcelot to a rebuke, to that
+intent that King Arthur might understand the love between them. Then Sir
+Tristram took that shield and promised her to bear it at the tournament at the
+Castle of the Hard Rock. But Sir Tristram knew not that that shield was
+ordained against Sir Launcelot, but afterward he knew it.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap236"></a>CHAPTER XLI.<br/>How Sir Tristram took with him the
+shield, and also how he slew the paramour of Morgan le Fay.</h3>
+
+<p>
+So then Sir Tristram took his leave of the queen, and took the shield with him.
+Then came the knight that held Queen Morgan le Fay, his name was Sir Hemison,
+and he made him ready to follow Sir Tristram. Fair friend, said Morgan, ride
+not after that knight, for ye shall not win no worship of him. Fie on him,
+coward, said Sir Hemison, for I wist never good knight come out of Cornwall but
+if it were Sir Tristram de Liones. What an that be he? said she. Nay, nay, said
+he, he is with La Beale Isoud, and this is but a daffish knight. Alas, my fair
+friend, ye shall find him the best knight that ever ye met withal, for I know
+him better than ye do. For your sake, said Sir Hemison, I shall slay him. Ah,
+fair friend, said the queen, me repenteth that ye will follow that knight, for
+I fear me sore of your again coming. With this this knight rode his way wood
+wroth, and he rode after Sir Tristram as fast as he had been chased with
+knights. When Sir Tristram heard a knight come after him so fast he returned
+about, and saw a knight coming against him. And when he came nigh to Sir
+Tristram he cried on high: Sir knight, keep thee from me. Then they rushed
+together as it had been thunder, and Sir Hemison brised his spear upon Sir
+Tristram, but his harness was so good that he might not hurt him. And Sir
+Tristram smote him harder, and bare him through the body, and he fell over his
+horse&rsquo;s croup. Then Sir Tristram turned to have done more with his sword,
+but he saw so much blood go from him that him seemed he was likely to die, and
+so he departed from him and came to a fair manor to an old knight, and there
+Sir Tristram lodged.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap237"></a>CHAPTER XLII.<br/>How Morgan le Fay buried her
+paramour, and how Sir Tristram praised Sir Launcelot and his kin.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Now leave to speak of Sir Tristram, and speak we of the knight that was wounded
+to the death. Then his varlet alighted, and took off his helm, and then he
+asked his lord whether there were any life in him. There is in me life, said
+the knight, but it is but little; and therefore leap thou up behind me when
+thou hast holpen me up, and hold me fast that I fall not, and bring me to Queen
+Morgan le Fay; for deep draughts of death draw to my heart that I may not live,
+for I would fain speak with her or I died: for else my soul will be in great
+peril an I die. For[thwith] with great pain his varlet brought him to the
+castle, and there Sir Hemison fell down dead. When Morgan le Fay saw him dead
+she made great sorrow out of reason; and then she let despoil him unto his
+shirt, and so she let him put into a tomb. And about the tomb she let write:
+Here lieth Sir Hemison, slain by the hands of Sir Tristram de Liones.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that asked the knight his host if he saw late
+any knights adventurous. Sir, he said, the last night here lodged with me Ector
+de Maris and a damosel with him, and that damosel told me that he was one of
+the best knights of the world. That is not so, said Sir Tristram, for I know
+four better knights of his own blood, and the first is Sir Launcelot du Lake,
+call him the best knight, and Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Blamore de
+Ganis, and Sir Gaheris. Nay, said his host, Sir Gawaine is a better knight than
+he. That is not so, said Sir Tristram, for I have met with them both, and I
+felt Sir Gaheris for the better knight, and Sir Lamorak I call him as good as
+any of them except Sir Launcelot. Why name ye not Sir Tristram? said his host,
+for I account him as good as any of them. I know not Sir Tristram, said
+Tristram. Thus they talked and bourded as long as them list, and then went to
+rest. And on the morn Sir Tristram departed, and took his leave of his host,
+and rode toward the Roche Dure, and none adventure had Sir Tristram but that;
+and so he rested not till he came to the castle, where he saw five hundred
+tents.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h3><a name="chap238"></a>CHAPTER XLIII.<br/>How Sir Tristram at a tournament
+bare the shield that Morgan le Fay delivered to him.</h3>
+
+<p>
+Then the King of Scots and the King of Ireland held against King Arthur&rsquo;s
+knights, and there began a great medley. So came in Sir Tristram and did
+marvellous deeds of arms, for there he smote down many knights. And ever he was
+afore King Arthur with that shield. And when King Arthur saw that shield he
+marvelled greatly in what intent it was made; but Queen Guenever deemed as it
+was, wherefore she was heavy. Then was there a damosel of Queen Morgan in a
+chamber by King Arthur, and when she heard King Arthur speak of that shield,
+then she spake openly unto King Arthur. Sir King, wit ye well this shield was
+ordained for you, to warn you of your shame and dishonour, and that longeth to
+you and your queen. And then anon that damosel picked her away privily, that no
+man wist where she was become. Then was King Arthur sad and wroth, and asked
+from whence came that damosel. There was not one that knew her nor wist where
+she was become. Then Queen Guenever called to her Sir Ector de Maris, and there
+she made her complaint to him, and said: I wot well this shield was made by
+Morgan le Fay in despite of me and of Sir Launcelot, wherefore I dread me sore
+lest I should be destroyed. And ever the king beheld Sir Tristram, that did so
+marvellous deeds of arms that he wondered sore what knight he might be, and
+well he wist it was not Sir Launcelot. And it was told him that Sir Tristram
+was in Petit Britain with Isoud la Blanche Mains, for he deemed, an he had been
+in the realm of Logris, Sir Launcelot or some of his fellows that were in the
+quest of Sir Tristram that they should have found him or that time. So King
+Arthur had marvel what knight he might be. And ever Sir Arthur&rsquo;s eye was
+on that shield. All that espied the queen, and that made her sore afeard.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then ever Sir Tristram smote down knights wonderly to behold, what upon the
+right hand and upon the left hand, that unnethe no knight might withstand him.
+And the King of Scots and the King of Ireland began to withdraw them. When
+Arthur espied that, he thought that that knight with the strange shield should
+not escape him. Then he called unto him Sir Uwaine le Blanche Mains, and bade
+him arm him and make him ready. So anon King Arthur and Sir Uwaine dressed them
+before Sir Tristram, and required him to tell them where he had that shield.
+Sir, he said, I had it of Queen Morgan le Fay, sister unto King Arthur.
+</p>
+
+<h5> So here endeth this history of this book, for it is the first book of Sir
+Tristram de Liones and the second book of Sir Tristram followeth. </h5>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="glos01"></a>GLOSSARY</h2>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+Abashed, abased, lowered,<br/>
+Abate, depress, calm,<br/>
+Abought, paid for,<br/>
+Abraid, started,<br/>
+Accompted, counted,<br/>
+Accorded, agreed,<br/>
+Accordment, agreement,<br/>
+Acquit, repay,<br/>
+Actually, actively,<br/>
+Adoubted, afraid,<br/>
+Advision, vision,<br/>
+Afeard, afraid,<br/>
+Afterdeal, disadvantage,<br/>
+Againsay, retract,<br/>
+Aknown, known,<br/>
+Aligement, alleviation,<br/>
+Allegeance, alleviation,<br/>
+Allow, approve,<br/>
+Almeries, chests,<br/>
+Alther, gen. pl., of all,<br/>
+Amounted, mounted,<br/>
+Anealed, anointed,<br/>
+Anguishly, in pain,<br/>
+Anon, at once,<br/>
+Apair, weaken,<br/>
+Apparelled, fitted up,<br/>
+Appeach, impeach,<br/>
+Appealed, challenged, accused,<br/>
+Appertices, displays,<br/>
+Araged, enraged, ; confused,<br/>
+Araised, raised,<br/>
+Arase, obliterate,<br/>
+Areared, reared,<br/>
+Armyvestal, martial,<br/>
+Array, plight, state of affairs,<br/>
+Arrayed, situated,<br/>
+Arson, saddle-bow,<br/>
+Askance, casually,<br/>
+Assoiled, absolved,<br/>
+Assotted, infatuated,<br/>
+Assummon, summon,<br/>
+Astonied, amazed, stunned,<br/>
+At, of, by,<br/>
+At-after, after,<br/>
+Attaint, overcome,<br/>
+Aumbries, chests,<br/>
+Avail (at), at an advantage,<br/>
+Avaled, lowered,<br/>
+Avaunt, boast,<br/>
+Aventred, couched,<br/>
+Avised, be advised, take thought,<br/>
+Avision, vision,<br/>
+Avoid, quit,<br/>
+Avoided, got clear off,<br/>
+Avow, vow,<br/>
+Await of (in), in watch for,<br/>
+Awayward, away,<br/>
+Awke, sideways,<br/>
+<br/>
+Bachelors, probationers for knighthood<br/>
+Bain, bath,<br/>
+Barbican, gate-tower,<br/>
+Barget, little ship,<br/>
+Battle, division of an army,<br/>
+Bawdy, dirty,<br/>
+Beams, trumpets,<br/>
+Be-closed, enclosed,<br/>
+Become, pp., befallen, gone to,<br/>
+Bedashed, splashed,<br/>
+Behests, promises,<br/>
+Behight, promised,<br/>
+Beholden (beholding) to, obliged to,<br/>
+Behote, promised,<br/>
+Benome, deprived, taken away,<br/>
+Besants, gold coins,<br/>
+Beseek, beseech,<br/>
+Beseen, appointed, arrayed,<br/>
+Beskift, shove off,<br/>
+Bested, beset,<br/>
+Betaken, entrusted,<br/>
+Betaught, entrusted, recommended,<br/>
+Betid, happened,<br/>
+Betook, committed, entrusted,<br/>
+Bevered, quivered,<br/>
+Board, sb., deck,<br/>
+Bobaunce, boasting, pride,<br/>
+Boishe, bush, branch of a tree,<br/>
+Boistous, rough,<br/>
+Bole, trunk of a tree,<br/>
+Boot, remedy,<br/>
+Borrow out, redeem,<br/>
+Borrows, pledges,<br/>
+Bote, remedy,<br/>
+Bound, ready,<br/>
+Bourded, jested,<br/>
+Bourder, jester,<br/>
+Braced, embraced,<br/>
+Brachet, little hound,<br/>
+Braide, quick movement,<br/>
+Brast, burst, break,<br/>
+Breaths, breathing holes,<br/>
+Brief, shorten,<br/>
+Brim, fierce, furious,<br/>
+Brised, broke,<br/>
+Broached, pierced,<br/>
+Broaches, spits,<br/>
+Bur, hand-guard of a spear,<br/>
+Burble, bubble,<br/>
+Burbling, bubbling,<br/>
+Burgenetts, buds, blossoms,<br/>
+Bushment, ambush,<br/>
+By and by, immediately,<br/>
+Bywaryed, expended, bestowed,<br/>
+<br/>
+Canel bone, collar bone,<br/>
+Cankered, inveterate,<br/>
+Cantel, slice, strip,<br/>
+Careful, sorrowful, full of troubles,<br/>
+Cast (of bread), loaves baked at the same time,<br/>
+Cast, ref: v., propose,<br/>
+Cedle, schedule, note,<br/>
+Cere, wax over, embalm,; cerel,<br/>
+Certes, certainly,<br/>
+Chafe, heat, decompose,; chafed, heated,<br/>
+Chaflet, platform, scaffold,<br/>
+Champaign, open country,<br/>
+Chariot (Fr charette), cart,<br/>
+Cheer, countenance,  entertainment,<br/>
+Chierte, dearness,<br/>
+Chrism, anointing oil,<br/>
+Clatter, talk confusedly,<br/>
+Cleight, clutched,<br/>
+Cleped, called,<br/>
+Clipping, embracing,<br/>
+Cog, small boat,<br/>
+Cognisance, badge, mark of distinction,<br/>
+Coif, head-piece,<br/>
+Comfort, strengthen, help,<br/>
+Cominal, common,<br/>
+Complished, complete,<br/>
+Con, know, be able, ; con thanlt, be grateful,<br/>
+Conserve, preserve,<br/>
+Conversant, abiding in,<br/>
+Cording, agreement,<br/>
+Coronal, circlet,<br/>
+Cost, side,<br/>
+Costed, kept up with,<br/>
+Couched, lay,<br/>
+Courage, encourage,<br/>
+Courtelage, courtyard,<br/>
+Covert, sheltered,<br/>
+Covetise, covetousness,<br/>
+Covin, deceit,<br/>
+Cream, oil,<br/>
+Credence, faith,<br/>
+Croup, crupper,<br/>
+Curteist, most courteous,<br/>
+<br/>
+Daffish, foolish,<br/>
+Danger (in), under obligation to, in the power of,<br/>
+Dawed, v tr., revived,  intr. dawned,<br/>
+Deadly, mortal, human,<br/>
+Deal, part, portion,<br/>
+Debate, quarrel, strife,<br/>
+Debonair, courteous,<br/>
+Deceivable, deceitful,<br/>
+Defaded, faded,<br/>
+Default, fault,<br/>
+Defend, forbid,; defended,; forbidden,<br/>
+Defoiled, trodden down, fouled, deflowered,<br/>
+Degree (win the), rank, superiority,<br/>
+Delibered, determined,<br/>
+Deliverly, adroitly,<br/>
+Departed, divided,<br/>
+Departition, departure,<br/>
+Dere, harm,<br/>
+Descrive, describe,<br/>
+Despoiled, stripped,<br/>
+Detrenched, cut to pieces,<br/>
+Devised, looked carefully at,<br/>
+Devoir, duty, service,<br/>
+Did off, doffed,<br/>
+Dight, prepared,<br/>
+Dindled, trembled,<br/>
+Disadventure, misfortune,<br/>
+Discover, reveal,<br/>
+Disherited, disinherited,<br/>
+Disparpled, scattered,<br/>
+Dispenses, expenses,<br/>
+Disperplyd, scattered,<br/>
+Dispoiled, stripped,<br/>
+Distained, sullied, dishonoured,<br/>
+Disworship, shame,<br/>
+Dole, gift of alms,<br/>
+Dole, sorrow,<br/>
+Domineth, dominates, rules,<br/>
+Don, gift,<br/>
+Doted, foolish,<br/>
+Doubted, redoubtable,<br/>
+Draughts, privities, secret interviews, recesses,<br/>
+Drenched, drowned,<br/>
+Dress, make ready,<br/>
+Dressed up, raised,<br/>
+Dretched, troubled in sleep,<br/>
+Dretching, being troubled in sleep,<br/>
+Dromounds, war vessels,<br/>
+Dure, endure, last,; dured,; during,<br/>
+Duresse, bondage, hardship,<br/>
+Dwined, dwindled,<br/>
+<br/>
+Eased, entertained,<br/>
+Eft, after, again,<br/>
+Eftures, passages,<br/>
+Embattled, ranged for battle,<br/>
+Embushed, concealed in the woods,<br/>
+Eme, uncle,<br/>
+Empoison, poison,<br/>
+Emprised, undertook,<br/>
+Enbraid,<br/>
+Enchafe, heat,; enchafed, heated,<br/>
+Enchieve, achieve,<br/>
+Endlong, alongside of,<br/>
+Enewed, painted,<br/>
+Enforce, constrain,<br/>
+Engine, device,<br/>
+Enow, enough,<br/>
+Enquest, enterprise,<br/>
+Ensured, assured,<br/>
+Entermete, intermeddle,<br/>
+Errant, wandering,<br/>
+Estates, ranks,<br/>
+Even hand, at an equality,<br/>
+Evenlong, along,<br/>
+Everych, each, every one,<br/>
+<br/>
+Faiter, vagabond,<br/>
+Fare, sb., ado, commotion,<br/>
+Faren, pp., treated,<br/>
+Faute, lack,; fauted, lacked,<br/>
+Fealty, oath of fidelity,<br/>
+Fear, frighten,<br/>
+Feute, trace, track,<br/>
+Feuter, set in rest, couch,<br/>
+Feutred, set in socket,<br/>
+Fiaunce, affiance, promise,<br/>
+Flang, flung,; rushed,<br/>
+Flatling, prostrate,<br/>
+Fleet, float,<br/>
+Flemed, put to flight,<br/>
+Flittered, fluttered,<br/>
+Foiled, defeated, shamed,<br/>
+Foined, thrust,<br/>
+Foining, thrusting,<br/>
+Foins, thrusts,<br/>
+Foot-hot, hastily,<br/>
+For-bled, spent with bleeding,<br/>
+Force (no), no concern,<br/>
+Fordeal, advantage,<br/>
+Fordo, destroy,; fordid,<br/>
+Forecast, preconcerted plot,<br/>
+For-fared, worsted,<br/>
+Forfend, forbid,<br/>
+Forfoughten, weary with fighting,<br/>
+Forhewn, hewn to pieces,<br/>
+Forjousted, tired with jousting,<br/>
+Forthinketh, repents,<br/>
+Fortuned, happened,<br/>
+Forward, vanguard,<br/>
+Forwowmded, sorely wounded,<br/>
+Free, noble,<br/>
+Freshed,<br/>
+Froward, away from,<br/>
+<br/>
+Gad, wedge or spike of iron,<br/>
+Gainest, readiest,<br/>
+Gar, cause,<br/>
+Gart, compelled,<br/>
+Gentily, like a gentleman,<br/>
+Gerfalcon, a fine hawk,<br/>
+Germane, closely allied,<br/>
+Gest, deed, story,<br/>
+Gisarm, halberd, battle-axe,<br/>
+Glaive, sword,<br/>
+Glasting, barking,<br/>
+Glatisant, barking, yelping,<br/>
+Gobbets, lumps,<br/>
+Graithed, made ready,<br/>
+Gree, degree, superiority,<br/>
+Greed, pp., pleased, content,<br/>
+Grescs, steps,<br/>
+Grimly, ugly,<br/>
+Grovelling, on his face,<br/>
+Guerdonless, without reward,<br/>
+Guise, fashion,<br/>
+<br/>
+Habergeon, hauberk with leggings attached,<br/>
+Hair, a hair-shirt,<br/>
+Hale and how, a sailor&rsquo;s cry,<br/>
+Halp, helped,<br/>
+Halsed, embraced,<br/>
+Halsing, embracing,<br/>
+Handfast, betrothed,<br/>
+Handsel, earnest-money,<br/>
+Hangers, testicles,<br/>
+Harbingers, messengers sent to prepare lodgings,<br/>
+Harness, armour,<br/>
+Hart of greese, fat deer,<br/>
+Hauberk, coat of mail,<br/>
+Haut, high, noble,<br/>
+Hauteyn, haughty,<br/>
+Heavy, sad,<br/>
+Hete, command,<br/>
+Hide, skin,<br/>
+Hied, hurried,<br/>
+High (on), aloud,<br/>
+Higher hand, the uppermost,<br/>
+Hight, called,<br/>
+Hilled, covered, concealed,<br/>
+Holden, held,<br/>
+Holp, helped,<br/>
+Holts, woods,<br/>
+Hough-bone, back part of kneejoint,<br/>
+Houselled, to be given the Eucharist,<br/>
+Hoved, hovered, waited about,<br/>
+Hurled, dashed, staggered,; hurling,<br/>
+Hurtle, dash,<br/>
+<br/>
+Incontinent, forthwith,<br/>
+Ind, dark blue,<br/>
+Infellowship, join in fellowship,<br/>
+In like, alike,<br/>
+Intermit, interpose,<br/>
+<br/>
+Japer, jester,<br/>
+Japes, jests,<br/>
+Jesseraunt, a short cuirass,<br/>
+<br/>
+Keep, sb., care,<br/>
+Keep, s., care, reck,<br/>
+Kemps, champions,<br/>
+Kind, nature,<br/>
+Kindly, natural,<br/>
+Knights parters, marshals,<br/>
+Know, acknowledge,<br/>
+Knowledging, acknowledgment, confession,<br/>
+<br/>
+Lain, conceal,<br/>
+Langering, sauntering,<br/>
+Lapped, took in her lap,<br/>
+Large, generous,<br/>
+Largeness, liberality,<br/>
+Laton, latten, brass,<br/>
+Laund, waste plain,<br/>
+Layne, conceal,<br/>
+Lazar-cot, leper-house,<br/>
+Learn, teach,<br/>
+Lears, cheeks,<br/>
+Leaved, leafy,<br/>
+Lecher, fornicator,<br/>
+Leech, physician,<br/>
+Leman, lover,<br/>
+Let, caused to,<br/>
+Let, hinder,<br/>
+Lewdest, most ignorant,<br/>
+Licours lecherous,<br/>
+Lief, dear,<br/>
+Liefer, more gladly,<br/>
+Lieve, believe,<br/>
+Limb-meal, limb from limb,<br/>
+List, desire, pleasure,<br/>
+Lithe, joint,<br/>
+Longing unto, belonging to,<br/>
+Long on (upon), because of,<br/>
+Loos, praise,<br/>
+Lotless, without a share,<br/>
+Loveday, day for. settling disputes,<br/>
+Loving, praising,<br/>
+Lunes, leashes, strings,<br/>
+Lusk, lubber,<br/>
+Lusts, inclinations,<br/>
+<br/>
+Maims, wounds,<br/>
+Makeless, matchless,<br/>
+Makers, authors, poets,<br/>
+Mas,ease, discomfort,<br/>
+Mal engine, evil design,<br/>
+Mal-fortune, ill-luck, mishap,<br/>
+Marches, borders,<br/>
+Mass-penny, offering at mass for the dead,<br/>
+Matche old, machicolated, with holes for defence,<br/>
+Maugre, sb., despite,<br/>
+Measle, disease,<br/>
+Medled, mingled,<br/>
+Medley, melee, general encounter,<br/>
+Meiny, retinue,<br/>
+Mickle, much,<br/>
+Minever, ermine,<br/>
+Mischieved, hurt,<br/>
+Mischievous, painful,<br/>
+Miscorr fort, discomfort,<br/>
+Miscreature, unbeliever,<br/>
+Missay, revile,; missaid,<br/>
+Mo, more,<br/>
+More and less, rich and poor,<br/>
+Motes, notes on a horn,<br/>
+Mount~ lance, amount of, extent,<br/>
+Much, great,<br/>
+<br/>
+Naked, unarmed,<br/>
+Namely, especially,<br/>
+Ne, nor,<br/>
+Near-hand, nearly,; near,<br/>
+Needly, needs, on your own compulsion,<br/>
+Nesh, soft, tender,<br/>
+Nigh-hand, nearly,<br/>
+Nill, will not,<br/>
+Nilt, will not,<br/>
+Nis, ne is, is not,<br/>
+Nist, ne wist, knew not,<br/>
+Noblesse, nobleness,<br/>
+Nobley, nobility, splendour,<br/>
+Noised, reported,<br/>
+Nold, would not,<br/>
+Noseling, on his nose,<br/>
+Not for then, nevertheless,<br/>
+Notoyrly, notoriously,<br/>
+Noyous, hurtful,<br/>
+<br/>
+Obeissance, obedience,<br/>
+Or, before,<br/>
+Orgule, haughtiness,<br/>
+Orgulist, haughtiest,<br/>
+Orgulite, pride, arrogance,<br/>
+Orgulous, proud,<br/>
+Other, or,<br/>
+Ouches, jewels,<br/>
+Ought, owned,<br/>
+Outcept, except,<br/>
+Outher, or,<br/>
+Out-taken, except,<br/>
+Over-evening, last night,<br/>
+Overget, overtake,<br/>
+Overhylled, covered,<br/>
+Over-led, domineered over,<br/>
+Overlong, the length of,<br/>
+Overslip, pass,<br/>
+Overthwart, adj., cross,<br/>
+Overthwart, sb., mischance,<br/>
+Overthwart and endlong, by the breadth and length,<br/>
+<br/>
+Painture, painting,<br/>
+Paitrelles, breastplate of a horse,<br/>
+Paltocks, short coats,<br/>
+Parage, descent,<br/>
+Pareil, like,<br/>
+Passing, surpassingly,<br/>
+Paynim, pagan,<br/>
+Pensel, pennon,<br/>
+Perclos, partition,<br/>
+Perdy, par Dieu,<br/>
+Perigot, falcon,<br/>
+Perish, destroy,<br/>
+Peron, tombstone,<br/>
+Pight, pitched,<br/>
+Pike, steal away,<br/>
+Piked, stole,<br/>
+Pillers, plunderers,<br/>
+Pilling, plundering,<br/>
+Pleasaunce, pleasure,<br/>
+Plenour, complete,<br/>
+Plump, sb., cluster,<br/>
+Pointling, aiming,<br/>
+Pont, bridge,<br/>
+Port, gate,<br/>
+Posseded, possessed,<br/>
+Potestate, governor,<br/>
+Precessours, predecessors,<br/>
+Press, throng,<br/>
+Pretendeth, belongs to,<br/>
+Pricker, hard rider,<br/>
+Pricking, spurring,<br/>
+Prime, A.M.,<br/>
+Prise, capture,<br/>
+Puissance, power,<br/>
+Purfle, trimming,<br/>
+Purfled, embroidered,<br/>
+Purvey, provide,<br/>
+<br/>
+Quarrels, arrowheads,<br/>
+Questing, barking,<br/>
+Quick, alive,<br/>
+Quit, repaid,; acquitted, behaved,<br/>
+<br/>
+Raced (rased), tore,<br/>
+Rack (of bulls), herd,<br/>
+Raines, a town in Brittany famous for its cloth,<br/>
+Ramping, raging,<br/>
+Range, rank, station,<br/>
+Ransacked, searched,<br/>
+Rashed, fell headlong,<br/>
+Rashing, rushing,<br/>
+Rasing, rushing,<br/>
+Rasure,<br/>
+Raundon, impetuosity,<br/>
+Rear, raise,<br/>
+Rechate, note of recall,<br/>
+Recomforted, comforted, cheered,<br/>
+Recounter, rencontre, encounter,<br/>
+Recover, rescue,<br/>
+Rede, advise, ; sb., counsel,<br/>
+Redounded, glanced back,<br/>
+Religion, religious order,<br/>
+Reneye, deny,<br/>
+Report, refer,<br/>
+Resemblaunt; semblance,<br/>
+Retrayed, drew back,<br/>
+Rightwise, rightly,<br/>
+Rivage, shore,<br/>
+Romed, roared,<br/>
+Roted, practised,<br/>
+Rove, cleft,<br/>
+Rownsepyk, a branch,<br/>
+<br/>
+Sacring, consecrating,<br/>
+Sad, serious,<br/>
+Sadly, heartily, earnestly,<br/>
+Salle, room,<br/>
+Samite, silk stuff with gold or silver<br/>
+threads,<br/>
+Sangreal, Holy Grail,<br/>
+Sarps, girdles,<br/>
+Saw, proverb,<br/>
+Scathes, harms, hurts,<br/>
+icripture, writing,<br/>
+Search, probe wounds,<br/>
+Selar, canopy,<br/>
+Semblable, like,<br/>
+Semblant, semblance,<br/>
+Sendal, fine cloth,<br/>
+Sennight, week,<br/>
+Servage, slavery,<br/>
+Sewer, officer who set on dishes and tasted them,<br/>
+Shaft-mon, handbreadth,<br/>
+Shaw, thicket,<br/>
+Sheef, thrust,<br/>
+Sheer-Thursday, Thursday in Holy Week,<br/>
+Shend, harm,<br/>
+Shenship, disgrace,<br/>
+Shent, undone, blamed,<br/>
+Shour, attack,<br/>
+Shrew, rascal,<br/>
+Shrewd, knavish,<br/>
+Sib, akin to,<br/>
+Sideling, sideways,<br/>
+Siege, seat,<br/>
+Signified, likened,<br/>
+Siker, sure,<br/>
+Sikerness, assurance,<br/>
+Sith, since,<br/>
+Sithen, afterwards, since,<br/>
+Skift, changed,<br/>
+Slade, valley,<br/>
+Slake, glen,<br/>
+Soil (to go to), hunting term for taking the water,<br/>
+Sonds, messages,<br/>
+Sort, company,<br/>
+Sperd, bolted,<br/>
+Spere, ask, inquire,<br/>
+Spered, asked,<br/>
+Sperhawk, sparrowhawk,<br/>
+Sprent, sprinkled,<br/>
+Stale, station,<br/>
+Stark, thoroughly,<br/>
+Stead, place,<br/>
+Stert, started, rose quickly,<br/>
+Steven, appointment,; steven ser. appointment made,<br/>
+Steven, voice,<br/>
+Stigh, path,<br/>
+Stilly, silently,<br/>
+Stint, fixed revenue,<br/>
+Stonied, astonished,; became confused,<br/>
+Stour, battle,<br/>
+Strain, race, descent,<br/>
+Strait, narrow,<br/>
+Straked, blew a horn,<br/>
+Sue, pursue,<br/>
+Sued, pursued,<br/>
+Surcingles, saddle girths,<br/>
+Swang, swung,<br/>
+Sweven, dream,<br/>
+Swough, sound of wind,<br/>
+<br/>
+Talent, desire,<br/>
+Tallages, taxes,<br/>
+Tallies, taxes,<br/>
+Tamed, crushed,<br/>
+Tatches, qualities,<br/>
+Tene, sorrow,<br/>
+Term, period of time,<br/>
+Thilk, that same,<br/>
+Tho, then,<br/>
+Thrang, pushed,<br/>
+Thrulled, pushed,<br/>
+Till, to,<br/>
+To-brast, burst,<br/>
+To-fore, before,<br/>
+To-morn, to-morrow,<br/>
+Took, gave,<br/>
+To-rove, broke up,<br/>
+To-shivered, broken to pieces,<br/>
+Traced, advanced and retreated,<br/>
+Trains, devices, wiles,<br/>
+Trasing, pressing forward,<br/>
+Travers (met at), came across,<br/>
+Traverse, slantwise,<br/>
+Traversed, moved sideways,<br/>
+Tray, grief,<br/>
+Treatise, treaty,<br/>
+Tree, timber,<br/>
+Trenchant, cutting, sharp,<br/>
+Tres:, hunting term,<br/>
+Truage, tribute,<br/>
+Trussed, packed,<br/>
+<br/>
+Ubblie, wafer, Host,<br/>
+Umbecast, cast about,<br/>
+Umberere, the part of the helmet which shaded the eyes,<br/>
+Umbre, shade,<br/>
+Unavised, thoughtlessly,<br/>
+Uncouth, strange,<br/>
+Underne, - A.M.,<br/>
+Ungoodly, rudely,<br/>
+Unhappy, unlucky,<br/>
+Unhilled, uncovered,<br/>
+Unr the, scarcely,<br/>
+Unsicker, unstable,<br/>
+Unwimpled, uncovered,<br/>
+Unwrast, untwisted, unbound,<br/>
+Upright, flat on the back,<br/>
+Up-so-down, upside down,<br/>
+Ure, usage,<br/>
+Utas, octave of a festival,<br/>
+Utterance, uttermost,<br/>
+<br/>
+Varlet, servant,<br/>
+Venery, hunting,<br/>
+Ven ails, breathing holes,<br/>
+Villain, man of low birth,<br/>
+Visors, the perforated parts of helmets,<br/>
+Voided, slipped away from,<br/>
+<br/>
+Wagging, shaking,<br/>
+Waited, watched,<br/>
+Waits, watches,<br/>
+Wallop, gallop,<br/>
+Wanhope, despair,<br/>
+Wap, ripple,<br/>
+Ware, aware,<br/>
+Warison, reward,<br/>
+Warn, forbid, refuse,<br/>
+Weeds, garments,<br/>
+Weltered, rolled about,<br/>
+Wend, thought,<br/>
+Wer-wolf, a man turned into a wolf by magic,<br/>
+Where, whereas,<br/>
+Wide-where, over wide space,<br/>
+Wield, possess, have power over,<br/>
+Wield himself, come to himself,<br/>
+Wight, brave, strong,<br/>
+Wightly, swiftly,<br/>
+Wildsome, desolate,<br/>
+Wimpled, with the head covered,<br/>
+Win, make way,<br/>
+Wite, v., blame,<br/>
+Within-forth, on the inside,<br/>
+Without-forth, on the outside,<br/>
+Wittiest, cleverest,<br/>
+Wittily, cleverly,<br/>
+Witting, knowledge,<br/>
+Wold or nold, would or would not,<br/>
+Wonder, adj., wondrous,<br/>
+Wonder, adv., wondrously,<br/>
+Wonderly, wonderfully,<br/>
+Wood, mad,<br/>
+Woodness, madness,<br/>
+Wood shaw, thicket of the wood,<br/>
+Worship, honour,<br/>
+Worshipped, cause to be honoured,<br/>
+Worts, roots,<br/>
+Wot, know,<br/>
+Wrack, destruction,<br/>
+Wroken, wreaked,<br/>
+Wrothe, twisted,<br/>
+<br/>
+Yede, ran,<br/>
+Yelden, yielded,<br/>
+Yerde, stick, stem,<br/>
+Yode, went,<br/>
+Yolden, yielded,<br/>
+Y-wis, certainly,<br/>
+<br/>
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<pre>
+
+
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+
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diff --git a/old/old/1mart10.txt b/old/old/1mart10.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f401522
--- /dev/null
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+Project Gutenberg's Etext of Le Mort d'Arthur, by Thomas Malory
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+
+Le Morte Darthur
+
+Sir Thomas Malory's Book of
+King Arthur and of his Noble
+Knights of the Round Table
+
+IN TWO VOLS.--VOL. I
+
+
+
+BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
+
+THE Morte Darthur was finished, as the epilogue tells us, in the
+ninth year of Edward IV., i.e. between March 4, 1469 and the same
+date in 1470.  It is thus, fitly enough, the last important
+English book written before the introduction of printing into
+this country, and since no manuscript of it has come down to us
+it is also the first English classic for our knowledge of which
+we are entirely dependent on a printed text.  Caxton's story of
+how the book was brought to him and he was induced to print it
+may be read farther on in his own preface.  From this we learn
+also that he was not only the printer of the book, but to some
+extent its editor also, dividing Malory's work into twenty-one
+books, splitting up the books into chapters, by no means
+skilfully, and supplying the ``Rubrish'' or chapter-headings.  It
+may be added that Caxton's preface contains, moreover, a brief
+criticism which, on the points on which it touches, is still the
+soundest and most sympathetic that has been written.
+
+Caxton finished his edition the last day of July 1485, some
+fifteen or sixteen years after Malory wrote his epilogue.  It is
+clear that the author was then dead, or the printer would not
+have acted as a clumsy editor to the book, and recent discoveries
+(if bibliography may, for the moment, enlarge its bounds to
+mention such matters) have revealed with tolerable certainty when
+Malory died and who he was.  In letters to The Athenaeum in July
+1896 Mr. T. Williams pointed out that the name of a Sir Thomas
+Malorie occurred among those of a number of other Lancastrians
+excluded from a general pardon granted <vi>by Edward IV. in 1468,
+and that a William Mallerye was mentioned in the same year as
+taking part in a Lancastrian rising.  In September 1897, again,
+in another letter to the same paper, Mr. A. T. Martin reported
+the finding of the will of a Thomas Malory of Papworth, a hundred
+partly in Cambridgeshire, partly in Hunts.  This will was made on
+September 16, 1469, and as it was proved the 27th of the next
+month the testator must have been in immediate expectation of
+death.  It contains the most careful provision for the education
+and starting in life of a family of three daughters and seven
+sons, of whom the youngest seems to have been still an infant. 
+We cannot say with certainty that this Thomas Malory, whose last
+thoughts were so busy for his children, was our author, or that
+the Lancastrian knight discovered by Mr. Williams was identical
+with either or both, but such evidence as the Morte Darthur
+offers favours such a belief.  There is not only the epilogue
+with its petition, ``pray for me while I am alive that God send
+me good deliverance and when I am dead pray you all for my
+soul,'' but this very request is foreshadowed at the end of chap.
+37 of Book ix. in the touching passage, surely inspired by
+personal experience, as to the sickness ``that is the greatest
+pain a prisoner may have''; and the reflections on English
+fickleness in the first chapter of Book xxi., though the Wars of
+the Roses might have inspired them in any one, come most
+naturally from an author who was a Lancastrian knight.
+
+If the Morte Darthur was really written in prison and by a
+prisoner distressed by ill-health as well as by lack of liberty,
+surely no task was ever better devised to while away weary hours.
+Leaving abundant scope for originality in selection,
+modification, and arrangement, as a compilation and translation
+it had in it that mechanical element which adds the touch of
+restfulness to literary work.  No original, it is said, has yet
+been found for Book vii., and it is possible that none will ever
+be forthcoming for chap. 20 of Book xviii., which describes the
+arrival of the body of the Fair Maiden of Astolat at Arthur's
+court, or <vii>for chap. 25 of the same book, with its discourse
+on true love; but the great bulk of the work has been traced
+chapter by chapter to the ``Merlin'' of Robert de Borron and his
+successors (Bks. i.-iv.), the English metrical romance La Morte
+Arthur of the Thornton manuscript (Bk. v.), the French romances
+of Tristan (Bks. viii.-x.) and of Launcelot (Bks. vi., xi.-xix.),
+and lastly to the English prose Morte Arthur of Harley MS. 2252
+(Bks. xviii., xx., xxi.).  As to Malory's choice of his
+authorities critics have not failed to point out that now and
+again he gives a worse version where a better has come down to
+us, and if he had been able to order a complete set of Arthurian
+manuscripts from his bookseller, no doubt he would have done even
+better than he did!  But of the skill, approaching to original
+genius, with which he used the books from which he worked there
+is little dispute.
+
+Malory died leaving his work obviously unrevised, and in this
+condition it was brought to Caxton, who prepared it for the press
+with his usual enthusiasm in the cause of good literature, and
+also, it must be added, with his usual carelessness.  New
+chapters are sometimes made to begin in the middle of a sentence,
+and in addition to simple misprints there are numerous passages
+in which it is impossible to believe that we have the text as
+Malory intended it to stand.  After Caxton's edition Malory's
+manuscript must have disappeared, and subsequent editions are
+differentiated only by the degree of closeness with which they
+follow the first.  Editions appeared printed by Wynkyn de Worde
+in 1498 and 1529, by William Copland in 1559, by Thomas East
+about 1585, and by Thomas Stansby in 1634, each printer
+apparently taking the text of his immediate predecessor and
+reproducing it with modifications.  Stansby's edition served for
+reprints in 1816 and 1856 (the latter edited by Thomas Wright);
+but in 1817 an edition supervised by Robert Southey went back to
+Caxton's text, though to a copy (only two are extant, and only
+one perfect!) in which eleven leaves were supplied from Wynkyn de
+Worde's reprint. In 1868 Sir Edward <viii>Strachey produced for
+the present publishers a reprint of Southey's text in modern
+spelling, with the substitution of current words for those now
+obsolete, and the softening of a handful of passages likely, he
+thought, to prevent the book being placed in the hands of boys. 
+In 1889 a boon was conferred on scholars by the publication of
+Dr. H. Oskar Sommer's page-for-page reprint of Caxton's text,
+with an elaborate discussion of Malory's sources.  Dr. Sommer's
+edition was used by Sir E. Strachey to revise his Globe text, and
+in 1897 Mr. Israel Gollancz produced for the ``Temple Classics''
+a very pretty edition in which Sir Edward Strachey's principles
+of modernisation in spelling and punctuation were adopted, but
+with the restoration of obsolete words and omitted phrases.  As
+to the present edition, Sir Edward Strachey altered with so
+sparing a hand that on many pages differences between his version
+and that here printed will be looked for in vain; but the most
+anxious care has been taken to produce a text modernised as to
+its spelling, but in other respects in accurate accordance with
+Caxton's text, as represented by Dr Sommer's reprint.  Obvious
+misprints have been silently corrected, but in a few cases notes
+show where emendations have been introduced from Wynkyn de
+Worde--not that Wynkyn had any more right to emend Caxton than
+we, but because even a printer's conjecture gains a little
+sanctity after four centuries.  The restoration of obsolete words
+has necessitated a much fuller glossary, and the index of names
+has therefore been separated from it and enlarged.  In its
+present form the index is the work of Mr. Henry Littlehales.
+    A. W. POLLARD.
+
+
+PREFACE OF WILLIAM CAXTON
+
+AFTER that I had accomplished and finished divers histories, as
+well of contemplation as of other historial and worldly acts of
+great conquerors and princes, and also certain books of ensamples
+and doctrine, many noble and divers gentlemen of this realm of
+England came and demanded me many and oft times, wherefore that I
+have not do made and imprint the noble history of the Saint
+Greal, and of the most renowned Christian king, first and chief
+of the three best Christian, and worthy, King Arthur, which ought
+most to be remembered among us Englishmen to-fore all other
+Christian kings; for it is notoyrly known through the universal
+world, that there be nine worthy and the best that ever were,
+that is to wit, three Paynims, three Jews, and three Christian
+men.  As for the Paynims, they were to-fore the Incarnation of
+Christ, which were named, the first Hector of Troy, of whom the
+history is comen both in ballad and in prose, the second
+Alexander the Great, and the third Julius Caesar, Emperor of
+Rome, of whom the histories be well known and had.  And as for
+the three Jews, which also were to-fore the incarnation of our
+Lord, of whom the first was duke Joshua which brought the
+children of Israel into the land of behest, the second David king
+of Jerusalem, and the third Judas Machabeus, of these three the
+Bible rehearseth all their noble histories and acts.  And since
+the said Incarnation <x>have been three noble Christian men,
+stalled and admitted through the universal world into the number
+of the nine best and worthy.  Of whom was first the noble Arthur,
+whose noble acts I purpose to write in this present book here
+following.  The second was Charlemain, or Charles the Great, of
+whom the history is had in many places, both in French and in
+English.  And the third and last was Godfrey of Boloine, of whose
+acts and life I made a book unto the excellent prince and king of
+noble memory, King Edward the Fourth.
+
+The said noble gentlemen instantly required me to imprint the
+history of the said noble king and conqueror King Arthur, and of
+his knights, with the history of the Saint Greal, and of the
+death and ending of the said Arthur; affirming that I ought
+rather to imprint his acts and noble feats, than of Godfrey of
+Boloine, or any of the other eight, considering that he was a man
+born within this realm, and king and emperor of the same: and
+that there be in French divers and many noble volumes of his
+acts, and also of his knights.  To whom I answered that divers
+men hold opinion that there was no such Arthur, and that all such
+books as been made of him be feigned and fables, because that
+some chronicles make of him no mention, nor remember him nothing,
+nor of his knights.  Whereto they answered, and one in special
+said, that in him that should say or think that there was never
+such a king called Arthur might well be aretted great folly and
+blindness.  For he said that there were many evidences of the
+contrary.  First ye may see his sepulchre in the monastery of
+Glastonbury.  And also in Policronicon, in the fifth book the
+sixth chapter, and in the seventh book the twenty-third chapter,
+where his body was buried, and after found, and translated into
+the said monastery.  Ye shall see also in the history of Bochas,
+in his book De Casu Principum, part of his noble <xi>acts, and
+also of his fall.  Also Galfridus in his British book recounteth
+his life: and in divers places of England many remembrances be
+yet of him, and shall remain perpetually, and also of his
+knights.  First in the abbey of Westminster, at St. Edward's
+shrine, remaineth the print of his seal in red wax closed in
+beryl, in which is written, Patricius Arthurus Britannie, Gallie,
+Germanie, Dacie, Imperator.  Item in the castle of Dover ye may
+see Gawaine's skull, and Cradok's mantle: at Winchester the Round
+Table: in other places Launcelot's sword and many other things. 
+Then all these things considered, there can no man reasonably
+gainsay but there was a king of this land named Arthur.  For in
+all places, Christian and heathen, he is reputed and taken for
+one of the nine worthy, and the first of the three Christian men. 
+And also, he is more spoken of beyond the sea, more books made of
+his noble acts, than there be in England, as well in Dutch,
+Italian, Spanish, and Greekish, as in French.  And yet of record
+remain in witness of him in Wales, in the town of Camelot, the
+great stones and the marvellous works of iron lying under the
+ground, and royal vaults, which divers now living have seen. 
+Wherefore it is a marvel why he is no more renowned in his own
+country, save only it accordeth to the Word of God, which saith
+that no man is accepted for a prophet in his own country.
+
+Then all these things aforesaid alleged, I could not well deny
+but that there was such a noble king named Arthur, and reputed
+one of the nine worthy, and first and chief of the Christian men. 
+And many noble volumes be made of him and of his noble knights in
+French, which I have seen and read beyond the sea, which be not
+had in our maternal tongue.  But in Welsh be many and also in
+French, and some in English but nowhere nigh all.  Wherefore,
+such as have late been drawn out briefly into English I have
+after the simple conning that God hath sent to me, under <xii>the
+favour and correction of all noble lords and gentlemen, enprised
+to imprint a book of the noble histories of the said King Arthur,
+and of certain of his knights, after a copy unto me delivered,
+which copy Sir Thomas Malorye did take out of certain books of
+French, and reduced it into English.  And I, according to my
+copy, have done set it in imprint, to the intent that noble men
+may see and learn the noble acts of chivalry, the gentle and
+virtuous deeds that some knights used in those days, by which
+they came to honour, and how they that were vicious were punished
+and oft put to shame and rebuke; humbly beseeching all noble
+lords and ladies, with all other estates of what estate or degree
+they been of, that shall see and read in this said book and work,
+that they take the good and honest acts in their remembrance, and
+to follow the same.  Wherein they shall find many joyous and
+pleasant histories, and noble and renowned acts of humanity,
+gentleness, and chivalry.  For herein may be seen noble chivalry,
+courtesy, humanity, friendliness, hardiness, love, friendship,
+cowardice, murder, hate, virtue, and sin. Do after the good and
+leave the evil, and it shall bring you to good fame and renown. 
+And for to pass the time this book shall be pleasant to read in,
+but for to give faith and belief that all is true that is
+contained herein, ye be at your liberty: but all is written for
+our doctrine, and for to beware that we fall not to vice nor sin,
+but to exercise and follow virtue, by which we may come and
+attain to good fame and renown in this life, and after this short
+and transitory life to come unto everlasting bliss in heaven; the
+which He grant us that reigneth in heaven, the blessed Trinity. 
+Amen.
+
+Then to proceed forth in this said book, which I direct unto all
+noble princes, lords and ladies, gentlemen or gentlewomen, that
+desire to read or hear read of the noble and joyous history of
+the great conqueror and excellent <xiii>king, King Arthur,
+sometime king of this noble realm, then called Britain; I,
+William Caxton, simple person, present this book following, which
+I have enprised to imprint: and treateth of the noble acts, feats
+of arms of chivalry, prowess, hardiness, humanity, love,
+courtesy, and very gentleness, with many wonderful histories and
+adventures.  And for to understand briefly the content of this
+volume, I have divided it into XXI Books, and every book
+chaptered, as hereafter shall by God's grace follow.  The First
+Book shall treat how Uther Pendragon gat the noble conqueror King
+Arthur, and containeth xxviii chapters.  The Second Book treateth
+of Balin the noble knight, and containeth xix chapters.  The
+Third Book treateth of the marriage of King Arthur to Queen
+Guenever, with other matters, and containeth xv chapters.  The
+Fourth Book, how Merlin was assotted, and of war made to King
+Arthur, and containeth xxix chapters.  The Fifth Book treateth of
+the conquest of Lucius the emperor, and containeth xii chapters. 
+The Sixth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel, and
+marvellous adventures, and containeth xviii chapters.  The
+Seventh Book treateth of a noble knight called Sir Gareth, and
+named by Sir Kay Beaumains, and containeth xxxvi chapters.  The
+Eighth Book treateth of the birth of Sir Tristram the noble
+knight, and of his acts, and containeth xli chapters.  The Ninth
+Book treateth of a knight named by Sir Kay Le Cote Male Taille,
+and also of Sir Tristram, and containeth xliv chapters.  The
+Tenth Book treateth of Sir Tristram, and other marvellous
+adventures, and containeth lxxxviii chapters.  The Eleventh Book
+treateth of Sir Launcelot and Sir Galahad, and containeth xiv
+chapters.  The Twelfth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and his
+madness, and containeth xiv chapters.  The Thirteenth Book
+treateth how Galahad came first to king Arthur's court, and the
+quest how the Sangreal was begun, and containeth xx chapters. 
+The Fourteenth Book <xiv>treateth of the quest of the Sangreal,
+and containeth x chapters.  The Fifteenth Book treateth of Sir
+Launcelot, and containeth vi chapters.  The Sixteenth Book
+treateth of Sir Bors and Sir Lionel his brother, and containeth
+xvii chapters.  The Seventeenth Book treateth of the Sangreal,
+and containeth xxiii chapters.  The Eighteenth Book treateth of
+Sir Launcelot and the queen, and containeth xxv chapters.  The
+Nineteenth Book treateth of Queen Guenever and Launcelot, and
+containeth xiii chapters.  The Twentieth Book treateth of the
+piteous death of Arthur, and containeth xxii chapters.  The
+Twenty-first Book treateth of his last departing, and how Sir
+Launcelot came to revenge his death, and containeth xiii
+chapters.  The sum is twenty-one books, which contain the sum of
+five hundred and seven chapters, as more plainly shall follow
+hereafter.
+
+
+
+ The Table or Rubrysshe
+of the
+Content of Chapters
+
+Shortly of the First Book of King Arthur.
+
+How Uther Pendragon sent for the duke of Cornwall and Igraine his
+    wife, and of their departing suddenly again. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chap. i.
+How Uther Pendragon made war on the duke of Cornwall, and
+    how by the mean of Merlin he lay by the duchess and gat
+    Arthur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chap. ii.
+Of the birth of King Arthur and of his nurture . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chap. iii.
+And of the death of King Uther Pendragon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chap. iv.
+And how Arthur was chosen king, and of wonders and marvels of a
+    sword taken out of a stone by the said Arthur. . . . . . . . . . . . . Chap. v.
+How King Arthur pulled out the sword divers times. . . . . . . . . . . . .Chap. vi.
+How King Arthur was crowned, and how he made officers. . . . . . . . . . Chap. vii.
+How King Arthur held in Wales, at a Pentecost, a great feast, and
+    what kings and lords came to his feast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chap. viii.
+Of the first war that King Arthur had, and how he won the field
+     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chap. ix.
+How Merlin counselled King Arthur to send for King Ban and King
+    Bors, and of their counsel taken for the war . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chap. x.
+Of a great tourney made by King Arthur and the two kings Ban and
+    Bors, and how they went over the sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chap. xi.
+How eleven kings gathered a great host against King Arthur . . . . . . . Chap. xii.
+Of a dream of the King with the Hundred Knights. . . . . . . . . . . . .Chap. xiii.
+
+<xvi>
+How the eleven kings with their host fought against Arthur and his
+    host, and many great feats of the war . . Chap. xiv.
+Yet of the same battle . . . . . Chap. xv.
+[Yet more of the same battle] . . . . Chap. xvi.
+Yet more of the said battle, and how it was ended by Merlin
+                                        Chap. xvii.
+How King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors rescued King Leodegrance,
+   and other incidents . . . . Chap. xviii.
+How King Arthur rode to Carlion, and of his dream, and how he saw the
+   Questing Beast . . . . Chap. xix.
+How King Pellinore took Arthur's horse and followed the Questing Beast,
+   and how Merlin met with Arthur . . Chap. xx.
+How Ulfius impeached Queen Igraine, Arthur's mother, of treason; and how
+   a knight came and desired to have the death of his master revenged .
+.
+   . . . Chap. xxi.
+How Griflet was made knight, and jousted with a knight Chap. xxii.
+
+How twelve knights came from Rome and asked truage for this land of
+   Arthur, and how Arthur fought with a knight . Chap. xxiii.
+How Merlin saved Arthur's life, and threw an enchantment on King
+   Pellinore and made him to sleep . . . Chap. xxiv.
+How Arthur by the mean of Merlin gat Excalibur his sword of the Lady of
+   the Lake . . . . . Chap. xxv.
+How tidings came to Arthur that King Rience had overcome eleven kings,
+   and how he desired Arthur's beard to trim his mantle
+                                         Chap. xxvi.
+How all the children were sent for that were born on May-day, and how
+   Mordred was saved . . . . Chap. xxvii.
+
+The Second Book.
+
+Of a damosel which came girt with a sword for to find a man of such 
+    virtue to draw it out of the scabbard . . Chap. i.
+How Balin, arrayed like a poor knight, pulled out the sword, which
+   afterward was cause of his death . . . Chap. ii.
+How the Lady of the Lake demanded the knight's head that had won the
+   sword, or the maiden's head . . . Chap. iii.
+How Merlin told the adventure of this damosel . Chap. iv.
+How Balin was pursued by Sir Lanceor, knight of Ireland, and how he
+   jousted and slew him . . . . Chap. v.
+
+How a damosel, which was love to Lanceor, slew herself for love, and
+            how Balin met with his brother Balan    .      .   Chap. vi.
+<xvii>
+How a dwarf reproved Balin for the death of Lanceor, and how King
+   Mark of Cornwall found them, and made a tomb over them
+
+                                          Chap. vii.
+
+How Merlin prophesied that two the best knights of the world should
+   fight there, which were Sir Lancelot and Sir Tristram Chap. viii.
+
+How Balin and his brother, by the counsel of Merlin, took King
+   Rience and brought him to King Arthur . . Chap. ix.
+
+How King Arthur had a battle against Nero and King Lot of Orkney,
+   and how King Lot was deceived by Merlin, and how twelve
+   kings were slain . . . . . Chap. x.
+
+Of the interment of twelve kings, and of the prophecy of Merlin, and
+   how Balin should give the dolorous stroke . Chap. xi.
+
+How a sorrowful knight came before Arthur, and how Balin fetched
+   him, and how that knight was slain by a knight invisible 
+
+                                          Chap. xii.
+
+How Balin and the damosel met with a knight which was in likewise
+   slain, and how the damosel bled for the custom of a castle
+
+                                         Chap. xiii.
+
+
+How Balin met with that knight named Garlon at a feast, and there
+   he slew him, to have his blood to heal therewith the son of his
+   host . . . . . . Chap. xiv.
+
+How Balin fought with King Pellam, and how his sword brake, and
+   how he gat a spear wherewith he smote the dolorous stroke
+
+                                          Chap. xv.
+
+How Balin was delivered by Merlin, and saved a knight that would
+   have slain himself for love . . . Chap. xvi.
+
+How that knight slew his love and a knight lying by her, and after,
+   how he slew himself with his own sword, and how Balin rode
+   toward a castle where he lost his life . . Chap. xvii.
+
+How Balin met with his brother Balan, and how each of them slew
+   other unknown, till they were wounded to death . Chap. xviii.
+
+How Merlin buried them both in one tomb, and of Balin's sword
+
+                                         Chap. YiX.
+
+
+Here follow the Chapters of the Third Book.
+
+How King Arthur took a wife, and wedded Guenever, daughter to
+   Leodegrance, King of the Land of Cameliard, with whom he had
+   the Round Table . . . . . Chap. i.
+
+How the Knights of the Round Table were ordained and their sieges
+   blessed by the Bishop of Canterbury . . Chap. ii.
+
+How a poor man, riding upon a lean mare, desired King Arthur to
+
+            make his son knight     .     .     .   .Chap. iii.
+<xviii>
+How Sir Tor was known for son of King Pellinore, and how Gawaine was
+   made knight . . . . . Chap. iv.
+How at the feast of the wedding of King Arthur to Guenever, a white hart
+   came into the hall, and thirty couple hounds, and how a brachet
+   pinched the hart, which was taken away . Chap. v.
+How Sir Gawaine rode for to fetch again the hart, and how two brethren
+   fought each against other for the hart . Chap. vi.
+How the hart was chased into a castle and there slain, and how Sir
+   Galraine slew a lady . . . . Chap. vii.
+How four knights fought against Sir Gawaine and Gaheris, and how they
+   were overcome, and their lives saved at the request of four ladies .
+.
+   . . . . Chap. viii.
+How Sir Tor rode after the knight with the brachet, and of his adventure
+by
+   the way . . . . Chap. ix.
+How Sir Tor found the brachet with a lady, and how a knight assailed him
+   for the said brachet . . . . Chap. x.
+How Sir Tor overcame the knight, and how he lost his head at the request
+   of a lady . . . . . Chap. xi.
+How King Pellinore rode after the lady and the knight that led her away,
+   and how a lady desired help of him, and how he fought with two
+   knights for that lady, of whom he slew the one at the first stroke .
+. . . .
+   Chap. xii.
+How King Pellinore gat the lady and brought her to Camelot to the court
+of
+   King Arthur . . . . Chap. xiii.
+
+How on the way he heard two knights, as he lay by night in a valley, and
+of
+   other adventures . . . . Chap. xiv.
+How when he was come to Camelot he was sworn upon a book to tell the
+   truth of his quest . . . . Chap. xv.
+
+
+Here follow the Chapters of the Fourth Book.
+
+How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of the ladies of the lake, and
+   how he was shut in a rock under a stone and there died
+                                           Chap. i.
+
+How five kings came into this land to war against King Arthur, and what
+   counsel Arthur had against them . . Chap. ii.
+How King Arthur had ado with them and overthrew them, and slew the five
+   kings and made the remnant to flee . Chap. iii.
+How the battle was finished or he came, and how King Arthur founded an
+   abbey where the battle was . . . - Chap. iv.
+How Sir Tor was made knight of the Round Table, and how Bagdemagus
+   was displeased    .     .     .    .Chap. v.
+
+<xix>
+How King Arthur, King Uriens, and Sir Accolon of Gaul, chased an hart,
+   and of their marvellous adventures . . Chap. vi.
+How Arthur took upon him to fight to be delivered out of prison, and
+also
+   for to deliver twenty knights that were in prison Chap. vii.
+How Accolon found himself by a well, and he took upon him to do battle
+   against Arthur . . . . Chap. viii.
+Of the battle between King Arthur and Accolon . Chap. ix.
+How King Arthur's sword that he fought with brake, and how he recovered
+   of Accolon his own sword Excalibur, and overcame his enemy . . . . .
+   . Chap. x.
+How Accolon confessed the treason of Morgan le Fays King Arthur's
+   sister, and how she would have done slay him . Chap. Yi.
+
+How Arthur accorded the two brethren, and delivered the twenty knights,
+   and how Sir Accolon died . . Chap. Yii.
+
+How Morgan would have slain Sir Uriens her husband, and how Sir
+   Uwaine her son saved him . . . Chap. xiii.
+How Queen Morgan le Fay made great sorrow f-or the death of Accolon,
+   and how she stole away the scabbard from Arthur . Chap. YiV.
+
+How Morgan le Fay saved a knight that should have been drowned, and
+   how King Arthur returned home again . Chap. xv.
+How the Damosel of the Lake saved King Arthur from a mantle which
+   should have burnt him . . . . Chap. xvi.
+How Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine met with twelve fair damosels, and how
+   they complained on Sir Marhaus . . Chap. YVii.
+
+How Sir Marhaus jousted with Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine, and
+   overthrew them both . . . . Chap. xviii.
+How Sir Marhaus, Sir Gawaine, and Sir Uwaine met three damosels, and
+   each of them took one . . . Chap. YiX.
+
+How a knight and a dwarf strove for a lady . . Chap. xx.
+How King Pelleas suffered himself to be taken prisoner because he would
+   have a sight of his lady, and how Sir Gawaine promised him to get to
+   him the love of his lady . . Chap. xxi.
+How Sir Gawaine came to the Lady Ettard, and how Sir Pelleas found
+   them sleeping . . . . . Chap. xxii.
+How Sir Pelleas loved no more Ettard by the mean of the Damosel of the
+   Lake, whom he loved ever after . . Chap. xxiii.
+How Sir Marhaus rode with the damosel, and how he came to the Duke of
+   the South Marches . . . Chap. xxiv.
+
+How Sir Marhaus fought with the duke and his four sons and made them
+   to yield them . . . . Chap. xxv.
+How Sir Uwaine rode with the damosel of sixty year of age, and how
+   he gat the prize at tourneying      . .        .   Chap. xxvi.
+
+<xx>
+How Sir Uwaine fought with two knights and overcame them
+                                        Chap. xxvii.
+
+How at the year's end all three knights with their three damosels met
+    at the fountain . . . . . Chap. xxviii.
+
+
+Of the Fifth Book the Chapters follow.
+
+How twelve aged ambassadors of Rome came to King Arthur to demand
+   truage for Britain. . . . . Chap. i.
+How the kings and lords promised to King Arthur aid and help against the
+   Romans . . . . . Chap. ii.
+How King Arthur held a parliament at York, and how he ordained the
+   realm should be governed in his absence . Chap. iii.
+How King Arthur being shipped and lying in his cabin had a marvellous
+   dream and of the exposition thereof . . Chap. iv.
+How a man of the country told to him of a marvellous giant, and how he
+   fought and conquered him . . . Chap. v.
+How King Arthur sent Sir Gawaine and other to Lucius, and how they were
+   assailed and escaped with worship . Chap. vi.
+How Lucius sent certain spies in a bushment for to have taken his
+knights
+   being prisoners, and how they were letted Chap. vii.
+How a senator told to Lucius of their discomfiture, and also of the
+great
+   battle between Arthur and Lucius . . Chap. viii.
+How Arthur, after he had achieved the battle against the Romans, entered
+   into Almaine, and so into Italy . . Chap. ix.
+Of a battle done by Gawaine against a Saracen, which after was yielden
+   and became Christian . . . Chap. x.
+How the Saracens came out of a wood for to rescue their beasts, and of a
+   great battle . . . . . Chap. xi.
+How Sir Gawaine returned to King Arthur with his prisoners, and how the
+   King won a city, and how he was crowned Emperor
+                                         Chap. Xii.
+
+
+Here follow the Chapters of the Sixth Book.
+
+How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel departed from the court for to seek
+   adventures, and how Sir Lionel left him sleeping and was taken
+                                           Chap. i.
+
+How Sir Ector followed for to seek Sir Launcelot, and how he was
+
+            taken by Sir Turquine   .     .     .   .Chap. ii.
+
+<xxi>
+
+How four queens found Launcelot sleeping, and how by enchantment
+   he was taken and led into a castle . . Chap. iii.
+
+How Sir Launcelot was delivered by the mean of a damosel Chap. iv.
+
+How a knight found Sir Launcelot lying in his leman's bed, and how
+   Sir Launcelot fought with the knight . . Chap. v.
+
+How Sir Launcelot was received of King Bagdemagus' daughter, and
+   how he made his complaint to her father . . Chap. vi.
+
+How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a tournament, and how he met
+   with Sir Turquine leading Sir Gaheris . . Chap. vii.
+
+How Sir Launcelot and Sir Turquine fought together . Chap. viii.
+
+How Sir Turquine was slain, and how Sir Launcelot bade Sir Gaheris
+   deliver all the prisoners . . . . Chap. ix.
+
+How Sir Launcelot rode with a damosel and slew a knight that dis-
+   tressed all ladies and also a villain that kept a bridge Chap. x.
+
+How Sir Launcelot slew two giants, and made a castle free Chap. xi.
+
+How Sir Launcelot rode disguised in Sir Kay's harness, and how he
+   smote down a knight . . . . Chap. xii.
+
+How Sir Launcelot jousted against four knights of the Round Table
+   and overthrew them . . . . Chap. xiii.
+
+How Sir Launcelot followed a brachet into a castle, where he found a
+   dead knight, and how he after was required of a damosel to heal
+   her brother . . . . . Chap. xiv.
+
+How Sir Launcelot came into the Chapel Perilous and gat there of a
+   dead corpse a piece of the cloth and a sword . Chap. xv.
+
+How Sir Launcelot at the request of a lady recovered a falcon, by
+   which he was deceived . . . . Chap. xvi.
+
+How Sir Launcelot overtook a knight which chased his wife to have
+   slain her, and how he said to him . . . Chap. xvii.
+
+How Sir Launcelot came to King Arthur's Court, and how there were
+   recounted all his noble feats and acts . . Chap. xviii.
+
+Here follow the Chapters of the Seventh Book.
+
+How Beaumains came to King Arthur's court and demanded three
+   petitions of King Arthur . . . . Chap. i.
+
+How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine were wroth because Sir Kay
+   mocked Beaumains, and of a damosel which desired a knight to
+   fight for a lady . . . . . Chap. ii.
+
+How Beaumains desired the battle, and how it was granted to him, and
+
+         how he desired to be made knight of Sir Launcelot  Chap. iii.
+
+<xxii>
+How Beaumains departed, and how he gat of Sir Kay a spear and a shield,
+   and how he jousted with Sir Launcelot . Chap. iv.
+How Beaumains told to Sir Launcelot his name, and how he was dubbed
+
+   knight of Sir Launcelot, and after overtook the damosel
+                                           Chap. v.
+How Beaumains fought and slew two knights at a passage Chap. vi.
+How Beaumains fought with the Knight of the Black Launds, and fought
+   with him till he fell down and died . Chap. vii.
+How the brother of the knight that was slain met with Beaumains, and
+   fought with Beaumains till he was yielden . Chap. viii.
+How the damosel ever rebuked Beaumains, and would not suffer him to sit
+   at her table, but called him kitchen boy . Chap. ix.
+How the third brother, called the Red Knight, jousted and fought against
+   Beaumains, and how Beaumains overcame him Chap. x.
+How Sir Beaumains suffered great rebukes of the damosel, and he suffered
+   it patiently . . . . Chap. xi.
+How Beaumains fought with Sir Persant of Inde, and made him to be
+   yielden . . . . . . Chap. xii.
+Of the goodly communication between Sir Persant and Beaumains, and
+   how he told him that his name was Sir Gareth . Chap. xiii.
+How the lady that was besieged had word from her sister how she had
+   brought a knight to fight for her, and what battles he had achieved
+           Chap. xiv.
+How the damosel and Beaumains came to the siege, and came to a
+   sycamore tree, and there Beaumains blew a horn, and then the Knight
+   of the Red Launds came to fight with him Chap. xv.
+How the two knights met together, and of their talking, and how they
+began
+   their battle . . . . Chap. xvi.
+How after long fighting Beaumains overcame the knight and would have
+   slain him, but at the request of the lords he saved his life and made
+   him to yield him to the lady . . Chap. xvii.
+How the knight yielded him, and how Beaumains made him to go unto King
+   Arthur's court, and to cry Sir Launcelot mercy Chap. xviii.
+
+How Beaumains came to the lady, and when he came to the castle the
+   gates were closed against him, and of the words that the lady said to
+   him . . . . . . Chap. xix.
+
+How Sir Beaumains rode after to rescue his dwarf, and came into the
+   castle where he was . . . . Chap. xx.
+How Sir Gareth, otherwise called Beaumains, came to the presence of his
+   lady, and how they took acquaintance, and of their love
+
+                                          Chap. xxi.
+How at night came an armed knight, and fought with Sir Gareth, and he,
+sort
+   hurt in the thigh, smote off the knight's head Chap. xxii.
+
+<xxiii>
+How the said knight came again the next night and was beheaded
+   again, and how at the feast of Pentecost all the knights that Sir
+   Gareth had overcome came and yielded them to King Arthur
+
+                                         Chap. xxiii.
+
+How King Arthur pardoned them, and demanded of them where Sir
+   Gareth was . . . . . Chap. xxiv.
+
+How the Queen of Orkney came to this feast of Pentecost, and Sir
+   Gawaine and his brethren came to ask her blessing Chap. xxv.
+
+How King Arthur sent for the Lady Lionesse, and how she let cry a
+   tourney at her castle, whereas came many knights . Chap. XYVi.
+
+How King Arthur went to the tournament with his knights, and how
+   the lady received him worshipfully, and how the knights en-
+   countered . . . . . . Chap. xxvii.
+
+How the knights bare them in the battle . . Chap. xxviii.
+  Yet of the said tournament . . . . Chap. xxix.
+
+How Sir Gareth was espied by the heralds, and how he escaped out of
+   the field . . . . . . Chap. xxx.
+
+How Sir Gareth came to a castle where he was well lodged, and he
+   jousted with a knight and slew him . . Chap. xxxi.
+
+How Sir Gareth fought with a knight that held within his castle thirty
+   ladies, and how he slew him . . . Chap. xxxii.
+
+How Sir Gareth and Sir Gawaine fought each against other, and how
+   they knew each other by the damosel Linet . Chap. xxxiii.
+
+How Sir Gareth knowledged that they loved each other to King
+   Arthur, and of the appointment of their wedding . Chap. xxxiv.
+
+Of the Great Royalty, and what officers were made at the feast of the
+   wedding, and of the jousts at the feast . . Chap. xxxv.
+
+Here follow the Chapters of the Eighth Book.
+
+How Sir Tristram de Liones was born, and how his mother died at
+   his birth, wherefore she named him Tristram . Chap. i.
+
+How the stepmother of Sir Tristram had ordained poison for to have
+   poisoned Sir Tristram . . . . Chap. ii.
+
+How Sir Tristram was sent into France, and had one to govern him
+   named Gouvernail, and how he learned to harp, hawk, and hunt
+           Chap. iii.
+
+How Sir Marhaus came out of Ireland for to ask truage of Cornwall,
+   or else he would fight therefore . . . Chap. iv.
+
+How Tristram enterprized the battle to fight for the truage of Corn
+
+             wall, and how he was made knight    .    .Chap. v
+<xxiv>
+How Sir Tristram arrived into the Island for to furnish the battle with
+Sir
+   Marhaus . . . . . Chap. vi.
+How Sir Tristram fought against Sir Marhaus and achieved his battle, and
+   how Sir Marhaus fled to his ship . . Chap. vii.
+How Sir Marhaus after that he was arrived in Ireland died of the stroke
+that
+   Sir Tristram had given him, and how Tristram was hurt. . . . . . .
+Chap.
+   viii.
+How Sir Tristram was put to the keeping of La Beale Isoud first for to
+be
+   healed of his wound . . . Chap. ix.
+How Sir Tristram won the degree at a tournament in Ireland, and there
+   made Palamides to bear no harness in a year . Chap. x.
+How the queen espied that Sir Tristram had slain her brother Sir Marhaus
+   by his sword, and in what jeopardy he was Chap. xi.
+
+How Sir Tristram departed from the king and La Beale Isoud out of
+Ireland
+   for to come into Cornwall . . Chap. xii.
+How Sir Tristram and King Mark 11U ted each other for the love of a
+   knight's wife . . . . . Chap. xiii.
+How Sir Tristram lay with the lady, and how h er husband fought with Sir
+   Tristram . . . . Chap. xiv.
+How Sir Bleoberis demanded the fairest lady in King Mark's court, whom
+   he took away, and how he w as fought with. Chap. xv.
+
+How Sir Tristram fought with two knights of the Round Table
+
+                                          Chap. xvi.
+
+
+How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Bleoberis for a lady, and how the lady
+   was put to choice to whom she would go . Chap. xvii.
+How the lady forsook Sir Tristram and abode with Sir Bleoberis, and how
+   she desired to go to her husband . . Chap. xviii.
+How King Mark sent Sir Tristram for La Beale Isoud toward Ireland, and
+   how by fortune he arrived into England . Chap. xix.
+
+How King Anguish of Ireland was summoned to come to King Arthur's
+   court for treason . . . . Chap. xx.
+How Sir Tristram rescued a child from a knight, and how Gouvernail
+   told him of King Anguish . . . Chap. xxi.
+
+How Sir Tristram fought for Sir Anguish and overcame his adversary, and
+   how his adversary would never yield him . Chap. xxii.
+How Sir Blamore desired Tristram to slay him, and how Sir Tristram
+   spared him, and how they took appointment . Chap. xxiii.
+How Sir Tristram demanded La Beale Isoud for King Mark, and how Sir
+   Tristram and Isoud drank the love drink . Chap. xxiv.
+How Sir Tristram and Isoud were in prison, and how he fought for
+    her beauty, and smote off another lady's head  .   Chap. xxv.
+
+<xxv>
+How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Breunor, and at the last smote off his
+head
+   . . . . . . Chap. xxvi.
+How Sir Galahad fought with Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram yielded
+   him and promised to fellowship with Launcelot
+                                         Chap. xxvii.
+
+How Sir Launcelot met with Sir Carados bearing away Sir Gawaine, and
+   of the rescue of Sir Gawaine . . . Chap. xxviii.
+Of the wedding of King Mark to La Beale Isoud, and of Bragwaine her
+   maid, and of Palamides . . . Chap. xxix.
+How Palamides demanded Queen Isoud, and how Lambegus rode after to
+   rescue her, and of the escape of Isoud . Chap. xxx.
+How Sir Tristram rode after Palamides, and how he found him and fought
+   with him, and by the means of Isoud the battle ceased
+                                         Chap. xxxi.
+How Sir Tristram brought Queen Isoud home, and of the debate of King
+   Mark and Sir Tristram . . . Chap. xxxii.
+How Sir Lamorak jousted with thirty knights, and Sir Tristram at the
+   request of King Mark smote his horse down . Chap. xxxiii.
+How Sir Lamorak sent an horn to King Mark in despite of Sir Tristram,
+and
+   how Sir Tristram was driven into a chapel
+                                        Chap. xxxiv.
+How Sir Tristram was holpen by his men, and of Queen Isoud which was
+   put in a lazar-cote, and how Tristram was hurt Chap. xxxv.
+How Sir Tristram served in war King Howel of Brittany, and slew his
+   adversary in the field . . . . Chap. xxxvi.
+How Sir Suppinabiles told Sir Tristram how he was defamed in the court
+   of King Arthur, and of Sir Lamorak . Chap. xxxvii.
+How Sir Tristram and his wife arrived in Wales, and how he met there
+   with Sir Lamorak . . . . Chap. xxxviii.
+How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Nabon, and overcame him, and made Sir
+   Segwarides lord of the isle . . Chap. xxxix.
+How Sir Lamorak departed from Sir Tristram, and how he met with Sir
+   Frol, and after with Sir Launcelot . . Chap. xl.
+How Sir Lamorak slew Sir Frol, and of the courteous fighting with Sir
+   Belliance his brother . . . . Chap. xli.
+
+Here follow the Chapters of the Ninth Book.
+
+How a young man came into the court of King Arthur, and how Sir Kay
+   called him in scorn La Cote Male Taile . Chap. i.
+How a damosel came into the court and desired a knight to take on him an
+   enquest, which La Cote Male Taile emprised Chap. ii.
+
+<xxvi>
+How La Cote Male Taile overthrew Sir Dagonet the king's fool, and
+   of the rebuke that he had of the damosel . . Chap. iii.
+
+How La Cote Male Taile fought against an hundred knights, and how
+   he escaped by the mean of a lady . . . Chap. iv.
+
+How Sir Launcelot came to the court and heard of La Cote Male
+   Taile, and how he followed after him, and how La Cote Male
+   Taile was prisoner . . . . Chap. v.
+
+How Sir Launcelot fought with six knights, and after with Sir Brian,
+   and how he delivered the prisoners . . Chap. vi.
+
+How Sir Launcelot met with the damosel named Maledisant, and
+   named her the damosel Bienpensant . . Chap. vii.
+
+How La Cote Male Taile was taken prisoner, and after rescued by
+   Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot overcame four brethren
+
+                                         Chap. viii.
+
+How Sir Launcelot made La Cote Male Taile lord of the Castle of
+   Pendragon, and after was made knight of the Round Table
+
+                                           Chap. ix.
+
+How La Beale Isoud sent letters to Sir Tristram by her maid Brag-
+   waine, and of divers adventures of Sir Tristram . Chap. x.
+
+How Sir Tristram met with Sir Lamorak de Galis, and how they
+   fought, and after accorded never to fight together . Chap. si.
+
+How Sir Palomides followed the Questing Beast, and smote down Sir
+   Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one spear. . Chap. xii.
+
+How Sir Lamorak met with Sir Meliagaunce, and fought together for
+   the beauty of Dame Guenever . . . Chap. xiii.
+
+[How Sir Meliagaunce told for what cause they fought, and how Sir
+   Lamorak jousted with King Arthur] . . Chap. xiv.
+
+How Sir Kay met with Sir Tristram, and after of the shame spoken
+   of the knights of Cornwall, and how they jousted . Chap. xv.
+
+How King Arthur was brought into the Forest Perilous, and how Sir
+   Tristram saved his life . . . . Chap. xvi.
+
+How Sir Tristram came to La Beale Isoud, and how Kehydius began
+   to love Beale Isoud, and of a letter that Tristram found
+
+                                         Chap. xvii.
+
+How Sir Tristram departed from Tintagil, and how he sorrowed and
+   was so long in a forest till he was out of his mind . Chap. xviii.
+
+How Sir Tristram soused Dagonet in a well, and how Palomides sent
+   a damosel to seek Tristram, and how Palomides met with King
+   Mark . . . . . . Chap. xix.
+
+How it was noised how Sir Tristram was dead, and how La Beale
+            Isoud would have slain herself      .   .      .   Chap. xx.
+
+<xxvii>
+How King Mark found Sir Tristram naked, and made him to be
+   borne home to Tintagil, and how he was there known by a
+   brachet . . . . . . Chap. xxi.
+
+How King Mark, by the advice of his council, banished Sir Tristram
+   out of Cornwall the term of ten years. . . Chap. xxii.
+
+How a damosel sought help to help Sir Launcelot against thirty
+   knights, and how Sir Tristram fought with them . Chap. xxiii.
+
+How Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan came to a lodging where they
+   must joust with two knights . . . Chap. xxiv.
+
+How Sir Tristram jousted with Sir Kay and Sir Sagramore le
+   Desirous, and how Sir Gawaine turned Sir Tristram from
+   Morgan le Fay . . . . . Chap. xxv.
+
+How Sir Tristram and Sir Gawaine rode to have foughten with the
+   thirty knights, but they durst not come out . Chap. xxvi.
+
+How damosel Bragwaine found Tristram sleeping by a well, and how
+   she delivered letters to him from La Beale Isoud . Chap. xxvii.
+
+How Sir Tristram had a fall with Sir Palomides, and how Launcelot
+   overthrew two knights . . . . Chap. xxviii.
+
+How Sir Launcelot jousted with Palomides and overthrew him, and
+   after he was assailed with twelve knights . . Chap. xxix.
+
+How Sir Tristram behaved him the first day of the tournament, and
+   there he had the prize . . . . Chap. xxx.
+
+How Sir Tristram returned against King Arthur's party because he
+   saw Sir Palomides on that party . . . Chap. xxxi.
+
+How Sir Tristram found Palomides by a well, and brought him with
+   him to his lodging . . . . Chap. xxxii.
+
+How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides, and how he jousted
+   with King Arthur, and other feats . . Chap. xxxiii.
+
+How Sir Launcelot hurt Sir Tristram, and how after Sir Tristram
+   smote down Sir Palomides . . . Chap. xxxiv.
+
+How the prize of the third day was given to Sir Launcelot, and Sir
+   Launcelot gave it to Sir Tristram . . . Chap. xxxv.
+
+How Palomides came to the castle where Sir Tristram was, and of the
+   quest that Sir Launcelot and ten knights made for Sir Tristram
+
+                                        Chap. xxsvi.
+
+How Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan were taken and
+   put in prison . . . . . Chap. xxxvii.
+
+How King Mark was sorry for the good renown of Sir Tristram.
+   Some of King Arthur's knights jousted with knights of Cornwall
+                                          Chap. xxxviii
+
+Of the treason of King Mark, and how Sir Gaheris smote him down
+             and Andred his cousin   .    .     .. Chap. xxxix.
+
+<xxviii>
+How after that Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan had been
+   long in prison they werc delivered . . Chap. xl.
+How Sir Dinadan rescued a lady from Sir Breuse Saunce Pite, and how
+
+   Sir Tristram received a shield of Morgan le Fay Chap. xli.
+How Sir Tristram took with him the shield, and also how he slew the
+   paramour of Morgan le Fay . . . Chap. xlii.
+How Morgan le Fey her paramour, and how Sir Tristram praised Sir
+   Launcelot and his kin . . . Chap. xliii.
+How Sir Tristram at a tournament bare the shield that Morgan le Fay
+            delivered to him . .    .     .     .Chap xliv
+
+
+
+BOOK I
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+How Uther Pendragon sent for the duke of Cornwall and
+Igraine his wife, and of their departing suddenly again.
+
+IT befell in the days of Uther Pendragon, when he was king of all
+England, and so reigned, that there was a mighty duke in Cornwall
+that held war against him long time.  And the duke was called the
+Duke of Tintagil.  And so by means King Uther sent for this duke,
+charging him to bring his wife with him, for she was called a
+fair lady, and a passing wise, and her name was called Igraine.
+
+So when the duke and his wife were come unto the king, by the
+means of great lords they were accorded both.  The king liked and
+loved this lady well, and he made them great cheer out of
+measure, and desired to have lain by her.  But she was a passing
+good woman, and would not assent unto the king.  And then she
+told the duke her husband, and said, I suppose that we were sent
+for that I should be dishonoured; wherefore, husband, I counsel
+you, that we depart from hence suddenly, that we may ride all
+night unto our own castle.  And in like wise as she said so they
+departed, that neither the king nor none of his council were ware
+of their departing.  All so soon as King Uther knew of their
+departing so suddenly, he was wonderly wroth.  Then he called to
+him his privy council, and told them of the sudden departing of
+the duke and his wife.
+
+<2>
+Then they advised the king to send for the duke and his wife by a
+great charge; and if he will not come at your summons, then may
+ye do your best, then have ye cause to make mighty war upon him. 
+So that was done, and the messengers had their answers; and that
+was this shortly, that neither he nor his wife would not come at
+him.
+
+Then was the king wonderly wroth.  And then the king sent him
+plain word again, and bade him be ready and stuff him and garnish
+him, for within forty days he would fetch him out of the biggest
+castle that he hath.
+
+When the duke had this warning, anon he went and furnished and
+garnished two strong castles of his, of the which the one hight
+Tintagil, and the other castle hight Terrabil.  So his wife Dame
+Igraine he put in the castle of Tintagil, and himself he put in
+the castle of Terrabil, the which had many issues and posterns
+out.  Then in all haste came Uther with a great host, and laid a
+siege about the castle of Terrabil.  And there he pight many
+pavilions, and there was great war made on both parties, and much
+people slain.  Then for pure anger and for great love of fair
+Igraine the king Uther fell sick.  So came to the king Uther Sir
+Ulfius, a noble knight, and asked the king why he was sick.  I
+shall tell thee, said the king, I am sick for anger and for love
+of fair Igraine, that I may not be whole.  Well, my lord, said
+Sir Ulfius, I shall seek Merlin, and he shall do you remedy, that
+your heart shall be pleased.  So Ulfius departed, and by
+adventure he met Merlin in a beggar's array, and there Merlin
+asked Ulfius whom he sought.  And he said he had little ado to
+tell him.  Well, said Merlin, I know whom thou seekest, for thou
+seekest Merlin; therefore seek no farther, for I am he; and if
+King Uther will well reward me, and be sworn unto me to fulfil my
+desire, that shall be his honour and profit more than mine; for I
+shall cause him to have all his desire.  All this will I
+undertake, said Ulfius, that there shall be nothing reasonable
+but thou shalt have thy desire.  Well, said Merlin, he shall have
+his intent and desire.  And therefore, said Merlin, ride on your
+way, for I will not be long behind.
+
+
+
+<3>
+CHAPTER II
+
+How Uther Pendragon made war on the duke of Cornwall, and how by
+the mean of Merlin he lay by the duchess and gat Arthur.
+
+THEN Ulfius was glad, and rode on more than a pace till that he
+came to King Uther Pendragon, and told him he had met with
+Merlin.  Where is he? said the king.  Sir, said Ulfius, he will
+not dwell long.  Therewithal Ulfius was ware where Merlin stood
+at the porch of the pavilion's door.  And then Merlin was bound
+to come to the king.  When King Uther saw him, he said he was
+welcome.  Sir, said Merlin, I know all your heart every deal; so
+ye will be sworn unto me as ye be a true king anointed, to fulfil
+my desire, ye shall have your desire.  Then the king was sworn
+upon the Four Evangelists.  Sir, said Merlin, this is my desire:
+the first night that ye shall lie by Igraine ye shall get a child
+on her, and when that is born, that it shall be delivered to me
+for to nourish there as I will have it; for it shall be your
+worship, and the child's avail, as mickle as the child is worth. 
+I will well, said the king, as thou wilt have it.  Now make you
+ready, said Merlin, this night ye shall lie with Igraine in the
+castle of Tintagil; and ye shall be like the duke her husband,
+Ulfius shall be like Sir Brastias, a knight of the duke's, and I
+will be like a knight that hight Sir Jordanus, a knight of the
+duke's.  But wait ye make not many questions with her nor her
+men, but say ye are diseased, and so hie you to bed, and rise not
+on the morn till I come to you, for the castle of Tintagil is but
+ten miles hence; so this was done as they devised.  But the duke
+of Tintagil espied how the king rode from the siege of Terrabil,
+and therefore that night he issued out of the castle at a postern
+for to have distressed the king's host.  And so, through his own
+issue, the duke himself was slain or ever the king came at the
+castle of Tintagil.
+
+<4>
+So after the death of the duke, King Uther lay with Igraine more
+than three hours after his death, and begat on her that night
+Arthur, and on day came Merlin to the king, and bade him make him
+ready, and so he kissed the lady Igraine and departed in all
+haste.  But when the lady heard tell of the duke her husband, and
+by all record he was dead or ever King Uther came to her, then
+she marvelled who that might be that lay with her in likeness of
+her lord; so she mourned privily and held her peace.  Then all
+the barons by one assent prayed the king of accord betwixt the
+lady Igraine and him; the king gave them leave, for fain would he
+have been accorded with her.  So the king put all the trust in
+Ulfius to entreat between them, so by the entreaty at the last
+the king and she met together.  Now will we do well, said Ulfius,
+our king is a lusty knight and wifeless, and my lady Igraine is a
+passing fair lady; it were great joy unto us all, an it might
+please the king to make her his queen.  Unto that they all well
+accorded and moved it to the king.  And anon, like a lusty
+knight, he assented thereto with good will, and so in all haste
+they were married in a morning with great mirth and joy.
+
+And King Lot of Lothian and of Orkney then wedded Margawse that
+was Gawaine's mother, and King Nentres of the land of Garlot
+wedded Elaine.  All this was done at the request of King Uther. 
+And the third sister Morgan le Fay was put to school in a
+nunnery, and there she learned so much that she was a great clerk
+of necromancy.  And after she was wedded to King Uriens of the
+land of Gore, that was Sir Ewain's le Blanchemain's father.
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+Of the birth of King Arthur and of his nurture.
+
+THEN Queen Igraine waxed daily greater and greater, so
+it befell after within half a year, as King Uther lay by his
+queen, he asked her, by the faith she owed to him, whose was
+<5 CH. III  OF THE BIRTH OF KING ARTHUR>the child within her
+body; then she sore abashed to give answer.  Dismay you not, said
+the king, but tell me the truth, and I shall love you the better,
+by the faith of my body.  Sir, said she, I shall tell you the
+truth.  The same night that my lord was dead, the hour of his
+death, as his knights record, there came into my castle of
+Tintagil a man like my lord in speech and in countenance, and two
+knights with him in likeness of his two knights Brastias and
+Jordanus, and so I went unto bed with him as I ought to do with
+my lord, and the same night, as I shall answer unto God, this
+child was begotten upon me.  That is truth, said the king, as ye
+say; for it was I myself that came in the likeness, and therefore
+dismay you not, for I am father of the child; and there he told
+her all the cause, how it was by Merlin's counsel.  Then the
+queen made great joy when she knew who was the father of her
+child.
+
+Soon came Merlin unto the king, and said, Sir, ye must purvey you
+for the nourishing of your child.  As thou wilt, said the king,
+be it.  Well, said Merlin, I know a lord of yours in this land,
+that is a passing true man and a faithful, and he shall have the
+nourishing of your child, and his name is Sir Ector, and he is a
+lord of fair livelihood in many parts in England and Wales; and
+this lord, Sir Ector, let him be sent for, for to come and speak
+with you, and desire him yourself, as he loveth you, that he will
+put his own child to nourishing to another woman, and that his
+wife nourish yours.  And when the child is born let it be
+delivered to me at yonder privy postern unchristened.  So like as
+Merlin devised it was done.  And when Sir Ector was come he made
+fiaunce to the king for to nourish the child like as the king
+desired; and there the king granted Sir Ector great rewards. 
+Then when the lady was delivered, the king commanded two knights
+and two ladies to take the child, bound in a cloth of gold, and
+that ye deliver him to what poor man ye meet at the postern gate
+of the castle.  So the child was delivered unto Merlin, and so he
+bare it forth unto Sir Ector, and made an holy man to christen
+him, and named him Arthur; and so Sir Ector's wife nourished him
+with her own pap.
+
+
+<6>
+CHAPTER IV
+
+Of the death of King Uther Pendragon.
+
+THEN within two years King Uther fell sick of a great malady. 
+And in the meanwhile his enemies usurped upon him, and did a
+great battle upon his men, and slew many of his people.  Sir,
+said Merlin, ye may not lie so as ye do, for ye must to the field
+though ye ride on an horse-litter: for ye shall never have the
+better of your enemies but if your person be there, and then
+shall ye have the victory.  So it was done as Merlin had devised,
+and they carried the king forth in an horse-litter with a great
+host towards his enemies.  And at St. Albans there met with the
+king a great host of the North.  And that day Sir Ulfius and Sir
+Brastias did great deeds of arms, and King Uther's men overcame
+the Northern battle and slew many people, and put the remnant to
+flight.  And then the king returned unto London, and made great
+joy of his victory.  And then he fell passing sore sick, so that
+three days and three nights he was speechless: wherefore all the
+barons made great sorrow, and asked Merlin what counsel were
+best.  There is none other remedy, said Merlin, but God will have
+his will.  But look ye all barons be before King Uther to-morn,
+and God and I shall make him to speak.  So on the morn all the
+barons with Merlin came to-fore the king; then Merlin said aloud
+unto King Uther, 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 pray for my soul, and
+righteously and worshipfully that he claim the crown, upon
+forfeiture of my blessing; and therewith he yielded up the ghost,
+and then was he interred as longed to a king.  Wherefore the
+queen, fair Igraine, made great sorrow, and all the barons.
+
+
+
+<7>
+CHAPTER V
+
+How Arthur was chosen king, and of wonders and marvels
+of a sword taken out of a stone by the said Arthur.
+
+THEN stood the realm in great jeopardy long while, for every lord
+that was mighty of men made him strong, and many weened to have
+been king.  Then Merlin went to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and
+counselled him for to send for all the lords of the realm, and
+all the gentlemen of arms, that they should to London come by
+Christmas, upon pain of cursing; and for this cause, that Jesus,
+that was born on that night, that he would of his great mercy
+show some miracle, as he was come to be king of mankind, for to
+show some miracle who should be rightwise king of this realm.  So
+the Archbishop, by the advice of Merlin, sent for all the lords
+and gentlemen of arms that they should come by Christmas even
+unto London.  And many of them made them clean of their life,
+that their prayer might be the more acceptable unto God.  So in
+the greatest church of London, whether it were Paul's or not the
+French book maketh no mention, all the estates were long or day
+in the church for to pray.  And when matins and the first mass
+was done, there was seen in the churchyard, against the high
+altar, a great stone four square, like unto a marble stone; and
+in midst thereof was like an anvil of steel a foot on high, and
+therein stuck a fair sword naked by the point, and letters there
+were written in gold about the sword that said thus:--Whoso
+pulleth out this sword of this stone and anvil, is rightwise king
+born of all England.  Then the people marvelled, and told it to
+the Archbishop.  I command, said the Archbishop, that ye keep you
+within your church and pray unto God still, that no man touch the
+sword till the high mass be all done.  So when all masses were
+done all the lords went to behold the stone and the sword.  And
+when they saw the scripture some assayed, such as <8>would have
+been king.  But none might stir the sword nor move it.  He is not
+here, said the Archbishop, that shall achieve the sword, but
+doubt not God will make him known.  But this is my counsel, said
+the Archbishop, that we let purvey ten knights, men of good fame,
+and they to keep this sword.  So it was ordained, and then there
+was made a cry, that every man should assay that would, for to
+win the sword.  And upon New Year's Day the barons let make a
+jousts and a tournament, that all knights that would joust or
+tourney there might play, and all this was ordained for to keep
+the lords together and the commons, for the Archbishop trusted
+that God would make him known that should win the sword.
+
+So upon New Year's Day, when the service was done, the barons
+rode unto the field, some to joust and some to tourney, and so it
+happened that Sir Ector, that had great livelihood about London,
+rode unto the jousts, and with him rode Sir Kay his son, and
+young Arthur that was his nourished brother; and Sir Kay was made
+knight at All Hallowmass afore.  So as they rode to the jousts-
+ward, Sir Kay lost his sword, for he had left it at his father's
+lodging, and so he prayed young Arthur for to ride for his sword. 
+I will well, said Arthur, and rode fast after the sword, and when
+he came home, the lady and all were out to see the jousting. 
+Then was Arthur wroth, and said to himself, I will ride to the
+churchyard, and take the sword with me that sticketh in the
+stone, for my brother Sir Kay shall not be without a sword this
+day.  So when he came to the churchyard, Sir Arthur alighted and
+tied his horse to the stile, and so he went to the tent, and
+found no knights there, for they were at the jousting.  And so he
+handled the sword by the handles, and lightly and fiercely pulled
+it out of the stone, and took his horse and rode his way until he
+came to his brother Sir Kay, and delivered him the sword.  And as
+soon as Sir Kay saw the sword, he wist well it was the sword of
+the stone, and so he rode to his father Sir Ector, and said: Sir,
+lo here is the sword of the stone, wherefore I must be king of
+this land.  When Sir Ector beheld the sword, he <9 CH. VI  HOW HE
+PULLED OUT THE SWORD>returned again and came to the church, and
+there they alighted all three, and went into the church.  And
+anon he made Sir Kay swear upon a book how he came to that sword. 
+Sir, said Sir Kay, by my brother Arthur, for he brought it to me. 
+How gat ye this sword? said Sir Ector to Arthur.  Sir, I will
+tell you.  When I came home for my brother's sword, I found
+nobody at home to deliver me his sword; and so I thought my
+brother Sir Kay should not be swordless, and so I came hither
+eagerly and pulled it out of the stone without any pain.  Found
+ye any knights about this sword? said Sir Ector.  Nay, said
+Arthur.  Now, said Sir Ector to Arthur, I understand 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 of this land.  Now let me see whether ye can put the sword
+there as it was, and pull it out again.  That is no mastery, said
+Arthur, and so he put it in the stone; wherewithal Sir Ector
+assayed to pull out the sword and failed.
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+How King Arthur pulled out the sword divers times.
+
+Now assay, said Sir Ector unto Sir Kay.  And anon he pulled at
+the sword with all his might; but it would not be.  Now shall ye
+assay, said Sir Ector to Arthur.  I will well, said Arthur, and
+pulled it out easily.  And therewithal Sir Ector knelt down to
+the earth, and Sir Kay.  Alas, said Arthur, my own dear father
+and brother, why kneel ye to me?  Nay, nay, my lord Arthur, it is
+not so; I was never your father nor of your blood, but I wot well
+ye are of an higher blood than I weened ye were.  And then Sir
+Ector told him all, how he was betaken him for to nourish him,
+and by whose commandment, and by Merlin's deliverance.
+
+<10>
+Then Arthur made great dole when he understood that Sir Ector was
+not his father.  Sir, said Ector unto Arthur, will ye be my good
+and gracious lord when ye are king?  Else were I to blame, said
+Arthur, for ye are the man in the world that I am most beholden
+to, and my good lady and mother your wife, that as well as her
+own hath fostered me and kept.  And if ever it be God's will that
+I be king as ye say, ye shall desire of me what I may do, and I
+shall not fail you; God forbid I should fail you Sir, said Sir
+Ector, I will ask no more of you, but that ye will make my son,
+your foster brother, Sir Kay, seneschal of all your lands.  That
+shall be done, said Arthur, and more, by the faith of my body,
+that never man shall have that office but he, while he and I live
+Therewithal they went unto the Archbishop, and told him how the
+sword was achieved, and by whom; and on Twelfth-day all the
+barons came thither, and to assay to take the sword, who that
+would assay.  But there afore them all, there might none take it
+out but Arthur; wherefore there were many lords wroth, and said
+it was great shame unto them all and the realm, to be
+overgoverned with a boy of no high blood born.  And so they fell
+out at that time that it was put off till Candlemas and then all
+the barons should meet there again; but always the ten knights
+were ordained to watch the sword day and night, and so they set a
+pavilion over the stone and the sword, and five always watched. 
+So at Candlemas many more great lords came thither for to have
+won the sword, but there might none prevail.  And right as Arthur
+did at Christmas, he did at Candlemas, and pulled out the sword
+easily, whereof the barons were sore aggrieved and put it off in
+delay till the high feast of Easter.  And as Arthur sped before,
+so did he at Easter; yet there were some of the great lords had
+indignation that Arthur should be king, and put it off in a delay
+till the feast of Pentecost.
+
+Then the Archbishop of Canterbury by Merlin's providence let
+purvey then of the best knights that they might get, and such
+knights as Uther Pendragon loved best <11 CH. VII  HOW KING
+ARTHUR WAS CROWNED>and most trusted in his days.  And such
+knights were put about Arthur as Sir Baudwin of Britain, Sir Kay,
+Sir Ulfius, Sir Brastias.  All these, with many other, were
+always about Arthur, day and night, till the feast of Pentecost.
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+How King Arthur was crowned, and how he made officers.
+
+AND at the feast of Pentecost all manner of men assayed to pull
+at the sword that would assay; but none might prevail but Arthur,
+and pulled it out afore all the lords and commons that were
+there, wherefore all the commons cried at once, We will have
+Arthur unto our king, we will put him no more in delay, for we
+all see that it is God's will that he shall be our king, and who
+that holdeth against it, we will slay him.  And therewithal they
+kneeled at once, both rich and poor, and cried Arthur mercy
+because they had delayed him 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 so anon was the coronation
+made.  And there was he sworn unto his lords and the commons for
+to be a true king, to stand with true justice from thenceforth
+the days of this life.  Also then he made all lords that held of
+the crown to come in, and to do service as they ought to do.  And
+many complaints were made unto Sir Arthur of great wrongs that
+were done since the death of King Uther, of many lands that were
+bereaved lords, knights, ladies, and gentlemen.  Wherefore King
+Arthur made the lands to be given again unto them that owned
+them.
+
+When this was done, that the king had stablished all the
+countries about London, then he let make Sir Kay seneschal of
+England; and Sir Baudwin of Britain was made constable; and Sir
+Ulfius was made chamberlain; and Sir Brastias was made warden to
+wait upon the north from Trent forwards, for it was that time the
+most party <12>the king's enemies.  But within few years after
+Arthur won all the north, Scotland, and all that were under their
+obeissance.  Also Wales, a part of it, held against Arthur, but
+he overcame them all, as he did the remnant, through the noble
+prowess of himself and his knights of the Round Table.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+How King Arthur held in Wales, at a Pentecost, a great
+feast, and what kings and lords came to his feast.
+
+THEN the king removed into Wales, and let cry a great feast that
+it should be holden at Pentecost after the incoronation of him at
+the city of Carlion.  Unto the feast came King Lot of Lothian and
+of Orkney, with five hundred knights with him.  Also there came
+to the feast King Uriens of Gore with four hundred knights with
+him.  Also there came to that feast King Nentres of Garlot, with
+seven hundred knights with him.  Also there came to the feast the
+king of Scotland with six hundred knights with him, and he was
+but a young man.  Also there came to the feast a king that was
+called the King with the Hundred Knights, but he and his men were
+passing well beseen at all points.  Also there came the king of
+Carados with five hundred knights.  And King Arthur was glad of
+their coming, for he weened that all the kings and knights had
+come for great love, and to have done him worship at his feast;
+wherefore the king made great joy, and sent the kings and knights
+great presents.  But the kings would none receive, but rebuked
+the messengers shamefully, and said they had no joy to receive no
+gifts of a beardless boy that was come of low blood, and sent him
+word they would none of his gifts, but that they were come to
+give him gifts with hard swords betwixt the neck and the
+shoulders: and therefore they came thither, so they told to the
+messengers plainly, for it was great shame to all them to see
+such a boy to have a rule of so noble a realm as this land was. 
+With this answer the messengers <13 CHAP.IX  HOW KING ARTHUR HELD
+FEAST>departed and told to King Arthur this answer.  Wherefore,
+by the advice of his barons, he took him to a strong tower with
+five hundred good men with him.  And all the kings aforesaid in a
+manner laid a siege to-fore him, but King Arthur was well
+victualed.  And within fifteen days there came Merlin among them
+into the city of Carlion.  Then all the kings were passing glad
+of Merlin, and asked him, For what cause is that boy Arthur made
+your king?  Sirs, said Merlin, I shall tell you the cause, for he
+is King Uther Pendragon's son, born in wedlock, gotten on
+Igraine, the duke's wife of Tintagil.  Then is he a bastard, they
+said all.  Nay, said Merlin, after the death of the duke, more
+than three hours, was Arthur begotten, and thirteen days after
+King Uther wedded Igraine; and therefore I prove him he is no
+bastard.  And who saith nay, he shall be king and overcome all
+his enemies; and, or he die, he shall be long king of all
+England, and have under his obeissance Wales, Ireland, and
+Scotland, and more realms than I will now rehearse.  Some of the
+kings had marvel of Merlin's words, and deemed well that it
+should be as he said; and some of them laughed him to scorn, as
+King Lot; and more other called him a witch.  But then were they
+accorded with Merlin, that King Arthur should come out and speak
+with the kings, and to come safe and to go safe, such surance
+there was made.  So Merlin went unto King Arthur, and told him
+how he had done, and bade him fear not, but come out boldly and
+speak with them, and spare them not, but answer them as their
+king and chieftain; for ye shall overcome them all, whether they
+will or nill.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+Of the first war that King Arthur had, and
+how he won the field.
+
+THEN King Arthur came out of his tower, and had under his gown a
+jesseraunt of double mail, and there went with <14>him the
+Archbishop of Canterbury, and Sir Baudwin of Britain, and Sir
+Kay, and Sir Brastias: these were the men of most worship that
+were with him.  And when they were met there was no meekness, but
+stout words on both sides; but always King Arthur answered them,
+and said he would make them to bow an he lived.  Wherefore they
+departed with wrath, and King Arthur bade keep them well, and
+they bade the king keep him well.  So the king returned him to
+the tower again and armed him and all his knights.  What will ye
+do? said Merlin to the kings; ye were better for to stint, for ye
+shall not here prevail though ye were ten times so many.  Be we
+well advised to be afeared of a dream-reader? said King Lot. 
+With that Merlin vanished away, and came to King Arthur, and bade
+him set on them fiercely; and in the meanwhile there were three
+hundred good men, of the best that were with the kings, that went
+straight unto King Arthur, and that comforted him greatly.  Sir,
+said Merlin to Arthur, fight not with the sword that ye had by
+miracle, till that ye see ye go unto the worse, then draw it out
+and do your best.  So forthwithal King Arthur set upon them in
+their lodging.  And Sir Baudwin, Sir Kay, and Sir Brastias slew
+on the right hand and on the left hand that it was marvel; and
+always King Arthur on horseback laid on with a sword, and did
+marvellous deeds of arms, that many of the kings had great joy of
+his deeds and hardiness.
+
+Then King Lot brake out on the back side, and the King with the
+Hundred Knights, and King Carados, and set on Arthur fiercely
+behind him.  With that Sir Arthur turned with his knights, and
+smote behind and before, and ever Sir Arthur was in the foremost
+press till his horse was slain underneath him.  And therewith
+King Lot smote down King Arthur.  With that his four knights
+received him and set him on horseback.  Then he drew his sword
+Excalibur, but it was so bright in his enemies' eyes, that it
+gave light like thirty torches.  And therewith he put them a-
+back, and slew much people.  And then the commons of Carlion
+arose with clubs and staves <15 CHAP. X  OF KING BAN AND KING
+BORS>and slew many knights; but all the kings held them together
+with their knights that were left alive, and so fled and
+departed.  And Merlin came unto Arthur, and counselled him to
+follow them no further.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+How Merlin counselled King Arthur to send for King Ban and King
+Bors, and of their counsel taken for the war.
+
+SO after the feast and journey, King Arthur drew him unto London,
+and so by the counsel of Merlin, the king let call his barons to
+council, for Merlin had told the king that the six kings that
+made war upon him would in all haste be awroke on him and on his
+lands.  Wherefore the king asked counsel at them all.  They could
+no counsel give, but said they were big enough.  Ye say well,
+said Arthur; I thank you for your good courage, but will ye all
+that loveth me speak with Merlin? ye know well that he hath done
+much for me, and he knoweth many things, and when he is afore
+you, I would that ye prayed him heartily of his best advice.  All
+the barons said they would pray him and desire him.  So Merlin
+was sent for, and fair desired of all the barons to give them
+best counsel.  I shall say you, said Merlin, I warn you all, your
+enemies are passing strong for you, and they are good men of arms
+as be alive, and by this time they have gotten to them four kings
+more, and a mighty duke; and unless that our king have more
+chivalry with him than he may make within the bounds of his own
+realm, an he fight with them in battle, he shall be overcome and
+slain.  What were best to do in this cause? said all the barons. 
+I shall tell you, said Merlin, mine advice; there are two
+brethren beyond the sea, and they be kings both, and marvellous
+good men of their hands; and that one hight King Ban of Benwick,
+and that other hight King Bors of <16>Gaul, that is France.  And
+on these two kings warreth a mighty man of men, the King Claudas,
+and striveth with them for a castle, and great war is betwixt
+them.  But this Claudas is so mighty of goods whereof he getteth
+good knights, that he putteth these two kings most part to the
+worse; wherefore this is my counsel, that our king and sovereign
+lord send unto the kings Ban and Bors by two trusty knights with
+letters well devised, that an they will come and see King Arthur
+and his court, and so help him in his wars, that he will be sworn
+unto them to help them in their wars against King Claudas.  Now,
+what say ye unto this counsel? said Merlin.  This is well
+counselled, said the king and all the barons.
+
+Right so in all haste there were ordained to go two knights on
+the message unto the two kings.  So were there made letters in
+the pleasant wise according unto King Arthur's desire.  Ulfius
+and Brastias were made the messengers, and so rode forth well
+horsed and well armed and as the guise was that time, and so
+passed the sea and rode toward the city of Benwick.  And there
+besides were eight knights that espied them, and at a strait
+passage they met with Ulfius and Brastias, and would have taken
+them prisoners; so they prayed them that they might pass, for
+they were messengers unto King Ban and Bors sent from King
+Arthur.  Therefore, said the eight knights, ye shall die or be
+prisoners, for we be knights of King Claudas.  And therewith two
+of them dressed their spears, and Ulfius and Brastias dressed
+their spears, and ran together with great raundom.  And Claudas'
+knights brake their spears, and theirs to-held and bare the two
+knights out of their saddles to the earth, and so left them
+lying, and rode their ways.  And the other six knights rode afore
+to a passage to meet with them again, and so Ulfius and Brastias
+smote other two down, and so passed on their ways.  And at the
+fourth passage there met two for two, and both were laid unto the
+earth; so there was none of the eight knights but he was sore
+hurt or bruised.  And when they come to Benwick it fortuned there
+were both kings, Ban and Bors.
+
+<17>
+And when it was told the kings that there were come messengers,
+there were sent unto them two knights of worship, the one hight
+Lionses, lord of the country of Payarne, and Sir Phariance a
+worshipful knight.  Anon they asked from whence they came, and
+they said from King Arthur, king of England; so they took them in
+their arms and made great joy each of other.  But anon, as the
+two kings wist they were messengers of Arthur's, there was made
+no tarrying, but forthwith they spake with the knights, and
+welcomed them in the faithfullest wise, and said they were most
+welcome unto them before all the kings living; and therewith they
+kissed the letters and delivered them.  And when Ban and Bors
+understood the letters, then they were more welcome than they
+were before.  And after the haste of the letters they gave them
+this answer, that they would fulfil the desire of King Arthur's
+writing, and Ulfius and Brastias, tarry there as long as they
+would, they should have such cheer as might be made them in those
+marches.  Then Ulfius and Brastias told the kings of the
+adventure at their passages of the eight knights.  Ha! ah! said
+Ban and Bors, they were my good friends.  I would I had wist of
+them; they should not have escaped so.  So Ulfius and Brastias
+had good cheer and great gifts, as much as they might bear away;
+and had their answer by mouth and by writing, that those two
+kings would come unto Arthur in all the haste that they might. 
+So the two knights rode on afore, and passed the sea, and came to
+their lord, and told him how they had sped, whereof King Arthur
+was passing glad.  At what time suppose ye the two kings will be
+here?  Sir, said they, afore All Hallowmass.  Then the king let
+purvey for a great feast, and let cry a great jousts.  And by All
+Hallowmass the two kings were come over the sea with three
+hundred knights well arrayed both for the peace and for the war. 
+And King Arthur met with them ten mile out of London, and there
+was great joy as could be thought or made.  And on All Hallowmass
+at the great feast, sat in the hall the three kings, and Sir Kay
+seneschal served in the hall, and Sir Lucas the butler, that
+<18>was Duke Corneus' son, and Sir Griflet, that was the son of
+Cardol, these three knights had the rule of all the service that
+served the kings.  And anon, as they had washen and risen, all
+knights that would joust made them ready; by then they were ready
+on horseback there were seven hundred knights.  And Arthur, Ban,
+and Bors, with the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Sir Ector, Kay's
+father, they were in a place covered with cloth of gold like an
+hall, with ladies and gentlewomen, for to behold who did best,
+and thereon to give judgment.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+Of a great tourney made by King Arthur and the two kings
+Ban and Bors, and how they went over the sea.
+
+AND King Arthur and the two kings let depart the seven hundred
+knights in two parties.  And there were three hundred knights of
+the realm of Benwick and of Gaul turned on the other side.  Then
+they dressed their shields, and began to couch their spears many
+good knights.  So Griflet was the first that met with a knight,
+one Ladinas, and they met so eagerly that all men had wonder; and
+they so fought that their shields fell to pieces, and horse and
+man fell to the earth; and both the French knight and the English
+knight lay so long that all men weened they had been dead.  When
+Lucas the butler saw Griflet so lie, he horsed him again anon,
+and they two did marvellous deeds of arms with many bachelors. 
+Also Sir Kay came out of an ambushment with five knights with
+him, and they six smote other six down.  But Sir Kay did that day
+marvellous deeds of arms, that there was none did so well as he
+that day.  Then there came Ladinas and Gracian, two knights of
+France, and did passing well, that all men praised them.
+
+Then came there Sir Placidas, a good knight, and met with Sir
+Kay, and smote him down horse and man, where<19 CH. XI  TOURNEY
+MADE BY KING ARTHUR>fore Sir Griflet was wroth, and met with Sir
+Placidas so hard, that horse and man fell to the earth.  But when
+the five knights wist that Sir Kay had a fall, they were wroth
+out of wit, and therewith each of them five bare down a knight. 
+When King Arthur and the two kings saw them begin to wax wroth on
+both parties, they leapt on small hackneys, and let cry that all
+men should depart unto their lodging.  And so they went home and
+unarmed them, and so to evensong and supper.  And after, the
+three kings went into a garden, and gave the prize unto Sir Kay,
+and to Lucas the butler, and unto Sir Griflet.  And then they
+went unto council, and with them Gwenbaus, the brother unto Sir
+Ban and Bors, a wise clerk, and thither went Ulfius and Brastias,
+and Merlin.  And after they had been in council, they went unto
+bed.  And on the morn they heard mass, and to dinner, and so to
+their council, and made many arguments what were best to do.  At
+the last they were concluded, that Merlin should go with a token
+of King Ban, and that was a ring, unto his men and King Bors';
+and Gracian and Placidas should go again and keep their castles
+and their countries, as for [dread of King Claudas] King Ban of
+Benwick, and King Bors of Gaul had ordained them, and so passed
+the sea and came to Benwick.  And when the people saw King Ban's
+ring, and Gracian and Placidas, they were glad, and asked how the
+kings fared, and made great joy of their welfare and cording, and
+according unto the sovereign lords desire, the men of war made
+them ready in all haste possible, so that they were fifteen
+thousand on horse and foot, and they had great plenty of victual
+with them, by Merlin's provision.  But Gracian and Placidas were
+left to furnish and garnish the castles, for dread of King
+Claudas.  Right so Merlin passed the sea, well victualled both by
+water and by land.  And when he came to the sea he sent home the
+footmen again, and took no more with him but ten thousand men on
+horseback, the most part men of arms, and so shipped and passed
+the sea into England, and landed at Dover; and through the wit of
+Merlin, he had the host northward, the priviest way that could be
+thought, <20>unto the forest of Bedegraine, and there in a valley
+he lodged them secretly.
+
+Then rode Merlin unto Arthur and the two kings, and told them how
+he had sped; whereof they had great marvel, that man on earth
+might speed so soon, and go and come.  So Merlin told them ten
+thousand were in the forest of Bedegraine, well armed at all
+points.  Then was there no more to say, but to horseback went all
+the host as Arthur had afore purveyed.  So with twenty thousand
+he passed by night and day, but there was made such an ordinance
+afore by Merlin, that there should no man of war ride nor go in
+no country on this side Trent water, but if he had a token from
+King Arthur, where through the king's enemies durst not ride as
+they did to-fore to espy.
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+How eleven kings gathered a great host against
+King Arthur.
+
+
+AND SO within a little space the three kings came unto the castle
+of Bedegraine, and found there a passing fair fellowship, and
+well beseen, whereof they had great joy, and victual they wanted
+none.  This was the cause of the northern host: that they were
+reared for the despite and rebuke the six kings had at Carlion. 
+And those six kings by their means, gat unto them five other
+kings; and thus they began to gather their people.
+
+And now they sware that for weal nor woe, they should not leave
+other, till they had destroyed Arthur.  And then they made an
+oath.  The first that began the oath was the Duke of Cambenet,
+that he would bring with him five thousand men of arms, the which
+were ready on horseback.  Then sware King Brandegoris of
+Stranggore that he would bring five thousand men of arms on
+horseback.  Then sware King Clariance of Northumberland he would
+bring three thousand men of arms.  Then sware the King of the <21
+CHAP. XIII  OF A DREAM>Hundred Knights, that was a passing good
+man and a young, that he would bring four thousand men of arms on
+horseback.  Then there swore King Lot, a passing good knight, and
+Sir Gawain's father, that he would bring five thousand men of
+arms on horseback.  Also there swore King Urience, that was Sir
+Uwain's father, of the land of Gore, and he would bring six
+thousand men of arms on horseback.  Also there swore King Idres
+of Cornwall, that he would bring five thousand men of arms on
+horseback.  Also there swore King Cradelmas to bring five
+thousand men on horseback.  Also there swore King Agwisance of
+Ireland to bring five thousand men of arms on horseback.  Also
+there swore King Nentres to bring five thousand men of arms on
+horseback.  Also there swore King Carados to bring five thousand
+men of arms on horseback.  So their whole host was of clean men
+of arms on horseback fifty thousand, and a-foot ten thousand of
+good men's bodies.  Then were they soon ready, and mounted upon
+horse and sent forth their fore-riders, for these eleven kings in
+their ways laid a siege unto the castle of Bedegraine; and so
+they departed and drew toward Arthur, and left few to abide at
+the siege, for the castle of Bedegraine was holden of King
+Arthur, and the men that were therein were Arthur's.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+Of a dream of the King with the Hundred Knights.
+
+So by Merlin's advice there were sent fore-riders to skim the
+country, and they met with the fore-riders of the north, and made
+them to tell which way the host came, and then they told it to
+Arthur, and by King Ban and Bors' council they let burn and
+destroy all the country afore them, there they should ride.
+
+The King with the Hundred Knights met a wonder dream two nights
+afore the battle, that there blew a great <22>wind, and blew down
+their castles and their towns, and after that came a water and
+bare it all away.  All that heard of the sweven said it was a
+token of great battle.  Then by counsel of Merlin, when they wist
+which way the eleven kings would ride and lodge that night, at
+midnight they set upon them, as they were in their pavilions. 
+But the scout-watch by their host cried, Lords! at arms! for here
+be your enemies at your hand!
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+How the eleven kings with their host fought against Arthur
+and his host, and many great feats of the war.
+
+THEN King Arthur and King Ban and King Bors, with their good and
+trusty knights, set on them so fiercely that they made them
+overthrow their pavilions on their heads, but the eleven kings,
+by manly prowess of arms, took a fair champaign, but there was
+slain that morrowtide ten thousand good men's bodies.  And so
+they had afore them a strong passage, yet were they fifty
+thousand of hardy men.  Then it drew toward day.  Now shall ye do
+by mine advice, said Merlin unto the three kings:  I would that
+King Ban and King Bors, with their fellowship of ten thousand
+men, were put in a wood here beside, in an ambushment, and keep
+them privy, and that they be laid or the light of the day come,
+and that they stir not till ye and your knights have fought with
+them long.  And when it is daylight, dress your battle even afore
+them and the passage, that they may see all your host, for then
+will they be the more hardy, when they see you but about twenty
+thousand men, and cause them to be the gladder to suffer you and
+your host to come over the passage.  All the three kings and the
+whole barons said that Merlin said passingly well, and it was
+done anon as Merlin had devised.  So on the morn, when either
+host saw other, the host of the north was well comforted.  Then
+to Ulfius <23 CH. XIV  ELEVEN KINGS WAR WITH ARTHUR>and Brastias
+were delivered three thousand men of arms, and they set on them
+fiercely in the passage, and slew on the right hand and on the
+left hand that it was wonder to tell.
+
+When that the eleven kings saw that there was so few a fellowship
+did such deeds of arms, they were ashamed and set on them again
+fiercely; and there was Sir Ulfius's horse slain under him, but
+he did marvellously well on foot.  But the Duke Eustace of
+Cambenet and King Clariance of Northumberland, were alway
+grievous on Ulfius.  Then Brastias saw his fellow fared so withal
+he smote the duke with a spear, that horse and man fell down. 
+That saw King Clariance and returned unto Brastias, and either
+smote other so that horse and man went to the earth, and so they
+lay long astonied, and their horses' knees brast to the hard
+bone.  Then came Sir Kay the seneschal with six fellows with him,
+and did passing well.  With that came the eleven kings, and there
+was Griflet put to the earth, horse and man, and Lucas the
+butler, horse and man, by King Brandegoris, and King Idres, and
+King Agwisance.  Then waxed the medley passing hard on both
+parties.  When Sir Kay saw Griflet on foot, he rode on King
+Nentres and smote him down, and led his horse unto Sir Griflet,
+and horsed him again.  Also Sir Kay with the same spear smote
+down King Lot, and hurt him passing sore.  That saw the King with
+the Hundred Knights, and ran unto Sir Kay and smote him down, and
+took his horse, and gave him King Lot, whereof he said gramercy. 
+When Sir Griflet saw Sir Kay and Lucas the butler on foot, he
+took a sharp spear, great and square, and rode to Pinel, a good
+man of arms, and smote horse and man down, and then he took his
+horse, and gave him unto Sir Kay.  Then King Lot saw King Nentres
+on foot, he ran unto Melot de la Roche, and smote him down, horse
+and man, and gave King Nentres the horse, and horsed him again. 
+Also the King of the Hundred Knights saw King Idres on foot; then
+he ran unto Gwiniart de Bloi, and smote him down, horse and man,
+and gave King Idres the horse, and <24>horsed him again; and King
+Lot smote down Clariance de la Forest Savage, and gave the horse
+unto Duke Eustace.  And so when they had horsed the kings again
+they drew them, all eleven kings, together, and said they would
+be revenged of the damage that they had taken that day.  The
+meanwhile came in Sir Ector with an eager countenance, and found
+Ulfius and Brastias on foot, in great peril of death, that were
+foul defoiled under horse-feet.
+
+Then Arthur as a lion, ran unto King Cradelment of North Wales,
+and smote him through the left side, that the horse and the king
+fell down; and then he took the horse by the rein, and led him
+unto Ulfius, and said, Have this horse, mine old friend, for
+great need hast thou of horse.  Gramercy, said Ulfius.  Then Sir
+Arthur did so marvellously in arms, that all men had wonder. 
+When the King with the Hundred Knights saw King Cradelment on
+foot, he ran unto Sir Ector, that was well horsed, Sir Kay's
+father, and smote horse and man down, and gave the horse unto the
+king, and horsed him again.  And when King Arthur saw the king
+ride on Sir Ector's horse, he was wroth and with his sword he
+smote the king on the helm, that a quarter of the helm and shield
+fell down, and so the sword carved down unto the horse's neck,
+and so the king and the horse fell down to the ground.  Then Sir
+Kay came unto Sir Morganore, seneschal with the King of the
+Hundred Knights, and smote him down, horse and man, and led the
+horse unto his father, Sir Ector; then Sir Ector ran unto a
+knight, hight Lardans, and smote horse and man down, and led the
+horse unto Sir Brastias, that great need had of an horse, and was
+greatly defoiled.  When Brastias beheld Lucas the butler, that
+lay like a dead man under the horses' feet, and ever Sir Griflet
+did marvellously for to rescue him, and there were always
+fourteen knights on Sir Lucas; then Brastias smote one of them on
+the helm, that it went to the teeth, and he rode to another and
+smote him, that the arm flew into the field.  Then he went to the
+third and smote him on the shoulder, that shoulder and arm flew
+in the field.  <25 CHAP. XV  YET OF THE SAME BATTLE>And when
+Griflet saw rescues, he smote a knight on the temples, that head
+and helm went to the earth, and Griflet took the horse of that
+knight, and led him unto Sir Lucas, and bade him mount upon the
+horse and revenge his hurts.  For Brastias had slain a knight to-
+fore and horsed Griflet.
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+Yet of the same battle.
+
+THEN Lucas saw King Agwisance, that late had slain Moris de la
+Roche, and Lucas ran to him with a short spear that was great,
+that he gave him such a fall, that the horse fell down to the
+earth.  Also Lucas found there on foot, Bloias de La Flandres,
+and Sir Gwinas, two hardy knights, and in that woodness that
+Lucas was in, he slew two bachelors and horsed them again.  Then
+waxed the battle passing hard on both parties, but Arthur was
+glad that his knights were horsed again, and then they fought
+together, that the noise and sound rang by the water and the
+wood.  Wherefore King Ban and King Bors made them ready, and
+dressed their shields and harness, and they were so courageous
+that many knights shook and bevered for eagerness.  All this
+while Lucas, and Gwinas, and Briant, and Bellias of Flanders,
+held strong medley against six kings, that was King Lot, King
+Nentres, King Brandegoris, King Idres, King Uriens, and King
+Agwisance.  So with the help of Sir Kay and of Sir Griflet they
+held these six kings hard, that unnethe they had any power to
+defend them.  But when Sir Arthur saw the battle would not be
+ended by no manner, he fared wood as a lion, and steered his
+horse here and there, on the right hand, and on the left hand,
+that he stinted not till he had slain twenty knights.  Also he
+wounded King Lot sore on the shoulder, and made him to leave that
+ground, for Sir Kay and Griflet did with King Arthur there great
+deeds of arms.  Then Ulfius, and Brastias, and Sir Ector
+<26>encountered against the Duke Eustace, and King Cradelment,
+and King Clariance of Northumberland, and King Carados, and
+against the King with the Hundred Knights.  So these knights
+encountered with these kings, that they made them to avoid the
+ground.  Then King Lot made great dole for his damages and his
+fellows, and said unto the ten kings, But if ye will do as I
+devise we shall be slain and destroyed; let me have the King with
+the Hundred Knights, and King Agwisance, and King Idres, and the
+Duke of Cambenet, and we five kings will have fifteen thousand
+men of arms with us, and we will go apart while ye six kings hold
+medley with twelve thousand; an we see that ye have foughten with
+them long, then will we come on fiercely, and else shall we never
+match them, said King Lot, but by this mean.  So they departed as
+they here devised, and six kings made their party strong against
+Arthur, and made great war long.
+
+In the meanwhile brake the ambushment of King Ban and King Bors,
+and Lionses and Phariance had the vanguard, and they two knights
+met with King Idres and his fellowship, and there began a great
+medley of breaking of spears, and smiting of swords, with slaying
+of men and horses, and King Idres was near at discomforture.
+
+That saw Agwisance the king, and put Lionses and Phariance in
+point of death; for the Duke of Cambenet came on withal with a
+great fellowship.  So these two knights were in great danger of
+their lives that they were fain to return, but always they
+rescued themselves and their fellowship marvellously When King
+Bors saw those knights put aback, it grieved him sore; then he
+came on so fast that his fellowship seemed as black as Inde. 
+When King Lot had espied King Bors, he knew him well, then he
+said, O Jesu, defend us from death and horrible maims! for I see
+well we be in great peril of death; for I see yonder a king, one
+of the most worshipfullest men and one of the best knights of the
+world, is inclined unto his fellowship.  What is he? said the
+King with the Hundred Knights.  It is, said King Lot, King Bors
+of Gaul; I marvel how they came into this country without
+<27>witting of us all.  It was by Merlin's advice, said the
+knight.  As for him, said King Carados, I will encounter with
+King Bors, an ye will rescue me when myster is.  Go on, said they
+all, we will do all that we may.  Then King Carados and his host
+rode on a soft pace, till that they came as nigh King Bors as
+bow-draught; then either battle let their horse run as fast as
+they might.  And Bleoberis, that was godson unto King Bors, he
+bare his chief standard, that was a passing good knight.  Now
+shall we see, said King Bors, how these northern Britons can bear
+the arms: and King Bors encountered with a knight, and smote him
+throughout with a spear that he fell dead unto the earth; and
+after drew his sword and did marvellous deeds of arms, that all
+parties had great wonder thereof; and his knights failed not, but
+did their part, and King Carados was smitten to the earth.  With
+that came the King with the Hundred Knights and rescued King
+Carados mightily by force of arms, for he was a passing good
+knight of a king, and but a young man.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+Yet more of the same battle.
+
+BY then came into the field King Ban as fierce as a lion, with
+bands of green and thereupon gold.  Ha! a! said King Lot, we must
+be discomfited, for yonder I see the most valiant knight of the
+world, and the man of the most renown, for such two brethren as
+is King Ban and King Bors are not living, wherefore we must needs
+void or die; and but if we avoid manly and wisely there is but
+death.  When King Ban came into the battle, he came in so
+fiercely that the strokes redounded again from the wood and the
+water; wherefore King Lot wept for pity and dole that he saw so
+many good knights take their end.  But through the great force of
+King Ban they made both the northern battles that were departed
+hurtled together for great dread; <28>and the three kings and
+their knights slew on ever, that it was pity on to behold that
+multitude of the people that fled.  But King Lot, and King of the
+Hundred Knights, and King Morganore gathered the people together
+passing knightly, and did great prowess of arms, and held the
+battle all that day, like hard.
+
+When the King of the Hundred Knights beheld the great damage that
+King Ban did, he thrust unto him with his horse, and smote him on
+high upon the helm, a great stroke, and astonied him sore.  Then
+King Ban was wroth with him, and followed on him fiercely; the
+other saw that, and cast up his shield, and spurred his horse
+forward, but the stroke of King Ban fell down and carved a cantel
+off the shield, and the sword slid down by the hauberk behind his
+back, and cut through the trapping of steel and the horse even in
+two pieces, that the sword felt the earth.  Then the King of the
+Hundred Knights voided the horse lightly, and with his sword he
+broached the horse of King Ban through and through.  With that
+King Ban voided lightly from the dead horse, and then King Ban
+smote at the other so eagerly, and smote him on the helm that he
+fell to the earth.  Also in that ire he felled King Morganore,
+and there was great slaughter of good knights and much people. 
+By then came into the press King Arthur, and found King Ban
+standing among dead men and dead horses, fighting on foot as a
+wood lion, that there came none nigh him, as far as he might
+reach with his sword, but he caught a grievous buffet; whereof
+King Arthur had great pity.  And Arthur was so bloody, that by
+his shield there might no man know him, for all was blood and
+brains on his sword.  And as Arthur looked by him he saw a knight
+that was passingly well horsed, and therewith Sir Arthur ran to
+him, and smote him on the helm, that his sword went unto his
+teeth, and the knight sank down to the earth dead, and anon
+Arthur took the horse by the rein, and led him unto King Ban, and
+said, Fair brother, have this horse, for he have great myster
+thereof, and me repenteth sore of your great damage.  It shall be
+soon revenged, said King Ban, for I trust in God mine ure is
+<29>not such but some of them may sore repent this.  I will well,
+said Arthur, for I see your deeds full actual; nevertheless, I
+might not come at you at that time.
+
+But when King Ban was mounted on horseback, then there began new
+battle, the which was sore and hard, and passing great slaughter. 
+And so through great force King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors
+made their knights a little to withdraw them.  But alway the
+eleven kings with their chivalry never turned back; and so
+withdrew them to a little wood, and so over a little river, and
+there they rested them, for on the night they might have no rest
+on the field.  And then the eleven kings and knights put them on
+a heap all together, as men adread and out of all comfort.  But
+there was no man might pass them, they held them so hard together
+both behind and before, that King Arthur had marvel of their
+deeds of arms, and was passing wroth.  Ah, Sir Arthur, said King
+Ban and King Bors, blame them not, for they do as good men ought
+to do.  For by my faith, said King Ban, they are the best
+fighting men, and knights of most prowess, that ever I saw or
+heard speak of, and those eleven kings are men of great worship;
+and if they were longing unto you there were no king under the
+heaven had such eleven knights, and of such worship.  I may not
+love them, said Arthur, they would destroy me.  That wot we well,
+said King Ban and King Bors, for they are your mortal enemies,
+and that hath been proved aforehand; and this day they have done
+their part, and that is great pity of their wilfulness.
+
+Then all the eleven kings drew them together, and then said King
+Lot, Lords, ye must other ways than ye do, or else the great loss
+is behind; ye may see what people we have lost, and what good men
+we lose, because we wait always on these foot-men, and ever in
+saving of one of the foot-men we lose ten horsemen for him;
+therefore this is mine advice, let us put our foot-men from us,
+for it is near night, for the noble Arthur will not tarry on the
+footmen, for they may save themselves, the wood is near hand. 
+And when we horsemen be together, look every each of you kings
+let make such ordinance that none break upon <30>pain of death. 
+And who that seeth any man dress him to flee, lightly that he be
+slain, for it is better that we slay a coward, than through a
+coward all we to be slain.  How say ye? said King Lot, answer me
+all ye kings.  It is well said, quoth King Nentres; so said the
+King of the Hundred Knights; the same said the King Carados, and
+King Uriens; so did King Idres and King Brandegoris; and so did
+King Cradelment, and the Duke of Cambenet; the same said King
+Clariance and King Agwisance, and sware they would never fail
+other, neither for life nor for death.  And whoso that fled, but
+did as they did, should be slain.  Then they amended their
+harness, and righted their shields, and took new spears and set
+them on their thighs, and stood still as it had been a plump of
+wood.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+Yet more of the same battle, and how it was ended by Merlin.
+
+WHEN Sir Arthur and King Ban and Bors beheld them and all their
+knights, they praised them much for their noble cheer of
+chivalry, for the hardiest fighters that ever they heard or saw. 
+With that, there dressed them a forty noble knights, and said
+unto the three kings, they would break their battle; these were
+their names: Lionses, Phariance, Ulfius, Brastias, Ector, Kay,
+Lucas the butler, Griflet le Fise de Dieu, Mariet de la Roche,
+Guinas de Bloi, Briant de la Forest Savage, Bellaus, Morians of
+the Castle [of] Maidens, Flannedrius of the Castle of Ladies,
+Annecians that was King Bors' godson, a noble knight, Ladinas de
+la Rouse, Emerause, Caulas, Graciens le Castlein, one Blois de la
+Case, and Sir Colgrevaunce de Gorre; all these knights rode on
+afore with spears on their thighs, and spurred their horses
+mightily as the horses might run.  And the eleven kings with part
+of their knights rushed with their horses as fast as they might
+with their spears, and there they did on both parties marvellous
+deeds of <31>arms.  So came into the thick of the press, Arthur,
+Ban, and Bors, and slew down right on both hands, that their
+horses went in blood up to the fetlocks.  But ever the eleven
+kings and their host was ever in the visage of Arthur.  Wherefore
+Ban and Bors had great marvel, considering the great slaughter
+that there was, but at the last they were driven aback over a
+little river.  With that came Merlin on a great black horse, and
+said unto Arthur, Thou hast never done!  Hast thou not done
+enough? of three score thousand this day hast thou left alive but
+fifteen thousand, and it is time to say Ho!  For God is wroth
+with thee, that thou wilt never have done; for yonder eleven
+kings at this time will not be overthrown, but an thou tarry on
+them any longer, thy fortune will turn and they shall increase. 
+And therefore withdraw you unto your lodging, and rest you as
+soon as ye may, and reward your good knights with gold and with
+silver, for they have well deserved it; there may no riches be
+too dear for them, for of so few men as ye have, there were never
+men did more of prowess than they have done today, for ye have
+matched this day with the best fighters of the world.  That is
+truth, said King Ban and Bors.  Also said Merlin, withdraw you
+where ye list, for this three year I dare undertake they shall
+not dere you; and by then ye shall hear new tidings.  And then
+Merlin said unto Arthur, These eleven kings have more on hand
+than they are ware of, for the Saracens are landed in their
+countries, more than forty thousand, that burn and slay, and have
+laid siege at the castle Wandesborow, and make great destruction;
+therefore dread you not this three year.  Also, sir, all the
+goods that be gotten at this battle, let it be searched, and when
+ye have it in your hands, let it be given freely unto these two
+kings, Ban and Bors, that they may reward their knights withal;
+and that shall cause strangers to be of better will to do you
+service at need.  Also you be able to reward your own knights of
+your own goods whensomever it liketh you.  It is well said, quoth
+Arthur, and as thou hast devised, so shall it be done.  When it
+was delivered to Ban and Bors, they gave the <32>goods as freely
+to their knights as freely as it was given to them.  Then Merlin
+took his leave of Arthur and of the two kings, for to go and see
+his master Bleise, that dwelt in Northumberland; and so he
+departed and came to his master, that was passing glad of his
+coming; and there he told how Arthur and the two kings had sped
+at the great battle, and how it was ended, and told the names of
+every king and knight of worship that was there.  And so Bleise
+wrote the battle word by word, as Merlin told him, how it began,
+and by whom, and in likewise how it was ended, and who had the
+worse.  All the battles that were done in Arthur's days Merlin
+did his master Bleise do write; also he did do write all the
+battles that every worthy knight did of Arthur's court.
+
+After this Merlin departed from his master and came to King
+Arthur, that was in the castle of Bedegraine, that was one of the
+castles that stand in the forest of Sherwood.  And Merlin was so
+disguised that King Arthur knew him not, for he was all befurred
+in black sheep-skins, and a great pair of boots, and a bow and
+arrows, in a russet gown, and brought wild geese in his hand, and
+it was on the morn after Candlemas day; but King Arthur knew him
+not.  Sir, said Merlin unto the king, will ye give me a gift? 
+Wherefore, said King Arthur, should I give thee a gift, churl? 
+Sir, said Merlin, ye were better to give me a gift that is not in
+your hand than to lose great riches, for here in the same place
+where the great battle was, is great treasure hid in the earth. 
+Who told thee so, churl? said Arthur.  Merlin told me so, said
+he.  Then Ulfius and Brastias knew him well enough, and smiled. 
+Sir, said these two knights, it is Merlin that so speaketh unto
+you.  Then King Arthur was greatly abashed, and had marvel of
+Merlin, and so had King Ban and King Bors, and so they had great
+disport at him.  So in the meanwhile there came a damosel that
+was an earl's daughter: his name was Sanam, and her name was
+Lionors, a passing fair damosel; and so she came thither for to
+do homage, as other lords did after the great battle.  And King
+Arthur set his love greatly upon her, and so did she upon him,
+and the king <33>had ado with her, and gat on her a child: his
+name was Borre, that was after a good knight, and of the Table
+Round.  Then there came word that the King Rience of North Wales
+made great war on King Leodegrance of Cameliard, for the which
+thing Arthur was wroth, for he loved him well, and hated King
+Rience, for he was alway against him.  So by ordinance of the
+three kings that were sent home unto Benwick, all they would
+depart for dread of King Claudas; and Phariance, and Antemes, and
+Gratian, and Lionses [of] Payarne, with the leaders of those that
+should keep the kings' lands.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+How King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors rescued
+King Leodegrance, and other incidents.
+
+AND then King Arthur, and King Ban, and King Bors departed with
+their fellowship, a twenty thousand, and came within six days
+into the country of Cameliard, and there rescued King
+Leodegrance, and slew there much people of King Rience, unto the
+number of ten thousand men, and put him to flight.  And then had
+these three kings great cheer of King Leodegrance, that thanked
+them of their great goodness, that they would revenge him of his
+enemies; and there had Arthur the first sight of Guenever, the
+king's daughter of Cameliard, and ever after he loved her.  After
+they were wedded, as it telleth in the book.  So, briefly to make
+an end, they took their leave to go into their own countries, for
+King Claudas did great destruction on their lands.  Then said
+Arthur, I will go with you.  Nay, said the kings, ye shall not at
+this time, for ye have much to do yet in these lands, therefore
+we will depart, and with the great goods that we have gotten in
+these lands by your gifts, we shall wage good knights and
+withstand the King Claudas' malice, for by the grace of God, an
+we have need we will send to you for your <34>succour; and if ye
+have need, send for us, and we will not tarry, by the faith of
+our bodies.  It shall not, said Merlin, need that these two kings
+come again in the way of war, but I know well King Arthur may not
+be long from you, for within a year or two ye shall have great
+need, and then shall he revenge you on your enemies, as ye have
+done on his.  For these eleven kings shall die all in a day, by
+the great might and prowess of arms of two valiant knights (as it
+telleth after); their names be Balin le Savage, and Balan, his
+brother, that be marvellous good knights as be any living.
+
+Now turn we to the eleven kings that returned unto a city that
+hight Sorhaute, the which city was within King Uriens', and there
+they refreshed them as well as they might, and made leeches
+search their wounds, and sorrowed greatly for the death of their
+people.  With that there came a messenger and told how there was
+come into their lands people that were lawless as well as
+Saracens, a forty thousand, and have burnt and slain all the
+people that they may come by, without mercy, and have laid siege
+on the castle of Wandesborow.  Alas, said the eleven kings, here
+is sorrow upon sorrow, and if we had not warred against Arthur as
+we have done, he would soon revenge us.  As for King Leodegrance,
+he loveth Arthur better than us, and as for King Rience, he hath
+enough to do with Leodegrance, for he hath laid siege unto him. 
+So they consented together to keep all the marches of Cornwall,
+of Wales, and of the North.  So first, they put King Idres in the
+City of Nauntes in Britain, with four thousand men of arms, to
+watch both the water and the land.  Also they put in the city of
+Windesan, King Nentres of Garlot, with four thousand knights to
+watch both on water and on land.  Also they had of other men of
+war more than eight thousand, for to fortify all the fortresses
+in the marches of Cornwall.  Also they put more knights in all
+the marches of Wales and Scotland, with many good men of arms,
+and so they kept them together the space of three year, and ever
+allied them with mighty kings and dukes and lords.  And to them
+fell King Rience of North Wales, the which <35>and Nero that was
+a mighty man of men.  And all this while they furnished them and
+garnished them of good men of arms, and victual, and of all
+manner of habiliment that pretendeth to the war, to avenge them
+for the battle of Bedegraine, as it telleth in the book of
+adventures following.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+How King Arthur rode to Carlion, and of his dream,
+and how he saw the questing beast.
+
+THEN after the departing of King Ban and of King Bors, King
+Arthur rode into Carlion.  And thither came to him, King Lot's
+wife, of Orkney, in manner of a message, but she was sent thither
+to espy the court of King Arthur; and she came richly beseen,
+with her four sons, Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravine, and Gareth, with
+many other knights and ladies.  For she was a passing fair lady,
+therefore the king cast great love unto her, and desired to lie
+by her; so they were agreed, and he begat upon her Mordred, and
+she was his sister, on his mother's side, Igraine.  So there she
+rested her a month, and at the last departed.  Then the king
+dreamed a marvellous dream whereof he was sore adread.  But all
+this time King Arthur knew not that King Lot's wife was his
+sister.  Thus was the dream of Arthur:  Him thought there was
+come into this land griffins and serpents, and him thought they
+burnt and slew all the people in the land, and then him thought
+he fought with them, and they did him passing great harm, and
+wounded him full sore, but at the last he slew them.  When the
+king awaked, he was passing heavy of his dream, and so to put it
+out of thoughts, he made him ready with many knights to ride a-
+hunting.  As soon as he was in the forest the king saw a great
+hart afore him.  This hart will I chase, said King Arthur, and so
+he spurred the horse, and rode after long, and so by fine force
+oft he <36>was like to have smitten the hart; whereas the king
+had chased the hart so long, that his horse lost his breath, and
+fell down dead.  Then a yeoman fetched the king another horse.
+
+So the king saw the hart enbushed, and his horse dead, he set him
+down by a fountain, and there he fell in great thoughts.  And as
+he sat so, him thought he heard a noise of hounds, to the sum of
+thirty.  And with that the king saw coming toward him the
+strangest beast that ever he saw or heard of; so the beast went
+to the well and drank, and the noise was in the beast's belly
+like unto the questing of thirty couple hounds; but all the while
+the beast drank there was no noise in the beast's belly: and
+there.with the beast departed with a great noise, whereof the
+king had great marvel.  And so he was in a great thought, and
+therewith he fell asleep.  Right so there came a knight afoot
+unto Arthur and said, Knight full of thought and sleepy, tell me
+if thou sawest a strange beast pass this way.  Such one saw I,
+said King Arthur, that is past two mile; what would ye with the
+beast? said Arthur.  Sir, I have followed that beast long time,
+and killed mine horse, so would God I had another to follow my
+quest.  Right so came one with the king's horse, and when the
+knight saw the horse, he prayed the king to give him the horse:
+for I have followed this quest this twelvemonth, and either I
+shall achieve him, or bleed of the best blood of my body. 
+Pellinore, that time king, followed the Questing Beast, and after
+his death Sir Palamides followed it.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+How King Pellinore took Arthur's horse and followed the
+Questing Beast, and how Merlin met with Arthur.
+
+SIR knight, said the king, leave that quest, and suffer me
+to have it, and I will follow it another twelvemonth.  Ah,
+fool, said the knight unto Arthur, it is in vain thy desire,
+<37>for it shall never be achieved but by me, or my next kin. 
+Therewith he started unto the king's horse and mounted into the
+saddle, and said, Gramercy, this horse is my own.  Well, said the
+king, thou mayst take my horse by force, but an I might prove
+thee whether thou were better on horseback or I.--Well, said the
+knight, seek me here when thou wilt, and here nigh this well thou
+shalt find me, and so passed on his way.  Then the king sat in a
+study, and bade his men fetch his horse as fast as ever they
+might.  Right so came by him Merlin like a child of fourteen year
+of age, and saluted the king, and asked him why he was so
+pensive.  I may well be pensive, said the king, for I have seen
+the marvellest sight that ever I saw.  That know I well, said
+Merlin, as well as thyself, and of all thy thoughts, but thou art
+but a fool to take thought, for it will not amend thee.  Also I
+know what thou art, and who was thy father, and of whom thou wert
+begotten; King Uther Pendragon was thy father, and begat thee on
+Igraine.  That is false, said King Arthur, how shouldest thou
+know it, for thou art not so old of years to know my father? 
+Yes, said Merlin, I know it better than ye or any man living.  I
+will not believe thee, said Arthur, and was wroth with the child. 
+So departed Merlin, and came again in the likeness of an old man
+of fourscore year of age, whereof the king was right glad, for he
+seemed to be right wise.
+
+Then said the old man, Why are ye so sad?  I may well be heavy,
+said Arthur, for many things.  Also here was a child, and told me
+many things that meseemeth he should not know, for he was not of
+age to know my father.  Yes, said the old man, the child told you
+truth, and more would he have told you an ye would have suffered
+him.  But ye have done a thing late that God is displeased with
+you, for ye have lain by your sister, and on her ye have gotten a
+child that shall destroy you and all the knights of your realm. 
+What are ye, said Arthur, that tell me these tidings?  I am
+Merlin, and I was he in the child's likeness.  Ah, said King
+Arthur, ye are a marvellous man, but I marvel much of thy words
+that I must die in battle.  Marvel not, said Merlin, for it is
+<38>God's will your body to be punished for your foul deeds; but
+I may well be sorry, said Merlin, for I shall die a shameful
+death, to be put in the earth quick, and ye shall die a
+worshipful death.  And as they talked this, came one with the
+king's horse, and so the king mounted on his horse, and Merlin on
+another, and so rode unto Carlion.  And anon the king asked Ector
+and Ulfius how he was begotten, and they told him Uther Pendragon
+was his father and Queen Igraine his mother.  Then he said to
+Merlin, I will that my mother be sent for that I may speak with
+her; and if she say so herself then will I believe it.  In all
+haste, the queen was sent for, and she came and brought with her
+Morgan le Fay, her daughter, that was as fair a lady as any might
+be, and the king welcomed Igraine in the best manner.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+How Ulfius impeached Queen Igraine, Arthur's mother, of treason;
+and how a knight came and desired to have the death of his master
+revenged.
+
+RIGHT SO came Ulfius, and said openly, that the king and all
+might hear that were feasted that day, Ye are the falsest lady of
+the world, and the most traitress unto the king's person. 
+Beware, said Arthur, what thou sayest; thou speakest a great
+word.  I am well ware, said Ulfius, what I speak, and here is my
+glove to prove it upon any man that will say the contrary, that
+this Queen Igraine is causer of your great damage, and of your
+great war.  For, an she would have uttered it in the life of King
+Uther Pendragon, of the birth of you, and how ye were begotten ye
+had never had the mortal wars that ye have had; for the most part
+of your barons of your realm knew never whose son ye were, nor of
+whom ye were begotten; and she that bare you of her body should
+have made it known openly in excusing of her worship and yours,
+and in like <39>wise to all the realm, wherefore I prove her
+false to God and to you and to all your realm, and who will say
+the contrary I will prove it on his body.
+
+Then spake Igraine and said, I am a woman and I may not fight,
+but rather than I should be dishonoured, there would some good
+man take my quarrel.  More, she said, Merlin knoweth well, and ye
+Sir Ulfius, how King Uther came to me in the Castle of Tintagil
+in the likeness of my lord, that was dead three hours to-fore,
+and thereby gat a child that night upon me.  And after the
+thirteenth day King Uther wedded me, and by his commandment when
+the child was born it was delivered unto Merlin and nourished by
+him, and so I saw the child never after, nor wot not what is his
+name, for I knew him never yet.  And there, Ulfius said to the
+queen, Merlin is more to blame than ye.  Well I wot, said the
+queen, I bare a child by my lord King Uther, but I wot not where
+he is become.  Then Merlin took the king by the hand, saying,
+This is your mother.  And therewith Sir Ector bare witness how he
+nourished him by Uther's commandment.  And therewith King Arthur
+took his mother, Queen Igraine, in his arms and kissed her, and
+either wept upon other.  And then the king let make a feast that
+lasted eight days.
+
+Then on a day there came in the court a squire on horseback,
+leading a knight before him wounded to the death, and told him
+how there was a knight in the forest had reared up a pavilion by
+a well, and hath slain my master, a good knight, his name was
+Miles; wherefore I beseech you that my master may be buried, and
+that some knight may revenge my master's death.  Then the noise
+was great of that knight's death in the court, and every man said
+his advice.  Then came Griflet that was but a squire, and he was
+but young, of the age of the king Arthur, so he besought the king
+for all his service that he had done him to give the order of
+knighthood.
+
+
+<40>
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+How Griflet was made knight, and jousted with a knight
+
+THOU art full young and tender of age, said Arthur, for to take
+so high an order on thee.  Sir, said Griflet, I beseech you make
+me knight.  Sir, said Merlin, it were great pity to lose Griflet,
+for he will be a passing good man when he is of age, abiding with
+you the term of his life.  And if he adventure his body with
+yonder knight at the fountain, it is in great peril if ever he
+come again, for he is one of the best knights of the world, and
+the strongest man of arms.  Well, said Arthur.  So at the desire
+of Griflet the king made him knight.  Now, said Arthur unto Sir
+Griflet, sith I have made you knight thou must give me a gift. 
+What ye will, said Griflet.  Thou shalt promise me by the faith
+of thy body, when thou hast jousted with the knight at the
+fountain, whether it fall ye be on foot or on horseback, that
+right so ye shall come again unto me without making any more
+debate.  I will promise you, said Griflet, as you desire.  Then
+took Griflet his horse in great haste, and dressed his shield and
+took a spear in his hand, and so he rode a great wallop till he
+came to the fountain, and thereby he saw a rich pavilion, and
+thereby under a cloth stood a fair horse well saddled and
+bridled, and on a tree a shield of divers colours and a great
+spear.  Then Griflet smote on the shield with the butt of his
+spear, that the shield fell 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 young, and
+late made knight, and your might is nothing to mine.  As for
+that, said Griflet, I will joust with you.  That is me loath,
+said the knight, but sith I must needs, I will dress me thereto. 
+Of whence be ye? said the knight.  Sir, I am of Arthur's court. 
+So the two knights ran <41>together that Griflet's spear all to-
+shivered; and there withal he smote Griflet through the shield
+and the left side, and brake the spear that the truncheon stuck
+in his body, that horse and knight fell down.   
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+How twelve knights came from Rome and asked truage for this land
+of Arthur, and how Arthur fought with a knight.
+
+WHEN the knight saw him lie so on the ground, he alighted, and
+was passing heavy, for he weened he had slain him, and then he
+unlaced his helm and gat him wind, and so with the truncheon he
+set him on his horse, and so betook him to God, and said he had a
+mighty heart, and if he might live he would prove a passing good
+knight.  And so Sir Griflet rode to the court, where great dole
+was made for him.  But through good leeches he was healed and
+saved.  Right so came into the court twelve knights, and were
+aged men, and they came from the Emperor of Rome, and they asked
+of Arthur truage for this realm, other else the emperor would
+destroy him and his land.  Well, said King Arthur, ye are
+messengers, therefore ye may say what ye will, other else ye
+should die therefore.  But this is mine answer: I owe the emperor
+no truage, nor none will I hold him, but on a fair field I shall
+give him my truage that shall be with a sharp spear, or else with
+a sharp sword, and that shall not be long, by my father's soul,
+Uther Pendragon.  And therewith the messengers departed passingly
+wroth, and King Arthur as wroth, for in evil time came they then;
+for the king was passingly wroth for the hurt of Sir Griflet. 
+And so he commanded a privy man of his chamber that or it be day
+his best horse and armour, with all that longeth unto his person,
+be without the city or to-morrow day.  Right so or to-morrow day
+he met with his man and his horse, and so mounted up and
+<42>dressed his shield and took his spear, and bade his
+chamberlain tarry there till he came again.  And so Arthur rode a
+soft pace till it was day, and then was he ware of three churls
+chasing Merlin, and would have slain him.  Then the king rode
+unto them, and bade them:  Flee, churls! then were they afeard
+when they saw a knight, and fled.  O Merlin, said Arthur, here
+hadst thou been slain for all thy crafts had I not been.  Nay,
+said Merlin, not so, for I could save myself an I would; and thou
+art more near thy death than I am, for thou goest to the
+deathward, an God be not thy friend.
+
+So as they went thus talking they came to the fountain, and the
+rich pavilion there by it.  Then King Arthur was ware where sat a
+knight armed in a chair.  Sir knight, said Arthur, for what cause
+abidest thou here, that there may no knight ride this way but if
+he joust with thee? said the king.  I rede thee leave that
+custom, said Arthur.  This custom, said the knight, have I used
+and will use maugre who saith nay, and who is grieved with my
+custom let him amend it that will.  I will amend it, said Arthur. 
+I shall defend thee, said the knight.  Anon he took his horse and
+dressed his shield and took a spear, and they met so hard either
+in other's shields, that all to-shivered their spears.  Therewith
+anon Arthur pulled out his sword.  Nay, not so, said the knight;
+it is fairer, said the knight, that we twain run more together
+with sharp spears.  I will well, said Arthur, an I had any more
+spears.  I have enow, said the knight; so there came a squire and
+brought two good spears, and Arthur chose one and he another; so
+they spurred their horses and came together with all their
+mights, that either brake their spears to their hands.  Then
+Arthur set hand on his sword.  Nay, said the knight, ye shall do
+better, ye are a passing good jouster as ever I met withal, and
+once for the love of the high order of knighthood let us joust
+once again.  I assent me, said Arthur.  Anon there were brought
+two great spears, and every knight gat a spear, and therewith
+they ran together that Arthur's spear all to-shivered.  But the
+other knight hit him so hard in midst of the <43>shield, that
+horse and man fell to the earth, and therewith Arthur was eager,
+and pulled out his sword, and said, I will assay thee, sir
+knight, on foot, for I have lost the honour on horseback.  I will
+be on horseback, said the knight.  Then was Arthur wroth, and
+dressed his shield toward him with his sword drawn.  When the
+knight saw that, he alighted, for him thought no worship to have
+a knight at such avail, he to be on horseback and he on foot, and
+so he alighted and dressed his shield unto Arthur.  And there
+began a strong battle with many great strokes, and so hewed with
+their swords that the cantels flew in the fields, and much blood
+they bled both, that all the place there as they fought was
+overbled with blood, and thus they fought long and rested them,
+and then they went to the battle again, and so hurtled together
+like two rams that either fell to the earth.  So at the last they
+smote together that both their swords met even together.  But the
+sword of the knight smote King Arthur's sword in two pieces,
+wherefore he was heavy.  Then said the knight unto Arthur, Thou
+art in my daunger whether me list to save thee or slay thee, and
+but thou yield thee as overcome and recreant, thou shalt die.  As
+for death, said King Arthur, welcome be it when it cometh, but to
+yield me unto thee as recreant I had liefer die than to be so
+shamed.  And therewithal the king leapt unto Pellinore, and took
+him by the middle and threw him down, and raced off his helm. 
+When the knight felt that he was adread, for he was a passing big
+man of might, and anon he brought Arthur under him, and raced off
+his helm and would have smitten off his head.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+How Merlin saved Arthur's life, and threw an enchantment
+on King Pellinore and made him to sleep.
+
+THEREWITHAL came Merlin and said, Knight, hold thy hand, for an
+thou slay that knight thou puttest this realm <44>in the greatest
+damage that ever was realm: for this knight is a man of more
+worship than thou wotest of.  Why, who is he? said the knight. 
+It is King Arthur.  Then would he have slain him for dread of his
+wrath, and heaved up his sword, and therewith Merlin cast an
+enchantment to the knight, that he fell to the earth in a great
+sleep.  Then Merlin took up King Arthur, and rode forth on the
+knight's horse.  Alas! said Arthur, what hast thou done, Merlin?
+hast thou slain this good knight by thy crafts?  There liveth not
+so worshipful a knight as he was; I had liefer than the stint of
+my land a year that he were alive.  Care ye not, said Merlin, for
+he is wholer than ye; for he is but asleep, and will awake within
+three hours.  I told you, said Merlin, what a knight he was; here
+had ye been slain had I not been.  Also there liveth not a bigger
+knight than he is one, and he shall hereafter do you right good
+service; and his name is Pellinore, and he shall have two sons
+that shall be passing good men; save one they shall have no
+fellow of prowess and of good living, and their names shall be
+Percivale of Wales and Lamerake of Wales, and he shall tell you
+the name of your own son, begotten of your sister, that shall be
+the destruction of all this realm.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+How Arthur by the mean of Merlin gat Excalibur his sword of the
+Lady of the Lake.
+
+RIGHT SO the king and he departed, and went unto an hermit that
+was a good man and a great leech.  So the hermit searched all his
+wounds and gave him good salves; so the king was there three
+days, and then were his wounds well amended that he might ride
+and go, and so departed.  And as they rode, Arthur said, I have
+no sword.  No force, said Merlin, hereby is a sword that shall be
+yours, an I may.  So they rode till they came to a lake, the
+which <45>was a fair water and broad, and in the midst of the
+lake Arthur was ware of an arm clothed in white samite, that held
+a fair sword in that hand.  Lo! said Merlin, yonder is that sword
+that I spake of.  With that they saw a damosel going upon the
+lake.  What damosel is that? said Arthur.  That is the Lady of
+the Lake, said Merlin; and within that lake is a rock, and
+therein is as fair a place as any on earth, and richly beseen;
+and this damosel will come to you anon, and then speak ye fair to
+her that she will give you that sword.  Anon withal came the
+damosel unto Arthur, and saluted him, and he her again.  Damosel,
+said Arthur, what sword is that, that yonder the arm holdeth
+above the water?  I would it were mine, for I have no sword.  Sir
+Arthur, king, said the damosel, that sword is mine, and if ye
+will give me a gift when I ask it you, ye shall have it.  By my
+faith, said Arthur, I will give you what gift ye will ask.  Well!
+said the damosel, go ye into yonder barge, and row yourself to
+the sword, and take it and the scabbard with you, and I will ask
+my gift when I see my time.  So Sir Arthur and Merlin alighted
+and tied their horses to two trees, and so they went into the
+ship, and when they came to the sword that the hand held, Sir
+Arthur took it up by the handles, and took it with him, and the
+arm and the hand went under the water.  And so [they] came unto
+the land and rode forth, and then Sir Arthur saw a rich pavilion. 
+What signifieth yonder pavilion?  It is the knight's pavilion,
+said Merlin, that ye fought with last, Sir Pellinore; but he is
+out, he is not there.  He hath ado with a knight of yours that
+hight Egglame, and they have foughten together, but at the last
+Egglame fled, and else he had been dead, and he hath chased him
+even to Carlion, and we shall meet with him anon in the highway. 
+That is well said, said Arthur, now have I a sword, now will I
+wage battle with him, and be avenged on him.  Sir, you shall not
+so, said Merlin, for the knight is weary of fighting and chasing,
+so that ye shall have no worship to have ado with him; also he
+will not be lightly matched of one knight living, and therefore
+it is my counsel, let him pass, for he shall do you good service
+in short time, and his sons after <46>his days.  Also ye shall
+see that day in short space, you shall be right glad to give him
+your sister to wed.  When I see him, I will do as ye advise, said
+Arthur.
+
+Then Sir Arthur looked on the sword, and liked it passing well. 
+Whether liketh you better, said Merlin, the sword or the
+scabbard?  Me liketh better the sword, said Arthur.  Ye are more
+unwise, said Merlin, for the scabbard is worth ten of the swords,
+for whiles ye have the scabbard upon you, ye shall never lose no
+blood, be ye never so sore wounded; therefore keep well the
+scabbard always with you.  So they rode unto Carlion, and by the
+way they met with Sir Pellinore; but Merlin had done such a
+craft, that Pellinore saw not Arthur, and he passed by without
+any words.  I marvel, said Arthur, that the knight would not
+speak.  Sir, said Merlin, he saw you not, for an he had seen you,
+ye had not lightly departed.  So they came unto Carlion, whereof
+his knights were passing glad.  And when they heard of his
+adventures, they marvelled that he would jeopard his person so,
+alone.  But all men of worship said it was merry to be under such
+a chieftain, that would put his person in adventure as other poor
+knights did.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+How tidings came to Arthur that King Rience had overcome eleven
+kings, and how he desired Arthur's beard to trim his mantle.
+
+THIS meanwhile came a messenger from King Rience of North Wales,
+and king he was of all Ireland, and of many isles.  And this was
+his message, greeting well King Arthur in this manner wise,
+saying that King Rience had discomfited and overcome eleven
+kings, and everych of them did him homage, and that was this,
+they gave him their beards clean flayed off, as much as there
+was; wherefore the messenger came for King Arthur's beard.  For
+King Rience had purfled a mantle with kings' beards, and there
+<47>lacked one place of the mantle; wherefore he sent for his
+beard, or else he would enter into his lands, and burn and slay,
+and never leave till he have the head and the beard.  Well, said
+Arthur, thou hast said thy message, the which is the most
+villainous and lewdest message that ever man heard sent unto a
+king; also thou mayest see my beard is full young yet to make a
+purfle of it.  But tell thou thy king this: I owe him none
+homage, nor none of mine elders; but or it be long to, he shall
+do me homage on both his knees, or else he shall lose his head,
+by the faith of my body, for this is the most shamefulest message
+that ever I heard speak of.  I have espied thy king met never yet
+with worshipful man, but tell him, I will have his head without
+he do me homage.  Then the messenger departed.
+
+Now is there any here, said Arthur, that knoweth King Rience? 
+Then answered a knight that hight Naram, Sir, I know the king
+well; he is a passing good man of his body, as few be living, and
+a passing proud man, and Sir, doubt ye not he will make war on
+you with a mighty puissance.  Well, said Arthur, I shall ordain
+for him in short time.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+How all the children were sent for that were born on
+May-day, and how Mordred was saved.
+
+THEN King Arthur let send for all the children born on May-day,
+begotten of lords and born of ladies; for Merlin told King Arthur
+that he that should destroy him should be born on May-day,
+wherefore he sent for them all, upon pain of death; and so there
+were found many lords' sons, and all were sent unto the king, and
+so was Mordred sent by King Lot's wife, and all were put in a
+ship to the sea, and some were four weeks old, and some less. 
+And so by fortune the ship drave unto a castle, and was all to-
+riven, and destroyed the most part, save that Mordred was cast
+up, and a good man found him, and nourished him till he <48>was
+fourteen year old, and then he brought him to the court, as it
+rehearseth afterward, toward the end of the Death of Arthur.  So
+many lords and barons of this realm were displeased, for their
+children were so lost, and many put the wite on Merlin more than
+on Arthur; so what for dread and for love, they held their peace. 
+But when the messenger came to King Rience, then was he wood out
+of measure, and purveyed him for a great host, as it rehearseth
+after in the book of Balin le Savage, that followeth next after,
+how by adventure Balin gat the sword.
+
+Explicit liber primus.  Incipit liber secundus
+
+
+BOOK II
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+Of a damosel which came girt with a sword for to find a
+man of such virtue to draw it out of the scabbard.
+
+AFTER the death of Uther Pendragon reigned Arthur his son, the
+which had great war in his days for to get all England into his
+hand.  For there were many kings within the realm of England, and
+in Wales, Scotland, and Cornwall.  So it befell on a time when
+King Arthur was at London, there came a knight and told the king
+tidings how that the King Rience of North Wales had reared a
+great number of people, and were entered into the land, and burnt
+and slew the king's true liege people.  If this be true, said
+Arthur, it were great shame unto mine estate but that he were
+mightily withstood.  It is truth, said the knight, for I saw the
+host myself.  Well, said the king, let make a cry, that all the
+lords, knights, and gentlemen of arms, should draw unto a castle
+called Camelot in those days, and there the king would let make a
+council-general and a great jousts.
+
+So when the king was come thither with all his baronage, and
+lodged as they seemed best, there was come a damosel the which
+was sent on message from the great lady Lile of Avelion.  And
+when she came before King Arthur, she told from whom she came,
+and how she was sent on message unto him for these causes.  Then
+she let her mantle fall that was richly furred; and then was she
+girt with a noble sword whereof the king had marvel, and
+<50>said, Damosel, for what cause are ye girt with that sword? it
+beseemeth you not.  Now shall I tell you, said the damosel; this
+sword that I am girt withal doth me great sorrow and cumbrance,
+for I may not be delivered of this sword but by a knight, but he
+must be a passing good man of his hands and of his deeds, and
+without villainy or treachery, and without treason.  And if I may
+find such a knight that hath all these virtues, he may draw out
+this sword out of the sheath, for I have been at King Rience's it
+was told me there were passing good knights, and he and all his
+knights have assayed it and none can speed.  This is a great
+marvel, said Arthur, if this be sooth; I will myself assay to
+draw out the sword, not presuming upon myself that I am the best
+knight, but that I will begin to draw at your sword in giving
+example to all the barons that they shall assay everych one after
+other when I have assayed it.  Then Arthur took the sword by the
+sheath and by the girdle and pulled at it eagerly, but the sword
+would not out.
+
+Sir, said the damosel, you need not to pull half so hard, for he
+that shall pull it out shall do it with little might.  Ye say
+well, said Arthur; now assay ye all my barons; but beware ye be
+not defiled with shame, treachery, nor guile.  Then it will not
+avail, said the damosel, for he must be a clean knight without
+villainy, and of a gentle strain of father side and mother side. 
+Most of all the barons of the Round Table that were there at that
+time assayed all by row, but there might none speed; wherefore
+the damosel made great sorrow out of measure, and said, Alas! I
+weened in this court had been the best knights without treachery
+or treason.  By my faith, said Arthur, here are good knights, as
+I deem, as any be in the world, but their grace is not to help
+you, wherefore I am displeased.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+How Balin, arrayed like a poor knight, pulled out the sword,
+which afterward was the cause of his death.
+
+THEN fell it so that time there was a poor knight with King
+Arthur, that had been prisoner with him half a year and more for
+slaying of a knight, the which was cousin unto King Arthur.  The
+name of this knight was called Balin, and by good means of the
+barons he was delivered out of prison, for he was a good man
+named of his body, and he was born in Northumberland.  And so he
+went privily into the court, and saw this adventure, whereof it
+raised his heart, and he would assay it as other knights did, but
+for he was poor and poorly arrayed he put him not far in press. 
+But in his heart he was fully assured to do as well, if his grace
+happed him, as any knight that there was.  And as the damosel
+took her leave of Arthur and of all the barons, so departing,
+this knight Balin called unto her, and said, Damosel, I pray you
+of your courtesy, suffer me as well to assay as these lords;
+though that I be so poorly clothed, in my heart meseemeth I am
+fully assured as some of these others, and meseemeth in my heart
+to speed right well.  The damosel beheld the poor knight, and saw
+he was a likely man, but for his poor arrayment she thought he
+should be of no worship without villainy or treachery.  And then
+she said unto the knight, Sir, it needeth not to put me to more
+pain or labour, for it seemeth not you to speed there as other
+have failed.  Ah! fair damosel, said Balin, worthiness, and good
+tatches, and good deeds, are not only in arrayment, but manhood
+and worship is hid within man's person, and many a worshipful
+knight is not known unto all people, and therefore worship and
+hardiness is not in arrayment.  By God, said the damosel, ye say
+sooth; therefore ye shall assay to do what ye may.  Then Balin
+took the sword by the girdle <52>and sheath, and drew it out
+easily; and when he looked on the sword it pleased him much. 
+Then had the king and all the barons great marvel that Balin had
+done that adventure, and many knights had great despite of Balin. 
+Certes, said the damosel, this is a passing good knight, and the
+best that ever I found, and most of worship without treason,
+treachery, or villainy, and many marvels shall he do.  Now,
+gentle and courteous knight, give me the sword again.  Nay, said
+Balin, for this sword will I keep, but it be taken from me with
+force.  Well, said the damosel, ye are not wise to keep the sword
+from me, for ye shall slay with the sword the best friend that ye
+have, and the man that ye most love in the world, and the sword
+shall be your destruction.  I shall take the adventure, said
+Balin, that God will ordain me, but the sword ye shall not have
+at this time, by the faith of my body.  Ye shall repent it within
+short time, said the damosel, for I would have the sword more for
+your avail than for mine, for I am passing heavy for your sake;
+for ye will not believe that sword shall be your destruction, and
+that is great pity.  With that the damosel departed, making great
+sorrow.
+
+Anon after, Balin sent for his horse and armour, and so would
+depart from the court, and took his leave of King Arthur.  Nay,
+said the king, I suppose ye will not depart so lightly from this
+fellowship, I suppose ye are displeased that I have shewed you
+unkindness; blame me the less, for I was misinformed against you,
+but I weened ye had not been such a knight as ye are, of worship
+and prowess, and if ye will abide in this court among my
+fellowship, I shall so advance you as ye shall be pleased.  God
+thank your highness, said Balin, your bounty and highness may no
+man praise half to the value; but at this time I must needs
+depart, beseeching you alway of your good grace.  Truly, said the
+king, I am right wroth for your departing; I pray you, fair
+knight, that ye tarry not long, and ye shall be right welcome to
+me, and to my barons, and I shall amend all miss that I have done
+against you; God thank your great lordship, said Balin, and
+therewith made him ready to depart.  Then the most <53>part of
+the knights of the Round Table said that Balin did not this
+adventure all only by might, but by witchcraft.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+How the Lady of the Lake demanded the knight's head that
+had won the sword, or the maiden's head.
+
+THE meanwhile, that this knight was making him ready to depart,
+there came into the court a lady that hight the Lady of the Lake. 
+And she came on horseback, richly beseen, and saluted King
+Arthur, and there asked him a gift that he promised her when she
+gave him the sword.  That is sooth, said Arthur, a gift I
+promised you, but I have forgotten the name of my sword that ye
+gave me.  The name of it, said the lady, is Excalibur, that is as
+much to say as Cut-steel.  Ye say well, said the king; ask what
+ye will and ye shall have it, an it lie in my power to give it. 
+Well, said the lady, I ask the head of the knight that hath won
+the sword, or else the damosel's head that brought it; I take no
+force though I have both their heads, for he slew my brother, a
+good knight and a true, and that gentlewoman was causer of my
+father's death.  Truly, said King Arthur, I may not grant neither
+of their heads with my worship, therefore ask what ye will else,
+and I shall fulfil your desire.  I will ask none other thing,
+said the lady.  When Balin was ready to depart, he saw the Lady
+of the Lake, that by her means had slain Balin's mother, and he
+had sought her three years; and when it was told him that she
+asked his head of King Arthur, he went to her straight and said,
+Evil be you found; ye would have my head, and therefore ye shall
+lose yours, and with his sword lightly he smote off her head
+before King Arthur.  Alas, for shame! said Arthur, why have 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 <54>trespass.  Sir, said
+Balin, me forthinketh of your displeasure, for this same lady was
+the untruest lady living, and by enchantment and sorcery she hath
+been the destroyer of many good knights, and she was causer that
+my mother was burnt, through her falsehood and treachery.  What
+cause soever ye had, said Arthur, ye should have forborne her in
+my presence; therefore, think not the contrary, ye shall repent
+it, for such another despite had I never in my court; therefore
+withdraw you out of my court in all haste ye may.
+
+Then Balin took up the head of the lady, and bare it with him to
+his hostelry, and there he met with his squire, that was sorry he
+had displeased King Arthur and so they rode forth out of the
+town.  Now, said Balin, we must depart, take thou this head and
+bear it to my friends, and tell them how I have sped, and tell my
+friends in Northumberland that my most foe is dead.  Also tell
+them how I am out of prison, and what adventure befell me at the
+getting of this sword.  Alas! said the squire, ye are greatly to
+blame for to displease King Arthur.  As for that, said Balin, I
+will hie me, in all the haste that I may, to meet with King
+Rience and destroy him, either else to die therefore; and if it
+may hap me to win him, then will King Arthur be my good and
+gracious lord.  Where shall I meet with you? said the squire.  In
+King Arthur's court, said Balin.  So his squire and he departed
+at that time.  Then King Arthur and all the court made great dole
+and had shame of the death of the Lady of the Lake.  Then the
+king buried her richly.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+How Merlin told the adventure of this damosel.
+
+AT that time there was a knight, the which was the king's son of
+Ireland, and his name was Lanceor, the which was an orgulous
+knight, and counted himself one of the best <55>of the court; and
+he had great despite at Balin for the achieving of the sword,
+that any should be accounted more hardy, or more of prowess; and
+he asked King Arthur if he would give him leave to ride after
+Balin and to revenge the despite that he had done.  Do your best,
+said Arthur, I am right wroth with Balin; I would he were quit of
+the despite that he hath done to me and to my court.  Then this
+Lanceor went to his hostelry to make him ready.  In the meanwhile
+came Merlin unto the court of King Arthur, and there was told him
+the adventure of the sword, and the death of the Lady of the
+Lake.  Now shall I say you, said Merlin; this same damosel that
+here standeth, that brought the sword unto your court, I shall
+tell you the cause of her coming: she was the falsest damosel
+that liveth.  Say not so, said they.  She hath a brother, a
+passing good knight of prowess and a full true man; and this
+damosel loved another knight that held her to paramour, and this
+good knight her brother met with the knight that held her to
+paramour, and slew him by force of his hands.  When this false
+damosel understood this, she went to the Lady Lile of Avelion,
+and besought her of help, to be avenged on her own brother.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+How Balin was pursued by Sir Lanceor, knight of Ireland,
+and how he jousted and slew him.
+
+AND so this Lady Lile of Avelion took her this sword that she
+brought with her, and told there should no man pull it out of the
+sheath but if he be one of the best knights of this realm, and he
+should be hard and full of prowess, and with that sword he should
+slay her brother.  This was the cause that the damosel came into
+this court.  I know it as well as ye.  Would God she had not come
+into this court, but she came never in fellowship of worship to
+do good, but always great harm; and that <56>knight that hath
+achieved the sword shall be destroyed by that sword, for the
+which will be great damage, for there liveth not a knight of more
+prowess than he is, and he shall do unto you, my Lord Arthur,
+great honour and kindness; and it is great pity he shall not
+endure but a while, for of his strength and hardiness I know not
+his match living.
+
+So the knight of Ireland armed him at all points, and dressed his
+shield on his shoulder, and mounted upon horseback, and took his
+spear in his hand, and rode after a great pace, as much as his
+horse might go; and within a little space on a mountain he had a
+sight of Balin, and with a loud voice he cried, Abide, knight,
+for ye shall abide whether ye will or nill, and the shield that
+is to-fore you shall not help.  When Balin heard the noise, he
+turned his horse fiercely, and said, Fair knight, what will ye
+with me, will ye joust with me?  Yea, said the Irish knight,
+therefore come I after you.  Peradventure, said Balin, it had
+been better to have holden you at home, for many a man weeneth to
+put his enemy to a rebuke, and oft it falleth to himself.  Of
+what court be ye sent from? said Balin.  I am come from the court
+of King Arthur, said the knight of Ireland, that come hither for
+to revenge the despite ye did this day to King Arthur and to his
+court.  Well, said Balin, I see well I must have ado with you,
+that me forthinketh for to grieve King Arthur, or any of his
+court; and your quarrel is full simple, said Balin, unto me, for
+the lady that is dead, did me great damage, and else would I have
+been loath as any knight that liveth for to slay a lady.  Make
+you ready, said the knight Lanceor, and dress you unto me, for
+that one shall abide in the field.  Then they took their spears,
+and came together as much as their horses might drive, and the
+Irish knight smote Balin on the shield, that all went shivers off
+his spear, and Balin hit him through the shield, and the hauberk
+perished, and so pierced through his body and the horse's croup,
+and anon turned his horse fiercely, and drew out his sword, and
+wist not that he had slain him; and then he saw him lie as a dead
+corpse.
+
+
+
+<57>
+CHAPTER VI
+
+How a damosel, which was love to Lanceor, slew herself
+for love, and how Balin met with his brother Balan.
+
+THEN he looked by him, and was ware of a damosel that came riding
+full fast as the horse might ride, on a fair palfrey.  And when
+she espied that Lanceor was slain, she made sorrow out of
+measure, and said, O Balin, two bodies thou hast slain and one
+heart, and two hearts in one body, and two souls thou hast lost. 
+And therewith she took the sword from her love that lay dead, and
+fell to the ground in a swoon.  And when she arose she made great
+dole out of measure, the which sorrow grieved Balin passingly
+sore, and he went unto her for to have taken the sword out of her
+hand, but she held it so fast he might not take it out of her
+hand unless he should have hurt her, and suddenly she set the
+pommel to the ground, and rove herself through the body.  When
+Balin espied her deeds, he was passing heavy in his heart, and
+ashamed that so fair a damosel had destroyed herself for the love
+of his death.  Alas, said Balin, me repenteth sore the death of
+this knight, for the love of this damosel, for there was much
+true love betwixt them both, and for sorrow might not longer
+behold him, but turned his horse and looked toward a great
+forest, and there he was ware, by the arms, of his brother Balan. 
+And when they were met they put off their helms and kissed
+together, and wept for joy and pity.  Then Balan said, I little
+weened to have met with you at this sudden adventure; I am right
+glad of your deliverance out of your dolorous prisonment, for a
+man told me, in the castle of Four Stones, that ye were
+delivered, and that man had seen you in the court of King Arthur,
+and therefore I came hither into this country, for here I
+supposed to find you.  Anon the knight Balin told his brother of
+his adventure of the sword, and of the death of the Lady of the
+Lake, and how King Arthur was <58>displeased with him.  Wherefore
+he sent this knight after me, that lieth here dead, and the death
+of this damosel grieveth me sore.  So doth it me, said Balan, but
+ye must take the adventure that God will ordain you.  Truly, said
+Balin, I am right heavy that my Lord Arthur is displeased with
+me, for he is the most worshipful knight that reigneth now on
+earth, and his love will I get or else will I put my life in
+adventure.  For the King Rience lieth at a siege at the Castle
+Terrabil, and thither will we draw in all haste, to prove our
+worship and prowess upon him.  I will well, said Balan, that we
+do, and we will help each other as brethren ought to do.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+How a dwarf reproved Balin for the death of Lanceor, and how King
+Mark of Cornwall found them, and made a tomb over them.
+
+Now go we hence, said Balin, and well be we met.  The meanwhile
+as they talked, there came a dwarf from the city of Camelot on
+horseback, as much as he might; and found the dead bodies,
+wherefore he made great dole, and pulled out his hair for sorrow,
+and said, Which of you knights have done this deed?  Whereby
+askest thou it? said Balan.  For I would wit it, said the dwarf. 
+It was I, said Balin, that slew this knight in my defence, for
+hither he came to chase me, and either I must slay him or he me;
+and this damosel slew herself for his love, which repenteth me,
+and for her sake I shall owe all women the better love.  Alas,
+said the dwarf, thou hast done great damage unto thyself, for
+this knight that is here dead was one of the most valiantest men
+that lived, and trust well, Balin, the kin of this knight will
+chase you through the world till they have slain you.  As for
+that, said Balin, I fear not greatly, but I am right heavy that I
+have displeased my lord King Arthur, for the death of this
+knight.  So <59>as they talked together, there came a king of
+Cornwall riding, the which hight King Mark.  And when he saw
+these two bodies dead, and understood how they were dead, by the
+two knights above said, then made the king great sorrow for the
+true love that was betwixt them, and said, I will not depart till
+I have on this earth made a tomb, and there he pight his
+pavilions and sought through all the country to find a tomb, and
+in a church they found one was fair and rich, and then the king
+let put them both in the earth, and put the tomb upon them, and
+wrote the names of them both on the tomb.  How here lieth Lanceor
+the king's son of Ireland, that at his own request was slain by
+the hands of Balin; and how his lady, Colombe, and paramour, slew
+herself with her love's sword for dole and sorrow.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+How Merlin prophesied that two the best knights of the world
+should fight there, which were Sir Lancelot and Sir Tristram.
+
+THE meanwhile as this was a-doing, in came Merlin to King Mark,
+and seeing all his doing, said, Here shall be in this same place
+the greatest battle betwixt two knights that was or ever shall
+be, and the truest lovers, and yet none of them shall slay other. 
+And there Merlin wrote their names upon the tomb with letters of
+gold that should fight in that place, whose names were Launcelot
+de Lake, and Tristram.  Thou art a marvellous man, said King Mark
+unto Merlin, that speakest of such marvels, thou art a boistous
+man and an unlikely to tell of such deeds.  What is thy name?
+said King Mark.  At this time, said Merlin, I will not tell, but
+at that time when Sir Tristram is taken with his sovereign lady,
+then ye shall hear and know my name, and at that time ye shall
+hear tidings that shall not please you.  Then said Merlin to
+Balin, Thou <60>hast done thyself great hurt, because that thou
+savest not this lady that slew herself, that might have saved her
+an thou wouldest.  By the faith of my body, said Balin, I might
+not save her, for she slew herself suddenly.  Me repenteth, said
+Merlin; because of the death of that lady thou shalt strike a
+stroke most dolorous that ever man struck, except the stroke of
+our Lord, for thou shalt hurt the truest knight and the man of
+most worship that now liveth, and through that stroke three
+kingdoms shall be in great poverty, misery and wretchedness
+twelve years, and the knight shall not be whole of that wound for
+many years.  Then Merlin took his leave of Balin.  And Balin
+said, If I wist it were sooth that ye say I should do such a
+perilous deed as that, I would slay myself to make thee a liar. 
+Therewith Merlin vanished away suddenly.  And then Balan and his
+brother took their leave of King Mark.  First, said the king,
+tell me your name.  Sir, said Balan, ye may see he beareth two
+swords, thereby ye may call him the Knight with the Two Swords. 
+And so departed King Mark unto Camelot to King Arthur, and Balin
+took the way toward King Rience; and as they rode together they
+met with Merlin disguised, but they knew him not.  Whither ride
+you? said Merlin.  We have little to do, said the two knights, to
+tell thee.  But what is thy name? said Balin.  At this time, said
+Merlin, I will not tell it thee.  It is evil seen, said the
+knights, that thou art a true man that thou wilt not tell thy
+name.  As for that, said Merlin, be it as it be may, I can tell
+you wherefore ye ride this way, for to meet King Rience; but it
+will not avail you without ye have my counsel.  Ah! said Balin,
+ye are Merlin; we will be ruled by your counsel.  Come on, said
+Merlin, ye shall have great worship, and look that ye do
+knightly, for ye shall have great need.  As for that, said Balin,
+dread you not, we will do what we may.
+
+
+
+<61>
+CHAPTER IX
+
+How Balin and his brother, by the counsel of Merlin, took
+King Rience and brought him to King Arthur.
+
+THEN Merlin lodged them in a wood among leaves beside the
+highway, and took off the bridles of their horses and put them to
+grass and laid them down to rest them till it was nigh midnight. 
+Then Merlin bade them rise, and make them ready, for the king was
+nigh them, that was stolen away from his host with a three score
+horses of his best knights, and twenty of them rode to-fore to
+warn the Lady de Vance that the king was coming; for that night
+King Rience should have lain with her.  Which is the king? said
+Balin.  Abide, said Merlin, here in a strait way ye shall meet
+with him; and therewith he showed Balin and his brother where he
+rode.
+
+Anon Balin and his brother met with the king, and smote him down,
+and wounded him fiercely, and laid him to the ground; and there
+they slew on the right hand and the left hand, and slew more than
+forty of his men, and the remnant fled.  Then went they again to
+King Rience and would have slain him had he not yielded him unto
+their grace.  Then said he thus:  Knights full of prowess, slay
+me not, for by my life ye may win, and by my death ye shall win
+nothing.  Then said these two knights, Ye say sooth and truth,
+and so laid him on a horse-litter.  With that Merlin was
+vanished, and came to King Arthur aforehand, and told him how his
+most enemy was taken and discomfited.  By whom? said King Arthur. 
+By two knights, said Merlin, that would please your lordship, and
+to-morrow ye shall know what knights they are.  Anon after came
+the Knight with the Two Swords and Balan his brother, and brought
+with them King Rience of North Wales, and there delivered him to
+the porters, and charged them with him; and so they two returned
+again in the dawning of the day.  King Arthur <62>came then to
+King Rience, and said, Sir king, ye are welcome: by what
+adventure come ye hither?  Sir, said King Rience, I came hither
+by an hard adventure.  Who won you? said King Arthur.  Sir, said
+the king, the Knight with the Two Swords and his brother, which
+are two marvellous knights of prowess.  I know them not, said
+Arthur, but much I am beholden to them.  Ah, said Merlin, I shall
+tell you: it is Balin that achieved the sword, and his brother
+Balan, a good knight, there liveth not a better of prowess and of
+worthiness, and it shall be the greatest dole of him that ever I
+knew of knight, for he shall not long endure.  Alas, said King
+Arthur, that is great pity; for I am much beholden unto him, and
+I have ill deserved it unto him for his kindness.  Nay, said
+Merlin, he shall do much more for you, and that shall ye know in
+haste.  But, sir, are ye purveyed, said Merlin, for to-morn the
+host of Nero, King Rience's brother, will set on you or noon with
+a great host, and therefore make you ready, for I will depart
+from you.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+How King Arthur had a battle against Nero and King Lot of Orkney,
+and how King Lot was deceived by Merlin, and how twelve kings
+were slain.
+
+THEN King Arthur made ready his host in ten battles and Nero was
+ready in the field afore the Castle Terrabil with a great host,
+and he had ten battles, with many more people than Arthur had. 
+Then Nero had the vanguard with the most part of his people, and
+Merlin came to King Lot of the Isle of Orkney, and held him with
+a tale of prophecy, till Nero and his people were destroyed.  And
+there Sir Kay the seneschal did passingly well, that the days of
+his life the worship went never from him; and Sir Hervis de Revel
+did marvellous deeds with King Arthur, and King Arthur slew that
+day twenty knights <63>and maimed forty.  At that time came in
+the Knight with the Two Swords and his brother Balan, but they
+two did so marvellously that the king and all the knights
+marvelled of them, and all they that beheld them said they were
+sent from heaven as angels, or devils from hell; and King Arthur
+said himself they were the best knights that ever he saw, for
+they gave such strokes that all men had wonder of them.
+
+In the meanwhile came one to King Lot, and told him while he
+tarried there Nero was destroyed and slain with all his people. 
+Alas, said King Lot, I am ashamed, for by my default there is
+many a worshipful man slain, for an we had been together there
+had been none host under the heaven that had been able for to
+have matched with us; this faiter with his prophecy hath mocked
+me.  All that did Merlin, for he knew well that an King Lot had
+been with his body there at the first battle, King Arthur had
+been slain, and all his people destroyed; and well Merlin knew
+that one of the kings should be dead that day, and loath was
+Merlin that any of them both should be slain; but of the twain,
+he had liefer King Lot had been slain than King Arthur.  Now what
+is best to do? said King Lot of Orkney; whether is me better to
+treat with King Arthur or to fight, for the greater part of our
+people are slain and destroyed?  Sir, said a knight, set on
+Arthur for they are weary and forfoughten and we be fresh.  As
+for me, said King Lot, I would every knight would do his part as
+I would do mine.  And then they advanced banners and smote
+together and all to-shivered their spears; and Arthur's knights,
+with the help of the Knight with the Two Swords and his brother
+Balan put King Lot and his host to the worse.  But always King
+Lot held him in the foremost front, and did marvellous deeds of
+arms, for all his host was borne up by his hands, for he abode
+all knights.  Alas he might not endure, the which was great pity,
+that so worthy a knight as he was one should be overmatched, that
+of late time afore had been a knight of King Arthur's, and wedded
+the sister of King Arthur; and for King Arthur lay by King Lot's
+<64>wife, the which was Arthur's sister, and gat on her Mordred,
+therefore King Lot held against Arthur.  So there was a knight
+that was called the Knight with the Strange Beast, and at that
+time his right name was called Pellinore, the which was a good
+man of prowess, and he smote a mighty stroke at King Lot as he
+fought with all his enemies, and he failed of his stroke, and
+smote the horse's neck, that he fell to the ground with King Lot. 
+And therewith anon Pellinore smote him a great stroke through the
+helm and head unto the brows.  And then all the host of Orkney
+fled for the death of King Lot, and there were slain many
+mothers' sons.  But King Pellinore bare the wite of the death of
+King Lot, wherefore Sir Gawaine revenged the death of his father
+the tenth year after he was made knight, and slew King Pellinore
+with his own hands.  Also there were slain at that battle twelve
+kings on the side of King Lot with Nero, and all were buried in
+the Church of Saint Stephen's in Camelot, and the remnant of
+knights and of others were buried in a great rock.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+Of the interment of twelve kings, and of the prophecy of
+Merlin, and how Balin should give the dolorous stroke.
+
+SO at the interment came King Lot's wife Margawse with her four
+sons, Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris, and Gareth. Also there came
+thither King Uriens, Sir Ewaine's father, and Morgan le Fay his
+wife that was King Arthur's sister. All these came to the
+interment.  But of all these twelve kings King Arthur let make
+the tomb of King Lot passing richly, and made his tomb by his
+own; and then Arthur let make twelve images of latten and copper,
+and over-gilt it with gold, in the sign of twelve kings, and each
+one of them held a taper of wax that burnt day and night; and
+King Arthur was made in sign of a figure standing above them with
+a sword drawn in his hand, and <65>all the twelve figures had
+countenance like unto men that were overcome.  All this made
+Merlin by his subtle craft, and there he told the king, When I am
+dead these tapers shall burn no longer, and soon after the
+adventures of the Sangreal shall come among you and be achieved. 
+Also he told Arthur how Balin the worshipful knight shall give
+the dolorous stroke, whereof shall fall great vengeance.  Oh,
+where is Balin and Balan and Pellinore? said King Arthur.  As for
+Pellinore, said Merlin, he will meet with you soon; and as for
+Balin he will not be long from you; but the other brother will
+depart, ye shall see him no more.  By my faith, said Arthur, they
+are two marvellous knights, and namely Balin passeth of prowess
+of any knight that ever I found, for much beholden am I unto him;
+would God he would abide with me.  Sir, said Merlin, look ye keep
+well the scabbard of Excalibur, for ye shall lose no blood while
+ye have the scabbard upon you, though ye have as many wounds upon
+you as ye may have.  So after, for great trust, Arthur betook the
+scabbard to Morgan le Fay his sister, and she loved another
+knight better than her husband King Uriens or King Arthur, and
+she would have had Arthur her brother slain, and therefore she
+let make another scabbard like it by enchantment, and gave the
+scabbard Excalibur to her love; and the knight's name was called
+Accolon, that after had near slain King Arthur.  After this
+Merlin told unto King Arthur of the prophecy that there should be
+a great battle beside Salisbury, and Mordred his own son should
+be against him.  Also he told him that Bagdemegus was his cousin,
+and germain unto King Uriens.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+How a sorrowful knight came before Arthur, and how Balin
+fetched him, and how that knight was slain by a knight invisible.
+
+WITHIN a day or two King Arthur was somewhat sick, and he let
+pitch his pavilion in a meadow, and there he <66>laid him down on
+a pallet to sleep, but he might have no rest.  Right so he heard
+a great noise of an horse, and therewith the king looked out at
+the porch of the pavilion, and saw a knight coming even by him,
+making great dole.  Abide, fair sir, said Arthur, and tell me
+wherefore thou makest this sorrow.  Ye may little amend me, said
+the knight, and so passed forth to the castle of Meliot.  Anon
+after there came Balin, and when he saw King Arthur he alighted
+off his horse, and came to the King on foot, and saluted him.  By
+my head, said Arthur, ye be welcome.  Sir, right now came riding
+this way a knight making great mourn, for what cause I cannot
+tell; wherefore I would desire of you of your courtesy and of
+your.  gentleness to fetch again that knight either by force or
+else by his good will.  I will do more for your lordship than
+that, said Balin; and so he rode more than a pace, and found the
+knight with a damosel in a forest, and said, Sir knight, ye must
+come with me unto King Arthur, for to tell him of your sorrow. 
+That will I not, said the knight, for it will scathe me greatly,
+and do you none avail.  Sir, said Balin, I pray you make you
+ready, for ye must go with me, or else I must fight with you and
+bring you by force, and that were me loath to do.  Will ye be my
+warrant, said the knight, an I go with you? Yea, said Balin, or
+else I will die therefore.  And so he made him ready to go with
+Balin, and left the damosel still.  And as they were even afore
+King Arthur's pavilion, there came one invisible, and smote this
+knight that went with Balin throughout the body with a spear. 
+Alas, said the knight, I am slain under your conduct with a
+knight called Garlon; therefore take my horse that is better than
+yours, and ride to the damosel, and follow the quest that I was
+in as she will lead you, and revenge my death when ye may.  That
+shall I do, said Balin, and that I make vow unto knighthood; and
+so he departed from this knight with great sorrow.  So King
+Arthur let bury this knight richly, and made a mention on his
+tomb, how there was slain Herlews le Berbeus, and by whom the
+treachery was done, the knight Garlon.  But ever the <67>damosel
+bare the truncheon of the spear with her that Sir Herlews was
+slain withal.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+How Balin and the damosel met with a knight which was
+in likewise slain, and how the damosel bled for the
+custom of a castle.
+
+So Balin and the damosel rode into a forest, and there met with a
+knight that had been a-hunting, and that knight asked Balin for
+what cause he made so great sorrow.  Me list not to tell you,
+said Balin.  Now, said the knight, an I were armed as ye be I
+would fight with you.  That should little need, said Balin, I am
+not afeard to tell you, and told him all the cause how it was. 
+Ah, said the knight, is this all? here I ensure you by the faith
+of my body never to depart from you while my life lasteth.  And
+so they went to the hostelry and armed them, and so rode forth
+with Balin.  And as they came by an hermitage even by a
+churchyard, there came the knight Garlon invisible, and smote
+this knight, Perin de Mountbeliard, through the body with a
+spear.  Alas, said the knight, I am slain by this traitor knight
+that rideth invisible.  Alas, said Balin, it is not the first
+despite he hath done me; and there the hermit and Balin buried
+the knight under a rich stone and a tomb royal.  And on the morn
+they found letters of gold written, how Sir Gawaine shall revenge
+his father's death, King Lot, on the King Pellinore.  Anon after
+this Balin and the damosel rode till they came to a castle, and
+there Balin alighted, and he and the damosel went to go into the
+castle, and anon as Balin came within the castle's gate the
+portcullis fell down at his back, and there fell many men about
+the damosel, and would have slain her.  When Balin saw that, he
+was sore aggrieved, for he might not help the damosel.  Then he
+went up into the tower, and leapt over walls into the ditch, and
+hurt him not; <68>and anon he pulled out his sword and would have
+foughten with them.  And they all said nay, they would not fight
+with him, for they did nothing but the old custom of the castle;
+and told him how their lady was sick, and had lain many years,
+and she might not be whole but if she had a dish of silver full
+of blood of a clean maid and a king's daughter; and therefore the
+custom of this castle is, there shall no damosel pass this way
+but she shall bleed of her blood in a silver dish full.  Well,
+said Balin, she shall bleed as much as she may bleed, but I will
+not lose the life of her whiles my life lasteth.  And so Balin
+made her to bleed by her good will, but her blood helped not the
+lady.  And so he and she rested there all night, and had there
+right good cheer, and on the morn they passed on their ways.  And
+as it telleth after in the Sangreal, that Sir Percivale's sister
+helped that lady with her blood, whereof she was dead.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+How Balin met with that knight named Garlon at a feast,
+and there he slew him, to have his blood to heal therewith
+the son of his host.
+
+THEN they rode three or four days and never met with adventure,
+and by hap they were lodged with a gentle man that was a rich man
+and well at ease.  And as they sat at their supper Balin
+overheard one complain grievously by him in a chair.  What is
+this noise? said Balin.  Forsooth, said his host, I will tell
+you.  I was but late at a jousting, and there I jousted with a
+knight that is brother unto King Pellam, and twice smote I him
+down, and then he promised to quit me on my best friend; and so
+he wounded my son, that cannot be whole till I have of that
+knight's blood, and he rideth alway invisible; but I know not his
+name.  Ah! said Balin, I know that knight, his name is Garlon, he
+hath slain two knights of mine in the same manner, therefore I
+had liefer meet with that knight <69>than all the gold in this
+realm, for the despite he hath done me.  Well, said his host, I
+shall tell you, King Pellam of Listeneise hath made do cry in all
+this country a great feast that shall be within these twenty
+days, and no knight may come there but if he bring his wife with
+him, or his paramour; and that knight, your enemy and mine, ye
+shall see that day.  Then I behote you, said Balin, part of his
+blood to heal your son withal.  We will be forward to-morn, said
+his host.  So on the morn they rode all three toward Pellam, and
+they had fifteen days' journey or they came thither; and that
+same day began the great feast.  And so they alighted and stabled
+their horses, and went into the castle; but Balin's host might
+not be let in because he had no lady.  Then Balin was well
+received and brought unto a chamber and unarmed him; and there
+were brought him robes to his pleasure, and would have had Balin
+leave his sword behind him.  Nay, said Balin, that do I not, for
+it is the custom of my country a knight always to keep his weapon
+with him, and that custom will I keep, or else I will depart as I
+came.  Then they gave him leave to wear his sword, and so he went
+unto the castle, and was set among knights of worship, and his
+lady afore him.
+
+Soon Balin asked a knight, Is there not a knight in this court
+whose name is Garlon?  Yonder he goeth, said a knight, he with
+the black face; he is the marvellest knight that is now living,
+for he destroyeth many good knights, for he goeth invisible.  Ah
+well, said Balin, is that he?  Then Balin advised him long:  If I
+slay him here I shall not escape, and if I leave him now,
+peradventure I shall never meet with him again at such a steven,
+and much harm he will do an he live.  Therewith this Garlon
+espied that this Balin beheld him, and then he came and smote
+Balin on the face with the back of his hand, and said, Knight,
+why beholdest me so? for shame therefore, eat thy meat and do
+that thou came for.  Thou sayest sooth, said Balin, this is not
+the first despite that thou hast done me, and therefore I will do
+what I came for, and rose up fiercely and clave his head to the
+shoulders.  <70>Give me the truncheon, said Balin to his lady,
+wherewith he slew your knight.  Anon she gave it him, for alway
+she bare the truncheon with her.  And therewith Balin smote him
+through the body, and said openly, With that truncheon thou hast
+slain a good knight, and now it sticketh in thy body.  And then
+Balin called unto him his host, saying, Now may ye fetch blood
+enough to heal your son withal.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+How Balin fought with King Pellam, and how his sword
+brake, and how he gat a spear wherewith he smote the
+dolorous stroke.
+
+ANON all the knights arose from the table for to set on Balin,
+and King Pellam himself arose up fiercely, and said, Knight, hast
+thou slain my brother? thou shalt die therefore or thou depart. 
+Well, said Balin, do it yourself.  Yes, said King Pellam, there
+shall no man have ado with thee but myself, for the love of my
+brother.  Then King Pellam caught in his hand a grim weapon and
+smote eagerly at Balin; but Balin put the sword betwixt his head
+and the stroke, and therewith his sword burst in sunder.  And
+when Balin was weaponless he ran into a chamber for to seek some
+weapon, and so from chamber to chamber, and no weapon he could
+find, and always King Pellam after him.  And at the last he
+entered into a chamber that was marvellously well dight and
+richly, and a bed arrayed with cloth of gold, the richest that
+might be thought, and one lying therein, and thereby stood a
+table of clean gold with four pillars of silver that bare up the
+table, and upon the table stood a marvellous spear strangely
+wrought.  And when Balin saw that spear, he gat it in his hand
+and turned him to King Pellam, and smote him passingly sore with
+that spear, that King Pellam fell down in a swoon, and therewith
+the castle roof and walls brake and fell to the earth, and Balin
+fell down so that he might <71>not stir foot nor hand.  And so
+the most part of the castle, that was fallen down through that
+dolorous stroke, lay upon Pellam and Balin three days.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+How Balin was delivered by Merlin, and saved a knight
+that would have slain himself for love.
+
+THEN Merlin came thither and took up Balin, and gat him a good
+horse, for his was dead, and bade him ride out of that country. 
+I would have my damosel, said Balin.  Lo, said Merlin, where she
+lieth dead.  And King Pellam lay so, many years sore wounded, and
+might never be whole till Galahad the haut prince healed him in
+the quest of the Sangreal, for in that place was part of the
+blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, that Joseph of Arimathea brought
+into this land, and there himself lay in that rich bed.  And that
+was the same spear that Longius smote our Lord to the heart; and
+King Pellam was nigh of Joseph's kin, and that was the most
+worshipful man that lived in those days, and great pity it was of
+his hurt, for through that stroke, turned to great dole, tray and
+tene.  Then departed Balin from Merlin, and said, In this world
+we meet never no more.  So he rode forth through the fair
+countries and cities, and found the people dead, slain on every
+side.  And all that were alive cried, O Balin, thou hast caused
+great damage in these countries; for 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 past those countries he was passing fain.
+
+So he rode eight days or he met with adventure.  And at the last
+he came into a fair forest in a valley, and was ware of a tower,
+and there beside he saw a great horse of war, tied to a tree, and
+there beside sat a fair knight on the ground and made great
+mourning, and he was a likely <72>man, and a well made.  Balin
+said, God save you, why be ye so heavy? tell me and I will amend
+it, an I may, to my power.  Sir knight, said he again, thou dost
+me great grief, for I was in merry thoughts, and now thou puttest
+me to more pain.  Balin went a little from him, and looked on his
+horse; then heard Balin him say thus:  Ah, fair lady, why have ye
+broken my promise, for thou promisest me to meet me here by noon,
+and I may curse thee that ever ye gave me this sword, for with
+this sword I slay myself, and pulled it out.  And therewith Balin
+stert unto him and took him by the hand.  Let go my hand, said
+the knight, or else I shall slay thee.  That shall not need, said
+Balin, for I shall promise you my help to get you your lady, an
+ye will tell me where she is.  What is your name? said the
+knight.  My name is Balin le Savage.  Ah, sir, I know you well
+enough, ye are the Knight with the Two Swords, and the man of
+most prowess of your hands living.  What is your name? said
+Balin.  My name is Garnish of the Mount, a poor man's son, but by
+my prowess and hardiness a duke hath made me knight, and gave me
+lands; his name is Duke Hermel, and his daughter is she that I
+love, and she me as I deemed.  How far is she hence? said Balin. 
+But six mile, said the knight.  Now ride we hence, said these two
+knights.  So they rode more than a pace, till that they came to a
+fair castle well walled and ditched.  I will into the castle,
+said Balin, and look if she be there.  So he went in and searched
+from chamber to chamber, and found her bed, but she was not
+there.  Then Balin looked into a fair little garden, and under a
+laurel tree he saw her lie upon a quilt of green samite and a
+knight in her arms, fast halsing either other, and under their
+heads grass and herbs.  When Balin saw her lie so with the
+foulest knight that ever he saw, and she a fair lady, then Balin
+went through all the chambers again, and told the knight how he
+found her as she had slept fast, and so brought him in the place
+there she lay fast sleeping.
+
+
+
+<73>
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+How that knight slew his love and a knight lying by her,
+and after, how he slew himself with his own sword, and
+how Balin rode toward a castle where he lost his life.
+
+AND when Garnish beheld her so lying, for pure sorrow his mouth
+and nose burst out a-bleeding, and with his sword he smote off
+both their heads, and then he made sorrow out of measure, and
+said, O Balin, much sorrow hast thou brought unto me, for hadst
+thou not shewed me that sight I should have passed my sorrow. 
+Forsooth, said Balin, I did it to this intent that it should
+better thy courage, and that ye might see and know her falsehood,
+and to cause you to leave love of such a lady; God knoweth I did
+none other but as I would ye did to me.  Alas, said Garnish, now
+is my sorrow double that I may not endure, now have I slain that
+I most loved in all my life; and therewith suddenly he rove
+himself on his own sword unto the hilts.  When Balin saw that, he
+dressed him thenceward, lest folk would say he had slain them;
+and so he rode forth, and within three days he came by a cross,
+and thereon were letters of gold written, that said, It is not
+for no knight alone to ride toward this castle.  Then saw he an
+old hoar gentleman coming toward him, that said, Balin le Savage,
+thou passest thy bounds to come this way, therefore turn again
+and it will avail thee.  And he vanished away anon; and so he
+heard an horn blow as it had been the death of a beast.  That
+blast, said Balin, is blown for me, for I am the prize and yet am
+I not dead.  Anon withal he saw an hundred ladies and many
+knights, that welcomed him with fair semblant, and made him
+passing good cheer unto his sight, and led him into the castle,
+and there was dancing and minstrelsy and all manner of joy.  Then
+the chief lady of the castle said, Knight with the Two Swords, ye
+must have ado and joust with a <74>knight hereby that keepeth an
+island, for there may no man pass this way but he must joust or
+he pass.  That is an unhappy custom, said Balin, that a knight
+may not pass this way but if he joust.  Ye shall not have ado but
+with one knight, said the lady.
+
+Well, said Balin, since I shall thereto I am ready, but
+travelling men are oft weary and their horses too, but though my
+horse be weary my heart is not weary, I would be fain there my
+death should be.  Sir, said a knight to Balin, methinketh your
+shield is not good, I will lend you a bigger.  Thereof I pray
+you.  And so he took the shield that was unknown and left his
+own, and so rode unto the island, and put him and his horse in a
+great boat; and when he came on the other side he met with a
+damosel, and she said, O knight Balin, why have ye left your own
+shield? alas ye have put yourself in great danger, for by your
+shield ye should have been known; it is great pity of you as ever
+was of knight, for of thy prowess and hardiness thou hast no
+fellow 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.  And then he looked on his
+armour, and understood he was well armed, and therewith blessed
+him and mounted upon his horse.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+How Balin met with his brother Balan, and how each of
+them slew other unknown, till they were wounded to death.
+
+THEN afore him he saw come riding out of a castle a knight, and
+his horse trapped all red, and himself in the same colour.  When
+this knight in the red beheld Balin, him thought it should be his
+brother Balin by cause of his two <75>swords, but by cause he
+knew not his shield he deemed it was not he.  And so they
+aventryd their spears and came marvellously fast together, and
+they smote each other in the shields, but their spears and their
+course were so big that it bare down horse and man, that they lay
+both in a swoon.  But Balin was bruised sore with the fall of his
+horse, for he was weary of travel.  And Balan was the first that
+rose on foot and drew his sword, and went toward Balin, and he
+arose and went against him; but Balan smote Balin first, and he
+put up his shield and smote him through the shield and tamed his
+helm.  Then Balin smote him again with that unhappy sword, and
+well-nigh had felled his brother Balan, and so they fought there
+together till their breaths failed.  Then Balin looked up to the
+castle and saw the towers stand full of ladies.  So they went
+unto battle again, and wounded everych other dolefully, and then
+they breathed ofttimes, and so went unto battle that all the
+place there as they fought was blood red.  And at that time there
+was none of them both but they had either smitten other seven
+great wounds, so that the least of them might have been the death
+of the mightiest giant in this world.
+
+Then they went to battle again so marvellously that doubt it was
+to hear of that battle for the great blood-shedding, and their
+hauberks unnailed that naked they were on every side.  At last
+Balan the younger brother withdrew him a little and laid him
+down.  Then said Balin le Savage, What knight art thou? for or
+now I found never no knight that matched me.  My name is, said
+he, Balan, brother unto the good knight, Balin.  Alas, said
+Balin, that ever I should see this day, and therewith he fell
+backward in a swoon.  Then Balan yede on all four feet and hands,
+and put off the helm off his brother, and might not know him by
+the visage it was so ful hewn and bled; but when he awoke he
+said, O Balan, my brother, thou hast slain me and I thee,
+wherefore all the wide world shall speak of us both.  Alas, said
+Balan, that ever I saw this day, that through mishap I might not
+know you, for I espied well your <76>two swords, but by cause ye
+had another shield I deemed ye had been another knight.  Alas,
+said Balin, all that made an unhappy knight in the castle, for he
+caused me to leave my own shield to our both's destruction, and
+if I might live I would destroy that castle for ill customs. 
+That were well done, said Balan, for I had never grace to depart
+from them since that I came hither, for here it happed me to slay
+a knight that kept this island, and since might I never depart,
+and no more should ye, brother, an ye might have slain me as ye
+have, and escaped yourself with the life.
+
+Right so came the lady of the tower with four knights and six
+ladies and six yeomen unto them, and there she heard how they
+made their moan either to other, and said, We came both out of
+one tomb, that is to say one mother's belly, and so shall we lie
+both in one pit.  So Balan prayed the lady of her gentleness, for
+his true service, that she would bury them both in that same
+place there the battle was done.  And she granted them, with
+weeping, it should be done richly in the best manner.  Now, will
+ye send for a priest, that we may receive our sacrament, and
+receive the blessed body of our Lord Jesus Christ?  Yea, said the
+lady, it shall be done; and so she sent for a priest and gave
+them their rights.  Now, said Balin, when we are buried in one
+tomb, and the mention made over us how two brethren slew each
+other, there will never good knight, nor good man, see our tomb
+but they will pray for our souls.  And so all the ladies and
+gentlewomen wept for pity.  Then anon Balan died, but Balin died
+not till the midnight after, and so were they buried both, and
+the lady let make a mention of Balan how he was there slain by
+his brother's hands, but she knew not Balin's name.
+
+
+
+<77>
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+How Merlin buried them both in one tomb, and of
+Balin's sword.
+
+IN the morn came Merlin and let write Balin's name on the tomb
+with letters of gold, that Here lieth Balin le Savage that was
+the Knight with the Two Swords, and he that smote the Dolorous
+Stroke.  Also Merlin let make there a bed, that there should
+never man lie therein but he went out of his wit, yet Launcelot
+de Lake fordid that bed through his noblesse.  And anon after
+Balin was dead, Merlin took his sword, and took off the pommel
+and set on another pommel.  So Merlin bade a knight that stood
+afore him handle that sword, and he assayed, and he might not
+handle it.  Then Merlin laughed.  Why laugh ye? said the knight. 
+This is the cause, said Merlin: there shall never man handle this
+sword but the best knight of the world, and that shall be Sir
+Launcelot or else Galahad his son, and Launcelot with this sword
+shall slay the man that in the world he loved best, that shall be
+Sir Gawaine.  All this he let write in the pommel of the sword. 
+Then Merlin let make a bridge of iron and of steel into that
+island, and it was but half a foot broad, and there shall never
+man pass that bridge, nor have hardiness to go over, but if he
+were a passing good man and a good knight without treachery or
+villainy.  Also the scabbard of Balin's sword Merlin left it on
+this side the island, that Galahad should find it.  Also Merlin
+let make by his subtilty that Balin's sword was put in a marble
+stone standing upright as great as a mill stone, and the stone
+hoved always above the water and did many years, and so by
+adventure it swam down the stream to the City of Camelot, that is
+in English Winchester.  And that same day Galahad the haut prince
+came with King Arthur, and so Galahad brought with him the
+scabbard and achieved the sword that was there in the marble
+stone <78>hoving upon the water.  And on Whitsunday he achieved
+the sword as it is rehearsed in the book of Sangreal.
+
+Soon after this was done Merlin came to King Arthur and told him
+of the dolorous stroke that Balin gave to King Pellam, and how
+Balin and Balan fought together the marvellest battle that ever
+was heard of, and how they were buried both in one tomb.  Alas,
+said King Arthur, this is the greatest pity that ever I heard
+tell of two knights, for in the world I know not such two
+knights.  Thus endeth the tale of Balin and of Balan, two
+brethren born in Northumberland, good knights.
+
+Sequitur iii liber.
+
+
+
+BOOK III
+CHAPTER I
+
+How King Arthur took a wife, and wedded Guenever,
+daughter to Leodegrance, King of the Land of Cameliard,
+with whom he had the Round Table.
+
+IN the beginning of Arthur, after he was chosen king by adventure
+and by grace; for the most part of the barons knew not that he
+was Uther Pendragon's son, but as Merlin made it openly known. 
+But yet many kings and lords held great war against him for that
+cause, but well Arthur overcame them all, for the most part the
+days of his life he was ruled much by the counsel of Merlin.  So
+it fell on a time King Arthur said unto Merlin, My barons will
+let me have no rest, but needs I must take a wife, and I will
+none take but by thy counsel and by thine advice.  It is well
+done, said Merlin, that ye take a wife, for a man of your bounty
+and noblesse should not be without a wife.  Now is there any that
+ye love more than another?  Yea, said King Arthur, I love
+Guenever the king's daughter, Leodegrance of the land of
+Cameliard, the which holdeth in his house the Table Round that ye
+told he had of my father Uther.  And this damosel is the most
+valiant and fairest lady that I know living, or yet that ever I
+could find.  Sir, said Merlin, as of her beauty and fairness she
+is one of the fairest alive, but, an ye loved her not so well as
+ye do, I should find you a damosel of beauty and of goodness that
+should like you and please you, an your heart were not set; but
+there as a man's heart is set, he <80>will be loath to return. 
+That is truth, said King Arthur.  But Merlin warned the king
+covertly that Guenever was not wholesome for him to take to wife,
+for he warned him that Launcelot should love her, and she him
+again; and so he turned his tale to the adventures of Sangreal.
+
+Then Merlin desired of the king for to have men with him that
+should enquire of Guenever, and so the king granted him, and
+Merlin went forth unto King Leodegrance of Cameliard, and told
+him of the desires of the king that he would have unto his wife
+Guenever his daughter.  That is to me, said King Leodegrance, the
+best tidings that ever I heard, that so worthy a king of prowess
+and noblesse will wed my daughter.  And as for my lands, I will
+give him, wist I it might please him, but he hath lands enow, him
+needeth none; but I shall send him a gift shall please him much
+more, for I shall give him the Table Round, the which Uther
+Pendragon gave me, and when it is full complete, there is an
+hundred knights and fifty.  And as for an hundred good knights I
+have myself, but I faute fifty, for so many have been slain in my
+days.  And so Leodegrance delivered his daughter Guenever unto
+Merlin, and the Table Round with the hundred knights, and so they
+rode freshly, with great royalty, what by water and what by land,
+till that they came nigh unto London.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+How the Knights of the Round Table were ordained and
+their sieges blessed by the Bishop of Canterbury.
+
+WHEN King Arthur heard of the coming of Guenever and the hundred
+knights with the Table Round, then King Arthur made great joy for
+her coming, and that rich present, and said openly, This fair
+lady is passing welcome unto me, for I have loved her long, and
+therefore there is nothing so lief to me.  And these knights with
+the Round Table please me more than right great riches.  And in
+all <81>haste the king let ordain for the marriage and the
+coronation in the most honourable wise that could be devised. 
+Now, Merlin, said King Arthur, go thou and espy me in all this
+land fifty knights which be of most prowess and worship.  Within
+short time Merlin had found such knights that should fulfil
+twenty and eight knights, but no more he could find.  Then the
+Bishop of Canterbury was fetched, and he blessed the sieges with
+great royalty and devotion, and there set the eight and twenty
+knights in their sieges.  And when this was done Merlin said,
+Fair sirs, ye must all arise and come to King Arthur for to do
+him homage; he will have the better will to maintain you.  And so
+they arose and did their homage, and when they were gone Merlin
+found in every sieges letters of gold that told the knights'
+names that had sitten therein.  But two sieges were void.  And so
+anon came young Gawaine and asked the king a gift.  Ask, said the
+king, and I shall grant it you.  Sir, I ask that ye will make me
+knight that same day ye shall wed fair Guenever.  I will do it
+with a good will, said King Arthur, and do unto you all the
+worship that I may, for I must by reason ye are my nephew, my
+sister's son.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+How a poor man riding upon a lean mare desired King
+Arthur to make his son knight.
+
+FORTHWITHAL there came a poor man into the court, and brought
+with him a fair young man of eighteen years of age riding upon a
+lean mare; and the poor man asked all men that he met, Where
+shall I find King Arthur?  Yonder he is, said the knights, wilt
+thou anything with him?  Yea, said the poor man, therefore I came
+hither.  Anon as he came before the king, he saluted him and
+said:  O King Arthur, the flower of all knights and kings, I
+beseech Jesu save thee.  Sir, it was told me that at this time of
+your marriage ye would give any man the gift that <82>he would
+ask, out except that were unreasonable.  That is truth, said the
+king, such cries I let make, and that will I hold, so it apair
+not my realm nor mine estate.  Ye say well and graciously, said
+the poor man; Sir, I ask nothing else but that ye will make my
+son here a knight.  It is a great thing thou askest of me, said
+the king.  What is thy name? said the king to the poor man.  Sir,
+my name is Aries the cowherd.  Whether cometh this of thee or of
+thy son? said the king.  Nay, sir, said Aries, this desire cometh
+of my son and not of me, for I shall tell you I have thirteen
+sons, and all they will fall to what labour I put them, and will
+be right glad to do labour, but this child will not labour for
+me, for anything that my wife or I may do, but always he will be
+shooting or casting darts, and glad for to see battles and to
+behold knights, and always day and night he desireth of me to be
+made a knight.  What is thy name? said the king unto the young
+man.  Sir, my name is Tor.  The king beheld him fast, and saw he
+was passingly well-visaged and passingly well made of his years. 
+Well, said King Arthur unto Aries the cowherd, fetch all thy sons
+afore me that I may see them.  And so the poor man did, and all
+were shaped much like the poor man.  But Tor was not like none of
+them all in shape nor in countenance, for he was much more than
+any of them.  Now, said King Arthur unto the cow herd, where is
+the sword he shall be made knight withal?  It is here, said Tor. 
+Take it out of the sheath, said the king, and require me to make
+you a knight.
+
+Then Tor alighted off his mare and pulled out his sword,
+kneeling, and requiring the king that he would make him knight,
+and that he might be a knight of the Table Round.  As for a
+knight I will make you, and therewith smote him in the neck with
+the sword, saying, Be ye a good knight, and so I pray to God so
+ye may be, and if ye be of prowess and of worthiness ye shall be
+a knight of the Table Round.  Now Merlin, said Arthur, say
+whether this Tor shall be a good knight or no.  Yea, sir, he
+ought to be a good knight, for he is come of as good a man as any
+is alive, and of kings' blood.  How <83>so, sir? said the king. 
+I shall tell you, said Merlin:  This poor man, Aries the cowherd,
+is not his father; he is nothing sib to him, for King Pellinore
+is his father.  I suppose nay, said the cowherd.  Fetch thy wife
+afore me, said Merlin, and she shall not say nay.  Anon the wife
+was fetched, which was a fair housewife, and there she answered
+Merlin full womanly, and there she told the king and Merlin that
+when she was a maid, and went to milk kine, there met with her a
+stern knight, and half by force he had my maidenhead, and at that
+time he begat my son Tor, and he took away from me my greyhound
+that I had that time with me, and said that he would keep the
+greyhound for my love.  Ah, said the cowherd, I weened not this,
+but I may believe it well, for he had never no tatches of me. 
+Sir, said Tor unto Merlin, dishonour not my mother.  Sir, said
+Merlin, it is more for your worship than hurt, for your father is
+a good man and a king, and he may right well advance you and your
+mother, for ye were begotten or ever she was wedded.  That is
+truth, said the wife.  It is the less grief unto me, said the
+cowherd.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+How Sir Tor was known for son of King Pellinore,
+and how Gawaine was made knight.
+
+SO on the morn King Pellinore came to the court of King Arthur,
+which had great joy of him, and told him of Tor, how he was his
+son, and how he had made him knight at the request of the
+cowherd.  When Pellinore beheld Tor, he pleased him much.  So the
+king made Gawaine knight, but Tor was the first he made at the
+feast.  What is the cause, said King Arthur, that there be two
+places void in the sieges?  Sir, said Merlin, there shall no man
+sit in those places but they that shall be of most worship.  But
+in the Siege Perilous there shall no man sit therein but one, and
+if there be any so hardy to <84>do it he shall be destroyed, and
+he that shall sit there shall have no fellow.  And therewith
+Merlin took King Pellinore by the hand, and in the one hand next
+the two sieges and the Siege Perilous he said, in open audience,
+This is your place and best ye are worthy to sit therein of any
+that is here.  Thereat sat Sir Gawaine in great envy and told
+Gaheris his brother, yonder knight is put to great worship, the
+which grieveth me sore, for he slew our father King Lot,
+therefore I will slay him, said Gawaine, with a sword that was
+sent me that is passing trenchant.  Ye shall not so, said
+Gaheris, at this time, for at this time I am but a squire, and
+when I am made knight I will be avenged on him, and therefore,
+brother, it is best ye suffer till another time, that we may have
+him out of the court, for an we did so we should trouble this
+high feast.  I will well, said Gawaine, as ye will.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+How at feast of the wedding of King Arthur to Guenever,
+a white hart came into the hall, and thirty couple
+hounds, and how a brachet pinched the hart which
+was taken away.
+
+THEN was the high feast made ready, and the king was wedded at
+Camelot unto Dame Guenever in the church of Saint Stephen's, with
+great solemnity.  And as every man was set after his degree,
+Merlin went to all the knights of the Round Table, and bade them
+sit still, that none of them remove.  For ye shall see a strange
+and a marvellous adventure.  Right so as they sat there came
+running in a white hart into the hall, and a white brachet next
+him, and thirty couple of black running hounds came after with a
+great cry, and the hart went about the Table Round as he went by
+other boards.  The white brachet bit him by the buttock and
+pulled out a piece, wherethrough the hart leapt a great leap and
+overthrew a knight that sat at the <85>board side; and therewith
+the knight arose and took up the brachet, and so went forth out
+of the hall, and took his horse and rode his way with the
+brachet.  Right so anon came in a lady on a white palfrey, and
+cried aloud to King Arthur, Sir, suffer me not to have this
+despite, for the brachet was mine that the knight led away.  I
+may not do therewith, said the king.
+
+With this there came a knight riding all armed on a great horse,
+and took the lady away with him with force, and ever she cried
+and made great dole.  When she was gone the king was glad, for
+she made such a noise.  Nay, said Merlin, ye may not leave these
+adventures so lightly; for these adventures must be brought again
+or else it would be disworship to you and to your feast.  I will,
+said the king, that all be done by your advice.  Then, said
+Merlin, let call Sir Gawaine, for he must bring again the white
+hart.  Also, sir, ye must let call Sir Tor, for he must bring
+again the brachet and the knight, or else slay him.  Also let
+call King Pellinore, for he must bring again the lady and the
+knight, or else slay him.  And these three knights shall do
+marvellous adventures or they come again.  Then were they called
+all three as it rehearseth afore, and each of them took his
+charge, and armed them surely.  But Sir Gawaine had the first
+request, and therefore we will begin at him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+How Sir Gawaine rode for to fetch again the hart, and how
+two brethren fought each against other for the hart.
+
+SIR GAWAINE rode more than a pace, and Gaheris his brother that
+rode with him instead of a squire to do him service.  So as they
+rode they saw two knights fight on horseback passing sore, so Sir
+Gawaine and his brother rode betwixt them, and asked them for
+what cause they fought so.  The one knight answered and said, We
+fight <86>for a simple matter, for we two be two brethren born
+and begotten of one man and of one woman.  Alas, said Sir
+Gawaine, why do ye so?  Sir, said the elder, there came a white
+hart this way this day, and many hounds chased him, and a white
+brachet was alway next him, and we understood it was adventure
+made for the high feast of King Arthur, and therefore I would
+have gone after to have won me worship; and here my younger
+brother said he would go after the hart, for he was better knight
+than I: and for this cause we fell at debate, and so we thought
+to prove which of us both was better knight.  This is a simple
+cause, said Sir Gawaine; uncouth men ye should
+debate withal, and not brother with brother; therefore but if you
+will do by my counsel I will have ado with you, that is ye shall
+yield you unto me, and that ye go unto King Arthur and yield you
+unto his grace.  Sir knight, said the two brethren, we are
+forfoughten and much blood have we lost through our wilfulness,
+and therefore we would be loath to have ado with you.  Then do as
+I will have you, said Sir Gawaine.  We will agree to fulfil your
+will; but by whom shall we say that we be thither sent?  Ye may
+say, By the knight that followeth the quest of the hart that was
+white.  Now what is your name? said Gawaine.  Sorlouse of the
+Forest, said the elder.  And my name is, said the younger, Brian
+of the Forest.  And so they departed and went to the king's
+court, and Sir Gawaine on his quest.
+
+And as Gawaine followed the hart by the cry of the hounds, even
+afore him there was a great river, and the hart swam over; and as
+Sir Gawaine would follow after, there stood a knight over the
+other side, and said, Sir knight, come not over after this hart
+but if thou wilt joust with me.  I will not fail as for that,
+said Sir Gawaine, to follow the quest that I am in, and so made
+his horse to swim over the water.  And anon they gat their spears
+and ran together full hard; but Sir Gawaine smote him off his
+horse, and then he turned his horse and bade him yield him.  Nay,
+said the knight, not so, though thou have the better of me on
+horseback.  I pray thee, valiant <87>knight, alight afoot, and
+match we together with swords.  What is your name? said Sir
+Gawaine.  Allardin of the Isles, said the other.  Then either
+dressed their shields and smote together, but Sir Gawaine smote
+him so hard through the helm that it went to the brains, and the
+knight fell down dead.  Ah! said Gaheris, that was a mighty
+stroke of a young knight.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+How the hart was chased into a castle and there slain, and
+how Sir Gawaine slew a lady.
+
+THEN Gawaine and Gaheris rode more than a pace after the white
+hart, and let slip at the hart three couple of greyhounds, and so
+they chased the hart into a castle, and in the chief place of the
+castle they slew the hart; Sir Gawaine and Gaheris followed
+after.  Right so there came a knight out of a chamber with a
+sword drawn in his hand and slew two of the greyhounds, even in
+the sight of Sir Gawaine, and the remnant he chased them with his
+sword out of the castle.  And when he came again, he said, O my
+white hart, me repenteth that thou art dead, for my sovereign
+lady gave thee to me, and evil have I kept thee, and thy death
+shall be dear bought an I live.  And anon he went into his
+chamber and armed him, and came out fiercely, and there met he
+with Sir Gawaine.  Why have ye slain my hounds? said Sir Gawaine,
+for they did but their kind, and liefer I had ye had wroken your
+anger upon me than upon a dumb beast.  Thou sayest truth, said
+the knight, I have avenged me on thy hounds, and so I will on
+thee or thou go.  Then Sir Gawaine alighted afoot and dressed his
+shield, and struck together mightily, and clave their shields,
+and stoned their helms, and brake their hauberks that the blood
+ran down to their feet.
+
+At the last Sir Gawaine smote the knight so hard that <88>he fell
+to the earth, and then he cried mercy, and yielded him, and
+besought him 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 have stricken off
+his head.  Right so came his lady out of a chamber and fell over
+him, and so he smote off her head by misadventure.  Alas, said
+Gaheris, that is foully and shamefully done, that shame shall
+never from you; also ye should give mercy unto them that ask
+mercy, for a knight without mercy is without worship.  Sir
+Gawaine was so stonied of the death of this fair lady that he
+wist not what he did, and said unto the knight, Arise, I will
+give thee mercy.  Nay, nay, said the knight, I take no force of
+mercy now, for thou hast slain my love and my lady that I loved
+best of all earthly things.  Me sore repenteth it, said Sir
+Gawaine, for I thought to strike unto thee; but now thou shalt go
+unto King Arthur and tell him of thine adventures, and how thou
+art overcome by the knight that went in the quest of the white
+hart.  I take no force, said the knight, whether I live or I die;
+but so for dread of death he swore to go unto King Arthur, and he
+made him to bear one greyhound before him on his horse, and
+another behind him.  What is your name? said Sir Gawaine, or we
+depart.  My name is, said the knight, Ablamar of the Marsh.  So
+he departed toward Camelot.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+How four knights fought against Gawaine and Gaheris,
+and how they were overcome, and their lives saved at
+request of four ladies.
+
+AND Sir Gawaine went into the castle, and made him ready to lie
+there all night, and would have unarmed him.  What will ye do,
+said Gaheris, will ye unarm you in this <89>country?  Ye may
+think ye have many enemies here.  They had not sooner said that
+word but there came four knights well armed, and assailed Sir
+Gawaine hard, and said unto him, Thou new-made knight, thou hast
+shamed thy knighthood, for a knight without mercy is dishonoured. 
+Also thou hast slain a fair lady to thy great shame to the
+world's end, and doubt thou not thou shalt have great need of
+mercy or thou depart from us.  And therewith one of them smote
+Sir Gawaine a great stroke that nigh he fell to the earth, and
+Gaheris smote him again sore, and so they were on the one side
+and on the other, that Sir Gawaine and Gaheris were in jeopardy
+of their lives; and one with a bow, an archer, smote Sir Gawaine
+through the arm that it grieved him wonderly sore.  And as they
+should have been slain, there came four fair ladies, and besought
+the knights of grace for Sir Gawaine; and goodly at request of
+the ladies they gave Sir Gawaine and Gaheris their lives, and
+made them to yield them as prisoners.  Then Gawaine and Gaheris
+made great dole. Alas! said Sir Gawaine, mine arm grieveth me
+sore, I am like to be maimed; and so made his complaint
+piteously.
+
+Early on the morrow there came to Sir Gawaine one of the four
+ladies that had heard all his complaint, and said, Sir knight,
+what cheer?  Not good, said he.  It is your own default, said the
+lady, for ye have done a passing foul deed in the slaying of the
+lady, the which will be great villainy unto you.  But be ye not
+of King Arthur's kin? said the lady.  Yes truly, said Sir
+Gawaine.  What is your name? said the lady, ye must tell it me or
+ye pass.  My name is Gawaine, the King Lot of Orkney's son, 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 go to King Arthur for his love.  And so she
+departed and told the four knights how their prisoner was King
+Arthur's nephew, and his name is Sir Gawaine, King Lot's son of
+Orkney.  And they gave him the hart's head because it was in his
+quest.  Then anon they delivered Sir Gawaine under this promise,
+that he should bear the dead lady with him in <90>this manner;
+the head of her was hanged about his neck, and the whole body of
+her lay before him on his horse's mane.  Right so rode he forth
+unto Camelot.  And anon as he was come, Merlin desired of King
+Arthur that Sir Gawaine should be sworn to tell of all his
+adventures, and how he slew the lady, and how he would give no
+mercy unto the knight, wherethrough the lady was slain.  Then the
+king and the queen were greatly displeased with Sir Gawaine for
+the slaying of the lady.  And there by ordinance of the queen
+there was set a quest of ladies on Sir Gawaine, and they judged
+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 to refuse mercy to him that asketh mercy.  Thus was Gawaine
+sworn upon the Four Evangelists that he should never be against
+lady nor gentlewoman, but if he fought for a lady and his
+adversary fought for another.  And thus endeth the adventure of
+Sir Gawaine that he did at the marriage of King Arthur.  Amen.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+How Sir Tor rode after the knight with the brachet, and
+of his adventure by the way.
+
+WHEN Sir Tor was ready, he mounted upon his horseback, and rode
+after the knight with the brachet.  So as he rode he met with a
+dwarf suddenly that smote his horse on the head with a staff,
+that he went backward his spear length.  Why dost thou so? said
+Sir Tor.  For thou shalt not pass this way, but if thou joust
+with yonder knights of the pavilions.  Then was Tor ware where
+two pavilions were, and great spears stood out, and two shields
+hung on trees by the pavilions.  I may not tarry, said Sir Tor,
+for I am in a quest that I must needs follow.  Thou shalt not
+pass, said the dwarf, and therewithal he blew his horn.  Then
+there came one armed on horseback, and dressed his shield,
+<91>and came fast toward Tor, and he dressed him against him, and
+so ran together that Tor bare him from his horse.  And anon the
+knight yielded him to his mercy.  But, sir, I have a fellow in
+yonder pavilion that will have ado with you anon.  He shall be
+welcome, said Sir Tor.  Then was he ware of another knight coming
+with great raundon, and each of them dressed to other, that
+marvel it was to see; but the knight smote Sir Tor a great stroke
+in midst of the shield that his spear all to-shivered.  And Sir
+Tor smote him through the shield below of the shield that it went
+through the cost of the knight, but the stroke slew him not.  And
+therewith Sir Tor alighted and smote him on the helm a great
+stroke, and therewith the knight yielded him and besought him of
+mercy.  I will well, said Sir Tor, but thou and thy fellow must
+go unto King Arthur, and yield you prisoners unto him.  By whom
+shall we say are we thither sent?  Ye shall say by the knight
+that went in the quest of the knight that went with the brachet. 
+Now, what be your two names? said Sir Tor.  My name is, said the
+one, Sir Felot of Langduk; and my name is, said the other, Sir
+Petipase of Winchelsea.  Now go ye forth, said Sir Tor, and God
+speed you and me.  Then came the dwarf and said unto Sir Tor, I
+pray you give me a gift.  I will well, said Sir Tor, ask.  I ask
+no more, said the dwarf, but that ye will suffer me to do you
+service, for I will serve no more recreant knights.  Take an
+horse, said Sir Tor, and ride on with me.  I wot ye ride after
+the knight with the white brachet, and I shall bring you where he
+is, said the dwarf.  And so they rode throughout a forest, and at
+the last they were ware of two pavilions, even by a priory, with
+two shields, and the one shield was enewed with white, and the
+other shield was red.
+
+
+
+<92>
+CHAPTER X
+
+How Sir Tor found the brachet with a lady, and how a
+knight assailed him for the said brachet.
+
+THEREWITH Sir Tor alighted and took the dwarf his glaive, and so
+he came to the white pavilion, and saw three damosels lie in it,
+on one pallet, sleeping, and so he went to the other pavilion,
+and found a lady lying sleeping therein, but there was the white
+brachet that bayed at her fast, and therewith the lady yede out
+of the pavilion and all her damosels.  But anon as Sir Tor espied
+the white brachet, he took her by force and took her to the
+dwarf.  What, will ye so, said the lady, take my brachet from me? 
+Yea, said Sir Tor, this brachet have I sought from King Arthur's
+court hither.  Well, said the lady, knight, ye shall not go far
+with her, but that ye shall be met and grieved.  I shall abide
+what adventure that cometh by the grace of God, and so mounted
+upon his horse, and passed on his way toward Camelot; but it was
+so near night he might not pass but little further.  Know ye any
+lodging? said Tor.  I know none, said the dwarf, but here beside
+is an hermitage, and there ye must take lodging as ye find.  And
+within a while they came to the hermitage and took lodging; and
+was there grass, oats and bread for their horses; soon it was
+sped, and full hard was their supper; but there they rested them
+all night till on the morn, and heard a mass devoutly, and took
+their leave of the hermit, and Sir Tor prayed the hermit to pray
+for him.  He said he would, and betook him to God.  And so
+mounted upon horseback and rode towards Camelot a long while.
+
+With that they heard a knight call loud that came after them, and
+he said, Knight, abide and yield my brachet that thou took from
+my lady.  Sir Tor returned again, and beheld him how he was a
+seemly knight and well horsed, and well armed at all points; then
+Sir Tor dressed his shield, and took his spear in his hands, and
+the other came fiercely upon him, and smote both horse and man to
+the <93>earth.  Anon they arose lightly and drew their swords as
+eagerly as lions, and put their shields afore them, and smote
+through the shields, that the cantels fell off both parties. 
+Also they tamed their helms that the hot blood ran out, and the
+thick mails of their hauberks they carved and rove in sunder that
+the hot blood ran to the earth, and both they had many wounds and
+were passing weary.  But Sir Tor espied that the other knight
+fainted, and then he sued fast upon him, and doubled his strokes,
+and gart him go to the earth on the one side.  Then Sir Tor bade
+him yield him.  That will I not, said Abelleus, while my life
+lasteth and the soul is within my body, unless that thou wilt
+give me the brachet.  That will I not do, said Sir Tor, for it
+was my quest to bring again thy brachet, thee, or both.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+How Sir Tor overcame the knight, and how he lost his head
+at the request of a lady.
+
+WITH that came a damosel riding on a palfrey as fast as she might
+drive, and cried with a loud voice unto Sir Tor.  What will ye
+with me? said Sir Tor.  I beseech thee, said the damosel, for
+King Arthur's love, give me a gift; I require thee, gentle
+knight, as thou art a gentleman.  Now, said Tor, ask a gift and I
+will give it you.  Gramercy, said the damosel; now I ask the head
+of the false knight Abelleus, for he is the most outrageous
+knight that liveth, and the greatest murderer.  I am loath, said
+Sir Tor, of that gift I have given you; let him make amends in
+that he hath trespassed unto you.  Now, said the damosel, he may
+not, for he slew mine own brother before mine own eyes, that was
+a better knight than he, an he had had grace; and I kneeled half
+an hour afore him in the mire for to save my brother's life, that
+had done him no damage, but fought with him by adventure of arms,
+and so for all that I could do he struck off his head; wherefore
+I require thee, <94>as thou art a true knight, to give me my
+gift, or else I shall shame thee in all the court of King Arthur;
+for he is the falsest knight living, and a great destroyer of
+good knights.  Then when Abelleus heard this, he was more afeard,
+and yielded him and asked mercy.  I may not now, said Sir Tor,
+but if I should be found false of my promise; for while I would
+have taken you to mercy ye would none ask, but if ye had the
+brachet again, that was my quest.  And therewith he took off his
+helm, and he arose and fled, and Sir Tor after him, and smote off
+his head quite.
+
+Now sir, said the damosel, it is near night; I pray you come and
+lodge with me here at my place, it is here fast by.  I will well,
+said Sir Tor, for his horse and he had fared evil since they
+departed from Camelot, and so he rode with her, and had passing
+good cheer with her; and she had a passing fair old knight to her
+husband that made him passing good cheer, and well eased both his
+horse and him.  And on the morn he heard his mass, and brake his
+fast, and took his leave of the knight and of the lady, that
+besought him to tell them his name.  Truly, he said, my name is
+Sir Tor that was late made knight, and this was the first quest
+of arms that ever I did, to bring again that this knight Abelleus
+took away from King Arthur's court.  O fair knight, said the lady
+and her husband, an ye come here in our marches, come and see our
+poor lodging, and it shall be always at your commandment.  So Sir
+Tor departed and came to Camelot on the third day by noon, and
+the king and the queen and all the court was passing fain of his
+coming, and made great joy that he was come again; for he went
+from the court with little succour, but as King Pellinore his
+father gave him an old courser, and King Arthur gave him armour
+and a sword, and else had he none other succour, but rode so
+forth himself alone.  And then the king and the queen by Merlin's
+advice made him to swear to tell of his adventures, and so he
+told and made proofs of his deeds as it is afore rehearsed,
+wherefore the king and the queen made great joy.  Nay, nay, said
+Merlin, these be but japes to that he shall do; for he shall
+prove a noble knight of prowess, as good as any is living,
+<95>and gentle and courteous, and of good tatches, and passing
+true of his promise, and never shall outrage.  Wherethrough
+Merlin's words King Arthur gave him an earldom of lands that fell
+unto him.  And here endeth the quest of Sir Tor, King Pellinore's
+son.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+How King Pellinore rode after the lady and the knight that
+led her away, and how a lady desired help of him, and
+how he fought with two knights for that lady, of whom
+he slew the one at the first stroke.
+
+THEN King Pellinore armed him and mounted upon his horse, and
+rode more than a pace after the lady that the knight led away. 
+And as he rode in a forest, he saw in a valley a damosel sit by a
+well, and a wounded knight in her arms, and Pellinore saluted
+her.  And when she was ware of him, she cried overloud, Help me,
+knight; for Christ's sake, King Pellinore.  And he would not
+tarry, he was so eager in his quest, and ever she cried an
+hundred times after help.  When she saw he would not abide, she
+prayed unto God to send him as much need of help as she had, and
+that he might feel it or he died.  So, as the book telleth, the
+knight there died that there was wounded, wherefore the lady for
+pure sorrow slew herself with his sword.  As King Pellinore rode
+in that valley he met with a poor man, a labourer.  Sawest thou
+not, said Pellinore, a knight riding and leading away a lady? 
+Yea, said the man, I saw that knight, and the lady that made
+great dole; and yonder beneath in a valley there shall ye see two
+pavilions, and one of the knights of the pavilions challenged
+that lady of that knight, and said she was his cousin near,
+wherefore he should lead her no farther.  And so they waged
+battle in that quarrel, the one said he would have her by force,
+and the other said he would have the rule of her, by cause he was
+her kinsman, and would lead her to her kin.  For this quarrel he
+left them fighting.  And if <96>ye will ride a pace ye shall find
+them fighting, and the lady was beleft with the two squires in
+the pavilions.  God thank thee, said King Pellinore.
+
+Then he rode a wallop till he had a sight of the two pavilions,
+and the two knights fighting.  Anon he rode unto the pavilions,
+and saw the lady that was his quest, and said, Fair lady, ye must
+go with me unto the court of King Arthur.  Sir knight, said the
+two squires that were with her, yonder are two knights that fight
+for this lady, go thither and depart them, and be agreed with
+them, and then may ye have her at your pleasure.  Ye say well,
+said King Pellinore.  And anon he rode betwixt them, and departed
+them, and asked them the causes why that they fought?  Sir
+knight, said the one, I shall tell you, this lady is my kinswoman
+nigh, mine aunt's daughter, and when I heard her complain that
+she was with him maugre her head, I waged battle to fight with
+him.  Sir knight, said the other, whose name was Hontzlake of
+Wentland, and this lady I gat by my prowess of arms this day at
+Arthur's court.  That is untruly said, said King Pellinore, for
+ye came in suddenly there as we were at the high feast, and took
+away this lady or any man might make him ready; and therefore it
+was my quest to bring her again and you both, or else the one of
+us to abide in the field; therefore the lady shall go with me, or
+I will die for it, for I have promised it King Arthur.  And
+therefore fight ye no more, for none of you shall have no part of
+her at this time; and if ye list to fight for her, fight with me,
+and I will defend her.  Well, said the knights, make you ready,
+and we shall assail you with all our power.  And as King
+Pellinore would have put his horse from them, Sir Hontzlake rove
+his horse through with a sword, and said:  Now art thou on foot
+as well as we are.  When King Pellinore espied that his horse was
+slain, lightly he leapt from his horse and pulled out his sword,
+and put his shield afore him, and said, Knight, keep well thy
+head, for thou shalt have a buffet for the slaying of my horse. 
+So King Pellinore gave him such a stroke upon the helm that he
+clave the head down to the chin, that he fell to the earth dead.
+
+
+
+<97>
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+How King Pellinore gat the lady and brought her to Camelot
+to the court of King Arthur.
+
+AND then he turned him to the other knight, that was sore
+wounded.  But when he saw the other's buffet, he would not fight,
+but kneeled down and said, Take my cousin the lady with you at
+your request, and I require you, as ye be a true knight, put her
+to no shame nor villainy.  What, said King Pellinore, will ye not
+fight for her?  No, sir, said the knight, I will not fight with
+such a knight of prowess as ye be.  Well, said Pellinore, ye say
+well; I promise you she shall have no villainy by me, as I am
+true knight; but now me lacketh an horse, said Pellinore, but I
+will have Hontzlake's horse.  Ye shall not need, said the knight,
+for I shall give you such an horse as shall please you, so that
+you will lodge with me, for it is near night.  I will well, said
+King Pellinore, abide with you all night.  And there he had with
+him right good cheer, and fared of the best with passing good
+wine, and had merry rest that night.  And on the morn he heard a
+mass and dined; and then was brought him a fair bay courser, and
+King Pellinore's saddle set upon him.  Now, what shall I call
+you? said the knight, inasmuch as ye have my cousin at your
+desire of your quest.  Sir, I shall tell you, my name is King
+Pellinore of the Isles and knight of the Table Round.  Now I am
+glad, said the knight, that such a noble man shall have the rule
+of my cousin.  Now, what is your name? said Pellinore, I pray you
+tell me.  Sir, my name is Sir Meliot of Logurs, and this lady my
+cousin hight Nimue, and the knight that was in the other pavilion
+is my sworn brother, a passing good knight, and his name is Brian
+of the Isles, and he is full loath to do wrong, and full loath to
+fight with any man, but if he be sore sought on, so that for
+shame he may not leave it.  It is marvel, said Pellinore, that he
+will not <98>have ado with me.  Sir, he will not have ado with no
+man but if it be at his request.  Bring him to the court, said
+Pellinore, one of these days.  Sir, we will come together.  And
+ye shall be welcome, said Pellinore, to the court of King Arthur,
+and greatly allowed for your coming.  And so he departed with the
+lady, and brought her to Camelot.
+
+So as they rode in a valley it was full of stones, and there the
+lady's horse stumbled and threw her down, that her arm was sore
+bruised and near she swooned for pain.  Alas! sir, said the lady,
+mine arm is out of lithe, wherethrough I must needs rest me.  Ye
+shall well, said King Pellinore.  And so he alighted under a fair
+tree where was fair grass, and he put his horse thereto, and so
+laid him under the tree and slept till it was nigh night.  And
+when he awoke he would have ridden.  Sir, said the lady, it is so
+dark that ye may as well ride backward as forward.  So they abode
+still and made there their lodging.  Then Sir Pellinore put off
+his armour; then a little afore midnight they heard the trotting
+of an horse.  Be ye still, said King Pellinore, for we shall hear
+of some adventure.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+How on the way he heard two knights, as he lay by night in
+a valley, and of their adventures.
+
+AND therewith he armed him.  So right even afore him there met
+two knights, the one came froward Camelot, and the other from the
+north, and either saluted other.  What tidings at Camelot? said
+the one.  By my head, said the other, there have I been and
+espied the court of King Arthur, and there is such a fellowship
+they may never be broken, and well-nigh all the world holdeth
+with Arthur, for there is the flower of chivalry.  Now for this
+cause I am riding into the north, to tell our chieftains of the
+fellowship that is withholden with King Arthur.  <99>As for that,
+said the other knight, I have brought a remedy with me, that is
+the greatest poison that ever ye heard speak of, and to Camelot
+will I with it, for we have a friend right nigh King Arthur, and
+well cherished, that shall poison King Arthur; for so he hath
+promised our chieftains, and received great gifts for to do it. 
+Beware, said the other knight, of Merlin, for he knoweth all
+things by the devil's craft.  Therefore will I not let it, said
+the knight.  And so they departed asunder.  Anon after Pellinore
+made him ready, and his lady, [and] rode toward Camelot; and as
+they came by the well there as the wounded knight was and the
+lady, there he found the knight, and the lady eaten with lions or
+wild beasts, all save the head, wherefore he made great sorrow,
+and wept passing sore, and said, Alas! her life might I have
+saved; but I was so fierce in my quest, therefore I would not
+abide.  Wherefore make ye such dole? said the lady.  I wot not,
+said Pellinore, but my heart mourneth sore of the death of her,
+for she was a passing fair lady and a young.  Now, will ye do by
+mine advice? said the lady, take this knight and let him be
+buried in an hermitage, and then take the lady's head and bear it
+with you unto Arthur.  So King Pellinore took this dead knight on
+his shoulders, and brought him to the hermitage, and charged the
+hermit with the corpse, that service should be done for the soul;
+and take his harness for your pain.  It shall be done, said the
+hermit, as I will answer unto God.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+How when he was come to Camelot he was sworn upon a
+book to tell the truth of his quest.
+
+AND therewith they departed, and came there as the head of the
+lady lay with a fair yellow hair that grieved King Pellinore
+passingly sore when he looked on it, for <100>much he cast his
+heart on the visage.  And so by noon they came to Camelot; and
+the king and the queen were passing fain of his coming to the
+court.  And there he was made to swear upon the Four Evangelists,
+to tell the truth of his quest from the one to the other.  Ah!
+Sir Pellinore, said Queen Guenever, ye were greatly to blame that
+ye saved not this lady's life.  Madam, said Pellinore, ye were
+greatly to blame an ye would not save your own life an ye might,
+but, save your pleasure, I was so furious in my quest that I
+would not abide, and that repenteth me, and shall the days of my
+life.  Truly, said Merlin, ye ought sore to repent it, for that
+lady was your own daughter begotten on the lady of the Rule, and
+that knight that was dead was her love, and should have wedded
+her, and he was a right good knight of a young man, and would
+have proved a good man, and to this court was he coming, and his
+name was Sir Miles of the Launds, and a knight came behind him
+and slew him with a spear, and his name is Loraine le Savage, a
+false knight and a coward; and she for great sorrow and dole slew
+herself with his sword, and her name was Eleine.  And because ye
+would not abide and help her, ye shall see your best friend fail
+you when ye be in the greatest distress that ever ye were or
+shall be.  And that penance God hath ordained you for that deed,
+that he that ye shall most trust to of any man alive, he shall
+leave you there ye shall be slain.  Me forthinketh, said King
+Pellinore, that this shall me betide, but God may fordo well
+destiny.
+
+Thus, when the quest was done of the white hart, the which
+followed Sir Gawaine; and the quest of the brachet, followed of
+Sir Tor, Pellinore's son; and the quest of the lady that the
+knight took away, the which King Pellinore at that time followed;
+then the king stablished all his knights, and them that were of
+lands not rich he gave them lands, and charged them never to do
+outrageousity nor murder, and always to flee treason; also, by no
+means to be cruel, but to give mercy unto him that asketh mercy,
+upon pain of forfeiture of their worship and lordship of King
+Arthur for evermore; and always to do <101>ladies, damosels, and
+gentlewomen succour, upon pain of death.  Also, that no man take
+no battles in a wrongful quarrel for no law, nor for no world's
+goods.  Unto this were all the knights sworn of the Table Round,
+both old and young.  And every year were they sworn at the high
+feast of Pentecost.
+
+Explicit the Wedding of King Arthur.
+Sequitur quartus liber.
+
+
+
+BOOK IV
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of the ladies of
+the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone
+and there died.
+
+SO after these quests of Sir Gawaine, Sir Tor, and King
+Pellinore, it fell so that Merlin fell in a dotage on the damosel
+that King Pellinore brought to court, and she was one of the
+damosels of the lake, that hight Nimue.  But Merlin would let her
+have no rest, but always he would be with her.  And ever she made
+Merlin good cheer till she had learned of him all manner thing
+that she desired; and he was assotted upon her, that he might not
+be from her.  So on a time he told King Arthur that he should not
+dure long, but for all his crafts he should be put in the earth
+quick.  And so he told the king many things that should befall,
+but always he warned the king to keep well his sword and the
+scabbard, for he told him how the sword and the scabbard should
+be stolen by a woman from him that he most trusted.  Also he told
+King Arthur that he should miss him,--Yet had ye liefer than all
+your lands to have me again.  Ah, said the king, since ye know of
+your adventure, purvey for it, and put away by your crafts that
+misadventure.  Nay, said Merlin, it will not be; so he departed
+from the king.  And within a while the Damosel of the Lake
+departed, and Merlin went with her evermore wheresomever she
+went.  And ofttimes Merlin would have had her privily away by his
+subtle crafts; then she made him to swear that he <103>should
+never do none enchantment upon her if he would have his will. 
+And so he sware; so she and Merlin went over the sea unto the
+land of Benwick, whereas King Ban was king that had great war
+against King Claudas, and there Merlin spake with King Ban's
+wife, a fair lady and a good, and her name was Elaine, and there
+he saw young Launcelot.  There the queen made great sorrow for
+the mortal war that King Claudas made on her lord and on her
+lands.  Take none heaviness, said Merlin, for this same child
+within this twenty year shall revenge you on King Claudas, that
+all Christendom shall speak of it; and this same child shall be
+the most man of worship of the world, and his first name is
+Galahad, that know I well, said Merlin, and since ye have
+confirmed him Launcelot.  That is truth, said the queen, his
+first name was Galahad.  O Merlin, said the queen, shall I live
+to see my son such a man of prowess?  Yea, lady, on my peril ye
+shall see it, and live many winters after.
+
+And so, soon after, the lady and Merlin departed, and by the way
+Merlin showed her many wonders, and came into Cornwall.  And
+always Merlin lay about the lady to have her maidenhood, and she
+was ever passing weary of him, and fain would have been delivered
+of him, for she was afeard of him because he was a devil's son,
+and she could not beskift him by no mean.  And so on a time it
+happed that Merlin showed to her in a rock whereas was a great
+wonder, and wrought by enchantment, that went under a great
+stone.  So by her subtle working she made Merlin to go under that
+stone to let her wit of the marvels there; but she wrought so
+there for him that he came never out for all the craft he could
+do.  And so she departed and left Merlin.
+
+
+
+<104>
+CHAPTER II
+
+How five kings came into this land to war against King
+Arthur, and what counsel Arthur had against them.
+
+AND as King Arthur rode to Camelot, and held there a great feast
+with mirth and joy, so soon after he returned unto Cardoile, and
+there came unto Arthur new tidings that the king of Denmark, and
+the king of Ireland that was his brother, and the king of the
+Vale, and the king of Soleise, and the king of the Isle of
+Longtains, all these five kings with a great host were entered
+into the land of King Arthur, and burnt and slew clean afore
+them, both cities and castles, that it was pity to hear.  Alas,
+said Arthur, yet had I never rest one month since I was crowned
+king of this land.  Now shall I never rest till I meet with those
+kings in a fair field, that I make mine avow; for my true liege
+people shall not be destroyed in my default, go with me who will,
+and abide who that will.  Then the king let write unto King
+Pellinore, and prayed him in all haste to make him ready with
+such people as he might lightliest rear and hie him after in all
+haste.  All the barons were privily wroth that the king would
+depart so suddenly; but the king by no mean would abide, but made
+writing unto them that were not there, and bade them hie after
+him, such as were not at that time in the court.  Then the king
+came to Queen Guenever, and said, Lady, make you ready, for ye
+shall go with me, for I may not long miss you; ye shall cause me
+to be the more hardy, what adventure so befall me; I will not wit
+my lady to be in no jeopardy. Sir, said she, I am at your
+commandment, and shall be ready what time so ye be ready.  So on
+the morn the king and the queen departed with such fellowship as
+they had, and came into the north, into a forest beside Humber,
+and there lodged them.  When the word and tiding came unto the
+five kings above said, that Arthur was beside Humber in a forest,
+there was a knight, brother unto one of the <105>five kings, that
+gave them this counsel:  Ye know well that Sir Arthur hath the
+flower of chivalry of the world with him, as it is proved by the
+great battle he did with the eleven kings; and therefore hie unto
+him night and day till that we be nigh him, for the longer he
+tarrieth the bigger he is, and we ever the weaker; and he is so
+courageous of himself that he is come to the field with little
+people, and therefore let us set upon him or day and we shall
+slay down; of his knights there shall none escape.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+How King Arthur had ado with them and overthrew them,
+and slew the five kings and made the remnant to flee.
+
+UNTO this counsel these five kings assented, and so they passed
+forth with their host through North Wales, and came upon Arthur
+by night, and set upon his host as the king and his knights were
+in their pavilions.  King Arthur was unarmed, and had laid him to
+rest with his Queen Guenever.  Sir, said Sir Kay, it is not good
+we be unarmed. We shall have no need, said Sir Gawaine and Sir
+Griflet, that lay in a little pavilion by the king.  With that
+they heard a great noise, and many cried, Treason, treason! 
+Alas, said King Arthur, we be betrayed!  Unto arms, fellows, then
+he cried.  So they were armed anon at all points.  Then came
+there a wounded knight unto the king, and said, Sir, save
+yourself and my lady the queen, for our host is destroyed, and
+much people of ours slain. So anon the king and the queen and the
+three knights took their horses, and rode toward Humber to pass
+over it, and the water was so rough that they were afraid to pass
+over. Now may ye choose, said King Arthur, whether ye will abide
+and take the adventure on this side, for an ye be taken they will
+slay you.  It were me liefer, said the queen, to die in the water
+than to fall in your enemies' hands and there be slain.
+
+<106>
+And as they stood so talking, Sir Kay saw the five kings coming
+on horseback by themselves alone, with their spears in their
+hands even toward them.  Lo, said Sir Kay, yonder be the five
+kings; let us go to them and match them.  That were folly, said
+Sir Gawaine, for we are but three and they be five.  That is
+truth, said Sir Griflet.  No force, said Sir Kay, I will
+undertake for two of them, and then may ye three undertake for
+the other three.  And therewithal, Sir Kay let his horse run as
+fast as he might, and struck one of them through the shield and
+the body a fathom, that the king fell to the earth stark dead. 
+That saw Sir Gawaine, and ran unto another king so hard that he
+smote him through the body.  And therewithal King Arthur ran to
+another, and smote him through the body with a spear, that he
+fell to the earth dead Then Sir Griflet ran unto the fourth king,
+and gave him such a fall that his neck brake.  Anon Sir Kay ran
+unto the fifth king, and smote him so hard on the helm that the
+stroke clave the helm and the head to the earth.  That was well
+stricken, said King Arthur, and worshipfully hast thou holden thy
+promise, therefore I shall honour thee while that I live.  And
+therewithal they set the queen in a barge into Humber; but always
+Queen Guenever praised Sir Kay for his deeds, and said, What lady
+that ye love, and she love you not again she were greatly to
+blame; and among ladies, said the queen, I shall bear your noble
+fame, for ye spake a great word, and fulfilled it worshipfully. 
+And therewith the queen departed.
+
+Then the king and the three knights rode into the forest, for
+there they supposed to hear of them that were escaped; and there
+he found the most part of his people, and told them all how the
+five kings were dead.  And therefore let us hold us together till
+it be day, and when their host have espied that their chieftains
+be slain, they will make such dole that they shall no more help
+themselves.  And right so as the king said, so it was; for when
+they found the five kings dead, they made such dole that they
+fell from their horses.  Therewithal came King Arthur but with a
+few people, and slew on the left hand and on the <107>right hand,
+that well-nigh there escaped no man, but all were slain to the
+number thirty thousand.  And when the battle was all ended, the
+king kneeled down and thanked God meekly.  And then he sent for
+the queen, and soon she was come, and she made great joy of the
+overcoming of that battle.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+How the battle was finished or he came, and how King
+Arthur founded an abbey where the battle was.
+
+THEREWITHAL came one to King Arthur, and told him that King
+Pellinore was within three mile with a great host; and he said,
+Go unto him, and let him understand how we have sped.  So within
+a while King Pellinore came with a great host, and saluted the
+people and the king, and there was great joy made on every side. 
+Then the king let search how much people of his party there was
+slain; and there were found but little past two hundred men slain
+and eight knights of the Table Round in their pavilions.  Then
+the king let rear and devise in the same place whereat the battle
+was done a fair abbey, and endowed it with great livelihood, and
+let it call the Abbey of La Beale Adventure.  But when some of
+them came into their countries, whereof the five kings were
+kings, and told them how they were slain, there was made great
+dole.  And all King Arthur's enemies, as the King of North Wales,
+and the kings of the North, [when they] wist of the battle, they
+were passing heavy.  And so the king returned unto Camelot in
+haste.
+
+And when he was come to Camelot he called King Pellinore unto
+him, and said, Ye understand well that we have lost eight knights
+of the best of the Table Round, and by your advice we will choose
+eight again of the best we may find in this court.  Sir, said
+Pellinore, I shall counsel you after my conceit the best: there
+are in your court full noble knights both of old and young; and
+<108>therefore by mine advice ye shall choose half of the old and
+half of the young.  Which be the old? said King Arthur.  Sir,
+said King Pellinore, meseemeth that King Uriens that hath wedded
+your sister Morgan le Fay, and the King of the Lake, and Sir
+Hervise de Revel, a noble knight, and Sir Galagars, the fourth. 
+This is well devised, said King Arthur, and right so shall it be. 
+Now, which are the four young knights? said Arthur.  Sir, said
+Pellinore, the first is Sir Gawaine, your nephew, that is as good
+a knight of his time as any is in this land; and the second as
+meseemeth best is Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu, that is a good
+knight and full desirous in arms, and who may see him live he
+shall prove a good knight; and the third as meseemeth is well to
+be one of the knights of the Round Table, Sir Kay the Seneschal,
+for many times he hath done full worshipfully, and now at your
+last battle he did full honourably for to undertake to slay two
+kings.  By my head, said Arthur, he is best worth to be a knight
+of the Round Table of any that ye have rehearsed, an he had done
+no more prowess in his life days.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+How Sir Tor was made knight of the Round Table, and
+how Bagdemagus was displeased.
+
+NOW, said King Pellinore, I shall put to you two knights, and ye
+shall choose which is most worthy, that is Sir Bagdemagus, and
+Sir Tor, my son.  But because Sir Tor is my son I may not praise
+him, but else, an he were not my son, I durst say that of his age
+there is not in this land a better knight than he is, nor of
+better conditions and loath to do any wrong, and loath to take
+any wrong.  By my head, said Arthur, he is a passing good knight
+as any ye spake of this day, that wot I well, said the king; for
+I have seen him proved, but he saith little and he doth much
+more, for I know none in all this court an he were <109>as well
+born on his mother's side as he is on your side, that is like him
+of prowess and of might: and therefore I will have him at this
+time, and leave Sir Bagdemagus till another time.  So when they
+were so chosen by the assent of all the barons, so were there
+found in their sieges every knights' names that here are
+rehearsed, and so were they set in their sieges; whereof Sir
+Bagdemagus was wonderly wroth, that Sir Tor was advanced afore
+him, and therefore suddenly he departed from the court, and took
+his squire with him, and rode long in a forest till they came to
+a cross, and there alighted and said his prayers devoutly.  The
+meanwhile his squire found written upon the cross, that
+Bagdemagus should never return unto the court again, till he had
+won a knight's body of the Round Table, body for body.  So, sir,
+said the squire, here I find writing of you, therefore I rede you
+return again to the court.  That shall I never, said Bagdemagus,
+till men speak of me great worship, and that I be worthy to be a
+knight of the Round Table.  And so he rode forth, and there by
+the way he found a branch of an holy herb that was the sign of
+the Sangreal, and no knight found such tokens but he were a good
+liver.
+
+So, as Sir Bagdemagus rode to see many adventures, it happed him
+to come to the rock whereas the Lady of the Lake had put Merlin
+under the stone, and there he heard him make great dole; whereof
+Sir Bagdemagus would have holpen him, and went unto the great
+stone, and it was so heavy that an hundred men might not lift it
+up.  When Merlin wist he was there, he bade leave his labour, for
+all was in vain, for he might never be holpen but by her that put
+him there.  And so Bagdemagus departed and did many adventures,
+and proved after a full good knight, and came again to the court
+and was made knight of the Round Table.  So on the morn there
+fell new tidings and other adventures.
+
+
+
+<110>
+CHAPTER VI
+
+How King Arthur, King Uriens, and Sir Accolon of Gaul,
+chased an hart, and of their marvellous adventures.
+
+THEN it befell that Arthur and many of his knights rode a-hunting
+into a great forest, and it happed King Arthur, King Uriens, and
+Sir Accolon of Gaul, followed a great hart, for they three were
+well horsed, and so they chased so fast that within a while they
+three were then ten mile from their fellowship.  And 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 enbushed.  What will we do? said
+King Arthur, we are hard bestead.  Let us go on foot, said King
+Uriens, till we may meet with some lodging.  Then were they ware
+of the hart that lay on a great water bank, and a brachet biting
+on his throat, and more other hounds came after.  Then King
+Arthur blew the prise and dight the hart.
+
+Then the king looked about the world, and saw afore him in a
+great water a little ship, all apparelled with silk down to the
+water, and the ship came right unto them and landed on the sands. 
+Then Arthur went to the bank and looked in, and saw none earthly
+creature therein.  Sirs, said the king, come thence, and let us
+see what is in this ship.  So they went in all three, and found
+it richly behanged with cloth of silk.  By then 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;
+and therewithal there came out twelve fair damosels and saluted
+King Arthur on their knees, and called him by his name, and said
+he was right welcome, and such cheer as they had he should have
+of the best.  The king thanked them fair.  Therewithal they led
+the king and his two fellows into a fair chamber, and there was a
+cloth laid, richly beseen of all that longed unto a table, and
+there <111>were they served of all wines and meats that they
+could think; of that the king had great marvel, for he fared
+never better in his life as for one supper.  And so when they had
+supped at their leisure, King Arthur was led into a chamber, a
+richer beseen chamber saw he never none, and so was King Uriens
+served, and led into such another chamber, and Sir Accolon was
+led into the third chamber passing richly and well beseen; and so
+they were laid in their beds easily.  And anon they fell asleep,
+and slept marvellously sore all the night.  And on the morrow
+King Uriens was in Camelot abed in his wife's arms, Morgan le
+Fay.  And when he awoke he had great marvel, how he came there,
+for on the even afore he was two days' journey from Camelot.  And
+when King Arthur awoke he found himself in a dark prison, hearing
+about him many complaints of woful knights.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+How Arthur took upon him to fight to be delivered out of
+prison, and also for to deliver twenty knights that were
+in prison.
+
+WHAT are ye that so complain? said King Arthur.  We be here
+twenty knights, prisoners, said they, and some of us have lain
+here seven year, and some more and some less.  For what cause?
+said Arthur.  We shall tell you, said the knights; this lord of
+this castle, his name is Sir Damas, and he is the falsest knight
+that liveth, and full of treason, and a very coward as any
+liveth, and he hath a younger brother, a good knight of prowess,
+his name is Sir Ontzlake; and this traitor Damas, the elder
+brother will give him no part of his livelihood, but as Sir
+Ontzlake keepeth thorough prowess of his hands, and so he keepeth
+from him a full fair manor and a rich, and therein Sir Ontzlake
+dwelleth worshipfully, and is well beloved of all people.  And
+this Sir Damas, our master is as evil beloved, <112>for he is
+without mercy, and he is a coward, and great war hath been
+betwixt them both, but Ontzlake hath ever the better, and ever he
+proffereth Sir Damas to fight for the livelihood, body for body,
+but he will not do; other-else to find a knight to fight for him. 
+Unto that Sir Damas had granted to find a knight, but he is so
+evil beloved and hated, that there is never a knight will fight
+for him.  And when Damas saw this, that there was never a knight
+would fight for him, he hath daily lain await with many knights
+with him, and taken all the knights in this country to see and
+espy their adventures, he hath taken them by force and brought
+them to his prison.  And so he took us separately as we rode on
+our adventures, and many good knights have died in this prison
+for hunger, to the number of eighteen knights; and if any of us
+all that here is, or hath been, would have foughten with his
+brother Ontzlake, he would have delivered us, but for because
+this Damas is so false and so full of treason we would never
+fight for him to die for it.  And we be so lean for hunger that
+unnethe we may stand on our feet.  God deliver you, for his
+mercy, said Arthur.
+
+Anon, therewithal there came a damosel unto Arthur, and asked
+him, What cheer? I cannot say, said he.  Sir, said she, an ye
+will fight for my lord, ye shall be delivered out of prison, and
+else ye escape never the life.  Now, said Arthur, that is hard,
+yet had I liefer to fight with a knight than to die in prison;
+with this, said Arthur, I may be delivered and all these
+prisoners, I will do the battle.  Yes, said the damosel.  I am
+ready, said Arthur, an I had horse and armour.  Ye shall lack
+none, said the damosel.  Meseemeth, damosel, I should have seen
+you in the court of Arthur.  Nay said the damosel, I came never
+there, I am the lord's daughter of this castle.  Yet was she
+false, for she was one of the damosels of Morgan le Fay.
+
+Anon she went unto Sir Damas, and told him how he would do battle
+for him, and so he sent for Arthur.  And when he came he was well
+coloured, and well made of his limbs, that all knights that saw
+him said it were pity that such a knight should die in prison. 
+So Sir Damas and he <113>were agreed that he should fight for him
+upon this covenant, that all other knights should be delivered;
+and unto that was Sir Damas sworn unto Arthur, and also to do the
+battle to the uttermost.  And with that all the twenty knights
+were brought out of the dark prison into the hall, and delivered,
+and so they all abode to see the battle.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+How Accolon found himself by a well, and he took upon
+him to do battle against Arthur.
+
+NOW turn we unto Accolon of Gaul, that when he awoke he found
+himself by a deep well-side, within half a foot, in great peril
+of death.  And there came out of that fountain a pipe of silver,
+and out of that pipe ran water all on high in a stone of marble. 
+When Sir Accolon saw this, he blessed him and said, Jesus save my
+lord King Arthur, and King Uriens, for these damosels in this
+ship have betrayed us, they were devils and no women; and if I
+may escape this misadventure, I shall destroy all where I may
+find these false damosels that use enchantments.  Right with that
+there came a dwarf with a great mouth and a flat nose, and
+saluted Sir Accolon, and said how he came from Queen Morgan le
+Fay, and she greeteth you well, and biddeth you be of strong
+heart, for ye shall fight to morrow 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
+had promised her when ye spake together in privity; and what
+damosel that bringeth her the knight's head, which ye shall fight
+withal, she will make her a queen.  Now I understand you well,
+said Accolon, I shall hold that I have promised her now I have
+the sword: when saw ye my lady Queen Morgan le Fay?  Right late,
+said the dwarf. Then Accolon took him in his arms and said,
+Recommend <114>me unto my lady queen, and tell her all shall be
+done that I have promised her, and else I will die for it.  Now I
+suppose, said Accolon, she hath made all these crafts and
+enchantments for this battle.  Ye may well believe it, said the
+dwarf.  Right so there came a knight and a lady with six squires,
+and saluted Accolon, and prayed him for to arise, and come and
+rest him at his manor.  And so Accolon mounted upon a void horse,
+and went with the knight unto a fair manor by a priory, and there
+he had passing good cheer.
+
+Then Sir Damas sent unto his brother Sir Ontzlake, and bade make
+him ready by to-morn at the hour of prime, and to be in the field
+to fight with a good knight, for he had found a good knight that
+was ready to do battle at all points.  When this word came unto
+Sir Ontzlake he was passing heavy, for he was wounded a little
+to-fore through both his thighs with a spear, and made great
+dole; but as he was wounded, he would have taken the battle on
+hand.  So it happed at that time, by the means of Morgan le Fay,
+Accolon was with Sir Ontzlake lodged; and when he heard of that
+battle, and how Ontzlake was wounded, he said that he would fight
+for him.  Because Morgan le Fay had sent him Excalibur and the
+sheath for to fight with the knight on the morn: this was the
+cause Sir Accolon took the battle on hand.  Then Sir Ontzlake was
+passing glad, and thanked Sir Accolon with all his heart that he
+would do so much for him.  And therewithal Sir Ontzlake sent word
+unto his brother Sir Damas, that he had a knight that for him
+should be ready in the field by the hour of prime.
+
+So on the morn Sir Arthur was armed and well horsed, and asked
+Sir Damas, When shall we to the field?  Sir, said Sir Damas, ye
+shall hear mass.  And so Arthur heard a mass, and when mass was
+done there came a squire on a great horse, and asked Sir Damas if
+his knight were ready, for our knight is ready in the field. 
+Then Sir Arthur mounted upon horseback, and there were all the
+knights and commons of that country; and so by all advices there
+were chosen twelve good men of the country for to wait upon the
+two knights.  And right as Arthur was on horse<115>back there
+came a damosel from Morgan le Fay, and brought unto Sir Arthur a
+sword like unto Excalibur, and the scabbard, and said unto
+Arthur, Morgan le Fay sendeth here your sword for great love. 
+And he thanked her, and weened it had been so, but she was false,
+for the sword and the scabbard was counterfeit, and brittle, and
+false.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+Of the battle between King Arthur and Accolon.
+
+AND then they dressed them on both parties of the field, and let
+their horses run so fast that either smote other in the midst of
+the shield with their spear-heads, that both horse and man went
+to the earth; and then they started up both, and pulled out their
+swords.  The meanwhile that they were thus at the battle, came
+the Damosel of the Lake into the field, that put Merlin under the
+stone; and she came thither for love of King Arthur, for she knew
+how Morgan le Fay had so ordained that King Arthur should have
+been slain that day, and therefore she came to save his life. 
+And so they went eagerly to the battle, and gave many great
+strokes, but always Arthur's sword bit not like Accolon's sword;
+but for the most part, every stroke that Accolon gave he wounded
+sore Arthur, that it was marvel he stood, and always his blood
+fell from him fast.
+
+When Arthur beheld the ground so sore be-bled he was dismayed,
+and then he deemed treason that his sword was changed; for his
+sword bit not steel as it was wont to do, therefore he dreaded
+him sore to be dead, for ever him seemed that the sword in
+Accolon's hand was Excalibur, for at every stroke that Accolon
+struck he drew blood on Arthur.  Now, knight, said Accolon unto
+Arthur, keep thee well from me; but Arthur answered not again,
+and gave him such a buffet on the helm that it made him to stoop,
+nigh falling down to the earth.  Then <116>Sir Accolon withdrew
+him a little, and came on with Excalibur on high, and smote Sir
+Arthur such a buffet that he fell nigh to the earth.  Then were
+they wroth both, and gave each other many sore strokes, but
+always Sir Arthur lost so much blood that it was marvel he stood
+on his feet, but he was so full of knighthood that knightly he
+endured the pain.  And Sir Accolon lost not a deal of blood,
+therefore he waxed passing light, and Sir Arthur was passing
+feeble, and weened verily to have died; but for all that he made
+countenance as though he might endure, and held Accolon as short
+as he might.  But Accolon was so bold because of Excalibur that
+he waxed passing hardy.  But all men that beheld him said they
+saw never knight fight so well as Arthur did considering the
+blood that he bled.  So was all the people sorry for him, but the
+two brethren would not accord.  Then always they fought together
+as fierce knights, and Sir Arthur withdrew him a little for to
+rest him, and Sir Accolon called him to battle and said, It is no
+time for me to suffer thee to rest.  And therewith he came
+fiercely upon Arthur, and Sir Arthur was wroth for the blood that
+he had lost, and smote Accolon on high upon the helm, so
+mightily, that he made him nigh to fall to the earth; and
+therewith Arthur's sword brast at the cross, and fell in the
+grass among the blood, and the pommel and the sure handles he
+held in his hands.  When Sir Arthur saw that, he was in great
+fear to die, but always he held up his shield and lost no ground,
+nor bated no cheer.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+How King Arthur's sword that he fought with brake, and
+how he recovered of Accolon his own sword Excalibur,
+and overcame his enemy.
+
+THEN Sir Accolon began with words of treason, and said, Knight,
+thou art overcome, and mayst not endure, and <117>also thou art
+weaponless, and thou hast lost much of thy blood, and I am full
+loath to slay thee, therefore yield thee to me 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 me lasteth
+the life, and therefore I had liefer to die with honour than to
+live with shame; and if it were possible for me to die an hundred
+times, I had liefer to die so oft than yield me to thee; for
+though I lack weapon, I shall lack no worship, and if thou slay
+me weaponless that shall be thy shame.  Well, said Accolon, as
+for the shame I will not spare, now keep thee from me, for thou
+art but a dead man.  And therewith Accolon gave him such a stroke
+that he fell nigh to the earth, and would have had Arthur to have
+cried him mercy.  But Sir Arthur pressed unto Accolon with his
+shield, and gave him with the pommel in his hand such a buffet
+that he went three strides aback.
+
+When the Damosel of the Lake beheld Arthur, how full of prowess
+his body was, and the false treason that was wrought for him to
+have had him slain, she had great pity that so good a knight and
+such a man of worship should so be destroyed.  And at the next
+stroke Sir Accolon struck him such a stroke that by the damosel's
+enchantment the sword Excalibur fell out of Accolon's hand to the
+earth.  And therewithal Sir Arthur lightly leapt to it, and gat
+it in his hand, and forthwithal he knew that it was his sword
+Excalibur, and said, Thou hast been from me all too long, and
+much damage hast thou done me; and therewith he espied the
+scabbard hanging by his side, and suddenly he sterte to him and
+pulled the scabbard from him, and threw it from him as far as he
+might throw it.  O knight, said Arthur, this day hast thou done
+me great damage with this sword; now are ye come unto your death,
+for I shall not warrant you but ye shall as well be rewarded with
+this sword, or ever we depart, as thou hast rewarded me; for much
+pain have ye made me to endure, and much blood have I lost.  And
+therewith Sir Arthur rushed on him with all his might and pulled
+him to the earth, and then rushed off <118>his helm, and gave him
+such a buffet on the head that the blood came out at his ears,
+his nose, and his mouth.  Now will I slay thee, said Arthur. 
+Slay me ye may well, said Accolon, an it please you, for ye are
+the best knight that ever I found, and I see well that God is
+with you.  But for I promised to do this battle, said Accolon, to
+the uttermost, and never to be recreant while I lived, therefore
+shall I never yield me with my mouth, but God do with my body
+what he will.  Then Sir Arthur remembered him, and thought he
+should have seen this knight.  Now tell me, said Arthur, or I
+will slay thee, of what country art thou, and of what court?  Sir
+Knight, said Sir Accolon, I am of the court of King Arthur, and
+my name is Accolon of Gaul.  Then was Arthur more dismayed than
+he was beforehand; for then he remembered him of his sister
+Morgan le Fay, and of the enchantment of the ship.  O sir knight,
+said he, I pray you tell me who gave you this sword, and by whom
+ye had it.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+How Accolon confessed the treason of Morgan le Fay, King
+Arthur's sister, and how she would have done slay him.
+
+THEN Sir Accolon bethought him, and said, Woe worth this sword,
+for by it have I got my death.  It may well be, said the king. 
+Now, sir, said Accolon, I will tell you; this sword hath been in
+my keeping the most part of this twelvemonth; and Morgan le Fay,
+King Uriens' wife, sent it me yesterday by a dwarf, to this
+intent, that I should slay King Arthur, her brother.  For ye
+shall understand King Arthur is the man in the world that she
+most hateth, because he is most of worship and of prowess of any
+of her blood; also she loveth me out of measure as paramour, and
+I her again; and if she might bring about to slay Arthur by her
+crafts, she would slay her husband King Uriens lightly, and then
+had she me devised <119>to be king in this land, and so to reign,
+and she to be my queen; but that is now done, said Accolon, for I
+am sure of my death.  Well, said Sir Arthur, I feel by you ye
+would have been king in this land.  It had been great damage to
+have destroyed your lord, said Arthur.  It is truth, said
+Accolon, but now I have told you truth, wherefore I pray you tell
+me of whence ye are, and of what court?  O Accolon, said King
+Arthur, now I let thee wit that I am King Arthur, to whom thou
+hast done great damage.  When Accolon heard that he cried aloud,
+Fair, sweet lord, have mercy on me, for I knew not you.  O Sir
+Accolon, said King Arthur, mercy shalt thou have, because I feel
+by thy words at this time thou knewest not my person; but I
+understand well by thy words that thou hast agreed to the death
+of my person, and therefore thou art a traitor; but I wite thee
+the less, for my sister Morgan le Fay by her false crafts made
+thee to agree and consent to her false lusts, but I shall be sore
+avenged upon her an I live, that all Christendom shall speak of
+it; God knoweth I have honoured her and worshipped her more than
+all my kin, and more have I trusted her than mine own wife and
+all my kin after.
+
+Then Sir Arthur called the keepers of the field, and said, Sirs,
+come hither, for here are we two knights that have fought unto a
+great damage unto us both, and like each one of us to have slain
+other, if it had happed so; and had any of us known other, here
+had been no battle, nor stroke stricken.  Then all aloud cried
+Accolon unto all the knights and men that were then there
+gathered together, and said to them in this manner, O lords, this
+noble knight that I have fought withal, the which me sore
+repenteth, is the most man of prowess, of manhood, and of worship
+in the world, for it is himself King Arthur, our alther liege
+lord, and with mishap and with misadventure have I done this
+battle with the king and lord that I am holden withal.
+
+
+
+<120>
+CHAPTER XII
+
+How Arthur accorded the two brethren, and delivered the
+twenty knights, and how Sir Accolon died.
+
+THEN all the people fell down on their knees and cried King
+Arthur mercy.  Mercy shall ye have, said Arthur: here may ye see
+what adventures befall ofttime of errant knights, how that I have
+fought with a knight of mine own unto my great damage and his
+both.  But, sirs, because I am sore hurt, and he both, and I had
+great need of a little rest, ye shall understand the opinion
+betwixt you two brethren:  As to thee, Sir Damas, for whom I have
+been champion and won the field of this knight, yet will I judge
+because ye, Sir Damas, are called an orgulous knight, and full of
+villainy, and not worth of prowess your deeds, therefore I will
+that ye give unto your brother all the whole manor with the
+appurtenance, under this form, that Sir Ontzlake hold the manor
+of you, and yearly to give you a palfrey to ride upon, for that
+will become you better to ride on than upon a courser.  Also I
+charge thee, Sir Damas, upon pain of death, that thou never
+distress no knights errant that ride on their adventure.  And
+also that thou restore these twenty knights that thou hast long
+kept prisoners, of all their harness, that they be content for;
+and if any of them come to my court and complain of thee, by my
+head thou shalt die therefore.  Also, Sir Ontzlake, as to you,
+because ye are named a good knight, and full of prowess, and true
+and gentle in all your deeds, this shall be your charge I will
+give you, that in all goodly haste ye come unto me and my court,
+and ye shall be a knight of mine, and if your deeds be thereafter
+I shall so prefer you, by the grace of God, that ye shall in
+short time be in ease for to live as worshipfully as your brother
+Sir Damas.  God thank your largeness of your goodness and of your
+bounty, I shall be from henceforward at all times at your
+commandment; for, sir, said Sir Ontzlake, <121>as God would, as I
+was hurt but late with an adventurous knight through both my
+thighs, that grieved me sore, and else had I done this battle
+with you.  God would, said Arthur, it had been so, for then had
+not I been hurt as I am.  I shall tell you the cause why: for I
+had not been hurt as I am, had it not been mine own sword, that
+was stolen from me by treason; and this battle was ordained
+aforehand to have slain me, and so it was brought to the purpose
+by false treason, and by false enchantment.  Alas, said Sir
+Ontzlake, that is great pity that ever so noble a man as ye are
+of your deeds and prowess, that any man or woman might find in
+their hearts to work any treason against you.  I shall reward
+them, said Arthur, in short time, by the grace of God.  Now, tell
+me, said Arthur, how far am I from Camelot?  Sir, ye are two
+days' journey therefrom.  I would fain be at some place of
+worship, said Sir Arthur, that I might rest me.  Sir, said Sir
+Ontzlake, hereby is a rich abbey of your elders' foundation, of
+nuns, but three miles hence.  So the king took his leave of all
+the people, and mounted upon horseback, and Sir Accolon with him. 
+And when they were come to the abbey, he let fetch leeches and
+search his wounds and Accolon's both; but Sir Accolon died within
+four days, for he had bled so much blood that he might not live,
+but King Arthur was well recovered.  So when Accolon was dead he
+let send him on an horse-bier with six knights unto Camelot, and
+said:  Bear him to my sister Morgan le Fay, and say that I send
+her him to a present, and tell her I have my sword Excalibur and
+the scabbard; so they departed with the body.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+How Morgan would have slain Sir Uriens her husband,
+and how Sir Uwaine her son saved him.
+
+THE meanwhile Morgan le Fay had weened King Arthur had been dead. 
+So on a day she espied King Uriens lay <122>in his bed sleeping. 
+Then she called unto her a maiden of her counsel, and said, Go
+fetch me my lord's sword, for I saw never better time to slay him
+than now.  O madam, said the damosel, an ye slay my lord ye can
+never escape.  Care not you, said Morgan le Fay, for now I see my
+time in the which it is best to do it, and therefore hie thee
+fast and fetch me the sword.  Then the damosel departed, and
+found Sir Uwaine sleeping upon a bed in another chamber, so she
+went unto Sir Uwaine, and awaked him, and bade him, Arise, and
+wait on my lady your mother, for she will slay the king your
+father sleeping in his bed, for I go to fetch his sword.  Well,
+said Sir Uwaine, go on your way, and let me deal.  Anon the
+damosel brought Morgan the sword with quaking hands, and she
+lightly took the sword, and pulled it out, and went boldly unto
+the bed's side, and awaited how and where she might slay him
+best.  And as she lifted up the sword to smite, Sir Uwaine leapt
+unto his mother, and caught her by the hand, and said, Ah, fiend,
+what wilt thou do?  An thou wert not my mother, with this sword I
+should smite off thy head.  Ah, said Sir Uwaine, men saith that
+Merlin was begotten of a devil, but I may say an earthly devil
+bare me.  O fair son, Uwaine, have mercy upon me, I was tempted
+with a devil, wherefore I cry thee mercy; I will never more do
+so; and save my worship and discover me not.  On this covenant,
+said Sir Uwaine, I will forgive it you, so ye will never be about
+to do such deeds.  Nay, son, said she, and that I make you
+assurance.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+How Queen Morgan le Fay made great sorrow for the
+death of Accolon, and how she stole away the scabbard
+from Arthur.
+
+THEN came tidings unto Morgan le Fay that Accolon was dead, and
+his body brought unto the church, and how <123>King Arthur had
+his sword again.  But when Queen Morgan wist that Accolon was
+dead, she was so sorrowful that near her heart to-brast.  But
+because she would not it were known, outward she kept her
+countenance, and made no semblant of sorrow.  But well she wist
+an she abode 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, or
+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 same
+abbey of nuns whereas lay King Arthur; and she knowing he was
+there, she asked where he was.  And they answered how he had laid
+him in his bed to sleep, for he had had but little rest these
+three nights.  Well, said she, I charge you that none of you
+awake him till I do, and then she alighted off her horse, and
+thought for to steal away Excalibur his sword, and so she went
+straight unto his chamber, and no man durst disobey her
+commandment, and 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 she
+had awaked him, and then she wist well she had been dead.  Then
+she took the scabbard and went her way on horseback.  When the
+king awoke and missed his scabbard, he was wroth, and he asked
+who had been there, and they said his sister, Queen Morgan had
+been there, and had put the scabbard under her mantle and was
+gone.  Alas, said Arthur, falsely ye have watched me.  Sir, said
+they all, we durst not disobey your sister's commandment.  Ah,
+said the king, let fetch the best horse 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 found a
+cowherd, and they asked the <124>poor man if there came any lady
+riding that way.  Sir, said this poor man, right late came a lady
+riding with a forty horses, and to yonder forest she rode.  Then
+they spurred their horses, and followed fast, and within a while
+Arthur had a sight of Morgan le Fay; then 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, and when she
+saw she might not escape, she rode unto a lake thereby, and said,
+Whatsoever come of me, my brother shall not have this scabbard. 
+And then she let throw the scabbard in the deepest of the water
+so it sank, for it was heavy of gold and precious stones.
+
+Then she rode into a valley where many great stones were, and
+when she saw she must be overtaken, she shaped herself, horse and
+man, by enchantment unto a great marble stone.  Anon withal came
+Sir Arthur and Sir Ontzlake whereas the king might know his
+sister and her men, and one knight from another.  Ah, said the
+king, here may ye see the vengeance of God, and now am I sorry
+that this misadventure is befallen.  And then he looked for the
+scabbard, but it would not be found, so he returned to the abbey
+where he came from.  So when Arthur was gone she turned all into
+the likeliness as she and they were before, and said, Sirs, now
+may we go where we will.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+How Morgan le Fay saved a knight that should have been
+drowned, and how King Arthur returned home again.
+
+THEN said Morgan, Saw ye Arthur, my brother?  Yea, said her
+knights, right well, and that ye should have found an we might
+have stirred from one stead, for by his armyvestal countenance he
+would have caused us to have fled.  I believe you, said Morgan. 
+Anon after as she rode she met a knight leading another knight on
+his horse before him, bound hand and foot, blindfold, to have
+<125>drowned him in a fountain.  When she saw this knight so
+bound, she asked him, What will ye do with that knight?  Lady,
+said he, I will drown him.  For what cause? she asked.  For I
+found him with my wife, and she shall have the same death anon. 
+That were pity, said Morgan le Fay.  Now, what say ye, knight, is
+it truth that he saith of you? she said to the knight that should
+be drowned.  Nay truly, madam, he saith not right on me.  Of
+whence be ye, said Morgan le Fay, and of what country?  I am of
+the court of King Arthur, and my name is Manassen, cousin unto
+Accolon of Gaul.  Ye say well, said she, and for the love of him
+ye shall be delivered, and ye shall have your adversary in the
+same case ye be in.  So Manassen was loosed and the other knight
+bound.  And anon Manassen unarmed him, and armed himself in his
+harness, and so mounted on horseback, and the knight afore him,
+and so threw him into the fountain and drowned him.  And then he
+rode unto Morgan again, and asked if she would anything unto King
+Arthur.  Tell him that I rescued thee, not for the love of him
+but for the love of Accolon, and tell him I fear him not while I
+can make me and them that be with me in likeness of stones; and
+let him wit I can do much more when I see my time.  And 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 dreaded 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, then all had marvel of the falsehood of Morgan
+le Fay; many knights wished her burnt.  Then came Manassen to
+court and told the king of his adventure.  Well, said the king,
+she is a kind sister; I shall so be avenged on her an I live,
+that all Christendom shall speak of it.  So on the morn there
+came a damosel 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 <126>that ever the king saw.  And
+the damosel 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
+but little.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+How the Damosel of the Lake saved King Arthur from
+mantle that should have burnt him.
+
+WITH that came the Damosel of the Lake unto the king, and said,
+Sir, I must speak with you in privity.  Say on, said the king,
+what ye will.  Sir, said the damosel, put not on you this mantle
+till ye have seen more, and in no wise let it not come on you,
+nor on no 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 damosel that came from his
+sister, Damosel, this mantle that ye have brought me, I will see
+it upon you.  Sir, she said, It will not beseem me to wear a
+king's garment.  By my head, said Arthur, ye shall wear it or it
+come on my back, or any man's that here is.  And so the king made
+it to be put upon her, and forth withal she fell down dead, and
+never more spake word after and burnt to coals.  Then was the
+king wonderly wroth, more than he was to-forehand, and said unto
+King Uriens, My sister, your wife, is alway about to betray me,
+and well I wot either ye, or my nephew, your son, 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
+Accolon confessed to me by his own mouth, that she would have
+destroyed you as well as me, therefore I hold you excused; but as
+for your son, Sir Uwaine, I hold him suspect, therefore I charge
+you put him out of my court.  So Sir Uwaine was discharged.  And
+when Sir Gawaine wist that, he made him ready to <127>go with
+him; and said, Whoso banisheth my cousin-germain shall banish me. 
+So they two departed, and rode into a great forest, and so they
+came to an abbey of monks, and there 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 love of
+one.  So on the morn they heard their masses in the abbey, and so
+they rode forth till that they came to a great forest.  Then was
+Sir Gawaine ware in a valley by a turret [of] twelve fair
+damosels, and two knights armed on great horses, and the damosels
+went to and fro by a tree.  And then was Sir Gawaine ware how
+there hung a white shield on that tree, and ever as the damosels
+came by it they spit upon it, and some threw mire upon the
+shield.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+How Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine met with twelve fair
+damosels, and how they complained on Sir Marhaus.
+
+THEN Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine went and saluted them, and asked
+why they did that despite to the shield.  Sir, said the damosels,
+we shall tell you.  There is a knight in this country that owneth
+this white shield, and he is a passing good man of his hands, but
+he hateth all ladies and gentlewomen, and therefore we do all
+this despite to the shield.  I shall say you, said Sir Gawaine,
+it beseemeth evil a good knight to despise all ladies and
+gentlewomen, and peradventure though he hate you he hath some
+certain cause, and peradventure he loveth in some other places
+ladies and gentlewomen, and to be loved again, an he be such a
+man of prowess as ye speak of.  Now, what is his name?  Sir, said
+they, his name is Marhaus, the king's son of Ireland.  I know him
+well, said Sir Uwaine, he is a passing good knight as any is
+alive, for I saw him once proved at a jousts where many knights
+were gathered, and <128>that time there might no man withstand
+him.  Ah! said Sir Gawaine, damosels, methinketh ye are to blame,
+for it is to suppose, he that hung that shield there, he will not
+be long therefrom, and then may those knights match him on
+horseback, and that is more your worship than thus; for I will
+abide no longer to see a knight's shield dishonoured.  And
+therewith Sir Uwaine and Gawaine departed a little from them, and
+then were they ware where Sir Marhaus came riding on a great
+horse straight toward them.  And when the twelve damosels saw Sir
+Marhaus they fled into the turret as they were wild, so that some
+of them fell by the way.  Then the one of the knights of the
+tower dressed his shield, and said on high, Sir Marhaus, defend
+thee.  And so they ran together that the knight brake his spear
+on Marhaus, and Marhaus smote him so hard that he brake his neck
+and the horse's back.  That saw the other knight of the turret,
+and dressed him toward Marhaus, and they met so eagerly together
+that the knight of the turret was soon smitten down, horse and
+man, stark dead.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+How Sir Marhaus jousted with Sir Gawaine and Sir
+Uwaine, and overthrew them both.
+
+AND then Sir Marhaus rode unto his shield, and saw how it was
+defouled, and said, Of this despite I am a part avenged, but for
+her love that gave me this white shield I shall wear thee, and
+hang mine where thou wast; and so he hanged it about his neck. 
+Then he rode straight unto Sir Gawaine and to Sir Uwaine, and
+asked them what they did there?  They answered him that they came
+from King Arthur's court to see adventures.  Well, said Sir
+Marhaus, here am I ready, an adventurous knight that will fulfil
+any adventure that ye will desire; and so departed from them, to
+fetch his range.  Let him go, said <129>Sir Uwaine unto Sir
+Gawaine, for he is a passing good knight as any is living; I
+would not by my will that any of us were matched with him.  Nay,
+said Sir Gawaine, not so, it were shame to us were he not
+assayed, were he never so good a knight.  Well, said Sir Uwaine,
+I will assay him afore you, for I am more weaker than ye, and if
+he smite me down then may ye revenge me.  So these two knights
+came together with great raundon, that Sir Uwaine smote Sir
+Marhaus that his spear brast in pieces on the shield, and Sir
+Marhaus smote him so sore that horse and man he bare to the
+earth, and hurt Sir Uwaine on the left side.
+
+Then Sir Marhaus turned his horse and rode toward Gawaine with
+his spear, and when Sir Gawaine saw that he dressed his shield,
+and they aventred their spears, and they came together with all
+the might of their horses, that either knight smote other so hard
+in midst of their shields, but Sir Gawaine's spear brake, but Sir
+Marhaus' spear held; and therewith Sir Gawaine and his horse
+rushed down to the earth.  And lightly Sir Gawaine rose on his
+feet, and pulled out his sword, and dressed him toward Sir
+Marhaus on foot, and Sir Marhaus saw that, and pulled out his
+sword and began to come to Sir Gawaine on horseback.  Sir knight,
+said Sir Gawaine, alight on foot, or else I will slay thy horse. 
+Gramercy, said Sir Marhaus, of your gentleness ye teach me
+courtesy, for it is not for one knight to be on foot, and the
+other on horseback.  And therewith Sir Marhaus set his spear
+against a tree and alighted and tied his horse to a tree, and
+dressed his shield, and either came unto other eagerly, and smote
+together with their swords that their shields flew in cantels,
+and they bruised their helms and their hauberks, and wounded
+either other.  But Sir Gawaine from it passed nine of the clock
+waxed ever stronger and stronger, for then it came to the hour of
+noon, and thrice his might was increased.  All this espied Sir
+Marhaus and had great wonder how his might increased, and so they
+wounded other passing sore.  And then when it was past noon, and
+when it drew toward evensong, Sir Gawaine's strength feebled, and
+waxed passing faint that unnethes he might dure any <130>longer,
+and Sir Marhaus was then bigger and bigger.  Sir knight, said Sir
+Marhaus, I have well felt that ye are a passing good knight and a
+marvellous man of might as ever I felt any, while it lasteth, and
+our quarrels are not great, and therefore it were pity to do you
+hurt, for I feel ye are passing feeble.  Ah, said Sir Gawaine,
+gentle knight, ye say the word that I should say.  And therewith
+they took off their helms, and either kissed other, and there
+they swore together either to love other as brethren.  And Sir
+Marhaus prayed Sir Gawaine to lodge with him that night.  And so
+they took their horses, and rode toward Sir Marhaus' house.  And
+as they rode by the way, Sir knight, said Sir Gawaine, I have
+marvel that so valiant a man as ye be love no ladies nor
+damosels.  Sir, said Sir Marhaus, they name me wrongfully those
+that give me that name, but well I wot it be the damosels of the
+turret that so name me, and other such as they be.  Now shall I
+tell you for what cause I hate them: for they be sorceresses and
+enchanters many of them, and be a knight never so good of his
+body and full of prowess as man may be, they will make him a
+stark coward to have the better of him, and this is the principal
+cause that I hate them; and to all good ladies and gentlewomen I
+owe my service as a knight ought to do.
+
+As the book rehearseth in French, there were many knights that
+overmatched Sir Gawaine, for all the thrice might that he had:
+Sir Launcelot de Lake, Sir Tristram, Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir
+Percivale, Sir Pelleas, and Sir Marhaus, these six knights had
+the better of Sir Gawaine.  Then within a little while they came
+to Sir Marhaus' place, which was in a little priory, and there
+they alighted, and ladies and damosels unarmed them, and hastily
+looked to their hurts, for they were all three hurt.  And so they
+had all three good lodging with Sir Marhaus, and good cheer; for
+when he wist that they were King Arthur's sister's sons he made
+them all the cheer that lay in his power, and so they sojourned
+there a sennight, and were well eased of their wounds, and at the
+last departed.  Now, said Sir Marhaus, we will not depart so
+lightly, for I will <131>bring you through the forest; and rode
+day by day well a seven days or they found any adventure.  At the
+last they came into a great forest, that was named the country
+and forest of Arroy, and the country of strange adventures.  In
+this country, said Sir Marhaus, came never knight since it was
+christened but he found strange adventures; and so they rode, and
+came into a deep valley full of stones, and thereby they saw a
+fair stream of water; above thereby was the head of the stream a
+fair fountain, and three damosels sitting thereby.  And then they
+rode to them, and either saluted other, and the eldest had a
+garland of gold about her head, and she was three score winter of
+age or more, and her hair was white under the garland.  The
+second damosel was of thirty winter of age, with a circlet of
+gold about her head.  The third damosel was but fifteen year of
+age, and a garland of flowers about her head.  When these knights
+had so beheld them, they asked them the cause why they sat at
+that fountain?  We be here, said the damosels, for this cause: if
+we may see any errant knights, to teach them unto strange
+adventures; and ye be three knights that seek adventures, and we
+be three damosels, and therefore each one of you must choose one
+of us; and when ye have done so we will lead you unto three
+highways, and there each of you shall choose a way and his
+damosel with him.  And this day twelvemonth ye must meet here
+again, and God send you your lives, and thereto ye must plight
+your troth.  This is well said, said Sir Marhaus.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX[*1]
+
+[*1] Misnumbered xx.  by Caxton.
+
+How Sir Marhaus, Sir Gawaine, and Sir Uwaine met
+three damosels, and each of them took one.
+
+NOW shall everych of us choose a damosel.  I shall tell you, said
+Sir Uwaine, I am the youngest and most weakest of you both,
+therefore I will have the eldest damosel, for <132>she hath seen
+much, and can best help me when I have need, for I have most need
+of help of you both.  Now, said Sir Marhaus, I will have the
+damosel of thirty winter age, for she falleth best to me.  Well,
+said Sir Gawaine, I thank you, for ye have left me the youngest
+and the fairest, and she is most liefest to me.  Then every
+damosel took her knight by the reins of his bridle, and brought
+him to the three ways, and there was their oath made to meet at
+the fountain that day twelvemonth an they were living, and so
+they kissed and departed, and each knight set his lady behind
+him.  And Sir Uwaine took the way that lay west, and Sir Marhaus
+took the way that lay south, and Sir Gawaine took the way that
+lay north.  Now will we begin at Sir Gawaine, that held that way
+till that he came unto a fair manor, where dwelled an old knight
+and a good householder, and there Sir Gawaine asked the knight if
+he knew any adventures in that country.  I shall show you some
+to-morn, said the old knight, and that marvellous.  So, on the
+morn they rode into the forest of adventures to a laund, and
+thereby they found a cross, and as they stood and hoved there
+came by them the fairest knight and the seemliest man that ever
+they saw, making the greatest dole that ever man made.  And then
+he was ware of Sir Gawaine, and saluted him, and prayed God to
+send him much worship.  As to that, said Sir Gawaine, gramercy;
+also I pray to God that he send you honour and worship.  Ah, said
+the knight, I may lay that aside, for sorrow and shame cometh to
+me after worship.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+How a knight and a dwarf strove for a lady.
+
+AND therewith he passed unto the one side of the laund; and on
+the other side saw Sir Gawaine ten knights that hoved still and
+made them ready with their shields and spears against that one
+knight that came by Sir Gawaine.
+
+Then this one knight aventred a great spear, and one <133>of the
+ten knights encountered with him, but this woful knight smote him
+so hard that he fell over his horse's tail.  So this same
+dolorous knight served them all, that at the leastway he smote
+down horse and man, and all he did with one spear; and so when
+they were all ten on foot, they went to that one knight, and he
+stood stone still, and suffered them to pull him down off his
+horse, and bound him hand and foot, and tied him under the
+horse's belly, and so led him with them.  O Jesu! said Sir
+Gawaine, this is a doleful sight, to see the yonder knight so to
+be entreated, and it seemeth by the knight that he suffereth them
+to bind him so, for he maketh no resistance.  No, said his host,
+that is truth, for an he would they all were too weak so to do
+him.  Sir, said the damosel unto Sir Gawaine, meseemeth it were
+your worship to help that dolorous knight, for methinketh he is
+one of the best knights that ever I saw.  I would do for him,
+said Sir Gawaine, but it seemeth he will have no help.  Then,
+said the damosel, methinketh ye have no lust to help him.
+
+Thus as they talked they saw a knight on the other side of the
+laund all armed save the head.  And on the other side there came
+a dwarf on horseback all armed save the head, with a great mouth
+and a short nose; and when the dwarf came nigh he said, Where is
+the lady should meet us here? and therewithal she came forth out
+of the wood.  And then they began to strive for the lady; for the
+knight said he would have her, and the dwarf said he would have
+her.  Will we do well? said the dwarf; yonder is a knight at the
+cross, let us put it both upon him, and as he deemeth so shall it
+be.  I will well, said the knight, and so they went all three
+unto Sir Gawaine and told him wherefore they strove.  Well, sirs,
+said he, will ye put the matter in my hand?  Yea, they said both. 
+Now damosel, said Sir Gawaine, ye shall stand betwixt them both,
+and whether ye list better to go to, he shall have you.  And when
+she was set between them both, she left the knight and went to
+the dwarf, and the dwarf took her and went his way singing, and
+the knight went his way with great mourning.
+
+<134>
+Then came there two knights all armed, and cried on high, Sir
+Gawaine! knight of King Arthur's, make thee ready in all haste
+and joust with me.  So they ran together, that either fell down,
+and then on foot they drew their swords, and did full actually. 
+The meanwhile the other knight went to the damosel, and asked her
+why she abode with that knight, and if ye would abide with me, I
+will be your faithful knight.  And with you will I be, said the
+damosel, for with Sir Gawaine I may not find in mine heart to be
+with him; for now here was one knight discomfited ten knights,
+and at the last he was cowardly led away; and therefore let us
+two go whilst they fight.  And Sir Gawaine fought with that other
+knight long, but at the last they accorded both.  And then the
+knight prayed Sir Gawaine to lodge with him that night.  So as
+Sir Gawaine went with this knight he asked him, What knight is he
+in this country that smote down the ten knights?  For when he had
+done so manfully he suffered them to bind him hand and foot, and
+so led him away.  Ah, said the knight, that is the best knight I
+trow in the world, and the most man of prowess, and he hath been
+served so as he was even more than ten times, and his name hight
+Sir Pelleas, and he loveth a great lady in this country and her
+name is Ettard.  And so when he loved her there was cried in this
+country a great jousts three days, and all the knights of this
+country were there and gentlewomen, and who that proved him the
+best knight should have a passing good sword and a circlet of
+gold, and the circlet the knight should give it to the fairest
+lady that was at the jousts.  And this knight Sir Pelleas was the
+best knight that was there, and there were five hundred knights,
+but there was never man that ever Sir Pelleas met withal but he
+struck him down, or else from his horse; and every day of three
+days he struck down twenty knights, therefore they gave him the
+prize, and forthwithal he went thereas the Lady Ettard was, and
+gave her the circlet, and said openly she was the fairest lady
+that there was, and that would he prove upon any knight that
+would say nay.
+
+
+
+<135>
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+How King Pelleas suffered himself to be taken prisoner
+because he would have a sight of his lady, and how
+Sir Gawaine promised him to get to him the love of
+his lady.
+
+AND so he chose her for his sovereign lady, and never to love
+other but her, but she was so proud that she had scorn of him,
+and said that she would never love him though he would die for
+her.  Wherefore all ladies and gentlewomen had scorn of her that
+she was so proud, for there were fairer than she, and there was
+none that was there but an Sir Pelleas would have proffered them
+love, they would have loved him for his noble prowess.  And so
+this knight promised the Lady Ettard to follow her into this
+country, and never to leave her till she loved him.  And thus he
+is here the most part nigh her, and lodged by a priory, and every
+week she sendeth knights to fight with him.  And when he hath put
+them to the worse, then will he suffer them wilfully to take him
+prisoner, because he would have a sight of this lady.  And always
+she doth him great despite, for sometime she maketh her knights
+to tie him to his horse's tail, and some to bind him under the
+horse's belly; thus in the most shamefullest ways that she can
+think he is brought to her.  And all she doth it for to cause him
+to leave this country, and to leave his loving; but all this
+cannot make him to leave, for an he would have fought on foot he
+might have had the better of the ten knights as well on foot as
+on horseback.  Alas, said Sir Gawaine, it is great pity of him;
+and after this night I will seek him to-morrow, in this forest,
+to do him all the help I can.  So on the morn Sir Gawaine took
+his leave of his host Sir Carados, and rode into the forest; and
+at the last he met with Sir Pelleas, making great moan out of
+measure, so each of them saluted other, and asked him why he made
+such sorrow.  And as it is above rehearsed, <136>Sir Pelleas told
+Sir Gawaine:  But always I suffer her knights to fare so with me
+as ye saw yesterday, in trust at the last to win her love, for
+she knoweth well all her knights should not lightly win me, an me
+list to fight with them to the uttermost.  Wherefore an I loved
+her not so sore, I had liefer die an hundred times, an I might
+die so oft, rather than I would suffer that despite; but I trust
+she will have pity upon me at the last, for love causeth many a
+good knight to suffer to have his entent, but alas I am
+unfortunate.  And therewith he made so great dole and sorrow that
+unnethe he might hold him on horseback.
+
+Now, said Sir Gawaine, leave your mourning and I shall promise
+you by the faith of my body to do all that lieth in my power to
+get you the love of your lady, and thereto I will plight you my
+troth.  Ah, said Sir Pelleas, of what court are ye? tell me, I
+pray you, my good friend.  And then Sir Gawaine said, I am of the
+court of King Arthur, and his sister's son, and King Lot of
+Orkney was my father, and my name is Sir Gawaine.  And then he
+said, My name is Sir Pelleas, born in the Isles, and of many
+isles I am lord, and never have I loved lady nor damosel till now
+in an unhappy time; and, sir knight, since ye are so nigh cousin
+unto King Arthur, and a king's son, therefore betray me not but
+help me, for I may never come by her but by some good knight, for
+she is in a strong castle here, fast by within this four mile,
+and over all this country she is lady of.  And so I may never
+come to her presence, but as I suffer her knights to take me, and
+but if I did so that I might have a sight of her, I had been dead
+long or this time; and yet fair word had I never of her, but when
+I am brought to-fore her she rebuketh me in the foulest manner. 
+And then they take my horse and harness and put me out of the
+gates, and she will not suffer me to eat nor drink; and always I
+offer me to be her prisoner, but that she will not suffer me, for
+I would desire no more, what pains so ever I had, so that I might
+have a sight of her daily.  Well, said Sir Gawaine, all this
+shall I amend an ye will do as I shall devise: I will have your
+horse and <137>your armour, and so will I ride unto her castle
+and tell her that I have slain you, and so shall I come within
+her to cause her to cherish me, and then shall I do my true part
+that ye shall not fail to have the love of her.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+How Sir Gawaine came to the Lady Ettard, and how
+Sir Pelleas found them sleeping.
+
+AND therewith Sir Gawaine plight his troth unto Sir Pelleas to be
+true and faithful unto him; so each one plight their troth to
+other, and so they changed horses and harness, and Sir Gawaine
+departed, and came to the castle whereas stood the pavilions of
+this lady without the gate.  And as soon as Ettard had espied Sir
+Gawaine she fled in toward the castle.  Sir Gawaine spake on
+high, and bade her abide, for he was not Sir Pelleas; I am
+another knight that have slain Sir Pelleas.  Do off your helm,
+said the Lady Ettard, that I may see your visage.  And so when
+she saw that it was not Sir Pelleas, she bade him alight and led
+him unto her castle, and asked him faithfully whether he had
+slain Sir Pelleas.  And he said her yea, and told her his name
+was Sir Gawaine of the court of King Arthur, and his sister's
+son.  Truly, said she, that is great pity, for he was a passing
+good knight of his body, but of all men alive I hated him most,
+for I could never be quit of him; and for ye have slain him I
+shall be your woman, and to do anything that might please you. 
+So she made Sir Gawaine good cheer.  Then Sir Gawaine said that
+he loved a lady and by no means she would love him.  She is to
+blame, said Ettard, an she will not love you, for ye that be so
+well born a man, and such a man of prowess, there is no lady in
+the world too good for you.  Will ye, said Sir Gawaine, promise
+me to do all that ye may, by the faith of your body, to get me
+the love of my lady?  Yea, sir, said she, and that I promise you
+by the <138>faith of my body.  Now, said Sir Gawaine, it is
+yourself that I love so well, therefore I pray you hold your
+promise.  I may not choose, said the Lady Ettard, but if I should
+be forsworn; and so she granted him to fulfil all his desire.
+
+So it was then in the month of May that she and Sir Gawaine went
+out of the castle and supped in a pavilion, and there was made a
+bed, and there Sir Gawaine and the Lady Ettard went to bed
+together, and in another pavilion she laid her damosels, and in
+the third pavilion she laid part of her knights, for then she had
+no dread of Sir Pelleas.  And there Sir Gawaine lay with her in
+that pavilion two days and two nights.  And on the third day, in
+the morning early, Sir Pelleas armed him, for he had never slept
+since Sir Gawaine departed from him; for Sir Gawaine had promised
+him by the faith of his body, to come to him unto his pavilion by
+that priory within the space of a day and a night.
+
+Then Sir Pelleas mounted upon horseback, and came to the
+pavilions that stood without the castle, and found in the first
+pavilion three knights in three beds, and three squires lying at
+their feet.  Then went he to the second pavilion and found four
+gentlewomen lying in four beds.  And then he yede to the third
+pavilion and found Sir Gawaine lying in bed with his Lady Ettard,
+and either clipping other in arms, and when he saw that his heart
+well-nigh brast for sorrow, and said:  Alas! that ever a knight
+should be found so false; and then he took his horse and might
+not abide no longer for pure sorrow.  And when he had ridden nigh
+half a mile he turned again and thought to slay them both; and
+when he saw them both so lie sleeping fast, unnethe he might hold
+him on horseback for sorrow, and said thus to himself, Though
+this knight be never so false, I will never slay him sleeping,
+for I will never destroy the high order of knighthood; and
+therewith he departed again.  And or he had ridden half a mile he
+returned again, and thought then to slay them both, making the
+greatest sorrow that ever man made.  And when he came to the
+pavilions, he tied his <139>horse unto a tree, and pulled out his
+sword naked in his hand, and went to them thereas they lay, and
+yet he thought it were shame to slay them sleeping, and laid the
+naked sword overthwart both their throats, and so took his horse
+and rode his way.
+
+And when Sir Pelleas came to his pavilions he told his knights
+and his squires how he had sped, and said thus to them, For your
+true and good service ye have done me I shall give you all my
+goods, for I will go unto my bed and never arise until I am dead. 
+And when that I am dead I charge you that ye take the heart out
+of my body and bear it her betwixt two silver dishes, and tell
+her how I saw her lie with the false knight Sir Gawaine.  Right
+so Sir Pelleas unarmed himself, and went unto his bed making
+marvellous dole and sorrow.
+
+When Sir Gawaine and Ettard awoke of their sleep, and found the
+naked sword overthwart their throats, then she knew well it was
+Sir Pelleas' sword.  Alas! said she to Sir Gawaine, ye have
+betrayed me and Sir Pelleas both, for ye told me ye had slain
+him, and now I know well it is not so, he is alive.  And if Sir
+Pelleas had been as uncourteous to you as ye have been to him ye
+had been a dead knight; but ye have deceived me and betrayed me
+falsely, that all ladies and damosels may beware by you and me. 
+And therewith Sir Gawaine made him ready, and went into the
+forest.  So it happed then that the Damosel of the Lake, Nimue,
+met with a knight of Sir Pelleas, that went on his foot in the
+forest making great dole, and she asked him the cause.  And so
+the woful knight told her how his master and lord was betrayed
+through a knight and lady, and how he will never arise out of his
+bed till he be dead.  Bring me to him, said she anon, and I will
+warrant his life he shall not die for love, and she that hath
+caused him so to love, she shall be in as evil plight as he is or
+it be long to, for it is no joy of such a proud lady that will
+have no mercy of such a valiant knight.  Anon that knight brought
+her unto him, and when she saw him lie in his bed, she thought
+she saw never so likely a knight; and therewith she threw an
+enchantment upon <140>him, and he fell asleep.  And therewhile
+she rode unto the Lady Ettard, and charged no man to awake him
+till she came again.  So within two hours she brought the Lady
+Ettard thither, and both ladies found him asleep:  Lo, said the
+Damosel of the Lake, ye ought to be ashamed for to murder such a
+knight.  And therewith she threw such an enchantment upon her
+that she loved him sore, that well-nigh she was out of her mind. 
+O Lord Jesu, said the Lady Ettard, how is it befallen unto me
+that I love now him that I have most hated of any man alive? 
+That is the righteous judgment of God, said the damosel.  And
+then anon Sir Pelleas awaked and looked upon Ettard; and when he
+saw her he knew her, and then he hated her more than any woman
+alive, and said:  Away, traitress, come never in my sight.  And
+when she heard him say so, she wept and made great sorrow out of
+measure.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+How Sir Pelleas loved no more Ettard by means of the
+Damosel of the Lake, whom he loved ever after.
+
+SIR KNIGHT PELLEAS, said the Damosel of the Lake, take your horse
+and come forth with me out of this country, and ye shall love a
+lady that shall love you.  I will well, said Sir Pelleas, for
+this Lady Ettard hath done me great despite and shame, and there
+he told her the beginning and ending, and how he had purposed
+never to have arisen till that he had been dead.  And now such
+grace God hath sent me, that I hate her as much as ever I loved
+her, thanked be our Lord Jesus!  Thank me, said the Damosel of
+the Lake.  Anon Sir Pelleas armed him, and took his horse, and
+commanded his men to bring after his pavilions and his stuff
+where the Damosel of the Lake would assign.  So the Lady Ettard
+died for sorrow, and the Damosel of the Lake rejoiced Sir
+Pelleas, and loved together during their life days.
+
+
+
+<141>
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+How Sir Marhaus rode with the damosel, and how he
+came to the Duke of the South Marches.
+
+NOW turn we unto Sir Marhaus, that rode with the damosel of
+thirty winter of age, southward.  And so they came into a deep
+forest, and by fortune they were nighted, and rode long in a deep
+way, and at the last they came unto a courtelage, and there they
+asked harbour.  But the man of the courtelage would not lodge
+them for no treatise that they could treat, but thus much the
+good man said, An ye will take the adventure of your lodging, I
+shall bring you where ye shall be lodged.  What adventure is that
+that I shall have for my lodging? said Sir Marhaus.  Ye shall wit
+when ye come there, said the good man.  Sir, what adventure so it
+be, bring me thither I pray thee, said Sir Marhaus; for I am
+weary, my damosel, and my horse.  So the good man went and opened
+the gate, and within an hour he brought him unto a fair castle,
+and then the poor man called the porter, and anon he was let into
+the castle, and so he told the lord how he brought him a knight
+errant and a damosel that would be lodged with him.  Let him in,
+said the lord, it may happen he shall repent that they took their
+lodging here.
+
+So Sir Marhaus was let in with torchlight, and there was a goodly
+sight of young men that welcomed him.  And then his horse was led
+into the stable, and he and the damosel were brought into the
+hall, and there stood a mighty duke and many goodly men about
+him.  Then this lord asked him what he hight, and from whence he
+came, and with whom he dwelt.  Sir, he said, I am a knight of
+King Arthur's and knight of the Table Round, and my name is Sir
+Marhaus, and born I am in Ireland.  And then said the duke to
+him, That me sore repenteth: the cause is this, for I love not
+thy lord nor none of thy <142>fellows of the Table Round; and
+therefore ease thyself this night as well as thou mayest, for as
+to-morn I and my six sons shall match with you.  Is there no
+remedy but that I must have ado with you and your six sons at
+once? said Sir Marhaus.  No, said the duke, for this cause I made
+mine avow, for Sir Gawaine slew my seven sons in a recounter,
+therefore I made mine avow, there should never knight of King
+Arthur's court lodge with me, or come thereas I might have ado
+with him, but that I would have a revenging of my sons' death. 
+What is your name? said Sir Marhaus; I require you tell me, an it
+please you.  Wit thou well I am the Duke of South Marches.  Ah,
+said Sir Marhaus, I have heard say that ye have been long time a
+great foe unto my lord Arthur and to his knights.  That shall ye
+feel to-morn, said the duke.  Shall I have ado with you? said Sir
+Marhaus.  Yea, said the duke, thereof shalt thou not choose, and
+therefore take you to your chamber, and ye shall have all that to
+you longeth.  So Sir Marhaus departed and was led to a chamber,
+and his damosel was led unto her chamber.  And on the morn the
+duke sent unto Sir Marhaus and bade make him ready.  And so Sir
+Marhaus arose and armed him, and then there was a mass sung afore
+him, and brake his fast, and so mounted on horseback in the court
+of the castle where they should do the battle.  So there was the
+duke all ready on horseback, clean armed, and his six sons by
+him, and everych had a spear in his hand, and so they
+encountered, whereas the duke and his two sons brake their spears
+upon him, but Sir Marhaus held up his spear and touched none of
+them.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+How Sir Marhaus fought with the duke and his four sons
+and made them to yield them.
+
+THEN came the four sons by couple, and two of them brake their
+spears, and so did the other two.  And all <143>this while Sir
+Marhaus touched them not.  Then Sir Marhaus ran to the duke, and
+smote him with his spear that horse and man fell to the earth,
+and so he served his sons; and then Sir Marhaus alighted down and
+bade the duke yield him or else he would slay him.  And then some
+of his sons recovered, and would have set upon Sir Marhaus; then
+Sir Marhaus said to the duke, Cease thy sons, or else I will do
+the uttermost to you all.  Then the duke saw he might not escape
+the death, he cried to his sons, and charged them to yield them
+to Sir Marhaus; and they kneeled all down and put the pommels of
+their swords to the knight, and so he received them.  And then
+they helped up their father, and so by their cominal assent
+promised to Sir Marhaus never to be foes unto King Arthur, and
+thereupon at Whitsuntide after to come, he and his sons, and put
+them in the king's grace.
+
+Then Sir Marhaus departed, and within two days his damosel
+brought him whereas was a great tournament that the Lady de Vawse
+had cried.  And who that did best should have a rich circlet of
+gold worth a thousand besants.  And there Sir Marhaus did so
+nobly that he was renowned, and had sometime down forty knights,
+and so the circlet of gold was rewarded him.  Then he departed
+from them with great worship; and so within seven nights his
+damosel brought him to an earl's place, his name was the Earl
+Fergus, that after was Sir Tristram's knight; and this earl was
+but a young man, and late come into his lands, and there was a
+giant fast by him that hight Taulurd, and he had another brother
+in Cornwall that hight Taulas, that Sir Tristram slew when he was
+out of his mind.  So this earl made his complaint unto Sir
+Marhaus, that there was a giant by him that destroyed all his
+lands, and how he durst nowhere ride nor go for him.  Sir, said
+the knight, whether useth he to fight on horseback or on foot? 
+Nay, said the earl, there may no horse bear him.  Well, said Sir
+Marhaus, then will I fight with him on foot; so on the morn Sir
+Marhaus prayed the earl that one of his men might bring him
+whereas the giant was; and so he was, for he saw <144>him sit
+under a tree of holly, and many clubs of iron and gisarms about
+him.  So this knight dressed him to the giant, putting his shield
+afore him, and the giant took an iron club in his hand, and at
+the first stroke he clave Sir Marhaus' shield in two pieces.  And
+there he was in great peril, for the giant was a wily fighter,
+but at last Sir Marhaus smote off his right arm above the elbow.
+
+Then the giant fled and the knight after him, and so he drove him
+into a water, but the giant was so high that he might not wade
+after him.  And then Sir Marhaus made the Earl Fergus' man to
+fetch him stones, and with those stones the knight gave the giant
+many sore knocks, till at the last he made him fall down into the
+water, and so was he there dead.  Then Sir Marhaus went unto the
+giant's castle, and there he delivered twenty-four ladies and
+twelve knights out of the giant's prison, and there he had great
+riches without number, so that the days of his life he was never
+poor man.  Then he returned to the Earl Fergus, the which thanked
+him greatly, and would have given him half his lands, but he
+would none take.  So Sir Marhaus dwelled with the earl nigh half
+a year, for he was sore bruised with the giant, and at the last
+he took his leave.  And as he rode by the way, he met with Sir
+Gawaine and Sir Uwaine, and so by adventure he met with four
+knights of Arthur's court, the first was Sir Sagramore le
+Desirous, Sir Osanna, Sir Dodinas le Savage, and Sir Felot of
+Listinoise; and there Sir Marhaus with one spear smote down these
+four knights, and hurt them sore.  So he departed to meet at his
+day aforeset.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+How Sir Uwaine rode with the damosel of sixty year of
+age, and how he gat the prize at tourneying.
+
+NOW turn we unto Sir Uwaine, that rode westward with his damosel
+of three score winter of age, and she brought <145>him thereas
+was a tournament nigh the march of Wales.  And at that tournament
+Sir Uwaine smote down thirty knights, therefore was given him the
+prize, and that was a gerfalcon, and a white steed trapped with
+cloth of gold.  So then Sir Uwaine did many strange adventures by
+the means of the old damosel, and so she brought him to a lady
+that was called the Lady of the Rock, the which was much
+courteous.  So there were in the country two knights that were
+brethren, and they were called two perilous knights, the one
+knight hight Sir Edward of the Red Castle, and the other Sir Hue
+of the Red Castle; and these two brethren had disherited the Lady
+of the Rock of a barony of lands by their extortion.  And as this
+knight was lodged with this lady she made her complaint to him of
+these two knights.
+
+Madam, said Sir Uwaine, they are to blame, for they do against
+the high order of knighthood, and the oath that they made; and if
+it like you I will speak with them, because I am a knight of King
+Arthur's, and I will entreat them with fairness; and if they will
+not, I shall do battle with them, and in the defence of your
+right.  Gramercy said the lady, and thereas I may not acquit you,
+God shall.  So on the morn the two knights were sent for, that
+they should come thither to speak with the Lady of the Rock, and
+wit ye well they failed not, for they came with an hundred horse. 
+But when this lady saw them in this manner so big, she would not
+suffer Sir Uwaine to go out to them upon no surety nor for no
+fair language, but she made him speak with them over a tower, but
+finally these two brethren would not be entreated, and answered
+that they would keep that they had.  Well, said Sir Uwaine, then
+will I fight with one of you, and prove that ye do this lady
+wrong.  That will we not, said they, for an we do battle, we two
+will fight with one knight at once, and therefore if ye will
+fight so, we will be ready at what hour ye will assign.  And if
+ye win us in battle the lady shall have her lands again.  Ye say
+well, said Sir Uwaine, therefore make you ready so that ye be
+here to-morn in the defence of the lady's right.
+
+
+
+<146>
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+How Sir Uwaine fought with two knights and
+overcame them.
+
+SO was there sikerness made on both parties that no treason
+should be wrought on neither party; so then the knights departed
+and made them ready, and that night Sir Uwaine had great cheer. 
+And on the morn he arose early and heard mass, and brake his
+fast, and so he rode unto the plain without the gates, where
+hoved the two brethren abiding him.  So they rode together
+passing sore, that Sir Edward and Sir Hue brake their spears upon
+Sir Uwaine.  And Sir Uwaine smote Sir Edward that he fell over
+his horse and yet his spear brast not.  And then he spurred his
+horse and came upon Sir Hue and overthrew him, but they soon
+recovered and dressed their shields and drew their swords and
+bade Sir Uwaine alight and do his battle to the uttermost.  Then
+Sir Uwaine devoided his horse suddenly, and put his shield afore
+him and drew his sword, and so they dressed together, and either
+gave other such strokes, and there these two brethren wounded Sir
+Uwaine passing grievously that the Lady of the Rock weened he
+should have died.  And thus they fought together five hours as
+men raged out of reason.  And at the last Sir Uwaine smote Sir
+Edward upon the helm such a stroke that his sword carved unto his
+canel bone, and then Sir Hue abated his courage, but Sir Uwaine
+pressed fast to have slain him.  That saw Sir Hue: he kneeled
+down and yielded him to Sir Uwaine.  And he of his gentleness
+received his sword, and took him by the hand, and went into the
+castle together.  Then the Lady of the Rock was passing glad, and
+the other brother made great sorrow for his brother's death. 
+Then the lady was restored of all her lands, and Sir Hue was
+commanded to be at the court of King Arthur at the next feast of
+Pentecost.  So Sir Uwaine dwelt with the lady nigh half a year,
+for it was <147>long or he might be whole of his great hurts. 
+And so when it drew nigh the term-day that Sir Gawaine, Sir
+Marhaus, and Sir Uwaine should meet at the cross-way, then every
+knight drew him thither to hold his promise that they had made;
+and Sir Marhaus and Sir Uwaine brought their damosels with them,
+but Sir Gawaine had lost his damosel, as it is afore rehearsed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+How at the year's end all three knights with their three
+damosels met at the fountain.
+
+RIGHT so at the twelvemonths' end they met all three knights at
+the fountain and their damosels, but the damosel that Sir Gawaine
+had could say but little worship of him so they departed from the
+damosels and rode through a great forest, and there they met with
+a messenger that came from King Arthur, that had sought them
+well-nigh a twelvemonth throughout all England, Wales, and
+Scotland, and charged if ever he might find Sir Gawaine and Sir
+Uwaine to bring them to the court again.  And then were they all
+glad, and so prayed they Sir Marhaus to ride with them to the
+king's court.  And so within twelve days they came to Camelot,
+and the king was passing glad of their coming, and so was all the
+court.  Then the king made them to swear upon a book to tell him
+all their adventures that had befallen them that twelvemonth, and
+so they did.  And there was Sir Marhaus well known, for there
+were knights that he had matched aforetime, and he was named one
+of the best knights living.
+
+Against the feast of Pentecost came the Damosel of the Lake and
+brought with her Sir Pelleas; and at that high feast there was
+great jousting of knights, and of all knights that were at that
+jousts, Sir Pelleas had the prize, and Sir Marhaus was named the
+next; but Sir Pelleas was so strong there might but few knights
+sit him a buffet with a <148>spear.  And at that next feast Sir
+Pelleas and Sir Marhaus were made knights of the Table Round, for
+there were two sieges void, for two knights were slain that
+twelvemonth, and great joy had King Arthur of Sir Pelleas and of
+Sir Marhaus.  But Pelleas loved never after Sir Gawaine, but as
+he spared him for the love of King Arthur; but ofttimes at jousts
+and tournaments Sir Pelleas quit Sir Gawaine, for so it
+rehearseth in the book of French.  So Sir Tristram many days
+after fought with Sir Marhaus in an island, and there they did a
+great battle, but at the last Sir Tristram slew him, so Sir
+Tristram was wounded that unnethe he might recover, and lay at a
+nunnery half a year.  And Sir Pelleas was a worshipful knight,
+and was one of the four that achieved the Sangreal, and the
+Damosel of the Lake made by her means that never he had ado with
+Sir Launcelot de Lake, for where Sir Launcelot was at any jousts
+or any tournament, she would not suffer him be there that day,
+but if it were on the side of Sir Launcelot.
+
+Explicit liber quartus.  Incipit liber quintus.
+
+
+
+BOOK V
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+How twelve aged ambassadors of Rome came to King Arthur
+to demand truage for Britain.
+
+WHEN King Arthur had after long war rested, and held a royal
+feast and Table Round with his allies of kings, princes, and
+noble knights all of the Round Table, there came into his hall,
+he sitting in his throne royal, twelve ancient men, bearing each
+of them a branch of olive, in token that they came as ambassadors
+and messengers from the Emperor Lucius, which was called at that
+time, Dictator or Procuror of the Public Weal of Rome.  Which
+said messengers, after their entering and coming into the
+presence of King Arthur, did to him their obeisance in making to
+him reverence, and said to him in this wise:  The high and mighty
+Emperor Lucius sendeth to the King of Britain greeting,
+commanding thee to acknowledge him for thy lord, and to send him
+the truage due of this realm unto the Empire, which thy father
+and other to-fore thy precessors have paid as is of record, and
+thou as rebel not knowing him as thy sovereign, withholdest and
+retainest contrary to the statutes and decrees made by the noble
+and worthy Julius Cesar, 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,
+that it shall be ensample perpetual unto all kings and princes,
+for to deny their truage unto that noble <150>empire which
+domineth upon the universal world.  Then when they had showed the
+effect of their message, the king commanded them to withdraw
+them, and said he should take advice of council and give to them
+an answer.  Then some of the young knights, hearing this their
+message, would have run on them to have slain them, saying that
+it was a rebuke to all the knights there being present to suffer
+them to say so to the king.  And anon the king commanded that
+none of them, upon pain of death, to missay them nor do them any
+harm, and commanded a knight to bring them to their lodging, and
+see that they have all that is necessary and requisite for them,
+with the best cheer, and that no dainty be spared, for the Romans
+be great lords, and though their message please me not nor my
+court, yet I must remember mine honour.
+
+After this the king let call all his lords and knights of the
+Round Table to counsel upon this matter, and desired them to say
+their advice.  Then Sir Cador of Cornwall spake first and said,
+Sir, this message liketh me well, for we have many days rested us
+and have been idle, and now I hope ye shall make sharp war on the
+Romans, where I doubt not we shall get honour.  I believe well,
+said Arthur, that this matter pleaseth thee well, but these
+answers may not be answered, for the demand grieveth me sore, for
+truly I will never pay truage to Rome, wherefore I pray you to
+counsel me.  I have understood that Belinus and Brenius, kings of
+Britain, have had the empire in their hands many days, and also
+Constantine the son of Heleine, which is an open evidence that we
+owe no tribute to Rome but of right we that be descended of them
+have right to claim the title of the empire.
+
+
+
+<151>
+CHAPTER II
+
+How the kings and lords promised to King Arthur aid
+and help against the Romans.
+
+THEN answered King Anguish of Scotland, Sir, ye ought of right to
+be above all other kings, for unto you is none like nor pareil in
+Christendom, of knighthood nor of dignity, and I counsel you
+never to obey the Romans, for when they reigned on us they
+distressed our elders, and put this land to great extortions and
+tallies, wherefore I make here mine avow to avenge me on them;
+and for to strengthen your quarrel I shall furnish twenty
+thousand good men of war, and wage them on my costs, which shall
+await on you with myself when it shall please you.  And the king
+of Little Britain granted him to the same thirty thousand;
+wherefore King Arthur thanked them.  And then every man agreed to
+make war, and to aid after their power; that is to wit, the lord
+of West Wales promised to bring thirty thousand men, and Sir
+Uwaine, Sir Ider his son, with their cousins, promised to bring
+thirty thousand.  Then Sir Launcelot with all other promised in
+likewise every man a great multitude.
+
+And when King Arthur understood their courages and good wills he
+thanked them heartily, and after let call the ambassadors to hear
+their answer.  And in presence of all his lords and knights he
+said to them in this wise:  I will that ye return unto your lord
+and Procuror of the Common Weal for the Romans, and say ye to
+him, Of his demand and commandment I set nothing, and that I know
+of no truage nor tribute that I owe to him, nor to none earthly
+prince, Christian nor heathen; but I pretend to have and occupy
+the sovereignty of the empire, wherein I am entitled by the right
+of my predecessors, sometime kings of this land; and say to him
+that I am delibered and fully concluded, to go with mine army
+with strength and power unto Rome, by the grace of God, to take
+<152>possession in the empire and subdue them that be rebel. 
+Wherefore I command him and all them of Rome, that incontinent
+they make to me their homage, and to acknowledge me for their
+Emperor and Governor, upon pain that shall ensue.  And then he
+commanded his treasurer to give to them great and large gifts,
+and to pay all their dispenses, and assigned Sir Cador to convey
+them out of the land.  And so they took their leave and departed,
+and took their shipping at Sandwich, and passed forth by
+Flanders, Almaine, the mountains, and all Italy, until they came
+unto Lucius.  And after the reverence made, they made relation of
+their answer, like as ye to-fore have heard.
+
+When the Emperor Lucius had well understood their credence, he
+was sore moved as he had been all araged, and said, I had
+supposed that Arthur would have obeyed to my commandment, and
+have served you himself, as him well beseemed or any other king
+to do.  O Sir, said one of the senators, let be such vain words,
+for we let you wit that I and my fellows were full sore afeard to
+behold his countenance; I fear me ye have made a rod for
+yourself, for he intendeth to be lord of this empire, which sore
+is to be doubted if he come, for he is all another man than ye
+ween, and holdeth the most noble court of the world, all other
+kings nor princes may not compare unto his noble maintenance.  On
+New Year's Day we saw him in his estate, which was the royalest
+that ever we saw, for he was served at his table with nine kings,
+and the noblest fellowship of other princes, lords, and knights
+that be in the world, and every knight approved and like a lord,
+and holdeth Table Round: and in his person the most manly man
+that liveth, and is like to conquer all the world, for unto his
+courage it is too little: wherefore I advise you to keep well
+your marches and straits in the mountains; for certainly he is a
+lord to be doubted.  Well, said Lucius, before Easter I suppose
+to pass the mountains, and so forth into France, and there
+bereave him his lands with Genoese and other mighty warriors of
+Tuscany and Lombardy.  And I shall send for them all that be
+subjects and <153>allied to the empire of Rome to come to mine
+aid.  And forthwith sent old wise knights unto these countries
+following: first to Ambage and Arrage, to Alexandria, to India,
+to Armenia, whereas the river of Euphrates runneth into Asia, to
+Africa, and Europe the Large, to Ertayne and Elamye, to Araby,
+Egypt, and to Damascus, to Damietta and Cayer, to Cappadocia, to
+Tarsus, Turkey, Pontus and Pamphylia, to Syria and Galatia.  And
+all these were subject to Rome and many more, as Greece, Cyprus,
+Macedonia, Calabria, Cateland, Portugal, with many thousands of
+Spaniards.  Thus all these kings, dukes, and admirals, assembled
+about Rome, with sixteen kings at once, with great multitude of
+people.  When the emperor understood their coming he made ready
+his Romans and all the people between him and Flanders.
+
+Also he had gotten with him fifty giants which had been
+engendered of fiends; and they were ordained to guard his person,
+and to break the front of the battle of King Arthur.  And thus
+departed from Rome, and came down the mountains for to destroy
+the lands that Arthur had conquered, and came unto Cologne, and
+besieged a castle thereby, and won it soon, and stuffed it with
+two hundred Saracens or Infidels, and after destroyed many fair
+countries which Arthur had won of King Claudas.  And thus Lucius
+came with all his host, which were disperplyd sixty mile in
+breadth, and commanded them to meet with him in Burgoyne, for he
+purposed to destroy the realm of Little Britain.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+How King Arthur held a parliament at York, and how he
+ordained the realm should be governed in his absence.
+
+NOW leave we of Lucius the Emperor and speak we of King Arthur,
+that commanded all them of his retinue to be ready at the utas of
+Hilary for to hold a parliament at <154>York.  And at that
+parliament was concluded to arrest all the navy of the land, and
+to be ready within fifteen days at Sandwich, and there he showed
+to his army how he purposed to conquer the empire which he ought
+to have of right.  And there he ordained two governors of this
+realm, that is to say, Sir Baudwin of Britain, for to counsel to
+the best, and Sir Constantine, son to Sir Cador of Cornwall,
+which after the death of Arthur was king of this realm.  And in
+the presence of all his lords he resigned the rule of the realm
+and Guenever his queen to them, wherefore Sir Launcelot was
+wroth, for he left Sir Tristram with King Mark for the love of
+Beale Isould.  Then the Queen Guenever made great sorrow for the
+departing of her lord and other, and swooned in such wise that
+the ladies bare her into her chamber.  Thus the king with his
+great army departed, leaving the queen and realm in the
+governance of Sir Baudwin and Constantine.  And when he was on
+his horse he said with an high voice, If I die in this journey I
+will that Sir Constantine be mine heir and king crowned of this
+realm as next of my blood.  And after departed and entered into
+the sea at Sandwich with all his army, with a great multitude of
+ships, galleys, cogs, and dromounds, sailing on the sea.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+How King Arthur being shipped and lying in his cabin had
+a marvellous dream and of the exposition thereof.
+
+AND as the king lay in his cabin in the ship, he fell in a
+slumbering and dreamed a marvellous dream: him seemed that a
+dreadful dragon did drown much of his people, and he came flying
+out of the west, and his head was enamelled with azure, and his
+shoulders shone as gold, his belly like mails of a marvellous
+hue, his tail full of tatters, his feet full of fine sable, and
+his claws like fine gold; and an hideous flame of fire flew out
+of his mouth, like as the <155>land and water had flamed all of
+fire.  After, him seemed there came out of the orient, a grimly
+boar all black in a cloud, and his paws as big as a post; he was
+rugged looking roughly, he was the foulest beast that ever man
+saw, he roared and romed so hideously that it were marvel to
+hear.  Then the dreadful dragon advanced him and came in the wind
+like a falcon giving great strokes on the boar, and the boar hit
+him again with his grizzly tusks that his breast was all bloody,
+and that the hot blood made all the sea red of his blood.  Then
+the dragon flew away all on an height, and came down with such a
+swough, and smote the boar on the ridge, which was ten foot large
+from the head to the tail, and smote the boar all to powder both
+flesh and bones, that it flittered all abroad on the sea.
+
+And therewith the king awoke anon, and was sore abashed of this
+dream, and sent anon for a wise philosopher, commanding to tell
+him the signification of his dream.  Sir, said the philosopher,
+the dragon that thou dreamedst of betokeneth thine own person
+that sailest here, and the colours of his wings be thy realms
+that thou hast won, and his tail which is all to-tattered
+signifieth the noble knights of the Round Table; and the boar
+that the dragon slew coming from the clouds betokeneth some
+tyrant that tormenteth the people, or else thou art like to fight
+with some giant thyself, being horrible and abominable, whose
+peer ye saw never in your days, wherefore of this dreadful dream
+doubt thee nothing, but as a conqueror come forth thyself.
+
+Then after this soon they had sight of land, and sailed till they
+arrived at Barflete in Flanders, and when they were there he
+found many of his great lords ready, as they had been commanded
+to wait upon him.
+
+
+
+<156>
+CHAPTER V
+
+How a man of the country told to him of a marvellous
+giant, and how he fought and conquered him.
+
+THEN came to him an husbandman of the country, and told him how
+there was in the country of Constantine beside Brittany, a great
+giant which had slain, murdered and devoured much people of the
+country, and had been sustained seven year with the children of
+the commons of that land, insomuch that all the children be all
+slain and destroyed; and now late he hath taken the Duchess of
+Brittany as she rode with her meiny, and hath led her to his
+lodging which is in a mountain, for to ravish and lie by her to
+her life's end, and many people followed her, more than five
+hundred, but all they might not rescue her, but they left her
+shrieking and crying lamentably, wherefore I suppose that he hath
+slain her in fulfilling his foul lust of lechery.  She was wife
+unto thy cousin Sir Howell, whom we call full nigh of thy blood. 
+Now, as thou art a rightful king, have pity on this lady, and
+revenge us all as thou art a noble conqueror.  Alas, said King
+Arthur, this is a great mischief, I had liefer than the best
+realm that I have that I had been a furlong way to-fore him for
+to have rescued that lady.  Now, fellow, said King Arthur, canst
+thou bring me thereas this giant haunteth?  Yea, Sir, said the
+good man, look yonder whereas thou seest those two great fires,
+there shalt thou find him, and more treasure than I suppose is in
+all France.  When the king had understood this piteous case, he
+returned into his tent.
+
+Then he called to him Sir Kay and Sir Bedivere, and commanded
+them secretly to make ready horse and harness for himself and
+them twain; for after evensong he would ride on pilgrimage with
+them two only unto Saint Michael's mount.  And then anon he made
+him ready, and armed him at all points, and took his horse and
+his shield.  And <157>so they three departed thence and rode
+forth as fast as ever they might till that they came to the
+foreland of that mount.  And there they alighted, and the king
+commanded them to tarry there, for he would himself go up into
+that mount.  And so he ascended up into that hill till he came to
+a great fire, and there he found a careful widow wringing her
+hands and making great sorrow, sitting by a grave new made.  And
+then King Arthur saluted her, and demanded of her wherefore she
+made such lamentation, to whom she answered and said, Sir knight,
+speak soft, for yonder is a devil, if he hear thee speak he will
+come and destroy thee; I hold thee unhappy; what dost thou here
+in this mountain? for if ye were such fifty as ye be, ye were not
+able to make resistance against this devil: here lieth a duchess
+dead, the which was the fairest of all the world, wife to Sir
+Howell, Duke of Brittany, he hath murdered her in forcing her,
+and hath slit her unto the navel.
+
+Dame, said the king, I come from the noble conqueror King Arthur,
+for to treat with that tyrant for his liege people.  Fie on such
+treaties, said she, he setteth not by the king nor by no man
+else; but an if thou have brought Arthur's wife, dame Guenever,
+he shall be gladder than thou hadst given to him half France. 
+Beware, approach him not too nigh, for he hath vanquished fifteen
+kings, and hath made him a coat full of precious stones
+embroidered with their beards, which they sent him to have his
+love for salvation of their people at this last Christmas.  And
+if thou wilt, speak with him at yonder great fire at supper. 
+Well, said Arthur, I will accomplish my message for all your
+fearful words; and went forth by the crest of that hill, and saw
+where he sat at supper gnawing on a limb of a man, baking his
+broad limbs by the fire, and breechless, and three fair damosels
+turning three broaches whereon were broached twelve young
+children late born, like young birds.
+
+When King Arthur beheld that piteous sight he had great
+compassion on them, so that his heart bled for sorrow, and hailed
+him, saying in this wise:  He that all <158>the world wieldeth
+give thee short life and shameful death; and the devil have thy
+soul; why hast thou murdered these young innocent children, and
+murdered this duchess?  Therefore, arise and dress thee, thou
+glutton, for this day shalt thou die of my hand.  Then the
+glutton anon started up, and took a great club in his hand, and
+smote at the king that his coronal fell to the earth.  And the
+king hit him again that he carved his belly and cut off his
+genitours, that his guts and his entrails fell down to the
+ground.  Then the giant threw away his club, and caught the king
+in his arms that he crushed his ribs.  Then the three maidens
+kneeled down and called to Christ for help and comfort of Arthur. 
+And then Arthur weltered and wrung, that he was other while under
+and another time above.  And so weltering and wallowing they
+rolled down the hill till they came to the sea mark, and ever as
+they so weltered Arthur smote him with his dagger.
+
+And it fortuned they came to the place whereas the two knights
+were and kept Arthur's horse; then when they saw the king fast in
+the giant's arms they came and loosed him.  And then the king
+commanded Sir Kay to smite off the giant's head, and to set it
+upon a truncheon of a spear, and bear it to Sir Howell, and tell
+him that his enemy was slain; and after let this head be bound to
+a barbican that all the people may see and behold it; and go ye
+two up to the mountain, and fetch me my shield, my sword, and the
+club of iron; and as for the treasure, take ye it, for ye shall
+find there goods out of number; so I have the kirtle and the club
+I desire no more.  This was the fiercest giant that ever I met
+with, save one in the mount of Araby, which I overcame, but this
+was greater and fiercer.  Then the knights fetched the club and
+the kirtle, and some of the treasure they took to themselves, and
+returned again to the host.  And anon this was known through all
+the country, wherefore the people came and thanked the king.  And
+he said again, Give the thanks to God, and depart the goods among
+you.
+
+And after that King Arthur said and commanded his <159>cousin
+Howell, that he should ordain for a church to be builded on the
+same hill in the worship of Saint Michael.  And on the morn the
+king removed with his great battle, and came into Champayne and
+in a valley, and there they pight their tents; and the king being
+set at his dinner, there came in two messengers, of whom that one
+was Marshal of France, and said to the king that the emperor was
+entered into France, and had destroyed a great part, and was in
+Burgoyne, and had destroyed and made great slaughter of people,
+and burnt towns and boroughs; wherefore, if thou come not
+hastily, they must yield up their bodies and goods.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+How King Arthur sent Sir Gawaine and other to Lucius,
+and how they were assailed and escaped with worship.
+
+THEN the king did do call Sir Gawaine, Sir Bors, Sir Lionel, and
+Sir Bedivere, and commanded them to go straight to Sir Lucius,
+and say ye to him that hastily he remove out of my land; and if
+he will not, bid him make him ready to battle and not distress
+the poor people.  Then anon these noble knights dressed them to
+horseback, and when they came to the green wood, they saw many
+pavilions set in a meadow, of silk of divers colours, beside a
+river, and the emperor's pavilion was in the middle with an eagle
+displayed above.  To the which tent our knights rode toward, and
+ordained Sir Gawaine and Sir Bors to do the message, and left in
+a bushment Sir Lionel and Sir Bedivere.  And then Sir Gawaine and
+Sir Bors did their message, and commanded Lucius, in Arthur's
+name to avoid his land, or shortly to address him to battle.  To
+whom Lucius answered and said, Ye shall return to your lord, and
+say ye to him that I shall subdue him and all his lands.  Then
+Sir Gawaine was wroth and said, I had liefer than all France
+fight against thee; and so had I, said Sir Bors, liefer than all
+Brittany or Burgoyne.
+
+<160>
+Then a knight named Sir Gainus, nigh cousin to the emperor, said,
+Lo, how these Britons be full of pride and boast, and they brag
+as though they bare up all the world.  Then Sir Gawaine was sore
+grieved with these words, and pulled out his sword and smote off
+his head.  And therewith turned their horses and rode over waters
+and through woods till they came to their bushment, whereas Sir
+Lionel and Sir Bedivere were hoving.  The Romans followed fast
+after, on horseback and on foot, over a champaign unto a wood;
+then Sir Bors turned his horse and saw a knight come fast on,
+whom he smote through the body with a spear that he fell dead
+down to the earth; then came Caliburn one of the strongest of
+Pavie, and smote down many of Arthur's knights.  And when Sir
+Bors saw him do so much harm, he addressed toward him, and smote
+him through the breast, that he fell down dead to the earth. 
+Then Sir Feldenak thought to revenge the death of Gainus upon Sir
+Gawaine, but Sir Gawaine was ware thereof, and smote him on the
+head, which stroke stinted not till it came to his breast.  And
+then he returned and came to his fellows in the bushment.  And
+there was a recounter, for the bushment brake on the Romans, and
+slew and hew down the Romans, and forced the Romans to flee and
+return, whom the noble knights chased unto their tents.
+
+Then the Romans gathered more people, and also footmen came on,
+and there was a new battle, and so much people that Sir Bors and
+Sir Berel were taken.  But when Sir Gawaine saw that, he took
+with him Sir Idrus the good knight, and said he would never see
+King Arthur but if he rescued them, and pulled out Galatine his
+good sword, and followed them that led those two knights away;
+and he smote him that led Sir Bors, and took Sir Bors from him
+and delivered him to his fellows.  And Sir Idrus in likewise
+rescued Sir Berel.  Then began the battle to be great, that our
+knights were in great jeopardy, wherefore Sir Gawaine sent to
+King Arthur for succour, and that he hie him, for I am sore
+wounded, and that our prisoners may pay goods out of number.  And
+the messenger came <161>to the king and told him his message. 
+And anon the king did do assemble his army, but anon, or he
+departed the prisoners were come, and Sir Gawaine and his fellows
+gat the field and put the Romans to flight, and after returned
+and came with their fellowship in such wise that no man of
+worship was lost of them, save that Sir Gawaine was sore hurt. 
+Then the king did do ransack his wounds and comforted him.  And
+thus was the beginning of the first journey of the Britons and
+Romans, and there were slain of the Romans more than ten
+thousand, and great joy and mirth was made that night in the host
+of King Arthur.  And on the morn he sent all the prisoners into
+Paris under the guard of Sir Launcelot, with many knights, and of
+Sir Cador.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+How Lucius sent certain spies in a bushment for to have
+taken his knights being prisoners, and how they were letted.
+
+NOW turn we to the Emperor of Rome, which espied that these
+prisoners should be sent to Paris, and anon he sent to lie in a
+bushment certain knights and princes with sixty thousand men, for
+to rescue his knights and lords that were prisoners.  And so on
+the morn as Launcelot and Sir Cador, chieftains and governors of
+all them that conveyed the prisoners, as they should pass through
+a wood, Sir Launcelot sent certain knights to espy if any were in
+the woods to let them.  And when the said knights came into the
+wood, anon they espied and saw the great embushment, and returned
+and told Sir Launcelot that there lay in await for them three
+score thousand Romans.  And then Sir Launcelot with such knights
+as he had, and men of war to the number of ten thousand, put them
+in array, and met with them and fought with them manly, and slew
+and detrenched many of the Romans, and slew many knights and
+admirals of the party of the Romans and Saracens; there <162>was
+slain the king of Lyly and three great lords, Aladuke, Herawd,
+and Heringdale.  But Sir Launcelot fought so nobly that no man
+might endure a stroke of his hand, but where he came he showed
+his prowess and might, for he slew down right on every side; and
+the Romans and Saracens fled from him as the sheep from the wolf
+or from the lion, and put them, all that abode alive, to flight.
+
+And so long they fought that tidings came to King Arthur, and
+anon he graithed him and came to the battle, and saw his knights
+how they had vanquished the battle, he embraced them knight by
+knight in his arms, and said, Ye be worthy to wield all your
+honour and worship; there was never king save myself that had so
+noble knights.  Sir, said Cador, there was none of us failed
+other, but of the prowess and manhood of Sir Launcelot were more
+than wonder to tell, and also of his cousins which did that day
+many noble feats of war.  And also Sir Cador told who of his
+knights were slain, as Sir Berel, and other Sir Moris and Sir
+Maurel, two good knights.  Then the king wept, and dried his eyes
+with a kerchief, and said, Your courage had near-hand destroyed
+you, for though ye had returned again, ye had lost no worship;
+for I call it folly, knights to abide when they be overmatched. 
+Nay, said Launcelot and the other, for once shamed may never be
+recovered.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+How a senator told to Lucius of their discomfiture, and also
+of the great battle between Arthur and Lucius.
+
+NOW leave we King Arthur and his noble knights which had won the
+field, and had brought their prisoners to Paris, and speak we of
+a senator which escaped from the battle, and came to Lucius the
+emperor, and said to him, Sir emperor, I advise thee for to
+withdraw thee; what dost thou here? thou shalt win nothing in
+these marches but great strokes out of all measure, for this day
+one of <163>Arthur's knights was worth in the battle an hundred
+of ours.  Fie on thee, said Lucius, thou speakest cowardly; for
+thy words grieve me more than all the loss that I had this day. 
+And anon he sent forth a king, which hight Sir Leomie, with a
+great army, and bade him hie him fast to-fore, and he would
+follow hastily after.  King Arthur was warned privily, and sent
+his people to Sessoine, and took up the towns and castles from
+the Romans.  Then the king commanded Sir Cador to take the
+rearward, and to take with him certain knights of the Round
+Table, and Sir Launcelot, Sir Bors, Sir Kay, Sir Marrok, with Sir
+Marhaus, shall await on our person.  Thus the King Arthur
+disperpled his host in divers parties, to the end that his
+enemies should not escape.
+
+When the emperor was entered into the vale of Sessoine, he might
+see where King Arthur was embattled and his banner displayed; and
+he was beset round about with his enemies, that needs he must
+fight or yield him, for he might not flee, but said openly unto
+the Romans, Sirs, I admonish you that this day ye fight and
+acquit you as men, and remember how Rome domineth and is chief
+and head over all the earth and universal world, and suffer not
+these Britons this day to abide against us; and therewith he did
+command his trumpets to blow the bloody sounds, in such wise that
+the ground trembled and dindled.
+
+Then the battles approached and shoved and shouted on both sides,
+and great strokes were smitten on both sides, many men
+overthrown, hurt, and slain; and great valiances, prowesses and
+appertices of war were that day showed, which were over long to
+recount the noble feats of every man, for they should contain an
+whole volume.  But in especial, King Arthur rode in the battle
+exhorting his knights to do well, and himself did as nobly with
+his hands as was possible a man to do; he drew out Excalibur his
+sword, and awaited ever whereas the Romans were thickest and most
+grieved his people, and anon he addressed him on that part, and
+hew and slew down right, and rescued his people; and he slew a
+great giant named Galapas, which was a man of an huge quantity
+and height, <164>he shorted him and smote off both his legs by
+the knees, saying, Now art thou better of a size to deal with
+than thou were, and after smote off his head.  There Sir Gawaine
+fought nobly and slew three admirals in that battle.  And so did
+all the knights of the Round Table.  Thus the battle between King
+Arthur and Lucius the Emperor endured long.  Lucius had on his
+side many Saracens which were slain.  And thus the battle was
+great, and oftsides that one party was at a fordeal and anon at
+an afterdeal, which endured so long till at the last King Arthur
+espied where Lucius the Emperor fought, and did wonder with his
+own hands.  And anon he rode to him.  And either smote other
+fiercely, and at last Lucius smote Arthur thwart the visage, and
+gave him a large wound.  And when King Arthur felt himself hurt,
+anon he smote him again with Excalibur that it cleft his head,
+from the summit of his head, and stinted not till it came to his
+breast.  And then the emperor fell down dead and there ended his
+life.
+
+And when it was known that the emperor was slain, anon all the
+Romans with all their host put them to flight, and King Arthur
+with all his knights followed the chase, and slew down right all
+them that they might attain.  And thus was the victory given to
+King Arthur, and the triumph; and there were slain on the part of
+Lucius more than an hundred thousand.  And after King Arthur did
+do ransack the dead bodies, and did do bury them that were slain
+of his retinue, every man according to the estate and degree that
+he was of.  And them that were hurt he let the surgeons do search
+their hurts and wounds, and commanded to spare no salves nor
+medicines till they were whole.
+
+Then the king rode straight to the place where the Emperor Lucius
+lay dead, and with him he found slain the Soudan of Syria, the
+King of Egypt and of Ethiopia, which were two noble kings, with
+seventeen other kings of divers regions, and also sixty senators
+of Rome, all noble men, whom the king did do balm and gum with
+many good gums aromatic, and after did do cere them in <165>sixty
+fold of cered cloth of sendal, and laid them in chests of lead,
+because they should not chafe nor savour, and upon all these
+bodies their shields with their arms and banners were set, to the
+end they should be known of what country they were.  And after he
+found three senators which were alive, to whom he said, For to
+save your lives I will that ye take these dead bodies, and carry
+them with you unto great Rome, and present them to the Potestate
+on my behalf, shewing him my letters, and tell them that I in my
+person shall hastily be at Rome.  And I suppose the Romans shall
+beware how they shall demand any tribute of me.  And I command
+you to say when ye shall come to Rome, to the Potestate and all
+the Council and Senate, that I send to them these dead bodies for
+the tribute that they have demanded.  And if they be not content
+with these, I shall pay more at my coming, for other tribute owe
+I none, nor none other will I pay.  And methinketh this sufficeth
+for Britain, Ireland and all Almaine with Germany.  And
+furthermore, I charge you to say to them, that I command them
+upon pain of their heads never to demand tribute nor tax of me
+nor of my lands.  Then with this charge and commandment, the
+three senators aforesaid departed with all the said dead bodies,
+laying the body of Lucius in a car covered with the arms of the
+Empire all alone; and after alway two bodies of kings in a
+chariot, and then the bodies of the senators after them, and so
+went toward Rome, and showed their legation and message to the
+Potestate and Senate, recounting the battle done in France, and
+how the field was lost and much people and innumerable slain. 
+Wherefore they advised them in no wise to move no more war
+against that noble conqueror Arthur, for his might and prowess is
+most to be doubted, seen the noble kings and great multitude of
+knights of the Round Table, to whom none earthly prince may
+compare.
+
+
+
+<166>
+CHAPTER IX
+How Arthur, after he had achieved the battle against the
+Romans, entered into Almaine, and so into Italy.
+
+NOW turn we unto King Arthur and his noble knights, which, after
+the great battle achieved against the Romans, entered into
+Lorraine, Brabant and Flanders, and sithen returned into Haut
+Almaine, and so over the mountains into Lombardy, and after, into
+Tuscany wherein was a city which in no wise would yield themself
+nor obey, wherefore King Arthur besieged it, and lay long about
+it, and gave many assaults to the city; and they within defended
+them valiantly.  Then, on a time, the king called Sir Florence, a
+knight, and said to him they lacked victual, And not far from
+hence be great forests and woods, wherein be many of mine enemies
+with much bestial: I will that thou make thee ready and go
+thither in foraying, and take with thee Sir Gawaine my nephew,
+Sir Wisshard, Sir Clegis, Sir Cleremond, and the Captain of
+Cardiff with other, and bring with you all the beasts that ye
+there can get.
+
+And anon these knights made them ready, and rode over holts and
+hills, through forests and woods, till they came into a fair
+meadow full of fair flowers and grass; and there they rested them
+and their horses all that night.  And in the springing of the day
+in the next morn, Sir Gawaine took his horse and stole away from
+his fellowship, to seek some adventures.  And anon he was ware of
+a man armed, walking his horse easily by a wood's side, and his
+shield laced to his shoulder, sitting on a strong courser,
+without any man saving a page bearing a mighty spear.  The knight
+bare in his shield three griffins of gold, in sable carbuncle,
+the chief of silver.  When Sir Gawaine espied this gay knight, he
+feutred his spear, and rode straight to him, and demanded of him
+from whence that he was.  That other answered and said he was of
+Tuscany, <167>and demanded of Sir Gawaine, What, profferest thou,
+proud knight, thee so boldly? here gettest thou no prey, thou
+mayest prove what thou wilt, for thou shalt be my prisoner or
+thou depart.  Then said Gawaine, thou avauntest thee greatly and
+speakest proud words, I counsel thee for all thy boast that thou
+make thee ready, and take thy gear to thee, to-fore greater grame
+fall to thee.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+Of a battle done by Sir Gawaine against a Saracen, which
+after was yielden and became Christian.
+
+THEN they took their spears and ran each at other with all the
+might they had, and smote each other through their shields into
+their shoulders, wherefore anon they pulled out their swords, and
+smote great strokes that the fire sprang out of their helms. 
+Then Sir Gawaine was all abashed, and with Galatine his good
+sword he smote through shield and thick hauberk made of thick
+mails, and all to-rushed and break the precious stones, and made
+him a large wound, that men might see both liver and lung.  Then
+groaned that knight, and addressed him to Sir Gawaine, and with
+an awk stroke gave him a great wound and cut a vein, which
+grieved Gawaine sore, and he bled sore.  Then the knight said to
+Sir Gawaine, bind thy wound or thy blee[ding] change, for thou
+be-bleedest all thy horse and thy fair arms, for all the barbers
+of Brittany shall not con staunch thy blood, for whosomever is
+hurt with this blade he shall never be staunched of bleeding. 
+Then answered Gawaine, it grieveth me but little, thy great words
+shall not fear me nor lessen my courage, but thou shalt suffer
+teen and sorrow or we depart, but tell me in haste who may
+staunch my bleeding.  That may I do, said the knight, if I will,
+and so will I if thou wilt succour and aid me, that I may be
+christened and believe on God, and thereof I require thee of thy
+<168>manhood, and it shall be great merit for thy soul.  I grant,
+said Gawaine, so God help me, to accomplish all thy desire, but
+first tell me what thou soughtest here thus alone, and of what
+land and liegiance thou art of.  Sir, he said, my name is
+Priamus, and a great prince is my father, and he hath been rebel
+unto Rome and overridden many of their lands.  My father is
+lineally descended of Alexander and of Hector by right line.  And
+Duke Joshua and Maccabaeus were of our lineage.  I am right
+inheritor of Alexandria and Africa, and all the out isles, yet
+will I believe on thy Lord that thou believest on; and for thy
+labour I shall give thee treasure enough.  I was so elate and
+hauteyn in my heart that I thought no man my peer, nor to me
+semblable.  I was sent into this war with seven score knights,
+and now I have encountered with thee, which hast given to me of
+fighting my fill, wherefore sir knight, I pray thee to tell me
+what thou art.  I am no knight, said Gawaine, I have been brought
+up in the guardrobe with the noble King Arthur many years, for to
+take heed to his armour and his other array, and to point his
+paltocks that long to himself.  At Yule last he made me yeoman,
+and gave to me horse and harness, and an hundred pound in money;
+and if fortune be my friend, I doubt not but to be well advanced
+and holpen by my liege lord.  Ah, said Priamus, if his knaves be
+so keen and fierce, his knights be passing good: now for the
+King's love of Heaven, whether thou be a knave or a knight, tell
+thou me thy name.  By God, said Sir Gawaine, now I will say thee
+sooth, my name is Sir Gawaine, and known I am in his court and in
+his chamber, and one of the knights of the Round Table, he dubbed
+me a duke with his own hand.  Therefore grudge not if this grace
+is to me fortuned, it is the goodness of God that lent to me my
+strength.  Now am I better pleased, said Priamus, than thou hadst
+given to me all the Provence and Paris the rich.  I had liefer to
+have been torn with wild horses, than any varlet had won such
+loos, or any page or priker should have had prize on me.  But now
+sir knight I warn thee that hereby is a Duke of Lorraine with his
+army, and <169>the noblest men of Dolphiny, and lords of
+Lombardy, with the garrison of Godard, and Saracens of Southland,
+y-numbered sixty thousand of good men of arms; wherefore but if
+we hie us hence, it will harm us both, for we be sore hurt, never
+like to recover; but take heed to my page, that he no horn blow,
+for if he do, there be hoving here fast by an hundred knights
+awaiting on my person, and if they take thee, there shall no
+ransom of gold nor silver acquit thee.
+
+Then Sir Gawaine rode over a water for to save him, and the
+knight followed him, and so rode forth till they came to his
+fellows which were in the meadow, where they had been all the
+night.  Anon as Sir Wisshard was ware of Sir Gawaine and saw that
+he was hurt, he ran to him sorrowfully weeping, and demanded of
+him who had so hurt him; and Gawaine told how he had foughten
+with that man, and each of them had hurt other, and how he had
+salves to heal them; but I can tell you other tidings, that soon
+we shall have ado with many enemies.
+
+Then Sir Priamus and Sir Gawaine alighted, and let their horses
+graze in the meadow, and unarmed them, and then the blood ran
+freshly from their wounds.  And Priamus took from his page a vial
+full of the four waters that came out of Paradise, and with
+certain balm anointed their wounds, and washed them with that
+water, and within an hour after they were both as whole as ever
+they were.  And then with a trumpet were they all assembled to
+council, and there Priamus told unto them what lords and knights
+had sworn to rescue him, and that without fail they should be
+assailed with many thousands, wherefore he counselled them to
+withdraw them.  Then Sir Gawaine said, it were great shame to
+them to avoid without any strokes; Wherefore I advise to take our
+arms and to make us ready to meet with these Saracens and
+misbelieving men, and with the help of God we shall overthrow
+them and have a fair day on them.  And Sir Florence shall abide
+still in this field to keep the stale as a noble knight, and we
+shall not forsake yonder fellows.  Now, said Priamus, cease your
+words, for I warn you ye shall find in yonder <170>woods many
+perilous knights; they will put forth beasts to call you on, they
+be out of number, and ye are not past seven hundred, which be
+over few to fight with so many.  Nevertheless, said Sir Gawaine,
+we shall once encounter them, and see what they can do, and the
+best shall have the victory.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+How the Saracens came out of a wood for to rescue their
+beasts, and of a great battle.
+
+THEN Sir Florence called to him Sir Floridas, with an hundred
+knights, and drove forth the herd of beasts.  Then followed him
+seven hundred men of arms; and Sir Ferant of Spain on a fair
+steed came springing out of the woods, and came to Sir Florence
+and asked him why he fled.  Then Sir Florence took his spear and
+rode against him, and smote him in the forehead and brake his
+neck bone.  Then all the other were moved, and thought to avenge
+the death of Sir Ferant, and smote in among them, and there was
+great fight, and many slain and laid down to ground, and Sir
+Florence with his hundred knights alway kept the stale, and
+fought manly.
+
+Then when Priamus the good knight perceived the great fight, he
+went to Sir Gawaine, and bade him that he should go and succour
+his fellowship, which were sore bestead with their enemies.  Sir,
+grieve you not, said Sir Gawaine, for their gree shall be theirs. 
+I shall not once move my horse to them ward, but if I see more
+than there be; for they be strong enough to match them.
+
+And with that he saw an earl called Sir Ethelwold and the duke of
+Dutchmen, came leaping out of a wood with many thousands, and
+Priamus' knights, and came straight unto the battle.  Then Sir
+Gawaine comforted his knights, and bade them not to be abashed,
+for all shall be ours.  Then they began to wallop and met with
+their enemies, <171>there were men slain and overthrown on every
+side.  Then thrust in among them the knights of the Table Round,
+and smote down to the earth all them that withstood them, in so
+much that they made them to recoil and flee.  By God, said Sir
+Gawaine, this gladdeth my heart, for now be they less in number
+by twenty thousand.  Then entered into the battle Jubance a
+giant, and fought and slew down right, and distressed many of our
+knights, among whom was slain Sir Gherard, a knight of Wales. 
+Then our knights took heart to them, and slew many Saracens.  And
+then came in Sir Priamus with his pennon, and rode with the
+knights of the Round Table, and fought so manfully that many of
+their enemies lost their lives.  And there Sir Priamus slew the
+Marquis of Moises land, and Sir Gawaine with his fellows so quit
+them that they had the field, but in that stour was Sir
+Chestelaine, a child and ward of Sir Gawaine slain, wherefore was
+much sorrow made, and his death was soon avenged.  Thus was the
+battle ended, and many lords of Lombardy and Saracens left dead
+in the field.
+
+Then Sir Florence and Sir Gawaine harboured surely their people,
+and took great plenty of bestial, of gold and silver, and great
+treasure and riches, and returned unto King Arthur, which lay
+still at the siege.  And when they came to the king they
+presented their prisoners and recounted their adventures, and how
+they had vanquished their enemies.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+How Sir Gawaine returned to King Arthur with his prisoners,
+and how the King won a city, and how he was crowned Emperor.
+
+NOW thanked be God, said the noble King Arthur.  But what manner
+man is he that standeth by himself, him seemeth no prisoner. 
+Sir, said Gawaine, this is a good man of arms, he hath matched
+me, but he is yielden unto <172>God, and to me, for to become
+Christian; had not he have been we should never have returned,
+wherefore I pray you that he may be baptised, for there liveth
+not a nobler man nor better knight of his hands.  Then the king
+let him anon be christened, and did do call him his first name
+Priamus, and made him a duke and knight of the Table Round.  And
+then anon the king let do cry assault to the city, and there was
+rearing of ladders, breaking of walls, and the ditch filled, that
+men with little pain might enter into the city.  Then came out a
+duchess, and Clarisin the countess, with many ladies and
+damosels, and kneeling before King Arthur, required him for the
+love of God to receive the city, and not to take it by assault,
+for then should many guiltless be slain.  Then the king avaled
+his visor with a meek and noble countenance, and said, Madam,
+there shall none of my subjects misdo you nor your maidens, nor
+to none that to you belong, but the duke shall abide my judgment. 
+Then anon the king commanded to leave the assault, and anon the
+duke's oldest son brought out the keys, and kneeling delivered
+them to the king, and besought him of grace; and the king seized
+the town by assent of his lords, and took the duke and sent him
+to Dover, there for to abide prisoner term of his life, and
+assigned certain rents for the dower of the duchess and for her
+children.
+
+Then he made lords to rule those lands, and laws as a lord ought
+to do in his own country; and after he took his journey toward
+Rome, and sent Sir Floris and Sir Floridas to-fore, with five
+hundred men of arms, and they came to the city of Urbino and laid
+there a bushment, thereas them seemed most best for them, and
+rode to-fore the town, where anon issued out much people and
+skirmished with the fore-riders.  Then brake out the bushment and
+won the bridge, and after the town, and set upon the walls the
+king's banner.  Then came the king upon an hill, and saw the city
+and his banner on the walls, by which he knew that the city was
+won.  And anon he sent and commanded that none of his liege men
+should defoul nor lie by no lady, wife nor maid; and when he came
+<173>into the city, he passed to the castle, and comforted them
+that were in sorrow, and ordained there a captain, a knight of
+his own country.
+
+And when they of Milan heard that thilk city was won, they sent
+to King Arthur great sums of money, and besought him as their
+lord to have pity on them, promising to be his subjects for ever,
+and yield to him homage and fealty for the lands of Pleasance and
+Pavia, Petersaint, and the Port of Tremble, and to give him
+yearly a million of gold all his lifetime.  Then he rideth into
+Tuscany, and winneth towns and castles, and wasted all in his way
+that to him will not obey, and so to Spolute and Viterbe, and
+from thence he rode into the Vale of Vicecount among the vines. 
+And from thence he sent to the senators, to wit whether they
+would know him for their lord.  But soon after on a Saturday came
+unto King Arthur all the senators that were left alive, and the
+noblest cardinals that then dwelt in Rome, and prayed him of
+peace, and proferred him full large, and besought him as governor
+to give licence for six weeks for to assemble all the Romans, and
+then to crown him emperor with chrism as it belongeth to so high
+estate.  I assent, said the king, like as ye have devised, and at
+Christmas there to be crowned, and to hold my Round Table with my
+knights as me liketh.  And then the senators made ready for his
+enthronization.  And at the day appointed, as the romance
+telleth, he came into Rome, and was crowned emperor by the pope's
+hand, with all the royalty that could be made, and sojourned
+there a time, and established all his lands from Rome into
+France, and gave lands and realms unto his servants and knights,
+to everych after his desert, in such wise that none complained,
+rich nor poor.  And he gave to Sir Priamus the duchy of Lorraine;
+and he thanked him, and said he would serve him the days of his
+life; and after made dukes and earls, and made every man rich.
+
+Then after this all his knights and lords assembled them afore
+him, and said:  Blessed be God, your war is finished and your
+conquest achieved, in so much that we <174>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 and worship.  Then said the king, Ye say
+truth, and for to tempt God it is no wisdom, and therefore make
+you ready and return we into England.  Then there was trussing of
+harness and baggage and great carriage.  And after licence given,
+he returned and commanded that no man in pain of death should not
+rob nor take victual, nor other thing by the way but that he
+should pay therefore.  And thus he came over the sea and landed
+at Sandwich, against whom Queen Guenever his wife came and met
+him, and he was nobly received of all his commons in every city
+and burgh, and great gifts presented to him at his home-coming to
+welcome him with.
+
+Thus endeth the fifth book of the conquest that King Arthur
+had against Lucius the Emperor of Rome,  and here
+followeth the sixth book, which is of Sir Launcelot
+du Lake.
+
+
+
+BOOK VI
+
+CHAPTER I
+How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel departed from the court,
+and how Sir Lionel left him sleeping and was taken.
+
+SOON after that King Arthur was come from Rome into England, then
+all the knights of the Table Round resorted unto the king, and
+made many jousts and tournaments, and some there were that were
+but knights, which increased so in arms and worship that they
+passed all their fellows in prowess and noble deeds, and that was
+well proved on many; but in especial it was proved on Sir
+Launcelot du Lake, for in all tournaments and jousts and deeds of
+arms, both for life and death, he passed all other knights, and
+at no time he was never overcome but if it were by treason or
+enchantment; so Sir Launcelot increased so marvellously in
+worship, and in honour, therefore is he the first knight that the
+French book maketh mention of after King Arthur came from Rome. 
+Wherefore Queen Guenever had him in great favour above all other
+knights, and in certain he loved the queen again above all other
+ladies and damosels of his life, and for her he did many deeds of
+arms, and saved her from the fire through his noble chivalry.
+
+Thus Sir Launcelot rested him long with play and game.  And then
+he thought himself to prove himself in strange adventures, then
+he bade his nephew, Sir Lionel, for to make him ready; for we two
+will seek adventures.  So they mounted on their horses, armed at
+all rights, and <176>rode into a deep forest and so into a deep
+plain.  And then the weather was hot about noon, and Sir
+Launcelot had great lust to sleep.  Then Sir Lionel espied a
+great apple-tree that stood by an hedge, and said, Brother,
+yonder is a fair shadow, there may we rest us [and] our horses. 
+It is well said, fair brother, said Sir Launcelot, for this eight
+year I was not so sleepy as I am now; and so they there alighted
+and tied their horses unto sundry trees, and so Sir Launcelot
+laid him down under an appletree, and his helm he laid under his
+head.  And Sir Lionel waked while he slept.  So Sir Launcelot was
+asleep passing fast.
+
+And in the meanwhile there came three knights riding, as fast
+fleeing as ever they might ride.  And there followed them three
+but one knight.  And when Sir Lionel saw him, him thought he saw
+never so great a knight, nor so well faring a man, neither so
+well apparelled unto all rights.  So within a while this strong
+knight had overtaken one of these knights, and there he smote him
+to the cold earth that he lay still.  And then he rode unto the
+second knight, and smote him so that man and horse fell down. 
+And then straight to the third knight he rode, and smote him
+behind his horse's arse a spear length.  And then he alighted
+down and reined his horse on the bridle, and bound all the three
+knights fast with the reins of their own bridles.  When Sir
+Lionel saw him do thus, he thought to assay him, and made him
+ready, and stilly and privily he took his horse, and thought not
+for to awake Sir Launcelot.  And when he was mounted upon his
+horse, he overtook this strong knight, and bade him turn, and the
+other smote Sir Lionel so hard that horse and man he bare to the
+earth, and so he alighted down and bound him fast, and threw him
+overthwart his own horse, and so he served them all four, and
+rode with them away to his own castle.  And when he came there he
+gart unarm them, and beat them with thorns all naked, and after
+put them in a deep prison where were many more knights, that made
+great dolour.
+
+
+
+<177>
+CHAPTER II
+
+How Sir Ector followed for to seek Sir Launcelot, and how
+he was taken by Sir Turquine.
+
+WHEN Sir Ector de Maris wist that Sir Launcelot was passed out of
+the court to seek adventures, he was wroth with himself, and made
+him ready to seek Sir Launcelot, and as he had ridden long in a
+great forest he met with a man was like a forester.  Fair fellow,
+said Sir Ector, knowest thou in this country any adventures that
+be here nigh hand?  Sir, said the forester, this country know I
+well, and hereby, within this mile, is a strong manor, and well
+dyked, and by that manor, on the left hand, there is a fair ford
+for horses to drink of, and over that ford there groweth a fair
+tree, and thereon hang many fair shields that wielded sometime
+good knights, and at the hole of the tree hangeth a basin of
+copper and latten, and strike upon that basin with the butt of
+thy spear thrice, and soon after thou shalt hear new tidings, and
+else hast thou the fairest grace that many a year had ever knight
+that passed through this forest.  Gramercy, said Sir Ector, and
+departed and came to the tree, and saw many fair shields.  And
+among them he saw his brother's shield, Sir Lionel, and many more
+that he knew that were his fellows of the Round Table, the which
+grieved his heart, and promised to revenge his brother.
+
+Then anon Sir Ector beat on the basin as he were wood, and then
+he gave his horse drink at the ford, and there came a knight
+behind him and bade him come out of the water and make him ready;
+and Sir Ector anon turned him shortly, and in feuter cast his
+spear, and smote the other knight a great buffet that his horse
+turned twice about.  This was well done, said the strong knight,
+and knightly thou hast stricken me; and therewith he rushed his
+horse on Sir Ector, and cleight him under his right arm, and bare
+him clean out of the saddle, and rode with <178>him away into his
+own hall, and threw him down in midst of the floor.  The name of
+this knight was Sir Turquine.  Then he said unto Sir Ector, For
+thou hast done this day more unto me than any knight did these
+twelve years, now will I grant thee thy life, so thou wilt be
+sworn to be my prisoner all thy life days.  Nay, said Sir Ector,
+that will I never promise thee, but that I will do mine
+advantage.  That me repenteth, said Sir Turquine.  And then he
+gart to unarm him, and beat him with thorns all naked, and sithen
+put him down in a deep dungeon, where he knew many of his
+fellows.  But when Sir Ector saw Sir Lionel, then made he great
+sorrow.  Alas, brother, said Sir Ector, where is my brother Sir
+Launcelot?  Fair brother, I left him asleep when that I from him
+yode, under an apple-tree, and what is become of him I cannot
+tell you.  Alas, said the knights, but Sir Launcelot help us we
+may never be delivered, for we know now no knight that is able to
+match our master Turquine.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+How four queens found Launcelot sleeping, and how by
+enchantment he was taken and led into a castle.
+
+NOW leave we these knights prisoners, and speak we of Sir
+Launcelot du Lake that lieth under the apple-tree sleeping.  Even
+about the noon there came by him four queens of great estate;
+and, for the heat should not annoy them, there rode four knights
+about them, and bare a cloth of green silk on four spears,
+betwixt them and the sun, and the queens rode on four white
+mules.  Thus as they rode they heard by them a great horse grimly
+neigh, then were they ware of a sleeping knight, that lay all
+armed under an apple-tree; anon as these queens looked on his
+face, they knew it was Sir Launcelot.  Then they began for to
+strive for that knight, everych one said they would have him to
+her love.  We shall not strive, said <179>Morgan le Fay, that was
+King Arthur's sister, I shall put an enchantment upon him that he
+shall not awake in six hours, and then I will lead him away unto
+my castle, and when he is surely within my hold, I shall take the
+enchantment from him, and then let him choose which of us he will
+have unto paramour.
+
+So this enchantment was cast upon Sir Launcelot, and then they
+laid him upon his shield, and bare him so on horseback betwixt
+two knights, and brought him unto the castle Chariot, and there
+they laid him in a chamber cold, and at night they sent unto him
+a fair damosel with his supper ready dight.  By that the
+enchantment was past, and when she came she saluted him, and
+asked him what cheer.  I cannot say, fair damosel, said Sir
+Launcelot, for I wot not how I came into this castle but it be by
+an enchantment.  Sir, said she, ye must make good cheer, and if
+ye be such a knight as it is said ye be, I shall tell you more
+to-morn by prime of the day.  Gramercy, fair damosel, said Sir
+Launcelot, of your good will I require you.  And so she departed. 
+And there he lay all that night without comfort of anybody.  And
+on the morn early came these four queens, passingly well beseen,
+all they bidding him good morn, and he them again.
+
+Sir knight, the four queens said, thou must understand thou art
+our prisoner, and we here know thee well that thou art Sir
+Launcelot du Lake, King Ban's son, and because we understand your
+worthiness, that thou art the noblest knight living, and as we
+know well there can no lady have thy love but one, and that is
+Queen Guenever, and now thou shalt lose her for ever, and she
+thee, and therefore thee behoveth now to choose one of us four. 
+I am the Queen Morgan le Fay, queen of the land of Gore, and here
+is the queen of Northgalis, and the queen of Eastland, and the
+queen of the Out Isles; now choose one of us which thou wilt have
+to thy paramour, for thou mayest not choose or else in this
+prison to die.  This is an hard case, said Sir Launcelot, that
+either I must die or else choose one of you, yet had I liefer to
+die in this prison with worship, than to have one of you to my
+paramour maugre my <180>head.  And therefore ye be answered, I
+will none of you, for ye be false enchantresses, and as for my
+lady, Dame Guenever, were I at my liberty as I was, I would prove
+it on you or on yours, that she is the truest lady unto her lord
+living.  Well, said the queens, is this your answer, that ye will
+refuse us.  Yea, on my life, said Sir Launcelot, refused ye be of
+me.  So they departed and left him there alone that made great
+sorrow.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+How Sir Launcelot was delivered by the mean of a damosel.
+
+RIGHT so at the noon came the damosel unto him with his dinner,
+and asked him what cheer.  Truly, fair damosel, said Sir
+Launcelot, in my life days never so ill.  Sir, she said, that me
+repenteth, but an ye will be ruled by me, I shall help you out of
+this distress, and ye shall have no shame nor villainy, so that
+ye hold me a promise.  Fair damosel, I will grant you, and sore I
+am of these queen-sorceresses afeard, for they have destroyed
+many a good knight.  Sir, said she, that is sooth, and for the
+renown and bounty that they hear of you they would have your
+love, and Sir, they say, your name is Sir Launcelot du Lake, the
+flower of knights, and they be passing wroth with you that ye
+have refused them.  But Sir, an ye would promise me to help my
+father on Tuesday next coming, that hath made a tournament
+betwixt him and the King of Northgalis--for the last Tuesday past
+my father lost the field through three knights of Arthur's
+court--an ye will be there on Tuesday next coming, and help my
+father, to-morn or prime, by the grace of God, I shall deliver
+you clean.  Fair maiden, said Sir Launcelot, tell me what is your
+father's name, and then shall I give you an answer.  Sir knight,
+she said, my father is King Bagdemagus, that was foul rebuked at
+the last tournament.  I know your father well, said Sir
+Launcelot, for a noble king and a good knight, <181>and by the
+faith of my body, ye shall have my body ready to do your father
+and you service at that day.  Sir, she said, gramercy, and to-
+morn await ye be ready betimes and I shall be she that shall
+deliver you and take you your armour and your horse, shield and
+spear, and hereby within this ten mile, is an abbey of white
+monks, there I pray you that ye me abide, and thither shall I
+bring my father unto you.  All this shall be done, said Sir
+Launcelot as I am true knight.
+
+And so she departed, and came on the morn early, and found him
+ready; then she brought him out of twelve locks, and brought him
+unto his armour, and when he was clean armed, she brought him
+until his own horse, and lightly he saddled him and took a great
+spear in his hand and so rode forth, and said, Fair damosel, I
+shall not fail you, by the grace of God.  And so he rode into a
+great forest all that day, and never could find no highway and so
+the night fell on him, and then was he ware in a slade, of a
+pavilion of red sendal.  By my faith, said Sir Launcelot, in that
+pavilion will I lodge all this night, and so there he alighted
+down, and tied his horse to the pavilion, and there he unarmed
+him, and there he found a bed, and laid him therein and fell
+asleep sadly.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+How a knight found Sir Launcelot lying in his leman's bed,
+and how Sir Launcelot fought with the knight.
+
+THEN within an hour there came the knight to whom the pavilion
+ought, and he weened that his leman had lain in that bed, and so
+he laid him down beside Sir Launcelot, and took him in his arms
+and began to kiss him.  And when Sir Launcelot felt a rough beard
+kissing him, he started out of the bed lightly, and the other
+knight after him, and either of them gat their swords in their
+hands, and out at the pavilion door went the knight of the
+<182>pavilion, and Sir Launcelot followed him, and there by a
+little slake Sir Launcelot wounded him sore, nigh unto the death. 
+And then he yielded him unto Sir Launcelot, and so he granted
+him, so that he would tell him why he came into the bed.  Sir,
+said the knight, the pavilion is mine own, and there this night I
+had assigned my lady to have slept with me, and now I am likely
+to die of this wound.  That me repenteth, said Launcelot, of your
+hurt, but I was adread of treason, for I was late beguiled, and
+therefore come on your way into your pavilion and take your rest,
+and as I suppose I shall staunch your blood.  And so they went
+both into the pavilion, and anon Sir Launcelot staunched his
+blood.
+
+Therewithal came the knight's lady, that was a passing fair lady,
+and when she espied that her lord Belleus was sore wounded, she
+cried out on Sir Launcelot, and made great dole out of measure. 
+Peace, my lady and my love, said Belleus, for this knight is a
+good man, and a knight adventurous, and there he told her all the
+cause how he was wounded; And when that I yielded me unto him, he
+left me goodly and hath staunched my blood.  Sir, said the lady,
+I require thee tell me what knight ye be, and what is your name? 
+Fair lady, he said, my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake.  So me
+thought ever by your speech, said the lady, for I have seen you
+oft or this, and I know you better than ye ween.  But now an ye
+would promise me of your courtesy, for the harms that ye have
+done to me and my Lord Belleus, that when he cometh unto Arthur's
+court for to cause him to be made knight of the Round Table, for
+he is a passing good man of arms, and a mighty lord of lands of
+many out isles.
+
+Fair lady, said Sir Launcelot, let him come unto the court the
+next high feast, and look that ye come with him, and I shall do
+my power, an ye prove you doughty of your hands, that ye shall
+have your desire.  So thus within a while, as they thus talked,
+the night passed, and the day shone, and then Sir Launcelot armed
+him, and took his horse, and they taught him to the Abbey, and
+thither he rode within the space of two hours.<183>
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+How Sir Launcelot was received of King Bagdemagus'
+daughter, and how he made his complaint to her father.
+
+AND soon as Sir Launcelot came within the abbey yard, the
+daughter of King Bagdemagus heard a great horse go on the
+pavement.  And she then arose and yede unto a window, and there
+she saw Sir Launcelot, and anon she made men fast to take his
+horse from him and let lead him into a stable, and himself was
+led into a fair chamber, and unarmed him, and the lady sent him a
+long gown, and anon she came herself.  And then she made
+Launcelot passing good cheer, and she said he was the knight in
+the world was most welcome to her.  Then in all haste she sent
+for her father Bagdemagus that was within twelve mile of that
+Abbey, and afore even he came, with a fair fellowship of knights
+with him.  And when the king was alighted off his horse he yode
+straight unto Sir Launcelot's chamber and there he found his
+daughter, and then the king embraced Sir Launcelot in his arms,
+and either made other good cheer.
+
+Anon Sir Launcelot made his complaint unto the king how he was
+betrayed, and how his brother Sir Lionel was departed from him he
+wist not where, and how his daughter had delivered him out of
+prison; Therefore while I live I shall do her service and all her
+kindred.  Then am I sure of your help, said the king, on Tuesday
+next coming.  Yea, sir, said Sir Launcelot, I shall not fail you,
+for so I have promised my lady your daughter.  But, sir, what
+knights be they of my lord Arthur's that were with the King of
+Northgalis?  And the king said it was Sir Mador de la Porte, and
+Sir Mordred and Sir Gahalantine that all for-fared my knights,
+for against them three I nor my knights might bear no strength. 
+Sir, said Sir Launcelot, as I hear say that the tournament shall
+be here <184>within this three mile of this abbey, ye shall send
+unto me three knights of yours, such as ye trust, and look that
+the three knights have all white shields, and I also, and no
+painture on the shields, and we four will come out of a little
+wood in midst of both parties, and we shall fall in the front of
+our enemies and grieve them that we may; and thus shall I not be
+known what knight I am.
+
+So they took their rest that night, and this was on the Sunday,
+and so the king departed, and sent unto Sir Launcelot three
+knights with the four white shields.  And on the Tuesday they
+lodged them in a little leaved wood beside there the tournament
+should be.  And there were scaffolds and holes that lords and
+ladies might behold and to give the prize.  Then came into the
+field the King of Northgalis with eight score helms.  And then
+the three knights of Arthur's stood by themselves.  Then came
+into the field King Bagdemagus with four score of helms.  And
+then they feutred their spears, and came together with a great
+dash, and there were slain of knights at the first recounter
+twelve of King Bagdemagus' party, and six of the King of
+Northgalis' party, and King Bagdemagus' party was far set aback.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a tournament, and how
+he met with Sir Turquine leading Sir Gaheris.
+
+WITH that came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he thrust in with his
+spear in the thickest of the press, and there he smote down with
+one spear five knights, and of four of them he brake their backs. 
+And in that throng he smote down the King of Northgalis, and
+brake his thigh in that fall.  All this doing of Sir Launcelot
+saw the three knights of Arthur's.  Yonder is a shrewd guest,
+said Sir Mador de la Porte, therefore have here once at him.  So
+they encountered, and Sir Launcelot bare him down horse and
+<185>man, so that his shoulder went out of lith.  Now befalleth
+it to me to joust, said Mordred, for Sir Mador hath a sore fall. 
+Sir Launcelot was ware of him, and gat a great spear in his hand,
+and met him, and Sir Mordred brake a spear upon him, and Sir
+Launcelot gave him such a buffet that the arson of his saddle
+brake, and so he flew over his horse's tail, that his helm butted
+into the earth a foot and more, that nigh his neck was broken,
+and there he lay long in a swoon.
+
+Then came in Sir Gahalantine with a great spear and Launcelot
+against him, with all their strength that they might drive, that
+both their spears to-brast even to their hands, and then they
+flang out with their swords and gave many a grim stroke.  Then
+was Sir Launcelot wroth out of measure, and then he smote Sir
+Gahalantine on the helm that his nose brast out on blood, and
+ears and mouth both, and therewith his head hung low.  And
+therewith his horse ran away with him, and he fell down to the
+earth.  Anon therewithal Sir Launcelot gat a great spear in his
+hand, and or ever that great spear brake, he bare down to the
+earth sixteen knights, some horse and man, and some the man and
+not the horse, and there was none but that he hit surely, he bare
+none arms that day.  And then he gat another great spear, and
+smote down twelve knights, and the most part of them never throve
+after.  And then the knights of the King of Northgalis would
+joust no more.  And there the gree was given to King Bagdemagus.
+
+So either party departed unto his own place, and Sir Launcelot
+rode forth with King Bagdemagus unto his castle, and there he had
+passing good cheer both with the king and with his daughter, and
+they proffered him great gifts.  And on the morn he took his
+leave, and told the king that he would go and seek his brother
+Sir Lionel, that went from him when that he slept, so he took his
+horse, and betaught them all to God.  And there he said unto the
+king's daughter, If ye have need any time of my service I pray
+you let me have knowledge, and I shall not fail you as I am true
+knight.  And so Sir Launcelot departed, and by adventure he came
+into the same forest there he was <186>taken sleeping.  And in
+the midst of a highway he met a damosel riding on a white
+palfrey, and there either saluted other.  Fair damosel, said Sir
+Launcelot, know ye in this country any adventures?  Sir knight,
+said that damosel, here are adventures near hand, an thou durst
+prove them.  Why should I not prove adventures? said Sir
+Launcelot for that cause come I hither.  Well, said she, thou
+seemest well to be a good knight, and if thou dare meet with a
+good knight, I shall bring thee where is the best knight, and the
+mightiest that ever thou found, so thou wilt tell me what is thy
+name, and what knight thou art.  Damosel, as for to tell thee my
+name I take no great force; truly my name is Sir Launcelot du
+Lake.  Sir, thou beseemest well, here be adventures by that fall
+for thee, for hereby dwelleth a knight that will not be
+overmatched for no man I know but ye overmatch him, and his name
+is Sir Turquine.  And, as I understand, he hath in his prison, of
+Arthur's court, good knights three score and four, that he hath
+won with his own hands.  But when ye have done that journey ye
+shall promise me as ye are a true knight for to go with me, and
+to help me and other damosels that are distressed daily with a
+false knight.  All your intent, damosel, and desire I will
+fulfil, so ye will bring me unto this knight.  Now, fair knight,
+come on your way; and so she brought him unto the ford and the
+tree where hung the basin.
+
+So Sir Launcelot let his horse drink, and then he beat on the
+basin with the butt of his spear so hard with all his might till
+the bottom fell out, and long he did so, but he saw nothing. 
+Then he rode endlong the gates of that manor nigh half-an-hour. 
+And then was he ware of a great knight that drove an horse afore
+him, and overthwart the horse there lay an armed knight bound. 
+And ever as they came near and near, Sir Launcelot thought he
+should know him.  Then Sir Launcelot was ware that it was Sir
+Gaheris, Gawaine's brother, a knight of the Table Round.  Now,
+fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, I see yonder cometh a knight
+fast bounden that is a fellow of mine, and brother he is unto Sir
+Gawaine.  And at the first beginning I promise you, by the leave
+of God, to rescue that knight; <187>but if his master sit better
+in the saddle I shall deliver all the prisoners that he hath out
+of danger, for I am sure he hath two brethren of mine prisoners
+with him.  By that time that either had seen other, they gripped
+their spears unto them.  Now, fair knight, said Sir Launcelot,
+put that wounded knight off the horse, and let him rest awhile,
+and let us two prove our strengths; for as it is informed me,
+thou doest and hast done great despite and shame unto knights of
+the Round Table, and therefore now defend thee.  An thou be of
+the Table Round, said Turquine, I defy thee and all thy
+fellowship.  That is overmuch said, said Sir Launcelot.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+How Sir Launcelot and Sir Turquine fought together.
+
+AND then they put their spears in the rests, and came together
+with their horses as fast as they might run, and either smote
+other in midst of their shields, that both their horses' backs
+brast under them, and the knights were both stonied.  And as soon
+as they might avoid their horses, they took their shields afore
+them, and drew out their swords, and came together eagerly, and
+either gave other many strong strokes, for there might neither
+shields nor harness hold their strokes.  And so within a while
+they had both grimly wounds, and bled passing grievously.  Thus
+they fared two hours or more trasing and rasing either other,
+where they might hit any bare place.
+
+Then at the last they were breathless both, and stood leaning on
+their swords.  Now fellow, said Sir Turquine, hold thy hand a
+while, and tell me what I shall ask thee.  Say on.  Then Turquine
+said, Thou art the biggest man that ever I met withal, and the
+best breathed, and like one knight that I hate above all other
+knights; so be it that thou be not he I will lightly accord with
+thee, and for thy love I will deliver all the prisoners that I
+have, that is three score and four, so thou wilt tell me thy
+name.  And <188>thou and I we will be fellows together, and never
+to fail thee while that I live.  It is well said, said Sir
+Launcelot, but sithen it is so that I may have thy friendship,
+what knight is he that thou so hatest above all other? 
+Faithfully, said Sir Turquine, his name is Sir Launcelot du Lake,
+for he slew my brother, Sir Carados, at the dolorous tower, that
+was one of the best knights alive; and therefore him I except of
+all knights, for may I once meet with him, the one of us shall
+make an end of other, I make mine avow.  And for Sir Launcelot's
+sake I have slain an hundred good knights, and as many I have
+maimed all utterly that they might never after help themselves,
+and many have died in prison, and yet have I three score and
+four, and all shall be delivered so thou wilt tell me thy name,
+so be it that thou be not Sir Launcelot.
+
+Now, see I well, said Sir Launcelot, that such a man I might be,
+I might have peace, and such a man I might be, that there should
+be war mortal betwixt us.  And now, sir knight, at thy request I
+will that thou wit and know that I am Launcelot du Lake, King
+Ban's son of Benwick, and very knight of the Table Round.  And
+now I defy thee, and do thy best.  Ah, said Turquine, Launcelot,
+thou art unto me most welcome that ever was knight, for we shall
+never depart till the one of us be dead.  Then they hurtled
+together as two wild bulls rushing and lashing with their shields
+and swords, that sometime they fell both over their noses.  Thus
+they fought still two hours and more, and never would have rest,
+and Sir Turquine gave Sir Launcelot many wounds that all the
+ground thereas they fought was all bespeckled with blood.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+How Sir Turquine was slain, and how Sir Launcelot bade
+Sir Gaheris deliver all the prisoners.
+
+THEN at the last Sir Turquine waxed faint, and gave somewhat
+aback, and bare his shield low for weariness.  <189>That espied
+Sir Launcelot, and leapt upon him fiercely and gat him by the
+beaver of his helmet, and plucked him down on his knees, and anon
+he raced off his helm, and smote his neck in sunder.  And when
+Sir Launcelot had done this, he yode unto the damosel and said,
+Damosel, I am ready to go with you where ye will have me, but I
+have no horse.  Fair sir, said she, take this wounded knight's
+horse and send him into this manor, and command him to deliver
+all the prisoners.  So Sir Launcelot went unto Gaheris, and
+prayed him not to be aggrieved for to lend him his horse.  Nay,
+fair lord, said Gaheris, I will that ye take my horse at your own
+commandment, for ye have both saved me and my horse, and this day
+I say ye are the best knight in the world, for ye have slain this
+day in my sight the mightiest man and the best knight except you
+that ever I saw, and, fair sir, said Gaheris, I pray you tell me
+your name.  Sir, my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake, that ought to
+help you of right for King Arthur's sake, and in especial for my
+lord Sir Gawaine's sake, your own dear brother; and when that ye
+come within yonder manor, I am sure ye shall find there many
+knights of the Round Table, for I have seen many of their shields
+that I know on yonder tree.  There is Kay's shield, and Sir
+Brandel's shield, and Sir Marhaus' shield, and Sir Galind's
+shield, and Sir Brian de Listnois' shield, and Sir Aliduke's
+shield, with many more that I am not now advised of, and also my
+two brethren's shields, Sir Ector de Maris and Sir Lionel;
+wherefore I pray you greet them all from me, and say that I bid
+them take such stuff there as they find, and that in any wise my
+brethren go unto the court and abide me there till that I come,
+for by the feast of Pentecost I cast me to be there, for as at
+this time I must ride with this damosel for to save my promise.
+
+And so he departed from Gaheris, and Gaheris yede in to the
+manor, and there he found a yeoman porter keeping there many
+keys.  Anon withal Sir Gaheris threw the porter unto the ground
+and took the keys from him, and hastily he opened the prison
+door, and there he let <190>out all the prisoners, and every man
+loosed other of their bonds.  And when they saw Sir Gaheris, all
+they thanked him, for they weened that he was wounded.  Not so,
+said Gaheris, it was Launcelot that slew him worshipfully with
+his own hands.  I saw it with mine own eyes.  And he greeteth you
+all well, and prayeth you to haste you to the court; and as unto
+Sir Lionel and Ector de Maris he prayeth you to abide him at the
+court.  That shall we not do, says his brethren, we will find him
+an we may live.  So shall I, said Sir Kay, find him or I come at
+the court, as I am true knight.
+
+Then all those knights sought the house thereas the armour was,
+and then they armed them, and every knight found his own horse,
+and all that ever longed unto him.  And when this was done, there
+came a forester with four horses laden with fat venison.  Anon,
+Sir Kay said, Here is good meat for us for one meal, for we had
+not many a day no good repast.  And so that venison was roasted,
+baken, and sodden, and so after supper some abode there all
+night, but Sir Lionel and Ector de Maris and Sir Kay rode after
+Sir Launcelot to find him if they might.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+How Sir Launcelot rode with a damosel and slew a knight
+that distressed all ladies and also a villain that kept a bridge.
+
+NOW turn we unto Sir Launcelot, that rode with the damosel in a
+fair highway.  Sir, said the damosel, here by this way haunteth a
+knight that distressed all ladies and gentlewomen, and at the
+least he robbeth them or lieth by them.  What, said Sir
+Launcelot, is he a thief and a knight and a ravisher of women? he
+doth shame unto the order of knighthood, and contrary unto his
+oath; it is pity that he liveth.  But, fair damosel, ye shall
+ride on afore, yourself, and I will keep myself in covert, and if
+<191>that he trouble you or distress you I shall be your rescue
+and learn him to be ruled as a knight.
+
+So the maid rode on by the way a soft ambling pace, and within a
+while came out that knight on horseback out of the wood, and his
+page with him, and there he put the damosel from her horse, and
+then she cried.  With that came Launcelot as fast as he might
+till he came to that knight, saying, O thou false knight and
+traitor unto knighthood, who did learn thee to distress ladies
+and gentlewomen?  When the knight saw Sir Launcelot thus rebuking
+him he answered not, but drew his sword and rode unto Sir
+Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot threw his spear from him, and drew
+out his sword, and struck him such a buffet on the helmet that he
+clave his head and neck unto the throat.  Now hast thou thy
+payment that long thou hast deserved!  That is truth, said the
+damosel, for like as Sir Turquine watched to destroy knights, so
+did this knight attend to destroy and distress ladies, damosels,
+and gentlewomen, and his name was Sir Peris de Forest Savage. 
+Now, damosel, said Sir Launcelot, will ye any more service of me? 
+Nay, sir, she said, at this time, but almighty Jesu preserve you
+wheresomever ye ride or go, for the curteist knight thou art, and
+meekest unto all ladies and gentlewomen, that now liveth.  But
+one thing, sir knight, methinketh ye lack, ye that are a knight
+wifeless, that he will not love some maiden or gentlewoman, for I
+could never hear say that ever ye loved any of no manner degree,
+and that is great pity; but it is noised that ye love Queen
+Guenever, and that she hath ordained by enchantment that ye shall
+never love none other but her, nor none other damosel nor lady
+shall rejoice you; wherefore many in this land, of high estate
+and low, make great sorrow.
+
+Fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, I may not warn people to speak
+of me what it pleaseth them; but for to be a wedded man, I think
+it not; for then I must couch with her, and leave arms and
+tournaments, battles, and adventures; and as for to say for to
+take my pleasaunce with paramours, that will I refuse in
+principal <192>for dread of God; for knights that be adventurous
+or lecherous shall not be happy nor fortunate unto the wars, for
+other they shall be overcome with a simpler knight than they be
+themselves, other else they shall by unhap and their cursedness
+slay better men than they be themselves.  And so who that useth
+paramours shall be unhappy, and all thing is unhappy that is
+about them.
+
+And so Sir Launcelot and she departed.  And then he rode in a
+deep forest two days and more, and had strait lodging.  So on the
+third day he rode over a long bridge, and there stert upon him
+suddenly a passing foul churl, and he smote his horse on the nose
+that he turned about, and asked him why he rode over that bridge
+without his licence.  Why should I not ride this way? said Sir
+Launcelot, I may not ride beside.  Thou shalt not choose, said
+the churl, and lashed at him with a great club shod with iron. 
+Then Sir Launcelot drew his sword and put the stroke aback, and
+clave his head unto the paps.  At the end of the bridge was a
+fair village, and all the people, men and women, cried on Sir
+Launcelot, and said, A worse deed didst thou never for thyself,
+for thou hast slain the chief porter of our castle.  Sir
+Launcelot let them say what they would, and straight he went into
+the castle; and when he came into the castle he alighted, and
+tied his horse to a ring on the wall and there he saw a fair
+green court, and thither he dressed him, for there him thought
+was a fair place to fight in.  So he looked about, and saw much
+people in doors and windows that said, Fair knight, thou art
+unhappy.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+How Sir Launcelot slew two giants, and made a castle free.
+
+ANON withal came there upon him two great giants, well armed all
+save the heads, with two horrible clubs in their hands.  Sir
+Launcelot put his shield afore him and put the stroke away of the
+one giant, and with his sword he clave <193>his head asunder. 
+When his fellow saw that, he ran away as he were wood, for fear
+of the horrible strokes, and Launcelot after him with all his
+might, and smote him on the shoulder, and clave him to the navel. 
+Then Sir Launcelot went into the hall, and there came afore him
+three score ladies and damosels, and all kneeled unto him, and
+thanked God and him of their deliverance; For sir, said they, the
+most party of us have been here this seven year their prisoners,
+and we have worked all manner of silk works for our meat, and we
+are all great gentlewomen born; and blessed be the time, knight,
+that ever thou be born, for thou hast done the most worship that
+ever did knight in this world, that will we bear record, and we
+all pray you to tell us your name, that we may tell our friends
+who delivered us out of prison.  Fair damosel, he said, my name
+is Sir Launcelot du Lake.  Ah, sir, said they all, well mayest
+thou be he, for else save yourself, as we deemed, there might
+never knight have the better of these two giants; for many fair
+knights have assayed it, and here have ended, and many times have
+we wished after you, and these two giants dread never knight but
+you.  Now may ye say, said Sir Launcelot, unto your friends how
+and who hath delivered you, and greet them all from me, and if
+that I come in any of your marches, show me such cheer as ye have
+cause, and what treasure that there in this castle is I give it
+you for a reward for your grievance, and the lord that is owner
+of this castle I would he received it as is right.  Fair sir,
+said they, the name of this castle is Tintagil, and a duke ought
+it sometime that had wedded fair Igraine, and after wedded her
+Uther Pendragon, and gat on her Arthur.  Well, said Sir
+Launcelot, I understand to whom this castle longeth; and so he
+departed from them, and betaught them unto God.
+
+And then he mounted upon his horse, and rode into many strange
+and wild countries, and through many waters and valleys, and evil
+was he lodged.  And at the last by fortune him happened, against
+a night, to come to a fair courtelage, and therein he found an
+old gentlewoman that lodged him with good will, and there he had
+good cheer <194>for him and his horse.  And when time was, his
+host brought him into a fair garret, over the gate, to his bed. 
+There Sir Launcelot unarmed him, and set his harness by him, and
+went to bed, and anon he fell asleep.  So, soon after, there came
+one on horseback, and knocked at the gate in great haste, and
+when Sir Launcelot heard this, he arose up and looked out at the
+window, and saw by the moonlight three knights came riding after
+that one man, and all three lashed on him at once with swords,
+and that one knight turned on them knightly again, and defended
+him.  Truly, said Sir Launcelot, yonder one knight shall I help,
+for it were shame for me to see three knights on one, and if he
+be slain I am partner of his death; and therewith he took his
+harness, and went out at a window by a sheet down to the four
+knights, and then Sir Launcelot said on high, Turn you knights
+unto me, and leave your fighting with that knight.  And then they
+all three left Sir Kay, and turned unto Sir Launcelot, and there
+began great battle, for they alighted all three, and struck many
+great strokes at Sir Launcelot, and assailed him on every side. 
+Then Sir Kay dressed him for to have holpen Sir Launcelot.  Nay,
+sir, said he, I will none of your help; therefore as ye will have
+my help, let me alone with them.  Sir Kay, for the pleasure of
+the knight, suffered him for to do his will, and so stood aside. 
+And then anon within six strokes, Sir Launcelot had stricken them
+to the earth.
+
+And then they all three cried:  Sir knight, we yield us unto you
+as a man of might makeless.  As to that, said Sir Launcelot, I
+will not take your yielding unto me.  But so that ye will yield
+you unto Sir Kay the Seneschal, on that covenant I will save your
+lives, and else not.  Fair knight, said they, that were we loath
+to do; for as for Sir Kay, we chased him hither, and had overcome
+him had not ye been, therefore to yield us unto him it were no
+reason.  Well, as to that, said Launcelot, advise you well, for
+ye may choose whether ye will die or live, for an ye be yolden it
+shall be unto Sir Kay.  Fair knight, then they said, in saving of
+our lives we will do as thou commandest <195>us.  Then shall ye,
+said Sir Launcelot, on Whitsunday next coming, go unto the court
+of King Arthur, and there shall ye yield you unto Queen Guenever,
+and put you all three in her grace and mercy, and say that Sir
+Kay sent you thither to be her prisoners.  Sir, they said, it
+shall be done by the faith of our bodies, an we be living, and
+there they swore every knight upon his sword.  And so Sir
+Launcelot suffered them so to depart.  And then Sir Launcelot
+knocked at the gate with the pommel of his sword, and with that
+came his host, and in they entered Sir Kay and he.  Sir, said his
+host, I weened ye had been in your bed.  So I was, said Sir
+Launcelot, but I rose and leapt out at my window for to help an
+old fellow of mine.  And so when they came nigh the light, Sir
+Kay knew well that it was Sir Launcelot, and therewith he kneeled
+down and thanked him of all his kindness that he had holpen him
+twice from the death.  Sir, he said, I have nothing done but that
+me ought for to do, and ye are welcome, and here shall ye repose
+you and take your rest.
+
+So when Sir Kay was unarmed, he asked after meat; so there was
+meat fetched him, and he ate strongly.  And when he had supped
+they went to their beds and were lodged together in one bed.  On
+the morn Sir Launcelot arose early, and left Sir Kay sleeping,
+and Sir Launcelot took Sir Kay's armour and his shield, and armed
+him, and so he went to the stable, and took his horse, and took
+his leave of his host, and so he departed.  Then soon after arose
+Sir Kay and missed Sir Launcelot.  And then he espied that he had
+his armour and his horse.  Now by my faith I know well that he
+will grieve some of the court of King Arthur; for on him knights
+will be bold, and deem that it is I, and that will beguile them. 
+And because of his armour and shield I am sure I shall ride in
+peace.  And then soon after departed Sir Kay and thanked his
+host.
+
+
+
+<196>
+CHAPTER XII
+
+How Sir Launcelot rode disguised in Sir Kay's harness, and
+how he smote down a knight.
+
+NOW turn we unto Sir Launcelot that had ridden long in a great
+forest, and at the last he came into a low country, full of fair
+rivers and meadows.  And afore him he saw a long bridge, and
+three pavilions stood thereon, of silk and sendal of divers hue. 
+And without the pavilions hung three white shields on truncheons
+of spears, and great long spears stood upright by the pavilions,
+and at every pavilion's door stood three fresh squires, and so
+Sir Launcelot passed by them and spake no word.  When he was
+passed the three knights said them that it was the proud Kay; He
+weeneth no knight so good as he, and the contrary is ofttime
+proved.  By my faith, said one of the knights, his name was Sir
+Gaunter, I will ride after him and assay him for all his pride,
+and ye may behold how that I speed.  So this knight, Sir Gaunter,
+armed him, and hung his shield upon his shoulder, and mounted
+upon a great horse, and gat his spear in his hand, and walloped
+after Sir Launcelot.  And when he came nigh him, he cried, Abide,
+thou proud knight Sir Kay, for thou shalt not pass quit.  So Sir
+Launcelot turned him, and either feutred their spears, and came
+together with all their mights, and Sir Gaunter's spear brake,
+but Sir Launcelot smote him down horse and man.  And when Sir
+Gaunter was at the earth his brethren said each one to other,
+Yonder knight is not Sir Kay, for he is bigger than he.  I dare
+lay my head, said Sir Gilmere, yonder knight hath slain Sir Kay
+and hath taken his horse and his harness.  Whether it be so or
+no, said Sir Raynold, the third brother, let us now go mount upon
+our horses and rescue our brother Sir Gaunter, upon pain of
+death.  We all shall have work enough to match that knight, for
+ever meseemeth by his person it is Sir <197>Launcelot, or Sir
+Tristram, or Sir Pelleas, the good knight.
+
+Then anon they took their horses and overtook Sir Launcelot, and
+Sir Gilmere put forth his spear, and ran to Sir Launcelot, and
+Sir Launcelot smote him down that he lay in a swoon.  Sir knight,
+said Sir Raynold, thou art a strong man, and as I suppose thou
+hast slain my two brethren, for the which raseth my heart sore
+against thee, and if I might with my worship I would not have ado
+with you, but needs I must take part as they do, and therefore,
+knight, he said, keep thyself.  And so they hurtled together with
+all their mights, and all to-shivered both their spears.  And
+then they drew their swords and lashed together eagerly.  Anon
+therewith arose Sir Gaunter, and came unto his brother Sir
+Gilmere, and bade him, Arise, and help we our brother Sir
+Raynold, that yonder marvellously matched yonder good knight. 
+Therewithal, they leapt on their horses and hurtled unto Sir
+Launcelot.
+
+And when he saw them come he smote a sore stroke unto Sir
+Raynold, that he fell off his horse to the ground, and then he
+struck to the other two brethren, and at two strokes he struck
+them down to the earth.  With that Sir Raynold began to start up
+with his head all bloody, and came straight unto Sir Launcelot. 
+Now let be, said Sir Launcelot, I was not far from thee when thou
+wert made knight, Sir Raynold, and also I know thou art a good
+knight, and loath I were to slay thee.  Gramercy, said Sir
+Raynold, as for your goodness; and I dare say as for me and my
+brethren, we will not be loath to yield us unto you, with that we
+knew your name, for well we know ye are not Sir Kay.  As for that
+be it as it be may, for ye shall yield you unto dame Guenever,
+and look that ye be with her on Whitsunday, and yield you unto
+her as prisoners, and say that Sir Kay sent you unto her.  Then
+they swore it should be done, and so passed forth Sir Launcelot,
+and each one of the brethren holp other as well as they might.
+
+
+
+<198>
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+How Sir Launcelot jousted against four knights of the
+Round Table and overthrew them.
+
+SO Sir Launcelot rode into a deep forest, and thereby in a slade,
+he saw four knights hoving under an oak, and they were of
+Arthur's court, one was Sir Sagramour le Desirous, and Ector de
+Maris, and Sir Gawaine, and Sir Uwaine.  Anon as these four
+knights had espied Sir Launcelot, they weened by his arms it had
+been Sir Kay.  Now by my faith, said Sir Sagramour, I will prove
+Sir Kay's might, and gat his spear in his hand, and came toward
+Sir Launcelot.  Therewith Sir Launcelot was ware and knew him
+well, and feutred his spear against him, and smote Sir Sagramour
+so sore that horse and man fell both to the earth.  Lo, my
+fellows, said he, 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 gat his spear in his hand and
+walloped toward Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot smote him
+through the shield and shoulder, that man and horse 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.  And therewithal, Sir Uwaine gat his
+spear in his hand and rode toward Sir Launcelot, and Sir
+Launcelot knew him well, and so he met him on the plain, and gave
+him such a buffet that he was astonied, that long he wist not
+where he was.  Now see I well, said Sir Gawaine, I must encounter
+with that knight.  Then he dressed his shield and gat a good
+spear in his hand, and Sir Launcelot knew him well; 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 to-
+brast, and Sir Launcelot charged so sore upon him that his horse
+<199>reversed up-so-down.  And much sorrow had Sir Gawaine to
+avoid his horse, and so Sir Launcelot passed on a pace and
+smiled, and said, God give him joy that this spear made, 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 by this guest? said Sir Gawaine, that one
+spear hath felled us all four.  We commend him unto the devil,
+they said all, for he is a man of great might.  Ye may well say
+it, said Sir Gawaine, that he is a man of might, for I dare lay
+my head it is Sir Launcelot, I know it by his riding.  Let him
+go, said Sir Gawaine, for when we come to the court then shall we
+wit; and then had they much sorrow to get their horses again.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+How Sir Launcelot followed a brachet into a castle, where he
+found a dead knight, and how he after was required of
+a damosel to heal her brother.
+
+NOW leave we there and speak of Sir Launcelot that rode a great
+while in a deep forest, where he saw a black brachet, seeking in
+manner as it had been in the feute of an hurt deer.  And
+therewith he rode after the brachet, and he saw lie on the ground
+a large feute of blood.  And then Sir Launcelot rode after.  And
+ever the brachet looked behind her, and so she went through a
+great marsh, and ever Sir Launcelot followed.  And then was he
+ware of an old manor, and thither ran the brachet, and so over
+the bridge.  So Sir Launcelot rode over that bridge that was old
+and feeble; and when he came in midst of a great hall, there he
+saw lie a dead knight that was a seemly man, and that brachet
+licked his wounds.  And therewithal came out a lady weeping and
+wringing her hands; and then she said, O knight, too much sorrow
+hast thou brought me.  Why say ye so? said Sir Launcelot, I did
+never this knight no harm, for hither by feute of blood <200>this
+brachet brought me; and therefore, fair lady, be not displeased
+with me, for I am full sore aggrieved of your grievance.  Truly,
+sir, she said, I trow it be not ye that hath slain my husband,
+for he that did that deed is sore wounded, and he is never likely
+to recover, that shall I ensure him.  What was your husband's
+name? said Sir Launcelot.  Sir, said she, his name was called Sir
+Gilbert the Bastard, one of the best knights of the world, and he
+that hath slain him I know not his name.  Now God send you better
+comfort, said Sir Launcelot; and so he departed and went into the
+forest again, and there he met with a damosel, the which knew him
+well, and she said aloud, Well be ye found, my lord; and now I
+require thee, on thy knighthood, help my brother that is sore
+wounded, and never stinteth bleeding; for this day he fought with
+Sir Gilbert the Bastard and slew him in plain battle, and there
+was my brother sore wounded, and there is a lady a sorceress that
+dwelleth in a castle here beside, and this day she told me my
+brother's wounds should never be whole till I could find a knight
+that would go into the Chapel Perilous, and there he should find
+a sword and a bloody cloth that the wounded knight was lapped in,
+and a piece of that cloth and sword should heal my brother's
+wounds, so that his wounds were searched with the sword and the
+cloth.  This is a marvellous thing, said Sir Launcelot, but what
+is your brother's name?  Sir, she said, his name was Sir Meliot
+de Logres.  That me repenteth, said Sir Launcelot, for he is a
+fellow of the Table Round, and to his help I will do my power. 
+Then, sir, said she, follow even this highway, and it will bring
+you unto the Chapel Perilous; and here I shall abide till God
+send you here again, and, but you speed, I know no knight living
+that may achieve that adventure
+
+
+
+<201>
+CHAPTER XV
+
+How Sir Launcelot came into the Chapel Perilous and gat
+there of a dead corpse a piece of the cloth and a sword.
+
+RIGHT so Sir Launcelot departed, and when he came unto the Chapel
+Perilous he alighted down, and tied his horse unto a little gate. 
+And as soon as he was within the churchyard he saw on the front
+of the chapel many fair rich shields turned up-so-down, and many
+of the shields Sir Launcelot had seen knights bear beforehand. 
+With that he saw by him there stand a thirty great knights, more
+by a yard than any man that ever he had seen, and all those
+grinned and gnashed at Sir Launcelot.  And when he saw their
+countenance he dreaded him sore, and so put his shield afore him,
+and took his sword ready in his hand ready unto battle, and they
+were all armed in black harness ready with their shields and
+their swords drawn.  And when Sir Launcelot would have gone
+throughout them, they scattered on every side of him, and gave
+him the way, and therewith he waxed all bold, and entered into
+the chapel, and then he saw no light but a dim lamp burning, and
+then was he ware of a corpse hilled with a cloth of silk.  Then
+Sir Launcelot stooped down, and cut a piece away of that cloth,
+and then it fared under him as the earth had quaked a little;
+therewithal he feared.  And then he saw a fair sword lie by the
+dead knight, and that he gat in his hand and hied him out of the
+chapel.
+
+Anon as ever he was in the chapel yard all the knights spake to
+him with a grimly voice, and said, Knight, Sir Launcelot, lay
+that sword from thee or else thou shalt die.  Whether that I live
+or die, said Sir Launcelot, with no great word get ye it again,
+therefore fight for it an ye list.  Then right so he passed
+throughout them, and beyond the chapel yard there met him a fair
+damosel, and said, Sir Launcelot, leave that sword behind thee,
+or thou wilt die for it.  I leave it not, said Sir Launcelot, for
+no treaties.  No, <202>said she, an thou didst leave that sword,
+Queen Guenever should thou never see.  Then were I a fool an I
+would leave this sword, said Launcelot.  Now, gentle knight, said
+the damosel, I require thee to kiss me but once.  Nay, said Sir
+Launcelot, that God me forbid.  Well, sir, said she, an thou
+hadst kissed me thy life days had been done, but now, alas, she
+said, I have lost all my labour, for I ordained this chapel for
+thy sake, and for Sir Gawaine.  And once I had Sir Gawaine within
+me, and at that time he fought with that knight that lieth there
+dead in yonder chapel, Sir Gilbert the Bastard; and at that time
+he smote the left hand off of Sir Gilbert the Bastard.  And, Sir
+Launcelot, now I tell thee, I have loved thee this seven year,
+but there may no woman have thy love but Queen Guenever.  But
+sithen I may not rejoice thee to have thy body alive, I had kept
+no more joy in this world but to have thy body dead.  Then would
+I have balmed it and served it, and so have kept it my life days,
+and daily I should have clipped thee, and kissed thee, in despite
+of Queen Guenever.  Ye say well, said Sir Launcelot, Jesu
+preserve me from your subtle crafts.  And therewithal he took his
+horse and so departed from her.  And as the book saith, when Sir
+Launcelot was departed she took such sorrow that she died within
+a fourteen night, and her name was Hellawes the sorceress, Lady
+of the Castle Nigramous.
+
+Anon Sir Launcelot met with the damosel, Sir Meliot's sister. 
+And when she saw him she clapped her hands, and wept for joy. 
+And then they rode unto a castle thereby where lay Sir Meliot. 
+And anon as Sir Launcelot saw him he knew him, but he was passing
+pale, as the earth, for bleeding.  When Sir Meliot saw Sir
+Launcelot he kneeled upon his knees and cried on high:  O lord
+Sir Launcelot, help me!  Anon Sir Launcelot leapt unto him and
+touched his wounds with Sir Gilbert's sword.  And then he wiped
+his wounds with a part of the bloody cloth that Sir Gilbert was
+wrapped in, and anon an wholer man in his life was he never.  And
+then there was great joy between them, and they made Sir
+Launcelot all <203>the cheer that they might, and so on the morn
+Sir Launcelot took his leave, and bade Sir Meliot hie him to the
+court of my lord Arthur, for it draweth nigh to the Feast of
+Pentecost, and there by the grace of God ye shall find me.  And
+therewith they departed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+How Sir Launcelot at the request of a lady recovered a
+falcon, by which he was deceived.
+
+AND so Sir Launcelot rode through many strange countries, over
+marshes and valleys, till by fortune he came to a fair castle,
+and as he passed beyond the castle him thought he heard two bells
+ring.  And then was he ware of a falcon came flying over his head
+toward an high elm, and long lunes about her feet, and as she
+flew unto the elm to take her perch the lunes over-cast about a
+bough.  And when she would have taken her flight she hung by the
+legs fast; and Sir Launcelot saw how she hung, and beheld the
+fair falcon perigot, and he was sorry for her.
+
+The meanwhile came a lady out of the castle and cried on high:  O
+Launcelot, Launcelot, as thou art flower of all knights, help me
+to get my hawk, for an my hawk be lost my lord will destroy me;
+for I kept the hawk and she slipped from me, and if my lord my
+husband wit it he is so hasty that he will slay me.  What is your
+lord's name? said Sir Launcelot.  Sir, she said, his name is Sir
+Phelot, a knight that longeth unto the King of Northgalis.  Well,
+fair lady, since that ye know my name, and require me of
+knighthood to help you, I will do what I may to get your hawk,
+and yet God knoweth I am an ill climber, and the tree is passing
+high, and few boughs to help me withal.  And therewith Sir
+Launcelot alighted, and tied his horse to the same tree, and
+prayed the lady to unarm him.  And so when he was unarmed, he put
+off all his <204>clothes unto his shirt and breech, and with
+might and force he clomb up to the falcon, and tied the lines to
+a great rotten boyshe, and threw the hawk down and it withal.
+
+Anon the lady gat the hawk in her hand; and therewithal came out
+Sir Phelot out of the groves suddenly, that was her husband, all
+armed and with his naked sword in his hand, and said:  O knight
+Launcelot, now have I found thee as I would, and stood at the
+bole 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, and therefore there nis none other boot but thine
+hour is come that thou must die.  That were shame unto thee, said
+Sir Launcelot, thou an armed knight to slay a naked man by
+treason.  Thou gettest none other grace, said Sir Phelot, and
+therefore help thyself an thou canst.  Truly, said Sir Launcelot,
+that shall be thy shame, but since thou wilt do none other, take
+mine harness with thee, and hang my sword upon a bough that I may
+get it, and then do thy best to slay me an thou canst.  Nay, nay,
+said Sir Phelot, for I know thee better than thou weenest,
+therefore thou gettest no weapon, an I may keep you therefrom. 
+Alas, said Sir Launcelot, that ever a knight should die
+weaponless.  And therewith he waited above him and under him, and
+over his head he saw a rownsepyk, a big bough leafless, and
+therewith he brake it off by the body.  And then he came lower
+and awaited how his own horse stood, and suddenly he leapt on the
+further side of the horse, fro-ward the knight.  And then Sir
+Phelot lashed at him eagerly, weening to have slain him.  But Sir
+Launcelot put away the stroke with the rownsepyk, and therewith
+he smote him on the one side of the head, that he fell down in a
+swoon to the ground.  So then Sir Launcelot took his sword out of
+his hand, and struck his neck from the body.  Then cried the
+lady, Alas ! why hast thou slain my husband?  I am not causer,
+said Sir Launcelot, for with falsehood ye would have had slain me
+with treason, and now it is fallen on you both.  And then she
+swooned as though she would <205>die.  And therewithal Sir
+Launcelot gat all his armour as well as he might, and put it upon
+him for dread of more resort, for he dreaded that the knight's
+castle was so nigh.  And so, as soon as he might, he took his
+horse and departed, and thanked God that he had escaped that
+adventure.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+How Sir Launcelot overtook a knight which chased his wife
+to have slain her, and how he said to him.
+
+SO Sir Launcelot rode many wild ways, throughout marches and many
+wild ways.  And as he rode in a valley he saw a knight chasing a
+lady, with a naked sword, to have slain her.  And by fortune as
+this knight should have slain this lady, she cried on Sir
+Launcelot and prayed him to rescue her.  When Sir Launcelot saw
+that mischief, he took his horse and rode between them, saying,
+Knight, fie for shame, why wilt thou slay this lady? thou dost
+shame unto thee and all knights.  What hast thou to do betwixt me
+and my wife? said the knight.  I will slay her maugre thy head. 
+That shall ye not, said Sir Launcelot, for rather we two will
+have ado together.  Sir Launcelot, said the knight, thou dost not
+thy part, for this lady hath betrayed me.  It is not so, said the
+lady, truly he saith wrong on me.  And for because I love and
+cherish my cousin germain, he is jealous betwixt him and me; and
+as I shall answer to God there was never sin betwixt us.  But,
+sir, said the lady, as thou art called the worshipfullest knight
+of the world, I require thee of true knighthood, keep me and save
+me.  For whatsomever ye say he will slay me, for he is without
+mercy.  Have ye no doubt, said Launcelot, it shall not lie in his
+power.  Sir, said the knight, in your sight I will be ruled as ye
+will have me.  And so Sir Launcelot rode on the one side and she
+on the other: he had not ridden but a while, but the knight bade
+Sir Launcelot turn him and <206>look behind him, and said, Sir,
+yonder come men of arms after us riding.  And so Sir Launcelot
+turned him and thought no treason, and therewith was the knight
+and the lady on one side, and suddenly he swapped off his lady's
+head.
+
+And when Sir Launcelot had espied him what he had done, he said,
+and called him, Traitor, thou hast shamed me for ever.  And
+suddenly Sir Launcelot alighted off his horse, and pulled out his
+sword to slay him, and therewithal he fell flat to the earth, and
+gripped Sir Launcelot by the thighs, and cried mercy.  Fie on
+thee, said Sir Launcelot, thou shameful knight, thou mayest have
+no mercy, and therefore arise and fight with me.  Nay, said the
+knight, I will never arise till ye grant me mercy.  Now will I
+proffer thee fair, said Launcelot, I will unarm me unto my shirt,
+and I will have nothing upon me but my shirt, and my sword and my
+hand.  And if thou canst slay me, quit be thou for ever.  Nay,
+sir, said Pedivere, that will I never.  Well, said Sir Launcelot,
+take this lady and the head, and bear it upon thee, and here
+shalt thou swear upon my sword, to bear it always upon thy back,
+and never to rest till thou come to Queen Guenever.  Sir, said
+he, that will I do, by the faith of my body.  Now, said
+Launcelot, tell me what is your name?  Sir, my name is Pedivere. 
+In a shameful hour wert thou born, said Launcelot.
+
+So Pedivere departed with the dead lady and the head, and found
+the queen with King Arthur at Winchester, and there he told all
+the truth.  Sir knight, said the queen, this is an horrible deed
+and a shameful, and a great rebuke unto Sir Launcelot; but
+notwithstanding his worship is not known in many divers
+countries; but this shall I give you in penance, make ye as good
+shift as ye can, ye shall bear this lady with you on horseback
+unto the Pope of Rome, and of him receive your penance for your
+foul deeds; and ye shall never rest one night whereas ye do
+another; an ye go to any bed the dead body shall lie with you. 
+This oath there he made, and so departed.  And as it telleth in
+the French book, when he came to Rome, <207>the Pope bade him go
+again unto Queen Guenever, and in Rome was his lady buried by the
+Pope's commandment.  And after this Sir Pedivere fell to great
+goodness, and was an holy man and an hermit.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+How Sir Launcelot came to King Arthur's Court, and how
+there were recounted all his noble feats and acts.
+
+NOW turn we unto Sir Launcelot du Lake, that came home two days
+afore the Feast of Pentecost; and the king and all the court were
+passing fain of his coming.  And when Sir Gawaine, Sir Uwaine,
+Sir Sagramore, Sir Ector de Maris, saw Sir Launcelot in Kay's
+armour, then they wist well it was he that smote them down all
+with one spear.  Then there was laughing and smiling among them. 
+And ever now and now came all the knights home that Sir Turquine
+had prisoners, and they all honoured and worshipped Sir
+Launcelot.
+
+When Sir Gaheris heard them speak, he said, I saw all the battle
+from the beginning to the ending, and there he told King Arthur
+all how it was, and how Sir Turquine was the strongest knight
+that ever he saw except Sir Launcelot: there were many knights
+bare him record, nigh three score.  Then Sir Kay told the king
+how Sir Launcelot had rescued him when he should have been slain,
+and how he made the knights yield them to me, and not to him. 
+And there they were all three, and bare record.  And by Jesu,
+said Sir Kay, because Sir Launcelot took my harness and left me
+his I rode in good peace, and no man would have ado with me.
+
+Anon therewithal there came the three knights that fought with
+Sir Launcelot at the long bridge.  And there they yielded them
+unto Sir Kay, and Sir Kay forsook them and said he fought never
+with them.  But I shall ease your heart, said Sir Kay, yonder is
+Sir Launcelot that <208>overcame you.  When they wist that they
+were glad.  And then Sir Meliot de Logres came home, and told the
+king how Sir Launcelot had saved him from the death.  And all his
+deeds were known, how four queens, sorceresses, had him in
+prison, and how he was delivered by King Bagdemagus' daughter. 
+Also there were told all the great deeds of arms that Sir
+Launcelot did betwixt the two kings, that is for to say the King
+of Northgalis and King Bagdemagus.  All the truth Sir Gahalantine
+did tell, and Sir Mador de la Porte and Sir Mordred, for they
+were at that same tournament.  Then came in the lady that knew
+Sir Launcelot when that he wounded Sir Belleus at the pavilion. 
+And there, at request of Sir Launcelot, Sir Belleus was made
+knight of the Round Table.  And so at that time Sir Launcelot had
+the greatest name of any knight of the world, and most he was
+honoured of high and low.
+
+Explicit the noble tale of Sir Launcelot du Lake,
+which is the vi. book.  Here followeth the tale of
+Sir Gareth of Orkney that was called Beaumains
+by Sir Kay, and is the seventh book.
+
+
+
+BOOK VII
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+How Beaumains came to King Arthur's Court and
+demanded three petitions of King Arthur.
+
+WHEN Arthur held his Round Table most plenour, it fortuned that
+he commanded that the high feast of Pentecost should be holden at
+a city and a castle, the which in those days was called Kynke
+Kenadonne, upon the sands that marched nigh Wales.  So ever the
+king had a custom that at the feast of Pentecost in especial,
+afore other feasts in the year, he would not go that day to meat
+until he had heard or seen of a great marvel.  And for that
+custom all manner of strange adventures came before Arthur as at
+that feast before all other feasts.  And so Sir Gawaine, a little
+to-fore noon of the day of Pentecost, espied at a window three
+men upon horseback, and a dwarf on foot, and so the three men
+alighted, and the dwarf kept their horses, and one of the three
+men was higher than the other twain by a foot and an half.  Then
+Sir Gawaine went unto the king and said, Sir, go to your meat,
+for here at the hand come strange adventures.  So Arthur went
+unto his meat with many other kings.  And there were all the
+knights of the Round Table, [save] only those that were prisoners
+or slain at a recounter.  Then at the high feast evermore they
+should be fulfilled the whole number of an hundred and fifty, for
+then was the Round Table fully complished.
+
+Right so came into the hall two men well beseen and <210>richly,
+and upon their shoulders there leaned the goodliest young man and
+the fairest that ever they all saw, and he was large and long,
+and broad in the shoulders, and well visaged, and the fairest and
+the largest handed that ever man saw, but he fared as though he
+might not go nor bear himself but if he leaned upon their
+shoulders.  Anon as Arthur saw him there was made peace and room,
+and right so they yede with him unto the high dais, without
+saying of any words.  Then this much young man pulled him aback,
+and easily stretched up straight, saying, King Arthur, God you
+bless and all your fair fellowship, and in especial the
+fellowship of the Table Round.  And for this cause I am come
+hither, to pray you and require you to give me three gifts, and
+they shall not be unreasonably asked, but that ye may
+worshipfully and honourably grant them me, and to you no great
+hurt nor loss.  And the first don and gift I will ask now, and
+the other two gifts I will ask this day twelvemonth, wheresomever
+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 ye will give
+me meat and drink sufficiently for this twelvemonth, and at that
+day I will ask mine other two gifts.
+
+My fair son, said Arthur, ask better, I counsel thee, for this is
+but a simple asking; for my heart giveth me to thee greatly, that
+thou art come of men of worship, and greatly my conceit faileth
+me but thou shalt prove a man of right great worship.  Sir, he
+said, thereof be as it be may, I have asked that I will ask. 
+Well, said the king, ye shall have meat and drink enough; I never
+defended that none, neither my friend nor my foe.  But what is
+thy name I would wit?  I cannot tell you, said he.  That is
+marvel, said the king, that thou knowest not thy name, and thou
+art the goodliest young man that ever I saw.  Then the king
+betook him to Sir Kay the steward, and charged him that he should
+give him of all manner of meats and drinks of the best, and also
+that he had all manner of finding as though he were a lord's son. 
+That shall little need, said Sir Kay, to do such cost upon him;
+<211>for I dare undertake he is a villain born, and never will
+make man, for an he had come of gentlemen he would have asked of
+you horse and armour, but such as he is, so he asketh.  And
+sithen he hath no name, I shall give him a name that shall be
+Beaumains, that is Fair-hands, and into the kitchen I shall bring
+him, and there he shall have fat brose every day, that he shall
+be as fat by the twelvemonths' end as a pork hog.  Right so the
+two men departed and beleft him to Sir Kay, that scorned him and
+mocked him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine were wroth because
+Sir Kay mocked Beaumains, and of a damosel which
+desired a knight to fight for a lady.
+
+THEREAT was Sir Gawaine wroth, and in especial Sir Launcelot bade
+Sir Kay leave his mocking, for I dare lay my head he shall prove
+a man of great worship.  Let be said Sir Kay, it may not be by no
+reason, for as he is, so he hath asked.  Beware, said Sir
+Launcelot, so ye gave the good knight Brewnor, Sir Dinadan's
+brother, a name, and ye called him La Cote Male Taile, and that
+turned you to anger afterward.  As for that, said Sir Kay, this
+shall never prove none such.  For Sir Brewnor desired ever
+worship, and this desireth bread and drink and broth; upon pain
+of my life he was fostered up in some abbey, and, howsomever it
+was, they failed meat and drink, and so hither he is come for his
+sustenance.
+
+And so Sir Kay bade get him a place, and sit down to meat; so
+Beaumains went to the hall door, and set him down among boys and
+lads, and there he ate sadly.  And then Sir Launcelot after meat
+bade him come to his chamber, and there 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, for no
+proffer.  But as touching Sir Gawaine, he had reason to
+<212>proffer him lodging, meat, and drink, for that proffer came
+of his blood, for he was nearer kin to him than he wist.  But
+that as Sir Launcelot did was of his great gentleness and
+courtesy.
+
+So thus he 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 that he saw any jousting of knights, that would he
+see an he might.  And ever Sir Launcelot would give him gold to
+spend, and clothes, and so did Sir Gawaine, and where there 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 liketh you my boy of the kitchen?  So it passed on till the
+feast of Whitsuntide.  And at that time the king held it at
+Carlion in the most royallest wise that might be, like as he did
+yearly.  But the king would no meat eat upon the Whitsunday,
+until he heard some adventures.  Then came there a squire to the
+king and said, Sir, ye may go to your meat, for here cometh a
+damosel with some strange adventures.  Then was the king glad and
+sat him down.
+
+Right so there came a damosel into the hall and saluted the king,
+and prayed him of succour.  For whom? said the king, what is the
+adventure?
+
+Sir, she said, I have a lady of great worship and renown, and she
+is besieged with a tyrant, so that she may not out of her castle;
+and because here are called the noblest knights of the world, I
+come to you to pray you of succour.  What hight your lady, and
+where dwelleth she, and who is she, and what is his name that
+hath besieged her?  Sir king, she said, as for my lady's name
+that shall not ye know for me as at this time, but I let you wit
+she is a lady of great worship and of great lands; and as for the
+tyrant that besiegeth her and destroyeth her lands, he is called
+the Red Knight of the Red Launds.  I know him not, said the king. 
+Sir, said Sir Gawaine, I know him well, for he is one of the
+perilloust knights of the world; men say that he hath seven men's
+strength, <213>and from him I escaped once full hard with my
+life.  Fair damosel, said the king, there be knights here would
+do their power for to rescue your lady, but because you will not
+tell her name, nor where she dwelleth, therefore none of my
+knights that here be now shall go with you by my will.  Then must
+I speak further, said the damosel.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+How Beaumains desired the battle, and how it was granted
+to him, and how he desired to be made knight of Sir Launcelot.
+
+WITH these words came before the king Beaumains, while the
+damosel was there, and thus he said, Sir king, God thank you, I
+have been this twelvemonth 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, this shall be my two gifts,
+first that ye will grant me to have this adventure of the
+damosel, for it belongeth unto me.  Thou shalt have it, said the
+king, I grant it thee.  Then, sir, this is the other gift, that
+ye shall bid Launcelot du Lake to make me knight, for of him I
+will be made knight and else of none.  And when I am passed I
+pray you let him ride after me, and make me knight when I require
+him.  All this shall be done, said the king.  Fie on thee, said
+the damosel, shall I have none but one that is your kitchen page? 
+Then was she wroth and took her horse and departed.  And with
+that there came one to Beaumains and told him his horse and
+armour was come for him; and there was the dwarf come with all
+thing that him needed, in the richest manner; thereat all the
+court had much marvel from whence came all that gear.  So when he
+was armed there was none but few so goodly a man as he was; and
+right so as he came into the hall and took his leave of King
+Arthur, and Sir Gawaine, and Sir Launcelot, and prayed that he
+would hie after him, and so departed and rode after the damosel.
+
+
+
+<214>
+CHAPTER IV
+
+How Beaumains departed, and how he gat of Sir Kay a
+spear and a shield, and how he jousted with Sir Launcelot.
+
+BUT there went many after 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 open in the hall, I will ride after my boy
+in the kitchen, to wit whether he will know me for his better. 
+Said Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine, Yet abide at home.  So Sir
+Kay made him ready and took his horse and his spear, and rode
+after him.  And right as Beaumains overtook the damosel, right so
+came Sir Kay and said, Beaumains, 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 ye have heard afore.  Yea, said Beaumains,
+I know you for an ungentle knight of the court, and therefore
+beware of me.  Therewith Sir Kay put his spear in the rest, and
+ran straight upon him; and Beaumains came as fast upon him with
+his sword in his hand, and so he put away his spear with his
+sword, and with a foin thrust him through the side, that Sir Kay
+fell down as he had been dead; and he alighted down and took Sir
+Kay's shield and his spear, and stert upon his own horse and rode
+his way.
+
+All that saw Sir Launcelot, and so did the damosel.  And then he
+bade his dwarf stert upon Sir Kay's horse, and so he did.  By
+that Sir Launcelot was come, then he proffered Sir Launcelot to
+joust; and either made them ready, and they came together so
+fiercely that either bare down other to the earth, and sore were
+they bruised.  Then Sir Launcelot arose and helped him from his
+horse.  And then Beaumains threw his shield from him, and
+proffered to fight with Sir Launcelot on foot; and so they rushed
+together like boars, tracing, rasing, and foining to the
+mountenance of an hour; and Sir Launcelot felt him <215>so big
+that he marvelled of his strength, for he fought more liker a
+giant than a knight, and that his fighting was durable and
+passing perilous.  For Sir Launcelot had so much ado with him
+that he dreaded himself to be shamed, and said, Beaumains, fight
+not so sore, your quarrel and mine is not so great but we may
+leave off.  Truly that is truth, said Beaumains, but it doth me
+good to feel your might, and yet, my lord, I showed not the
+utterance.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+How Beaumains told to Sir Launcelot his name, and how he
+was dubbed knight of Sir Launcelot, and after overtook
+the damosel.
+
+IN God's name, said Sir Launcelot, for I promise you, by the
+faith of my body, I had as much to do as I might to save myself
+from you unshamed, and therefore have ye no doubt of none earthly
+knight.  Hope ye so that I may any while stand a proved knight?
+said Beaumains.  Yea, said Launcelot, do as ye have done, and I
+shall be your warrant.  Then, I pray you, said Beaumains, give me
+the order of knighthood.  Then must ye tell me your name, said
+Launcelot, and of what kin ye be born.  Sir, so that ye will not
+discover me I shall, said Beaumains.  Nay, said Sir Launcelot,
+and that I promise you by the faith of my body, until it be
+openly known.  Then, sir, he said, my name is Gareth, and brother
+unto Sir Gawaine of father and mother.  Ah, sir, said Sir
+Launcelot, I am more gladder of you than I was; for ever me
+thought ye should be of great blood, and that ye came not to the
+court neither for meat nor for drink.  And then Sir Launcelot
+gave him the order of knighthood, and then Sir Gareth prayed him
+for to depart and let him go.
+
+So Sir Launcelot departed from him and came to Sir Kay, and made
+him to be borne home upon his shield, and so he was healed hard
+with the life; and all men scorned <216>Sir Kay, and in especial
+Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot said it was not his part to rebuke
+no young man, for full little knew he of what birth he is come,
+and for what cause he came to this court; and so we leave Sir Kay
+and turn we unto Beaumains.
+
+When he had overtaken the damosel, anon she said, What dost thou
+here? thou stinkest all of the kitchen, thy clothes be bawdy of
+the grease and tallow that thou gainest in King Arthur's kitchen;
+weenest thou, said she, that I allow thee, for yonder knight that
+thou killest.  Nay truly, for thou slewest him unhappily and
+cowardly; therefore turn again, bawdy kitchen page, I know thee
+well, for Sir Kay named thee Beaumains.  What art thou but a lusk
+and a turner of broaches and a ladle-washer?  Damosel, said
+Beaumains, say to me what ye will, I will not go from you
+whatsomever ye say, for I have undertaken to King Arthur for to
+achieve your adventure, and so shall I finish it to the end,
+either I shall die therefore.  Fie on thee, kitchen knave, wilt
+thou finish mine adventure? thou shalt anon be met withal, that
+thou wouldest not for all the broth that ever thou suppest once
+look him in the face.  I shall assay, said Beaumains.
+
+So thus as they rode in the wood, there came a man flying all
+that ever he might.  Whither wilt thou? said Beaumains.  O lord,
+he said, help me, for here by in a slade are six thieves that
+have taken my lord and bound him, so I am afeard lest they will
+slay him.  Bring me thither, said Beaumains.  And so they rode
+together until they came thereas was the knight bounden; and then
+he rode unto them, and struck one unto the death, and then
+another, and at the third stroke he slew the third thief, and
+then the other three fled.  And he rode after them, and he
+overtook them; and then those three thieves turned again and
+assailed Beaumains hard, but at the last he slew them, and
+returned and unbound the knight.  And the knight thanked him, and
+prayed him to ride with him to his castle there a little beside,
+and he should worshipfully reward him for his good deeds.  Sir,
+said Beaumains, I will no reward have: I was this day made knight
+of noble Sir <217>Launcelot, and therefore I will no reward have,
+but God reward me.  And also I must follow this damosel.
+
+And when he came nigh her she bade him ride from her, For thou
+smellest all of the kitchen: weenest thou that I have joy of
+thee, for all this deed that thou hast done is but mishapped
+thee: but thou shalt see a sight shall make thee turn again, and
+that lightly.  Then the same knight which was rescued of the
+thieves rode after that damosel, and prayed her to lodge with him
+all that night.  And because it was near night the damosel rode
+with him to his castle, and there they had great cheer, and at
+supper the knight sat Sir Beaumains afore the damosel.  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 damosel of high parage.  Then the knight was ashamed at her
+words, and took him up, and set him at a sideboard, and set
+himself afore him, and so all that night they had good cheer and
+merry rest.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+How Beaumains fought and slew two knights at a passage.
+
+AND on the morn the damosel and he took their leave and thanked
+the knight, and so departed, and rode on their way until they
+came to a great forest.  And there was a great river and but one
+passage, and there were ready two knights on the farther side to
+let them the passage.  What sayest thou, said the damosel, wilt
+thou match yonder knights or turn again?  Nay, said Sir
+Beaumains, I will not turn again an they were six more.  And
+therewithal he rushed into the water, and in midst of the water
+either brake their spears upon other to their hands, and then
+they drew their swords, and smote eagerly at other.  And at the
+last Sir Beaumains smote the other upon the helm that his head
+stonied, and therewithal he fell down in the water, and there was
+he drowned.  And then he spurred his horse <218>upon the land,
+where the other knight fell upon him, and brake his spear, and so
+they drew their swords and fought long together.  At the last Sir
+Beaumains clave his helm and his head down to the shoulders; and
+so he rode unto the damosel and bade her ride forth on her way.
+
+Alas, she said, that ever a kitchen page should have that fortune
+to destroy such two doughty knights: thou weenest thou hast done
+doughtily, that is not so; for the first knight his horse
+stumbled, and there he was drowned in the water, and never it was
+by thy force, nor by thy might.  And the last knight by mishap
+thou camest behind him and mishappily thou slew him.
+
+Damosel, said Beaumains, ye may say what ye will, but with
+whomsomever I have ado withal, I trust to God to serve him or he
+depart.  And therefore I reck not what ye say, so that I may win
+your lady.  Fie, fie, foul kitchen knave, thou shalt see knights
+that shall abate thy boast.  Fair damosel, give me goodly
+language, and then my care is past, for what knights somever they
+be, I care not, nor I doubt them not.  Also, said she, I say it
+for thine avail, yet mayest thou turn again with thy worship; for
+an thou follow me, thou art but slain, for I see all that ever
+thou dost is but by misadventure, and not by prowess of thy
+hands.  Well, damosel, ye may say what ye will, but wheresomever
+ye go I will follow you.  So this Beaumains rode with that lady
+till evensong time, and ever she chid him, and would not rest. 
+And they came to a black laund; 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.
+
+
+
+<219>
+CHAPTER VII
+
+How Beaumains fought with the Knight of the Black Launds,
+and fought with him till he fell down and died.
+
+THERE sat a knight all armed in black harness, and his name was
+the Knight of the Black Laund.  Then the damosel, when she saw
+that knight, she bade him flee down that valley, for his horse
+was not saddled.  Gramercy, said Beaumains, for always ye would
+have me a coward.  With that the Black Knight, when she came nigh
+him, spake and said, Damosel, 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.  Why cometh he, said the knight, in such array? it is shame
+that he beareth you company.  Sir, I cannot be delivered of him,
+said she, for with me he rideth maugre mine head:  God would that
+ye should put him from me, other to slay him an ye may, for he is
+an unhappy knave, and unhappily he hath done this day: through
+mishap I saw him slay two knights at the passage of the water;
+and other deeds he did before right marvellous and through
+unhappiness.  That marvelleth me, said the Black Knight, that any
+man that is of worship will have ado with him.  They know him
+not, said the damosel, and for because he rideth with me, they
+ween that he be some man of worship born.  That may be, said the
+Black Knight; howbeit as ye say that he be no man of worship, he
+is a full likely person, and full like to be a strong man: but
+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 Beaumains heard him say thus, he said, Sir knight, thou
+art full large of my horse and my harness; I let thee wit it cost
+thee nought, and whether it liketh thee or not, this laund will I
+pass maugre thine head.  <220>And horse nor harness gettest thou
+none of mine, but if thou win them with thy hands; and therefore
+let see what thou canst do.  Sayest thou that? said the Black
+Knight, now yield thy lady from thee, for it beseemeth never a
+kitchen page to ride with such a lady.  Thou liest, said
+Beaumains, 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 departed with their horses, and came
+together as it had been the thunder, and the Black Knight's spear
+brake, and Beaumains thrust him through both his sides, and
+therewith his spear brake, and the truncheon left still in his
+side.  But nevertheless the Black Knight drew his sword, and
+smote many eager strokes, and of great might, and hurt Beaumains
+full sore.  But at the last the Black Knight, within an hour and
+an half, he fell down off his horse in swoon, and there he died. 
+And when Beaumains saw him so well horsed and armed, then he
+alighted down and armed him in his armour, and so took his horse
+and rode after the damosel.
+
+When she saw him come nigh, she said, Away, kitchen knave, out of
+the wind, for the smell of thy bawdy clothes grieveth me.  Alas,
+she said, that ever such a knave should by mishap slay so good a
+knight as thou hast done, but all this is thine unhappiness.  But
+here by is one shall pay thee all thy payment, and therefore yet
+I counsel thee, flee.  It may happen me, said Beaumains, to be
+beaten or slain, but I warn you, fair damosel, I will not flee
+away, a nor leave your company, for all that ye can say; for ever
+ye say that they will kill me or beat me, but howsomever it
+happeneth I escape, and they lie on the ground.  And therefore it
+were as good for you to hold you still thus all day rebuking me,
+for away will I not till I see the uttermost of this journey, or
+else I will be slain, other truly beaten; therefore ride on your
+way, for follow you I will whatsomever happen.
+
+
+
+<221>
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+How the brother of the knight that was slain met with
+Beaumains, and fought with Beaumains till he was yielden.
+
+THUS as they rode together, they saw a knight come driving by
+them all in green, both his horse and his harness; and when he
+came nigh the damosel, he asked her, Is that my brother the Black
+Knight that ye have brought with you?  Nay, nay, she said, this
+unhappy kitchen knave hath slain your brother through
+unhappiness.  Alas, said the Green Knight, that is great pity,
+that so noble a knight as he was should so unhappily be slain,
+and namely of a knave's hand, as ye say that he is.  Ah! traitor,
+said the Green Knight, thou shalt die for slaying of my brother;
+he was a full noble knight, and his name was Sir Perard.  I defy
+thee, said Beaumains, for I let thee wit I slew him knightly and
+not shamefully.
+
+Therewithal the Green Knight rode unto an horn that was green,
+and it hung upon a thorn, and there he blew three deadly motes,
+and there came two damosels and armed him lightly.  And then he
+took a great horse, and a green shield and a green spear.  And
+then they ran together with all their mights, and brake their
+spears unto their hands.  And then they drew their swords, and
+gave many sad strokes, and either of them wounded other full ill. 
+And at the last, at an overthwart, Beaumains with his horse
+struck the Green Knight's horse upon the side, that he fell to
+the earth.  And then the Green Knight avoided his horse lightly,
+and dressed him upon foot.  That saw Beaumains, and therewithal
+he alighted, and they rushed together like two mighty kemps a
+long while, and sore they bled both.  With that came the damosel,
+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 to match <222>such a
+knight, as the weed overgrew the corn.  Therewith the Green
+Knight was ashamed, and therewithal he gave a great stroke of
+might, and clave his shield through.  When Beaumains saw his
+shield cloven asunder he was a little ashamed of that stroke and
+of her language; and then he gave him such a buffet upon the helm
+that he fell on his knees.  And so suddenly Beaumains pulled him
+upon the ground grovelling.  And then the Green Knight cried him
+mercy, and yielded him unto Sir Beaumains, and prayed him to slay
+him not.  All is in vain, said Beaumains, for thou shalt die but
+if this damosel that came with me pray me to save thy life.  And
+therewithal he unlaced his helm like as he would slay him.  Fie
+upon thee, false kitchen page, I will never pray thee to save his
+life, for I will never be so much in thy danger.  Then shall he
+die, said Beaumains.  Not so hardy, thou bawdy knave, said the
+damosel, that thou slay him.  Alas, said the Green Knight, suffer
+me not to die for a fair word may save me.  Fair knight, said the
+Green Knight, save my life, and I will forgive thee the death of
+my brother, and for ever to become thy man, and thirty knights
+that hold of me for ever shall do you service.  In the devil's
+name, said the damosel, that such a bawdy kitchen knave should
+have thee and thirty knights' service.
+
+Sir knight, said Beaumains, all this availeth thee not, but if my
+damosel speak with me for thy life.  And therewithal he made a
+semblant to slay him.  Let be, said the damosel, thou bawdy
+knave; slay him not, for an thou do thou shalt repent it. 
+Damosel, said Beaumains, your charge is to me a pleasure, and at
+your commandment his life shall be saved, and else not.  Then he
+said, Sir knight with the green arms, I release thee quit at this
+damosel'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.  Then said the damosel,
+Me repenteth, Green Knight, of your damage, and of your brother's
+death, the Black Knight, for of your help I had great mister, for
+I dread me sore to pass this forest.  Nay, dread you not, said
+the <223>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.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+How the damosel again rebuked Beaumains, and would not
+suffer him to sit at her table, but called him kitchen boy.
+
+AND ever she rebuked Beaumains, and would not suffer him to sit
+at her table, but as the Green Knight took him and sat him at a
+side table.  Marvel methinketh, said the Green Knight to the
+damosel, why ye rebuke this noble knight as ye do, for I warn
+you, damosel, he is a full noble knight, and I know no knight is
+able to match him; therefore ye do great wrong to rebuke him, for
+he shall do you right good service, for whatsomever he maketh
+himself, ye shall prove at the end that he is come of a noble
+blood and of king's lineage.  Fie, fie, said the damosel, it is
+shame for you to say of him such worship.  Truly, said the Green
+Knight, it were shame for me to say of him any disworship, for he
+hath proved himself a better knight than I am, yet have I met
+with many knights in my days, and never or this time have I found
+no knight his match.  And so that night they yede unto rest, and
+all that night the Green Knight commanded thirty knights privily
+to watch Beaumains, for to keep him from all treason.
+
+And so on the morn they all arose, and heard their mass and brake
+their fast; and then they took their horses and rode on their
+way, and the Green Knight conveyed them through the forest; and
+there the Green Knight said, My lord Beaumains, I and these
+thirty knights shall be always at your summons, both early and
+late, at your calling and whither that ever ye will send us.  It
+is well said, said Beaumains; when that I call upon you ye must
+yield you unto King Arthur, and all your knights.  If <224>that
+ye so command us, we shall be ready at all times, said the Green
+Knight.  Fie, fie upon thee, in the devil's name, said the
+damosel, that any good knights should be obedient unto a kitchen
+knave.  So then departed the Green Knight and the damosel.  And
+then she said unto Beaumains, Why followest thou me, thou kitchen
+boy?  Cast away thy shield and thy spear, and flee away; yet I
+counsel thee betimes or thou shalt say right soon, alas; for wert
+thou as wight as ever was Wade or Launcelot, Tristram, or the
+good knight Sir Lamorak, thou shalt not pass a pass here that is
+called the Pass Perilous.  Damosel, said Beaumains, who is afeard
+let him flee, for it were shame to turn again sithen I have
+ridden so long with you.  Well, said the damosel, ye shall soon,
+whether ye will or not.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+How the third brother, called the Red Knight, jousted and
+fought against Beaumains,and how Beaumains overcame him.
+
+SO within a while they saw a tower as white as any snow, well
+matchecold all about, and double dyked.  And over the tower gate
+there hung a fifty shields of divers colours, and under that
+tower there was a fair meadow.  And therein were many knights and
+squires to behold, scaffolds and pavilions; for there upon the
+morn should be a great tournament: and the lord of the tower was
+in his castle and looked out at a window, and saw a damosel, a
+dwarf, and a knight armed at all points.  So God me help, said
+the lord, with that knight will I joust, for I see that he is a
+knight-errant.  And so he armed him and horsed him hastily.  And
+when he was on horseback with his shield and his spear, it was
+all red, both his horse and his harness, and all that to him
+longeth.  And when that he came nigh him he weened it had been
+his brother the Black Knight; and then he cried aloud, Brother,
+what do ye in <225>these marches?  Nay, nay, said the damosel, it
+is not he; this is but a kitchen knave that was brought up for
+alms in King Arthur's court.  Nevertheless, said the Red Knight,
+I will speak with him or he depart.  Ah, said the damosel, this
+knave hath killed thy brother, and Sir Kay named him Beaumains,
+and this horse and this harness was thy brother's, the Black
+Knight.  Also I saw thy brother the Green Knight overcome of his
+hands.  Now may ye be revenged upon him, for I may never be quit
+of him.
+
+With this either knights departed in sunder, and they came
+together with all their might, and either of their horses fell to
+the earth, and they avoided their horses, and put their shields
+afore them and drew their swords, and either gave other sad
+strokes, now here, now there, rasing, tracing, foining, and
+hurling like two boars, the space of two hours.  And then she
+cried on high to the Red Knight, Alas, thou noble Red Knight,
+think what worship hath followed thee, let never a kitchen knave
+endure thee so long as he doth.  Then the Red Knight waxed wroth
+and doubled his strokes, and hurt Beaumains wonderly sore, that
+the blood ran down to the ground, that it was wonder to see that
+strong battle.  Yet at the last Sir Beaumains struck him to the
+earth, and as he would have slain the Red Knight, he cried mercy,
+saying, Noble knight, slay me not, and I shall yield me to thee
+with fifty knights with me that be at my commandment.  And I
+forgive thee all the despite that thou hast done to me, and the
+death of my brother the Black Knight.  All this availeth not,
+said Beaumains, but if my damosel pray me to save thy life.  And
+therewith he made semblant to strike off his head.  Let be, thou
+Beaumains, slay him not, for he is a noble knight, and not so
+hardy, upon thine head, but thou save him.
+
+Then Beaumains bade the Red Knight, Stand up, and thank the
+damosel now of thy life.  Then the Red Knight prayed him to see
+his castle, and to be there all night.  So the damosel then
+granted him, and there they had merry cheer.  But always the
+damosel spake many foul words unto Beaumains, whereof the Red
+Knight had great <226>marvel; and all that night the Red Knight
+made three score knights to watch Beaumains, that he should have
+no shame nor villainy.  And upon the morn they heard mass and
+dined, and the Red Knight came before Beaumains with his three
+score knights, and there he proffered him his homage and fealty
+at all times, he and his knights to do him service.  I thank you,
+said Beaumains, but this ye shall grant me: when I call upon you,
+to come afore my lord King Arthur, and yield you unto him to be
+his knights.  Sir, said the Red Knight, I will be ready, and my
+fellowship, at your summons.  So Sir Beaumains departed and the
+damosel, and ever she rode chiding him in the foulest manner.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+How Sir Beaumains suffered great rebukes of the damosel,
+and he suffered it patiently.
+
+DAMOSEL, said Beaumains, ye are uncourteous so to rebuke me as ye
+do, for meseemeth 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 boast they lie in the dust or in the mire, and
+therefore I pray you rebuke me no more; and when ye see me beaten
+or yielden 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 an I would depart from you all the
+while that I win worship.  Well, said she, right soon there shall
+meet a knight shall pay thee all thy wages, for he is the most
+man of worship of the world, except King Arthur.  I will well,
+said Beaumains, the more he is of worship, the more shall be my
+worship to have ado with him.
+
+Then anon they were ware where was afore them a city rich and
+fair.  And betwixt them and the city a mile and an half there was
+a fair meadow that seemed new mown, and therein were many
+pavilions fair to behold.  <227>Lo, said the damosel, yonder is a
+lord that owneth yonder city, and his custom is, when the weather
+is fair, to lie in this meadow to joust and tourney.  And ever
+there be about him five hundred knights and gentlemen of arms,
+and there be all manner of games that any gentleman can devise. 
+That goodly lord, said Beaumains, would I fain see.  Thou shalt
+see him time enough, said the damosel, and so as she rode near
+she espied the pavilion where he was.  Lo, said she, seest thou
+yonder pavilion that is all of the colour of Inde, and all manner
+of thing that there is about, men and women, and horses trapped,
+shields and spears were all of the colour of Inde, and his name
+is Sir Persant of Inde, the most lordliest knight that ever thou
+lookedst on.  It may well be, said Beaumains, but be he never so
+stout a knight, in this field I shall abide till that I see him
+under his shield.  Ah, fool, said she, thou wert better flee
+betimes.  Why, said Beaumains, an he be such a knight as ye make
+him, he will not set upon me with all his men, or with his five
+hundred knights.  For an there come no more but one at once, I
+shall him not fail whilst my life lasteth.  Fie, fie, said the
+damosel, that ever such a stinking knave should blow such a
+boast.  Damosel, he said, ye are to blame so to rebuke me, for I
+had liefer do five battles than so to be rebuked, let him come
+and then let him do his worst.
+
+Sir, she said, I marvel what thou art and of what kin thou art
+come; boldly thou speakest, and boldly thou hast done, that have
+I seen; therefore I pray thee save thyself an thou mayest, for
+thy horse and thou have had great travail, and I dread we dwell
+over long from the siege, for it is but hence seven mile, and all
+perilous passages we are passed save all only this passage; and
+here I dread me sore lest ye shall catch some hurt, therefore I
+would ye were hence, that ye were not bruised nor hurt with this
+strong knight.  But I let you wit that Sir Persant of Inde is
+nothing of might nor strength unto the knight that laid the siege
+about my lady.  As for that, said Sir Beaumains, be it as it be
+may.  For sithen I am come so nigh this knight I will prove his
+might or I depart <228>from him, and else I shall be shamed an I
+now withdraw me from him.  And therefore, damosel, have ye no
+doubt by the grace of God I shall so deal with this knight that
+within two hours after noon I shall deliver him.  And then shall
+we come to the siege by daylight.  O Jesu, marvel have I, said
+the damosel, what manner a man ye be, for it may never be
+otherwise but that ye be come of a noble blood, for so foul nor
+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
+a gentle blood.
+
+Damosel, said Beaumains, a knight may little do that may not
+suffer a damosel, for whatsomever ye said unto me I took none
+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, but all that I did it for to prove and assay my friends,
+and that shall be known another day; and whether that I be a
+gentleman born or none, I let you wit, fair damosel, I have done
+you gentleman's service, and peradventure better service yet will
+I do or I depart from you.  Alas, she said, fair Beaumains,
+forgive me all that I have missaid or done against thee.  With
+all my heart, said he, I forgive it you, for ye did nothing but
+as ye should do, for all your evil words pleased me; and damosel,
+said Beaumains, since it liketh you to say thus fair unto me, wit
+ye well it gladdeth my heart greatly, and now meseemeth there is
+no knight living but I am able enough for him.
+
+
+
+<229>
+CHAPTER XII
+
+How Beaumains fought with Sir Persant of Inde, and made
+him to be yielden.
+
+WITH this Sir Persant of Inde had espied them as they hoved in
+the field, and knightly he sent to them whether he came in war or
+in peace.  Say to thy lord, said Beaumains, I take no force, but
+whether as him list himself.  So the messenger went again unto
+Sir Persant and told him all his answer.  Well then will I have
+ado with him to the utterance, and so he purveyed him and rode
+against him.  And Beaumains saw him and made him ready, and there
+they met with all that ever their horses might run, and brast
+their spears either in three pieces, and their horses rushed so
+together that both their horses fell dead to the earth; and
+lightly they avoided their horses and put their shields afore
+them, and drew their swords, and gave many great strokes that
+sometime they hurtled together that they fell grovelling on the
+ground.  Thus they fought two hours and more, that their shields
+and their hauberks were all forhewen, and in many steads they
+were wounded.  So at the last Sir Beaumains smote him through the
+cost of the body, and then he retrayed him here and there, and
+knightly maintained his battle long time.  And at the last,
+though him loath were, Beaumains smote Sir Persant above upon the
+helm, that he fell grovelling to the earth; and then he leapt
+upon him overthwart and unlaced his helm to have slain him.
+
+Then Sir Persant yielded him and asked him mercy.  With that came
+the damosel and prayed to save his life.  I will well, for it
+were pity this noble knight should die.  Gramercy, said Persant,
+gentle knight and damosel.  For certainly now I wot well it was
+ye that slew my brother the Black Knight at the black thorn; he
+was a full noble knight, his name was Sir Percard.  Also I am
+sure that ye are he that won mine other brother the Green Knight,
+<230>his name was Sir Pertolepe.  Also ye won my brother the Red
+Knight, Sir Perimones.  And now since ye have won these, this
+shall I do for to please you: ye shall have homage and fealty of
+me, and an hundred knights to be always at your commandment, to
+go and ride where ye will command us.  And so they went unto Sir
+Persant's pavilion and drank the wine, and ate spices, and
+afterward Sir Persant made him to rest upon a bed until supper
+time, and after supper to bed again.  When Beaumains was abed,
+Sir Persant had a lady, a fair daughter of eighteen year of age,
+and there he called her unto him, and charged her and commanded
+her upon his blessing to go unto the knight's bed, and lie down
+by his side, and make him no strange cheer, but good cheer, and
+take him in thine arms and kiss him, and look that this be done,
+I charge you, as ye will have my love and my good will.  So Sir
+Persant's daughter did as her father bade her, and so she went
+unto Sir Beaumains' bed, and privily she dispoiled her, and laid
+her down by him, and then he awoke and saw her, and asked her
+what she was.  Sir, she said, I am Sir Persant's daughter, that
+by the commandment of my father am come hither.  Be ye a maid or
+a wife? said he.  Sir, she said, I am a clean maiden.  God
+defend, said he, that I should defoil you to do Sir Persant such
+a shame; therefore, fair damosel, arise out of this bed or else I
+will.  Sir, she said, I came not to you by mine own will, but as
+I was commanded.  Alas, said Sir Beaumains, I were a shameful
+knight an I would do your father any disworship; and so he kissed
+her, and so she departed and came unto Sir Persant her father,
+and told him all how she had sped.  Truly, said Sir Persant,
+whatsomever he be, he is come of a noble blood.  And so we leave
+them there till on the morn.
+
+
+
+<231>
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+Of the goodly communication between Sir Persant and
+Beaumains, and how he told him that his name was Sir Gareth.
+
+AND so on the morn the damosel and Sir Beaumains heard mass and
+brake their fast, and so took their leave.  Fair damosel, said
+Persant, whitherward are ye way-leading this knight?  Sir, she
+said, this knight is going to the siege that besiegeth my sister
+in the Castle Dangerous.  Ah, ah, said Persant, that is the
+Knight of the Red Laund, the which is the most perilous knight
+that I know now living, and a man that is without mercy, and men
+say that he hath seven men's strength.  God save you, said he to
+Beaumains, from that knight, for he doth great wrong to that
+lady, and that is great pity, for she is one of the fairest
+ladies of the world, and meseemeth that your damosel is her
+sister: is not your name Linet? said he.  Yea, sir, said she, and
+my lady my sister's name is Dame Lionesse.  Now shall I tell you,
+said Sir Persant, this Red Knight of the Red Laund hath lain long
+at the siege, well-nigh this two years, and many times he might
+have had her an he had would, but he prolongeth the time to this
+intent, for to have Sir Launcelot du Lake to do battle with him,
+or Sir Tristram, or Sir Lamorak de Galis, or Sir Gawaine, and
+this is his tarrying so long at the siege.
+
+Now my lord Sir Persant of Inde, said the damosel Linet, I
+require you that ye will make this gentleman knight or ever he
+fight with the Red Knight.  I will with all my heart, said Sir
+Persant, an it please him to take the order of knighthood of so
+simple a man as I am.  Sir, said Beaumains, I thank you for your
+good will, for I am better sped, for certainly the noble knight
+Sir Launcelot made me knight.  Ah, said Sir Persant, of a more
+renowned knight might ye not be made knight; for of all knights
+he may be called chief of knighthood; and so <232>all the world
+saith, that betwixt three knights is departed clearly knighthood,
+that is Launcelot du Lake, Sir Tristram de Liones, and Sir
+Lamorak de Galis: these bear now the renown.  There be many other
+knights, as Sir Palamides the Saracen and Sir Safere his brother;
+also Sir Bleoberis and Sir Blamore de Ganis his brother; also Sir
+Bors de Ganis and Sir Ector de Maris and Sir Percivale de Galis;
+these and many more be noble knights, but there be none that pass
+the three above said; therefore God speed you well, said Sir
+Persant, for an ye may match the Red Knight ye shall be called
+the fourth of the world.
+
+Sir, said Beaumains, I would fain be of good fame and of
+knighthood.  And I let you wit I came of good men, for I dare say
+my father was a noble man, and so that ye will keep it in close,
+and this damosel, I will tell you of what kin I am.  We will not
+discover you, said they both, till ye command us, by the faith we
+owe unto God.  Truly then, said he, my name is Gareth of Orkney,
+and King Lot was my father, and my mother is King Arthur's
+sister, her name is Dame Morgawse, and Sir Gawaine is my brother,
+and Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, and I am the youngest of them
+all.  And yet wot not King Arthur nor Sir Gawaine what I am.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+How the lady that was besieged had word from her sister
+how she had brought a knight to fight for her, and
+what battles he had achieved.
+
+SO the book saith that the lady that was besieged had word of her
+sister's coming by the dwarf, and a knight with her, and how he
+had passed all the perilous passages.  What manner a man is he?
+said the lady.  He is a noble knight, truly, madam, said the
+dwarf, and but a young man, but he is as likely a man as ever ye
+saw any.  What is he? said the damosel, and of what kin is he
+come, and <233>of whom was he made knight?  Madam, said the
+dwarf, he is the king's son of Orkney, but his name I will not
+tell you as at this time; but wit ye well, of Sir Launcelot was
+he made knight, for of none other would he be made knight, and
+Sir Kay named him Beaumains.  How escaped he, said the lady, from
+the brethren of Persant?  Madam, he said, as a noble knight
+should.  First, he slew two brethren at a passage of a water. 
+Ah! said she, they were good knights, but they were murderers,
+the one hight Gherard le Breuse, and the other knight hight Sir
+Arnold le Breuse.  Then, madam, he recountered with the Black
+Knight, and slew him in plain battle, and so he took his horse
+and his armour and fought with the Green Knight and won him in
+plain battle, and in like wise he served the Red Knight, and
+after in the same wise he served the Blue Knight and won him in
+plain battle.  Then, said the lady, he hath overcome Sir Persant
+of Inde, one of the noblest knights of the world, and the dwarf
+said, He hath won all the four brethren and slain the Black
+Knight, and yet he did more to-fore: he overthrew Sir Kay and
+left him nigh dead upon the ground; also he did a great battle
+with Sir Launcelot, and there they departed on even hands: and
+then Sir Launcelot made him knight.
+
+Dwarf, said the lady, I am glad of these tidings, therefore go
+thou in an hermitage of mine hereby, and there shalt thou bear
+with thee of my wine in two flagons of silver, they are of two
+gallons, and also two cast of bread with fat venison baked, and
+dainty fowls; and a cup of gold here I deliver thee, that is rich
+and precious; and bear all this to mine hermitage, and put it in
+the hermit's hands.  And sithen go thou unto my sister and greet
+her well, and commend me unto that gentle knight, and pray him to
+eat and to drink and make him strong, and say ye him I thank him
+of his courtesy and goodness, that he would take upon him such
+labour for me that never did him bounty nor courtesy.  Also pray
+him that he be of good heart and courage, for he shall meet with
+a full noble knight, but he is neither of bounty, courtesy, nor
+<234>gentleness; for he attendeth unto nothing but to murder, and
+that is the cause I cannot praise him nor love him.
+
+So this dwarf departed, and came to Sir Persant, where he found
+the damosel Linet and Sir Beaumains, and there he told them all
+as ye have heard; and then they took their leave, but Sir Persant
+took an ambling hackney and conveyed them on their ways, and then
+beleft them to God; and so within a little while they came to
+that hermitage, and there they drank the wine, and ate the
+venison and the fowls baken.  And so when they had repasted them
+well, the dwarf returned again with his vessel unto the castle
+again; and there met with him the Red Knight of the Red Launds,
+and asked him from whence that he came, and where he had been. 
+Sir, said the dwarf, I have been with my lady's sister of this
+castle, and she hath been at King Arthur's court, and brought a
+knight with her.  Then I account her travail but lost; for though
+she had brought with her Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram, Sir
+Lamorak, or Sir Gawaine, I would think myself good enough for
+them all.
+
+It may well be, said the dwarf, but this knight hath passed all
+the perilous passages, and slain the Black Knight and other two
+more, and won the Green Knight, the Red Knight, and the Blue
+Knight.  Then is he one of these four that I have afore
+rehearsed.  He is none of those, said the dwarf, but he is a
+king's son.  What is his name? said the Red Knight of the Red
+Launds.  That will I not tell you, said the dwarf, but Sir Kay
+upon scorn named him Beaumains.  I care not, said the knight,
+what knight so ever he be, for I shall soon deliver him.  And if
+I ever match him he shall have a shameful death as many other
+have had.  That were pity, said the dwarf, and it is marvel that
+ye make such shameful war upon noble knights.
+
+
+
+<235>
+CHAPTER XV
+
+How the damosel and Beaumains came to the siege; and came
+to a sycamore tree, and there Beaumains blew a horn,
+and then the Knight of the Red Launds came to fight with him.
+
+NOW leave we the knight and the dwarf, and speak we of Beaumains,
+that all night lay in the hermitage; and upon the morn he and the
+damosel Linet heard their mass and brake their fast.  And then
+they took their horses and rode throughout a fair forest; and
+then they came to a plain, and saw where were many pavilions and
+tents, and a fair castle, and there was much smoke and great
+noise; and when they came near the siege Sir Beaumains espied
+upon great trees, as he rode, how there hung full goodly armed
+knights by the neck, and their shields about their necks with
+their swords, and gilt spurs upon their heels, and so there hung
+nigh a forty knights shamefully with full rich arms.
+
+Then Sir Beaumains abated his countenance and said, What meaneth
+this?  Fair sir, said the damosel, abate not your cheer for all
+this sight, for ye must courage yourself, or else ye be all
+shent, for all these knights came hither to this siege to rescue
+my sister Dame Lionesse, and when the Red Knight of the Red
+Launds had overcome them, he put them to this shameful death
+without mercy and pity.  And in the same wise he will serve you
+but if you quit you the better.
+
+Now Jesu defend me, said Beaumains, from such a villainous death
+and shenship of arms.  For rather than I should so be faren
+withal, I would rather be slain manly in plain battle.  So were
+ye better, said the damosel; for trust not, in him is no
+courtesy, but all goeth to the death or shameful murder, and that
+is pity, for he is a full likely man, well made of body, and a
+full noble knight of prowess, and a lord of great lands and
+possessions.  Truly, <236>said Beaumains, he may well be a good
+knight, but he useth shameful customs, and it is marvel that he
+endureth so long that none of the noble knights of my lord
+Arthur's have not dealt with him.
+
+And then they rode to the dykes, and saw them double dyked with
+full warlike walls; and there were lodged many great lords nigh
+the walls; and there was great noise of minstrelsy; and the sea
+beat upon the one side of the walls, where were many ships and
+mariners' noise with ``hale and how.''  And also there was fast
+by a sycamore tree, and there hung an horn, the greatest that
+ever they saw, of an elephant's bone; and this Knight of the Red
+Launds had hanged it up there, that if there came any errant-
+knight, he must blow that horn, and then will he make him ready
+and come to him to do battle.  But, sir, I pray you, said the
+damosel Linet, blow ye not the horn till it be high noon, for now
+it is about prime, and now increaseth his might, that as men say
+he hath seven men's strength.  Ah, fie for shame, fair damosel,
+say ye never so more to me; for, an he were as good a knight as
+ever was, I shall never fail him in his most might, for either I
+will win worship worshipfully, or die knightly in the field.  And
+therewith he spurred his horse straight to the sycamore tree, and
+blew so the horn eagerly that all the siege and the castle rang
+thereof.  And then there leapt out knights out of their tents and
+pavilions, and they within the castle looked over the walls and
+out at windows.
+
+Then the Red Knight of the Red Launds armed him hastily, and two
+barons set on 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 spear and 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.
+
+
+
+<237>
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+How the two knights met together, and of their talking, and
+how they began their battle.
+
+SIR, said the damosel Linet unto Sir Beaumains, look ye be glad
+and light, for yonder is your deadly enemy, and at yonder window
+is my lady, my sister, Dame Lionesse.  Where? said Beaumains. 
+Yonder, said the damosel, and pointed with her finger.  That is
+truth, said Beaumains.  She beseemeth afar the fairest lady that
+ever I looked upon; and truly, he said, I ask no better quarrel
+than now for to do battle, for truly she shall be my lady, and
+for her I will fight.  And ever he looked up to the window with
+glad countenance, and the Lady Lionesse made curtsey to him down
+to the earth, with holding up both their hands.
+
+With that the Red Knight of the Red Launds called to Sir
+Beaumains, Leave, sir knight, thy looking, and behold me, I
+counsel thee; for I warn thee well she is my lady, and for her I
+have done many strong battles.  If thou have so done, said
+Beaumains, meseemeth it was but waste labour, for she loveth none
+of thy fellowship, and thou to love that loveth not thee is but
+great folly.  For an I understood that she were not glad of my
+coming, I would be advised or I did battle for her.  But I
+understand by the besieging of this castle she may forbear thy
+fellowship.  And therefore wit thou well, thou Red Knight of the
+Red Launds, I love her, and will rescue her, or else to die. 
+Sayst thou that? said the Red Knight, meseemeth thou ought of
+reason to be ware by yonder knights that thou sawest hang upon
+yonder trees.  Fie for shame, said Beaumains, that ever thou
+shouldest say or do so evil, for in that thou shamest thyself and
+knighthood, and thou mayst be sure there will no lady love thee
+that knoweth thy wicked customs.  And now thou weenest that the
+sight of these hanged knights should fear me.  Nay truly,
+<238>not so; that shameful sight causeth me to have courage and
+hardiness against thee, more than I would have had against thee
+an thou wert a well-ruled knight.  Make thee ready, said the Red
+Knight of the Red Launds, and talk no longer with me.
+
+Then Sir Beaumains bade the damosel go from him; and then they
+put their spears in their rests, and came together with all their
+might that they had both, and either smote other in midst of
+their shields that the paitrelles, surcingles, and cruppers
+brast, and fell to the earth both, and the reins of their bridles
+in their hands; and so they lay a great while sore astonied, that
+all that were in the castle and in the siege weened their necks
+had been broken; and then many a stranger and other said the
+strange knight was a big man, and a noble jouster, for or now we
+saw never no knight match the Red Knight of the Red Launds: thus
+they said, both within the castle and without.  Then lightly they
+avoided their horses and put their shields afore them, and drew
+their swords and ran together like two fierce lions, and either
+gave other such buffets upon their helms that they reeled
+backward both two strides; and then they recovered both, and
+hewed great pieces off their harness and their shields that a
+great part fell into the fields.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+How after long fighting Beaumains overcame the knight and
+would have slain him, but at the request of the lords
+he saved his life, and made him to yield him to the lady.
+
+AND then thus they fought till it was past noon, and never would
+stint, till at the last they lacked wind both; and then they
+stood wagging and scattering, panting, blowing and bleeding, that
+all that beheld them for the most part wept for pity.  So when
+they had rested them a while they yede to battle again, tracing,
+racing, foining as two boars.  And <239>at some time they took
+their run as it had been two rams, and hurtled together that
+sometime they fell grovelling to the earth: and at some time they
+were so amazed that either took other's sword instead of his own.
+
+Thus they endured till evensong time, that there was none that
+beheld them might know whether was like to win the battle; and
+their armour was so forhewn that men might see their naked sides;
+and in other places they were naked, but ever the naked places
+they did defend.  And the Red Knight was a wily knight of war,
+and his wily fighting taught Sir Beaumains to be wise; but he
+abought it full sore or he did espy his fighting.
+
+And thus by assent of them both they granted either other to
+rest; and so they set them down upon two mole-hills there beside
+the fighting place, and either of them unlaced his helm, and took
+the cold wind; for either of their pages was fast by them, to
+come when they called to unlace their harness and to set them on
+again at their commandment.  And then when Sir Beaumains' helm
+was off, he looked up to the window, and there he saw the fair
+lady Dame Lionesse, and she made him such countenance that his
+heart waxed light and jolly; and therewith he bade the Red Knight
+of the Red Launds make him ready, and let us do the battle to the
+utterance.  I will well, said the knight, and then they laced up
+their helms, and their pages avoided, and they stepped together
+and fought freshly; but the Red Knight of the Red Launds awaited
+him, and at an overthwart smote him within the hand, that his
+sword fell out of his hand; and yet he gave him another buffet
+upon the helm that he fell grovelling to the earth, and the Red
+Knight fell over him, for to hold him down.
+
+Then cried the maiden Linet on high:  O Sir Beaumains, where is
+thy courage become?  Alas, my lady my sister beholdeth thee, and
+she sobbeth and weepeth, that maketh mine heart heavy.  When Sir
+Beaumains heard her say so, he abraid up with a great might and
+gat him upon his feet, and lightly he leapt to his sword and
+gripped it in his hand, and doubled his pace unto the Red Knight,
+<240>and there they fought a new battle together.  But Sir
+Beaumains then doubled his strokes, and smote so thick that he
+smote the sword out of his hand, and then he smote him upon the
+helm that he fell to the earth, and Sir Beaumains fell upon him,
+and unlaced his helm to have slain him; and then he yielded him
+and asked mercy, and said with a loud voice:  O noble knight, I
+yield me to thy mercy.
+
+Then Sir Beaumains bethought him upon the knights that he had
+made to be hanged shamefully, and then he said:  I may not with
+my worship save thy life, for the shameful deaths that thou hast
+caused many full good knights to die.  Sir, said the Red Knight
+of the Red Launds, hold your hand and ye shall know the causes
+why I put them to so shameful a death.  Say on, said Sir
+Beaumains.  Sir, I loved once a lady, a fair damosel, and she had
+her brother slain; and she said it was Sir Launcelot du Lake, or
+else Sir Gawaine; and she prayed me as that I loved her heartily,
+that I would make her a promise by the faith of my knighthood,
+for to labour daily in arms unto I met with one of them; and all
+that I might overcome I should put them unto a villainous death;
+and this is the cause that I have put all these knights to death,
+and so I ensured her to do all the villainy unto King Arthur's
+knights, and that I should take vengeance upon all these knights. 
+And, sir, now I will thee tell that every day my strength
+increaseth till noon, and all this time have I seven men's
+strength.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+How the knight yielded him, and how Beaumains made him
+to go unto King Arthur's court, and to cry Sir Launcelot mercy.
+
+THEN came there many earls, and barons, and noble knights, and
+prayed that knight to save his life, and take him to your
+prisoner.  And all they fell upon their knees, <241>and prayed
+him of mercy, and that he would save his life; and, Sir, they all
+said, it were fairer of him to take homage and fealty, and let
+him hold his lands of you than for to slay him; by his death ye
+shall have none advantage, and his misdeeds that be done may not
+be undone; and therefore he shall make amends to all parties, and
+we all will become your men and do you homage and fealty.  Fair
+lords, said Beaumains, wit you well I am full loath to slay this
+knight, nevertheless he hath done passing ill and shamefully; but
+insomuch all that he did was at a lady's request I blame him the
+less; and so for your sake I will release him that he shall have
+his life upon this covenant, that he go within the castle, and
+yield him there to the lady, and if she will forgive and quit
+him, I will well; with this he make her amends of all the
+trespass he hath done against her and her lands.  And also, when
+that is done, that ye go unto the court of King Arthur, and there
+that ye ask Sir Launcelot mercy, and Sir Gawaine, for the evil
+will ye have had against them.  Sir, said the Red Knight of the
+Red Launds, all this will I do as ye command, and siker assurance
+and borrows ye shall have.  And so then when the assurance was
+made, he made his homage and fealty, and all those earls and
+barons with him.
+
+And then the maiden Linet came to Sir Beaumains, and unarmed him
+and searched his wounds, and stinted his blood, and in likewise
+she did to the Red Knight of the Red Launds.  And there they
+sojourned ten days in their tents; and the Red Knight made his
+lords and servants to do all the pleasure that they might unto
+Sir Beaumains.  And so within a while the Red Knight of the Red
+Launds yede unto the castle, and put him in her grace.  And so
+she received him upon sufficient surety, so all her hurts were
+well restored of all that she could complain.  And then he
+departed unto the court of King Arthur, and there openly the Red
+Knight of the Red Launds put him in the mercy of Sir Launcelot
+and Sir Gawaine, and there he told openly how he was overcome and
+by whom, and also he told all the battles from the beginning unto
+the <242>ending.  Jesu mercy, said King Arthur and Sir Gawaine,
+we marvel much of what blood he is come, for he is a noble
+knight.  Have ye no marvel, said Sir Launcelot, for ye shall
+right well wit that he is come of a full noble blood; and as for
+his might and hardiness, there be but few now living that is so
+mighty as he is, and so noble of prowess.  It seemeth by you,
+said King Arthur, that ye know his name, and from whence he is
+come, and of what blood he is.  I suppose I do so, said
+Launcelot, or else I would not have given him the order of
+knighthood; but he gave me such charge at that time that I should
+never discover him until he required me, or else it be known
+openly by some other.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+How Beaumains came to the lady, and when he came to the
+castle the gates were closed against him, and of the
+words that the lady said to him.
+
+NOW turn we unto Sir Beaumains that desired of Linet that he
+might see her sister, his lady.  Sir, she said, I would fain ye
+saw her.  Then Sir Beaumains all armed him, and took his horse
+and his spear, and rode straight unto the castle.  And when he
+came to the gate he found there many men armed, and pulled up the
+drawbridge and drew the port close.
+
+Then marvelled he why they would not suffer him to enter.  And
+then he looked up to the window; and there he saw the fair
+Lionesse that said on high:  Go thy way, Sir Beaumains, for as
+yet thou shalt not have wholly my love, unto the time that thou
+be called one of the number of the worthy knights.  And therefore
+go labour in worship this twelvemonth, and then thou shalt hear
+new tidings.  Alas, fair lady, said Beaumains, I have not
+deserved that ye should show me this strangeness, and I had
+weened that I should have right good cheer with you, <243>and
+unto my power I have deserved thank, and well I am sure I have
+bought your love with part of the best blood within my body. 
+Fair courteous knight, said Dame Lionesse, be not displeased nor
+over-hasty; for wit you well your great travail nor good love
+shall not be lost, for I consider your great travail and labour,
+your bounty and your goodness as me ought to do.  And therefore
+go on your way, and look that ye be of good comfort, for all
+shall be for your worship and for the best, and perdy a
+twelvemonth will soon be done, and trust me, fair knight, I shall
+be true to you, and never to betray you, but to my death I shall
+love you and none other.  And therewithal she turned her from the
+window, and Sir Beaumains rode awayward from the castle, making
+great dole, and so he rode here and there and wist not where he
+rode, till it was dark night.  And then it happened him to come
+to a poor man's house, and there he was harboured all that night.
+
+But Sir Beaumains had no rest, but wallowed and writhed for the
+love of the lady of the castle.  And so upon the morrow he took
+his horse and rode until underne, and then he came to a broad
+water, and thereby was a great lodge, and there he alighted to
+sleep and laid his head upon the shield, and betook his horse to
+the dwarf, and commanded him to watch all night.
+
+Now turn we to the lady of the same castle, that thought much
+upon Beaumains, and then she called unto her Sir Gringamore her
+brother, and prayed him in all manner, as he loved her heartily,
+that he would ride after Sir Beaumains:  And ever have ye wait
+upon him till ye may find him sleeping, for I am sure in his
+heaviness he will alight down in some place, and lie him down to
+sleep; and therefore have ye your wait upon him, and in the
+priviest manner ye can, take his dwarf, and go ye your way with
+him as fast as ever ye may or Sir Beaumains awake.  For my sister
+Linet telleth me that he can tell of what kindred he is come, and
+what is his right name.  And the meanwhile I and my sister will
+ride unto your castle to await when ye bring with you the dwarf. 
+And then when ye <244>have brought him unto your castle, I will
+have him in examination myself.  Unto the time that I know what
+is his right name, and of what kindred he is come, shall I never
+be merry at my heart.  Sister, said Sir Gringamore, all this
+shall be done after your intent.
+
+And so he rode all the other day and the night till that he found
+Sir Beaumains lying by a water, and his head upon his shield, for
+to sleep.  And then when he saw Sir Beaumains fast asleep, he
+came stilly stalking behind the dwarf, and plucked him fast under
+his arm, and so he rode away with him as fast as ever he might
+unto his own castle.  And this Sir Gringamore's arms were all
+black, and that to him longeth.  But ever as he rode with the
+dwarf toward his castle, he cried unto his lord and prayed him of
+help.  And therewith awoke Sir Beaumains, and up he leapt
+lightly, and saw where Sir Gringamore rode his way with the
+dwarf, and so Sir Gringamore rode out of his sight.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+How Sir Beaumains rode after to rescue his dwarf, and came
+into the castle where he was.
+
+THEN Sir Beaumains put on his helm anon, and buckled his shield,
+and took his horse, and rode after him all that ever he might
+ride through marshes, and fields, and great dales, that many
+times his horse and he plunged over the head in deep mires, for
+he knew not the way, but took the gainest way in that woodness,
+that many times he was like to perish.  And at the last him
+happened to come to a fair green way, and there he met with a
+poor man of the country, whom he saluted and asked him whether he
+met not with a knight upon a black horse and all black harness, a
+little dwarf sitting behind him with heavy cheer. Sir, said the
+poor man, here by me came Sir Gringamore the knight, with such a
+dwarf mourning as ye say; and <245>therefore I rede you not
+follow him, for he is one of the periloust knights of the world,
+and his castle is here nigh hand but two mile; therefore we
+advise you ride not after Sir Gringamore, but if ye owe him good
+will.
+
+So leave we Sir Beaumains riding toward the castle, and speak we
+of Sir Gringamore and the dwarf.  Anon as the dwarf was come to
+the castle, Dame Lionesse and Dame Linet her sister, asked the
+dwarf where was his master born, and of what lineage he was come. 
+And but if thou tell me, said Dame Lionesse, thou shalt never
+escape this castle, but ever here to be prisoner.  As for that,
+said the dwarf, I fear not greatly to tell his name and of what
+kin he is come.  Wit you well he is a king's son, and his mother
+is sister to King Arthur, and he is brother to the good knight
+Sir Gawaine, and his name is Sir Gareth of Orkney.  And now I
+have told you his right name, I pray you, fair lady, let me go to
+my lord again, for he will never out of this country until that
+he have me again.  And if he be angry he will do much harm or
+that he be stint, and work you wrack in this country.  As for
+that threatening, said Sir Gringamore, be it as it be may, we
+will go to dinner.  And so they washed and went to meat, and made
+them merry and well at ease, and because the Lady Lionesse of the
+castle was there, they made great joy.  Truly, madam, said Linet
+unto her sister, well may he be a king's son, for he hath many
+good tatches on him, for he is courteous and mild, and the most
+suffering man that ever I met withal.  For I dare say there was
+never gentlewoman reviled man in so foul a manner as I have
+rebuked him; and at all times he gave me goodly and meek answers
+again.
+
+And as they sat thus talking, there came Sir Gareth in at the
+gate with an angry countenance, and his sword drawn in his hand,
+and cried aloud that all the castle might hear it, saying:  Thou
+traitor, Sir Gringamore, deliver me my dwarf again, or by the
+faith that I owe to the order of knighthood, I shall do thee all
+the harm that I can.  Then Sir Gringamore looked out at a window
+and said, Sir <246>Gareth of Orkney, leave thy boasting words,
+for thou gettest not thy dwarf again.  Thou coward knight, said
+Sir Gareth, bring him with thee, and come and do battle with me,
+and win him and take him.  So will I do, said Sir Gringamore, an
+me list, but for all thy great words thou gettest him not.  Ah!
+fair brother, said Dame Lionesse, I would he had his dwarf again,
+for I would he were not wroth, for now he hath told me all my
+desire I keep no more of the dwarf.  And also, brother, he hath
+done much for me, and delivered me from the Red Knight of the Red
+Launds, and therefore, brother, I owe him my service afore all
+knights living.  And wit ye well that I love him before all
+other, and full fain I would speak with him.  But in nowise I
+would that he wist what I were, but that I were another strange
+lady.
+
+Well, said Sir Gringamore, sithen I know now your will, I will
+obey now unto him.  And right therewithal he went down unto Sir
+Gareth, and said:  Sir, I cry you mercy, and all that I have
+misdone I will amend it at your will.  And therefore I pray you
+that ye would alight, and take such cheer as I can make you in
+this castle.  Shall I have my dwarf? said Sir Gareth.  Yea, sir,
+and all the pleasaunce that I can make you, for as soon as your
+dwarf told me what ye were and of what blood ye are come, and
+what noble deeds ye have done in these marches, then I repented
+of my deeds.  And then Sir Gareth alighted, and there came his
+dwarf and took his horse.  O my fellow, said Sir Gareth, I have
+had many adventures for thy sake.  And so Sir Gringamore took him
+by the hand and led him into the hall where his own wife was.
+
+
+
+<247>
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+How Sir Gareth, otherwise called Beaumains, came to the
+presence of his lady, and how they took acquaintance,
+and of their love.
+
+AND then came forth Dame Lionesse arrayed like a princess, and
+there she made him passing good cheer, and he her again; and they
+had goodly language and lovely countenance together.  And Sir
+Gareth thought many times, Jesu, would that the lady of the
+Castle Perilous were so fair as she was.  There were all manner
+of games and plays, of dancing and singing.  And ever the more
+Sir Gareth beheld that lady, the more he loved her; and so he
+burned in love that he was past himself in his reason; and forth
+toward night they yede unto supper, and Sir Gareth might not eat,
+for his love was so hot that he wist not where he was.
+
+All these looks espied Sir Gringamore, and then at-after supper
+he called his sister Dame Lionesse into a chamber, and said: 
+Fair sister, I have well espied your countenance betwixt you and
+this knight, and I will, sister, that ye wit he is a full noble
+knight, and if ye can make him to abide here I will do him all
+the pleasure that I can, for an ye were better than ye are, ye
+were well bywaryd upon him.  Fair brother, said Dame Lionesse, I
+understand well that the knight is good, and come he is of a
+noble house.  Notwithstanding, I will assay him better, howbeit I
+am most beholden to him of any earthly man; for he hath had great
+labour for my love, and passed many a dangerous passage.
+
+Right so Sir Gringamore went unto Sir Gareth, and said, Sir, make
+ye good cheer, for ye shall have none other cause, for this lady,
+my sister, is yours at all times, her worship saved, for wit ye
+well she loveth you as well as ye do her, and better if better
+may be.  An I wist that, said Sir Gareth, there lived not a
+gladder man than I <248>would be.  Upon my worship, said Sir
+Gringamore, trust unto my promise; and as long as it liketh you
+ye shall sojourn with me, and this lady shall be with us daily
+and nightly to make you all the cheer that she can.  I will well,
+said Sir Gareth, for I have promised to be nigh this country this
+twelvemonth.  And well I am sure King Arthur and other noble
+knights will find me where that I am within this twelvemonth. 
+For I shall be sought and found, if that I be alive.  And then
+the noble knight Sir Gareth went unto the Dame Lionesse, which he
+then much loved, and kissed her many times, and either made great
+joy of other.  And there she promised him her love certainly, to
+love him and none other the days of her life.  Then this lady,
+Dame Lionesse, by the assent of her brother, told Sir Gareth all
+the truth what she was, and how she was the same lady that he did
+battle for, and how she was lady of the Castle Perilous, and
+there she told him how she caused her brother to take away his
+dwarf, [*2]for this cause, to know the certainty what was your
+name, and of what kin ye were come.
+
+
+[*2] Printed by Caxton as part of chap. xxii.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+How at night came an armed knight, and fought with Sir
+Gareth, and he, sore hurt in the thigh, smote off the
+knight's head.
+
+AND then she let fetch to-fore him Linet, the damosel that had
+ridden with him many wildsome ways.  Then was Sir Gareth more
+gladder than he was to-fore.  And then they troth-plight each
+other to love, and never to fail whiles their life lasteth.  And
+so they burnt both in love, that they were accorded to abate
+their lusts secretly.  And there Dame Lionesse counselled Sir
+Gareth to sleep in none other place but in the hall.  And there
+she promised him to come to his bed a little afore midnight.
+
+<249>
+This counsel was not so privily kept but it was understood; for
+they were but young both, and tender of age, and had not used
+none such crafts to-fore.  Wherefore the damosel Linet was a
+little displeased, and she thought her sister Dame Lionesse was a
+little over-hasty, that she might not abide the time of her
+marriage; and for saving their worship, she thought to abate
+their hot lusts.  And so she let ordain by her subtle crafts that
+they had not their intents neither with other, as in their
+delights, until they were married.  And so it passed on.  At-
+after supper was made clean avoidance, that every lord and lady
+should go unto his rest.  But Sir Gareth said plainly he would go
+no farther than the hall, for in such places, he said, was
+convenient for an errant-knight to take his rest in; and so there
+were ordained great couches, and thereon feather beds, and there
+laid him down to sleep; and within a while came Dame Lionesse,
+wrapped in a mantle furred with ermine, and laid her down beside
+Sir Gareth.  And therewithal he began to kiss her.  And then he
+looked afore him, and there he apperceived and saw come an armed
+knight, with many lights about him; and this knight had a long
+gisarm in his hand, and made grim countenance to smite him.  When
+Sir Gareth saw him come in that wise, he leapt out of his bed,
+and gat in his hand his sword, and leapt straight toward that
+knight.  And when the knight saw Sir Gareth come so fiercely upon
+him, he smote him with a foin through the thick of the thigh that
+the wound was a shaftmon broad and had cut a-two many veins and
+sinews.  And therewithal Sir Gareth smote him upon the helm such
+a buffet that he fell grovelling; and then he leapt over him and
+unlaced his helm, and smote off his head from the body.  And then
+he bled so fast that he might not stand, but so he laid him down
+upon his bed, and there he swooned and lay as he had been dead.
+
+Then Dame Lionesse cried aloud, that her brother Sir Gringamore
+heard, and came down.  And when he saw Sir Gareth so shamefully
+wounded he was sore displeased, and said:  I am shamed that this
+noble knight is thus <250>honoured.  Sir, said Sir Gringamore,
+how may this be, that ye be here, and this noble knight wounded? 
+Brother, she said, I can not tell you, for it was not done by me,
+nor by mine assent.  For he is my lord and I am his, and he must
+be mine husband; therefore, my brother, I will that ye wit I
+shame me not to be with him, nor to do him all the pleasure that
+I can.  Sister, said Sir Gringamore, and I will that ye wit it,
+and Sir Gareth both, that it was never done by me, nor by my
+assent that this unhappy deed was done.  And there they staunched
+his bleeding as well as they might, and great sorrow made Sir
+Gringamore and Dame Lionesse.
+
+And forthwithal came Dame Linet, and took up the head in the
+sight of them all, and anointed it with an ointment thereas it
+was smitten off; and in the same wise she did to the other part
+thereas the head stuck, and then she set it together, and it
+stuck as fast as ever it did.  And the knight arose lightly up,
+and the damosel Linet put him in her chamber.  All this saw Sir
+Gringamore and Dame Lionesse, and so did Sir Gareth; and well he
+espied that it was the damosel Linet, that rode with him through
+the perilous passages.  Ah well, damosel, said Sir Gareth, I
+weened ye would not have done as ye have done.  My lord Gareth,
+said Linet, all that I have done I will avow, and all that I have
+done shall be for your honour and worship, and to us all.  And so
+within a while Sir Gareth was nigh whole, and waxed light and
+jocund, and sang, danced, and gamed; and he and Dame Lionesse
+were so hot in burning love that they made their covenant at the
+tenth night after, that she should come to his bed.  And because
+he was wounded afore, he laid his armour and his sword nigh his
+bed's side.
+
+
+
+<251>
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+How the said knight came again the next night and was beheaded
+again, and how at the feast of Pentecost all the
+knights that Sir Gareth had overcome came and yielded
+them to King Arthur.
+
+RIGHT as she promised she came; and she was not so soon in his
+bed but she espied an armed knight coming toward the bed:
+therewithal she warned Sir Gareth, and lightly through the good
+help of Dame Lionesse he was armed; and they hurtled together
+with great ire and malice all about the hall; and there was great
+light as it had been the number of twenty torches both before and
+behind, so that Sir Gareth strained him, so that his old wound
+brast again a-bleeding; but he was hot and courageous and took no
+keep, but with his great force he struck down that knight, and
+voided his helm, and struck off his head.  Then he hewed the head
+in an hundred pieces.  And when he had done so he took up all
+those pieces, and threw them out at a window into the ditches of
+the castle; and by this done he was so faint that unnethes he
+might stand for bleeding.  And by when he was almost unarmed he
+fell in a deadly swoon on the floor; and then Dame Lionesse cried
+so that Sir Gringamore heard; and when he came and found Sir
+Gareth in that plight he made great sorrow; and there he awaked
+Sir Gareth, and gave him a drink that relieved him wonderly well;
+but the sorrow that Dame Lionesse made there may no tongue tell,
+for she so fared with herself as she would have died.
+
+Right so came this damosel Linet before them all, and she had
+fetched all the gobbets of the head that Sir Gareth had thrown
+out at a window, and there she anointed them as she had done to-
+fore, and set them together again.  Well, damosel Linet, said Sir
+Gareth, I have not deserved all this despite that ye do unto me. 
+Sir knight, she said, I have nothing done but I will avow, and
+all that I have <252>done shall be to your worship, and to us
+all.  And then was Sir Gareth staunched of his bleeding.  But the
+leeches said that there was no man that bare the life should heal
+him throughout of his wound but if they healed him that caused
+that stroke by enchantment.
+
+So leave we Sir Gareth there with Sir Gringamore and his sisters,
+and turn we unto King Arthur, that at the next feast of Pentecost
+held his feast; and there came the Green Knight with fifty
+knights, and yielded them all unto King Arthur.  And so there
+came the Red Knight his brother, and yielded him to King Arthur,
+and three score knights with him.  Also there came the Blue
+Knight, brother to them, with an hundred knights, and yielded
+them unto King Arthur; and the Green Knight's name was Pertolepe,
+and the Red Knight's name was Perimones, and the Blue Knight's
+name was Sir Persant of Inde. These three brethren told King
+Arthur how they were overcome by a knight that a damosel had with
+her, and called him Beaumains.  Jesu, said the king, I marvel
+what knight he is, and of what lineage he is come.  He was with
+me a twelvemonth, and poorly and shamefully he was fostered, and
+Sir Kay in scorn named him Beaumains. So right as the king stood
+so talking with these three brethren, there came Sir Launcelot du
+Lake, and told the king that there was come a goodly lord with
+six hundred knights with him.
+
+Then the king went out of Carlion, for there was the feast, and
+there came to him this lord, and saluted the king in a goodly
+manner.  What will ye, said King Arthur, and what is your errand? 
+Sir, he said, my name is the Red Knight of the Red Launds, but my
+name is Sir Ironside; and sir, wit ye well, here I am sent to you
+of a knight that is called Beaumains, for he won me in plain
+battle hand for hand, and so did never no knight but he, that
+ever had the better of me this thirty winter; the which commanded
+to yield me to you at your will. Ye are welcome, said the king,
+for ye have been long a great foe to me and my court, and now I
+trust to God I shall so entreat you that ye shall be my friend. 
+Sir, both <253>I and these five hundred knights shall always be
+at your summons to do you service as may lie in our powers.  Jesu
+mercy, said King Arthur, I am much beholden unto that knight that
+hath put so his body in devoir to worship me and my court.  And
+as to thee, Ironside, that art called the Red Knight of the Red
+Launds, thou art called a perilous knight; and if thou wilt hold
+of me I shall worship thee and make thee knight of the Table
+Round; but then thou must be no more a murderer.  Sir, as to
+that, I have promised unto Sir Beaumains never more to use such
+customs, for all the shameful customs that I used I did at the
+request of a lady that I loved; and therefore I must go unto Sir
+Launcelot, and unto Sir Gawaine, and ask them forgiveness of the
+evil will I had unto them; for all that I put to death was all
+only for the love of Sir Launcelot and of Sir Gawaine.  They be
+here now, said the king, afore thee, now may ye say to them what
+ye will.  And then he kneeled down unto Sir Launcelot, and to Sir
+Gawaine, and prayed them of forgiveness of his enmity that ever
+he had against them.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+How King Arthur pardoned them, and demanded of them
+where Sir Gareth was.
+
+THEN goodly they said all at once, God forgive you, and we do,
+and pray you that ye will tell us where we may find Sir
+Beaumains.  Fair lords, said Sir Ironside, I cannot tell you, for
+it is full hard to find him; for such young knights as he is one,
+when they be in their adventures be never abiding in no place. 
+But to say the worship that the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and
+Sir Persant and his brother said of Beaumains, it was marvel to
+hear.  Well, my fair lords, said King Arthur, wit you well I
+shall do you honour for the love of Sir Beaumains, and as soon as
+ever I meet with him I shall make you all upon one <254>day
+knights of the Table Round.  And as to thee, Sir Persant of Inde,
+thou hast been ever called a full noble knight, and so have ever
+been thy three brethren called.  But I marvel, said the king,
+that I hear not of the Black Knight your brother, he was a full
+noble knight.  Sir, said Pertolepe, the Green Knight, Sir
+Beaumains slew him in a recounter with his spear, his name was
+Sir Percard.  That was great pity, said the king, and so said
+many knights.  For these four brethren were full well known in
+the court of King Arthur for noble knights, for long time they
+had holden war against the knights of the Round Table.  Then said
+Pertolepe, the Green Knight, to the king:  At a passage of the
+water of Mortaise there encountered Sir Beaumains with two
+brethren that ever for the most part kept that passage, and they
+were two deadly knights, and there he slew the eldest brother in
+the water, and smote him upon the head such a buffet that he fell
+down in the water, and there he was drowned, and his name was Sir
+Gherard le Breusse; and after he slew the other brother upon the
+land, his name was Sir Arnold le Breusse.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV[*3]
+
+
+[*3] In Caxton's edition this chapter is misnumbered XXVI.,
+setting the numeration wrong to the end of the book.
+
+
+How the Queen of Orkney came to this feast of Pentecost, and
+Sir Gawaine and his brethren came to ask her blessing.
+
+So then the king and they went to meat, and were served in the
+best manner.  And as they sat at the meat, there came in the
+Queen of Orkney, with ladies and knights a great number.  And
+then Sir Gawaine, Sir Agravaine, and Gaheris arose, and went to
+her and saluted her upon their knees, and asked her blessing; for
+in fifteen year 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 <255>ye made
+a kitchen knave of him, the which is shame to you all.  Alas,
+where have ye done my dear son that was my joy and bliss?  O dear
+mother, said Sir Gawaine, I knew him not.  Nor I, said the king,
+that now me repenteth, but thanked be God he is proved a
+worshipful knight as any is now living of his years, and I shall
+never be glad till I may find him.
+
+Ah, brother, said the Queen unto King Arthur, and unto Sir
+Gawaine, and to all her sons, ye did yourself great shame when ye
+amongst you kept my son in the kitchen and fed him like a poor
+hog.  Fair sister, said King Arthur, ye shall right well wit I
+knew him not, nor no more did Sir Gawaine, nor his brethren; but
+sithen it is so, said the king, that he is thus gone from us all,
+we must shape a remedy to find him.  Also, sister, meseemeth ye
+might have done me to wit of his coming, and then an I had not
+done well to him ye might have blamed me.  For when he came to
+this court he came leaning upon two men's shoulders, as though he
+might not have gone.  And then he asked me three gifts; and one
+he asked the same day, that was that I would give him meat enough
+that twelvemonth; and the other two gifts he asked that day a
+twelvemonth, and that was that he might have the adventure of the
+damosel Linet, and the third was that Sir Launcelot should make
+him knight when he desired him.  And so I granted him all his
+desire, and many in this court marvelled that he desired his
+sustenance for a twelvemonth.  And thereby, we deemed, many of
+us, that he was not come of a noble house.
+
+Sir, said the Queen of Orkney unto King Arthur her brother, wit
+ye well that I sent him unto you right well armed and horsed, and
+worshipfully beseen of his body, and gold and silver plenty to
+spend.  It may be, said the King, but thereof saw we none, save
+that same day as he departed from us, knights told me that there
+came a dwarf hither suddenly, and brought him armour and a good
+horse full well and richly beseen; and thereat we all had marvel
+from whence that riches came, that we deemed all that he was come
+of men of worship.  Brother, said the <256>queen, all that ye say
+I believe, for ever sithen he was grown he was marvellously
+witted, and ever he was faithful and true of his promise.  But I
+marvel, said she, that Sir Kay did mock him and scorn him, and
+gave him that name Beaumains; yet, Sir Kay, said the queen, named
+him more righteously than he weened; for I dare say an he be
+alive, he is as fair an handed man and well disposed as any is
+living.  Sir, said Arthur, let this language be still, and by the
+grace of God he shall be found an he be within this seven realms,
+and let all this pass and be merry, for he is proved to be a man
+of worship, and that is my joy.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+How King Arthur sent for the Lady Lionesse, and how she
+let cry a tourney at her castle, whereas came many knights.
+
+THEN said Sir Gawaine and his brethren unto Arthur, Sir, an ye
+will give us leave, we will go and seek our brother.  Nay, said
+Sir Launcelot, that shall ye not need; and so said Sir Baudwin of
+Britain: for as by our advice the king shall send unto Dame
+Lionesse a messenger, and pray her that she will come to the
+court in all the haste that she may, and doubt ye not she will
+come; and then she may give you best counsel where ye shall find
+him.  This is well said of you, said the king.  So then goodly
+letters were made, and the messenger sent forth, that night and
+day he went till he came unto the Castle Perilous.  And then the
+lady Dame Lionesse was sent for, thereas she was with Sir
+Gringamore her brother and Sir Gareth.  And when she understood
+this message, she bade him ride on his way unto King Arthur, and
+she would come after in all goodly haste.  Then when she came to
+Sir Gringamore and to Sir Gareth, she told them all how King
+Arthur had sent for her.  That is because of me, said Sir Gareth. 
+Now advise me, said Dame Lionesse, <257>what shall I say, and in
+what manner I shall rule me.  My lady and my love, said Sir
+Gareth, I pray you in no wise be ye aknowen where I am; but well
+I wot my mother is there and all my brethren, and they will take
+upon them to seek me, I wot well that they do.  But this, madam,
+I would ye said and advised the king when he questioned with you
+of me.  Then may ye say, this is your advice that, an it like his
+good grace, ye will do make a cry against the feast of the
+Assumption of our Lady, that what knight there proveth him best
+he shall wield you and all your land.  And if so be that he be a
+wedded man, that his wife shall have the degree, and a coronal of
+gold beset with stones of virtue to the value of a thousand
+pound, and a white gerfalcon.
+
+So Dame Lionesse departed and came to King Arthur, where she was
+nobly received, and there she was sore questioned of the king and
+of the Queen of Orkney.  And she answered, where Sir Gareth was
+she could not tell.  But thus much she said unto Arthur:  Sir, I
+will let cry a tournament that shall be done before my castle at
+the Assumption of our Lady, and the cry shall be this: that you,
+my lord Arthur, shall be there, and your knights, and I will
+purvey that my knights shall be against yours; and then I am sure
+ye shall hear of Sir Gareth.  This is well advised, said King
+Arthur; and so she departed.  And the king and she made great
+provision to that tournament.
+
+When Dame Lionesse was come to the Isle of Avilion, that was the
+same isle thereas her brother Sir Gringamore dwelt, then she told
+them all how she had done, and what promise she had made to King
+Arthur.  Alas, said Sir Gareth, I have been so wounded with
+unhappiness sithen I came into this castle that I shall not be
+able to do at that tournament like a knight; for I was never
+thoroughly whole since I was hurt.  Be ye of good cheer, said the
+damosel Linet, for I undertake within these fifteen days to make
+ye whole, and as lusty as ever ye were.  And then she laid an
+ointment and a salve to him as it pleased to her, that he was
+never so fresh nor so lusty.  Then said <258>the damosel Linet: 
+Send you unto Sir Persant of Inde, and assummon him and his
+knights to be here with you as they have promised.  Also, that ye
+send unto Sir Ironside, that is the Red Knight of the Red Launds,
+and charge him that he be ready with you with his whole sum of
+knights, and then shall ye be able to match with King Arthur and
+his knights.  So this was done, and all knights were sent for
+unto the Castle Perilous; and then the Red Knight answered and
+said unto Dame Lionesse, and to Sir Gareth, Madam, and my lord
+Sir Gareth, ye shall understand that I have been at the court of
+King Arthur, and Sir Persant of Inde and his brethren, and there
+we have done our homage as ye commanded us.  Also Sir Ironside
+said, I have taken upon me with Sir Persant of Inde and his
+brethren to hold part against my lord Sir Launcelot and the
+knights of that court.  And this have I done for the love of my
+lady Dame Lionesse, and you my lord Sir Gareth.  Ye have well
+done, said Sir Gareth; but wit you well ye shall be full sore
+matched with the most noble knights of the world; therefore we
+must purvey us of good knights, where we may get them.  That is
+well said, said Sir Persant, and worshipfully.
+
+And so the cry was made in England, Wales, and Scotland, Ireland,
+Cornwall, and in all the Out Isles, and in Brittany and in many
+countries; that at the feast of our Lady the Assumption next
+coming, men should come to the Castle Perilous beside the Isle of
+Avilion; and there all the knights that there came should have
+the choice whether them list to be on the one party with the
+knights of the castle, or on the other party with King Arthur. 
+And two months was to the day that the tournament should be.  And
+so there came many good knights that were at their large, and
+held them for the most part against King Arthur and his knights
+of the Round Table and came in the side of them of the castle. 
+For Sir Epinogrus was the first, and he was the king's son of
+Northumberland, and Sir Palamides the Saracen was another, and
+Sir Safere his brother, and Sir Segwarides his brother, but they
+were christened, and Sir Malegrine <259>another, and Sir Brian de
+les Isles, a noble knight, and Sir Grummore Grummursum, a good
+knight of Scotland, and Sir Carados of the dolorous tower, a
+noble knight, and Sir Turquine his brother, and Sir Arnold and
+Sir Gauter, two brethren, good knights of Cornwall.  There came
+Sir Tristram de Liones, and with him Sir Dinas, the Seneschal,
+and Sir Sadok; but this Sir Tristram was not at that time knight
+of the Table Round, but he was one of the best knights of the
+world.  And so all these noble knights accompanied them with the
+lady of the castle, and with the Red Knight of the Red Launds;
+but as for Sir Gareth, he would not take upon him more but as
+other mean knights.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+How King Arthur went to the tournament with his knights,
+and how the lady received him worshipfully, and how
+the knights encountered.
+
+AND then there came with King Arthur Sir Gawaine, Agravaine,
+Gaheris, his brethren.  And then his nephews Sir Uwaine le
+Blanchemains, and Sir Aglovale, Sir Tor, Sir Percivale de Galis,
+and Sir Lamorak de Galis.  Then came Sir Launcelot du Lake with
+his brethren, nephews, and cousins, as Sir Lionel, Sir Ector de
+Maris, Sir Bors de Ganis, and Sir Galihodin, Sir Galihud, and
+many more of Sir Launcelot's blood, and Sir Dinadan, Sir La Cote
+Male Taile, his brother, a good knight, and Sir Sagramore, a good
+knight; and all the most part of the Round Table.  Also there
+came with King Arthur these knights, the King of Ireland, King
+Agwisance, and the King of Scotland, King Carados and King Uriens
+of the land of Gore, and King Bagdemagus and his son Sir
+Meliaganus, and Sir Galahault the noble prince.  All these kings,
+princes, and earls, barons, and other noble knights, as Sir
+Brandiles, Sir Uwaine les Avoutres, and Sir Kay, Sir Bedivere,
+Sir Meliot <260>de Logres, Sir Petipase of Winchelsea, Sir
+Godelake: all these came with King Arthur, and more that cannot
+be rehearsed.
+
+Now leave we of these kings and knights, and let us speak of the
+great array that was made within the castle and about the castle
+for both parties.  The Lady Dame Lionesse ordained great array
+upon her part for her noble knights, for all manner of lodging
+and victual that came by land and by water, that there lacked
+nothing for her party, nor for the other, but there was plenty to
+be had for gold and silver for King Arthur and his knights.  And
+then there came the harbingers from King Arthur for to harbour
+him, and his kings, dukes, earls, barons, and knights.  And then
+Sir Gareth prayed Dame Lionesse and the Red Knight of the Red
+Launds, and Sir Persant and his brother, and Sir Gringamore, that
+in no wise there should none of them tell not his name, and make
+no more of him than of the least knight that there was, For, he
+said, I will not be known of neither more nor less, neither at
+the beginning neither at the ending.  Then Dame Lionesse said
+unto Sir Gareth: Sir, I will lend you a ring, but I would pray
+you as you love me heartily let me have it again when the
+tournament is done, for that ring increaseth my beauty much more
+than it is of himself.  And the virtue of my ring is that, that
+is green it will turn to red, and that is red it will turn in
+likeness to green, and that is blue it will turn to likeness of
+white, and that is white it will turn in likeness to blue, and so
+it will do of all manner of colours.  Also who that beareth my
+ring shall lose no blood, and for great love I will give you this
+ring.  Gramercy, said Sir Gareth, mine own lady, for this ring is
+passing meet for me, for it will turn all manner of likeness that
+I am in, and that shall cause me that I shall not be known.  Then
+Sir Gringamore gave Sir Gareth a bay courser that was a passing
+good horse; also he gave him good armour and sure, and a noble
+sword that sometime Sir Gringamore's father won upon an heathen
+tyrant.  And so thus every knight made him ready to that
+tournament.  And King Arthur was come two days to-fore the
+<261>Assumption of our Lady.  And there was all manner of royalty
+of all minstrelsy that might be found.  Also there came Queen
+Guenever and the Queen of Orkney, Sir Gareth's mother.
+
+And upon the Assumption Day, when mass and matins were done,
+there were heralds with trumpets commanded to blow to the field. 
+And so there came out Sir Epinogrus, the king's son of
+Northumberland, from the castle, and there encountered with him
+Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and either of them brake their spears
+to their hands.  And then came in Sir Palamides out of the
+castle, and there encountered with him Gawaine, and either of
+them smote other so hard that both the good knights and their
+horses fell to the earth.  And then knights of either party
+rescued their knights.  And then came in Sir Safere and Sir
+Segwarides, brethren to Sir Palamides; and there encountered Sir
+Agravaine with Sir Safere and Sir Gaheris encountered with Sir
+Segwarides.  So Sir Safere smote down Agravaine, Sir Gawaine's
+brother; and Sir Segwarides, Sir Safere's brother.  And Sir
+Malegrine, a knight of the castle, encountered with Sir Uwaine le
+Blanchemains, and there Sir Uwaine gave Sir Malegrine a fall,
+that he had almost broke his neck.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+How the knights bare them in the battle.
+
+THEN Sir Brian de les Isles and Grummore Grummursum, knights of
+the castle, encountered with Sir Aglovale, and Sir Tor smote down
+Sir Grummore Grummursum to the earth.  Then came in Sir Carados
+of the dolorous tower, and Sir Turquine, knights of the castle;
+and there encountered with them Sir Percivale de Galis and Sir
+Lamorak de Galis, that were two brethren.  And there encountered
+Sir Percivale with Sir Carados, and either brake their spears
+unto their hands, and then Sir Turquine with Sir Lamorak, and
+either of them smote down other's horse and all to the
+<262>earth, and either parties rescued other, and horsed them
+again.  And Sir Arnold and Sir Gauter, knights of the castle,
+encountered with Sir Brandiles and Sir Kay, and these four
+knights encountered mightily, and brake their spears to their
+hands.  Then came in Sir Tristram, Sir Sadok, and Sir Dinas,
+knights of the castle, and there encountered Sir Tristram with
+Sir Bedivere, and there Sir Bedivere was smitten to the earth
+both horse and man.  And Sir Sadok encountered with Sir Petipase,
+and there Sir Sadok was overthrown.  And there Uwaine les
+Avoutres smote down Sir Dinas, the Seneschal.  Then came in Sir
+Persant of Inde, a knight of the castle, and there encountered
+with him Sir Launcelot du Lake, and there he smote Sir Persant,
+horse and man, to the earth.  Then came Sir Pertolepe from the
+castle, and there encountered with him Sir Lionel, and there Sir
+Pertolepe, the Green Knight, smote down Sir Lionel, brother to
+Sir Launcelot.  All this was marked by noble heralds, who bare
+him best, and their names.
+
+And then came into the field Sir Perimones, the Red Knight, Sir
+Persant's brother, that was a knight of the castle, and he
+encountered with Sir Ector de Maris, and either smote other so
+hard that both their horses and they fell to the earth.  And then
+came in the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and Sir Gareth, from
+the castle, and there encountered with them Sir Bors de Ganis and
+Sir Bleoberis, and there the Red Knight and Sir Bors [either]
+smote other so hard that their spears brast, and their horses
+fell grovelling to the earth.  Then Sir Bleoberis brake his spear
+upon Sir Gareth, but of that stroke Sir Bleoberis fell to the
+earth.  When Sir Galihodin saw that he bade Sir Gareth keep him,
+and Sir Gareth smote him to the earth.  Then Sir Galihud gat a
+spear to avenge his brother, and in the same wise Sir Gareth
+served him, and Sir Dinadan and his brother, La Cote Male Taile,
+and Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and Sir Dodinas le Savage.  All
+these he bare down with one spear.
+
+When King Agwisance of Ireland saw Sir Gareth fare so, he
+marvelled what he might be that one time seemed <263>green, and
+another time, at his again coming, he seemed blue.  And thus at
+every course that he rode to and fro he changed his colour, so
+that there might neither king nor knight have ready cognisance of
+him.  Then Sir Agwisance, the King of Ireland, encountered with
+Sir Gareth, and there Sir Gareth smote him from his horse, saddle
+and all.  And then came King Carados of Scotland, and Sir Gareth
+smote him down horse and man.  And in the same wise he served
+King Uriens of the land of Gore.  And then came in Sir
+Bagdemagus, and Sir Gareth smote him down, horse and man, to the
+earth.  And Bagdemagus' son, Meliganus, brake a spear upon Sir
+Gareth mightily and knightly.  And then Sir Galahault, the noble
+prince, cried on high:  Knight with the many colours, well hast
+thou jousted; now make thee ready that I may joust with thee. 
+Sir Gareth heard him, and he gat a great spear, and so they
+encountered together, and there the prince brake his spear; but
+Sir Gareth smote him upon the left side of the helm that he
+reeled here and there, and he had fallen down had not his men
+recovered him.
+
+So God me help, said King Arthur, that same knight with the many
+colours is a good knight.  Wherefore the king called unto him Sir
+Launcelot, and prayed him to encounter with that knight.  Sir,
+said Launcelot, I may well find in my heart for to forbear him as
+at this time, for he hath had travail enough this day; and when a
+good knight doth so well upon some day, it is no good knight's
+part to let him of his worship, and namely, when he seeth a
+knight hath done so great labour; for peradventure, said Sir
+Launcelot, his quarrel is here this day, and peradventure he is
+best beloved with this lady of all that be here; for I see well
+he paineth him and enforceth him to do great deeds, and
+therefore, said Sir Launcelot, as for me, this day he shall have
+the honour; though it lay in my power to put him from it I would
+not.
+
+
+
+<264>
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+Yet of the said tournament.
+
+THEN when this was done there was drawing of swords, and then
+there began a sore tournament.  And there did Sir Lamorak
+marvellous deeds of arms; and betwixt Sir Lamorak and Sir
+Ironside, that was the Red Knight of the Red Launds, there was
+strong battle; and betwixt Sir Palamides and Bleoberis there was
+a strong battle; and Sir Gawaine and Sir Tristram met, and there
+Sir Gawaine had the worse, for he pulled Sir Gawaine from his
+horse, and there he was long upon foot, and defouled. Then came
+in Sir Launcelot, and he smote Sir Turquine, and he him; and then
+came Sir Carados his brother, and both at once they assailed him,
+and he as the most noblest knight of the world worshipfully
+fought with them both, that all men wondered of the noblesse of
+Sir Launcelot. And then came in Sir Gareth, and knew that it was
+Sir Launcelot that fought with the two perilous knights. And then
+Sir Gareth came with his good horse and hurtled them in-sunder,
+and no stroke would he smite to Sir Launcelot.  That espied Sir
+Launcelot, and deemed it should be the good knight Sir Gareth:
+and then Sir Gareth rode here and there, and smote on the right
+hand and on the left hand, and all the folk might well espy where
+that he rode.  And by fortune he met with his brother Sir
+Gawaine, and there he put Sir Gawaine to the worse, for he put
+off his helm, and so he served five or six knights of the Round
+Table, that all men said he put him in the most pain, and best he
+did his devoir.  For when Sir Tristram beheld him how he first
+jousted and after fought so well with a sword, then he rode unto
+Sir Ironside and to Sir Persant of Inde, and asked them, by their
+faith, What manner a knight is yonder knight that seemeth in so
+many divers colours?  Truly, meseemeth, said Tristram, that he
+putteth himself in great pain, for he <265>never ceaseth.  Wot ye
+not what he is? said Sir Ironside.  No, said Sir Tristram.  Then
+shall ye know that this is he that loveth the lady of the castle,
+and she him again; and this is he that won me when I besieged the
+lady of this castle, and this is he that won Sir Persant of Inde,
+and his three brethren.  What is his name, said Sir Tristram, and
+of what blood is he come?  He was called in the court of King
+Arthur, Beaumains, but his right name is Sir Gareth of Orkney,
+brother to Sir Gawaine.  By my head, said Sir Tristram, he is a
+good knight, and a big man of arms, and if he be young he shall
+prove a full noble knight.  He is but a child, they all said, and
+of Sir Launcelot he was made knight.  Therefore he is mickle the
+better, said Tristram.  And then Sir Tristram, Sir Ironside, Sir
+Persant, and his brother, rode together for to help Sir Gareth;
+and then there were given many strong strokes.
+
+And then Sir Gareth rode out on the one side to amend his helm;
+and then said his dwarf:  Take me your ring, that ye lose it not
+while that ye drink.  And so when he had drunk he gat on his
+helm, and eagerly took his horse and rode into the field, and
+left his ring with his dwarf; and the dwarf was glad the ring was
+from him, for then he wist well he should be known.  And then
+when Sir Gareth was in the field all folks saw him well and
+plainly that he was in yellow colours; and there he rased off
+helms and pulled down knights, that King Arthur had marvel what
+knight he was, for the king saw by his hair that it was the same
+knight.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+How Sir Gareth was espied by the heralds, and how he
+escaped out of the field.
+
+BUT before he was in so many colours, and now he is but in one
+colour; that is yellow.  Now go, said King Arthur <266>unto
+divers heralds, and ride about him, and espy what manner knight
+he is, for I have spered of many knights this day that be upon
+his party, and all say they know him not.  And so an herald rode
+nigh Gareth as he could; and there he saw written about his helm
+in gold, This helm is Sir Gareth of Orkney.  Then the herald
+cried as he were wood, and many heralds with him:--This is Sir
+Gareth of Orkney in the yellow arms; wherby[*4] all kings and
+knights of Arthur's beheld him and awaited; and then they pressed
+all to behold him, and ever the heralds cried:  This is Sir
+Gareth of Orkney, King Lot's son.  And when Sir Gareth espied
+that he was discovered, then he doubled his strokes, and smote
+down Sir Sagramore, and his brother Sir Gawaine.  O brother, said
+Sir Gawaine, I weened ye would not have stricken me.
+
+
+[*4] So W. de Worde; Caxton ``that by.''
+
+
+
+So when he heard him say so he thrang here and there, and so with
+great pain he gat out of the press, and there he met with his
+dwarf.  O boy, said Sir Gareth, thou hast beguiled me foul this
+day that thou kept my ring; give it me anon again, that I may
+hide my body withal; and so he took it him.  And then they all
+wist not where he was become; and Sir Gawaine had in manner
+espied where Sir Gareth rode, and then he rode after with all his
+might.  That espied Sir Gareth, and rode lightly into the forest,
+that Sir Gawaine wist not where he was become.  And when Sir
+Gareth wist that Sir Gawaine was passed, he asked the dwarf of
+best counsel.  Sir, said the dwarf, meseemeth it were best, now
+that ye are escaped from spying, that ye send my lady Dame
+Lionesse her ring.  It is well advised, said Sir Gareth; now have
+it here and bear it to her, and say that I recommend me unto her
+good grace, and say her I will come when I may, and I pray her to
+be true and faithful to me as I will be to her.  Sir, said the
+dwarf, it shall be done as ye command: and so he rode his way,
+and did his errand unto the lady.  Then she said, Where is my
+knight, Sir Gareth?  Madam, said the dwarf, he bade me say that
+he would not be long from you.  And so lightly the dwarf came
+again unto Sir Gareth, that would full fain <267>have had a
+lodging, for he had need to be reposed.  And then fell there a
+thunder and a rain, as heaven and earth should go together.  And
+Sir Gareth was not a little weary, for of all that day he had but
+little rest, neither his horse nor he.  So this Sir Gareth rode
+so long in that forest until the night came.  And ever it
+lightened and thundered, as it had been wood.  At the last by
+fortune he came to a castle, and there he heard the waits upon
+the walls.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+How Sir Gareth came to a castle where he was well lodged,
+and he jousted with a knight and slew him.
+
+THEN Sir Gareth rode unto the barbican of the castle, and prayed
+the porter fair to let him into the castle.  The porter answered
+ungoodly again, and said, Thou gettest no lodging here.  Fair
+sir, say not so, for I am a knight of King Arthur's, and pray the
+lord or the lady of this castle to give me harbour for the love
+of King Arthur.  Then the porter went unto the duchess, and told
+her how there was a knight of King Arthur's would have harbour. 
+Let him in, said the duchess, for I will see that knight, and for
+King Arthur's sake he shall not be harbourless.  Then she yode up
+into a tower over the gate, with great torchlight.
+
+When Sir Gareth saw that torch-light he cried on high:  Whether
+thou be lord or lady, giant or champion, I take no force so that
+I may have harbour this night; and if it so be that I must needs
+fight, spare me not to-morn when I have rested me, for both I and
+mine horse be weary.  Sir knight, said the lady, thou speakest
+knightly and boldly; but wit thou well the lord of this castle
+loveth not King Arthur, nor none of his court, for my lord hath
+ever been against him; and therefore thou were better not to come
+within this castle; for an thou come in this night, thou must
+come in under such form, that wheresomever <268>thou meet my
+lord, by stigh or by street, thou must yield thee to him as
+prisoner.  Madam, said Sir Gareth, what is your lord, and what is
+his name?  Sir, my lord's name is the Duke de la Rowse.  Well
+madam, said Sir Gareth, I shall promise you in what place I meet
+your lord I shall yield me unto him and to his good grace; with
+that I understand he will do me no harm: and if I understand that
+he will, I will release myself an I can with my spear and my
+sword.  Ye say well, said the duchess; and then she let the
+drawbridge down, and so he rode into the hall, and there he
+alighted, and his horse was led into a stable; and in the hall he
+unarmed him and said, Madam, I will not out of this hall this
+night; and when it is daylight, let see who will have ado with
+me, he shall find me ready.  Then was he set unto supper, and had
+many good dishes.  Then Sir Gareth list well to eat, and knightly
+he ate his meat, and eagerly; there was many a fair lady by him,
+and some said they never saw a goodlier man nor so well of
+eating.  Then they made him passing good cheer, and shortly when
+he had supped his bed was made there; so he rested him all night.
+
+And on the morn he heard mass, and brake his fast and took his
+leave at the duchess, and at them all; and thanked her goodly of
+her lodging, and of his good cheer; and then she asked him his
+name.  Madam, he said, truly my name is Gareth of Orkney, and
+some men call me Beaumains.  Then knew she well it was the same
+knight that fought for Dame Lionesse.  So Sir Gareth departed and
+rode up into a mountain, and there met him a knight, his name was
+Sir Bendelaine, and said to Sir Gareth:  Thou shalt not pass this
+way, for either thou shalt joust with me, or else be my prisoner. 
+Then will I joust, said Sir Gareth.  And so they let their horses
+run, and there Sir Gareth smote him throughout the body; and Sir
+Bendelaine rode forth to his castle there beside, and there died. 
+So Sir Gareth would have rested him, and he came riding to
+Bendelaine's castle.  Then his knights and servants espied that
+it was he that had slain their lord.  Then they armed twenty good
+men, and <269>came out and assailed Sir Gareth; and so he had no
+spear, but his sword, and put his shield afore him; and there
+they brake their spears upon him, and they assailed him passingly
+sore.  But ever Sir Gareth defended him as a knight.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII
+
+How Sir Gareth fought with a knight that held within his
+castle thirty ladies, and how he slew him.
+
+SO when they saw that they might not overcome him, they rode from
+him, and took their counsel to slay his horse; and so they came
+in upon Sir Gareth, and with spears they slew his horse, and then
+they assailed him hard.  But when he was on foot, there was none
+that he fought but he gave him such a buffet that he did never
+recover.  So he slew them by one and one till they were but four,
+and there they fled; and Sir Gareth took a good horse that was
+one of theirs, and rode his way.
+
+Then he rode a great pace till that he came to a castle, and
+there he heard much mourning of ladies and gentlewomen.  So there
+came by him a page.  What noise is this, said Sir Gareth, that I
+hear within this castle?  Sir knight, said the page, here be
+within this castle thirty ladies, and all they be widows; for
+here is a knight that waiteth daily upon this castle, and his
+name is the Brown Knight without Pity, and he is the periloust
+knight that now liveth; and therefore sir, said the page, I rede
+you flee.  Nay, said Sir Gareth, I will not flee though thou be
+afeard of him.  And then the page saw where came the Brown
+Knight:  Lo, said the page, yonder he cometh.  Let me deal with
+him, said Sir Gareth.  And when either of other had a sight they
+let their horses run, and the Brown Knight brake his spear, and
+Sir Gareth smote him throughout the body, that he overthrew him
+to the ground stark dead.  So Sir Gareth rode into the castle,
+and prayed the ladies that he might repose him.  Alas, said the
+ladies, <270>ye may not be lodged here.  Make him good cheer,
+said the page, for this knight hath slain your enemy.  Then they
+all made him good cheer as lay in their power.  But wit ye well
+they made him good cheer, for they might none otherwise do, for
+they were but poor.
+
+And so on the morn he went to mass, and there he saw the thirty
+ladies kneel, and lay grovelling upon divers tombs, making great
+dole and sorrow.  Then Sir Gareth wist well that in the tombs lay
+their lords.  Fair ladies, said Sir Gareth, ye must at the next
+feast of Pentecost be at the court of King Arthur, and say that
+I, Sir Gareth, sent you thither.  We shall do this, said the
+ladies.  So he departed, and by fortune he came to a mountain,
+and there he found a goodly knight that bade him, Abide sir
+knight, and joust with me.  What are ye? said Sir Gareth.  My
+name is, said he, the Duke de la Rowse.  Ah sir, ye are the same
+knight that I lodged once in your castle; and there I made
+promise unto your lady that I should yield me unto you.  Ah, said
+the duke, art thou that proud knight that profferest to fight
+with my knights; therefore make thee ready, for I will have ado
+with you.  So they let their horses run, and there Sir Gareth
+smote the duke down from his horse.  But the duke lightly avoided
+his horse, and dressed his shield and drew his sword, and bade
+Sir Gareth alight and fight with him.  So he did alight, and they
+did great battle together more than an hour, and either hurt
+other full sore.  At the last Sir Gareth gat the duke to the
+earth, and would have slain him, and then he yield him to him. 
+Then must ye go, said Sir Gareth, unto Sir Arthur my lord at the
+next feast, and say that I, Sir Gareth of Orkney, sent you unto
+him.  It shall be done, said the duke, and I will do to you
+homage and fealty with an hundred knights with me; and all the
+days of my life to do you service where ye will command me.
+
+
+
+<272>
+CHAPTER XXXIII
+
+How Sir Gareth and Sir Gawaine fought each against other,
+and how they knew each other by the damosel Linet.
+
+SO the duke departed, and Sir Gareth stood there alone; and there
+he saw an armed knight coming toward him.  Then Sir Gareth took
+the duke's shield, and mounted upon horseback, and so without
+biding they ran together as it had been the thunder.  And there
+that knight hurt Sir Gareth under the side with his spear.  And
+then they alighted and drew their swords, and gave great strokes
+that the blood trailed to the ground.  And so they fought two
+hours.
+
+At the last there came the damosel Linet, that some men called
+the damosel Savage, and she came riding upon an ambling mule; and
+there she cried all on high, Sir Gawaine, Sir Gawaine, leave thy
+fighting with thy brother Sir Gareth.  And when he heard her say
+so he threw away his shield and his sword, and ran to Sir Gareth,
+and took him in his arms, and sithen kneeled down and asked him
+mercy.  What are ye, said Sir Gareth, that right now were so
+strong and so mighty, and now so suddenly yield you to me?  O
+Gareth, I am your brother Sir Gawaine, that for your sake have
+had great sorrow and labour.  Then Sir Gareth unlaced his helm,
+and kneeled down to him, and asked him mercy.  Then they rose
+both, and embraced either other in their arms, and wept a great
+while or they might speak, and either of them gave other the
+prize of the battle.  And there were many kind words between
+them.  Alas, my fair brother, said Sir Gawaine, perdy I owe of
+right to worship you an ye were not my brother, for ye have
+worshipped King Arthur and all his court, for ye have sent
+him[*5] more worshipful knights this twelvemonth than six the
+best of the Round Table have done, except Sir Launcelot.
+
+
+[*5] So W. de Worde; Caxton ``me.''
+
+
+<272>
+
+Then came the damosel Savage that was the Lady Linet, that rode
+with Sir Gareth so long, and there she did staunch Sir Gareth's
+wounds and Sir Gawaine's.  Now what will ye do? said the damosel
+Savage; meseemeth that it were well done that Arthur had witting
+of you both, for your horses are so bruised that they may not
+bear.  Now, fair damosel, said Sir Gawaine, I pray you ride unto
+my lord mine uncle, King Arthur, and tell him what adventure is
+to me betid here, and I suppose he will not tarry long.  Then she
+took her mule, and lightly she came to King Arthur that was but
+two mile thence.  And when she had told him tidings the king bade
+get him a palfrey.  And when he was upon his back he bade the
+lords and ladies come after, who that would; and there was
+saddling and bridling of queens' horses and princes' horses, and
+well was him that soonest might be ready.
+
+So when the king came thereas they were, he saw Sir Gawaine and
+Sir Gareth sit upon a little hill-side, and then the king avoided
+his horse.  And when he came nigh Sir Gareth he would have spoken
+but he might not; and therewith he sank down in a swoon for
+gladness.  And so they stert unto their uncle, and required him
+of his good grace to be of good comfort.  Wit ye well the king
+made great joy, and many a piteous complaint he made to Sir
+Gareth, and ever he wept as he had been a child.  With that came
+his mother, the Queen of Orkney, Dame Morgawse, and when she saw
+Sir Gareth readily in the visage she might not weep, but suddenly
+fell down in a swoon, and lay there a great while like as she had
+been dead.  And then Sir Gareth recomforted his mother in such
+wise that she recovered and made good cheer.  Then the king
+commanded that all manner of knights that were under his
+obeissance should make their lodging right there for the love of
+his nephews.  And so it was done, and all manner of purveyance
+purveyed, that there lacked nothing that might be gotten of tame
+nor wild for gold or silver.  And then by the means of the
+damosel Savage Sir Gawaine and Sir Gareth were healed of their
+wounds; and there they sojourned eight days.
+
+<273>
+Then said King Arthur unto the damosel Savage:  I marvel that
+your sister, Dame Lionesse, cometh not here to me, and in
+especial that she cometh not to visit her knight, my nephew Sir
+Gareth, that hath had so much travail for her love.  My lord,
+said the damosel Linet, ye must of your good grace hold her
+excused, for she knoweth not that my lord, Sir Gareth, is here. 
+Go then for her, said King Arthur, that we may be appointed what
+is best to be done, according to the pleasure of my nephew.  Sir,
+said the damosel, that shall be done, and so she rode unto her
+sister.  And as lightly as she might she made her ready; and she
+came on the morn with her brother Sir Gringamore, and with her
+forty knights.  And so when she was come she had all the cheer
+that might be done, both of the king, and of many other kings and
+queens.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV
+
+How Sir Gareth acknowledged that they loved each other
+to King Arthur, and of the appointment of their wedding.
+
+AND among all these ladies she was named the fairest, and
+peerless.  Then when Sir Gawaine saw her there was many a goodly
+look and goodly words, that all men of worship had joy to behold
+them.  Then came King Arthur and many other kings, and Dame
+Guenever, and the Queen of Orkney.  And there the king asked his
+nephew, Sir Gareth, whether he would have that lady as paramour,
+or to have her to his wife.  My lord, wit you well that I love
+her above all ladies living.  Now, fair lady, said King Arthur,
+what say ye?  Most noble King, said Dame Lionesse, wit you well
+that my lord, Sir Gareth, is to me more liefer to have and wield
+as my husband, than any king or prince that is christened; and if
+I may not have him I promise you I will never have none.  For, my
+lord Arthur, said Dame Lionesse, wit ye well he is my first love,
+and he shall be the last; and if ye will suffer him to <274>have
+his will and free choice I dare say he will have me.  That is
+truth, said Sir Gareth; an I have not you and wield not you as my
+wife, there shall never lady nor gentlewoman rejoice me.  What,
+nephew, said the king, is the wind in that door? for wit ye well
+I would not for the stint of my crown to be causer to withdraw
+your hearts; and wit ye well ye cannot love so well but I shall
+rather increase it than distress it.  And also ye shall have my
+love and my lordship in the uttermost wise that may lie in my
+power.  And in the same wise said Sir Gareth's mother.
+
+Then there was made a provision for the day of marriage; and by
+the king's advice it was provided that it should be at Michaelmas
+following, at Kink Kenadon by the seaside, for there is a
+plentiful country.  And so it was cried in all the places through
+the realm.  And then Sir Gareth sent his summons to all these
+knights and ladies that he had won in battle to-fore, that they
+should be at his day of marriage at Kink Kenadon by the sands. 
+And then Dame Lionesse, and the damosel Linet with Sir
+Gringamore, rode to their castle; and a goodly and a rich ring
+she gave to Sir Gareth, and he gave her another.  And King Arthur
+gave her a rich pair of beads[*6] of gold; and so she departed;
+and King Arthur and his fellowship rode toward Kink Kenadon, and
+Sir Gareth brought his lady on the way, and so came to the king
+again and rode with him.  Lord! the great cheer that Sir
+Launcelot made of Sir Gareth and he of him, for there was never
+no knight that Sir Gareth loved so well as he did Sir Launcelot;
+and ever for the most part he would be in Sir Launcelot's
+company; for after Sir Gareth had espied Sir Gawaine's
+conditions, he withdrew himself from his brother, Sir Gawaine's,
+fellowship, for he was vengeable, and where he hated he would be
+avenged with murder, and that hated Sir Gareth.
+
+
+[*6] So W. de Worde; Caxton ``bee.''
+
+
+<275>
+CHAPTER XXXV
+
+Of the Great Royalty, and what officers were made at the
+feast of the wedding, and of the jousts at the feast.
+
+SO it drew fast to Michaelmas; and thither came Dame Lionesse,
+the lady of the Castle Perilous, and her sister, Dame Linet, with
+Sir Gringamore, her brother, with them for he had the conduct of
+these ladies.  And there they were lodged at the device of King
+Arthur.  And upon Michaelmas Day the Bishop of Canterbury made
+the wedding betwixt Sir Gareth and the Lady Lionesse with great
+solemnity.  And King Arthur made Gaheris to wed the Damosel
+Savage, that was Dame Linet; and King Arthur made Sir Agravaine
+to wed Dame Lionesse's niece, a fair lady, her name was Dame
+Laurel.
+
+And so when this solemnization was done, then came in the Green
+Knight, Sir Pertolepe, with thirty knights, and there he did
+homage and fealty to Sir Gareth, and these knights to hold of him
+for evermore.  Also Sir Pertolepe said:  I pray you that at this
+feast I may be your chamberlain.  With a good will, said Sir
+Gareth sith it liketh you to take so simple an office.  Then came
+in the Red Knight, with three score knights with him, and did to
+Sir Gareth homage and fealty, and all those knights to hold of
+him for evermore.  And then this Sir Perimones prayed Sir Gareth
+to grant him to be his chief butler at that high feast.  I will
+well, said Sir Gareth, that ye have this office, and it were
+better.  Then came in Sir Persant of Inde, with an hundred
+knights with him, and there he did homage and fealty, and all his
+knights should do him service, and hold their lands of him for
+ever; and there he prayed Sir Gareth to make him his sewer-chief
+at the feast.  I will well, said Sir Gareth, that ye have it and
+it were better.  Then came the Duke de la Rowse with an hundred
+knights with him, and there he did homage and fealty to Sir
+Gareth, and so to hold their <276>lands of him for ever.  And he
+required Sir Gareth that he might serve him of the wine that day
+of that feast.  I will well, said Sir Gareth, and it were better. 
+Then came in the Red Knight of the Red Launds, that was Sir
+Ironside, and he brought with him three hundred knights, and
+there he did homage and fealty, and all these knights to hold
+their lands of him for ever.  And then he asked Sir Gareth to be
+his carver.  I will well, said Sir Gareth, an it please you.
+
+Then came into the court thirty ladies, and all they seemed
+widows, and those thirty ladies brought with them many fair
+gentlewomen.  And all they kneeled down at once unto King Arthur
+and unto Sir Gareth, and there all those ladies told the king how
+Sir Gareth delivered them from the dolorous tower, and slew the
+Brown Knight without Pity:  And therefore we, and our heirs for
+evermore, will do homage unto Sir Gareth of Orkney.  So then the
+kings and queens, princes and earls, barons and many bold
+knights, went unto meat; and well may ye wit there were all
+manner of meat plenteously, all manner revels and games, with all
+manner of minstrelsy that was used in those days.  Also there was
+great jousts three days.  But the king would not suffer Sir
+Gareth to joust, because of his new bride; for, as the French
+book saith, that Dame Lionesse desired of the king that none that
+were wedded should joust at that feast.
+
+So the first day there jousted Sir Lamorak de Galis, for he
+overthrew thirty knights, and did passing marvellously deeds of
+arms; and then King Arthur made Sir Persant and his two brethren
+Knights of the Round Table to their lives' end, and gave them
+great lands.  Also the second day there jousted Tristram best,
+and he overthrew forty knights, and did there marvellous deeds of
+arms.  And there King Arthur made Ironside, that was the Red
+Knight of the Red Launds, a Knight of the Table Round to his
+life's end, and gave him great lands.  The third day there
+jousted Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he overthrew fifty knights,
+and did many marvellous deeds of arms, that all men wondered on
+him.  And there King Arthur <277>made the Duke de la Rowse a
+Knight of the Round Table to his life's end, and gave him great
+lands to spend.  But when these jousts were done, Sir Lamorak and
+Sir Tristram departed suddenly, and would not be known, for the
+which King Arthur and all the court were sore displeased.  And 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.
+
+
+Thus endeth this tale of Sir Gareth of Orkney that
+wedded Dame Lionesse of the Castle Perilous.
+And also Sir Gaheris wedded her sister, Dame
+Linet, that was called the Damosel Sabage.  And
+Sir Agrabaine wedded Dame Laurel, a fair lady
+and great, and mighty lands with great riches gave
+with them King Arthur, that royally they might
+live till their lives' end.
+
+Here followeth the viii. book, the which is the first
+book of Sir Tristram de Liones, and who was
+his father and his mother, and how he was born
+and fostered, and how he was made knight.
+
+
+
+BOOK VIII
+CHAPTER I
+
+How Sir Tristram de Liones was born, and how his mother
+died at his birth, wherefore she named him Tristram.
+
+IT was a king that hight Meliodas, and he was lord and king of
+the country of Liones, and this Meliodas was a likely knight as
+any was that time living.  And by fortune he wedded King Mark's
+sister of Cornwall, and she was called Elizabeth, that was called
+both good and fair.  And at that time King Arthur reigned, and he
+was whole king of England, Wales, and Scotland, and of many other
+realms: howbeit there were many kings that were lords of many
+countries, but all they held their lands of King Arthur; for in
+Wales were two kings, and in the north were many kings; and in
+Cornwall and in the west were two kings; also in Ireland were two
+or three kings, and all were under the obeissance of King Arthur. 
+So was the King of France, and the King of Brittany, and all the
+lordships unto Rome.
+
+So when this King Meliodas had been with his wife, within a while
+she waxed great with child, and she was a full meek lady, and
+well she loved her lord, and he her again, so there was great joy
+betwixt them.  Then there was a lady in that country that had
+loved King Meliodas long, and by no mean she never could get his
+love; therefore she let ordain upon a day, as King Meliodas rode
+a-hunting, for he was a great chaser, and there by an enchantment
+she made him chase an hart by himself alone <279>till that he
+came to an old castle, and there anon he was taken prisoner by
+the lady that him loved.  When Elizabeth, King Meliodas' wife,
+missed her lord, and she was nigh out of her wit, and also as
+great with child as she was, she took a gentlewoman with her, and
+ran into the forest to seek her lord.  And when she was far in
+the forest she might no farther, for she began to travail fast of
+her child.  And she had many grimly throes; her gentlewoman
+helped her all that she might, and so by miracle of Our Lady of
+Heaven she was delivered with great pains.  But she had taken
+such cold for the default of help that deep draughts of death
+took her, that needs she must die and depart out of this world;
+there was none other bote.
+
+And when this Queen Elizabeth saw that there was none other bote,
+then she made great dole, and said unto her gentlewoman:  When ye
+see my lord, King Meliodas, recommend me unto him, and tell him
+what pains I endure here for his love, and how I must die here
+for his sake for default of good help; and let him wit that I am
+full sorry to depart out of this world from him, therefore pray
+him to be friend to my soul.  Now let me see my little child, for
+whom I have had all this sorrow.  And when she saw him she said
+thus:  Ah, my little son, thou hast murdered thy mother, and
+therefore I suppose, thou that art a murderer so young, thou art
+full likely to be a manly man in thine age.  And because I shall
+die of the birth of thee, I charge thee, gentlewoman, that thou
+pray my lord, King Meliodas, that when he is christened let call
+him Tristram, that is as much to say as a sorrowful birth.  And
+therewith this queen gave up the ghost and died.  Then the
+gentlewoman laid her under an umbre of a great tree, and then she
+lapped the child as well as she might for cold.  Right so there
+came the barons, following after the queen, and when they saw
+that she was dead, and understood none other but the king was
+destroyed, [*7]then certain of them would have slain the child,
+because they would have been lords of the country of Liones.
+
+
+[*7] Printed by Caxton as part of chap. ii.
+
+
+
+<280>
+CHAPTER II
+
+How the stepmother of Sir Tristram had ordained poison for
+to have poisoned Sir Tristram.
+
+BUT then through the fair speech of the gentlewoman, and by the
+means that she made, the most part of the barons would not assent
+thereto.  And then they let carry home the dead queen, and much
+dole was made for her.
+
+Then this meanwhile Merlin delivered King Meliodas out of prison
+on the morn after his queen was dead.  And so when the king was
+come home the most part of the barons made great joy.  But the
+sorrow that the king made for his queen that might no tongue
+tell.  So then the king let inter her richly, and after he let
+christen his child as his wife had commanded afore her death. 
+And then he let call him Tristram, the sorrowful born child. 
+Then the King Meliodas endured seven years without a wife, and
+all this time Tristram was nourished well.  Then it befell that
+King Meliodas wedded King Howell's daughter of Brittany, and anon
+she had children of King Meliodas: then was she heavy and wroth
+that her children should not rejoice the country of Liones,
+wherefore this queen ordained for to poison young Tristram.  So
+she let poison be put in a piece of silver in the chamber whereas
+Tristram and her children were together, unto that intent that
+when Tristram were thirsty he should drink that drink.  And so it
+fell upon a day, the queen's son, as he was in that chamber,
+espied the piece with poison, and he weened it had been good
+drink, and because the child was thirsty he took the piece with
+poison and drank freely; and therewithal suddenly the child brast
+and was dead.
+
+When the queen of Meliodas wist of the death of her son, wit ye
+well that she was heavy.  But yet the king understood nothing of
+her treason.  Notwithstanding the <281>queen would not leave
+this, but eft she let ordain more poison, and put it in a piece. 
+And by fortune King Meliodas, her husband, found the piece with
+wine where was the poison, and he that was much thirsty took the
+piece for to drink thereout.  And as he would have drunken
+thereof the queen espied him, and then she ran unto him, and
+pulled the piece from him suddenly.  The king marvelled why she
+did so, and remembered him how her son was suddenly slain with
+poison.  And then he took her by the hand, and said:  Thou false
+traitress, thou shalt tell me what manner of drink this is, or
+else I shall slay thee.  And therewith he pulled out his sword,
+and sware a great oath that he should slay her but if she told
+him truth.  Ah! mercy, my lord, said she, and I shall tell you
+all.  And then she told him why she would have slain Tristram,
+because her children should rejoice his land.  Well, said King
+Meliodas, and therefore shall ye have the law.  And so she was
+condemned by the assent of the barons to be burnt; and then was
+there made a great fire, and right as she was at the fire to take
+her execution, young Tristram kneeled afore King Meliodas, and
+besought him to give him a boon.  I will well, said the king
+again.  Then said young Tristram, Give me the life of thy queen,
+my stepmother.  That is unrightfully asked, said King Meliodas,
+for thou ought of right to hate her, for she would have slain
+thee with that poison an she might have had her will; and for thy
+sake most is my cause that she should die.
+
+Sir, said Tristram, as for that, I beseech you of your mercy that
+you will forgive it her, and as for my part, God forgive it her,
+and I do; and so much it liked your highness to grant me my boon,
+for God's love I require you hold your promise.  Sithen it is so,
+said the king, I will that ye have her life.  Then, said the
+king, I give her to you, and 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 the death.  But
+after that King Meliodas would never have ado with her, as at bed
+and board.  But by the <282>good means of young Tristram he made
+the king and her accorded.  But then the king would not suffer
+young Tristram to abide no longer in his court.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+How Sir Tristram was sent into France, and had one to
+govern him named Gouvernail, and how he learned to
+harp, hawk, and hunt.
+
+AND then he let ordain a gentleman that was well learned and
+taught, his name was Gouvernail; and then he sent young Tristram
+with Gouvernail into France to learn the language, and nurture,
+and deeds of arms.  And there was Tristram more than seven years. 
+And then when he well could speak the language, and had learned
+all that he might learn in that country, then he came home to his
+father, King Meliodas, again.  And so Tristram learned to be an
+harper passing all other, that there was none such called in no
+country, and so on harping and on instruments of music he applied
+him in his youth for to learn.
+
+And after, as he grew in might and strength, he laboured ever in
+hunting and in hawking, so that never gentleman more, that ever
+we heard read of.  And as the book saith, he began good measures
+of blowing of beasts of venery, and beasts of chase, and all
+manner of vermin, and all these terms we have yet of hawking and
+hunting.  And therefore the book of venery, of hawking, and
+hunting, is called the book of Sir Tristram.  Wherefore, as
+meseemeth, all gentlemen that bear old arms ought of right to
+honour Sir Tristram for the goodly terms that gentlemen have and
+use, and shall to the day of doom, that thereby in a manner all
+men of worship may dissever a gentleman from a yeoman, and from a
+yeoman a villain.  For he that gentle is will draw him unto
+gentle tatches, and to follow the customs of noble gentlemen.
+
+Thus Sir Tristram endured in Cornwall until he was <283>big and
+strong, of the age of eighteen years.  And then the King Meliodas
+had great joy of Sir Tristram, and so had the queen, his wife. 
+For ever after in her life, because Sir Tristram saved her from
+the fire, she did never hate him more after, but loved him ever
+after, and gave Tristram many great gifts; for every estate loved
+him, where that he went.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+How Sir Marhaus came out of Ireland for to ask truage of
+Cornwall, or else he would fight therefore.
+
+THEN it befell that King Anguish of Ireland sent unto King Mark
+of Cornwall for his truage, that Cornwall had paid many winters. 
+And all that time King Mark was behind of the truage for seven
+years.  And King Mark and his barons gave unto the messenger of
+Ireland these words and answer, that they would none pay; and
+bade the messenger go unto his King Anguish, and tell him we will
+pay him no truage, but tell your lord, an he will always have
+truage of us of Cornwall, bid him send a trusty knight of his
+land, that will fight for his right, and we shall find another
+for to defend our right.  With this answer the messengers
+departed into Ireland.  And when King Anguish understood the
+answer of the messengers he was wonderly wroth.  And then he
+called unto him Sir Marhaus, the good knight, that was nobly
+proved, and a Knight of the Table Round.  And this Marhaus was
+brother unto the queen of Ireland.  Then the king said thus: 
+Fair brother, Sir Marhaus, I pray you go into Cornwall for my
+sake, and do battle for our truage that of right we ought to
+have; and whatsomever ye spend ye shall have sufficiently, more
+than ye shall need.  Sir, said Marhaus, wit ye well that I shall
+not be loath to do battle in the right of you and your land with
+the best knight of the Table Round; for I know them, <284>for the
+most part, what be their deeds; and for to advance my deeds and
+to increase my worship I will right gladly go unto this journey
+for our right.
+
+So in all haste there was made purveyance for Sir Marhaus, and he
+had all things that to him needed; and so he departed out of
+Ireland, and arrived up in Cornwall even fast by the Castle of
+Tintagil.  And when King Mark understood that he was there
+arrived to fight for Ireland, then made King Mark great sorrow
+when he understood that the good and noble knight Sir Marhaus was
+come.  For they knew no knight that durst have ado with him.  For
+at that time Sir Marhaus was called one of the famousest and
+renowned knights of the world.  And thus Sir Marhaus abode in the
+sea, and every day he sent unto King Mark for to pay the truage
+that was behind of seven year, other else to find a knight to
+fight with him for the truage.  This manner of message Sir
+Marhaus sent daily unto King Mark.
+
+Then they of Cornwall let make cries in every place, that what
+knight would fight for to save the truage of Cornwall, he should
+be rewarded so that he should fare the better, term of his life. 
+Then some of the barons said to King Mark, and counselled him to
+send to the court of King Arthur for to seek Sir Launcelot du
+Lake, that was that time named for the marvelloust knight of all
+the world.  Then there were some other barons that counselled the
+king not to do so, and said that it was labour in vain, because
+Sir Marhaus was a knight of the Round Table, therefore any of
+them will be loath to have ado with other, but if it were any
+knight at his own request would fight disguised and unknown.  So
+the king and all his barons assented that it was no bote to seek
+any knight of the Round Table.  This mean while came the language
+and the noise unto King Meliodas, how that Sir Marhaus abode
+battle fast by Tintagil, and how King Mark could find no manner
+knight to fight for him.  When young Tristram heard of this he
+was wroth, and sore ashamed that there durst no knight in
+Cornwall have ado with Sir Marhaus of Ireland.
+
+
+
+<285>
+CHAPTER V
+
+How Tristram enterprized the battle to fight for the truage of
+Cornwall, and how he was made knight.
+
+THEREWITHAL Tristram went unto his father, King Meliodas, and
+asked him counsel what was best to do for to recover Cornwall
+from truage.  For, as meseemeth, said Sir Tristram, it were shame
+that Sir Marhaus, the queen's brother of Ireland, should go away
+unless that he were foughten withal.  As for that, said King
+Meliodas, wit you well, son Tristram, that Sir Marhaus is called
+one of the best knights of the world, and Knight of the Table
+Round; and therefore I know no knight in this country that is
+able to match with him.  Alas, said Sir Tristram, that I am not
+made knight; and if Sir Marhaus should thus depart into Ireland,
+God let me never have worship: an I were made knight I should
+match him.  And sir, said Tristram, I pray you give me leave to
+ride to King Mark; and, so ye be not displeased, of King Mark
+will I be made knight.  I will well, said King Meliodas, that ye
+be ruled as your courage will rule you.  Then Sir Tristram
+thanked his father much.  And then he made him ready to ride into
+Cornwall.
+
+In the meanwhile there came a messenger with letters of love from
+King Faramon of France's daughter unto Sir Tristram, that were
+full piteous letters, and in them were written many complaints of
+love; but Sir Tristram had no joy of her letters nor regard unto
+her.  Also she sent him a little brachet that was passing fair. 
+But when the king's daughter understood that Sir Tristram would
+not love her, as the book saith, she died for sorrow.  And then
+the same squire that brought the letter and the brachet came
+again unto Sir Tristram, as after ye shall hear in the tale.
+
+So this young Sir Tristram rode unto his eme, King Mark of
+Cornwall.  And when he came there he heard say that there would
+no knight fight with Sir Marhaus.  <286>Then yede Sir Tristram
+unto his eme and said:  Sir, if ye will give me the order of
+knighthood, I will do battle with Sir Marhaus.  What are ye, said
+the king, and from whence be ye come?  Sir, said Tristram, I come
+from King Meliodas that wedded your sister, and a gentleman wit
+ye well I am.  King Mark beheld Sir Tristram and saw that he was
+but a young man of age, but he was passingly well made and big. 
+Fair sir, said the king, what is your name, and where were ye
+born?  Sir, said he again, my name is Tristram, and in the
+country of Liones was I born.  Ye say well, said the king; and if
+ye will do this battle I shall make you knight.  Therefore I come
+to you, said Sir Tristram, and for none other cause.  But then
+King Mark made him knight.  And therewithal, anon as he had made
+him knight, he sent a messenger unto Sir Marhaus with letters
+that said that he had found a young knight ready for to take the
+battle to the uttermost.  It may well be, said Sir Marhaus; but
+tell King Mark I will not fight with no knight but he be of blood
+royal, that is to say, other king's son, other queen's son, born
+of a prince or princess.
+
+When King Mark understood that, he sent for Sir Tristram de
+Liones and told him what was the answer of Sir Marhaus.  Then
+said Sir Tristram:  Sithen that he saith so, let him wit that I
+am come of father side and mother side of as noble blood as he
+is: for, sir, now shall ye know that I am King Meliodas' son,
+born of your own sister, Dame Elizabeth, that died in the forest
+in the birth of me.  O Jesu, said King Mark, ye are welcome fair
+nephew to me.  Then in all the haste the king let horse Sir
+Tristram, and armed him in the best manner that might be had or
+gotten for gold or silver.  And then King Mark sent unto Sir
+Marhaus, and did him to wit that a better born man than he was
+himself should fight with him, and his name is Sir Tristram de
+Liones, gotten of King Meliodas, and born of King Mark's sister. 
+Then was Sir Marhaus glad and blithe that he should fight with
+such a gentleman.  And so by the assent of King Mark and of Sir
+Marhaus they let ordain that they <287>should fight within an
+island nigh Sir Marhaus' ships; and so was Sir Tristram put into
+a vessel both his horse and he, and all that to him longed both
+for his body and for his horse.  Sir Tristram lacked nothing. 
+And when King Mark and his barons of Cornwall beheld how young
+Sir Tristram departed with such a carriage to fight for the right
+of Cornwall, there was neither man nor woman of worship but they
+wept to see and understand so young a knight to jeopardy himself
+for their right.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+How Sir Tristram arrived into the Island for to furnish the
+battle with Sir Marhaus.
+
+SO to shorten this tale, when Sir Tristram was arrived within the
+island he looked to the farther side, and there he saw at an
+anchor six ships nigh to the land; and under the shadow of the
+ships upon the land, there hoved the noble knight, Sir Marhaus of
+Ireland.  Then Sir Tristram commanded his servant Gouvernail to
+bring his horse to the land, and dress his harness at all manner
+of rights.  And then when he had so done he mounted upon his
+horse; and when he was in his saddle well apparelled, and his
+shield dressed upon his shoulder, Tristram asked Gouvernail,
+Where is this knight that I shall have ado withal?  Sir, said
+Gouvernail, see ye him not?  I weened ye had seen him; yonder he
+hoveth under the umbre of his ships on horseback, with his spear
+in his hand and his shield upon his shoulder.  That is truth,
+said the noble knight, Sir Tristram, now I see him well enough.
+
+Then he commanded his servant Gouvernail to go to his vessel
+again:  And commend me unto mine eme King Mark, and pray him, if
+that I be slain in this battle, for to inter my body as him
+seemed best; and as for me, let him wit that I will never yield
+me for cowardice; and if I be slain and flee not, then they have
+lost no truage for <288>me; and if so be that I flee or yield me
+as recreant, bid mine eme never bury me in Christian burials. 
+And upon thy life, said Sir Tristram to Gouvernail, come thou not
+nigh this island till that thou see me overcome or slain, or else
+that I win yonder knight.  So either departed from other sore
+weeping.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+How Sir Tristram fought against Sir Marhaus and achieved
+his battle, and how Sir Marhaus fled to his ship.
+
+AND then Sir Marhaus avised Sir Tristram, and said thus:  Young
+knight, Sir Tristram, what dost thou here? me sore repenteth of
+thy courage, for wit thou well I have been assayed, and the best
+knights of this land have been assayed of my hand; and also I
+have matched with the best knights of the world, and therefore by
+my counsel return again unto thy vessel.  And fair knight, and
+well-proved knight, said Sir Tristram, thou shalt well wit I may
+not forsake thee in this quarrel, for I am for thy sake made
+knight.  And thou shalt well wit that I am a king's son born, and
+gotten upon a queen; and such promise I have made at my uncle's
+request and mine own seeking, that I shall fight with thee unto
+the uttermost, and deliver Cornwall from the old truage.  And
+also wit thou well, Sir Marhaus, that this is the greatest cause
+that thou couragest me to have ado with thee, for thou art called
+one of the most renowned knights of the world, and because of
+that noise and fame that thou hast thou givest me courage to have
+ado with thee, for never yet was I proved with good knight; and
+sithen I took the order of knighthood this day, I am well pleased
+that I may have ado with so good a knight as thou art.  And now
+wit thou well, Sir Marhaus, that I cast me to get worship on thy
+body; and if that I be not proved, I trust to God that I shall be
+worshipfully proved upon thy body, and to <289>deliver the
+country of Cornwall for ever from all manner of truage from
+Ireland for ever.
+
+When Sir Marhaus had heard him say what he would, he said then
+thus again:  Fair knight, sithen it is so that thou castest to
+win worship of me, I let thee wit worship may 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 began to feutre their spears, and they met so fiercely
+together that they smote either other down, both horse and all. 
+But Sir Marhaus smote Sir Tristram a great wound in the side with
+his spear, and then they avoided their horses, and pulled out
+their swords, and threw their shields afore them.  And then they
+lashed together as men that were wild and courageous.  And when
+they had stricken so together long, then they left their strokes,
+and foined at their breaths and visors; and when they saw that
+that might not prevail them, then they hurtled together like rams
+to bear either other down.  Thus they fought still more than half
+a day, and either were wounded passing sore, that the blood ran
+down freshly from them upon the ground.  By then Sir Tristram
+waxed more fresher than Sir Marhaus, and better winded and
+bigger; and with a mighty stroke he smote Sir Marhaus upon the
+helm such a buffet that it went through his helm, and through the
+coif of steel, and through the brain-pan, and the sword stuck so
+fast in the helm and in his brain-pan that Sir Tristram pulled
+thrice at his sword or ever he might pull it out from his head;
+and there Marhaus fell down on his knees, the edge of Tristram's
+sword left in his brain-pan.  And suddenly Sir Marhaus rose
+grovelling, and threw his sword and his shield from him, and so
+ran to his ships and fled his way, and Sir Tristram had ever his
+shield and his sword.
+
+And when Sir Tristram saw Sir Marhaus withdraw him, he said:  Ah!
+Sir Knight of the Round Table, why withdrawest thou thee? thou
+dost thyself and thy kin great shame, for I am but a young
+knight, or now I was never proved, and rather than I should
+withdraw me from <290>thee, I had rather be hewn in an hundred
+pieces.  Sir Marhaus answered no word but yede his way sore
+groaning.  Well, Sir Knight, said Sir Tristram, I promise thee
+thy sword and thy shield shall be mine; and thy shield shall I
+wear in all places where I ride on mine adventures, and in the
+sight of King Arthur and all the Round Table.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+How Sir Marhaus after that he was arrived in Ireland died
+of the stroke that Sir Tristram had given him, and how
+Tristram was hurt.
+
+ANON Sir Marhaus and his fellowship departed into Ireland.  And
+as soon as he came to the king, his brother, he let search his
+wounds.  And when his head was searched a piece of Sir Tristram's
+sword was found therein, and might never be had out of his head
+for no surgeons, and so he died of Sir Tristram's sword; and that
+piece of the sword the queen, his sister, kept it for ever with
+her, for she thought to be revenged an she might.
+
+Now turn we again unto Sir Tristram, that was sore wounded, and
+full sore bled that he might not within a little while, when he
+had taken cold, unnethe stir him of his limbs.  And then he set
+him down softly upon a little hill, and bled fast.  Then anon
+came Gouvernail, his man, with his vessel; and the king and his
+barons came with procession against him.  And when he was come
+unto the land, King Mark took him in his arms, and the king and
+Sir Dinas, the seneschal, led Sir Tristram into the castle of
+Tintagil.  And then was he searched in the best manner, and laid
+in his bed.  And when King Mark saw his wounds he wept heartily,
+and so did all his lords.  So God me help, said King Mark, I
+would not for all my lands that my nephew died.  So Sir Tristram
+lay there a month and more, and ever he was like to die of that
+stroke that Sir Marhaus smote him first with the spear.  For, as
+the <291>French book saith, the spear's head was envenomed, that
+Sir Tristram might not be whole.  Then was King Mark and all his
+barons passing heavy, for they deemed none other but that Sir
+Tristram should not recover.  Then the king let send after all
+manner of leeches and surgeons, both unto men and women, and
+there was none that would behote him the life.  Then came there a
+lady that was a right wise lady, and she said plainly unto King
+Mark, and to Sir Tristram, and to all his barons, that he should
+never be whole but if Sir Tristram went in the same country that
+the venom came from, and in that country should he be holpen or
+else never.  Thus said the lady unto the king.
+
+When King Mark understood that, he let purvey for Sir Tristram a
+fair vessel, well victualled, and therein was put Sir Tristram,
+and Gouvernail with him, and Sir Tristram took his harp with him,
+and so he was put into the sea to sail into Ireland; and so by
+good fortune he arrived up in Ireland, even fast by a castle
+where the king and the queen was; and at his arrival he sat and
+harped in his bed a merry lay, such one heard they never none in
+Ireland before that time.
+
+And when it was told the king and the queen of such a knight that
+was such an harper, anon the king sent for him, and let search
+his wounds, and then asked him his name.  Then he answered, I am
+of the country of Liones, and my name is Tramtrist, that thus was
+wounded in a battle as I fought for a lady's right.  So God me
+help, said King Anguish, ye shall have all the help in this land
+that ye may have here; but I let you wit, in Cornwall I had a
+great loss as ever had king, for there I lost the best knight of
+the world; his name was Marhaus, a full noble knight, and Knight
+of the Table Round; and there he told Sir Tristram wherefore Sir
+Marhaus was slain.  Sir Tristram made semblant as he had been
+sorry, and better knew he how it was than the king.
+
+
+
+<292>
+CHAPTER IX
+
+How Sir Tristram was put to the keeping of La Beale
+Isoud first for to be healed of his wound.
+
+THEN the king for great favour made Tramtrist to be put in his
+daughter's ward and keeping, because she was a noble surgeon. 
+And when she had searched him she found in the bottom of his
+wound that therein was poison, and so she healed him within a
+while; and therefore Tramtrist cast great love to La Beale Isoud,
+for she was at that time the fairest maid and lady of the world. 
+And there Tramtrist learned her to harp, and she began to have a
+great fantasy unto him.  And at that time Sir Palamides, the
+Saracen, was in that country, and well cherished with the king
+and the queen.  And every day Sir Palamides drew unto La Beale
+Isoud and proffered her many gifts, for he loved her passingly
+well.  All that espied Tramtrist, and full well knew he Sir
+Palamides for a noble knight and a mighty man.  And wit you well
+Sir Tramtrist had great despite at Sir Palamides, for La Beale
+Isoud told Tramtrist that Palamides was in will to be christened
+for her sake.  Thus was there great envy betwixt Tramtrist and
+Sir Palamides.
+
+Then it befell that King Anguish let cry a great jousts and a
+great tournament for a lady that was called the Lady of the
+Launds, and she was nigh cousin unto the king.  And what man won
+her, three days after he should wed her and have all her lands. 
+This cry was made in England, Wales, Scotland, and also in France
+and in Brittany.  It befell upon a day La Beale Isoud came unto
+Sir Tramtrist, and told him of this tournament.  He answered and
+said:  Fair lady, I am but a feeble knight, and but late I had
+been dead had not your good ladyship been.  Now, fair lady, what
+would ye I should do in this matter? well ye wot, my lady, that I
+may not joust.  Ah, Tramtrist, said La Beale Isoud, why will ye
+not have ado at that tournament?<293> well I wot Sir Palamides
+shall be there, and to do what he may; and therefore Tramtrist, I
+pray you for to be there, for else Sir Palamides is like to win
+the degree.  Madam, said Tramtrist, as for that, it may be so,
+for he is a proved knight, and I am but a young knight and late
+made; and the first battle that I did it mishapped me to be sore
+wounded as ye see.  But an I wist ye would be my better lady, at
+that tournament I will be, so that ye will keep my counsel and
+let no creature have knowledge that I shall joust but yourself,
+and such as ye will to keep your counsel, my poor person shall I
+jeopard there for your sake, that, peradventure, Sir Palamides
+shall know when that I come.  Thereto, said La Beale Isoud, do
+your best, and as I can, said La Beale Isoud, I shall purvey
+horse and armour for you at my device.  As ye will so be it, said
+Sir Tramtrist, I will be at your commandment.
+
+So at the day of jousts there came Sir Palamides with a black
+shield, and he overthrew many knights, that all the people had
+marvel of him.  For he put to the worse Sir Gawaine, Gaheris,
+Agravaine, Bagdemagus, Kay, Dodinas le Savage, Sagramore le
+Desirous, Gumret le Petit, and Griflet le Fise de Dieu.  All
+these the first day Sir Palamides struck down to the earth.  And
+then all manner of knights were adread of Sir Palamides, and many
+called him the Knight with the Black Shield.  So that day Sir
+Palamides had great worship.
+
+Then came King Anguish unto Tramtrist, and asked him why he would
+not joust.  Sir, he said, I was but late hurt, and as yet I dare
+not adventure me.  Then came there the same squire that was sent
+from the king's daughter of France unto Sir Tristram.  And when
+he had espied Sir Tristram he fell flat to his feet.  All that
+espied La Beale Isoud, what courtesy the squire made unto Sir
+Tristram.  And therewithal suddenly Sir Tristram ran unto his
+squire, whose name was Hebes le Renoumes, and prayed him heartily
+in no wise to tell his name.  Sir, said Hebes, I will not
+discover your name but if ye command me.
+
+
+
+<294>
+CHAPTER X
+
+How Sir Tristram won the degree at a tournament in Ireland,
+and there made Palamides to bear no more harness in a year.
+
+THEN Sir Tristram asked him what he did in those countries.  Sir,
+he said, I came hither with Sir Gawaine for to be made knight,
+and if it please you, of your hands that I may be made knight. 
+Await upon me as to-morn secretly, and in the field I shall make
+you a knight.
+
+Then had La Beale Isoud great suspicion unto Tramtrist, that he
+was some man of worship proved, and therewith she comforted
+herself, and cast more love unto him than she had done to-fore. 
+And so on the morn Sir Palamides made him ready to come into the
+field as he did the first day.  And there he smote down the King
+with the Hundred Knights, and the King of Scots.  Then had La
+Beale Isoud ordained and well arrayed Sir Tristram in white horse
+and harness.  And right so she let put him out at a privy
+postern, and so he came into the field as it had been a bright
+angel.  And anon Sir Palamides espied him, and therewith he
+feutred a spear unto Sir Tramtrist, and he again unto him.  And
+there Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palamides unto the earth.  And
+then there was a great noise of people: some said Sir Palamides
+had a fall, some said the Knight with the Black Shield had a
+fall.  And wit you well La Beale Isoud was passing glad.  And
+then Sir Gawaine and his fellows nine had marvel what knight it
+might be that had smitten down Sir Palamides.  Then would there
+none joust with Tramtrist, but all that there were forsook him,
+most and least.  Then Sir Tristram made Hebes a knight, and
+caused him to put himself forth, and did right well that day.  So
+after Sir Hebes held him with Sir Tristram.
+
+And when Sir Palamides had received this fall, wit ye well that
+he was sore ashamed, and as privily as he might <295>he withdrew
+him out of the field.  All that espied Sir Tristram, and lightly
+he rode after Sir Palamides and overtook him, and bade him turn,
+for better he would assay him or ever he departed.  Then Sir
+Palamides turned him, and either lashed at other with their
+swords.  But at the first stroke Sir Tristram smote down
+Palamides, and gave him such a stroke upon the head that he fell
+to the earth.  So then Tristram bade yield him, and do his
+commandment, or else he would slay him.  When Sir Palamides
+beheld his countenance, he dread his buffets so, that he granted
+all his askings.  Well said, said Sir Tristram, this shall be
+your charge.  First, upon pain of your life that ye forsake my
+lady La Beale Isoud, and in no manner wise that ye draw not to
+her.  Also this twelvemonth and a day that ye bear none armour
+nor none harness of war.  Now promise me this, or here shalt thou
+die.  Alas, said Palamides, for ever am I ashamed.  Then he sware
+as Sir Tristram had commanded him.  Then for despite and anger
+Sir Palamides cut off his harness, and threw them away.
+
+And so Sir Tristram turned again to the castle where was La Beale
+Isoud; and by the way he met with a damosel that asked after Sir
+Launcelot, that won the Dolorous Guard worshipfully; and this
+damosel asked Sir Tristram what he was.  For it was told her that
+it was he that smote down Sir Palamides, by whom the ten knights
+of King Arthur's were smitten down.  Then the damosel prayed Sir
+Tristram to tell her what he was, and whether that he were Sir
+Launcelot du Lake, for she deemed that there was no knight in the
+world might do such deeds of arms but if it were Launcelot.  Fair
+damosel, said Sir Tristram, wit ye well that I am not Sir
+Launcelot, for I was never of such prowess, but in God is all
+that he may make me as good a knight as the good knight Sir
+Launcelot.  Now, gentle knight, said she, put up thy visor; and
+when she beheld his visage she thought she saw never a better
+man's visage, nor a better faring knight.  And then when the
+damosel knew certainly that he was not Sir Launcelot, then she
+took her leave, and departed <296>from him.  And then Sir
+Tristram rode privily unto the postern, where kept him La Beale
+Isoud, and there she made him good cheer, and thanked God of his
+good speed.  So anon, within a while the king and the queen
+understood that it was Tramtrist that smote down Sir Palamides;
+then was he much made of, more than he was before.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+How the queen espied that Sir Tristram had slain her brother
+Sir Marhaus by his sword, and in what jeopardy he was.
+
+THUS was Sir Tramtrist long there well cherished with the king
+and the queen, and namely with La Beale Isoud.  So upon a day the
+queen and La Beale Isoud made a bain for Sir Tramtrist.  And when
+he was in his bain the queen and Isoud, her daughter, roamed up
+and down in the chamber; and therewhiles Gouvernail and Hebes
+attended upon Tramtrist, and the queen beheld his sword thereas
+it lay upon his bed.  And then by unhap the queen drew out his
+sword and beheld it a long while, and both they thought it a
+passing fair sword; but within a foot and an half of the point
+there was a great piece thereof out-broken of the edge.  And 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,
+the good knight that was her brother.  Alas then, said she unto
+her daughter, La Beale Isoud, this is the same traitor knight
+that slew my brother, thine eme.  When Isoud heard her say so she
+was passing sore abashed, for passing well she loved Tramtrist,
+and full well she knew the cruelness of her mother the queen.
+
+Anon therewithal the queen went unto her own chamber, and sought
+her coffer, and there she took out the piece or the sword that
+was pulled out of Sir Marhaus' head after that he was dead.  And
+then she ran with that piece of iron to the sword that lay upon
+the bed.  And <297>when she put that piece of steel and iron unto
+the sword, it was as meet as it might be when it was new broken. 
+And then the queen gripped that sword in her hand fiercely, and
+with all her might she ran straight upon Tramtrist where he sat
+in his bain, and there she had rived him through had not Sir
+Hebes gotten her in his arms, and pulled the sword from her, and
+else she had thrust him through.
+
+Then when she was let of her evil will she ran to the King
+Anguish, her husband, and said on her knees:  O my lord, here
+have ye in your house that traitor knight that slew my brother
+and your servant, that noble knight, Sir Marhaus.  Who is that,
+said King Anguish, and where is he?  Sir, she said, it is Sir
+Tramtrist, the same knight that my daughter healed.  Alas, said
+the king, therefore am I right heavy, for he is a full noble
+knight as ever I saw in field.  But I charge you, said the king
+to the queen, that ye have not ado with that knight, but let me
+deal with him.
+
+Then the king went into the chamber unto Sir Tramtrist, and then
+was he gone unto his chamber, and the king found him all ready
+armed to mount upon his horse.  When the king saw him all ready
+armed to go unto horseback, the king said:  Nay, Tramtrist, it
+will not avail to compare thee against me; but thus much I shall
+do for my worship and for thy love; in so much as thou art within
+my court it were no worship for me to slay thee: therefore upon
+this condition I will give thee leave for to depart from this
+court in safety, so thou wilt tell me who was thy father, and
+what is thy name, and if thou slew Sir Marhaus, my brother.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+How Sir Tristram departed from the king and La Beale
+Isoud out of Ireland for to come into Cornwall.
+
+SIR, said Tristram, now I shall tell you all the truth: my
+father's name is Sir Meliodas, King of Liones, and my <298>mother
+hight Elizabeth, that was sister unto King Mark of Cornwall; and
+my mother died of me in the forest, and because thereof she
+commanded, or she died, that when I were christened they should
+christen me Tristram; and because I would not be known in this
+country I turned my name and let me call Tramtrist; and for the
+truage of Cornwall I fought for my eme's sake, and for the right
+of Cornwall that ye had posseded many years.  And wit ye well,
+said Tristram unto the king, I did the battle for the love of
+mine uncle, King Mark, and for the love of the country of
+Cornwall, and for to increase mine honour; for that same day that
+I fought with Sir Marhaus I was made knight, and never or then
+did I battle with no knight, and from me he went alive, and left
+his shield and his sword behind.
+
+So God me help, said the king, I may not say but ye did as a
+knight should, and it was your part to do for your quarrel, and
+to increase your worship as a knight should; howbeit I may not
+maintain you in this country with my worship, unless that I
+should displease my barons, and my wife and her kin.  Sir, said
+Tristram, I thank you of your good lordship that I have had with
+you here, and the great goodness my lady, your daughter, hath
+shewed me, and therefore, said Sir Tristram, it may so happen
+that ye shall win more by my life than by my death, for in the
+parts of England it may happen I may do you service at some
+season, that ye shall be glad that ever ye shewed me your good
+lordship.  With more I promise you as I am true knight, that in
+all places I shall be my lady your daughter's servant and knight
+in right and in wrong, and I shall never fail her, to do as much
+as a knight may do.  Also I beseech your good grace that I may
+take my leave at my lady, your daughter, and at all the barons
+and knights.  I will well, said the king.
+
+Then Sir Tristram went unto La Beale Isoud and took his leave of
+her.  And then he told her all, what he was, and how he had
+changed his name because he would not be known, and how a lady
+told him that he should never be whole till he came into this
+country where the <299>poison was made, wherethrough I was near
+my death had not your ladyship been.  O gentle knight, said La
+Beale
+Isoud, full woe am I of thy departing, for I saw never man that I
+owed so good will to.  And therewithal she wept heartily.  Madam,
+said Sir Tristram, ye shall understand that my name is Sir
+Tristram de Liones, gotten of King Meliodas, and born of his
+queen.  And I promise you faithfully that I shall be all the days
+of my life your knight.  Gramercy, said La Beale Isoud, and I
+promise you there-against that I shall not be married this seven
+years but by your assent; and to whom that ye will I shall be
+married to him will I have, and he will have me if ye will
+consent.
+
+And 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 at most and least, and
+openly he said among them all:  Fair lords, now it is so that I
+must depart: if there be any man here that I have offended unto,
+or that any man be with me grieved, let complain him here afore
+me or that ever I depart, and I shall amend it unto my power. 
+And if there be any that will proffer me wrong, or say of me
+wrong or shame behind my back, say it now or never, and here is
+my body to make it good, body against body.  And all they stood
+still, there was not one that would say one word; yet were there
+some knights that were of the queen's blood, and of Sir Marhaus'
+blood, but they would not meddle with him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+How Sir Tristram and King Mark hurted each other for
+the love of a knight's wife.
+
+SO Sir Tristram departed, and took the sea, and with good wind he
+arrived up at Tintagil in Cornwall; and <300>when King Mark was
+whole in his prosperity there came tidings that Sir Tristram was
+arrived, and whole of his wounds: thereof was King Mark passing
+glad, and so were all the barons; and when he saw his time he
+rode unto his father, King Meliodas, and there he had all the
+cheer that the king and the queen could make him.  And then
+largely King Meliodas and his queen departed of their lands and
+goods to Sir Tristram.
+
+Then by the license of King Meliodas, his father, he returned
+again unto the court of King Mark, and there he lived in great
+joy long time, until at the last there befell a jealousy and an
+unkindness betwixt King Mark and Sir Tristram, for they loved
+both one lady.  And she was an earl's wife that hight Sir
+Segwarides.  And this lady loved Sir Tristram passingly well. 
+And he loved her again, for she was a passing fair lady, and that
+espied Sir Tristram well.  Then King Mark understood that and was
+jealous, for King Mark loved her passingly well.
+
+So it fell upon a day this lady sent a dwarf unto Sir Tristram,
+and bade him, as he loved her, that he would be with her the
+night next following.  Also she charged you that ye come not to
+her but if ye be well armed, for her lover was called a good
+knight.  Sir Tristram answered to the dwarf:  Recommend me unto
+my lady, and tell her I will not fail but I will be with her the
+term that she hath set me.  And with this answer the dwarf
+departed.  And King Mark espied that the dwarf was with Sir
+Tristram upon message from Segwarides' wife; then King Mark sent
+for the dwarf, and when he was come he made the dwarf by force to
+tell him all, why and wherefore that he came on message from Sir
+Tristram.  Now, said King Mark, go where thou wilt, and upon pain
+of death that thou say no word that thou spakest with me; so the
+dwarf departed from the king.
+
+And that same night that the steven was set betwixt Segwarides'
+wife and Sir Tristram, King Mark armed him, and made him ready,
+and took two knights of his counsel with him; and so he rode
+afore for to abide by the way for to wait upon Sir Tristram.  And
+as Sir Tristram came <301>riding upon his way with his spear in
+his hand, King Mark came hurtling upon him with his two knights
+suddenly.  And all three smote him with their spears, and King
+Mark hurt Sir Tristram on the breast right sore.  And then Sir
+Tristram feutred his spear, and smote his uncle, King Mark, so
+sore, that he rashed him to the earth, and bruised him that he
+lay still in a swoon, and long it was or ever he might wield
+himself.  And then he ran to the one knight, and eft to the
+other, and smote them to the cold earth, that they lay still. 
+And therewithal Sir Tristram rode forth sore wounded to the lady,
+and found her abiding him at a postern.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+How Sir Tristram lay with the lady, and how her husband
+fought with Sir Tristram.
+
+AND there she welcomed him fair, and either halsed other in arms,
+and so she let put up his horse in the best wise, and then she
+unarmed him.  And so they supped lightly, and went to bed with
+great joy and pleasaunce; and so in his raging he took no keep of
+his green wound that King Mark had given him.  And so Sir
+Tristram be-bled both the over sheet and the nether, and pillows,
+and head sheet.  And within a while there came one afore, that
+warned her that her lord was near-hand within a bow-draught.  So
+she made Sir Tristram to arise, and so he armed him, and took his
+horse, and so departed.  By then was come Segwarides, her lord,
+and when he found her bed troubled and broken, and went near and
+beheld it by candle light, then he saw that there had lain a
+wounded knight.  Ah, false traitress, then he said, why hast thou
+betrayed me?  And therewithal he swang out a sword, and said: 
+But if thou tell me who hath been here, here thou shalt die.  Ah,
+my lord, mercy, said the lady, and held up her hands, saying: 
+Slay me not, and I shall tell you all who hath <302>been here. 
+Tell anon, said Segwarides, to me all the truth.  Anon for dread
+she said:  Here was Sir Tristram with me, and by the way as he
+came to me ward, he was sore wounded.  Ah, false traitress, said
+Segwarides, where is he become?  Sir, she said, he is armed, and
+departed on horseback, not yet hence half a mile.  Ye say well,
+said Segwarides.
+
+Then he armed him lightly, and gat his horse, and rode after Sir
+Tristram that rode straightway unto Tintagil.  And within a while
+he overtook Sir Tristram, and then he bade him, Turn, false
+traitor knight.  And Sir Tristram anon turned him against him. 
+And therewithal Segwarides smote Sir Tristram with a spear that
+it all to-brast; and then he swang out his sword and smote fast
+at Sir Tristram.  Sir knight, said Sir Tristram, I counsel you
+that ye smite no more, howbeit for the wrongs that I have done
+you I will forbear you as long as I may.  Nay, said Segwarides,
+that shall not be, for either thou shalt die or I.
+
+Then Sir Tristram drew out his sword, and hurtled his horse unto
+him fiercely, and through the waist of the body he smote Sir
+Segwarides that he fell to the earth in a swoon.  And so Sir
+Tristram departed and left him there.  And so he rode unto
+Tintagil and took his lodging secretly, for he would not be known
+that he was hurt.  Also Sir Segwarides' men rode after their
+master, whom they found lying in the field sore wounded, and
+brought him home on his shield, and there he lay long or that he
+were whole, but at the last he recovered.  Also King Mark would
+not be aknown of that Sir Tristram and he had met that night. 
+And as for Sir Tristram, he knew not that King Mark had met with
+him.  And so the king askance came to Sir Tristram, to comfort
+him as he lay sick in his bed.  But as long as King Mark lived he
+loved never Sir Tristram after that; though there was fair
+speech, love was there none.  And thus it passed many weeks and
+days, and all was forgiven and forgotten; for Sir Segwarides
+durst not have ado with Sir Tristram, because of his noble
+prowess, and also because he was <303>nephew unto King Mark;
+therefore he let it overslip: for he that hath a privy hurt is
+loath to have a shame outward.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+How Sir Bleoberis demanded the fairest lady in King Mark's
+court, whom he took away, and how he was fought with.
+
+THEN it befell upon a day that the good knight Bleoberis de
+Ganis, brother to Blamore de Ganis, and nigh cousin unto the good
+knight Sir Launcelot du Lake, this Bleoberis came unto the court
+of King Mark, and there he asked of King Mark a boon, to give him
+what gift that he would ask in his court.  When the king heard
+him ask so, he marvelled of his asking, but because he was a
+knight of the Round Table, and of a great renown, King Mark
+granted him his whole asking.  Then, said Sir Bleoberis, I will
+have the fairest lady in your court that me list to choose.  I
+may not say nay, said King Mark; now choose at your adventure. 
+And so Sir Bleoberis did choose Sir Segwarides' wife, and took
+her by the hand, and so went his way with her; and so he took his
+horse and gart set her behind his squire, and rode upon his way.
+
+When Sir Segwarides heard tell that his lady was gone with a
+knight of King Arthur's court, then he armed him and rode after
+that knight for to rescue his lady.  So when Bleoberis was gone
+with this lady, King Mark and all the court was wroth that she
+was away.  Then were there certain ladies that knew that there
+were great love between Sir Tristram and her, and also that lady
+loved Sir Tristram above all other knights.  Then there was one
+lady that rebuked Sir Tristram in the horriblest wise, and called
+him coward knight, that he would for shame of his knighthood see
+a lady so shamefully be taken away from his uncle's court.  But
+she meant that either of them had loved other with entire heart. 
+But Sir Tristram <304>answered her thus:  Fair lady, it is not my
+part to have ado in such matters while her lord and husband is
+present here; and if it had been that her lord had not been here
+in this court, then for the worship of this court peradventure I
+would have been her champion, and if so be Sir Segwarides speed
+not well, it may happen that I will speak with that good knight
+or ever he pass from this country.
+
+Then within a while came one of Sir Segwarides' squires, and told
+in the court that Sir Segwarides was beaten sore and wounded to
+the point of death; as he would have rescued his lady Sir
+Bleoberis overthrew him and sore hath wounded him.  Then was King
+Mark heavy thereof, and all the court.  When Sir Tristram heard
+of this he was ashamed and sore grieved; and then was he soon
+armed and on horseback, and Gouvernail, his servant, bare his
+shield and spear.  And so as Sir Tristram rode fast he met with
+Sir Andred his cousin, that by the commandment of King Mark was
+sent to bring forth, an ever it lay in his power, two knights of
+Arthur's court, that rode by the country to seek their
+adventures.  When Sir Tristram saw Sir Andred he asked him what
+tidings.  So God me help, said Sir Andred, there was never worse
+with me, for here by the commandment of King Mark I was sent to
+fetch two knights of King Arthur's court, and that one beat me
+and wounded me, and set nought by my message.  Fair cousin, said
+Sir Tristram, ride on your way, and if I may meet them it may
+happen I shall revenge you.  So Sir Andred rode into Cornwall,
+and Sir Tristram rode after the two knights, the which one hight
+Sagramore le Desirous, and the other hight Dodinas le Savage.
+
+
+
+<305>
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+How Sir Tristram fought with two knights of the
+Round Table.
+
+THEN within a while Sir Tristram saw them afore him, two likely
+knights.  Sir, said Gouvernail unto his master, Sir, I would
+counsel you not to have ado with them, for they be two proved
+knights of Arthur's court.  As for that, said Sir Tristram, have
+ye no doubt but I will have ado with them to increase my worship,
+for it is many day sithen I did any deeds of arms.  Do as ye
+list, said Gouvernail.  And therewithal anon Sir Tristram asked
+them from whence they came, and whither they would, and what they
+did in those marches.  Sir Sagramore looked upon Sir Tristram,
+and had scorn of his words, and asked him again, Fair knight, be
+ye a knight of Cornwall?  Whereby ask ye it? said Sir Tristram. 
+For it is seldom seen, said Sir Sagramore, that ye Cornish
+knights be valiant men of arms; for within these two hours there
+met us one of your Cornish knights, and great words he spake, and
+anon with little might he was laid to the earth.  And, as I trow,
+said Sir Sagramore, ye shall have the same handsel that he had. 
+Fair lords, said Sir Tristram, it may so happen that I may better
+withstand than he did, and whether ye will or nill I will have
+ado with you, because he was my cousin that ye beat.  And
+therefore here do your best, and wit ye well but if ye quit you
+the better here upon this ground, one knight of Cornwall shall
+beat you both.
+
+When Sir Dodinas le Savage heard him say so he gat a spear in his
+hand, and said, Sir knight, keep well thyself:  And then they
+departed and came together as it had been thunder.  And Sir
+Dodinas' spear brast in-sunder, but Sir Tristram smote him with a
+more might, that he smote him clean over the horse-croup, that
+nigh he had broken his neck.  When Sir Sagramore saw his fellow
+have such a <306>fall he marvelled what knight he might be.  And
+he dressed his spear with all his might, and Sir Tristram against
+him, and they came together as the thunder, and there Sir
+Tristram smote Sir Sagramore a strong buffet, that he bare his
+horse and him to the earth, and in the falling he brake his
+thigh.
+
+When this was done Sir Tristram asked them:  Fair knights, will
+ye any more?  Be there no bigger knights in the court of King
+Arthur? it is to you shame to say of us knights of Cornwall
+dishonour, for it may happen a Cornish knight may match you. 
+That is truth, said Sir Sagramore, that have we well proved; but
+I require thee, said Sir Sagramore, tell us your right name, by
+the faith and troth that ye owe to the high order of knighthood. 
+Ye charge me with a great thing, said Sir Tristram, and sithen ye
+list to wit it, ye shall know and understand that my name is Sir
+Tristram de Liones, King Meliodas' son, and nephew unto King
+Mark.  Then were they two knights fain that they had met with
+Tristram, and so they prayed him to abide in their fellowship. 
+Nay, said Sir Tristram, for I must have ado with one of your
+fellows, his name is Sir Bleoberis de Ganis.  God speed you well,
+said Sir Sagramore and Dodinas.  Sir Tristram departed and rode
+onward on his way.  And then was he ware before him in a valley
+where rode Sir Bleoberis, with Sir Segwarides' lady, that rode
+behind his squire upon a palfrey.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Bleoberis for a lady, and
+how the lady was put to choice to whom she would go.
+
+THEN Sir Tristram rode more than a pace until that he had
+overtaken him.  Then spake Sir Tristram:  Abide, he said, Knight
+of Arthur's court, bring again that lady, or deliver her to me. 
+I will do neither, said Bleoberis, for I dread no Cornish knight
+so sore that me list to deliver her.  <307>Why, said Sir
+Tristram, may not a Cornish knight do as well as another knight?
+this same day two knights of your court within this three mile
+met with me, and or ever we departed they found a Cornish knight
+good enough for them both.  What were their names? said
+Bleoberis.  They told me, said Sir Tristram, that the one of them
+hight Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and the other hight Dodinas le
+Savage.  Ah, said Sir Bleoberis, have ye met with them? so God me
+help, they were two good knights and men of great worship, and if
+ye have beat them both ye must needs be a good knight; but if it
+so be ye have beat them both, yet shall ye not fear me, but ye
+shall beat me or ever ye have this lady.  Then defend you, said
+Sir Tristram.  So they departed and came together like thunder,
+and either bare other down, horse and all, to the earth.
+
+Then they avoided their horses, and lashed together eagerly with
+swords, and mightily, now tracing and traversing on the right
+hand and on the left hand more than two hours.  And sometime they
+rushed together with such a might that they lay both grovelling
+on the ground.  Then Sir Bleoberis de Ganis stert aback, and said
+thus:  Now, gentle good knight, a while hold your hands, and let
+us speak together.  Say what ye will, said Tristram, and I will
+answer you.  Sir, said Bleoberis, I would wit of whence ye be,
+and of whom ye be come, and what is your name?  So God me help,
+said Sir Tristram, I fear not to tell you my name.  Wit ye well I
+am King Meliodas' son, and my mother is King Mark's sister, and
+my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and King Mark is mine uncle. 
+Truly, said Bleoberis, I am right glad of you, for ye are he that
+slew Marhaus the knight, hand for hand in an island, for the
+truage of Cornwall; also ye overcame Sir Palamides the good
+knight, at a tournament in an island, where ye beat Sir Gawaine
+and his nine fellows.  So God me help, said Sir Tristram, wit ye
+well that I am the same knight; now I have told you my name, tell
+me yours with good will.  Wit ye well that my name is Sir
+Bleoberis de Ganis, and my brother hight Sir Blamore de Ganis,
+that is called a <308>good knight, and we be sister's children
+unto my lord Sir Launcelot du Lake, that we call one of the best
+knights of the world.  That is truth, said Sir Tristram, Sir
+Launcelot is called peerless of courtesy and of knighthood; and
+for his sake, said Sir Tristram, I will not with my good will
+fight no more with you, for the great love I have to Sir
+Launcelot du Lake.  In good faith, said Bleoberis, as for me I
+will be loath to fight with you; but sithen ye follow me here to
+have this lady, I shall proffer you kindness, courtesy, and
+gentleness right here upon this ground.  This lady shall be
+betwixt us both, and to whom that she will go, let him have her
+in peace.  I will well, said Tristram, for, as I deem, she will
+leave you and come to me.  Ye shall prove it anon, said
+Bleoberis.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+How the lady forsook Sir Tristram and abode with Sir
+Bleoberis, and how she desired to go to her husband.
+
+So when she was set betwixt them both she said these words unto
+Sir Tristram:  Wit ye well, Sir Tristram de Liones, that but late
+thou wast the man in the world that I most loved and trusted, and
+I weened thou hadst loved me again above all ladies; but when
+thou sawest this knight lead me away thou madest no cheer to
+rescue me, but suffered my lord Segwarides ride after me; but
+until that time I weened thou haddest loved me, and therefore now
+I will leave thee, and never love thee more.  And therewithal she
+went unto Sir Bleoberis.
+
+When Sir Tristram saw her do so he was wonderly wroth with that
+lady, and ashamed to come to the court.  Sir Tristram, said Sir
+Bleoberis, ye are in the default, for I hear by this lady's words
+she before this day trusted you above all earthly knights, and,
+as she saith, ye have deceived her, therefore wit ye well, there
+may no man hold that will away; and rather than ye should be
+heartily <309>displeased with me I would ye had her, an she would
+abide with you.  Nay, said the lady, so God me help I will never
+go with him; for he that I loved most I weened he had loved me. 
+And therefore, Sir Tristram, she said, ride as thou came, for
+though thou haddest overcome this knight, as ye was likely, with
+thee never would I have gone.  And I shall pray this knight so
+fair of his knighthood, that or ever he pass this country, that
+he will lead me to the abbey where my lord Sir Segwarides lieth. 
+So God me help, said Bleoberis, I let you wit, good knight Sir
+Tristram, because King Mark gave me the choice of a gift in this
+court, and so this lady liked me best--notwithstanding, she is
+wedded and hath a lord, and I have fulfilled my quest, she shall
+be sent unto her husband again, and in especial most for your
+sake, Sir Tristram; and if she would go with you I would ye had
+her.  I thank you, said Sir Tristram, but for her love I shall
+beware what manner a lady I shall love or trust; for had her
+lord, Sir Segwarides, been away from the court, I should have
+been the first that should have followed you; but sithen that ye
+have refused me, as I am true knight I shall her know passingly
+well that I shall love or trust.  And so they took their leave
+one from the other and departed.
+
+And so Sir Tristram rode unto Tintagil, and Sir Bleoberis rode
+unto the abbey where Sir Segwarides lay sore wounded, and there
+he delivered his lady, and departed as a noble knight; and when
+Sir Segwarides saw his lady, he was greatly comforted; and then
+she told him that Sir Tristram had done great battle with Sir
+Bleoberis, and caused him to bring her again.  These words
+pleased Sir Segwarides right well, that Sir Tristram would do so
+much; and so that lady told all the battle unto King Mark betwixt
+Sir Tristram and Sir Bleoberis.
+
+
+
+<310>
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+How King Mark sent Sir Tristram for La Beale Isoud
+toward Ireland, and how by fortune he arrived into England.
+
+THEN when this was done King Mark cast always in his heart how he
+might destroy Sir Tristram.  And then he imagined in himself to
+send Sir Tristram into Ireland for La Beale Isoud.  For Sir
+Tristram had so praised her beauty and her goodness that King
+Mark said that he would wed her, whereupon he prayed Sir Tristram
+to take his way into Ireland for him on message.  And all this
+was done to the intent to slay Sir Tristram.  Notwithstanding,
+Sir Tristram would not refuse the message for no danger nor peril
+that might fall, for the pleasure of his uncle, but to go he made
+him ready in the most goodliest wise that might be devised.  For
+Sir Tristram took with him the most goodliest knights that he
+might find in the court; and they were arrayed, after the guise
+that was then used, in the goodliest manner.  So Sir Tristram
+departed and took the sea with all his fellowship.  And anon, as
+he was in the broad sea a tempest took him and his fellowship,
+and drove them back into the coast of England; and there they
+arrived fast by Camelot, and full fain they were to take the
+land.
+
+And when they were landed Sir Tristram set up his pavilion upon
+the land of Camelot, and there he let hang his shield upon the
+pavilion.  And that same day came two knights of King Arthur's,
+that one was Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Morganor.  And they
+touched the shield, and bade him come out of the pavilion for to
+joust, an he would joust.  Ye shall be answered, said Sir
+Tristram, an ye will tarry a little while.  So he made him ready,
+and first he smote down Sir Ector de Maris, and after he smote
+down Sir Morganor, all with one spear, and sore bruised them. 
+And when they lay upon the earth they asked Sir <311>Tristram
+what he was, and of what country he was knight.  Fair lords, said
+Sir Tristram, wit ye well that I am of Cornwall.  Alas, said Sir
+Ector, now am I ashamed that ever any Cornish knight should
+overcome me.  And then for despite Sir Ector put off his armour
+from him, and went on foot, and would not ride.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+How King Anguish of Ireland was summoned to come to
+King Arthur's court for treason.
+
+THEN it fell that Sir Bleoberis and Sir Blamore de Ganis, that
+were brethren, they had summoned the King Anguish of Ireland for
+to come to Arthur's court upon pain of forfeiture of King
+Arthur's good grace.  And if the King of Ireland came not in, at
+the day assigned and set, the king should lose his lands.  So it
+happened that at the day assigned, King Arthur neither Sir
+Launcelot might not be there for to give the judgment, for King
+Arthur was with Sir Launcelot at the Castle Joyous Garde.  And so
+King Arthur assigned King Carados and the King of Scots to be
+there that day as judges.  So when the kings were at Camelot King
+Anguish of Ireland was come to know his accusers.  Then was there
+Sir Blamore de Ganis, and appealed the King of Ireland of
+treason, that he had slain a cousin of his in his court in
+Ireland by treason.  The king was sore abashed of his accusation,
+for-why he was come at the summons of King Arthur, and or he came
+at Camelot he wist not wherefore he was sent after.  And when the
+king heard Sir Blamore say his will, he understood well there was
+none other remedy but for to answer him knightly; for the custom
+was such in those days, that an any man were appealed of any
+treason or murder he should fight body for body, or else to find
+another knight for him.  And all manner of murders in those days
+were called treason.
+
+<312>
+So when King Anguish understood his accusing he was passing
+heavy, for he knew Sir Blamore de Ganis that he was a noble
+knight, and of noble knights come.  Then the King of Ireland was
+simply purveyed of his answer; therefore the judges gave him
+respite by the third day to give his answer.  So the king
+departed unto his lodging.  The meanwhile there came a lady by
+Sir Tristram's pavilion making great dole.  What aileth you, said
+Sir Tristram, that ye make such dole?  Ah, fair knight, said the
+lady, I am ashamed unless that some good knight help me; for a
+great lady of worship sent by me a fair child and a rich, unto
+Sir Launcelot du Lake, and hereby there met with me a knight, and
+threw me down from my palfrey, and took away the child from me. 
+Well, my lady, said Sir Tristram, and for my lord Sir Launcelot's
+sake I shall get you that child again, or else I shall be beaten
+for it.  And so Sir Tristram took his horse, and asked the lady
+which way the knight rode; and then she told him.  And he rode
+after him, and within a while he overtook that knight.  And then
+Sir Tristram bade him turn and give again the child.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+How Sir Tristram rescued a child from a knight, and
+how Gouvernail told him of King Anguish.
+
+THE knight turned his horse and made him ready to fight.  And
+then Sir Tristram smote him with a sword such a buffet that he
+tumbled to the earth.  And then he yielded him unto Sir Tristram. 
+Then come thy way, said Sir Tristram, and bring the child to the
+lady again.  So he took his horse meekly and rode with Sir
+Tristram; and then by the way Sir Tristram asked him his name. 
+Then he said, My name is Breuse Saunce Pite.  So when he had
+delivered that child to the lady, he said:  Sir, as in this the
+child is well remedied.  Then Sir Tristram let <313>him go again
+that sore repented him after, for he was a great foe unto many
+good knights of King Arthur's court.
+
+Then when Sir Tristram was in his pavilion Gouvernail, his man,
+came and told him how that King Anguish of Ireland was come
+thither, and he was put in great distress; and there Gouvernail
+told Sir Tristram how King Anguish was summoned and appealed of
+murder.  So God me help, said Sir Tristram, these be the best
+tidings that ever came to me this seven years, for now shall the
+King of Ireland have need of my help; for I daresay there is no
+knight in this country that is not of Arthur's court dare do
+battle with Sir Blamore de Ganis; and for to win the love of the
+King of Ireland I will take the battle upon me; and therefore
+Gouvernail bring me, I charge thee, to the king.
+
+Then Gouvernail went unto King Anguish of Ireland, and saluted
+him fair.  The king welcomed him and asked him what he would. 
+Sir, said Gouvernail, here is a knight near hand that desireth to
+speak with you: he bade me say he would do you service.  What
+knight is he? said the king.  Sir, said he, it is Sir Tristram de
+Liones, that for your good grace that ye showed him in your lands
+will reward you in this country.  Come on, fellow, said the king,
+with me anon and show me unto Sir Tristram.  So the king took a
+little hackney and but few fellowship with him, until he came
+unto Sir Tristram's pavilion.  And when Sir Tristram saw the king
+he ran unto him and would have holden his stirrup.  But the king
+leapt from his horse lightly, and either halsed other in their
+arms.  My gracious lord, said Sir Tristram, gramercy of your
+great goodnesses showed unto me in your marches and lands: and at
+that time I promised you to do you service an ever it lay in my
+power.  And, gentle knight, said the king unto Sir Tristram, now
+have I great need of you, never had I so great need of no
+knight's help.  How so, my good lord? said Sir Tristram.  I shall
+tell you, said the king:  I am summoned and appealed from my
+country for the <3I4>death of a knight that was kin unto the good
+knight Sir Launcelot; wherefore Sir Blamore de Ganis, brother to
+Sir Bleoberis hath appealed me to fight with him, outher to find
+a knight in my stead.  And well I wot, said the king, these that
+are come of King Ban's blood, as Sir Launcelot and these other,
+are passing good knights, and hard men for to win in battle as
+any that I know now living.  Sir, said Sir Tristram, for the good
+lordship ye showed me in Ireland, and for my lady your daughter's
+sake, La Beale Isoud, I will take the battle for you upon this
+condition that ye shall grant me two things: that one is that ye
+shall swear to me that ye are in the right, that ye were never
+consenting to the knight's death; Sir, then said Sir Tristram,
+when that I have done this battle, if God give me grace that I
+speed, that ye shall give me a reward, what thing reasonable that
+I will ask of you.  So God me help, said the king, ye shall have
+whatsomever ye will ask.  It is well said, said Sir Tristram.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+How Sir Tristram fought for Sir Anguish and overcame his
+adversary, and how his adversary would never yield him.
+
+NOW make your answer that your champion is ready, for I shall die
+in your quarrel rather than to be recreant.  I have no doubt of
+you, said the king, that, an ye should have ado with Sir
+Launcelot du Lake--  Sir, said Sir Tristram, as for Sir
+Launcelot, he is called the noblest knight of the world, and wit
+ye well that the knights of his blood are noble men, and dread
+shame; and as for Bleoberis, brother unto Sir Blamore, I have
+done battle with him, therefore upon my head it is no shame to
+call him a good knight.  It is noised, said the king, that
+Blamore is the hardier knight.  Sir, as for that let him be, he
+shall never be refused, an as he were the best knight that now
+beareth shield or spear.
+
+<315>
+So King Anguish departed unto King Carados and the kings that
+were that time as judges, and told them that he had found his
+champion ready.  Then by the commandment of the kings Sir Blamore
+de Ganis and Sir Tristram were sent for to hear the charge.  And
+when they were come before the judges there were many kings and
+knights beheld Sir Tristram, and much speech they had of him
+because that he slew Sir Marhaus, the good knight, and because he
+for-jousted Sir Palamides the good knight.  So when they had
+taken their charge they withdrew them to make them ready to do
+battle.
+
+Then said Sir Bleoberis unto his brother, Sir Blamore:  Fair dear
+brother, remember of what kin we be come of, and what a man is
+Sir Launcelot du Lake, neither farther nor nearer but brother's
+children, and there was never none of our kin that ever was
+shamed in battle; and rather suffer death, brother, than to be
+shamed.  Brother, said Blamore, have ye no doubt of me, for I
+shall never shame none of my blood; howbeit I am sure that yonder
+knight is called a passing good knight as of his time one of the
+world, yet shall I never yield me, nor say the loath word: well
+may he happen to smite me down with his great might of chivalry,
+but rather shall he slay me than I shall yield me as recreant. 
+God speed you well, said Sir Bleoberis, for ye shall find him the
+mightiest knight that ever ye had ado withal, for I know him, for
+I have had ado with him.  God me speed, said Sir Blamore de
+Ganis; and therewith he took his horse at the one end of the
+lists, and Sir Tristram at the other end of the lists, and so
+they feutred their spears and came together as it had been
+thunder; and there Sir Tristram through great might smote down
+Sir Blamore and his horse to the earth.  Then anon Sir Blamore
+avoided his horse and pulled out his sword and threw his shield
+afore him, and bade Sir Tristram alight:  For though an horse
+hath failed me, I trust to God the earth will not fail me.  And
+then Sir Tristram alighted, and dressed him unto battle; and
+there they lashed together strongly as racing and tracing,
+foining and dashing, many sad strokes, that the kings and knights
+had great <316>wonder that they might stand; for ever they fought
+like wood men, so that there was never knights seen fight more
+fiercely than they did; for Sir Blamore was so hasty that he
+would have no rest, that all men wondered that they had breath to
+stand on their feet; and all the place was bloody that they
+fought in.  And at the last, Sir Tristram smote Sir Blamore such
+a buffet upon the helm that he there fell down upon his side, and
+Sir Tristram stood and beheld him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+How Sir Blamore desired Tristram to slay him, and how Sir
+Tristram spared him, and how they took appointment.
+
+THEN when Sir Blamore might speak, he said thus:  Sir Tristram de
+Liones, I require thee, as thou art a noble knight, and the best
+knight that ever I found, that thou wilt slay me out, for I would
+not live to be made lord of all the earth, for I have liefer die
+with worship than live with shame; and needs, Sir Tristram, thou
+must slay me, or else thou shalt never win the field, for I will
+never say the loath word.  And therefore if thou dare slay me,
+slay me, I require thee.  When Sir Tristram heard him say so
+knightly, he wist not what to do with him; he remembering him of
+both parties, of what blood he was come, and for Sir Launcelot's
+sake he would be loath to slay him; and in the other party in no
+wise he might not choose, but that he must make him to say the
+loath word, or else to slay him.
+
+Then Sir Tristram stert aback, and went to the kings that were
+judges, and there he kneeled down to-fore them, and besought them
+for their worships, and for King Arthur's and Sir Launcelot's
+sake, that they would take this matter in their hands.  For, my
+fair lords, said Sir Tristram, it were shame and pity that this
+noble knight that yonder lieth should be slain; for ye hear well,
+shamed will he not be, and I pray to God that he never be slain
+nor shamed for <317>me.  And as for the king for whom I fight
+for, I shall require him, as I am his true champion and true
+knight in this field, that he will have mercy upon this good
+knight.  So God me help, said King Anguish, I will for your sake;
+Sir Tristram, be ruled as ye will have me, for I know you for my
+true knight; and therefore I will heartily pray the kings that be
+here as judges to take it in their hands.  And the kings that
+were judges called Sir Bleoberis to them, and asked him his
+advice.  My lords, said Bleoberis, though my brother be beaten,
+and hath the worse through might of arms, I dare say, though Sir
+Tristram hath beaten his body he hath not beaten his heart, and I
+thank God he is not shamed this day; and rather than he should be
+shamed I require you, said Bleoberis, let Sir Tristram slay him
+out.  It shall not be so, said the kings, for his part adversary,
+both the king and the champion, have pity of Sir Blamore's
+knighthood.  My lords, said Bleoberis, I will right well as ye
+will.
+
+Then the kings called the King of Ireland, and found him goodly
+and treatable.  And then, by all their advices, Sir Tristram and
+Sir Bleoberis took up Sir Blamore, and the two brethren were
+accorded with King Anguish, and kissed and made friends for ever. 
+And then Sir Blamore and Sir Tristram kissed together, and there
+they made their oaths that they would never none of them two
+brethren fight with Sir Tristram, and Sir Tristram made the same
+oath.  And for that gentle battle all the blood of Sir Launcelot
+loved Sir Tristram for ever.
+
+Then King Anguish and Sir Tristram took their leave, and sailed
+into Ireland with great noblesse and joy.  So 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 there were made the most of him that they might. 
+But the joy that La Beale Isoud made of Sir Tristram there might
+no tongue tell, for of all men earthly she loved him most.
+
+
+
+<318>
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+How Sir Tristram demanded La Beale Isoud for King Mark,
+and how Sir Tristram and Isoud drank the love drink.
+
+THEN upon a day King Anguish asked Sir Tristram why he asked not
+his boon, for whatsomever he had promised him he should have it
+without fail.  Sir, said Sir Tristram, now is it time; this is
+all that I will desire, that ye will give me La Beale 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 liefer than all the land that I have ye would wed
+her yourself.  Sir, an I did then I were shamed for ever in this
+world, and false of my promise.  Therefore, said Sir I Tristram,
+I pray you hold your promise that ye promised me; for this is my
+desire, that ye will give me La Beale Isoud to go with me into
+Cornwall for to be wedded to King Mark, mine uncle.  As for that,
+said King Anguish, ye shall have her with you to do with her what
+it please you; that is for to say if that ye list to wed her
+yourself, that is me liefest, and if ye will give her unto King
+Mark, your uncle, that is in your choice.  So, to make short
+conclusion, La Beale Isoud was made ready to go with Sir
+Tristram, and Dame Bragwaine went with her for her chief
+gentlewoman, with many other.
+
+Then the queen, Isoud's mother, gave to her and Dame Bragwaine,
+her daughter's gentlewoman, and unto Gouvernail, a drink, and
+charged them that what day King Mark should wed, that same day
+they should give him that drink, so that King Mark should drink
+to La Beale Isoud, 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, and La Beale Isoud; and when they were in
+their cabin, it happed so that they were thirsty, and they saw a
+little flasket of gold stand by <319>them, and it seemed by the
+colour and the taste that it was noble wine.  Then Sir Tristram
+took the flasket in his hand, and said, Madam Isoud, here is the
+best drink that ever ye drank, that Dame Bragwaine, your maiden,
+and Gouvernail, my servant, have kept for themselves.  Then they
+laughed and made good cheer, and either drank to other freely,
+and they thought never drink that ever they drank to other was so
+sweet nor so good.  But by that their drink was in their bodies,
+they loved either other so well that never their love departed
+for weal neither for woe.  And thus it happed the love first
+betwixt Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud, the which love never
+departed the days of their life.
+
+So then they sailed till by fortune they came nigh a castle that
+hight Pluere, and thereby arrived for to repose them, weening to
+them to have had good harbourage.  But anon as Sir Tristram was
+within the castle they were taken prisoners; for the custom of
+the castle was such; who that rode by that castle and brought any
+lady, he must needs fight with the lord, that hight Breunor.  And
+if it were so that Breunor won the field, then should the knight
+stranger and his lady be put to death, what that ever they were;
+and if it were so that the strange knight won the field of Sir
+Breunor, then should he die and his lady both.  This custom was
+used many winters, for it was called the Castle Pluere, that is
+to say the Weeping Castle.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+How Sir Tristram and Isoud were in prison, and how he
+fought for her beauty, and smote of another lady's head.
+
+THUS as Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud were in prison, it happed
+a knight and a lady came unto them where they were, to cheer
+them.  I have marvel, said Tristram unto the knight and the lady,
+what is the cause the lord of this castle holdeth us in prison:
+it was never the custom of no <320>place of worship that ever I
+came in, when a knight and a lady asked harbour, and they to
+receive them, and after to destroy them that be his guests.  Sir,
+said the knight, this is the old custom of this castle, that when
+a knight cometh here he must needs fight with our lord, and he
+that is weaker must lose his head.  And when that is done, if his
+lady that he bringeth be fouler than our lord's wife, she must
+lose her head: and if she be fairer proved than is our lady, then
+shall the lady of this castle lose her head.  So God me help,
+said Sir Tristram, this is a foul custom and a shameful.  But one
+advantage have I, said Sir Tristram, I have a lady is fair
+enough, fairer saw I never in all my life-days, and I doubt not
+for lack of beauty she shall not lose her head; and rather than I
+should lose my head I will fight for it on a fair field. 
+Wherefore, sir knight, I pray you tell your lord that I will be
+ready as to-morn with my lady, and myself to do battle, if it be
+so I may have my horse and mine armour.  Sir, said that knight, I
+undertake that your desire shall be sped right well.  And then he
+said:  Take your rest, and look that ye be up betimes and make
+you ready and your lady, for ye shall want no thing that you
+behoveth.  And therewith he departed, and on the morn betimes
+that same knight came to Sir Tristram, and fetched him out and
+his lady, and brought him horse and armour that was his own, and
+bade him make him ready to the field, for all the estates and
+commons of that lordship were there ready to behold that battle
+and judgment.
+
+Then came Sir Breunor, the lord of that castle, with his lady in
+his hand, muffled, and asked Sir Tristram where was his lady: 
+For an thy lady be fairer than mine, with thy sword smite off my
+lady's head; and if my lady be fairer than thine, with my sword I
+must strike off her head.  And if I may win thee, yet shall thy
+lady be mine, and thou shalt lose thy head.  Sir, said Tristram,
+this is a foul custom and horrible; and rather than my lady
+should lose her head, yet had I liefer lose my head.  Nay, nay,
+said Sir Breunor, the ladies shall be first showed together, and
+the one shall have her judgment.  Nay, I <321>will not so, said
+Sir Tristram, for here is none that will give righteous judgment. 
+But I doubt not, said Sir Tristram, my lady is fairer than thine,
+and that will I prove and make good with my hand.  And whosomever
+he be that will say the contrary I will prove it on his head. 
+And therewith Sir Tristram showed La Beale Isoud, and turned her
+thrice about with his naked sword in his hand.  And when Sir
+Breunor saw that, he did the same wise turn his lady.  But when
+Sir Breunor beheld La Beale Isoud, him thought he saw never a
+fairer lady, and then he dread his lady's head should be off. 
+And so all the people that were there present gave judgment that
+La Beale Isoud was the fairer lady and the better made.  How now,
+said Sir Tristram, meseemeth it were pity that my lady should
+lose her head, but because thou and she of long time have used
+this wicked custom, and by you both have many good knights and
+ladies been destroyed, for that cause it were no loss to destroy
+you both.  So God me help, said Sir Breunor, for to say the
+sooth, thy lady is fairer than mine, and that me sore repenteth. 
+And so I hear the people privily say, for of all women I saw none
+so fair; and therefore, an thou wilt slay my lady, I doubt not
+but I shall slay thee and have thy lady.  Thou shalt win her,
+said Sir Tristram, as dear as ever knight won lady.  And because
+of thine own judgment, as thou wouldst have done to my lady if
+that she had been fouler, and because of the evil custom, give me
+thy lady, said Sir Tristram.  And therewithal Sir Tristram strode
+unto him and took his lady from him, and with an awk stroke he
+smote off her head clean.  Well, knight, said Sir Breunor, now
+hast thou done me a despite; [*8]now take thine horse: sithen I
+am ladyless I will win thy lady an I may.
+
+
+[*8] Printed by Caxton as part of chap. xxvi.
+
+
+
+<322>
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Breunor, and at the
+last smote off his head.
+
+THEN they took their horses and came together as it had been the
+thunder; and Sir Tristram smote Sir Breunor clean from his horse,
+and lightly he rose up; and as Sir Tristram came again by him he
+thrust his horse throughout both the shoulders, that his horse
+hurled here and there and fell dead to the ground.  And ever Sir
+Breunor ran after to have slain Sir Tristram, but Sir Tristram
+was light and nimble, and voided his horse lightly.  And or ever
+Sir Tristram might dress his shield and his sword the other gave
+him three or four sad strokes.  Then they rushed together like
+two boars, tracing and traversing mightily and wisely as two
+noble knights.  For this Sir Breunor was a proved knight, and had
+been or then the death of many good knights, that it was pity
+that he had so long endured.
+
+Thus they fought, hurling here and there nigh two hours, and
+either were wounded sore.  Then at the last Sir Breunor rashed
+upon Sir Tristram and took him in his arms, for he trusted much
+in his strength.  Then was Sir Tristram called the strongest and
+the highest knight of the world; for he was called bigger than
+Sir Launcelot, but Sir Launcelot was better breathed.  So anon
+Sir Tristram thrust Sir Breunor down grovelling, and then he
+unlaced his helm and struck off his head.  And then all they that
+longed to the castle came to him, and did him homage and fealty,
+praying him that he would abide there still a little while to
+fordo that foul custom.  Sir Tristram granted thereto.  The
+meanwhile one of the knights of the castle rode unto Sir Galahad,
+the haut prince, the which was Sir Breunor's son, which was a
+noble knight, and told him what misadventure his father had and
+his mother.
+
+
+
+<323>
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+How Sir Galahad fought with Sir Tristram, and how Sir
+Tristram yielded him and promised to fellowship with Launcelot.
+
+THEN came Sir Galahad, and the King with the Hundred Knights with
+him; and this Sir Galahad proffered to fight with Sir Tristram
+hand for hand.  And so they made them ready to go unto battle on
+horseback with great courage.  Then Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram
+met together so hard that either bare other down, horse and all,
+to the earth.  And then they avoided their horses as noble
+knights, and dressed their shields, and drew their swords with
+ire and rancour, and they lashed together many sad strokes, and
+one while striking, another while foining, tracing and traversing
+as noble knights; thus they fought long, near half a day, and
+either were sore wounded.  At the last Sir Tristram waxed light
+and big, and doubled his strokes, and drove Sir Galahad aback on
+the one side and on the other, so that he was like to have been
+slain.
+
+With that came the King with the Hundred Knights, and all that
+fellowship went fiercely upon Sir Tristram.  When Sir Tristram
+saw them coming upon him, then he wist well he might not endure. 
+Then as a wise knight of war, he said to Sir Galahad, the haut
+prince:  Sir, ye show to me no knighthood, for to suffer all your
+men to have ado with me all at once; and as meseemeth ye be a
+noble knight of your hands it is great shame to you.  So God me
+help, said Sir Galahad, there is none other way but thou must
+yield thee to me, other else to die, said Sir Galahad to Sir
+Tristram.  I will rather yield me to you than die for that is
+more for the might of your men than of your hands.  And
+therewithal Sir Tristram took his own sword by the point, and put
+the pommel in the hand of Sir Galahad.
+
+Therewithal came the King with the Hundred Knights, <324>and hard
+began to assail Sir Tristram.  Let be, said Sir Galahad, be ye
+not so hardy to touch him, for I have given this knight his life. 
+That is your shame, said the King with the Hundred Knights; hath
+he not slain your father and your mother?  As for that, said Sir
+Galahad, I may not wite him greatly, for my father had him in
+prison, and enforced him to do battle with him; and my father had
+such a custom that was a shameful custom, that what knight came
+there to ask harbour his lady must needs die but if she were
+fairer than my mother; and if my father overcame that knight he
+must needs die.  This was a shameful custom and usage, a knight
+for his harbour-asking to have such harbourage.  And for this
+custom I would never draw about him.  So God me help, said the
+King, this was a shameful custom.  Truly, said Sir Galahad, so
+seemed me; and meseemed it had been great pity that this knight
+should have been slain, for I dare say he is the noblest man that
+beareth life, but if it were Sir Launcelot du Lake.  Now, fair
+knight, said Sir Galahad, I require thee tell me thy name, and of
+whence thou art, and whither thou wilt.  Sir, he said, my name is
+Sir Tristram de Liones, and from King Mark of Cornwall I was sent
+on message unto King Anguish of Ireland, for to fetch his
+daughter to be his wife, and here she is ready to go with me into
+Cornwall, and her name is La Beale Isoud.  And, Sir Tristram,
+said Sir Galahad, the haut prince, well be ye found in these
+marches, and so ye will promise me to go unto Sir Launcelot du
+Lake, and accompany with him, ye shall go where ye will, and your
+fair lady with you; and I shall promise you never in all my days
+shall such customs be used in this castle as have been used. 
+Sir, said Sir Tristram, now I let you wit, so God me help, I
+weened ye had been Sir Launcelot du Lake when I saw you first,
+and therefore I dread you the more; and sir, I promise you, said
+Sir Tristram, as soon as I may I will see Sir Launcelot and
+infellowship me with him; for of all the knights of the world I
+most desire his fellowship.
+
+
+
+<325>
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+How Sir Launcelot met with Sir Carados bearing away
+Sir Gawaine, and of the rescue of Sir Gawaine.
+
+AND then Sir Tristram took his leave when he saw his time, and
+took the sea.  And in the meanwhile word came unto Sir Launcelot
+and to Sir Tristram that Sir Carados, the mighty king, that was
+made like a giant, fought with Sir Gawaine, and gave him such
+strokes that he swooned in his saddle, and after that he took him
+by the collar and pulled him out of his saddle, and fast bound
+him to the saddle-bow, and so rode his way with him toward his
+castle.  And as he rode, by fortune Sir Launcelot met with Sir
+Carados, and anon he knew Sir Gawaine that lay bound after him. 
+Ah, said Sir Launcelot unto Sir Gawaine, how stands it with you? 
+Never so hard, said Sir Gawaine, unless that ye help me, for so
+God me help, without ye rescue me I know no knight that may, but
+outher you or Sir Tristram.  Wherefore Sir Launcelot was heavy of
+Sir Gawaine's words.  And then Sir Launcelot bade Sir Carados: 
+Lay down that knight and fight with me.  Thou art but a fool,
+said Sir Carados, for I will serve you in the same wise.  As for
+that, said Sir Launcelot, spare me not, for I warn thee I will
+not spare thee.  And then he bound Sir Gawaine hand and foot, and
+so threw him to the ground.  And then he gat his spear of his
+squire, and departed from Sir Launcelot to fetch his course.  And
+so either met with other, and brake their spears to their hands;
+and then they pulled out swords, and hurtled together on
+horseback more than an hour.  And at the last Sir Launcelot smote
+Sir Carados such a buffet upon the helm that it pierced his
+brain-pan.  So then Sir Launcelot took Sir Carados by the collar
+and pulled him under his horse's feet, and then he alighted and
+pulled off his helm and struck off his head.  And then Sir
+Launcelot unbound Sir Gawaine.  So this same tale <326>was told
+to Sir Galahad and to Sir Tristram:--here may ye hear the
+nobleness that followeth Sir Launcelot.  Alas, said Sir Tristram,
+an I had not this message in hand with this fair lady, truly I
+would never stint or I had found Sir Launcelot.  Then Sir
+Tristram and La Beale Isoud went to the sea and came into
+Cornwall, and there all the barons met them.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+Of the wedding of King Mark to La Beale Isoud, and of
+Bragwaine her maid, and of Palamides.
+
+AND anon they were richly wedded with great noblesse.  But ever,
+as the French book saith, Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud loved
+ever together.  Then was there great jousts and great tourneying,
+and many lords and ladies were at that feast, and Sir Tristram
+was most praised of all other.  Thus dured the feast long, and
+after the feast was done, within a little while after, by the
+assent of two ladies that were with Queen Isoud, they ordained
+for hate and envy for to destroy Dame Bragwaine, that was maiden
+and lady unto La Beale Isoud; and she was sent into the forest
+for to fetch herbs, and there she was met, and bound feet and
+hand to a tree, and so she was bounden three days.  And by
+fortune, Sir Palamides found Dame Bragwaine, and there he
+delivered her from the death, and brought her to a nunnery there
+beside, for to be recovered.  When Isoud the queen missed her
+maiden, wit ye well she was right heavy as ever was any queen,
+for of all earthly women she loved her best: the cause was for
+she came with her out of her country.  And so upon a day Queen
+Isoud walked into the forest to put away her thoughts, and there
+she went herself unto a well and made great moan.  And suddenly
+there came Palamides to her, and had heard all her complaint, and
+said:  Madam Isoud, an ye will grant me my boon, I shall bring to
+you Dame Bragwaine safe and sound.  And the queen was so glad of
+his proffer that <327>suddenly unadvised she granted all his
+asking.  Well, Madam, said Palamides, I trust to your promise,
+and if ye will abide here half an hour I shall bring her to you. 
+I shall abide you, said La Beale Isoud.  And Sir Palamides rode
+forth his way to that nunnery, and lightly he came again with
+Dame Bragwaine; but by her good will she would not have come
+again, because for love of the queen she stood in adventure of
+her life.  Notwithstanding, half against her will, she went with
+Sir Palamides unto the queen.  And when the queen saw her she was
+passing glad.  Now, Madam, said Palamides, remember upon your
+promise, for I have fulfilled my promise.  Sir Palamides, said
+the queen, I wot not what is your desire, but I will that ye wit,
+howbeit I promised you largely, I thought none evil, nor I warn
+you none evil will I do.  Madam, said Sir Palamides, as at this
+time, ye shall not know my desire, but before my lord your
+husband there shall ye know that I will have my desire that ye
+have promised me.  And therewith the queen departed, and rode
+home to the king, and Sir Palamides rode after her.  And when Sir
+Palamides came before the king, he said:  Sir King, I require you
+as ye be a righteous king, that ye will judge me the right.  Tell
+me your cause, said the king, and ye shall have right.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+How Palamides demanded Queen Isoud, and how Lambegus
+rode after to rescue her, and of the escape of Isoud.
+
+SIR, said Palamides, I promised your Queen Isoud to bring again
+Dame Bragwaine that she had lost, upon this covenant, that she
+should grant me a boon that I would ask, and without grudging,
+outher advisement, she granted me.  What say ye, my lady? said
+the king.  It is as he saith, so God me help, said the queen; to
+say thee sooth I promised him his asking for love and joy that I
+had to see <328>her.  Well, Madam, said the king, and if ye were
+hasty to grant him what boon he would ask, I will well that ye
+perform your promise.  Then, said Palamides, I will that ye wit
+that I will have your queen to lead her and govern her whereas me
+list.  Therewith the king stood still, and bethought him of Sir
+Tristram, and deemed that he would rescue her.  And then hastily
+the king answered:  Take her with the adventures that shall fall
+of it, for as I suppose thou wilt not enjoy her no while.  As for
+that, said Palamides, I dare right well abide the adventure.  And
+so, to make short tale, Sir Palamides took her by the hand and
+said:  Madam, grudge not to go with me, for I desire nothing but
+your own promise.  As for that, said the queen, I fear not
+greatly to go with thee, howbeit thou hast me at advantage upon
+my promise, for I doubt not I shall be worshipfully rescued from
+thee.  As for that, said Sir Palamides, be it as it be may.  So
+Queen Isoud was set behind Palamides, and rode his way.
+
+Anon the king sent after Sir Tristram, but in no wise he could be
+found, for he was in the forest a-hunting; for that was always
+his custom, but if he used arms, to chase and to hunt in the
+forests.  Alas, said the king, now I am shamed for ever, that by
+mine own assent my lady and my queen shall be devoured.  Then
+came forth a knight, his name was Lambegus, and he was a knight
+of Sir Tristram.  My lord, said this knight, sith ye have trust
+in my lord, Sir Tristram, wit ye well for his sake I will ride
+after your queen and rescue her, or else I shall be beaten. 
+Gramercy, said the king, as I live, Sir Lambegus, I shall deserve
+it.  And then Sir Lambegus armed him, and rode after as fast as
+he might.  And then within a while he overtook Sir Palamides. 
+And then Sir Palamides left the queen.  What art thou, said
+Palamides, art thou Tristram?  Nay, he said, I am his servant,
+and my name is Sir Lambegus.  That me repenteth, said Palamides. 
+I had liefer thou hadst been Sir Tristram.  I believe you well,
+said Lambegus, but when thou meetest with Sir Tristram thou shalt
+have thy hands full.  And then they hurtled together and all to-
+brast their spears, and then they pulled out their <329>swords,
+and hewed on helms and hauberks.  At the last Sir Palamides gave
+Sir Lambegus such a wound that he fell down like a dead knight to
+the earth.
+
+Then he looked after La Beale Isoud, and then she was gone he
+nist where.  Wit ye well Sir Palamides was never so heavy.  So
+the queen ran into the forest, and there she found a well, and
+therein she had thought to have drowned herself.  And as good
+fortune would, there came a knight to her that had a castle
+thereby, his name was Sir Adtherp.  And when he found the queen
+in that mischief he rescued her, and brought her to his castle. 
+And when he wist what she was he armed him, and took his horse,
+and said he would be avenged upon Palamides; and so he rode on
+till he met with him, and there Sir Palamides wounded him sore,
+and by force he made him to tell him the cause why he did battle
+with him, and how he had led the queen unto his castle.  Now
+bring me there, said Palamides, or thou shalt die of my hands. 
+Sir, said Sir Adtherp, I am so wounded I may not follow, but ride
+you this way and it shall bring you into my castle, and there
+within is the queen.  Then Sir Palamides rode still till he came
+to the castle.  And at a window La Beale Isoud saw Sir Palamides;
+then she made the gates to be shut strongly.  And when he saw he
+might not come within the castle, he put off his bridle and his
+saddle, and put his horse to pasture, and set himself down at the
+gate like a man that was out of his wit that recked not of
+himself.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+How Sir Tristram rode after Palamides, and how he found
+him and fought with him, and by the means of Isoud
+the battle ceased.
+
+NOW turn we unto Sir Tristram, that when he was come home and
+wist La Beale Isoud was gone with Sir Palamides, wit ye well he
+was wroth out of measure.  Alas, <330>said Sir Tristram, I am
+this day shamed.  Then he cried to Gouvernail his man:  Haste
+thee that I were armed and on horseback, for well I wot Lambegus
+hath no might nor strength to withstand Sir Palamides: alas that
+I have not been in his stead!  So anon as he was armed and horsed
+Sir Tristram and Gouvernail rode after into the forest, and
+within a while he found his knight Lambegus almost wounded to the
+death; and Sir Tristram bare him to a forester, and charged him
+to keep him well.  And then he rode forth, and there he found Sir
+Adtherp sore wounded, and he told him how the queen would have
+drowned herself had he not been, and how for her sake and love he
+had taken upon him to do battle with Sir Palamides.  Where is my
+lady? said Sir Tristram.  Sir, said the knight, she is sure
+enough within my castle, an she can hold her within it. 
+Gramercy, said Sir Tristram, of thy great goodness.  And so he
+rode till he came nigh to that castle; and then Sir Tristram saw
+where Sir Palamides sat at the gate sleeping, and his horse
+pastured fast afore him.  Now go thou, Gouvernail, said Sir
+Tristram, and bid him awake, and make him ready.  So Gouvernail
+rode unto him and said:  Sir Palamides, arise, and take to thee
+thine harness.  But he was in such a study he heard not what
+Gouvernail said.  So Gouvernail came again and told Sir Tristram
+he slept, or else he was mad.  Go thou again, said Sir Tristram,
+and bid him arise, and tell him that I am here, his mortal foe. 
+So Gouvernail rode again and put upon him the butt of his spear,
+and said:  Sir Palamides, make thee ready, for wit ye well Sir
+Tristram hoveth yonder, and sendeth thee word he is thy mortal
+foe.
+    And therewithal Sir Palamides arose stilly, without words,
+and gat his horse, and saddled him and bridled him, and lightly
+he leapt upon, and gat his spear in his hand, and either feutred
+their spears and hurtled fast together; and there Tristram smote
+down Sir Palamides over his horse's tail.  Then lightly Sir
+Palamides put his shield afore him and drew his sword.  And there
+began strong battle on both parts, for both they fought for the
+love of one lady, and ever she lay on the walls and beheld
+<331>them how they fought out of measure, and either were wounded
+passing sore, but Palamides was much sorer wounded.  Thus they
+fought tracing and traversing more than two hours, that well-nigh
+for dole and sorrow La Beale Isoud swooned.  Alas, she said, that
+one I loved and yet do, and the other I love not, yet it were
+great pity that I should see Sir Palamides slain; for well I know
+by that time the end be done Sir Palamides is but a dead knight:
+because he is not christened I would be loath that he should die
+a Saracen.  And therewithal she came down and besought Sir
+Tristram to fight no more.  Ah, madam, said he, what mean you,
+will ye have me shamed?  Well ye know I will be ruled by you.  I
+will not your dishonour, said La Beale Isoud, but I would that ye
+would for my sake spare this unhappy Saracen Palamides.  Madam,
+said Sir Tristram, I will leave fighting at this time for your
+sake.  Then she said to Sir Palamides:  This shall be your
+charge, that thou shalt go out of this country while I am
+therein.  I will obey your commandment, said Sir Palamides, the
+which is sore against my will.  Then take thy way, said La Beale
+Isoud, unto the court of King Arthur, and there recommend me unto
+Queen Guenever, and tell her that I send her word that there be
+within this land but four lovers, that is, Sir Launcelot du Lake
+and Queen Guenever, and Sir Tristram de Liones and Queen Isoud.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII
+
+How Sir Tristram brought Queen Isoud home, and of the
+debate of King Mark and Sir Tristram.
+
+AND so Sir Palamides departed with great heaviness.  And Sir
+Tristram took the queen and brought her again to King Mark, and
+then was there made great joy of her home-coming.  Who was
+cherished but Sir Tristram!  Then Sir Tristram let fetch Sir
+Lambegus, his knight, <332>from the forester's house, and it was
+long or he was whole, but at the last he was well recovered. 
+Thus they lived with joy and play a long while.  But ever Sir
+Andred, that was nigh cousin to Sir Tristram, lay in a watch to
+wait betwixt Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud, for to take them
+and slander them.  So upon a day Sir Tristram talked with La
+Beale 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 was nigh him, and 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 at that time there was not one would move for his words. 
+When Sir Tristram saw that there was not one would be against
+him, he shook the sword to the king, and made countenance as
+though he would have stricken him.  And then King Mark fled, and
+Sir Tristram followed him, and smote upon him five or six strokes
+flatling on the neck, that he made him to fall upon the nose. 
+And then Sir Tristram yede his way and armed him, and took his
+horse and his man, and so he rode into that forest.
+
+And there upon a day Sir Tristram met with two brethren that were
+knights with King Mark, and there he struck off the head of the
+one, and wounded the other to the death; and he made him to bear
+his brother's head in his helm unto the king, and thirty more
+there he wounded.  And when that knight came before the king to
+say his message, he there died afore the king and the queen. 
+Then King Mark called his council unto him, and asked advice of
+his barons what was best to do with Sir Tristram.  Sir, said the
+barons, in especial Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, Sir, we will give
+you counsel for to send for Sir Tristram, for we will that ye wit
+many men will hold with Sir Tristram an he were hard bestead. 
+And sir, said Sir Dinas, ye shall understand that Sir Tristram is
+called peerless and makeless of any Christian knight, and of his
+might and hardiness we knew none so good a knight, but if it be
+<333>Sir Launcelot du Lake.  And if he depart from your court and
+go to King Arthur's court, wit ye well he will get him such
+friends there that he will not set by your malice.  And
+therefore, sir, I counsel you to take him to your grace.  I will
+well, said the king, that he be sent for, that we may be friends. 
+Then the barons sent for Sir Tristram under a safe conduct.  And
+so when Sir Tristram came to the king he was welcome, and no
+rehearsal was made, and there was game and play.  And then the
+king and the queen went a-hunting, and Sir Tristram.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII
+
+How Sir Lamorak jousted with thirty knights, and Sir Tristram
+at the request of King Mark smote his horse down.
+
+THE king and the queen made their pavilions and their tents in
+that forest beside a river, and there was daily hunting and
+jousting, for there were ever thirty knights ready to joust unto
+all them that came in at that time.  And there by fortune came
+Sir Lamorak de Galis and Sir Driant; and there Sir Driant jousted
+right well, but at the last he had a fall.  Then Sir Lamorak
+proffered to joust.  And when he began he fared so with the
+thirty knights that there was not one of them but that he gave
+him a fall, and some of them were sore hurt.  I marvel, said King
+Mark, what knight he is that doth such deeds of arms.  Sir, said
+Sir Tristram, I know him well for a noble knight as few now be
+living, and his name is Sir Lamorak de Galis.  It were great
+shame, said the king, that he should go thus away, unless that
+some of you meet with him better.  Sir, said Sir Tristram,
+meseemeth it were no worship for a noble man to have ado with
+him: and for because at this time he hath done over much for any
+mean knight living, therefore, as meseemeth, it were great shame
+and villainy to tempt him any more at this time, insomuch as he
+and his horse are weary both; for the <334>deeds of arms that he
+hath done this day, an they be well considered, it were enough
+for Sir Launcelot du Lake.  As for that, said King Mark, I
+require you, as ye love me and my lady the queen, La Beale Isoud,
+take your arms and joust with Sir Lamorak de Galis.  Sir, said
+Sir Tristram, ye bid me do a thing that is against knighthood,
+and well I can deem that I shall give him a fall, for it is no
+mastery, for my horse and I be fresh both, and so is not his
+horse and he; and wit ye well that he will take it for great
+unkindness, for ever one good knight is loath to take another at
+disadvantage; but because I will not displease you, as ye require
+me so will I do, and obey your commandment.
+
+And so Sir Tristram armed him and took his horse, and put him
+forth, and there Sir Lamorak met him mightily, and what with the
+might of his own spear, and of Sir Tristram's spear, Sir
+Lamorak's horse fell to the earth, and he sitting in the saddle. 
+Then anon as lightly as he might he avoided the saddle and his
+horse, and put his shield afore him and drew his sword.  And then
+he bade Sir Tristram:  Alight, thou knight, an thou durst.  Nay,
+said Sir Tristram, I will no more have ado with thee, for I have
+done to thee over much unto my dishonour and to thy worship.  As
+for that, said Sir Lamorak, I can thee no thank; since thou hast
+for-jousted me on horseback I require thee and I beseech thee, an
+thou be Sir Tristram, fight with me on foot.  I will not so, said
+Sir Tristram; and wit ye well my name is Sir Tristram de Liones,
+and well I know ye be Sir Lamorak de Galis, and this that I have
+done to you was against my will, but I was required thereto; but
+to say that I will do at your request as at this time, I will
+have no more ado with you, for me shameth of that I have done. 
+As for the shame, said Sir Lamorak, on thy part or on mine, bear
+thou it an thou wilt, for though a mare's son hath failed me, now
+a queen's son shall not fail thee; and therefore, an thou be such
+a knight as men call thee, I require thee, alight, and fight with
+me.  Sir Lamorak, said Sir Tristram, I understand your heart is
+great, and cause why ye have, to <335>say thee sooth; for it
+would grieve me an any knight should keep him fresh and then to
+strike down a weary knight, for that knight nor horse was never
+formed that alway might stand or endure.  And therefore, said Sir
+Tristram, I will not have ado with you, for me forthinketh of
+that I have done.  As for that, said Sir Lamorak, I shall quit
+you, an ever I see my time.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV
+
+How Sir Lamorak sent an horn to King Mark in despite of
+Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram was driven into a chapel.
+
+So he departed from him with Sir Driant, and by the way they met
+with a knight that was sent from Morgan le Fay unto King Arthur;
+and this knight had a fair horn harnessed with gold, and the horn
+had such a virtue that there might no lady nor gentlewoman drink
+of that horn but if she were true to her husband, and if she were
+false she should spill all the drink, and if she were true to her
+lord she might drink peaceable.  And because of the Queen
+Guenever, and in the despite of Sir Launcelot, this horn was sent
+unto King Arthur; and by force Sir Lamorak made that knight to
+tell all the cause why he bare that horn.  Now shalt thou bear
+this horn, said Lamorak, unto King Mark, or else choose thou to
+die for it; for I tell thee plainly, in despite and reproof of
+Sir Tristram thou shalt bear that horn unto King Mark, his uncle,
+and say thou to him that I sent it him for to assay his lady, and
+if she be true to him he shall prove her.  So the knight went his
+way unto King Mark, and brought him that rich horn, and said that
+Sir Lamorak sent it him, and thereto he told him the virtue of
+that horn.  Then the king made Queen Isoud to drink thereof, and
+an hundred ladies, and there were but four ladies of all those
+that drank clean.  Alas, said King Mark, this is <336>a great
+despite, and sware a great oath that she should be burnt and the
+other ladies.
+
+Then the barons gathered them together, and said plainly they
+would not have those ladies burnt for an horn made by sorcery,
+that came from as false a sorceress and witch as then was living. 
+For that horn did never good, but caused strife and debate, and
+always in her days she had been an enemy to all true lovers.  So
+there were many knights made their avow, an ever they met with
+Morgan le Fay, that they would show her short courtesy.  Also Sir
+Tristram was passing wroth that Sir Lamorak sent that horn unto
+King Mark, for well he knew that it was done in the despite of
+him.  And therefore he thought to quite Sir Lamorak.
+
+Then Sir Tristram used daily and nightly to go to Queen Isoud
+when he might, and ever Sir Andred his cousin watched him night
+and day for to take him with La Beale Isoud.  And so upon a night
+Sir Andred espied the hour and the time when Sir Tristram went to
+his lady.  Then Sir Andred gat unto him twelve knights, and at
+midnight he set upon Sir Tristram secretly and suddenly and there
+Sir Tristram was taken naked abed with La Beale Isoud, and then
+was he bound hand and foot, and so was he kept until day.  And
+then by the assent of King Mark, and of Sir Andred, and of some
+of the barons, Sir Tristram was led unto a chapel that stood upon
+the sea rocks, there for to take his judgment: and so he was led
+bounden with forty knights.  And when Sir Tristram saw that there
+was none other boot but needs that he must die, then said he: 
+Fair lords, remember what I have done for the country of
+Cornwall, and in what jeopardy I have been in for the weal of you
+all; for when I fought for the truage of Cornwall with Sir
+Marhaus, the good knight, I was promised for to be better
+rewarded, when ye all refused to take the battle; therefore, as
+ye be good gentle knights, see me not thus shamefully to die, for
+it is shame to all knighthood thus to see me die; for I dare say,
+said Sir Tristram, that I never met with no knight but I was as
+good as he, or better.  Fie upon thee, said Sir <337>Andred,
+false traitor that thou art, with thine avaunting; for all thy
+boast thou shalt die this day.  O Andred, Andred, said Sir
+Tristram, thou shouldst be my kinsman, and now thou art to me
+full unfriendly, but an there were no more but thou and I, thou
+wouldst not put me to death.  No! said Sir Andred, and therewith
+he drew his sword, and would have slain him.
+
+When Sir Tristram saw him make such countenance he looked upon
+both his hands that were fast bounden unto two knights, and
+suddenly he pulled them both to him, and unwrast his hands, and
+then he leapt unto his cousin, Sir Andred, and wrested his sword
+out of his hands; then he smote Sir Andred that he fell to the
+earth, and so Sir Tristram fought till that he had killed ten
+knights.  So then Sir Tristram gat the chapel and kept it
+mightily.  Then the cry was great, and the people drew fast unto
+Sir Andred, mo than an hundred.  When Sir Tristram saw the people
+draw unto him, he remembered he was naked, and sperd fast the
+chapel door, and brake the bars of a window, and so he leapt out
+and fell upon the crags in the sea.  And so at that time Sir
+Andred nor none of his fellows might get to him, at that time.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV
+
+How Sir Tristram was holpen by his men, and of Queen
+Isoud which was put in a lazar-cote, and how Tristram was hurt.
+
+SO when they were departed, Gouvernail, and Sir Lambegus, and Sir
+Sentraille de Lushon, that were Sir Tristram's men, sought their
+master.  When they heard he was escaped then they were passing
+glad; and on the rocks they found him, and with towels they
+pulled him up.  And then Sir Tristram asked them where was La
+Beale Isoud, for he weened she had been had away of Andred's
+people.  Sir, said Gouvernail, she is put in a lazar-cote.  Alas,
+said Sir <338>Tristram, this is a full ungoodly place for such a
+fair lady, and if I may she shall not be long there.  And so he
+took his men and went thereas was La Beale Isoud, and fetched her
+away, and brought her into a forest to a fair manor, and Sir
+Tristram there abode with her.  So the good knight bade his men
+go from him:  For at this time I may not help you.  So they
+departed all save Gouvernail.  And so upon a day Sir Tristram
+yede into the forest for to disport him, and then it happened
+that there he fell sleep; and there came a man that Sir Tristram
+aforehand had slain his brother, and when this man had found him
+he shot him through the shoulder with an arrow, and Sir Tristram
+leapt up and killed that man.  And in the meantime it was told
+King Mark how Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud were in that same
+manor, and as soon as ever he might thither he came with many
+knights to slay Sir Tristram.  And when he came there he found
+him gone; and there he took La Beale Isoud home with him, and
+kept her strait that by no means never she might wit nor send
+unto Tristram, nor he unto her.  And then when Sir Tristram came
+toward the old manor he found the track of many horses, and
+thereby he wist his lady was gone.  And then Sir Tristram took
+great sorrow, and endured with great pain long time, for the
+arrow that he was hurt withal was envenomed.
+
+Then by the mean of La Beale Isoud she told a lady that was
+cousin unto Dame Bragwaine, and she came to Sir Tristram, and
+told him that he might not be whole by no means.  For thy lady,
+La Beale Isoud, may not help thee, therefore she biddeth you
+haste into Brittany to King Howel, and there ye shall find his
+daughter, Isoud la Blanche Mains, and she shall help thee.  Then
+Sir Tristram and Gouvernail gat them shipping, and so sailed into
+Brittany.  And when King Howel wist that it was Sir Tristram he
+was full glad of him.  Sir, he said, I am come into this country
+to have help of your daughter, for it is told me that there is
+none other may heal me but she; and so within a while she healed
+him.
+
+
+
+<339>
+CHAPTER XXXVI
+
+How Sir Tristram served in war King Howel of Brittany,
+and slew his adversary in the field.
+
+THERE was an earl that hight Grip, and this earl made great war
+upon the king, and put the king to the worse, and besieged him. 
+And on a time Sir Kehydius, that was son to King Howel, as he
+issued out he was sore wounded, nigh to the death.  Then
+Gouvernail went to the king and said:  Sir, I counsel you to
+desire my lord, Sir Tristram, as in your need to help you.  I
+will do by your counsel, said the king.  And so he yede unto Sir
+Tristram, and prayed him in his wars to help him:  For my son,
+Sir Kehydius, may not go into the field.  Sir, said Sir Tristram,
+I will go to the field and do what I may.  Then Sir Tristram
+issued out of the town with such fellowship as he might make, and
+did such deeds that all Brittany spake of him.  And then, at the
+last, by great might and force, he slew the Earl Grip with his
+own hands, and more than an hundred knights he slew that day. 
+And then Sir Tristram was received worshipfully with procession. 
+Then King Howel embraced him in his arms, and said:  Sir
+Tristram, all my kingdom I will resign to thee.  God defend, said
+Sir Tristram, for I am beholden unto you for your daughter's sake
+to do for you.
+
+Then by the great means of King Howel and Kehydius his son, by
+great proffers, there grew great love betwixt Isoud and Sir
+Tristram, for that lady was both good and fair, and a woman of
+noble blood and fame.  And for because Sir Tristram had such
+cheer and riches, and all other pleasaunce that he had, almost he
+had forsaken La Beale Isoud.  And so upon a time Sir Tristram
+agreed to wed Isoud la Blanche Mains.  And at the last they were
+wedded, and solemnly held their marriage.  And so when they were
+abed both Sir Tristram remembered him of his old lady La Beale
+Isoud.  And then he took such a <340>thought suddenly that he was
+all dismayed, and other cheer made he none but with clipping and
+kissing; as for other fleshly lusts Sir Tristram never thought
+nor had ado with her: such mention maketh the French book; also
+it maketh mention that the lady weened there had been no pleasure
+but kissing and clipping.  And in the meantime there was a knight
+in Brittany, his name was Suppinabiles, and he came over the sea
+into England, and then he came into the court of King Arthur, and
+there he met with Sir Launcelot du Lake, and told him of the
+marriage of Sir Tristram.  Then said Sir Launcelot:  Fie upon
+him, untrue knight to his lady, that so noble a knight as Sir
+Tristram is should be found to his first lady false, La Beale
+Isoud, Queen of Cornwall; but say ye him this, said Sir
+Launcelot, that of all knights in the world I loved him most, and
+had most joy of him, and all was for his noble deeds; and let him
+wit the love between him and me is done for ever, and that I give
+him warning from this day forth as his mortal enemy.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII
+
+How Sir Suppinabiles told Sir Tristram how he was defamed
+in the court of King Arthur, and of Sir Lamorak.
+
+THEN departed Sir Suppinabiles unto Brittany again, and there he
+found Sir Tristram, and told him that he had been in King
+Arthur's court.  Then said Sir Tristram:  Heard ye anything of
+me?  So God me help, said Sir Suppinabiles, there I heard Sir
+Launcelot speak of you great shame, and that ye be a false knight
+to your lady and he bade me do you to wit that he will be your
+mortal enemy in every place where he may meet you.  That me
+repenteth, said Tristram, for of all knights I loved to be in his
+fellowship.  So Sir Tristram made great moan and was ashamed that
+noble knights should defame him for the sake of his lady.  And in
+this meanwhile La Beale <341>Isoud made a letter unto Queen
+Guenever, complaining her of the untruth of Sir Tristram, and how
+he had wedded the king's daughter of Brittany.  Queen Guenever
+sent her another letter, and bade her be of good cheer, for she
+should have joy after sorrow, for Sir Tristram was so noble a
+knight called, that by crafts of sorcery ladies would make such
+noble men to wed them.  But in the end, Queen Guenever said, it
+shall be thus, that he shall hate her, and love you better than
+ever he did to-fore.
+
+So leave we Sir Tristram in Brittany, and speak we of Sir Lamorak
+de Galis, that as he sailed his ship fell on a rock and perished
+all, save Sir Lamorak and his squire; and there he swam mightily,
+and fishers of the Isle of Servage took him up, and his squire
+was drowned, and the shipmen had great labour to save Sir
+Lamorak's life, for all the comfort that they could do.
+
+And the lord of that isle, hight Sir Nabon le Noire, a great
+mighty giant.  And this Sir Nabon hated all the knights of King
+Arthur's, and in no wise he would do them favour.  And these
+fishers told Sir Lamorak all the guise of Sir Nabon; how there
+came never knight of King Arthur's but he destroyed him.  And at
+the last battle that he did was slain Sir Nanowne le Petite, the
+which he put to a shameful death in despite of King Arthur, for
+he was drawn limb-meal.  That forthinketh me, said Sir Lamorak,
+for that knight's death, for he was my cousin; and if I were at
+mine ease as well as ever I was, I would revenge his death. 
+Peace, said the fishers, and make here no words, for or ever ye
+depart from hence Sir Nabon must know that ye have been here, or
+else we should die for your sake.  So that I be whole, said
+Lamorak, of my disease that I have taken in the sea, I will that
+ye tell him that I am a knight of King Arthur's, for I was never
+afeard to reneye my lord.
+
+
+
+<342>
+CHAPTER XXXVIII
+
+How Sir Tristram and his wife arrived in Wales, and how
+he met there with Sir Lamorak.
+
+NOW turn we unto Sir Tristram, that upon a day he took a little
+barget, and his wife Isoud la Blanche Mains, with Sir Kehydius
+her brother, to play them in the coasts.  And when they were from
+the land, there was a wind drove them in to the coast of Wales
+upon this Isle of Servage, whereas was Sir Lamorak, and there the
+barget all to-rove; and there Dame Isoud was hurt; and as well as
+they might they gat into the forest, and there by a well he saw
+Segwarides and a damosel.  And then either saluted other.  Sir,
+said Segwarides, I know you for Sir Tristram de Liones, the man
+in the world that I have most cause to hate, because ye departed
+the love between me and my wife; but as for that, said Sir
+Segwarides, I will never hate a noble knight for a light lady;
+and therefore, I pray you, be my friend, and I will be yours unto
+my power; for wit ye well ye are hard bestead in this valley, and
+we shall have enough to do either of us to succour other.  And
+then Sir Segwarides brought Sir Tristram to a lady thereby that
+was born in Cornwall, and she told him all the perils of that
+valley, and how there came never knight there but he were taken
+prisoner or slain.  Wit you well, fair lady, said Sir Tristram,
+that I slew Sir Marhaus and delivered Cornwall from the truage of
+Ireland, and I am he that delivered the King of Ireland from Sir
+Blamore de Ganis, and I am he that beat Sir Palamides; and wit ye
+well I am Sir Tristram de Liones, that by the grace of God shall
+deliver this woful Isle of Servage.  So Sir Tristram was well
+eased.
+
+Then one told him there was a knight of King Arthur's that was
+wrecked on the rocks.  What is his name? said Sir Tristram.  We
+wot not, said the fishers, but he keepeth it no counsel but that
+he is a knight of <343>King Arthur's, and by the mighty lord of
+this isle he setteth nought.  I pray you, said Sir Tristram, an
+ye may, bring him hither that I may see him, and if he be any of
+the knights of Arthur's I shall know him.  Then the lady prayed
+the fishers to bring him to her place.  So on the morrow they
+brought him thither in a fisher's raiment; and as soon as Sir
+Tristram saw him he smiled upon him and knew him well, but he
+knew not Sir Tristram.  Fair sir, said Sir Tristram, meseemeth by
+your cheer ye have been diseased but late, and also methinketh I
+should know you heretofore.  I will well, said Sir Lamorak, that
+ye have seen me and met with me.  Fair sir, said Sir Tristram,
+tell me your name.  Upon a covenant I will tell you, said Sir
+Lamorak, that is, that ye will tell me whether ye be lord of this
+island or no, that is called Nabon le Noire.  Forsooth, said Sir
+Tristram, I am not he, nor I hold not of him; I am his foe as
+well as ye be, and so shall I be found or I depart out of this
+isle.  Well, said Sir Lamorak, since ye have said so largely unto
+me, my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis, son unto King Pellinore. 
+Forsooth, I trow well, said Sir Tristram, for an ye said other I
+know the contrary.  What are ye, said Sir Lamorak, that knoweth
+me?  I am Sir Tristram de Liones.  Ah, sir, remember ye not of
+the fall ye did give me once, and after ye refused me to fight on
+foot.  That was not for fear I had of you, said Sir Tristram, but
+me shamed at that time to have more ado with you, for meseemed ye
+had enough; but, Sir Lamorak, for my kindness many ladies ye put
+to a reproof when ye sent the horn from Morgan le Fay to King
+Mark, whereas ye did this in despite of me.  Well, said he, an it
+were to do again, so would I do, for I had liefer strife and
+debate fell in King Mark's court rather than Arthur's court, for
+the honour of both courts be not alike.  As to that, said Sir
+Tristram, I know well; but that that was done it was for despite
+of me, but all your malice, I thank God, hurt not greatly. 
+Therefore, said Sir Tristram, ye shall leave all your malice, and
+so will I, and let us assay how we may win worship between you
+and me upon this giant Sir Nabon le <344>Noire that is lord of
+this island, to destroy him.  Sir, said Sir Lamorak, now I
+understand your knighthood, it may not be false that all men say,
+for of your bounty, noblesse, and worship, of all knights ye are
+peerless, and for your courtesy and gentleness I showed you
+ungentleness, and that now me repenteth.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX
+
+How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Nabon, and overcame
+him, and made Sir Segwarides lord of the isle.
+
+IN the meantime there came word that Sir Nabon had made a cry
+that all the people of that isle should be at his castle the
+fifth day after.  And the same day the son of Nabon should be
+made knight, and all the knights of that valley and thereabout
+should be there to joust, and all those of the realm of Logris
+should be there to joust with them of North Wales: and thither
+came five hundred knights, and they of the country brought
+thither Sir Lamorak, and Sir Tristram, and Sir Kehydius, and Sir
+Segwarides, for they durst none otherwise do; and then Sir Nabon
+lent Sir Lamorak horse and armour at Sir Lamorak's desire, and
+Sir Lamorak jousted and did such deeds of arms that Nabon and all
+the people said there was never knight that ever they saw do such
+deeds of arms; for, as the French book saith, he for-jousted all
+that were there, for the most part of five hundred knights, that
+none abode him in his saddle.
+
+Then Sir Nabon proffered to play with him his play:  For I saw
+never no knight do so much upon a day.  I will well, said Sir
+Lamorak, play as I may, but I am weary and sore bruised.  And
+there either gat a spear, but Nabon would not encounter with Sir
+Lamorak, but smote his horse in the forehead, and so slew him;
+and then Sir Lamorak yede on foot, and turned his shield and drew
+his sword, and there began strong battle on foot.  But Sir
+<345>Lamorak was so sore bruised and short breathed, that he
+traced and traversed somewhat aback.  Fair fellow, said Sir
+Nabon, hold thy hand and I shall show thee more courtesy than
+ever I showed knight, because I have seen this day thy noble
+knighthood, and therefore stand thou by, and I will wit whether
+any of thy fellows will have ado with me.  Then when Sir Tristram
+heard that, he stepped forth and said:  Nabon, lend me horse and
+sure armour, and I will have ado with thee.  Well, fellow, said
+Sir Nabon, go thou to yonder pavilion, and arm thee of the best
+thou findest there, and I shall play a marvellous play with thee. 
+Then said Sir Tristram:  Look ye play well, or else peradventure
+I shall learn you a new play.  That is well said, fellow, said
+Sir Nabon.  So when Sir Tristram was armed as him liked best, and
+well shielded and sworded, he dressed to him on foot; for well he
+knew that Sir Nabon would not abide a stroke with a spear,
+therefore he would slay all knights' horses.  Now, fair fellow,
+Sir Nabon, let us play.  So then they fought long on foot,
+tracing and traversing, smiting and foining long without any
+rest.  At the last Sir Nabon prayed him to tell him his name. 
+Sir Nabon, I tell thee my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, a
+knight of Cornwall under King Mark.  Thou art welcome, said Sir
+Nabon, for of all knights I have most desired to fight with thee
+or with Sir Launcelot.
+
+So then they went eagerly together, and Sir Tristram slew Sir
+Nabon, and so forthwith he leapt to his son, and struck off his
+head; and then all the country said they would hold of Sir
+Tristram.  Nay, said Sir Tristram, I will not so; here is a
+worshipful knight, Sir Lamorak de Galis, that for me he shall be
+lord of this country, for he hath done here great deeds of arms. 
+Nay, said Sir Lamorak, I will not be lord of this country, for I
+have not deserved it as well as ye, therefore give ye it where ye
+will, for I will none have.  Well, said Sir Tristram, since ye
+nor I will not have it, let us give it to him that hath not so
+well deserved it.  Do as ye list, said Segwarides, for the gift
+is yours, for I will none have an I had deserved it.  So was it
+given to Segwarides, whereof he thanked <346>them; and so was he
+lord, and worshipfully he did govern it.  And then Sir Segwarides
+delivered all prisoners, and set good governance in that valley;
+and so he returned into Cornwall, and told King Mark and La Beale
+Isoud how Sir Tristram had advanced him to the Isle of Servage,
+and there he proclaimed in all Cornwall of all the adventures of
+these two knights, so was it openly known.  But full woe was La
+Beale Isoud when she heard tell that Sir Tristram was wedded to
+Isoud la Blanche Mains.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL
+
+How Sir Lamorak departed from Sir Tristram, and how
+he met with Sir Frol, and after with Sir Launcelot.
+
+SO turn we unto Sir Lamorak, that rode toward Arthur's court, and
+Sir Tristram's wife and Kehydius took a vessel and sailed into
+Brittany, unto King Howel, where he was welcome.  And when he
+heard of these adventures they marvelled of his noble deeds.  Now
+turn we unto Sir Lamorak, that when he was departed from Sir
+Tristram he rode out of the forest, till he came to an hermitage. 
+When the hermit saw him, he asked him from whence he came.  Sir,
+said Sir Lamorak, I come from this valley.  Sir, said the hermit:
+thereof I marvel.  For this twenty winter I saw never no knight
+pass this country but he was either slain or villainously
+wounded, or pass as a poor prisoner.  Those ill customs, said Sir
+Lamorak, are fordone, for Sir Tristram slew your lord, Sir Nabon,
+and his son.  Then was the hermit glad, and all his brethren, for
+he said there was never such a tyrant among Christian men.  And
+therefore, said the hermit, this valley and franchise we will
+hold of Sir Tristram.
+
+So on the morrow Sir Lamorak departed; and as he rode he saw four
+knights fight against one, and that one knight defended him well,
+but at the last the four knights had him down.  And then Sir
+Lamorak went betwixt them, and asked them why they would slay
+that one <347>knight, and said it was shame, four against one. 
+Thou shalt well wit, said the four knights, that he is false. 
+That is your tale, said Sir Lamorak, and when I hear him also
+speak, I will say as ye say.  Then said Lamorak:  Ah, knight, can
+ye not excuse you, but that ye are a false knight.  Sir, said he,
+yet can I excuse me both with my word and with my hands, that I
+will make good upon one of the best of them, my body to his body. 
+Then spake they all at once:  We will not jeopardy our bodies as
+for thee.  But wit thou well, they said, an King Arthur were here
+himself, it should not lie in his power to save his life.  That
+is too much said, said Sir Lamorak, but many speak behind a man
+more than they will say to his face; and because of your words ye
+shall understand that I am one of the simplest of King Arthur's
+court; in the worship of my lord now do your best, and in despite
+of you I shall rescue him.  And then they lashed all at once to
+Sir Lamorak, but anon at two strokes Sir Lamorak had slain two of
+them, and then the other two fled.  So then Sir Lamorak turned
+again to that knight, and asked him his name.  Sir, he said, my
+name is Sir Frol of the Out Isles.  Then he rode with Sir Lamorak
+and bare him company.
+
+And as they rode by the way they saw a seemly knight riding
+against them, and all in white.  Ah, said Frol, yonder knight
+jousted late with me and smote me down, therefore I will joust
+with him.  Ye shall not do so, said Sir Lamorak, by my counsel,
+an ye will tell me your quarrel, whether ye jousted at his
+request, or he at yours.  Nay, said Sir Frol, I jousted with him
+at my request.  Sir, said Lamorak, then will I counsel you deal
+no more with him, for meseemeth by his countenance he should be a
+noble knight, and no japer; for methinketh he should be of the
+Table Round.  Therefore I will not spare, said Sir Frol.  And
+then he cried and said:  Sir knight, make thee ready to joust. 
+That needeth not, said the White Knight, for I have no lust to
+joust with thee; but yet they feutred their spears, and the White
+Knight overthrew Sir Frol, and then he rode his way a <348>soft
+pace.  Then Sir Lamorak rode after him, and prayed him to tell
+him his name:  For meseemeth ye should be of the fellowship of
+the Round Table.  Upon a covenant, said he, I will tell you my
+name, so that ye will not discover my name, and also that ye will
+tell me yours.  Then, said he, my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. 
+And my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake.  Then they put up their
+swords, and kissed heartily together, and either made great joy
+of other.  Sir, said Sir Lamorak, an it please you I will do you
+service.  God defend, said Launcelot, that any of so noble a
+blood as ye be should do me service.  Then he said:  More, I am
+in a quest that I must do myself alone.  Now God speed you, said
+Sir Lamorak, and so they departed.  Then Sir Lamorak came to Sir
+Frol and horsed him again.  What knight is that? said Sir Frol. 
+Sir, he said, it is not for you to know, nor it is no point of my
+charge.  Ye are the more uncourteous, said Sir Frol, and
+therefore I will depart from you.  Ye may do as ye list, said Sir
+Lamorak, and yet by my company ye have saved the fairest flower
+of your garland; so they departed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLI
+
+How Sir Lamorak slew Sir Frol, and of the courteous
+fighting with Sir Belliance his brother.
+
+THEN within two or three days Sir Lamorak found a knight at a
+well sleeping, and his lady sat with him and waked.  Right so
+came Sir Gawaine and took the knight's lady, and set her up
+behind his squire.  So Sir Lamorak rode after Sir Gawaine, and
+said:  Sir Gawaine, turn again.  And then said Sir Gawaine:  What
+will ye do with me? for I am nephew unto King Arthur.  Sir, said
+he, for that cause I will spare you, else that lady should abide
+with me, or else ye should joust with me.  Then Sir Gawaine
+turned him and ran to him that ought the lady, with his spear,
+but the knight with pure might smote <349>down Sir Gawaine, and
+took his lady with him.  All this Sir Lamorak saw, and said to
+himself:  But I revenge my fellow he will say of me dishonour in
+King Arthur's court.  Then Sir Lamorak returned and proffered
+that knight to joust.  Sir, said he, I am ready.  And there they
+came together with all their might, and there Sir Lamorak smote
+the knight through both sides that he fell to the earth dead.
+
+Then that lady rode to that knight's brother that hight Belliance
+le Orgulus, that dwelt fast thereby, and then she told him how
+his brother was slain.  Alas, said he, I will be revenged.  And
+so he horsed him, and armed him, and within a while he overtook
+Sir Lamorak, and bade him:  Turn and leave that lady, for thou
+and I must play a new play; for thou hast slain my brother Sir
+Frol, that was a better knight than ever wert thou.  It might
+well be, said Sir Lamorak, but this day in the field I was found
+the better.  So they rode together, and unhorsed other, and
+turned their shields, and drew their swords, and fought mightily
+as noble knights proved, by the space of two hours.  So then Sir
+Belliance prayed him to tell him his name.  Sir, said he, my name
+is Sir Lamorak de Galis.  Ah, said Sir Belliance, thou art the
+man in the world that I most hate, for I slew my sons for thy
+sake, where I saved thy life, and now thou hast slain my brother
+Sir Frol.  Alas, how should I be accorded with thee; therefore
+defend thee, for thou shalt die, there is none other remedy. 
+Alas, said Sir Lamorak, full well me ought to know you, for ye
+are the man that most have done for me.  And therewithal Sir
+Lamorak kneeled down, and besought him of grace.  Arise, said Sir
+Belliance, or else thereas thou kneelest I shall slay thee.  That
+shall not need, said Sir Lamorak, for I will yield me unto you,
+not for fear of you, nor for your strength, but your goodness
+maketh me full loath to have ado with you; wherefore I require
+you for God's sake, and for the honour of knighthood, forgive me
+all that I have offended unto you.  Alas, said Belliance, leave
+thy kneeling, or else I shall slay thee without mercy.
+
+<350>
+Then they yede again unto battle, and either wounded other, that
+all the ground was bloody thereas they fought.  And at the last
+Belliance withdrew him aback and set him down softly upon a
+little hill, for he was so faint for bleeding that he might not
+stand.  Then Sir Lamorak threw his shield upon his back, and
+asked him what cheer.  Well, said Sir Belliance.  Ah, Sir, yet
+shall I show you favour in your mal-ease.  Ah, Knight Sir
+Belliance, said Sir Lamorak, thou art a fool, for an I had had
+thee at such advantage as thou hast done me, I should slay thee;
+but thy gentleness is so good and so large, that I must needs
+forgive thee mine evil will.  And then Sir Lamorak kneeled down,
+and unlaced first his umberere, and then his own, and then either
+kissed other with weeping tears.  Then Sir Lamorak led Sir
+Belliance to an abbey fast by, and there Sir Lamorak would not
+depart from Belliance till he was whole.  And then they sware
+together that none of them should never fight against other.  So
+Sir Lamorak departed and went to the court of King Arthur.
+
+Here leave we of Sir Lamorak and of Sir Tristram.
+And here beginneth the history of La Cote Male Taile.
+
+
+
+BOOK IX
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+How a young man came into the court of King Arthur, and
+how Sir Kay called him in scorn La Cote Male Taile.
+
+AT the court of King Arthur there came a young man and bigly
+made, and he was richly beseen: and he desired to be made knight
+of the king, but his over-garment sat over-thwartly, howbeit it
+was rich cloth of gold.  What is your name? said King Arthur. 
+Sir, said he, my name is Breunor le Noire, and within short space
+ye shall know that I am of good kin.  It may well be, said Sir
+Kay, the Seneschal, but in mockage ye shall be called La Cote
+Male Taile, that is as much to say, the evil-shapen coat  It is a
+great thing that thou askest, said the king; and for what cause
+wearest thou that rich coat? tell me, for I can well think for
+some cause it is.  Sir, he answered, I had a father, a noble
+knight, and as he rode a-hunting, upon a day it happed him to lay
+him down to sleep; and there came a knight that had been long his
+enemy, and when he saw he was fast asleep he all to-hew him; and
+this same coat had my father on the same time; and that maketh
+this coat to sit so evil upon me, for the strokes be on it as I
+found it, and never shall be amended for me. Thus to have my
+father's death in remembrance I wear this coat till I be
+revenged; and because ye are called the most noblest king of the
+world I come to you that ye should make me knight.  Sir, said Sir
+Lamorak and Sir Gaheris, it were well done to make him knight;
+for him <352>beseemeth well of person and of countenance, that he
+shall prove a good man, and a good knight, and a mighty; for,
+Sir, an ye be remembered, even such one was Sir Launcelot du Lake
+when he came first into this court, and full few of us knew from
+whence he came; and now is he proved the man of most worship in
+the world; and all your court and all your Round Table is by Sir
+Launcelot worshipped and amended more than by any knight now
+living.  That is truth, said the king, and to-morrow at your
+request I shall make him knight.
+
+So on the morrow there was an hart found, and thither rode King
+Arthur with a company of his knights to slay the hart.  And this
+young man that Sir Kay named La Cote Male Taile was there left
+behind with Queen Guenever; and by sudden adventure there was an
+horrible lion kept in a strong tower of stone, and it happened
+that he at that time brake loose, and came hurling afore the
+queen and her knights.  And when the queen saw the lion she cried
+and fled, and prayed her knights to rescue her.  And there was
+none of them all but twelve that abode, and all the other fled. 
+Then said La Cote Male Taile:  Now I see well that all coward
+knights be not dead; and therewithal he drew his sword and
+dressed him afore the lion.  And that lion gaped wide and came
+upon him ramping to have slain him.  And he then smote him in the
+midst of the head such a mighty stroke that it clave his head in
+sunder, and dashed to the earth.  Then was it told the queen how
+the young man that Sir Kay named by scorn La Cote Male Taile had
+slain the lion.  With that the king came home.  And when the
+queen told him of that adventure, he was well pleased, and said: 
+Upon pain of mine head he shall prove a noble man and a faithful
+knight, and true of his promise: then the king forthwithal made
+him knight.  Now Sir, said this young knight, I require you and
+all the knights of your court, that ye call me by none other name
+but La Cote Male Taile: in so much as Sir Kay hath so named me so
+will I be called.  I assent me well thereto, said the king.
+
+
+
+<353>
+CHAPTER II
+
+How a damosel came into the court and desired a knight to
+take on him an enquest, which La Cote Male Taile emprised.
+
+THEN that same day there came a damosel into the court, and she
+brought with her a great black shield, with a white hand in the
+midst holding a sword.  Other picture was there none in that
+shield.  When King Arthur saw her he asked her from whence she
+came and what she would.  Sir, she said, I have ridden long and
+many a day with this shield many ways, and for this cause I am
+come to your court: there was a good knight that ought this
+shield, and this knight had undertaken a great deed of arms to
+enchieve it; and so it misfortuned him another strong knight met
+with him by sudden adventure, and there they fought long, and
+either wounded other passing sore; and they were so weary that
+they left that battle even hand.  So this knight that ought this
+shield saw none other way but he must die; and then he commanded
+me to bear this shield to the court of King Arthur, he requiring
+and praying some good knight to take this shield, and that he
+would fulfil the quest that he was in.  Now what say ye to this
+quest? said King Arthur; is there any of you here that will take
+upon him to wield this shield?  Then was there not one that would
+speak one word.  Then Sir Kay took the shield in his hands.  Sir
+knight, said the damosel, what is your name?  Wit ye well, said
+he, my name is Sir Kay, the Seneschal, that wide-where is known. 
+Sir, said that damosel, lay down that shield, for wit ye well it
+falleth not for you, for he must be a better knight than ye that
+shall wield this shield.  Damosel, said Sir Kay, wit ye well I
+took this shield in my hands by your leave for to behold it, not
+to that intent; but go wheresomever thou wilt, for I will not go
+with you.
+
+<354>
+Then the damosel stood still a great while and beheld many of
+those knights.  Then spake the knight, La Cote Male Taile:  Fair
+damosel, I will take the shield and that adventure upon me, so I
+wist I should know whitherward my journey might be; for because I
+was this day made knight I would take this adventure upon me. 
+What is your name, fair young man? said the damosel.  My name is,
+said he, La Cote Male Taile.  Well mayest thou be called so, said
+the damosel, the knight with the evil-shapen coat; but an thou be
+so hardy to take upon thee to bear that shield and to follow me,
+wit thou well thy skin shall be as well hewn as thy coat.  As for
+that, said La Cote Male Taile, when I am so hewn I will ask you
+no salve to heal me withal.  And forthwithal there came into the
+court two squires and brought him great horses, and his armour,
+and his spears, and anon he was armed and took his leave.  I
+would not by my will, said the king, that ye took upon you that
+hard adventure.  Sir, said he, this adventure is mine, and the
+first that ever I took upon me, and that will I follow
+whatsomever come of me.  Then that damosel departed, and La Cote
+Male Taile fast followed after.  And within a while he overtook
+the damosel, and anon she missaid him in the foulest manner.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+How La Cote Male Taile overthrew Sir Dagonet the king's
+fool, and of the rebuke that he had of the damosel.
+
+THEN Sir Kay ordained Sir Dagonet, King Arthur's fool, to follow
+after La Cote Male Taile; and there Sir Kay ordained that Sir
+Dagonet was horsed and armed, and bade him follow La Cote Male
+Taile and proffer him to joust, and so he did; and when he saw La
+Cote Male Taile, he cried and bade him make him ready to joust. 
+So Sir La Cote Male Taile smote Sir Dagonet over his horse's
+croup. Then the damosel mocked La Cote Male Taile, and said: 
+<355>Fie for shame! now art thou shamed in Arthur's court, when
+they send a fool to have ado with thee, and specially at thy
+first jousts; thus she rode long, and chid.  And within a while
+there came Sir Bleoberis, the good knight, and there he jousted
+with La Cote Male Taile, and there Sir Bleoberis smote him so
+sore, that horse and all fell to the earth.  Then La Cote Male
+Taile arose up lightly, and dressed his shield, and drew his
+sword, and would have done battle to the utterance, for he was
+wood wroth.  Not so, said Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, as at this time
+I will not fight upon foot.  Then the damosel Maledisant rebuked
+him in the foulest manner, and bade him:  Turn again, coward. 
+Ah, damosel, he said, I pray you of mercy to missay me no more,
+my grief is enough though ye give me no more; I call myself never
+the worse knight when a mare's son faileth me, and also I count
+me never the worse knight for a fall of Sir Bleoberis.
+
+So thus he rode with her two days; and by fortune there came Sir
+Palomides and encountered with him, and he in the same wise
+served him as did Bleoberis to-forehand.  What dost thou here in
+my fellowship? said the damosel Maledisant, thou canst not sit no
+knight, nor withstand him one buffet, but if it were Sir Dagonet. 
+Ah, fair damosel, I am not the worse to take a fall of Sir
+Palomides, and yet great disworship have I none, for neither
+Bleoberis nor yet Palomides would not fight with me on foot.  As
+for that, said the damosel, wit thou well they have disdain and
+scorn to light off their horses to fight with such a lewd knight
+as thou art.  So in the meanwhile there came Sir Mordred, Sir
+Gawaine's brother, and so he fell in the fellowship with the
+damosel Maledisant.  And then they came afore the Castle
+Orgulous, and there was such a custom that there might no knight
+come by that castle but either he must joust or be prisoner, or
+at the least to lose his horse and his harness.  And there came
+out two knights against them, and Sir Mordred jousted with the
+foremost, and that knight of the castle smote Sir Mordred down
+off his horse.  And then La Cote Male Taile jousted with that
+other, and either of them <356>smote other down, horse and all,
+to the earth.  And when they avoided their horses, then either of
+them took other's horses.  And then La Cote Male Taile rode unto
+that knight that smote down Sir Mordred, and jousted with him. 
+And there Sir La Cote Male Taile hurt and wounded him passing
+sore, and put him from his horse as he had been dead.  So he
+turned unto him that met him afore, and he took the flight
+towards the castle, and Sir La Cote Male Taile rode after him
+into the Castle Orgulous, and there La Cote Male Taile slew him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+How La Cote Male Taile fought against an hundred
+knights, and how he escaped by the mean of a lady.
+
+AND anon there came an hundred knights about him and assailed
+him; and when he saw his horse should be slain he alighted and
+voided his horse, and put the bridle under his feet, and so put
+him out of the gate.  And when he had so done he hurled in among
+them, and dressed his back unto a lady's chamber-wall, thinking
+himself that he had liefer die there with worship than to abide
+the rebukes of the damosel Maledisant.  And in the meantime as he
+stood and fought, that lady whose was the chamber went out slily
+at her postern, and without the gates she found La Cote Male
+Taile's horse, and lightly she gat him by the bridle, and tied
+him to the postern.  And then she went unto her chamber slily
+again for to behold how that one knight fought against an hundred
+knights.  And when she had beheld him long she went to a window
+behind his back, and said:  Thou knight, thou fightest wonderly
+well, but for all that at the last thou must needs die, but, an
+thou canst through thy mighty prowess, win unto yonder postern,
+for there have I fastened thy horse to abide thee: but wit thou
+well thou must think on thy worship, and think not to die, for
+thou mayst not win unto that postern without <357>thou do nobly
+and mightily.  When La Cote Male Taile heard her say so he
+gripped his sword in his hands, and put his shield fair afore
+him, and through the thickest press he thrulled through them. 
+And when he came to the postern he found there ready four
+knights, and at two the first strokes he slew two of the knights,
+and the other fled; and so he won his horse and rode from them. 
+And all as it was it was rehearsed in King Arthur's court, how he
+slew twelve knights within the Castle Orgulous; and so he rode on
+his way.
+
+And in the meanwhile the damosel said to Sir Mordred:  I ween my
+foolish knight be either slain or taken prisoner: then were they
+ware where he came riding.  And when he was come unto them he
+told all how he had sped and escaped in despite of them all:  And
+some of the best of them will tell no tales.  Thou liest falsely,
+said the damosel, that dare I make good, but as a fool and a
+dastard to all knighthood they have let thee pass.  That may ye
+prove, said La Cote Male Taile.  With that she sent a courier of
+hers, that rode alway with her, for to know the truth of this
+deed; and so he rode thither lightly, and asked how and in what
+manner that La Cote Male Taile was escaped out of the castle. 
+Then all the knights cursed him, and said that he was a fiend and
+no man:  For he hath slain here twelve of our best knights, and
+we weened unto this day that it had been too much for Sir
+Launcelot du Lake or for Sir Tristram de Liones.  And in despite
+of us all he is departed from us and maugre our heads.
+
+With this answer the courier departed and came to Maledisant his
+lady, and told her all how Sir La Cote Male Taile had sped at the
+Castle Orgulous.  Then she smote down her head, and said little. 
+By my head, said Sir Mordred to the damosel, ye are greatly to
+blame so to rebuke him, for I warn you plainly he is a good
+knight, and I doubt not but he shall prove a noble knight; but as
+yet he may not yet sit sure on horseback, for he that shall be a
+good horseman it must come of usage and exercise.  But when he
+cometh to the strokes of his sword <358>he is then noble and
+mighty, and that saw Sir Bleoberis and Sir Palomides, for wit ye
+well they are wily men of arms, and anon they know when they see
+a young knight by his riding, how they are sure to give him a
+fall from his horse or a great buffet.  But for the most part
+they will not light on foot with young knights, for they are
+wight and strongly armed.  For in likewise Sir Launcelot du Lake,
+when he was first made knight, he was often put to the worse upon
+horseback, but ever upon foot he recovered his renown, and slew
+and defoiled many knights of the Round Table.  And therefore the
+rebukes that Sir Launcelot did unto many knights causeth them
+that be men of prowess to beware; for often I have seen the old
+proved knights rebuked and slain by them that were but young
+beginners.  Thus they rode sure talking by the way together.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+How Sir Launcelot came to the court and heard of La Cote
+Male Taile, and how he followed after him, and how
+La Cote Male Taile was prisoner.
+
+HERE leave we off a while of this tale, and speak we of Sir
+Launcelot du Lake,[*9] that when he was come to the court of King
+Arthur, then heard he tell of the young knight La Cote Male
+Taile, how he slew the lion, and how he took upon him the
+adventure of the black shield, the which was named at that time
+the hardiest adventure of the world.  So God me save, said Sir
+Launcelot unto many of his fellows, it was shame to all the noble
+knights to suffer such a young knight to take such adventure upon
+him for his destruction; for I will that ye wit, said Sir
+Launcelot, that that damosel Maledisant hath borne that shield
+many a day for to seek the most proved knights, and that was she
+that Breuse Saunce Pite took that shield from her, and after
+Tristram de Liones rescued that shield from him and <359>gave it
+to the damosel again, a little afore that time that Sir Tristram
+fought with my nephew Sir Blamore de Ganis, for a quarrel that
+was betwixt the King of Ireland and him.  Then many knights were
+sorry that Sir La Cote Male Taile was gone forth to that
+adventure.  Truly, said Sir Launcelot, I cast me to ride after
+him.  And within seven days Sir Launcelot overtook La Cote Male
+Taile, and then he saluted him and the damosel Maledisant.  And
+when Sir Mordred saw Sir Launcelot, then he left their
+fellowship; and so Sir Launcelot rode with them all a day, and
+ever that damosel rebuked La Cote Male Taile; and then Sir
+Launcelot answered for him, then she left off, and rebuked Sir
+Launcelot.
+
+
+[*9] Printed by Caxton as part of chap. iv.
+
+
+So this meantime Sir Tristram sent by a damosel a letter unto Sir
+Launcelot, excusing him of the wedding of Isoud la Blanche Mains;
+and said in the letter, as he was a true knight he had never ado
+fleshly with Isoud la Blanche Mains; and passing courteously and
+gentily Sir Tristram wrote unto Sir Launcelot, ever beseeching
+him to be his good friend and unto La Beale Isoud of Cornwall,
+and that Sir Launcelot would excuse him if that ever he saw her. 
+And within short time by the grace of God, said Sir Tristram,
+that he would speak with La Beale Isoud, and with him right
+hastily.  Then Sir Launcelot departed from the damosel and from
+Sir La Cote Male Taile, for to oversee that letter, and to write
+another letter unto Sir Tristram de Liones.
+
+And in the meanwhile La Cote Male Taile rode with the damosel
+until they came to a castle that hight Pendragon; and there were
+six knights stood afore him, and one of them proffered to joust
+with La Cote Male Taile.  And there La Cote Male Taile smote him
+over his horse's croup.  And then the five knights set upon him
+all at once with their spears, and there they smote La Cote Male
+Taile down, horse and man.  And then they alighted suddenly, and
+set their hands upon him all at once, and took him prisoner, and
+so led him unto the castle and kept him as prisoner.
+
+And on the morn Sir Launcelot arose, and delivered <360>the
+damosel with letters unto Sir Tristram, and then he took his way
+after La Cote Male Taile; and by the way upon a bridge there was
+a knight proffered Sir Launcelot to joust, and Sir Launcelot
+smote him down, and then they fought upon foot a noble battle
+together, and a mighty; and at the last Sir Launcelot smote him
+down grovelling upon his hands and his knees.  And then that
+knight yielded him, and Sir Launcelot received him fair.  Sir,
+said the knight, I require thee tell me your name, for much my
+heart giveth unto you.  Nay, said Sir Launcelot, as at this time
+I will not tell you my name, unless then that ye tell me your
+name.  Certainly, said the knight, my name is Sir Nerovens, that
+was made knight of my lord Sir Launcelot du Lake.  Ah, Nerovens
+de Lile, said Sir Launcelot, I am right glad that ye are proved a
+good knight, for now wit ye well my name is Sir Launcelot du
+Lake.  Alas, said Sir Nerovens de Lile, what have I done!  And
+therewithal flatling he fell to his feet, and would have kissed
+them, but Sir Launcelot would not let him; and then either made
+great joy of other.  And then Sir Nerovens told Sir Launcelot
+that he should not go by the Castle of Pendragon:  For there is a
+lord, a mighty knight, and many knights with him, and this night
+I heard say that they took a knight prisoner yesterday that rode
+with a damosel, and they say he is a Knight of the Round Table.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+How Sir Launcelot fought with six knights, and after
+with Sir Brian, and how he delivered the prisoners.
+
+AH, said Sir Launcelot, that knight is my fellow, and him shall I
+rescue or else I shall lose my life therefore.  And therewithal
+he rode fast till he came before the Castle of Pendragon; and
+anon therewithal there came six knights, and all made them ready
+to set upon Sir Launcelot at once; then Sir Launcelot feutred his
+spear, and smote the <361>foremost that he brake his back in-
+sunder, and three of them hit and three failed.  And then Sir
+Launcelot passed through them, and lightly he turned in again,
+and smote another knight through the breast and throughout the
+back more than an ell, and therewithal his spear brake.  So then
+all the remnant of the four knights drew their swords and lashed
+at Sir Launcelot.  And at every stroke Sir Launcelot bestowed so
+his strokes that at four strokes sundry they avoided their
+saddles, passing sore wounded; and forthwithal he rode hurling
+into that castle.
+
+And anon the lord of the castle, that was that time cleped Sir
+Brian de les Isles, the which was a noble man and a great enemy
+unto King Arthur, within a while he was armed and upon horseback. 
+And then they feutred their spears and hurled together so
+strongly that both their horses rashed to the earth.  And then
+they avoided their saddles, and dressed their shields, and drew
+their swords, and flang together as wood men, and there were many
+strokes given in a while.  At the last Sir Launcelot gave to Sir
+Brian such a buffet that he kneeled upon his knees, and then Sir
+Launcelot rashed upon him, and with great force he pulled off his
+helm; and when Sir Brian saw that he should be slain he yielded
+him, and put him in his mercy and in his grace.  Then Sir
+Launcelot made him to deliver all his prisoners that he had
+within his castle, and therein Sir Launcelot found of Arthur's
+knights thirty, and forty ladies, and so he delivered them; and
+then he rode his way.  And anon as La Cote Male Taile was
+delivered he gat his horse, and his harness, and his damosel
+Maledisant.
+
+The meanwhile Sir Nerovens, that Sir Launcelot had foughten
+withal afore at the bridge, he sent a damosel after Sir Launcelot
+to wit how he sped at the Castle of Pendragon.  And then they
+within the castle marvelled what knight he was, when Sir Brian
+and his knights delivered all those prisoners.  Have ye no
+marvel, said the damosel, for the best knight in this world was
+here, and did this journey, and wit ye well, she said, it was Sir
+Launcelot.  Then was Sir Brian full glad, and so was his
+<362>lady, and all his knights, that such a man should win them. 
+And when the damosel and La Cote Male Taile understood that it
+was Sir Launcelot du Lake that had ridden with them in
+fellowship, and that she remembered her how she had rebuked him
+and called him coward, then was she passing heavy.
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+How Sir Launcelot met with the damosel named Male
+disant, and named her the Damosel Bienpensant.
+
+SO then they took their horses and rode forth a pace after Sir
+Launcelot.  And within two mile they overtook him, and saluted
+him, and thanked him, and the damosel cried Sir Launcelot mercy
+of her evil deed and saying:  For now I know the flower of all
+knighthood is departed even between Sir Tristram and you.  For
+God knoweth, said the damosel, that I have sought you my lord,
+Sir Launcelot, and Sir Tristram long, and now I thank God I have
+met with you; and once at Camelot I met with Sir Tristram, and
+there he rescued this black shield with the white hand holding a
+naked sword that Sir Breuse Saunce Pite had taken from me.  Now,
+fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, who told you my name?  Sir,
+said she, there came a damosel from a knight that ye fought
+withal at the bridge, and she told me your name was Sir Launcelot
+du Lake.  Blame have she then, said Sir Launcelot, but her lord,
+Sir Nerovens, hath told her.  But, damosel, said Sir Launcelot,
+upon this covenant I will ride with you, so that ye will not
+rebuke this knight Sir La Cote Male Taile no more; for he is a
+good knight, and I doubt not he shall prove a noble knight, and
+for his sake and pity that he should not be destroyed I followed
+him to succour him in this great need.  Ah, Jesu thank you, said
+the damosel, for now I will say unto you and to him both, I
+rebuked him never for no hate that I hated him, but for great
+<363>love that I had to him.  For ever I supposed that he had
+been too young and too tender to take upon him these adventures. 
+And therefore by my will I would have driven him away for
+jealousy that I had of his life, for it may be no young knight's
+deed that shall enchieve this adventure to the end.  Pardieu,
+said Sir Launcelot, it is well said, and where ye are called the
+Damosel Maledisant I will call you the Damosel Bienpensant.
+
+And so they rode forth a great while unto they came to the border
+of the country of Surluse, and there they found a fair village
+with a strong bridge like a fortress.  And when Sir Launcelot and
+they were at the bridge there stert forth afore them of gentlemen
+and yeomen many, that said:  Fair lords, ye may not pass this
+bridge and this fortress because of that black shield that I see
+one of you bear, and therefore there shall not pass but one of
+you at once; therefore choose you which of you shall enter within
+this bridge first.  Then Sir Launcelot proffered himself first to
+enter within this bridge.  Sir, said La Cote Male Taile, I
+beseech you let me enter within this fortress, and if I may speed
+well I will send for you, and if it happened that I be slain,
+there it goeth.  And if so be that I am a prisoner taken, then
+may ye rescue me.  I am loath, said Sir Launcelot, to let you
+pass this passage.  Sir, said La Cote Male Taile, I pray you let
+me put my body in this adventure.  Now go your way, said Sir
+Launcelot, and Jesu be your speed.
+
+So he entered, and anon there met with him two brethren, the one
+hight Sir Plaine de Force, and the other hight Sir Plaine de
+Amours.  And anon they met with Sir La Cote Male Taile; and first
+La Cote Male Taile smote down Plaine de Force, and after he smote
+down Plaine de Amours; and then they dressed them to their
+shields and swords, and bade La Cote Male Taile alight, and so he
+did; and there was dashing and foining with swords, and so they
+began to assail full hard La Cote Male Taile, and many great
+wounds they gave him upon his head, and upon his breast, and upon
+his shoulders.  And as he might ever among he gave sad strokes
+again.  <364>And then the two brethren traced and traversed for
+to be of both hands of Sir La Cote Male Taile, but he by fine
+force and knightly prowess gat them afore him.  And then when he
+felt himself so wounded, then he doubled his strokes, and gave
+them so many wounds that he felled them to the earth, and would
+have slain them had they not yielded them.  And right so Sir La
+Cote Male Taile took the best horse that there was of them three,
+and so rode forth his way to the other fortress and bridge; and
+there he met with the third brother whose name was Sir Plenorius,
+a full noble knight, and there they jousted together, and either
+smote other down, horse and man, to the earth.  And then they
+avoided their horses, and dressed their shields, and drew their
+swords, and gave many sad strokes, and one while the one knight
+was afore on the bridge, and another while the other.  And thus
+they fought two hours and more, and never rested.  And ever Sir
+Launcelot and the damosel beheld them.  Alas, said the damosel,
+my knight fighteth passing sore and over long.  Now may ye see,
+said Sir Launcelot, that he is a noble knight, for to consider
+his first battle, and his grievous wounds; and even forthwithal
+so wounded as he is, it is marvel that he may endure this long
+battle with that good knight.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+How La Cote Male Taile was taken prisoner, and after
+rescued by Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot overcame
+four brethren.
+
+THIS meanwhile Sir La Cote Male Taile sank right down upon the
+earth, what for-wounded and what for-bled he might not stand. 
+Then the other knight had pity of him, and said:  Fair young
+knight, dismay you not, for had ye been fresh when ye met with
+me, as I was, I wot well that I should not have endured so long
+as ye have done; and <365>therefore for your noble deeds of arms
+I shall show to you kindness and gentleness in all that I may. 
+And forthwithal this noble knight, Sir Plenorius, took him up in
+his arms, and led him into his tower.  And then he commanded him
+the wine, and made to search him and to stop his bleeding wounds. 
+Sir, said La Cote Male Taile, withdraw you from me, and hie you
+to yonder bridge again, for there will meet with you another
+manner knight than ever was I.  Why, said Plenorius, is there
+another manner knight behind of your fellowship?  Yea, said La
+Cote Male Taile, there is a much better knight than I am.  What
+is his name? said Plenorius.  Ye shall not know for me, said La
+Cote Male Taile.  Well, said the knight, he shall be encountered
+withal whatsomever he be.
+
+Then Sir Plenorius heard a knight call that said:  Sir Plenorius,
+where art thou? either thou must deliver me the prisoner that
+thou hast led unto thy tower, or else come and do battle with me. 
+Then Plenorius gat his horse, and came with a spear in his hand
+walloping toward Sir Launcelot; and then they began to feutre
+their spears, and came together as thunder, and smote either
+other so mightily that their horses fell down under them.  And
+then they avoided their horses, and pulled out their swords, and
+like two bulls they lashed together with great strokes and foins;
+but ever Sir Launcelot recovered ground upon him, and Sir
+Plenorius traced to have gone about him.  But Sir Launcelot would
+not suffer that, but bare him backer and backer, till he came
+nigh his tower gate.  And then said Sir Launcelot:  I know thee
+well for a good knight, but wit thou well thy life and death is
+in my hand, and therefore yield thee to me, and thy prisoner. 
+The other answered no word, but struck mightily upon Sir
+Launcelot's helm, that the fire sprang out of his eyes.  Then Sir
+Launcelot doubled his strokes so thick, and smote at him so
+mightily, that he made him kneel upon his knees.  And therewith
+Sir Launcelot leapt upon him, and pulled him grovelling down. 
+Then Sir Plenorius yielded him, and his tower, and all his
+prisoners at his will.
+
+Then Sir Launcelot received him and took his troth; <366>and then
+he rode to the other bridge, and there Sir Launcelot jousted with
+other three of his brethren, the one hight Pillounes, and the
+other hight Pellogris, and the third Sir Pellandris.  And first
+upon horseback Sir Launcelot smote them down, and afterward he
+beat them on foot, and made them to yield them unto him; and then
+he returned unto Sir Plenorius, and there he found in his prison
+King Carados of Scotland, and many other knights, and all they
+were delivered.  And then Sir La Cote Male Taile came to Sir
+Launcelot, and then Sir Launcelot would have given him all these
+fortresses and these bridges.  Nay, said La Cote Male Taile, I
+will not have Sir Plenorius' livelihood; with that he will grant
+you, my lord Sir Launcelot, to come unto King Arthur's court, and
+to be his knight, and all his brethren, I will pray you, my lord,
+to let him have his livelihood.  I will well, said Sir Launcelot,
+with this that he will come to the court of King Arthur and
+become his man, and his brethren five.  And as for you, Sir
+Plenorius, I will undertake, said Sir Launcelot, at the next
+feast, so there be a place voided, that ye shall be Knight of the
+Round Table.  Sir, said Plenorius, at the next feast of Pentecost
+I will be at Arthur's court, and at that time I will be guided
+and ruled as King Arthur and ye will have me.  Then Sir Launcelot
+and Sir La Cote Male Taile reposed them there, unto the time that
+Sir La Cote Male Taile was whole of his wounds, and there they
+had merry cheer, and good rest, and many good games, and there
+were many fair ladies.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+How Sir Launcelot made La Cote Male Taile lord of the
+Castle of Pendragon, and after was made knight of the
+Round Table.
+
+AND in the meanwhile came Sir Kay, the Seneschal, and Sir
+Brandiles, and anon they fellowshipped with them.  <367>And then
+within ten days, then departed those knights of Arthur's court
+from these fortresses.  And as Sir Launcelot came by the Castle
+of Pendragon there he put Sir Brian de les Isles from his lands,
+for cause he would never be withhold with King Arthur; and all
+that Castle of Pendragon and all the lands thereof he gave to Sir
+La Cote Male Taile.  And then Sir Launcelot sent for Nerovens
+that he made once knight, and he made him to have all the rule of
+that castle and of that country, under La Cote Male Taile; and so
+they rode to Arthur's court all wholly together.  And at
+Pentecost next following there was Sir Plenorius and Sir La Cote
+Male Taile, called otherwise by right Sir Breunor le Noire, both
+made Knights of the Table Round; and great lands King Arthur gave
+them, and there Breunor le Noire wedded that damosel Maledisant. 
+And after she was called Beauvivante, but ever after for the more
+part he was called La Cote Male Taile; and he proved a passing
+noble knight, and mighty; and many worshipful deeds he did after
+in his life; and Sir Plenorius proved a noble knight and full of
+prowess, and all the days of their life for the most part they
+awaited upon Sir Launcelot; and Sir Plenorius' brethren were ever
+knights of King Arthur.  And also, as the French book maketh
+mention, Sir La Cote Male Taile avenged his father's death.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+How La Beale Isoud sent letters to Sir Tristram by her maid
+Bragwaine, and of divers adventures of Sir Tristram.
+
+NOW leave we here Sir La Cote Male Taile, and turn we unto Sir
+Tristram de Liones that was in Brittany.  When La Beale Isoud
+understood that he was wedded she sent to him by her maiden
+Bragwaine as piteous letters as could be thought and made, and
+her conclusion was that, an it pleased Sir Tristram, that he
+would come to her <368>court, and bring with him Isoud la Blanche
+Mains, and they should be kept as well as she herself.  Then Sir
+Tristram called unto him Sir Kehydius, and asked him whether he
+would go with him into Cornwall secretly.  He answered him that
+he was ready at all times.  And then he let ordain privily a
+little vessel, and therein they went, Sir Tristram, Kehydius,
+Dame Bragwaine, and Gouvernail, Sir Tristram's squire.  So when
+they were in the sea a contrarious wind blew them on the coasts
+of North Wales, nigh the Castle Perilous.  Then said Sir
+Tristram:  Here shall ye abide me these ten days, and Gouvernail,
+my squire, with you.  And if so be I come not again by that day
+take the next way into Cornwall; for in this forest are many
+strange adventures, as I have heard say, and some of them I cast
+me to prove or I depart.  And when I may I shall hie me after
+you.
+
+Then Sir Tristram and Kehydius took their horses and departed
+from their fellowship.  And so they rode within that forest a
+mile and more; and at the last Sir Tristram saw afore him a
+likely knight, armed, sitting by a well, and a strong mighty
+horse passing nigh him tied to an oak, and a man hoving and
+riding by him leading an horse laden with spears.  And this
+knight that sat at the well seemed by his countenance to be
+passing heavy.  Then Sir Tristram rode near him and said:  Fair
+knight, why sit ye so drooping? ye seem to be a knight-errant by
+your arms and harness, and therefore dress you to joust with one
+of us, or with both.  Therewithal that knight made no words, but
+took his shield and buckled it about his neck, and lightly he
+took his horse and leapt upon him.  And then he took a great
+spear of his squire, and departed his way a furlong.  Sir
+Kehydius asked leave of Sir Tristram to joust first.  Do your
+best, said Sir Tristram.  So they met together, and there Sir
+Kehydius had a fall, and was sore wounded on high above the paps. 
+Then Sir Tristram said:  Knight, that is well jousted, now make
+you ready unto me.  I am ready, said the knight.  And then that
+knight took a greater spear in his hand, and encountered with Sir
+Tristram, <369>and there by great force that knight smote down
+Sir Tristram from his horse and had a great fall.  Then Sir
+Tristram was sore ashamed, and lightly he avoided his horse, and
+put his shield afore his shoulder, and drew his sword.  And then
+Sir Tristram required that knight of his knighthood to alight
+upon foot and fight with him.  I will well, said the knight; and
+so he alighted upon foot, and avoided his horse, and cast his
+shield upon his shoulder, and drew his sword, and there they
+fought a long battle together full nigh two hours.  Then Sir
+Tristram said:  Fair knight, hold thine hand, and tell me of
+whence thou art, and what is thy name.  As for that, said the
+knight, I will be avised; but an thou wilt tell me thy name
+peradventure I will tell thee mine.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+How Sir Tristram met with Sir Lamorak de Galis, and how
+they fought, and after accorded never to fight together.
+
+NOW fair knight, he said, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones. 
+Sir, said the other knight, and my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. 
+Ah, Sir Lamorak, said Sir Tristram, well be we met, and bethink
+thee now of the despite thou didst me of the sending of the horn
+unto King Mark's court, to the intent to have slain or
+dishonoured my lady the queen, La Beale Isoud; and therefore wit
+thou well, said Sir Tristram, the one of us shall die or we
+depart.  Sir, said Sir Lamorak, remember that we were together in
+the Isle of Servage, and at that time ye promised me great
+friendship.  Then Sir Tristram would make no longer delays, but
+lashed at Sir Lamorak; and thus they fought long till either were
+weary of other.  Then Sir Tristram said to Sir Lamorak:  In all
+my life met I never with such a knight that was so big and well
+breathed as ye be, therefore, said Sir Tristram, it were pity
+that any of us both should here be mischieved.  Sir <370>said Sir
+Lamorak, for your renown and name I will that ye have the worship
+of this battle, and therefore I will yield me unto you.  And
+therewith he took the point of his sword to yield him.  Nay, said
+Sir Tristram, ye shall not do so, for well I know your proffers,
+and more of your gentleness than for any fear or dread ye have of
+me.  And therewithal Sir Tristram proffered him his sword and
+said:  Sir Lamorak, as an overcome knight I yield me unto you as
+to a man of the most noble prowess that ever I met withal.  Nay,
+said Sir Lamorak, I will do you gentleness; I require you let us
+be sworn together that never none of us shall after this day have
+ado with other.  And therewithal Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak
+sware that never none of them should fight against other, nor for
+weal nor for woe.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+How Sir Palomides followed the Questing Beast, and smote
+down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one spear.
+
+AND this meanwhile there came Sir Palomides, the good knight,
+following the Questing Beast that had in shape a head like a
+serpent's head, and a body like a leopard, buttocks like a lion,
+and footed like an hart; and in his body there was such a noise
+as it had been the noise of thirty couple of hounds questing, and
+such a noise that beast made wheresomever he went; and this beast
+ever more Sir Palomides followed, for it was called his quest. 
+And right so as he followed this beast it came by Sir Tristram,
+and soon after came Palomides.  And to brief this matter he smote
+down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak both with one spear; and so he
+departed after the beast Galtisant, that was called the Questing
+Beast; wherefore these two knights were passing wroth that Sir
+Palomides would not fight on foot with them.  Here men may
+understand that be of worship, that he was never formed <371>that
+all times might stand, but sometime he was put to the worse by
+mal-fortune; and at sometime the worse knight put the better
+knight to a rebuke.
+
+Then Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak gat Sir Kehydius upon a shield
+betwixt them both, and led him to a forester's lodge, and there
+they gave him in charge to keep him well, and with him they abode
+three days.  Then the two knights took their horses and at the
+cross they departed.  And then said Sir Tristram to Sir Lamorak: 
+I require you if ye hap to meet with Sir Palomides, say him that
+he shall find me at the same well where I met him, and there I,
+Sir Tristram, shall prove whether he be better knight than I. 
+And so either departed from other a sundry way, and Sir Tristram
+rode nigh thereas was Sir Kehydius; and Sir Lamorak rode until he
+came to a chapel, and there he put his horse unto pasture.  And
+anon there came Sir Meliagaunce, that was King Bagdemagus' son,
+and he there put his horse to pasture, and was not ware of Sir
+Lamorak; and then this knight Sir Meliagaunce made his moan of
+the love that he had to Queen Guenever, and there he made a woful
+complaint.  All this heard Sir Lamorak, and on the morn Sir
+Lamorak took his horse and rode unto the forest, and there he met
+with two knights hoving under the wood-shaw.  Fair knights, said
+Sir Lamorak, what do ye hoving here and watching? and if ye be
+knights-errant that will joust, lo I am ready.  Nay, sir knight,
+they said, not so, we abide not here to joust with you, but we
+lie here in await of a knight that slew our brother.  What knight
+was that, said Sir Lamorak, that you would fain meet withal? 
+Sir, they said, it is Sir Launcelot that slew our brother, and if
+ever we may meet with him he shall not escape, but we shall slay
+him.  Ye take upon you a great charge, said Sir Lamorak, for Sir
+Launcelot is a noble proved knight.  As for that we doubt not,
+for there nis none of us but we are good enough for him.  I will
+not believe that, said Sir Lamorak, for I heard never yet of no
+knight the days of my life but Sir Launcelot was too big for him.
+
+
+
+<372>
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+How Sir Lamorak met with Sir Meliagaunce, and fought
+together for the beauty of Dame Guenever.
+
+RIGHT so as they stood talking thus Sir Lamorak was ware how Sir
+Launcelot came riding straight toward them; then Sir Lamorak
+saluted him, and he him again.  And then Sir Lamorak asked Sir
+Launcelot if there were anything that he might do for him in
+these marches.  Nay, said Sir Launcelot, not at this time I thank
+you.  Then either departed from other, and Sir Lamorak rode again
+thereas he left the two knights, and then he found them hid in
+the leaved wood.  Fie on you, said Sir Lamorak, false cowards,
+pity and shame it is that any of you should take the high order
+of knighthood.  So Sir Lamorak departed from them, and within a
+while he met with Sir Meliagaunce.  And then Sir Lamorak asked
+him why he loved Queen Guenever as he did:  For I was not far
+from you when ye made your complaint by the chapel.  Did ye so?
+said Sir Meliagaunce, then will I abide by it:  I love Queen
+Guenever, what will ye with it?  I will prove and make good that
+she is the fairest lady and most of beauty in the world.  As to
+that, said Sir Lamorak, I say nay thereto, for Queen Morgawse of
+Orkney, mother to Sir Gawaine, and his mother is the fairest
+queen and lady that beareth the life.  That is not so, said Sir
+Meliagaunce, and that will I prove with my hands upon thy body. 
+Will ye so? said Sir Lamorak, and in a better quarrel keep I not
+to fight.  Then they departed either from other in great wrath. 
+And then they came riding together as it had been thunder, and
+either smote other so sore that their horses fell backward to the
+earth.  And then they avoided their horses, and dressed their
+shields, and drew their swords.  And then they hurtled together
+as wild boars, and thus they fought a great while.  For
+Meliagaunce was a good man and of great might, but Sir Lamorak
+was <373>hard big for him, and put him always aback, but either
+had wounded other sore.
+
+And as they stood thus fighting, by fortune came Sir Launcelot
+and Sir Bleoberis riding.  And then Sir Launcelot rode betwixt
+them, and asked them for what cause they fought so together:  And
+ye are both knights of King Arthur!
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+How Sir Meliagaunce told for what cause they fought,
+and how Sir Lamorak jousted with King Arthur.
+
+SIR, said Meliagaunce, I shall tell you for what cause we do this
+battle.  I praised my lady, Queen Guenever, and said she was the
+fairest lady of the world, and Sir Lamorak said nay thereto, for
+he said Queen Morgawse of Orkney was fairer than she and more of
+beauty.  Ah, Sir Lamorak, why sayest thou so? it is not thy part
+to dispraise thy princess that thou art under her obeissance, and
+we all.  And therewith he alighted on foot, and said:  For this
+quarrel, make thee ready, for I will prove upon thee that Queen
+Guenever is the fairest lady and most of bounty in the world. 
+Sir, said Sir Lamorak, I am loath to have ado with you in this
+quarrel, for every man thinketh his own lady fairest; and though
+I praise the lady that I love most ye should not be wroth; for
+though my lady Queen Guenever, be fairest in your eye, wit ye
+well Queen Morgawse of Orkney is fairest in mine eye, and so
+every knight thinketh his own lady fairest; and wit ye well, sir,
+ye are the man in the world except Sir Tristram that I am most
+loathest to have ado withal, but, an ye will needs fight with me
+I shall endure you as long as I may.  Then spake Sir Bleoberis
+and said:  My lord Sir Launcelot, I wist you never so misadvised
+as ye are now, for Sir Lamorak sayeth you but reason and
+knightly; for I warn you I have a lady, and methinketh that she
+is the fairest lady of the world.  Were this a great reason that
+ye <374>should be wroth with me for such language?  And well ye
+wot, that Sir Lamorak is as noble a knight as I know, and he hath
+ought you and us ever good will, and therefore I pray you be good
+friends.  Then Sir Launcelot said unto Sir Lamorak.  I pray you
+forgive me mine evil will, and if I was misadvised I will amend
+it.  Sir, said Sir Lamorak, the amends is soon made betwixt you
+and me.  And so Sir Launcelot and Sir Bleoberis departed, and Sir
+Meliagaunce and Sir Lamorak took their horses, and either
+departed from other.
+
+And within a while came King Arthur, and met with Sir Lamorak,
+and jousted with him; and there he smote down Sir Lamorak, and
+wounded him sore with a spear, and so he rode from him; wherefore
+Sir Lamorak was wroth that he would not fight with him on foot,
+howbeit that Sir Lamorak knew not King Arthur.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+How Sir Kay met with Sir Tristram, and after of the
+shame spoken of the knights of Cornwall, and how they jousted.
+
+NOW leave we of this tale, and speak we of Sir Tristram, that as
+he rode he met with Sir Kay, the Seneschal; and there Sir Kay
+asked Sir Tristram of what country he was.  He answered that he
+was of the country of Cornwall.  It may well be, said Sir Kay,
+for yet heard I never that ever good knight came out of Cornwall. 
+That is evil spoken, said Sir Tristram, but an it please you to
+tell me your name I require you.  Sir, wit ye well, said Sir Kay,
+that my name is Sir Kay, the Seneschal.  Is that your name? said
+Sir Tristram, now wit ye well that ye are named the shamefullest
+knight of your tongue that now is living; howbeit ye are called a
+good knight, but ye are called unfortunate, and passing
+overthwart of your tongue.  And thus they rode together till they
+came to a <375>bridge.  And there was a knight would not let them
+pass till one of them jousted with him; and so that knight
+jousted with Sir Kay, and there that knight gave Sir Kay a fall:
+his name was Sir Tor, Sir Lamorak's half-brother.  And then they
+two rode to their lodging, and there they found Sir Brandiles,
+and Sir Tor came thither anon after.  And as they sat at supper
+these four knights, three of them spake all shame by Cornish
+knights.  Sir Tristram heard all that they said and he said but
+little, but he thought the more, but at that time he discovered
+not his name.
+
+Upon the morn Sir Tristram took his horse and abode them upon
+their way.  And there Sir Brandiles proffered to joust with Sir
+Tristram, and Sir Tristram smote him down, horse and all, to the
+earth.  Then Sir Tor le Fise de Vayshoure encountered with Sir
+Tristram and there Sir Tristram smote him down, and then he rode
+his way, and Sir Kay followed him, but he would not of his
+fellowship.  Then Sir Brandiles came to Sir Kay and said: I would
+wit fain what is that knight's name.  Come on with me, said Sir
+Kay, and we shall pray him to tell us his name.  So they rode
+together till they came nigh him, and then they were ware where
+he sat by a well, and had put off his helm to drink at the well. 
+And when he saw them come he laced on his helm lightly, and took
+his horse, and proffered them to joust.  Nay, said Sir Brandiles,
+we jousted late enough with you, we come not in that intent.  But
+for this we come to require you of knighthood to tell us your
+name.  My fair knights, sithen that is your desire, and to please
+you, ye shall wit that my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, nephew
+unto King Mark of Cornwall.  In good time, said Sir Brandiles,
+and well be ye found, and wit ye well that we be right glad that
+we have found you, and we be of a fellowship that would be right
+glad of your company.  For ye are the knight in the world that
+the noble fellowship of the Round Table most desireth to have the
+company of.  God thank them said Sir Tristram, of their great
+goodness, but as yet I feel well that I am unable to be of their
+fellowship, for I was <376>never yet of such deeds of worthiness
+to be in the company of such a fellowship.  Ah, said Sir Kay, an
+ye be Sir Tristram de Liones, ye are the man called now most of
+prowess except Sir Launcelot du Lake; for he beareth not the
+life, Christian nor heathen, that can find such another knight,
+to speak of his prowess, and of his hands, and his truth withal. 
+For yet could there never creature say of him dishonour and make
+it good.  Thus they talked a great while, and then they departed
+either from other such ways as them seemed best.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+How King Arthur was brought into the Forest Perilous,
+and how Sir Tristram saved his life.
+
+NOW shall ye hear what was the cause that King Arthur came into
+the Forest Perilous, that was in North Wales, by the means of a
+lady.  Her name was Annowre, and this lady came to King Arthur at
+Cardiff; and she by fair promise and fair behests made King
+Arthur to ride with her into that Forest Perilous; and she was a
+great sorceress; and many days she had loved King Arthur, and
+because she would have him to lie by her she came into that
+country.  So when the king was gone with her many of his knights
+followed after King Arthur when they missed him, as Sir
+Launcelot, Brandiles, and many other; and when she had brought
+him to her tower she desired him to lie by her; and then the king
+remembered him of his lady, and would not lie by her for no craft
+that she could do.  Then every day she would make him ride into
+that forest with his own knights, to the intent to have had King
+Arthur slain.  For when this Lady Annowre saw that she might not
+have him at her will, then she laboured by false means to have
+destroyed King Arthur, and slain.
+
+Then the Lady of the Lake that was alway friendly to King Arthur,
+she understood by her subtle crafts that <377>King Arthur was
+like to be destroyed.  And therefore this Lady of the Lake, that
+hight Nimue, came into that forest to seek after Sir Launcelot du
+Lake or Sir Tristram for to help King Arthur; foras that same day
+this Lady of the Lake knew well that King Arthur should be slain,
+unless that he had help of one of these two knights.  And thus
+she rode up and down till she met with Sir Tristram, and anon as
+she saw him she knew him.  O my lord Sir Tristram, she said, well
+be ye met, and blessed be the time that I have met with you; for
+this same day, and within these two hours, shall be done the
+foulest deed that ever was done in this land.  O fair damosel,
+said Sir Tristram, may I amend it.  Come on with me, she said,
+and that in all the haste ye may, for ye shall see the most
+worshipfullest knight of the world hard bestead.  Then said Sir
+Tristram: I am ready to help such a noble man.  He is neither
+better nor worse, said the Lady of the Lake, but the noble King
+Arthur himself.  God defend, said Sir Tristram, that ever he
+should be in such distress.  Then they rode together a great
+pace, until they came to a little turret or castle; and
+underneath that castle they saw a knight standing upon foot
+fighting with two knights; and so Sir Tristram beheld them, and
+at the last the two knights smote down the one knight, and that
+one of them unlaced his helm to have slain him.  And the Lady
+Annowre gat King Arthur's sword in her hand to have stricken off
+his head.  And therewithal came Sir Tristram with all his might,
+crying:  Traitress, traitress, leave that.  And anon there Sir
+Tristram smote the one of the knights through the body that he
+fell dead; and then he rashed to the other and smote his back
+asunder; and in the meanwhile the Lady of the Lake cried to King
+Arthur:  Let not that false lady escape.  Then King Arthur
+overtook her, and with the same sword he smote off her head, and
+the Lady of the Lake took up her head and hung it up by the hair
+of her saddle-bow.  And then Sir Tristram horsed King Arthur and
+rode forth with him, but he charged the Lady of the Lake not to
+discover his name as at that time.
+
+<378>
+When the king was horsed he thanked heartily Sir Tristram, and
+desired to wit his name; but he would not tell him, but that he
+was a poor knight adventurous; and so he bare King Arthur
+fellowship till he met with some of his knights.  And within a
+while he met with Sir Ector de Maris, and he knew not King Arthur
+nor Sir Tristram, and he desired to joust with one of them.  Then
+Sir Tristram rode unto Sir Ector, and smote him from his horse. 
+And when he had done so he came again to the king and said:  My
+lord, yonder is one of your knights, he may bare you fellowship,
+and another day that deed that I have done for you I trust to God
+ye shall understand that I would do you service.  Alas, said King
+Arthur, let me wit what ye are?  Not at this time, said Sir
+Tristram.  So he departed and left King Arthur and Sir Ector
+together.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+How Sir Tristram came to La Beale Isoud, and how
+Kehydius began to love Beale Isoud, and of a letter
+that Tristram found.
+
+AND then at a day set Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak met at the
+well; and then they took Kehydius at the forester's house, and so
+they rode with him to the ship where they left Dame Bragwaine and
+Gouvernail, and so they sailed into Cornwall all wholly together. 
+And by assent and information of Dame Bragwaine when they were
+landed they rode unto Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, a trusty friend
+of Sir Tristram's.  And so Dame Bragwaine and Sir Dinas rode to
+the court of King Mark, and told the queen, La Beale Isoud, that
+Sir Tristram was nigh her in that country.  Then for very pure
+joy La Beale Isoud swooned; and when she might speak she said: 
+Gentle knight Seneschal, help that I might speak with him, outher
+my heart will brast.  Then Sir Dinas and Dame <379>Bragwaine
+brought Sir Tristram and Kehydius privily unto the court, unto a
+chamber whereas La Beale Isoud had assigned it; and to tell the
+joys that were betwixt La Beale Isoud and Sir Tristram, there is
+no tongue can tell it, nor heart think it, nor pen write it.  And
+as the French book maketh mention, at the first time that ever
+Sir Kehydius saw La Beale Isoud he was so enamoured upon her that
+for very pure love he might never withdraw it.  And at the last,
+as ye shall hear or the book be ended, Sir Kehydius died for the
+love of La Beale Isoud.  And then privily he wrote unto her
+letters and ballads of the most goodliest that were used in those
+days.  And when La Beale Isoud understood his letters she had
+pity of his complaint, and unavised she wrote another letter to
+comfort him withal.
+
+And Sir Tristram was all this while in a turret at the
+commandment of La Beale Isoud, and when she might she came unto
+Sir Tristram.  So on a day King Mark played at the chess under a
+chamber window; and at that time Sir Tristram and Sir Kehydius
+were within the chamber over King Mark, and as it mishapped Sir
+Tristram found the letter that Kehydius sent unto La Beale Isoud,
+also he had found the letter that she wrote unto Kehydius, and at
+that same time La Beale Isoud was in the same chamber.  Then Sir
+Tristram came unto La Beale Isoud and said:  Madam, here is a
+letter that was sent unto you, and here is the letter that ye
+sent unto him that sent you that letter.  Alas, Madam, the good
+love that I have loved you; and many lands and riches have I
+forsaken for your love, and now ye are a traitress to me, the
+which doth me great pain.  But as for thee, Sir Kehydius, I
+brought thee out of Brittany into this country, and thy father,
+King Howel, I won his lands, howbeit I wedded thy sister Isoud la
+Blanche Mains for the goodness she did unto me.  And yet, as I am
+true knight, she is a clean maiden for me; but wit thou well, Sir
+Kehydius, for this falsehood and treason thou hast done me, I
+will revenge it upon thee.  And therewithal Sir Tristram drew out
+his sword and said:  Sir Kehydius, keep thee, and then <380>La
+Beale Isoud swooned to the earth.  And when Sir Kehydius saw Sir
+Tristram come upon him he saw none other boot, but leapt out at a
+bay-window even over the head where sat King Mark playing at the
+chess.  And when the king saw one come hurling over his head he
+said:  Fellow, what art thou, and what is the cause thou leapest
+out at that window?  My lord the king, said Kehydius, it fortuned
+me that I was asleep in the window above your head, and as I
+slept I slumbered, and so I fell down.  And thus Sir Kehydius
+excused him.
+
+
+
+CHAP TER XVIII
+
+How Sir Tristram departed from Tintagil, and how he
+sorrowed and was so long in a forest till he was out
+of his mind.
+
+THEN Sir Tristram dread sore lest he were discovered unto the
+king that he was there; wherefore he drew him to the strength of
+the Tower, and armed him in such armour as he had for to fight
+with them that would withstand him.  And so when Sir Tristram saw
+there was no resistance against him he sent Gouvernail for his
+horse and his spear, and knightly he rode forth out of the castle
+openly, that was called the Castle of Tintagil.  And even at gate
+he met with Gingalin, Sir Gawaine's son.  And anon Sir Gingalin
+put his spear in his rest, and ran upon Sir Tristram and brake
+his spear; and Sir Tristram at that time had but a sword, and
+gave him such a buffet upon the helm that he fell down from his
+saddle, and his sword slid adown, and carved asunder his horse's
+neck.  And so Sir Tristram rode his way into the forest, and all
+this doing saw King Mark.  And then he sent a squire unto the
+hurt knight, and commanded him to come to him, and so he did. 
+And when King Mark wist that it was Sir Gingalin he welcomed him
+and gave him an horse, and asked him what knight it was that had
+<381>encountered with him.  Sir, said Gingalin, I wot not what
+knight he was, but well I wot that he sigheth and maketh great
+dole.
+
+Then Sir Tristram within a while met with a knight of his own,
+that hight Sir Fergus.  And when he had met with him he made
+great sorrow, insomuch that he fell down off his horse in a
+swoon, and in such sorrow he was in three days and three nights. 
+Then at the last Sir Tristram sent unto the court by Sir Fergus,
+for to spere what tidings.  And so as he rode by the way he met
+with a damosel that came from Sir Palomides, to know and seek how
+Sir Tristram did.  Then Sir Fergus told her how he was almost out
+of his mind.  Alas, said the damosel, where shall I find him?  In
+such a place, said Sir Fergus.  Then Sir Fergus found Queen Isoud
+sick in her bed, making the greatest dole that ever any earthly
+woman made.  And when the damosel found Sir Tristram she made
+great dole because she might not amend him, for the more she made
+of him the more was his pain.  And at the last Sir Tristram took
+his horse and rode away from her.  And then was it three days or
+that she could find him, and then she brought him meat and drink,
+but he would none; and then another time Sir Tristram escaped
+away from the damosel, and it happed him to ride by the same
+castle where Sir Palomides and Sir Tristram did battle when La
+Beale Isoud departed them.  And there by fortune the damosel met
+with Sir Tristram again, making the greatest dole that ever
+earthly creature made; and she yede to the lady of that castle
+and told her of the misadventure of Sir Tristram.  Alas, said the
+lady of that castle, where is my lord, Sir Tristram?  Right here
+by your castle, said the damosel.  In good time, said the lady,
+is he so nigh me; he shall have meat and drink of the best; and
+an harp I have of his whereupon he taught me, for of goodly
+harping he beareth the prize in the world.  So this lady and
+damosel brought him meat and drink, but he ate little thereof. 
+Then upon a night he put his horse from him, and then he unlaced
+his armour, and then Sir Tristram would go into the wilderness,
+<382>and brast down the trees and boughs; and otherwhile when he
+found the harp that the lady sent him, then would he harp, and
+play thereupon and weep together.  And sometime when Sir Tristram
+was in the wood that the lady wist not where he was, then would
+she sit her down and play upon that harp: then would Sir Tristram
+come to that harp, and hearken thereto, and sometime he would
+harp himself.  Thus he there endured a quarter of a year.  Then
+at the last he ran his way, and she wist not where he was become. 
+And then was he naked and waxed lean and poor of flesh; and so he
+fell in the fellowship of herdmen and shepherds, and daily they
+would give him some of their meat and drink.  And when he did any
+shrewd deed they would beat him with rods, and so they clipped
+him with shears and made him like a fool.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+How Sir Tristram soused Dagonet in a well, and how
+Palomides sent a damosel to seek Tristram, and how
+Palomides met with King Mark.
+
+AND upon a day Dagonet, King Arthur's fool, came into Cornwall
+with two squires with him; and as they rode through that forest
+they came by a fair well where Sir Tristram was wont to be; and
+the weather was hot, and they alighted to drink of that well, and
+in the meanwhile their horses brake loose.  Right so Sir Tristram
+came unto them, and first he soused Sir Dagonet in that well, and
+after his squires, and thereat laughed the shepherds; and
+forthwithal he ran after their horses and brought them again one
+by one, and right so, wet as they were, he made them leap up and
+ride their ways.  Thus Sir Tristram endured there an half year
+naked, and would never come in town nor village.  The meanwhile
+the damosel that Sir Palomides sent to seek Sir Tristram, she
+yede unto Sir Palomides and told him all the mischief <383>that
+Sir Tristram endured.  Alas, said Sir Palomides, it is great pity
+that ever so noble a knight should be so mischieved for the love
+of a lady; but nevertheless, I will go and seek him, and comfort
+him an I may.  Then a little before that time La Beale Isoud had
+commanded Sir Kehydius out of the country of Cornwall.  So Sir
+Kehydius departed with a dolorous heart, and by adventure he met
+with Sir Palomides, and they enfellowshipped together; and either
+complained to other of their hot love that they loved La Beale
+Isoud.  Now let us, said Sir Palomides, seek Sir Tristram, that
+loved her as well as we, and let us prove whether we may recover
+him.  So they rode into that forest, and three days and three
+nights they would never take their lodging, but ever sought Sir
+Tristram.
+
+And upon a time, by adventure, they met with King Mark that was
+ridden from his men all alone.  When they saw him Sir Palomides
+knew him, but Sir Kehydius knew him not.  Ah, false king, said
+Sir Palomides, it is pity thou hast thy life, for thou art a
+destroyer of all worshipful knights, and by thy mischief and thy
+vengeance thou hast destroyed that most noble knight, Sir
+Tristram de Liones.  And therefore defend thee, said Sir
+Palomides, for thou shalt die this day.  That were shame, said
+King Mark, for ye two are armed and I am unarmed.  As for that,
+said Sir Palomides, I shall find a remedy therefore; here is a
+knight with me, and thou shalt have his harness.  Nay, said King
+Mark, I will not have ado with you, for cause have ye none to me;
+for all the misease that Sir Tristram hath was for a letter that
+he found; for as to me I did to him no displeasure, and God
+knoweth I am full sorry for his disease and malady.  So when the
+king had thus excused him they were friends, and King Mark would
+have had them unto Tintagil; but Sir Palomides would not, but
+turned unto the realm of Logris, and Sir Kehydius said that he
+would go into Brittany.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Dagonet again, that when he and his squires
+were upon horseback he deemed that the shepherds had sent that
+fool to array them so, because  <384>that they laughed at them,
+and so they rode unto the keepers of beasts and all to-beat them. 
+Sir Tristram saw them beat that were wont to give him meat and
+drink, then he ran thither and gat Sir Dagonet by the head, and
+gave him such a fall to the earth that he bruised him sore so
+that he lay still.  And then he wrast his sword out of his hand,
+and therewith he ran to one of his squires and smote off his
+head, and the other fled.  And so Sir Tristram took his way with
+that sword in his hand, running as he had been wild wood.  Then
+Sir Dagonet rode to King Mark and told him how he had sped in
+that forest.  And therefore, said Sir Dagonet, beware, King Mark,
+that thou come not about that well in the forest, for there is a
+fool naked, and that fool and I fool met together, and he had
+almost slain me.  Ah, said King Mark, that is Sir Matto le
+Breune, that fell out of his wit because he lost his lady; for
+when Sir Gaheris smote down Sir Matto and won his lady of him,
+never since was he in his mind, and that was pity, for he was a
+good knight.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+How it was noised how Sir Tristram was dead, and how
+La Beale Isoud would have slain herself.
+
+THEN Sir Andred, that was cousin unto Sir Tristram, made a lady
+that was his paramour to say and to noise it that she was with
+Sir Tristram or ever he died.  And this tale she brought unto
+King Mark's court, that she buried him by a well, and that or he
+died he besought King Mark to make his cousin, Sir Andred, king
+of the country of Liones, of the which Sir Tristram was lord of.
+All this did Sir Andred because he would have had Sir Tristram's
+lands.  And when King Mark heard tell that Sir Tristram was dead
+he wept and made great dole.  But when Queen Isoud heard of these
+tidings she made such sorrow that she was nigh out of her mind;
+and so upon <385>a day she thought to slay herself and never to
+live after Sir Tristram's death.  And so upon a day La Beale
+Isoud gat a sword privily and bare it to her garden, and there
+she pight the sword through a plum tree up to the hilt, so that
+it stuck fast, and it stood breast high.  And as she would have
+run upon the sword and to have slain herself all this espied King
+Mark, how she kneeled down and said:  Sweet Lord Jesu, have mercy
+upon me, for I may not live after the death of Sir Tristram de
+Liones, for he was my first love and he shall be the last.  And
+with these words came King Mark and took her in his arms, and
+then he took up the sword, and bare her away with him into a
+tower; and there he made her to be kept, and watched her surely,
+and after that she lay long sick, nigh at the point of death.
+
+This meanwhile ran Sir Tristram naked in the forest with the
+sword in his hand, and so he came to an hermitage, and there he
+laid him down and slept; and in the meanwhile the hermit stole
+away his sword, and laid meat down by him.  Thus was he kept
+there ten days; and at the last he departed and came to the
+herdmen again.  And there was a giant in that country that hight
+Tauleas, and for fear of Sir Tristram more than seven year he
+durst never much go at large, but for the most part he kept him
+in a sure castle of his own; and so this Tauleas heard tell that
+Sir Tristram was dead, by the noise of the court of King Mark. 
+Then this Tauleas went daily at large.  And so he happed upon a
+day he came to the herdmen wandering and langering, and there he
+set him down to rest among them.  The meanwhile there came a
+knight of Cornwall that led a lady with him, and his name was Sir
+Dinant; and when the giant saw him he went from the herdmen and
+hid him under a tree, and so the knight came to that well, and
+there he alighted to repose him.  And as soon as he was from his
+horse this giant Tauleas came betwixt this knight and his horse,
+and took the horse and leapt upon him.  So forthwith he rode unto
+Sir Dinant and took him by the collar, and pulled him afore him
+upon his horse, and there would <386>have stricken off his head. 
+Then the herdmen said unto Sir Tristram:  Help yonder knight. 
+Help ye him, said Sir Tristram.  We dare not, said the herdmen. 
+Then Sir Tristram was ware of the sword of the knight thereas it
+lay; and so thither he ran and took up the sword and struck off
+Sir Tauleas' head, and so he yede his way to the herdmen.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+How King Mark found Sir Tristram naked, and made him
+to be borne home to Tintagil, and how he was there
+known by a brachet.
+
+THEN the knight took up the giant's head and bare it with him
+unto King Mark, and told him what adventure betid him in the
+forest, and how a naked man rescued him from the grimly giant,
+Tauleas.  Where had ye this adventure? said King Mark.  Forsooth,
+said Sir Dinant, at the fair fountain in your forest where many
+adventurous knights meet, and there is the mad man.  Well, said
+King Mark, I will see that wild man.  So within a day or two King
+Mark commanded his knights and his hunters that they should be
+ready on the morn for to hunt, and so upon the morn he went unto
+that forest.  And when the king came to that well he found there
+lying by that well a fair naked man, and a sword by him.  Then
+King Mark blew and straked, and therewith his knights came to
+him; and then the king commanded his knights to:  Take that naked
+man with fairness, and bring him to my castle.  So they did
+softly and fair, and cast mantles upon Sir Tristram, and so led
+him unto Tintagil; and there they bathed him, and washed him, and
+gave him hot suppings till they had brought him well to his
+remembrance; but all this while there was no creature that knew
+Sir Tristram, nor what man he was.
+
+So it fell upon a day that the queen, La Beale Isoud, heard of
+such a man, that ran naked in the forest, and <387>how the king
+had brought him home to the court.  Then La Beale Isoud called
+unto her Dame Bragwaine and said:  Come on with me, for we will
+go see this man that my lord brought from the forest the last
+day.  So they passed forth, and spered where was the sick man. 
+And then a squire told the queen that he was in the garden taking
+his rest, and reposing him against the sun.  So when the queen
+looked upon Sir Tristram she was not remembered of him.  But ever
+she said unto Dame Bragwaine:  Meseemeth I should have seen him
+heretofore in many places.  But as soon as Sir Tristram saw her
+he knew her well enough.  And then he turned away his visage and
+wept.
+
+Then the queen had always a little brachet with her that Sir
+Tristram gave her the first time that ever she came into
+Cornwall, and never would that brachet depart from her but if Sir
+Tristram was nigh thereas was La Beale Isoud; and this brachet
+was sent from the king's daughter of France unto Sir Tristram for
+great love.  And anon as this little brachet felt a savour of Sir
+Tristram, she leapt upon him and licked his lears and his ears,
+and then she whined and quested, and she smelled at his feet and
+at his hands, and on all parts of his body that she might come
+to.  Ah, my lady, said Dame Bragwaine unto La Beale Isoud, alas,
+alas, said she, I see it is mine own lord, Sir Tristram.  And
+thereupon Isoud fell down in a swoon, and so lay a great while
+And when she might speak she said:  My lord Sir Tristram, blessed
+be God ye have your life, and now I am sure ye shall be
+discovered by this little brachet, for she will never leave you. 
+And also I am sure as soon as my lord, King Mark, do know you he
+will banish you out of the country of Cornwall, or else he will
+destroy you; for God's sake, mine own lord, grant King Mark his
+will, and then draw you unto the court of King Arthur, for there
+are ye beloved, and ever when I may I shall send unto you; and
+when ye list ye may come to me, and at all times early and late I
+will be at your commandment, to live as poor a life as ever did
+queen <388>or lady.  O Madam, said Sir Tristram, go from me, for
+mickle anger and danger have I escaped for your love.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+How King Mark, by the advice of his council, banished Sir
+Tristram out of Cornwall the term of ten years.
+
+THEN the queen departed, but the brachet would not from him; and
+therewithal came King Mark, and the brachet set upon him, and
+bayed at them all.  There withal Sir Andred spake and said:  Sir,
+this is Sir Tristram, I see by the brachet.  Nay, said the king,
+I cannot suppose that.  Then the king asked him upon his faith
+what he was, and what was his name.  So God me help, said he, my
+name is Sir Tristram de Liones; now do by me what ye list.  Ah,
+said King Mark, me repenteth of your recovery.  And then he let
+call his barons to judge Sir Tristram to the death.  Then many of
+his barons would not assent thereto, and in especial Sir Dinas,
+the Seneschal, and Sir Fergus.  And so by the advice of them all
+Sir Tristram was banished out of the country for ten year, and
+thereupon he took his oath upon a book before the king and his
+barons.  And so he was made to depart out of the country of
+Cornwall; and there were many barons brought him unto his ship,
+of the which some were his friends and some his foes.  And in the
+meanwhile there came a knight of King Arthur's, his name was
+Dinadan, and his coming was for to seek after Sir Tristram; then
+they showed him where he was armed at all points going to the
+ship.  Now fair knight, said Sir Dinadan, or ye pass this court
+that ye will joust with me I require thee.  With a good will,
+said Sir Tristram, an these lords will give me leave.  Then the
+barons granted thereto, and so they ran together, and there Sir
+Tristram gave Sir Dinadan a fall.  And then he prayed Sir
+Tristram to give him leave to go in his <389>fellowship.  Ye
+shall be right welcome, said then Sir Tristram.
+
+And so they took their horses and rode to their ships together,
+and when Sir Tristram was in the sea he said:  Greet well King
+Mark and all mine enemies, and say them I will come again when I
+may; and well am I rewarded for the fighting with Sir Marhaus,
+and delivered all this country from servage; and well am I
+rewarded for the fetching and costs of Queen Isoud out of
+Ireland, and the danger that I was in first and last, and by the
+way coming home what danger I had to bring again Queen Isoud from
+the Castle Pluere; and well am I rewarded when I fought with Sir
+Bleoberis for Sir Segwarides' wife; and well am I rewarded when I
+fought with Sir Blamore de Ganis for King Anguish, father unto La
+Beale Isoud; and well am I rewarded when I smote down the good
+knight, Sir Lamorak de Galis, at King Mark's request; and well am
+I rewarded when I fought with the King with the Hundred Knights,
+and the King of Northgalis, and both these would have put his
+land in servage, and by me they were put to a rebuke; and well am
+I rewarded for the slaying of Tauleas, the mighty giant, and many
+other deeds have I done for him, and now have I my warison.  And
+tell King Mark that many noble knights of the Table Round have
+spared the barons of this country for my sake.  Also am I not
+well rewarded when I fought with the good knight Sir Palomides
+and rescued Queen Isoud from him; and at that time King Mark said
+afore all his barons I should have been better rewarded.  And
+forthwithal he took the sea.
+
+
+
+<390>
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+How a damosel sought help to help Sir Launcelot against
+thirty knights, and how Sir Tristram fought with them.
+
+AND at the next landing, fast by the sea, there met with Sir
+Tristram and with Sir Dinadan, Sir Ector de Maris and Sir Bors de
+Ganis; and there Sir Ector jousted with Sir Dinadan, and he smote
+him and his horse down.  And then Sir Tristram would have jousted
+with Sir Bors, and Sir Bors said that he would not joust with no
+Cornish knights, for they are not called men of worship; and all
+this was done upon a bridge.  And with this came Sir Bleoberis
+and Sir Driant, and Sir Bleoberis proffered to joust with Sir
+Tristram, and there Sir Tristram smote down Sir Bleoberis.  Then
+said Sir Bors de Ganis:  I wist never Cornish knight of so great
+valour nor so valiant as that knight that beareth the trappings
+embroidered with crowns.  And then Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan
+departed from them into a forest, and there met them a damosel
+that came for the love of Sir Launcelot to seek after some noble
+knights of King Arthur's court for to rescue Sir Launcelot.  And
+so Sir Launcelot was ordained, for-by the treason of Queen Morgan
+le Fay to have slain Sir Launcelot, and for that cause she
+ordained thirty knights to lie in await for Sir Launcelot, and
+this damosel knew this treason.  And for this cause the damosel
+came for to seek noble knights to help Sir Launcelot.  For that
+night, or the day after, Sir Launcelot should come where these
+thirty knights were.  And so this damosel met with Sir Bors and
+Sir Ector and with Sir Driant, and there she told them all four
+of the treason of Morgan le Fay; and then they promised her that
+they would be nigh where Sir Launcelot should meet with the
+thirty knights.  And if so be they set upon him we will do
+rescues as we can.
+
+So the damosel departed, and by adventure the damosel met with
+Sir Tristram and with Sir Dinadan, and there <391>the damosel
+told them all the treason that was ordained for Sir Launcelot. 
+Fair damosel, said Sir Tristram, bring me to that same place
+where they should meet with Sir Launcelot.  Then said Sir
+Dinadan:  What will ye do? it is not for us to fight with thirty
+knights, and wit you well I will not thereof; as to match one
+knight two or three is enough an they be men, but for to match
+fifteen knights that will I never undertake.  Fie for shame, said
+Sir Tristram, do but your part.  Nay, said Sir Dinadan, I will
+not thereof but if ye will lend me your shield, for ye bear a
+shield of Cornwall; and for the cowardice that is named to the
+knights of Cornwall, by your shields ye be ever forborne.  Nay,
+said Sir Tristram, I will not depart from my shield for her sake
+that gave it me.  But one thing, said Sir Tristram, I promise
+thee, Sir Dinadan, but if thou wilt promise me to abide with me,
+here I shall slay thee, for I desire no more of thee but answer
+one knight.  And if thy heart will not serve thee, stand by and
+look upon me and them.  Sir, said Sir Dinadan, I promise you to
+look upon and to do what I may to save myself, but I would I had
+not met with you.
+
+So then anon these thirty knights came fast by these four
+knights, and they were ware of them, and either of other.  And so
+these thirty knights let them pass, for this cause, that they
+would not wrath them, if case be that they had ado with Sir
+Launcelot; and the four knights let them pass to this intent,
+that they would see and behold what they would do with Sir
+Launcelot.  And so the thirty knights passed on and came by Sir
+Tristram and by Sir Dinadan, and then Sir Tristram cried on high: 
+Lo, here is a knight against you for the love of Sir Launcelot. 
+And there he slew two with one spear and ten with his sword.  And
+then came in Sir Dinadan and he did passing well, and so of the
+thirty knights there went but ten away, and they fled.  All this
+battle saw Sir Bors de Ganis and his three fellows, and then they
+saw well it was the same knight that jousted with them at the
+bridge; then they took their horses and rode unto Sir Tristram,
+and praised him and thanked him of his good <392>deeds, and they
+all desired Sir Tristram to go with them to their lodging; and he
+said:  Nay, he would not go to no lodging.  Then they all four
+knights prayed him to tell them his name.  Fair lords, said Sir
+Tristram, as at this time I will not tell you my name.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+How Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan came to a lodging where
+they must joust with two knights.
+
+THEN Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan rode forth their way till they
+came to the shepherds and to the herdmen, and there they asked
+them if they knew any lodging or harbour there nigh hand. 
+Forsooth, sirs, said the herdmen, hereby is good lodging in a
+castle; but there is such a custom that there shall no knight be
+harboured but if he joust with two knights, and if he be but one
+knight he must joust with two.  And as ye be therein soon shall
+ye be matched.  There is shrewd harbour, said Sir Dinadan; lodge
+where ye will, for I will not lodge there.  Fie for shame, said
+Sir Tristram, are ye not a knight of the Table Round? wherefore
+ye may not with your worship refuse your lodging.  Not so, said
+the herdmen, for an ye be beaten and have the worse ye shall not
+be lodged there, and if ye beat them ye shall be well harboured. 
+Ah, said Sir Dinadan, they are two sure knights.  Then Sir
+Dinadan would not lodge there in no manner but as Sir Tristram
+required him of his knighthood; and so they rode thither.  And to
+make short tale, Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan smote them down
+both, and so they entered into the castle and had good cheer as
+they could think or devise.
+
+And when they were unarmed, and thought to be merry and in good
+rest, there came in at the gates Sir Palomides and Sir Gaheris,
+requiring to have the custom of the castle.  What array is this?
+said Sir Dinadan, I would have my rest.  That may not be, said
+Sir Tristram; <393>now must we needs defend the custom of this
+castle, insomuch as we have the better of the lords of this
+castle, and therefore, said Sir Tristram, needs must ye make you
+ready.  In the devil's name, said Sir Dinadan, came I into your
+company.  And so they made them ready; and Sir Gaheris
+encountered with Sir Tristram, and Sir Gaheris had a fall; and
+Sir Palomides encountered with Sir Dinadan, and Sir Dinadan had a
+fall: then was it fall for fall.  So then must they fight on
+foot.  That would not Sir Dinadan, for he was so sore bruised of
+the fall that Sir Palomides gave him.  Then Sir Tristram unlaced
+Sir Dinadan's helm, and prayed him to help him.  I will not, said
+Sir Dinadan, for I am sore wounded of the thirty knights that we
+had but late ago to do withal.  But ye fare, said Sir Dinadan
+unto Sir Tristram, as a madman and as a man that is out of his
+mind that would cast himself away, and I may curse the time that
+ever I saw you, for in all the world are not two such knights
+that be so wood as is Sir Launcelot and ye Sir Tristram; for once
+I fell in the fellowship of Sir Launcelot as I have done now with
+you, and he set me a work that a quarter of a year I kept my bed. 
+Jesu defend me, said Sir Dinadan, from such two knights, and
+specially from your fellowship.  Then, said Sir Tristram, I will
+fight with them both.  Then Sir Tristram bade them come forth
+both, for I will fight with you.  Then Sir Palomides and Sir
+Gaheris dressed them, and smote at them both.  Then Dinadan smote
+at Sir Gaheris a stroke or two, and turned from him.  Nay, said
+Sir Palomides, it is too much shame for us two knights to fight
+with one.  And then he did bid Sir Gaheris stand aside with that
+knight that hath no list to fight.  Then they rode together and
+fought long, and at the last Sir Tristram doubled his strokes,
+and drove Sir Palomides aback more than three strides.  And then
+by one assent Sir Gaheris and Sir Dinadan went betwixt them, and
+departed them in-sunder.  And then by assent of Sir Tristram they
+would have lodged together.  But Sir Dinadan would not lodge in
+that castle.  And then he cursed the time that ever he came in
+their <394>fellowship, and so he took his horse, and his harness,
+and departed.
+
+Then Sir Tristram prayed the lords of that castle to lend him a
+man to bring him to a lodging, and so they did, and overtook Sir
+Dinadan, and rode to their lodging two mile thence with a good
+man in a priory, and there they were well at ease.  And that same
+night Sir Bors and Sir Bleoberis, and Sir Ector and Sir Driant,
+abode still in the same place thereas Sir Tristram fought with
+the thirty knights; and there they met with Sir Launcelot the
+same night, and had made promise to lodge with Sir Colgrevance
+the same night.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+How Sir Tristram jousted with Sir Kay and Sir Sagramore
+le Desirous, and how Sir Gawaine turned Sir Tristram
+from Morgan le Fay.
+
+BUT anon as the noble knight, Sir Launcelot, heard of the shield
+of Cornwall, then wist he well that it was Sir Tristram that
+fought with his enemies.  And then Sir Launcelot praised Sir
+Tristram, and called him the man of most worship in the world. 
+So there was a knight in that priory that hight Pellinore, and he
+desired to wit the name of Sir Tristram, but in no wise he could
+not; and so Sir Tristram departed and left Sir Dinadan in the
+priory, for he was so weary and so sore bruised that he might not
+ride.  Then this knight, Sir Pellinore, said to Sir Dinadan: 
+Sithen that ye will not tell me that knight's name I will ride
+after him and make him to tell me his name, or he shall die
+therefore.  Beware, sir knight, said Sir Dinadan, for an ye
+follow him ye shall repent it.  So that knight, Sir Pellinore,
+rode after Sir Tristram and required him of jousts.  Then Sir
+Tristram smote him down and wounded him through the shoulder, and
+so he passed on his way.  And on the next day following Sir
+Tristram met with <395>pursuivants, and they told him that there
+was made a great cry of tournament between King Carados of
+Scotland and the King of North Wales, and either should joust
+against other at the Castle of Maidens; and these pursuivants
+sought all the country after the good knights, and in especial
+King Carados let make seeking for Sir Launcelot du Lake, and the
+King of Northgalis let seek after Sir Tristram de Liones.  And at
+that time Sir Tristram thought to be at that jousts; and so by
+adventure they met with Sir Kay, the Seneschal, and Sir Sagramore
+le Desirous; and Sir Kay required Sir Tristram to joust, and Sir
+Tristram in a manner refused him, because he would not be hurt
+nor bruised against the great jousts that should be before the
+Castle of Maidens, and therefore thought to repose him and to
+rest him.  And alway Sir Kay cried:  Sir knight of Cornwall,
+joust with me, or else yield thee to me as recreant.  When Sir
+Tristram heard him say so he turned to him, and then Sir Kay
+refused him and turned his back.  Then Sir Tristram said:  As I
+find thee I shall take thee.  Then Sir Kay turned with evil will,
+and Sir Tristram smote Sir Kay down, and so he rode forth.
+
+Then Sir Sagramore le Desirous rode after Sir Tristram, and made
+him to joust with him, and there Sir Tristram smote down Sir
+Sagramore le Desirous from his horse, and rode his way; and the
+same day he met with a damosel that told him that he should win
+great worship of a knight adventurous that did much harm in all
+that country.  When Sir Tristram heard her say so, he was glad to
+go with her to win worship.  So Sir Tristram rode with that
+damosel a six mile, and then met him Sir Gawaine, and therewithal
+Sir Gawaine knew the damosel, that she was a damosel of Queen
+Morgan le Fay.  Then Sir Gawaine understood that she led that
+knight to some mischief.  Fair knight, said Sir Gawaine, whither
+ride you now with that damosel?  Sir, said Sir Tristram, I wot
+not whither I shall ride but as the damosel will lead me.  Sir,
+said Sir Gawaine, ye shall not ride with her, for she and her
+lady did never good, but ill.  And then Sir Gawaine pulled out
+his sword and said:  Damosel, but if thou tell me anon <396>for
+what cause thou leadest this knight with thee thou shalt die for
+it right anon:  I know all your lady's treason, and yours. 
+Mercy, Sir Gawaine, she said, and if ye will save my life I will
+tell you.  Say on, said Sir Gawaine, and thou shalt have thy
+life.  Sir, she said, Queen Morgan le Fay, my lady, hath ordained
+a thirty ladies to seek and espy after Sir Launcelot or Sir
+Tristram, and by the trains of these ladies, who that may first
+meet any of these two knights they should turn them unto Morgan
+le Fay's castle, saying that they should do deeds of worship; and
+if any of the two knights came there, there be thirty knights
+lying and watching in a tower to wait upon Sir Launcelot or upon
+Sir Tristram.  Fie for shame, said Sir Gawaine, that ever such
+false treason should be wrought or used in a queen, and a king's
+sister, and a king and queen's daughter.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+How Sir Tristram and Sir Gawaine rode to have foughten
+with the thirty knights, but they durst not come out.
+
+SIR, said Sir Gawaine, will ye stand with me, and we will see the
+malice of these thirty knights.  Sir, said Sir Tristram, go ye to
+them, an it please you, and ye shall see I will not fail you, for
+it is not long ago since I and a fellow met with thirty knights
+of that queen's fellowship; and God speed us so that we may win
+worship.  So then Sir Gawaine and Sir Tristram rode toward the
+castle where Morgan le Fay was, and ever Sir Gawaine deemed well
+that he was Sir Tristram de Liones, because he heard that two
+knights had slain and beaten thirty knights.  And when they came
+afore the castle Sir Gawaine spake on high and said:  Queen
+Morgan le Fay, send out your knights that ye have laid in a watch
+for Sir Launcelot and for Sir Tristram.  Now, said Sir Gawaine, I
+know your false treason, and through all places where that I ride
+men shall know of your false treason; and now let see, said Sir
+<397>Gawaine, whether ye dare come out of your castle, ye thirty
+knights.  Then the queen spake and all the thirty knights at
+once, and said:  Sir Gawaine, full well wottest thou what thou
+dost and sayest; for by God we know thee passing well, but all
+that thou speakest and dost, thou sayest it upon pride of that
+good knight that is there with thee.  For there be some of us
+that know full well the hands of that knight over all well.  And
+wit thou well, Sir Gawaine, it is more for his sake than for
+thine that we will not come out of this castle.  For wit ye well,
+Sir Gawaine, the knight that beareth the arms of Cornwall, we
+know him and what he is.
+
+Then Sir Gawaine and Sir Tristram departed and rode on their ways
+a day or two together; and there by adventure, they met with Sir
+Kay and Sir Sagramore le Desirous.  And then they were glad of
+Sir Gawaine, and he of them, but they wist not what he was with
+the shield of Cornwall, but by deeming.  And thus they rode
+together a day or two.  And then they were ware of Sir Breuse
+Saunce Pite chasing a lady for to have slain her, for he had
+slain her paramour afore.  Hold you all still, said Sir Gawaine,
+and show none of you forth, and ye shall see me reward yonder
+false knight; for an he espy you he is so well horsed that he
+will escape away.  And then Sir Gawaine rode betwixt Sir Breuse
+and the lady, and said:  False knight, leave her, and have ado
+with me.  When Sir Breuse saw no more but Sir Gawaine he feutred
+his spear, and Sir Gawaine against him; and there Sir Breuse
+overthrew Sir Gawaine, and then he rode over him, and overthwart
+him twenty times to have destroyed him; and when Sir Tristram saw
+him do so villainous a deed, he hurled out against him.  And when
+Sir Breuse saw him with the shield of Cornwall he knew him well
+that it was Sir Tristram, and then he fled, and Sir Tristram
+followed after him; and Sir Breuse Saunce Pite was so horsed that
+he went his way quite, and Sir Tristram followed him long, for he
+would fain have been avenged upon him.  And so when he had long
+chased him, he saw a fair well, and thither he rode to repose
+him, and tied his horse till a tree.
+
+
+
+<398>
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+How damosel Bragwaine found Tristram sleeping by a well,
+and how she delivered letters to him from La Beale Isoud.
+
+AND then he pulled off his helm and washed his visage and his
+hands, and so he fell asleep.  In the meanwhile came a damosel
+that had sought Sir Tristram many ways and days within this land. 
+And when she came to the well she looked upon him, and had
+forgotten him as in remembrance of Sir Tristram, but by his horse
+she knew him, that hight Passe-Brewel that had been Sir
+Tristram's horse many years.  For when he was mad in the forest
+Sir Fergus kept him.  So this lady, Dame Bragwaine, abode still
+till he was awake.  So when she saw him wake she saluted him, and
+he her again, for either knew other of old acquaintance; then she
+told him how she had sought him long and broad, and there she
+told him how she had letters from Queen La Beale Isoud.  Then
+anon Sir Tristram read them, and wit ye well he was glad, for
+therein was many a piteous complaint.  Then Sir Tristram said: 
+Lady Bragwaine, ye shall ride with me till that tournament be
+done at the Castle of Maidens, and then shall bear letters and
+tidings with you.  And then Sir Tristram took his horse and
+sought lodging, and there he met with a good ancient knight and
+prayed him to lodge with him.  Right so came Gouvernail unto Sir
+Tristram, that was glad of that lady.  So this old knight's name
+was Sir Pellounes, and he told of the great tournament that
+should be at the Castle of Maidens.  And there Sir Launcelot and
+thirty-two knights of his blood had ordained shields of Cornwall. 
+And right so there came one unto Sir Pellounes, and told him that
+Sir Persides de Bloise was come home; then that knight held up
+his hands and thanked God of his coming home.  And there Sir
+Pellounes told Sir Tristram that in two years he had not seen his
+son, Sir Persides.  Sir, said Sir Tristram, I know your son well
+enough for a good knight.
+
+<399>
+So on a time Sir Tristram and Sir Persides came to their lodging
+both at once, and so they unarmed them, and put upon them their
+clothing.  And then these two knights each welcomed other.  And
+when Sir Persides understood that Sir Tristram was of Cornwall,
+he said he was once in Cornwall:  And there I jousted afore King
+Mark; and so it happed me at that time to overthrow ten knights,
+and then came to me Sir Tristram de Liones and overthrew me, and
+took my lady away from me, and that shall I never forget, but I
+shall remember me an ever I see my time.  Ah, said Sir Tristram,
+now I understand that ye hate Sir Tristram.  What deem ye, ween
+ye that Sir Tristram is not able to withstand your malice?  Yes,
+said Sir Persides, I know well that Sir Tristram is a noble
+knight and a much better knight than I, yet shall I not owe him
+my good will.  Right as they stood thus talking at a bay-window
+of that castle, they saw many knights riding to and fro toward
+the tournament.  And then was Sir Tristram ware of a likely
+knight riding upon a great black horse, and a black-covered
+shield.  What knight is that, said Sir Tristram, with the black
+horse and the black shield? he seemeth a good knight.  I know him
+well, said Sir Persides, he is one of the best knights of the
+world.  Then is it Sir Launcelot, said Tristram.  Nay, said Sir
+Persides, it is Sir Palomides, that is yet unchristened.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+How Sir Tristram had a fall with Sir Palomides, and
+how Launcelot overthrew two knights.
+
+THEN they saw much people of the country salute Sir Palomides. 
+And within a while after there came a squire of the castle, that
+told Sir Pellounes that was lord of that castle, that a knight
+with a black shield had smitten down thirteen knights.  Fair
+brother, said Sir Tristram unto Sir Persides, let us cast upon us
+cloaks, and let us go see <400>the play.  Not so, said Sir
+Persides, we will not go like knaves thither, but we will ride
+like men and good knights to withstand our enemies.  So they
+armed them, and took their horses and great spears, and thither
+they went thereas many knights assayed themself before the
+tournament.  And anon Sir Palomides saw Sir Persides, and then he
+sent a squire unto him and said:  Go thou to the yonder knight
+with the green shield and therein a lion of gold, and say him I
+require him to joust with me, and tell him that my name is Sir
+Palomides.  When Sir Persides understood that request of Sir
+Palomides, he made him ready, and there anon they met together,
+but Sir Persides had a fall.  Then Sir Tristram dressed him to be
+revenged upon Sir Palomides, and that saw Sir Palomides that was
+ready and so was not Sir Tristram, and took him at an advantage
+and smote him over his horse's tail when he had no spear in his
+rest.  Then stert up Sir Tristram and took his horse lightly, and
+was wroth out of measure, and sore ashamed of that fall.  Then
+Sir Tristram sent unto Sir Palomides by Gouvernail, and prayed
+him to joust with him at his request.  Nay, said Sir Palomides,
+as at this time I will not joust with that knight, for I know him
+better than he weeneth.  And if he be wroth he may right it to-
+morn at the Castle of Maidens, where he may see me and many other
+knights.
+
+With that came Sir Dinadan, and when he saw Sir Tristram wroth he
+list not to jape.  Lo, said Sir Dinadan, here may a man prove, be
+a man never so good yet may he have a fall, and he was never so
+wise but he might be overseen, and he rideth well that never
+fell.  So Sir Tristram was passing wroth, and said to Sir
+Persides and to Sir Dinadan:  I will revenge me.  Right so as
+they stood talking there, there came by Sir Tristram a likely
+knight riding passing soberly and heavily with a black shield. 
+What knight is that? said Sir Tristram unto Sir Persides.  I know
+him well, said Sir Persides, for his name is Sir Briant of North
+Wales; so he passed on among other knights of North Wales.  And
+there came <401>in Sir Launcelot du Lake with a shield of the
+arms of Cornwall, and he sent a squire unto Sir Briant, and
+required him to joust with him.  Well, said Sir Briant, sithen I
+am required to joust I will do what I may; and there Sir
+Launcelot smote down Sir Briant from his horse a great fall.  And
+then Sir Tristram marvelled what knight he was that bare the
+shield of Cornwall.  Whatsoever he be, said Sir Dinadan, I
+warrant you he is of King Ban's blood, the which be knights of
+the most noble prowess in the world, for to account so many for
+so many.  Then there came two knights of Northgalis, that one
+hight Hew de la Montaine, and the other Sir Madok de la Montaine,
+and they challenged Sir Launcelot foot-hot.  Sir Launcelot not
+refusing them but made him ready, with one spear he smote them
+down both over their horses' croups; and so Sir Launcelot rode
+his way.  By the good lord, said Sir Tristram, he is a good
+knight that beareth the shield of Cornwall, and meseemeth he
+rideth in the best manner that ever I saw knight ride.
+
+Then the King of Northgalis rode unto Sir Palomides and prayed
+him heartily for his sake to joust with that knight that hath
+done us of Northgalis despite.  Sir, said Sir Palomides, I am
+full loath to have ado with that knight, and cause why is, for as
+to-morn the great tournament shall be; and therefore I will keep
+myself fresh by my will.  Nay, said the King of Northgalis, I
+pray you require him of jousts.  Sir, said Sir Palomides, I will
+joust at your request, and require that knight to joust with me,
+and often I have seen a man have a fall at his own request.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+How Sir Launcelot jousted with Palomides and overthrew
+him, and after he was assailed with twelve knights.
+
+THEN Sir Palomides sent unto Sir Launcelot a squire, and required
+him of jousts.  Fair fellow, said Sir Launcelot, <402>tell me thy
+lord's name.  Sir, said the squire, my lord's name is Sir
+Palomides, the good knight.  In good hour, said Sir Launcelot,
+for there is no knight that I saw this seven years that I had
+liefer ado withal than with him.  And so either knights made them
+ready with two great spears.  Nay, said Sir Dinadan, ye shall see
+that Sir Palomides will quit him right well.  It may be so, said
+Sir Tristram, but I undertake that knight with the shield of
+Cornwall shall give him a fall.  I believe it not, said Sir
+Dinadan.  Right so they spurred their horses and feutred their
+spears, and either hit other, and Sir Palomides brake a spear
+upon Sir Launcelot, and he sat and moved not; but Sir Launcelot
+smote him so lightly that he made his horse to avoid the saddle,
+and the stroke brake his shield and the hauberk, and had he not
+fallen he had been slain.  How now, said Sir Tristram, I wist
+well by the manner of their riding both that Sir Palomides should
+have a fall.
+
+Right so Sir Launcelot rode his way, and rode to a well to drink
+and to repose him, and they of Northgalis espied him whither he
+rode; and then there followed him twelve knights for to have
+mischieved him, for this cause that upon the morn at the
+tournament of the Castle of Maidens that he should not win the
+victory.  So they came upon Sir Launcelot suddenly, and unnethe
+he might put upon him his helm and take his horse, but they were
+in hands with him; and then Sir Launcelot gat his spear, and rode
+through them, and there he slew a knight and brake a spear in his
+body.  Then he drew his sword and smote upon the right hand and
+upon the left hand, so that within a few strokes he had slain
+other three knights, and the remnant that abode he wounded them
+sore all that did abide.  Thus Sir Launcelot escaped from his
+enemies of North Wales, and then Sir Launcelot rode his way till
+a friend, and lodged him till on the morn; for he would not the
+first day have ado in the tournament
+because of his great labour.  And on the first day he was with
+King Arthur thereas he was set on high upon a scaffold to discern
+who was best worthy of his deeds.  So <403>Sir Launcelot was with
+King Arthur, and jousted not the first day.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+How Sir Tristram behaved him the first day of the
+tournament, and there he had the prize.
+
+NOW turn we unto Sir Tristram de Liones, that commanded
+Gouvernail, his servant, to ordain him a black shield with none
+other remembrance therein.  And so Sir Persides and Sir Tristram
+departed from their host Sir Pellounes, and they rode early
+toward the tournament, and then they drew them to King Carados'
+side, of Scotland; and anon knights began the field what of King
+Northgalis' part, and what of King Carados' part, and there began
+great party.  Then there was hurling and rashing.  Right so came
+in Sir Persides and Sir Tristram and so they did fare that they
+put the King of Northgalis aback.  Then came in Sir Bleoberis de
+Ganis and Sir Gaheris with them of Northgalis, and then was Sir
+Persides smitten down and almost slain, for more than forty horse
+men went over him.  For Sir Bleoberis did great deeds of arms,
+and Sir Gaheris failed him not.  When Sir Tristram beheld them,
+and saw them do such deeds of arms, he marvelled what they were. 
+Also Sir Tristram thought shame that Sir Persides was so done to;
+and then he gat a great spear in his hand, and then he rode to
+Sir Gaheris and smote him down from his horse.  And then was Sir
+Bleoberis wroth, and gat a spear and rode against Sir Tristram in
+great ire; and there Sir Tristram met with him, and smote Sir
+Bleoberis from his horse So then the King with the Hundred
+Knights was wroth, and he horsed Sir Bleoberis and Sir Gaheris
+again, and there began a great medley; and ever Sir Tristram held
+them passing short, and ever Sir Bleoberis was passing busy upon
+Sir Tristram; and there came Sir Dinadan against Sir Tristram,
+and Sir Tristram gave him such a buffet that he swooned <404>in
+his saddle.  Then anon Sir Dinadan came to Sir Tristram and said: 
+Sir, I know thee better than thou weenest; but here I promise
+thee my troth I will never come against thee more, for I promise
+thee that sword of thine shall never come on mine helm.
+
+With that came Sir Bleoberis, and Sir Tristram gave him such a
+buffet that down he laid his head; and then he caught him so sore
+by the helm that he pulled him under his horse's feet.  And then
+King Arthur blew to lodging.  Then Sir Tristram departed to his
+pavilion, and Sir Dinadan rode with him; and Sir Persides and
+King Arthur then, and the kings upon both parties, marvelled what
+knight that was with the black shield.  Many said their advice,
+and some knew him for Sir Tristram, and held their peace and
+would nought say.  So that first day King Arthur, and all the
+kings and lords that were judges, gave Sir Tristram the prize;
+howbeit they knew him not, but named him the Knight with the
+Black Shield.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+How Sir Tristram returned against King Arthur's party
+because he saw Sir Palomides on that party.
+
+THEN upon the morn Sir Palomides returned from the King of
+Northgalis, and rode to King Arthur's side, where was King
+Carados, and the King of Ireland, and Sir Launcelot's kin, and
+Sir Gawaine's kin.  So Sir Palomides sent the damosel unto Sir
+Tristram that he sent to seek him when he was out of his mind in
+the forest, and this damosel asked Sir Tristram what he was and
+what was his name?  As for that, said Sir Tristram, tell Sir
+Palomides ye shall not wit as at this time unto the time I have
+broken two spears upon him.  But let him wit thus much, said Sir
+Tristram, that I am the same knight that he smote down in over-
+evening[*10] at the tourna<405>ment; and tell him plainly on what
+party that Sir Palomides be I will be of the contrary party. 
+Sir, said the damosel, ye shall understand that Sir Palomides
+will be on King Arthur's side, where the most noble knights of
+the world be.  In the name of God, said Sir Tristram, then will I
+be with the King of Northgalis, because Sir Palomides will be on
+King Arthur's side, and else I would not but for his sake.  So
+when King Arthur was come they blew unto the field; and then
+there began a great party, and so King Carados jousted with the
+King of the Hundred Knights, and there King Carados had a fall:
+then was there hurling and rushing, and right so came in knights
+of King Arthur's, and they bare aback the King of Northgalis'
+knights.
+
+
+[*10] ``the evening afore,'' W. de W.
+
+
+Then Sir Tristram came in, and began so roughly and so bigly that
+there was none might withstand him, and thus Sir Tristram dured
+long.  And at the last Sir Tristram fell among the fellowship of
+King Ban, and there fell upon him Sir Bors de Ganis, and Sir
+Ector de Maris, and Sir Blamore de Ganis, and many other knights. 
+And then Sir Tristram smote on the right hand and on the left
+hand, that all lords and ladies spake of his noble deeds.  But at
+the last Sir Tristram should have had the worse had not the King
+with the Hundred Knights been.  And then he came with his
+fellowship and rescued Sir Tristram, and brought him away from
+those knights that bare the shields of Cornwall.  And then Sir
+Tristram saw another fellowship by themself, and there were a
+forty knights together, and Sir Kay, the Seneschal, was their
+governor.  Then Sir Tristram rode in amongst them, and there he
+smote down Sir Kay from his horse; and there he fared among those
+knights like a greyhound among conies.
+
+Then Sir Launcelot found a knight that was sore wounded upon the
+head.  Sir, said Sir Launcelot, who wounded you so sore?  Sir, he
+said, a knight that beareth a black shield, and I may curse the
+time that ever I met with him, for he is a devil and no man.  So
+Sir Launcelot departed from him and thought to meet with Sir
+Tristram, <406>and so he rode with his sword drawn in his hand to
+seek Sir Tristram; and then he espied him how he hurled here and
+there, and at every stroke Sir Tristram wellnigh smote down a
+knight.  O mercy Jesu! said the king, sith the times I bare arms
+saw I never no knight do so marvellous deeds of arms.  And if I
+should set upon this knight, said Sir Launcelot to himself, I did
+shame to myself, and therewithal Sir Launcelot put up his sword. 
+And then the King with the Hundred Knights and an hundred more of
+North Wales set upon the twenty of Sir Launcelot's kin: and they
+twenty knights held them ever together as wild swine, and none
+would fail other.  And so when Sir Tristram beheld the noblesse
+or these twenty knights he marvelled of their good deeds, for he
+saw by their fare and by their rule that they had liefer die than
+avoid the field.  Now Jesu, said Sir Tristram, well may he be
+valiant and full of prowess that hath such a sort of noble
+knights unto his kin, and full like is he to be a noble man that
+is their leader and governor.  He meant it by Sir Launcelot du
+Lake.  So when Sir Tristram had beholden them long he thought
+shame to see two hundred knights battering upon twenty knights. 
+Then Sir Tristram rode unto the King with the Hundred Knights and
+said:  Sir, leave your fighting with those twenty knights, for ye
+win no worship of them, ye be so many and they so few; and wit ye
+well they will not out of the field I see by their cheer and
+countenance; and worship get ye none an ye slay them.  Therefore
+leave your fighting with them, for I to increase my worship I
+will ride to the twenty knights and help them with all my might
+and power.  Nay, said the King with the Hundred Knights, ye shall
+not do so; now I see your courage and courtesy I will withdraw my
+knights for your pleasure, for evermore a good knight will favour
+another, and like will draw to like.
+
+
+
+<407>
+CHAPTER XXXII
+
+How Sir Tristram found Palomides by a well, and brought
+him with him to his lodging.
+
+THEN the King with the Hundred Knights withdrew his knights.  And
+all this while, and long to-fore, Sir Launcelot had watched upon
+Sir Tristram with a very purpose to have fellowshipped with him. 
+And then suddenly Sir Tristram, Sir Dinadan, and Gouvernail, his
+man, rode their way into the forest, that no man perceived where
+they went.  So then King Arthur blew unto lodging, and gave the
+King of Northgalis the prize because Sir Tristram was upon his
+side.  Then Sir Launcelot rode here and there, so wood as lion
+that fauted his fill, because he had lost Sir Tristram, and so he
+returned unto King Arthur.  And then in all the field was a noise
+that with the wind it might be heard two mile thence, how the
+lords and ladies cried:  The Knight with the Black Shield hath
+won the field.  Alas, said King Arthur, where is that knight
+become?  It is shame to all those in the field so to let him
+escape away from you; but with gentleness and courtesy ye might
+have brought him unto me to the Castle of Maidens.  Then the
+noble King Arthur went unto his knights and comforted them in the
+best wise that he could, and said:  My fair fellows, be not
+dismayed, howbeit ye have lost the field this day.  And many were
+hurt and sore wounded, and many were whole.  My fellows, said
+King Arthur, look that ye be of good cheer, for to-morn I will be
+in the field with you and revenge you of your enemies.  So that
+night King Arthur and his knights reposed themself.
+
+The damosel that came from La Beale Isoud unto Sir Tristram, all
+the while the tournament was a-doing she was with Queen Guenever,
+and ever the queen asked her for what cause she came into that
+country.  Madam, she answered, I come for none other cause but
+from my lady <408>La Beale Isoud to wit of your welfare.  For in
+no wise she would not tell the queen that she came for Sir
+Tristram's sake.  So this lady, Dame Bragwaine, took her leave of
+Queen Guenever, and she rode after Sir Tristram.  And as she rode
+through the forest she heard a great cry; then she commanded her
+squire to go into the forest to wit what was that noise.  And so
+he came to a well, and there he found a knight bounden till a
+tree crying as he had been wood, and his horse and his harness
+standing by him.  And when he espied that squire, therewith he
+abraid and brake himself loose, and took his sword in his hand,
+and ran to have slain the squire.  Then he took his horse and
+fled all that ever he might unto Dame Bragwaine, and told her of
+his adventure.  Then she rode unto Sir Tristram's pavilion, and
+told Sir Tristram what adventure she had found in the forest. 
+Alas, said Sir Tristram, upon my head there is some good knight
+at mischief.
+
+Then Sir Tristram took his horse and his sword and rode thither,
+and there he heard how the knight complained unto himself and
+said:  I, woful knight Sir Palomides, what misadventure befalleth
+me, that thus am defoiled with falsehood and treason, through Sir
+Bors and Sir Ector.  Alas, he said, why live I so long!  And then
+he gat his sword in his hands, and made many strange signs and
+tokens; and so through his raging he threw his sword into that
+fountain.  Then Sir Palomides wailed and wrang his hands.  And at
+the last for pure sorrow he ran into that fountain, over his
+belly, and sought after his sword.  Then Sir Tristram saw that,
+and ran upon Sir Palomides, and held him in his arms fast.  What
+art thou, said Palomides, that holdeth me so?  I am a man of this
+forest that would thee none harm.  Alas, said Sir Palomides, I
+may never win worship where Sir Tristram is; for ever where he is
+an I be there, then get I no worship; and if he be away for the
+most part I have the gree, unless that Sir Launcelot be there or
+Sir Lamorak.  Then Sir Palomides said:  Once in Ireland Sir
+Tristram put me to the worse, and another time in Cornwall, and
+in other places in this land.  What would ye do, said Sir
+<409>Tristram, an ye had Sir Tristram?  I would fight with him,
+said Sir Palomides, and ease my heart upon him; and yet, to say
+thee sooth, Sir Tristram is the gentlest knight in this world
+living.  What will ye do, said Sir Tristram, will ye go with me
+to your lodging?  Nay, said he, I will go to the King with the
+Hundred Knights, for he rescued me from Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir
+Ector and else had I been slain traitorly.  Sir Tristram said him
+such kind words that Sir Palomides went with him to his lodging. 
+Then Gouvernail went to-fore, and charged Dame Bragwaine to go
+out of the way to her lodging And bid ye Sir Persides that he
+make him no quarrels.  And so they rode together till they came
+to Sir Tristram's pavilion, and there Sir Palomides had all the
+cheer that might be had all that night.  But in no wise Sir
+Palomides might not know what was Sir Tristram; and so after
+supper they yede to rest, and Sir Tristram for great travail
+slept till it was day.  And Sir Palomides might not sleep for
+anguish; and in the dawning of the day he took his horse privily,
+and rode his way unto Sir Gaheris and unto Sir Sagramore le
+Desirous, where they were in their pavilions; for they three were
+fellows at the beginning of the tournament.  And then upon the
+morn the king blew unto the tournament upon the third day.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII
+
+How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides, and how he
+jousted with King Arthur, and other feats.
+
+SO the King of Northgalis and the King with the Hundred Knights,
+they two encountered with King Carados and with the King of
+Ireland; and there the King with the Hundred Knights smote down
+King Carados, and the King of Northgalis smote down the King of
+Ireland.  With that came in Sir Palomides, and when he came he
+made great work, for by his indented <410>shield he was well
+known.  So came in King Arthur, and did great deeds of arms
+together, and put the King of Northgalis and the King with the
+Hundred Knights to the worse.  With this came in Sir Tristram
+with his black shield, and anon he jousted with Sir Palomides,
+and there by fine force Sir Tristram smote Sir Palomides over his
+horse's croup.  Then King Arthur cried:  Knight with the Black
+Shield, make thee ready to me, and in the same wise Sir Tristram
+smote King Arthur.  And then by force of King Arthur's knights
+the King and Sir Palomides were horsed again.  Then King Arthur
+with a great eager heart he gat a spear in his hand, and there
+upon the one side he smote Sir Tristram over his horse.  Then
+foot-hot Sir Palomides came upon Sir Tristram, as he was upon
+foot, to have overridden him.  Then Sir Tristram was ware of him,
+and there he stooped aside, and with great ire he gat him by the
+arm, and pulled him down from his horse.  Then Sir Palomides
+lightly arose, and then they dashed together mightily with their
+swords; and many kings, queens, and lords, stood and beheld them. 
+And at the last Sir Tristram smote Sir Palomides upon the helm
+three mighty strokes, and at every stroke that he gave him he
+said:  This for Sir Tristram's sake.  With that Sir Palomides
+fell to the earth grovelling.
+
+Then came the King with the Hundred Knights, and brought Sir
+Tristram an horse, and so was he horsed again.  By then was Sir
+Palomides horsed, and with great ire he jousted upon Sir Tristram
+with his spear as it was in the rest, and gave him a great dash
+with his sword.  Then Sir Tristram avoided his spear, and gat him
+by the neck with his both hands, and pulled him clean out of his
+saddle, and so he bare him afore him the length of ten spears,
+and then in the presence of them all he let him fall at his
+adventure.  Then Sir Tristram was ware of King Arthur with a
+naked sword in his hand, and with his spear Sir Tristram ran upon
+King Arthur; and then King Arthur boldly abode him and with his
+sword he smote a-two his spear, and therewithal Sir Tristram
+stonied; and so King Arthur gave him three or four <411>strokes
+or he might get out his sword, and at the last Sir Tristram drew
+his sword and [either] assailed other passing hard.  With that
+the great press departed [them].  Then Sir Tristram rode here and
+there and did his great pain, that eleven of the good knights of
+the blood of King Ban, that was of Sir Launcelot's kin, that day
+Sir Tristram smote down; that all the estates marvelled of his
+great deeds and all cried upon the Knight with the Black Shield.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV
+
+How Sir Launcelot hurt Sir Tristram, and how after
+Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides.
+
+THEN this cry was so large that Sir Launcelot heard it.  And then
+he gat a great spear in his hand and came towards the cry.  Then
+Sir Launcelot cried:  The Knight with the Black Shield, make thee
+ready to joust with me.  When Sir Tristram heard him say so he
+gat his spear in his hand, and either abashed down their heads,
+and came together as thunder; and Sir Tristram's spear brake in
+pieces, and Sir Launcelot by malfortune struck Sir Tristram on
+the side a deep wound nigh to the death; but yet Sir Tristram
+avoided not his saddle, and so the spear brake.  Therewithal Sir
+Tristram that was wounded gat out his sword, and he rushed to Sir
+Launcelot, and gave him three great strokes upon the helm that
+the fire sprang thereout, and Sir Launcelot abashed his head
+lowly toward his saddle-bow.  And therewithal Sir Tristram
+departed from the field, for he felt him so wounded that he
+weened he should have died; and Sir Dinadan espied him and
+followed him into the forest.  Then Sir Launcelot abode and did
+many marvellous deeds.
+
+So when Sir Tristram was departed by the forest's side he
+alighted, and unlaced his harness and freshed his wound; then
+weened Sir Dinadan that he should have died.  Nay, nay, said Sir
+Tristram, Dinadan never dread <412>thee, for I am heart-whole,
+and of this wound I shall soon be whole, by the mercy of God.  By
+that Sir Dinadan was ware where came Palomides riding straight
+upon them.  And then Sir Tristram was ware that Sir Palomides
+came to have destroyed him.  And so Sir Dinadan gave him warning,
+and said: Sir Tristram, my lord, ye are so sore wounded that ye
+may not have ado with him, therefore I will ride against him and
+do to him what I may, and if I be slain ye may pray for my soul;
+and in the meanwhile ye may withdraw you and go into the castle,
+or in the forest, that he shall not meet with you.  Sir Tristram
+smiled and said:  I thank you, Sir Dinadan, of your good will,
+but ye shall wit that I am able to handle him.  And then anon
+hastily he armed him, and took his horse, and a great spear in
+his hand, and said to Sir Dinadan:  Adieu; and rode toward Sir
+Palomides a soft pace.  Then when Sir Palomides saw that, he made
+countenance to amend his horse, but he did it for this cause, for
+he abode Sir Gaheris that came after him.  And when he was come
+he rode toward Sir Tristram.  Then Sir Tristram sent unto Sir
+Palomides, and required him to joust with him; and if he smote
+down Sir Palomides he would do no more to him; and if it so
+happened that Sir Palomides smote down Sir Tristram, he bade him
+do his utterance.  So they were accorded.  Then they met
+together, and Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides that he had a
+grievous fall, so that he lay still as he had been dead.  And
+then Sir Tristram ran upon Sir Gaheris, and he would not have
+jousted; but whether he would or not Sir Tristram smote him over
+his horse's croup, that he lay still as though he had been dead. 
+And then Sir Tristram rode his way and left Sir Persides' squire
+within the pavilions, and Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan rode to an
+old knight's place to lodge them.  And that old knight had five
+sons at the tournament, for whom he prayed God heartily for their
+coming home.  And so, as the French book saith, they came home
+all five well beaten.
+
+And when Sir Tristram departed into the forest Sir <413>Launcelot
+held alway the stour like hard, as a man araged that took no heed
+to himself, and wit ye well there was many a noble knight against
+him.  And when King Arthur saw Sir Launcelot do so marvellous
+deeds of arms he then armed him, and took his horse and his
+armour, and rode into the field to help Sir Launcelot; and so
+many knights came in with King Arthur.  And to make short tale in
+conclusion, the King of Northgalis and the King of the Hundred
+Knights were put to the worse; and because Sir Launcelot abode
+and was the last in the field the prize was given him.  But Sir
+Launcelot would neither for king, queen, nor knight, have the
+prize, but where the cry was cried through the field:  Sir
+Launcelot, Sir Launcelot hath won the field this day, Sir
+Launcelot let make another cry contrary:  Sir Tristram hath won
+the field, for he began first, and last he hath endured, and so
+hath he done the first day, the second, and the third day.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV
+
+How the prize of the third day was given to Sir Launcelot,
+and Sir Launcelot gave it to Sir Tristram.
+
+THEN all the estates and degrees high and low said of Sir
+Launcelot great worship, for the honour that he did unto Sir
+Tristram; and for that honour doing to Sir Tristram he was at
+that time more praised and renowned than an he had overthrown
+five hundred knights; and all the people wholly for this
+gentleness, first the estates both high and low, and after the
+commonalty cried at once:  Sir Launcelot hath won the field
+whosoever say nay.  Then was Sir Launcelot wroth and ashamed, and
+so therewithal he rode to King Arthur.  Alas, said the king, we
+are all dismayed that Sir Tristram is thus departed from us.  By
+God, said King Arthur, he is one of the noblest knights that ever
+I saw hold spear or sword in hand, and the most courteoust knight
+in his <414>fighting; for full hard I saw him, said King Arthur,
+when he smote Sir Palomides upon the helm thrice, that he abashed
+his helm with his strokes, and also he said:  Here is a stroke
+for Sir Tristram, and thus thrice he said.  Then King Arthur, Sir
+Launcelot, and Sir Dodinas le Savage took their horses to seek
+Sir Tristram, and by the means of Sir Persides he had told King
+Arthur where Sir Tristram was in his pavilion.  But when they
+came there, Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan were gone.
+
+Then King Arthur and Sir Launcelot were heavy, and returned again
+to the Castle of Maidens making great dole for the hurt of Sir
+Tristram, and his sudden departing.  So God me help, said King
+Arthur, I am more heavy that I cannot meet with him than for all
+the hurts that all my knights have had at the tournament.  Right
+so came Sir Gaheris and told King Arthur how Sir Tristram had
+smitten down Sir Palomides, and it was at Sir Palomides' own
+request.  Alas, said King Arthur, that was great dishonour to Sir
+Palomides, inasmuch as Sir Tristram was sore wounded, and now may
+we all, kings, and knights, and men of worship, say that Sir
+Tristram may be called a noble knight, and one of the best
+knights that ever I saw the days of my life.  For I will that ye
+all, kings and knights, know, said King Arthur, that I never saw
+knight do so marvellously as he hath done these three days; for
+he was the first that began and that longest held on, save this
+last day.  And though he was hurt, it was a manly adventure of
+two noble knights, and when two noble men encounter needs must
+the one have the worse, like as God will suffer at that time.  As
+for me, said Sir Launcelot, for all the lands that ever my father
+left me I would not have hurt Sir Tristram an I had known him at
+that time; that I hurt him was for I saw not his shield.  For an
+I had seen his black shield, I would not have meddled with him
+for many causes; for late he did as much for me as ever did
+knight, and that is well known that he had ado with thirty
+knights, and no help save Sir Dinadan.  And one thing shall I
+promise, said Sir Launcelot, Sir Palomides <415>shall repent it
+as in his unkindly dealing for to follow that noble knight that I
+by mishap hurted thus.  Sir Launcelot said all the worship that
+might be said by Sir Tristram.  Then King Arthur made a great
+feast to all that would come.  And thus we let pass King Arthur,
+and a little we will turn unto Sir Palomides, that after he had a
+fall of Sir Tristram, he was nigh-hand araged out of his wit for
+despite of Sir Tristram.  And so he followed him by adventure. 
+And as he came by a river, in his woodness he would have made his
+horse to have leapt over; and the horse failed footing and fell
+in the river, wherefore Sir Palomides was adread lest he should
+have been drowned; and then he avoided his horse, and swam to the
+land, and let his horse go down by adventure.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI
+
+How Palomides came to the castle where Sir Tristram was,
+and of the quest that Sir Launcelot and ten knights made
+for Sir Tristram.
+
+AND when he came to the land he took off his harness, and sat
+roaring and crying as a man out of his mind.  Right so came a
+damosel even by Sir Palomides, that was sent from Sir Gawaine and
+his brother unto Sir Mordred, that lay sick in the same place
+with that old knight where Sir Tristram was.  For, as the French
+book saith, Sir Persides hurt so Sir Mordred a ten days afore;
+and had it hot been for the love of Sir Gawaine and his brother,
+Sir Persides had slain Sir Mordred.  And so this damosel came by
+Sir Palomides, and she and he had language together, the which
+pleased neither of them; and so the damosel rode her ways till
+she came to the old knight's place, and there she told that old
+knight how she met with the woodest knight by adventure that ever
+she met withal.  What bare he in his shield? said Sir Tristram. 
+It was indented with white and black, said <416>the damosel.  Ah,
+said Sir Tristram, that was Sir Palomides, the good knight.  For
+well I know him, said Sir Tristram, for one of the best knights
+living in this realm.  Then that old knight took a little
+hackney, and rode for Sir Palomides, and brought him unto his own
+manor; and full well knew Sir Tristram Sir Palomides, but he said
+but little, for at that time Sir Tristram was walking upon his
+feet, and well amended of his hurts; and always when Sir
+Palomides saw Sir Tristram he would behold him full marvellously,
+and ever him seemed that he had seen him.  Then would he say unto
+Sir Dinadan:  An ever I may meet with Sir Tristram he shall not
+escape mine hands.  I marvel, said Sir Dinadan, that ye boast
+behind Sir Tristram, for it is but late that he was in your
+hands, and ye in his hands; why would ye not hold him when ye had
+him? for I saw myself twice or thrice that ye gat but little
+worship of Sir Tristram.  Then was Sir Palomides ashamed.  So
+leave we them a little while in the old castle with the old
+knight Sir Darras.
+
+Now shall we speak of King Arthur, that said to Sir Launcelot: 
+Had not ye been we had not lost Sir Tristram, for he was here
+daily unto the time ye met with him, and in an evil time, said
+Arthur, ye encountered with him.  My lord Arthur, said Launcelot,
+ye put upon me that I should be cause of his departition; God
+knoweth it was against my will.  But when men be hot in deeds of
+arms oft they hurt their friends as well as their foes.  And my
+lord, said Sir Launcelot, ye shall understand that Sir Tristram
+is a man that I am loath to offend, for he hath done for me more
+than ever I did for him as yet.  But then Sir Launcelot made
+bring forth a book: and then Sir Launcelot said:  Here we are ten
+knights that will swear upon a book never to rest one night where
+we rest another this twelvemonth until that we find Sir Tristram. 
+And as for me, said Sir Launcelot, I promise you upon this book
+that an I may meet with him, either with fairness or foulness I
+shall bring him to this court, or else I shall die therefore. 
+And the names of these <417>ten knights that had undertaken this
+quest were these following:  First was Sir Launcelot, Sir Ector
+de Maris, Sir Bors de Ganis, and Bleoberis, and Sir Blamore de
+Ganis, and Lucan the Butler, Sir Uwaine, Sir Galihud Lionel, and
+Galiodin.  So these ten noble knights departed from the court of
+King Arthur, and so they rode upon their quest together until
+they came to a cross where departed four ways, and there departed
+the fellowship in four to seek Sir Tristram.
+
+And as Sir Launcelot rode by adventure he met with Dame Bragwaine
+that was sent into that country to seek Sir Tristram, and she
+fled as fast as her palfrey might go.  So Sir Launcelot met with
+her and asked her why she fled.  Ah, fair knight, said Dame
+Bragwaine, I flee for dread of my life, for here followeth me Sir
+Breuse Saunce Pite to slay me.  Hold you nigh me, said Sir
+Launcelot.  Then when Sir Launcelot saw Sir Breuse Saunce Pite,
+Sir Launcelot cried unto him, and said:  False knight destroyer
+of ladies and damosels, now thy last days be come.  When Sir
+Breuse Saunce Pite saw Sir Launcelot's shield he knew it well,
+for at that time he bare not the arms of Cornwall, but he bare
+his own shield.  And then Sir Breuse fled, and Sir Launcelot
+followed after him.  But Sir Breuse was so well horsed that when
+him list to flee he might well flee, and also abide when him
+list.  And then Sir Launcelot returned unto Dame Bragwaine, and
+she thanked him of his great labour.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII
+
+How Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan
+were taken and put in prison.
+
+NOW will we speak of Sir Lucan the butler, that by fortune he
+came riding to the same place thereas was Sir Tristram, and in he
+came in none other intent but to ask harbour.  Then the porter
+asked what was his name. Tell your lord that my name is Sir
+Lucan, the butler, a <418>Knight of the Round Table.  So the
+porter went unto Sir Darras, lord of the place, and told him who
+was there to ask harbour.  Nay, nay, said Sir Daname, that was
+nephew to Sir Darras, say him that he shall not be lodged here,
+but let him wit that I, Sir Daname, will meet with him anon, and
+bid him make him ready.  So Sir Daname came forth on horseback,
+and there they met together with spears, and Sir Lucan smote down
+Sir Daname over his horse's croup, and then he fled into that
+place, and Sir Lucan rode after him, and asked after him many
+times.
+
+Then Sir Dinadan said to Sir Tristram:  It is shame to see the
+lord's cousin of this place defoiled.  Abide, said Sir Tristram,
+and I shall redress it.  And in the meanwhile Sir Dinadan was on
+horseback, and he jousted with Lucan the butler, and there Sir
+Lucan smote Dinadan through the thick of the thigh, and so he
+rode his way; and Sir Tristram was wroth that Sir Dinadan was
+hurt, and followed after, and thought to avenge him; and within a
+while he overtook Sir Lucan, and bade him turn; and so they met
+together so that Sir Tristram hurt Sir Lucan passing sore and
+gave him a fall.  With that came Sir Uwaine, a gentle knight, and
+when he saw Sir Lucan so hurt he called Sir Tristram to joust
+with him.  Fair knight, said Sir Tristram, tell me your name I
+require you.  Sir knight, wit ye well my name is Sir Uwaine le
+Fise de Roy Ureine.  Ah, said Sir Tristram, by my will I would
+not have ado with you at no time.  Ye shall not so, said Sir
+Uwaine, but ye shall have ado with me.  And then Sir Tristram saw
+none other bote, but rode against him, and overthrew Sir Uwaine
+and hurt him in the side, and so he departed unto his lodging
+again.  And when Sir Dinadan understood that Sir Tristram had
+hurt Sir Lucan he would have ridden after Sir Lucan for to have
+slain him, but Sir Tristram would not suffer him.  Then Sir
+Uwaine let ordain an horse litter, and brought Sir Lucan to the
+abbey of Ganis, and the castle thereby hight the Castle of Ganis,
+of the which Sir Bleoberis was lord.  And at that castle Sir
+Launcelot promised all his fellows to meet in the quest of Sir
+Tristram.
+
+<419>
+So when Sir Tristram was come to his lodging there came a damosel
+that told Sir Darras that three of his sons were slain at that
+tournament, and two grievously wounded that they were never like
+to help themself.  And all this was done by a noble knight that
+bare the black shield, and that was he that bare the prize.  Then
+came there one and told Sir Darras that the same knight was
+within, him that bare the black shield.  Then Sir Darras yede
+unto Sir Tristram's chamber, and there he found his shield and
+showed it to the damosel.  Ah sir, said the damosel, that same is
+he that slew your three sons.  Then without any tarrying Sir
+Darras put Sir Tristram, and Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan,
+within a strong prison, and there Sir Tristram was like to have
+died of great sickness; and every day Sir Palomides would reprove
+Sir Tristram of old hate betwixt them.  And ever Sir Tristram
+spake fair and said little.  But when Sir Palomides saw the
+falling of sickness of Sir Tristram, then was he heavy for him,
+and comforted him in all the best wise he could.  And as the
+French book saith, there came forty knights to Sir Darras that
+were of his own kin, and they would have slain Sir Tristram and
+his two fellows, but Sir Darras would not suffer that, but kept
+them in prison, and meat and drink they had.  So Sir Tristram
+endured there great pain, for sickness had undertaken him, and
+that is the greatest pain a prisoner may have.  For all the while
+a prisoner may have his health of body he may endure under the
+mercy of God and in hope of good deliverance; but when sickness
+toucheth a prisoner's body, then may a prisoner say all wealth is
+him bereft, and then he hath cause to wail and to weep.  Right so
+did Sir Tristram when sickness had undertaken him, for then he
+took such sorrow that he had almost slain himself.
+
+
+
+<420>
+CHAPTER XXXVIII
+
+How King Mark was sorry for the good renown of Sir
+Tristram.  Some of King Arthur's knights jousted
+with knights of Cornwall.
+
+NOW will we speak, and leave Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir
+Dinadan in prison, and speak we of other knights that sought
+after Sir Tristram many divers parts of this land.  And some yede
+into Cornwall; and by adventure Sir Gaheris, nephew unto King
+Arthur, came unto King Mark, and there he was well received and
+sat at King Mark's own table and ate of his own mess.  Then King
+Mark asked Sir Gaheris what tidings there were in the realm of
+Logris.  Sir, said Sir Gaheris, the king reigneth as a noble
+knight; and now but late there was a great jousts and tournament
+as ever I saw any in the realm of Logris, and the most noble
+knights were at that jousts.  But there was one knight that did
+marvellously three days, and he bare a black shield, and of all
+knights that ever I saw he proved the best knight.  Then, said
+King Mark, that was Sir Launcelot, or Sir Palomides the paynim. 
+Not so, said Sir Gheris, for both Sir Launcelot and Sir Palomides
+were on the contrary party against the Knight with the Black
+Shield.  Then was it Sir Tristram, said the king.  Yea, said Sir
+Gaheris.  And therewithal the king smote down his head, and in
+his heart he feared sore that Sir Tristram should get him such
+worship in the realm of Logris wherethrough that he himself
+should not be able to withstand him.  Thus Sir Gaheris had great
+cheer with King Mark, and with Queen La Beale Isoud, the which
+was glad of Sir Gaheris' words; for well she wist by his deeds
+and manners that it was Sir Tristram.  And then the king made a
+feast royal, and to that feast came Sir Uwaine le Fise de Roy
+Ureine, and some called him Uwaine le Blanchemains.  And this Sir
+Uwaine challenged all the knights of Cornwall.  Then was the king
+wood wroth that he had no knights to answer him.  Then Sir
+<421>Andred, nephew unto King Mark, leapt up and said:  I will
+encounter with Sir Uwaine.  Then he yede and armed him and horsed
+him in the best manner.  And there Sir Uwaine met with Sir
+Andred, and smote him down that he swooned on the earth.  Then
+was King Mark sorry and wroth out of measure that he had no
+knight to revenge his nephew, Sir Andred.
+
+So the king called unto him Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, and prayed
+him for his sake to take upon him to joust with Sir Uwaine.  Sir,
+said Sir Dinas, I am full loath to have ado with any knight of
+the Round Table.  Yet, said the king, for my love take upon thee
+to joust.  So Sir Dinas made him ready, and anon they encountered
+together with great spears, but Sir Dinas was overthrown, horse
+and man, a great fall.  Who was wroth but King Mark!  Alas, he
+said, have I no knight that will encounter with yonder knight? 
+Sir, said Sir Gaheris, for your sake I will joust.  So Sir
+Gaheris made him ready, and when he was armed he rode into the
+field.  And when Sir Uwaine saw Sir Gaheris' shield he rode to
+him and said:  Sir, ye do not your part.  For, sir, the first
+time ye were made Knight of the Round Table ye sware that ye
+should not have ado with your fellowship wittingly.  And pardie,
+Sir Gaheris, ye knew me well enough by my shield, and so do I
+know you by your shield, and though ye would break your oath I
+would not break mine; for there is not one here, nor ye, that
+shall think I am afeard of you, but I durst right well have ado
+with you, and yet we be sisters' sons.  Then was Sir Gaheris
+ashamed, and so therewithal every knight went their way, and Sir
+Uwaine rode into the country.
+
+Then King Mark armed him, and took his horse and his spear, with
+a squire with him.  And then he rode afore Sir Uwaine, and
+suddenly at a gap he ran upon him as he that was not ware of him,
+and there he smote him almost through the body, and there left
+him.  So within a while there came Sir Kay and found Sir Uwaine,
+and asked him how he was hurt.  I wot not, said Sir Uwaine, why
+nor wherefore, but by treason I am sure I gat this <422>hurt; for
+here came a knight suddenly upon me or that I was ware, and
+suddenly hurt me.  Then there was come Sir Andred to seek King
+Mark.  Thou traitor knight, said Sir Kay, an I wist it were thou
+that thus traitorly hast hurt this noble knight thou shouldst
+never pass my hands.  Sir, said Sir Andred, I did never hurt him,
+and that I will report me to himself.  Fie on you false knight,
+said Sir Kay, for ye of Cornwall are nought worth.  So Sir Kay
+made carry Sir Uwaine to the Abbey of the Black Cross, and there
+he was healed.  And then Sir Gaheris took his leave of King Mark,
+but or he departed he said:  Sir king, ye did a foul shame unto
+you and your court, when ye banished Sir Tristram out of this
+country, for ye needed not to have doubted no knight an he had
+been here.  And so he departed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX
+
+Of the treason of King Mark, and how Sir Gaheris
+smote him down and Andred his cousin.
+
+THEN there came Sir Kay, the Seneschal, unto King Mark, and there
+he had good cheer showing outward.  Now, fair lords, said he,
+will ye prove any adventure in the forest of Morris, in the which
+I know well is as hard an adventure as I know any.  Sir, said Sir
+Kay, I will prove it.  And Sir Gaheris said he would be avised
+for King Mark was ever full of treason: and therewithal Sir
+Gaheris departed and rode his way.  And by the same way that Sir
+Kay should ride he laid him down to rest, charging his squire to
+wait upon Sir Kay;  And warn me when he cometh.  So within a
+while Sir Kay came riding that way, and then Sir Gaheris took his
+horse and met him, and said:  Sir Kay, ye are not wise to ride at
+the request of King Mark, for he dealeth all with treason.  Then
+said Sir Kay:  I require you let us prove this adventure.  I
+shall not fail you, said Sir Gaheris.  And so they rode that time
+till a lake that was that time called the <423>Perilous Lake, and
+there they abode under the shaw of the wood.
+
+The meanwhile King Mark within the castle of Tintagil avoided all
+his barons, and all other save such as were privy with him were
+avoided out of his chamber.  And then he let call his nephew Sir
+Andred, and bade arm him and horse him lightly; and by that time
+it was midnight.  And so King Mark was armed in black, horse and
+all; and so at a privy postern they two issued out with their
+varlets with them, and rode till they came to that lake.  Then
+Sir Kay espied them first, and gat his spear, and proffered to
+joust.  And King Mark rode against him, and smote each other full
+hard, for the moon shone as the bright day.  And there at that
+jousts Sir Kay's horse fell down, for his horse was not so big as
+the king's horse, and Sir Kay's horse bruised him full sore. 
+Then Sir Gaheris was wroth that Sir Kay had a fall.  Then he
+cried:  Knight, sit thou fast in thy saddle, for I will revenge
+my fellow.  Then King Mark was afeard of Sir Gaheris, and so with
+evil will King Mark rode against him, and Sir Gaheris gave him
+such a stroke that he fell down.  So then forthwithal Sir Gaheris
+ran unto Sir Andred and smote him from his horse quite, that his
+helm smote in the earth, and nigh had broken his neck.  And
+therewithal Sir Gaheris alighted, and gat up Sir Kay.  And then
+they yode both on foot to them, and bade them yield them, and
+tell their names outher they should die.  Then with great pain
+Sir Andred spake first, and said:  It is King Mark of Cornwall,
+therefore be ye ware what ye do, and I am Sir Andred, his cousin. 
+Fie on you both, said Sir Gaheris, for a false traitor, and false
+treason hast thou wrought and he both, under the feigned cheer
+that ye made us! it were pity, said Sir Gaheris, that thou
+shouldst live any longer.  Save my life, said King Mark, and I
+will make amends; and consider that I am a king anointed.  It
+were the more shame, said Sir Gaheris, to save thy life; thou art
+a king anointed with cream, and therefore thou shouldst hold with
+all men of worship; and therefore thou art worthy to die.  With
+that he lashed at <424>King Mark without saying any more, and
+covered him with his shield and defended him as he might.  And
+then Sir Kay lashed at Sir Andred, and therewithal King Mark
+yielded him unto Sir Gaheris.  And then he kneeled adown, and
+made his oath upon the cross of the sword, that never while he
+lived he would be against errant-knights.  And also he sware to
+be good friend unto Sir Tristram if ever he came into Cornwall.
+
+By then Sir Andred was on the earth, and Sir Kay would have slain
+him.  Let be, said Sir Gaheris, slay him not I pray you.  It were
+pity, said Sir Kay, that he should live any longer, for this is
+nigh cousin unto Sir Tristram, and ever he hath been a traitor
+unto him, and by him he was exiled out of Cornwall, and therefore
+I will slay him, said Sir Kay.  Ye shall not, said Sir Gaheris;
+sithen I have given the king his life, I pray you give him his
+life.  And therewithal Sir Kay let him go.  And so Sir Kay and
+Sir Gaheris rode their way unto Dinas, the Seneschal, for because
+they heard say that he loved well Sir Tristram.  So they reposed
+them there, and soon after they rode unto the realm of Logris. 
+And so within a little while they met with Sir Launcelot that
+always had Dame Bragwaine with him, to that intent he weened to
+have met the sooner with Sir Tristram; and Sir Launcelot asked
+what tidings in Cornwall, and whether they heard of Sir Tristram
+or not.  Sir Kay and Sir Gaheris answered and said, that they
+heard not of him.  Then they told Sir Launcelot word by word of
+their adventure.  Then Sir Launcelot smiled and said:  Hard it is
+to take out of the flesh that is bred in the bone; and so made
+them merry together.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL
+
+How after that Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir
+Dinadan had been long in prison they were delivered.
+
+NOW leave we off this tale, and speak we of sir Dinas that had
+within the castle a paramour, and she loved <425>another knight
+better than him.  And so when sir Dinas went out a-hunting she
+slipped down by a towel, and took with her two brachets, and so
+she yede to the knight that she loved, and he her again.  And
+when sir Dinas came home and missed his paramour and his
+brachets, then was he the more wrother for his brachets than for
+the lady.  So then he rode after the knight that had his
+paramour, and bade him turn and joust.  So sir Dinas smote him
+down, that with the fall he brake his leg and his arm.  And then
+his lady and paramour cried sir Dinas mercy, and said she would
+love him better than ever she did.  Nay, said sir Dinas, I shall
+never trust them that once betrayed me, and therefore, as ye have
+begun, so end, for I will never meddle with you.  And so sir
+Dinas departed, and took his brachets with him, and so rode to
+his castle.
+
+Now will we turn unto sir Launcelot, that was right heavy that he
+could never hear no tidings of sir Tristram, for all this while
+he was in prison with sir Darras, Palomides, and Dinadan.  Then
+Dame Bragwaine took her leave to go into Cornwall, and sir
+Launcelot, sir Kay, and sir Gaheris rode to seek sir Tristram in
+the country of Surluse.
+
+Now speaketh this tale of sir Tristram and of his two fellows,
+for every day sir Palomides brawled and said language against sir
+Tristram.  I marvel, said sir Dinadan, of thee, sir Palomides, an
+thou haddest sir Tristram here thou wouldst do him no harm; for
+an a wolf and a sheep were together in a prison the wolf would
+suffer the sheep to be in peace.  And wit thou well, said sir
+Dinadan, this same is sir Tristram at a word, and now must thou
+do thy best with him, and let see now if ye can skift it with
+your hands.  Then was sir Palomides abashed and said little.  Sir
+Palomides, then said sir Tristram, I have heard much of your
+maugre against me, but I will not meddle with you as at this time
+by my will, because I dread the lord of this place that hath us
+in governance; for an I dread him not more than I do thee, soon
+it should be skift: so they peaced themself.  Right so came in a
+damosel and
+said:  Knights, be of good cheer, for ye are sure of your
+<426>lives, and that I heard say my lord, Sir Darras.  Then were
+they glad all three, for daily they weened they should have died.
+
+Then soon after this Sir Tristram fell sick that he weened to
+have died; then Sir Dinadan wept, and so did Sir Palomides under
+them both making great sorrow.  So a damosel came in to them and
+found them mourning.  Then she went unto Sir Darras, and told him
+how that mighty knight that bare the black shield was likely to
+die.  That shall not be, said Sir Darras, for God defend when
+knights come to me for succour that I should suffer them to die
+within my prison.  Therefore, said Sir Darras to the damosel,
+fetch that knight and his fellows afore me.  And then anon Sir
+Darras saw Sir Tristram brought afore him.  He said:  Sir knight,
+me repenteth of thy sickness for thou art called a full noble
+knight, and so it seemeth by thee; and wit ye well it shall never
+be said that Sir Darras shall destroy such a noble knight as thou
+art in prison, howbeit that thou hast slain three of my sons
+whereby I was greatly aggrieved.  But now shalt thou go and thy
+fellows, and your harness and horses have been fair and clean
+kept, and ye shall go where it liketh you, upon this covenant,
+that thou, knight, wilt promise me to be good friend to my sons
+two that be now alive, and also that thou tell me thy name.  Sir,
+said he, as for me my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and in
+Cornwall was I born, and nephew I am unto King Mark.  And as for
+the death of your sons I might not do withal, for an they had
+been the next kin that I have I might have done none otherwise. 
+And if I had slain them by treason or treachery I had been worthy
+to have died.  All this I consider, said Sir Darras, that all
+that ye did was by force of knighthood, and that was the cause I
+would not put you to death.  But sith ye be Sir Tristram, the
+good knight, I pray you heartily to be my good friend and to my
+sons.  Sir, said Sir Tristram, I promise you by the faith of my
+body, ever while I live I will do you service, for ye have done
+to us but as a natural knight ought to do.  Then Sir Tristram
+reposed him there till that he was <427>amended of his sickness;
+and when he was big and strong they took their leave, and every
+knight took their horses, and so departed and rode together till
+they came to a cross way.  Now fellows, said Sir Tristram, here
+will we depart in sundry ways.  And because Sir Dinadan had the
+first adventure of him I will begin.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLI
+
+How Sir Dinadan rescued a lady from Sir Breuse Saunce
+Pite, and how Sir Tristram received a shield of Morgan le Fay.
+
+SO as Sir Dinadan rode by a well he found a lady making great
+dole.  What aileth you? said Sir Dinadan.  Sir knight, said the
+lady, I am the wofullest lady of the world, for within these five
+days here came a knight called Sir Breuse Saunce Pite, and he
+slew mine own brother, and ever since he hath kept me at his own
+will, and of all men in the world I hate him most; and therefore
+I require you of knighthood to avenge me, for he will not tarry,
+but be here anon.  Let him come, said Sir Dinadan, and because of
+honour of all women I will do my part.  With this came Sir
+Breuse, and when he saw a knight with his lady he was wood wroth. 
+And then he said:  Sir knight, keep thee from me.  So they
+hurtled together as thunder, and either smote other passing sore,
+but Sir Dinadan put him through the shoulder a grievous wound,
+and or ever Sir Dinadan might turn him Sir Breuse was gone and
+fled.  Then the lady prayed him to bring her to a castle there
+beside but four mile thence; and so Sir Dinadan brought her
+there, and she was welcome, for the lord of that castle was her
+uncle; and so Sir Dinadan rode his way upon his adventure.
+
+Now turn we this tale unto Sir Tristram, that by adventure he
+came to a castle to ask lodging, wherein was Queen Morgan le Fay;
+and so when Sir Tristram was let into that castle he had good
+cheer all that night.  <428>And upon the morn when he would have
+departed the queen said:  Wit ye well ye shall not depart
+lightly, for ye are here as a prisoner.  Jesu defend! said Sir
+Tristram, for I was but late a prisoner.  Fair knight, said the
+queen, ye shall abide with me till that I wit what ye are and
+from whence ye come.  And ever the queen would set Sir Tristram
+on her own side, and her paramour on the other side.  And ever
+Queen Morgan would behold Sir Tristram, and thereat the knight
+was jealous, and was in will suddenly to have run upon Sir
+Tristram with a sword, but he left it for shame.  Then the queen
+said to Sir Tristram:  Tell me thy name, and I shall suffer you
+to depart when ye will.  Upon that covenant I tell you my name is
+Sir Tristram de Liones.  Ah, said Morgan le Fay, an I had wist
+that, thou shouldst not have departed so soon as thou shalt.  But
+sithen I have made a promise I will hold it, with that thou wilt
+promise me to bear upon thee a shield that I shall deliver thee,
+unto the castle of the Hard Rock, where King Arthur had cried a
+great tournament, and there I pray you that ye will be, and to do
+for me as much deeds of arms as ye may do.  For at the Castle of
+Maidens, Sir Tristram, ye did marvellous deeds of arms as ever I
+heard knight do.  Madam, said Sir Tristram, let me see the shield
+that I shall bear.  Then the shield was brought forth, and the
+field was goldish, with a king and a queen therein painted, and a
+knight standing above them, [one foot] upon the king's head, and
+the other upon the queen's.  Madam, said Sir Tristram, this is a
+fair shield and a mighty; but what signifieth this king and this
+queen, and the knight standing upon both their heads?  I shall
+tell you, said Morgan le Fay, it signifieth King Arthur and Queen
+Guenever, and a knight who holdeth them both in bondage and in
+servage.  Who is that knight? said Sir Tristram.  That shall ye
+not wit as at this time, said the queen.  But as the French book
+saith, Queen Morgan loved Sir Launcelot best, and ever she
+desired him, and he would never love her nor do nothing at her
+request, and therefore she held many knights together for to have
+taken him by strength.  <429>And because she deemed that Sir
+Launcelot loved Queen Guenever paramour, and she him again,
+therefore Queen Morgan le Fay ordained that shield to put Sir
+Launcelot to a rebuke, to that intent that King Arthur might
+understand the love between them.  Then Sir Tristram took that
+shield and promised her to bear it at the tournament at the
+Castle of the Hard Rock.  But Sir Tristram knew not that that
+shield was ordained against Sir Launcelot, but afterward he knew
+it.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLII
+
+How Sir Tristram took with him the shield, and also how
+he slew the paramour of Morgan le Fay.
+
+SO then Sir Tristram took his leave of the queen, and took the
+shield with him.  Then came the knight that held Queen Morgan le
+Fay, his name was Sir Hemison, and he made him ready to follow
+Sir Tristram.  Fair friend, said Morgan, ride not after that
+knight, for ye shall not win no worship of him.  Fie on him,
+coward, said Sir Hemison, for I wist never good knight come out
+of Cornwall but if it were Sir Tristram de Liones.  What an that
+be he? said she.  Nay, nay, said he, he is with La Beale Isoud,
+and this is but a daffish knight.  Alas, my fair friend, ye shall
+find him the best knight that ever ye met withal, for I know him
+better than ye do.  For your sake, said Sir Hemison, I shall slay
+him.  Ah, fair friend, said the queen, me repenteth that ye will
+follow that knight, for I fear me sore of your again coming. 
+With this this knight rode his way wood wroth, and he rode after
+Sir Tristram as fast as he had been chased with knights.  When
+Sir Tristram heard a knight come after him so fast he returned
+about, and saw a knight coming against him.  And when he came
+nigh to Sir Tristram he cried on high:  Sir knight, keep thee
+from me.  Then they rushed together as it had been thunder, and
+Sir Hemison brised his spear upon Sir Tristram, but his harness
+was so good that he might not <430>hurt him.  And Sir Tristram
+smote him harder, and bare him through the body, and he fell over
+his horse's croup.  Then Sir Tristram turned to have done more
+with his sword, but he saw so much blood go from him that him
+seemed he was likely to die, and so he departed from him and came
+to a fair manor to an old knight, and there Sir Tristram lodged.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIII
+
+How Morgan le Fay buried her paramour, and how Sir
+Tristram praised Sir Launcelot and his kin.
+
+NOW leave to speak of Sir Tristram, and speak we of the knight
+that was wounded to the death.  Then his varlet alighted, and
+took off his helm, and then he asked his lord whether there were
+any life in him.  There is in me life said the knight, but it is
+but little; and therefore leap thou up behind me when thou hast
+holpen me up, and hold me fast that I fall not, and bring me to
+Queen Morgan le Fay; for deep draughts of death draw to my heart
+that I may not live, for I would fain speak with her or I died:
+for else my soul will be in great peril an I die.  For[thwith]
+with great pain his varlet brought him to the castle, and there
+Sir Hemison fell down dead.  When Morgan le Fay saw him dead she
+made great sorrow out of reason; and then she let despoil him
+unto his shirt, and so she let him put into a tomb.  And about
+the tomb she let write:  Here lieth Sir Hemison, slain by the
+hands of Sir Tristram de Liones.
+
+Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that asked the knight his host if
+he saw late any knights adventurous.  Sir, he said, the last
+night here lodged with me Ector de Maris and a damosel with him,
+and that damosel told me that he was one of the best knights of
+the world.  That is not so, said Sir Tristram, for I know four
+better knights of his own blood, and the first is Sir Launcelot
+du Lake, call him the best knight, and Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir
+Bleoberis, Sir Blamore de Ganis, and Sir Gaheris.  Nay, said his
+host, <431>Sir Gawaine is a better knight than he.  That is not
+so, said Sir Tristram, for I have met with them both, and I felt
+Sir Gaheris for the better knight, and Sir Lamorak I call him as
+good as any of them except Sir Launcelot.  Why name ye not Sir
+Tristram? said his host, for I account him as good as any of
+them.  I know not Sir Tristram, said Tristram.  Thus they talked
+and bourded as long as them list, and then went to rest.  And on
+the morn Sir Tristram departed, and took his leave of his host,
+and rode toward the Roche Dure, and none adventure had Sir
+Tristram but that; and so he rested not till he came to the
+castle, where he saw five hundred tents.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIV
+
+How Sir Tristram at a tournament bare the shield that
+Morgan le Fay delivered to him.
+
+THEN the King of Scots and the King of Ireland held against King
+Arthur's knights, and there began a great medley.  So came in Sir
+Tristram and did marvellous deeds of arms, for there he smote
+down many knights.  And ever he was afore King Arthur with that
+shield.  And when King Arthur saw that shield he marvelled
+greatly in what intent it was made; but Queen Guenever deemed as
+it was, wherefore she was heavy.  Then was there a damosel of
+Queen Morgan in a chamber by King Arthur, and when she heard King
+Arthur speak of that shield, then she spake openly unto King
+Arthur.  Sir King, wit ye well this shield was ordained for you,
+to warn you of your shame and dishonour, and that longeth to you
+and your queen.  And then anon that damosel picked her away
+privily, that no man wist where she was become.  Then was King
+Arthur sad and wroth, and asked from whence came that damosel. 
+There was not one that knew her nor wist where she was become. 
+Then Queen Guenever called to her Sir Ector de Maris, and there
+she made her complaint to him, and said:  I wot well this
+<432>shield was made by Morgan le Fay in despite of me and of Sir
+Launcelot, wherefore I dread me sore lest I should be destroyed. 
+And ever the king beheld Sir Tristram, that did so marvellous
+deeds of arms that he wondered sore what knight he might be, and
+well he wist it was not Sir Launcelot.  And it was told him that
+Sir Tristram was in Petit Britain with Isoud la Blanche Mains,
+for he deemed, an he had been in the realm of Logris, Sir
+Launcelot or some of his fellows that were in the quest of Sir
+Tristram that they should have found him or that time.  So King
+Arthur had marvel what knight he might be.  And ever Sir Arthur's
+eye was on that shield.  All that espied the queen, and that made
+her sore afeard.
+
+Then ever Sir Tristram smote down knights wonderly to behold,
+what upon the right hand and upon the left hand, that unnethe no
+knight might withstand him.  And the King of Scots and the King
+of Ireland began to withdraw them.  When Arthur espied that, he
+thought that that knight with the strange shield should not
+escape him.  Then he called unto him Sir Uwaine le Blanche Mains,
+and bade him arm him and make him ready.  So anon King Arthur and
+Sir Uwaine dressed them before Sir Tristram, and required him to
+tell them where he had that shield.  Sir, he said, I had it of
+Queen Morgan le Fay, sister unto King Arthur.
+
+So here endeth this history of this book, for it is the first
+book of Sir Tristram de Liones and the second book
+of Sir Tristram followeth.
+
+
+
+GLOSSARY
+
+Abashed, abased, lowered, 9 34
+Abate, depress, calm, 7 IS, 22, 18 I9
+Abought, paid for, 7 I7
+Abraid, started, 9 32
+Accompted, counted, 13 z
+Accorded, agreed, 12
+Accordment, agreement, 20 II
+Acquit, repay, 4 26
+Actually, actively, 4 20
+Adoubted, afraid, 10 4
+Advision, vision, 14 7
+Afeard, afraid, 123
+Afterdeal, disadvantage, 5 8
+Againsay, retract, 13 7
+Aknown, known, 8 14
+Aligement, alleviation, 16 I6
+Allegeance, alleviation, 18 I9
+Allow, approve, 7 5
+Almeries, chests, 17 23
+Alther, gen. pl., of all, 4 I I, 20 6
+Amounted, mounted, 10 3
+Anealed, anointed, 21 I2
+Anguishly, in pain, 16 I5
+Anon, at once, 5 9
+Apair, weaken, 3 3
+Apparelled, fitted up, 4 6
+Appeach, impeach, 10 7
+Appealed, challenged, accused, 18 4
+Appertices, displays, 5 8
+Araged, enraged, 5 2, 9 34; confused, 18 3
+Araised, raised, 21 I
+Arase, obliterate, 18 25
+Areared, reared, 10 64
+Armyvestal, martial, 4 I5
+Array, plight, state of affairs, 19 7
+Arrayed, situated, 17 3
+Arson, saddle-bow, 6 7, 18 23
+Askance, casually, 8 I4
+Assoiled, absolved, 13 20
+Assotted, infatuated, 4 I
+Assummon, summon, 7 26
+Astonied, amazed, stunned, 10 S7
+At, of, by, 7 3 I, 19 8
+At-after, after, 72I, 124
+Attaint, overcome, 16 8
+
+
+Aumbries, chests, 17 23
+Avail (at), at an advantage, 20 I3
+Avaled, lowered, 5 I2
+Avaunt, boast, 5 9
+Aventred, couched, 2 18, 4 I8
+Avised, be advised, take thought, 9 IO
+Avision, vision, 21 I I
+Avoid, quit, 9 3I
+Avoided, got clear off, 7 I7
+Avow, vow, 10 63
+Await of (in), in watch for, 9 I2
+Awayward, away, 7 I9
+Awke, sideways, 5 IO
+
+Bachelors, probationers for knighthood 1 15
+Bain, bath, 18 II, I7
+Barbican, gate-tower, 5 5, 7 3I
+Barget, little ship, 8 38
+Battle, division of an army, 1 IS
+Bawdy, dirty, 7 5 .
+Beams, trumpets, 214
+Be-closed, enclosed, 12 6
+Become, pp., befallen, gone to, 13 I8
+Bedashed, splashed, 19 2
+Behests, promises, 9 I6
+Behight, promised, 17 23
+Beholden (beholding) to, obliged to, 7 2I, 13 I9
+Behote, promised, 8 8
+Benome, deprived, taken away, 14 8, 16 8
+Besants, gold coins, 4 25
+Beseek, beseech, 15 4
+Beseen, appointed, arrayed, 118, 116
+Beskift, shove off, 4
+Bested, beset, 212
+Betaken, entrusted, 16
+Betaught, entrusted, recommended, 6 7
+Betid, happened, 7 I S
+Betook, committed, entrusted, 123, 10 69
+Bevered, quivered, 1 IS
+Board, sb., deck, 14 7
+Bobaunce, boasting, pride, 10 63, 15 6, 18 I5
+Boishe, bush, branch of a tree, 6 16
+<434>
+Boistous, rough, 2 8, 14 6
+Bole, trunk of a tree, 6 I6
+Boot, remedy, 9 17
+Borrow out, redeem, ] 0 30
+Borrows, pledges, 7 I8
+Bote, remedy, 8 I, 6
+Bound, ready, 1 z
+Bourded, jested, 9 43
+Bourder, jester, 10 25
+Braced, embraced, 10 78
+Brachet, little hound, 3 6
+Braide, quick movement, 20
+Brast, burst, break, 1 I4, 18 2
+Breaths, breathing holes, 8 7
+Brief, shorten, 9 IZ
+Brim, fierce, furious, 20 I3
+Brised, broke, 9 4, 10
+Broached, pierced, 1 I6
+Broaches, spits, 5 5
+Bur, hand-guard of a spear, 214
+Burble, bubble, 18 22
+Burbling, bubbling, 10 2
+Burgenetts, buds, blossoms, 20 I
+Bushment, ambush, 5 5
+By and by, immediately, 18 4
+Bywaryed, expended, bestowed, 7 ZI
+
+Canel bone, collar bone, 4 27
+Cankered, inveterate, 212
+Cantel, slice, strip, 1 I6
+Careful, sorrowful, full of troubles, 5 5, 21 II
+Cast (of bread), loaves baked at the same time, 7 14
+Cast, ref: v., propose, 13 20
+Cedle, schedule, note, 21 2
+Cere, wax over, embalm, 5 8; cerel, 21 I I
+Certes, certainly, 14 7
+Chafe, heat, decompose, 4 8; chafed, heated, 14 9
+Chaflet, platform, scaffold, 21 3
+Champaign, open country, 1 14
+Chariot (Fr charette), cart, 19 4
+Cheer, countenance, 7 IS, 13 20 i entertainment, 3 8
+Chierte, dearness, 13 8
+Chrism, anointing oil, 9 39
+Clatter, talk confusedly, 11 8
+Cleight, clutched, 6 z
+Cleped, called, 9 6
+Clipping, embracing, 4 22, 8 36
+Cog, small boat, 5 3
+Cognisance, badge, mark of distinction, 10 3
+Coif, head-piece, 8 7
+Comfort, strengthen, help, 16 7
+Cominal, common, 4 25
+Complished, complete, 7 I
+Con, know, be able, 516; con thanlt, be grateful, 20 I3
+Conserve, preserve, 17 I4
+
+Conversant, abiding in, 17 3
+Cording, agreement, 1 II
+Coronal, circlet, 5 5
+Cost, side, 7 Iz
+Costed, kept up with, 18 z I
+Couched, lay, 14 6
+Courage, encourage, 19 IO
+Courtelage, courtyard, 4 24
+Covert, sheltered, 20 22
+Covetise, covetousness, 13 I4
+Covin, deceit, 13 IS
+Cream, oil, 9 39
+Credence, faith, 5 2
+Croup, crupper, 8 I6
+Curteist, most courteous, 6 IO
+
+Daffish, foolish, 9 42
+Danger (in), under obligation to, in the power of, 7 8, 19 4
+Dawed, v tr., revived, 11 IO; intr. dawned, 17 2
+Deadly, mortal, human, 17, 9, 20
+Deal, part, portion, 16 I I
+Debate, quarrel, strife, 3 6
+Debonair, courteous, 17 4
+Deceivable, deceitful, 106
+Defaded, faded, 10 86
+Default, fault, 3 8
+Defend, forbid, 1 B3; defended, 7 I; forbidden, 18 2
+Defoiled, trodden down, fouled, deflowered, 1 I4, 7 I2, 9 32
+Degree (win the), rank, superiority, 8 9
+Delibered, determined, 5 2
+Deliverly, adroitly, 20 22
+Departed, divided, 9 7
+Departition, departure, 9 36
+Dere, harm, 1 1 7, 13 IZ
+Descrive, describe, 10 I
+Despoiled, stripped, 15 2
+Detrenched, cut to pieces, 5 7
+Devised, looked carefully at, 17 13
+Devoir, duty, service, 7 23, 20 I8
+Did off, doffed, 13 I7
+Dight, prepared, 4 6
+Dindled, trembled, 5 8
+Disadventure, misfortune, 13 20
+Discover, reveal, 13 20
+Disherited, disinherited, 13 IO, 14 8
+Disparpled, scattered, 20 I
+Dispenses, expenses, 5 z
+Disperplyd, scattered, 5 2, 8
+Dispoiled, stripped, 7 2
+Distained, sullied, dishonoured, 184
+Disworship, shame, 9 3
+Dole, gift of alms, 21 3
+Dole, sorrow, 1 [5, 11 I4
+Domineth, dominates, rules, 5 x
+Don, gift, 7 2
+Doted, foolish, 10 55
+<435>
+Doubted, redoubtable, 167
+Draughts, privities, secret interviews, recesses, 18 IX 19 6
+Drenched, drowned, 14 8
+Dress, make ready, 1 I6
+Dressed up, raised, 13 I8
+Dretched, troubled in sleep, 20 S
+Dretching, being troubled in sleep, 21 I2
+Dromounds, war vessels, 5 3
+Dure, endure, last, 4 I; dured, 8 29; during, 10 71
+Duresse, bondage, hardship, 13 I2, 147
+Dwined, dwindled, 21 I2
+
+Eased, entePtained, 17 II
+Eft, after, again, 8 I3
+Eftures, passages, 19 7
+Embattled, ranged for battle, 5 8
+Embushed, concealed in the woods, 1 19, 46
+Eme, uncle, 8 5
+Empoison, poison, 18 3
+Emprised, undertook, 9 2
+Enbraid, 20 I2
+Enchafe, heat, 18 15; enchafed, heated, 14 9, 18 5
+Enchieve, achieve, 9 2, 13 2
+Endlong, alongside of, 6 7
+Enewed, painted, 3 9
+Enforce, constrain, 10 74, 18 I 8
+Engine, device, 10 I7
+Enow, enough, 1 23
+Enquest, enterprise, 9 2
+Ensured, assured, 7 I7
+Entermete, intermeddle, 10 26
+Errant, wandering, 4 I2
+Estates, ranks, 10 6I
+Even hand, at an equality, 9 2
+Evenlong, along, 10 6 I
+Everych, each, every one, 16 3
+
+Faiter, vagabond, 2 IO
+Fare, sb., ado, commotion, 219
+Faren, pp., treated, 7 I 5
+Faute, x, lack, 3 1; fauted, lacked, 9 32
+Fealty, oath of fidelity, 7 I7
+Fear, frighten, 7 I6
+Feute, trace, track, 614, 18 2 I
+Feuter, set in rest, couch, 6 2
+Feutred, set in socket, 20 I3
+Fiaunce, affiance, promise, 1 3
+Flang, flung, 6 7, 10 4I; rushed, 9 6
+Flatling, prostrate, 18 7
+Fleet, float, 13 2
+Flemed, put to flight, 20 I7
+Flittered, fluttered, 5 4
+Foiled, defeated, shamed, 18 25
+Foined, thrust, 20 22
+Foining, thrusting, 7 4
+Foins, thrusts, 9 8 a
+
+Foot-hot, hastily, 9 28X 33
+For-bled, spent with bleeding, 9 8X 20
+Force (no), no concern, 3 7} 21 IO
+Fordeal, advantage, 5 8
+Fordo, destroy, 8 26; fordid, 2 I9
+Forecast, preconcerted plot, 20 5
+For-fared, worsted, 6 6
+Forfend, forbid, 18 2
+Forfoughten, weary with fighting, 2 IO
+Forhewn, hewn to pieces, 7 I2, 17
+Forjousted, tired with jousting, 8 39, 10 58
+Forthinketh, repents, 2 3
+Fortuned, happened, 7 I
+Forward, vanguard, 20 I3
+Forwowmded, sorely wounded, 9 8
+Free, noble, 10 6I
+Freshed,
+Froward, away from, 3 I4, 1O 4
+
+Gad, wedge or spike of iron, 15 2
+Gainest, readiest, 7 20
+Gar, cause, 20 I6
+Gart, compelled, 3 IO, 8 IS
+Gentily, like a gentleman, 9 5
+Gerfalcon, a fine hawk, 4 26
+Germane, closely allied, 2 I I, 14 2
+Gest, deed, story, 6 I3
+Gisarm, halberd, battle-axe, 4 25, 7 22
+Glaive, sword, 20 6
+Glasting, barking, 10 53
+Glatisant, barking, yelping, 10 I3
+Gobbets, lumps, 7 23
+Graithed, made ready, 5 7
+Gree, degree, superiority, 5 IO, 6 7
+Greed, pp., pleased, content, 16 IS
+Grescs, steps, 17 I8
+Grimly, ugly, 6 8X 19 2
+Grovelling, on his face, 8 26
+Guerdonless, without reward, 10 86
+Guise, fashion, 1 IO
+
+Habergeon, hauberk with leggings attached, 16 IO
+Hair, a hair-shirt, 15 2
+Hale and how, a sailor's cry, 7 IS
+Halp, helped, 10 64
+Halsed, embraced, 8 I4
+Halsing, embracing, 2 I6
+Handfast, betrothed, 10 37
+Handsel, earnest-money, 8 I6
+Hangers, testicles, 10 38
+Harbingers, messengers sent to prepare lodgings, 7 27
+Harness, armour, 9 II
+Hart of greese, fat deer, 10 86
+Hauberk, coat of mail, 1 D
+Haut, high, noble, 2 I9, 8 27
+Hauteyn, haughty, 4 IO
+Heavy, sad, 14 4, 6
+<437>
+Hete, command, 119
+Hide, skin, 11 I4
+Hied, hurried, 17 I9
+High (on), aloud, 6 II
+Higher hand, the uppermost, 16 I4
+Hight, called, 1 H
+Hilled, covered, concealed, 10 59, 17 22
+Holden, held, 18
+Holp, helped, 6 I2
+Holts, woods, 5 9
+Hough-bone, back part of kneejoint, 12 3
+Houselled, to be given the Eucharist, 21 I2
+Hoved, hovered, waited about, 2 19, 4 zo, 18 IO
+Hurled, dashed, staggered, 8 z6, 9 4, 6, 10 41; hurling, 7 10, 9
+6
+Hurtle, dash, 7 I2
+
+Incontinent, forthwith, 5 2
+Ind, dark blue, 1 IS
+Infellowship, join in fellowship, 8 Z7
+In like, alike, 12 I4
+Intermit, interpose, 16 IS
+
+Japer, jester, 10 44
+Japes, jests, 3 II
+Jesseraunt, a short cuirass, 19
+
+Keep, sb., care, 7 20
+Keep, s., care, reck, 9 I4
+Kemps, champions, 7 8
+Kind, nature, 118
+Kindly, natural, 118
+Knights parters, marshals, 19 9
+Know, acknowledge, 5 I2
+Knowledging, acknowledgment, confes-
+sion, 19 I
+
+Lain, conceal, 20 I
+Langering, sauntering, 9 zo
+Lapped, took in her lap, 8 I
+Large, generous, 10 6 I
+Largeness, liberality, 4 I2
+Laton, latten, brass, 2 I I
+Laund, waste plain, 4 I9
+Layne, conceal, 18 I3
+Lazar-cot, leper-house, 8 35
+Learn, teach, 6 IO
+Lears, cheeks, 9 20
+Leaved, leafy, 18 IO
+Lecher, fornicator, 18 2
+Leech, physician, 125
+Leman, lover, 6 5
+Let, caused to, 10 6 I
+Let, hinder, 6 7
+Lewdest, most ignorant, 1 z6
+LicoursX lecherous, 18 25
+Lief, dear, 215
+Liefer, more gladly, 9 4
+
+Lieve, believe, 20 I
+Limb-meal, limb from limb, 8 37
+List, desire, pleasure, 9 z4, 10 39
+Lithe, joint, 3 I3
+Longing unto, belonging to, 1 I6
+Long on (upon), because of, 15 29 20
+Loos, praise, 5 IO, 16 I I
+Lotless, without a share, 10 4
+Loveday, day for. settling disputes, 10 IS
+Loving, praising, 11 I, 19 I2
+Lunes, leashes, strings, 6 I6
+Lusk, lubber, 7 5
+Lusts, inclinations, 8 36
+
+Maims, wounds, 1 IS
+Makeless, matchless, 6 I I, 1O 73
+Makers, authors, poets, 21 I3
+Mas,ease, discomfort, 8 4I
+Mal engine, evil design, 18 5, I8, 20 4
+Mal-fortune, ill-luck, mishap, 9 I2
+Marches, borders, 1 I8, 9 I3
+Mass-penny, offering at mass for the dead, 18 20
+Matche old, machicolated, with holes for defence, 7 IO
+Maugre, sb., despite, 1 23, 20 6X I I
+Measle, disease, 17 I I
+Medled, mingled, 10 59
+Medley, melee, general encounter, 1 IS
+Meiny, retinue, 5 5
+Mickle, much, 10 63
+Minever, ermine, 12 I
+Mischieved, hurt, 9 I I
+Mischievous, painful, 20 6
+Miscorr fort, discomfort, 10 29
+Miscreature, unbeliever, 17 2
+Missay, revile, 9 3; missaid, 9 2
+Mo, more, 8 34, 10 58
+More and less, rich and poor, 7 z7
+Motes, notes on a horn, 7 8
+Mount~ lance, amount of, extent, 7 4
+Much, great, 20 4
+
+Naked, unarmed, 12 IZ
+Namely, especially, 13 20
+Ne, nor, 5 8
+Near-hand, nearly, 5 7X 8 I4; near, 19 I
+Needly, needs, on your own compulsion, 10 67
+Nesh, soft, tender, 13 20
+Nigh-hand, nearly, 9 35
+Nill, will not, 10 55
+Nilt, will not, 13 20
+Nis, ne is, is not, 6 I6
+Nist, ne wist, knew not, 16 I4
+Noblesse, nobleness, 119
+Nobley, nobility, splendour, 10 6
+Noised, reported, 10 46
+Nold, would not, 13 IO
+Noseling, on his nose, 17 4
+<437>
+Not for then, nevertheless, 10 3O, 18 6
+Notoyrly, notoriously, Pref:
+Noyous, hurtful, 17 8
+
+Obeissance, obedience, 18
+Or, before, 9 I7
+Orgule, haughtiness, 21
+Orgulist, haughtiest, 211
+Orgulite, pride, arrogance, 10 x
+Orgulous, proud, 2 4
+Other, or, 123
+Ouches, jewels, 20 I4
+Ought, owned, 6 5, 9 2
+Outcept, except, 10 72
+Outher, or, 9 17, 10 70
+Out-taken, except, 10 73
+Over-evening, last night, 9 3I
+Overget, overtake, 12 3
+Overhylled, covered, 10 9
+Over-led, domineered over, 20 I I
+Overlong, the length of, 10 60
+Overslip, s., pass, 8 14
+Overthwart, adj., cross, 9 IS
+Overthwart, sb., mischance, 7 I7
+Overthwart and endlong, by the breadth and length, 1317
+
+Painture, painting, 6 6
+Paitrelles, breastplate of a horse, 716
+Paltocks, short coats, 5 10
+Parage, descent, 7 5
+Pareil, like, 5 z
+Passing, surpassingly, 18 I
+Paynim, pagan, 9 38
+Pensel, pennon, 10 47
+Perclos, partition, 14 3
+Perdy, par Dieu, 719
+Perigot, falcon, 6 I6
+Perish, destroy, 17 2
+Peron, tombstone, 10 2
+Pight, pitched, 1 1, 5 5, .9 20
+Pike, steal away, 20 I7
+Piked, stole, 9 44
+Pillers, plunderers, 214
+Pilling, plundering, 13 15
+Pleasaunce, pleasure, 8 36
+Plenour, complete, 7 I
+Plump, sb., cluster, 11
+Pointling, aiming, 114
+Pont, bridge, 11 I
+Port, gate, 719
+Posseded, possessed, 812
+Potestate, governor, 5 8
+Precessours, predecessors, 5
+Press, throng, 1 I7
+Pretendeth, belongs to, 118
+Pricker, hard rider, 5 IO
+Pricking, spurring, 14 5
+Prime, 6.o A.M., 6 4, 13 I9
+Prise, capture, 4 6
+
+Puissance, power, 126
+Purfle, trimming, 126
+Purfled, embroidered, 126
+Purvey, provide, 41, 18 3
+
+Quarrels, arrowheads, 115
+Questing, barking, 1 I9
+Quick, alive, 121
+Quit, repaid, 4 28; acquitted, behaved, 5 II
+
+Raced (rased), tore, 123, 104I, 18 23
+Rack (of bulls), herd, 16 I, 3
+Raines, a town in Brittany famous for its cloth, 21 I I
+Ramping, raging, 9 I
+Range, rank, station, 10 41
+Ransacked, searched, 13 13
+Rashed, fell headlong, 9 6
+Rashing, rushing, 6 8
+Rasing, rushing, 6 8, 74
+Rasure, 18 25
+Raundon, impetuosity, 1 IO, 3 9
+Rear, raise, 4 2
+Rechate, note of recall, 10 52
+Recomforted, comforted, cheered, 733
+Recounter, rencontre, encounter, 4 24, No
+Recover, rescue, 20 N
+Rede, advise, 123; sb., counsel, 214
+Redounded, glanced back, 1 I6
+Religion, religious order, 15 I
+Reneye, deny, 8 37
+Report, refer, 18 4
+Resemblaunt; semblance, 14 6
+Retrayed, drew back, 7 I2 -
+Rightwise, rightly, 15
+Rivage, shore, 7 2I
+Romed, roared, 5 4
+Roted, practised, 10 36
+Rove, cleft, 2 N
+Rownsepyk, a branch, 6 N
+
+Sacring, consecrating, 14 3
+Sad, serious, 9 7
+Sadly, heartily, earnestly, 7 2
+Salle, room, 17 16
+Samite, silk stuff with gold or silver
+threads, 1 25
+Sangreal, Holy Grail, 12 4
+Sarps, girdles, 20 I4
+Saw, proverb, 10 6I
+Scathes, harms, hurts, 10 3O
+icripture, writing, 17 2I
+Search, probe wounds, 8 8
+Selar, canopy, 17 6
+Semblable, like, 5 IO
+Semblant, semblance, 8 8
+Sendal, fine cloth, 5 8
+Sennight, week, 4 N
+Servage, slavery, 13 IS
+<438>
+Sewer, officer who set on dishes and tasted them, 7 36
+Shaft-mon, handbreadth, 7 22
+Shaw, thicket, 9 39
+Sheef, thrust, 13 9
+Sheer-Thursday, Thursday in Holy Week, 17 20
+Shend, harm, 20 S
+Shenship, disgrace, 7 IS
+Shent, undone, blamed, 7 IS
+Shour, attack, 20 I4
+Shrew, rascal, 10 47
+Shrewd, knavish, 9 18, 24
+Sib, akin to, 3 3
+Sideling, sideways, 10 64
+Siege, seat, 13 4
+Signified, likened, 17 9
+Siker, sure, 7 I 8, 11 I 3
+Sikerness, assurance, 4 27
+Sith, since, 122
+Sithen, afterwards, since, 5 9
+Skift, changed, 9 40
+Slade, valley, 6 5, 7 7
+Slake, glen, 6 5
+Soil (to go to), hunting term for taking the water, 18 2I
+Sonds, messages, 21 I
+Sort, company, 9 3I
+Sperd, bolted, 8 34
+Spere, ask, inquire, 13 17
+Spered, asked, 7 30, 218
+Sperhawk, sparrowhawk, 12 7
+Sprent, sprinkled, 17 7
+Stale, station, 5 IO
+Stark, thoroughly, 4 I7
+Stead, place, 4 S
+Stert, started, rose quickly, 2 16, 14 I0
+Steven, appointment, 2 14; steven ser. appointment made, 8 I3
+Steven, voice, 21 12
+Stigh, path, 7 3I
+Stilly, silently, 7 S
+Stint, fixed revenue, 124
+Stonied, astonished, 6 8; became confused, 9 34
+Stour, battle, 9 34, 16 8
+Strain, race, descent, 13 8
+Strait, narrow, l IO
+Straked, blew a horn, 9 2I, 1O 52
+Sue, pursue, 16 20
+Sued, pursued, 3 IO
+Surcingles, saddle girths, 7 S
+Swang, swung, 814
+Sweven, dream, 1 I3; pl., 21 I2
+Swough, sound of wind, 5 4
+
+Talent, desire, 10 20
+Tallages, taxes, 5 2
+Tallies, taxes, 5 2
+Tamed, crushed, 2 18, 3 IO, 15 z
+
+Tatches, qualities, 2 2, 8 3
+Tene, sorrow, 2 S
+Term, period of time, 21 I
+Thilk, that same, 5 IZ
+Tho, then, 17 I
+Thrang, pushed, 7 30, 20 8
+Thrulled, pushed, 9 4
+Till, to, 9 26
+To-brast, burst, 6 I3
+To-fore, before, 14, 16 I4
+To-morn, to-morrow, 4 24
+Took, gave, 7 30, 16 6
+To-rove, broke up, 8 38
+To-shivered, broken to pieces, 122
+Traced, advanced and retreated, 20 ZI
+Trains, devices, wiles, 9 25
+Trasing, pressing forward, 6 8, 7 4
+Travers (met at), came across, 17 I9
+Traverse, slantwise, 10 65, 17 19
+Traversed, moved sideways, 20 2 I
+Tray, grief, 2 I6
+Treatise, treaty, 4 24
+Tree, timber, 17 I9
+Trenchant, cutting, sharp, 19 I I
+Tres :, hunting term, 18 2I
+Truage, tribute, 123, 5 I
+Trussed, packed, 20 I8
+
+Ubblie, wafer, Host, 17 20
+Umbecast, cast about, 18 2I
+Umberere, the part of the helmet which shaded the eyes, 8 4I
+Umbre, shade, 8 I
+Unavised, thoughtlessly, 9 I7
+Uncouth, strange, 3 6
+Underne, 9-I2 A.M., 7 I9
+Ungoodly, rudely, 7 3I
+Unhappy, unlucky, 20 II
+Unhilled, uncovered, 12 4
+Unr the, scarcely, 115, 182
+Unsicker, unstable, 17 z 3
+Unwimpled, uncovered, 10 39
+Unwrast, untwisted, unbound, 8 34
+Upright, flat on the back, 16 8
+Up-so-down, upside down, 10 60, 14 9, 21 3
+Ure, usage, 1 I6
+Utas, octave of a festival, 5 3
+Utterance, uttermost, 9 3
+
+Varlet, servant, 10 60
+Venery, hunting, 8 3
+Ven ails, breathing holes, 10 60
+Villain, man of low birth, 10 6I
+Visors, the perforated parts of helmets, 8 7
+Voided, slipped away from, 1 I6
+
+Wagging, shaking, 19 9
+Waited, watched, 6 I6
+Waits, watches, 7 30
+Wallop, gallop, 1 2Z
+<439>
+Wanhope, despair, 16 IO, I3
+Wap, ripple, 215
+Ware, aware, 14 7
+Warison, reward, 9 I2
+Warn, forbid, refuse, 6 IO, 1G I
+Weeds, garments, 10 71
+Weltered, rolled about, 5 5, 118
+Wend, thought, 4 27
+Wer-wolf, a man turned into a wolf by magic, 19 11
+Where, whereas, 9 7
+Wide-where, over wide space, 9 z
+Wield, possess, have power over, 7 z6
+Wield himself, come to himself, 8 13
+Wight, brave, strong, 7 9, 9 4, 20 z
+Wightly, swiftly, 213
+Wildsome, desolate, 7 zz
+Wimpled, with the head covered, 10 68
+Win, make way, 9 4
+Wite, v., blame, 1 W6, 4 1
+Within-forth, on the inside, 16 I 3, 20 22
+Without-forth, on the outside, 16 I 3, 20 22
+Wittiest, cleverest, 17 3
+
+Wittily, cleverly, 10 36
+Witting, knowledge, 11 I4
+Wold or nold, would or would not, 13 IO
+Wonder, adj., wondrous, 17 I
+Wonder, adv., wondrously, 10 68, 20 22
+Wonderly, wonderfully, 9 4
+Wood, mad, 115, 9 3
+Woodness, madness, 1 {5
+Wood shaw, thicket of the wood, 9 I2
+Worship, honour, 7 z 3
+Worshipped, cause to be honoured, 18 5
+Worts, roots, 16 3
+Wot, know, 1 I6
+Wrack, destruction, 20 I
+Wroken, wreaked, 3 7
+Wrothe, twisted, 10 z
+Yede, ran, 2 I 8
+Yelden, yielded, 20 20
+Yerde, stick, stem, 17 5
+Yode, went, 6 z
+Yolden, yielded, 5 IZ
+Y-wis, certainly, 10 58
+
+
+
+
+
+END OF VOL. I
+of Project Gutenberg's Etext of Le Mort d'Arthur, by Thomas Malory
+
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