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diff --git a/36848-0.txt b/36848-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d8e1a07 --- /dev/null +++ b/36848-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11274 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Lancelot of the Laik, by Walter William Skeat + +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: Lancelot of the Laik + A Scottish Metrical Romance + +Editor: Walter William Skeat + +Release Date: July 25, 2011 [EBook #36848] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LANCELOT OF THE LAIK *** + + + + +Produced by Louise Hope, Robert Cicconetti and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) + + + + + + +[Transcriber’s Note: + +This e-text includes characters that require UTF-8 (Unicode) file +encoding, including: + + ſ (long “s”) + Ȝȝ (yogh) + m̅ (m with over-line; the equivalent “n” form is shown as + ñ with tilde for better font support) + ǽ (æ with accent, only in the Glossary) + +There are also a few letters with macron (“long” mark). If any of these +characters do not display properly--in particular, if the diacritic +does not appear directly above the letter--or if the apostrophes and +quotation marks in this paragraph appear as garbage, make sure your text +reader’s “character set” or “file encoding” is set to Unicode (UTF-8). +You may also need to change the default font. As a last resort, use the +Latin-1 version of the file instead. + +Unlike most EETS productions, this book was printed with long “s” (ſ). +The editor’s Introduction says: + + We find, in the MS., both the long and the twisted _s_ (ſ and s). + These have been noted down as they occur, though I do not observe + any law for their use. The letter “ß” has been adopted as closely + resembling a symbol in the MS., which apparently has the force of + double _s_, and is not unlike the “_sz_” used in modern German + hand-writing. + +An italic form of þ (thorn) was apparently not available to the printer. +In the modern parts of this e-text, the letter has been italicized when +context seems to warrant it. In the poem, all italics--representing +expanded contractions or abbreviations--are shown with {braces} as +“se{n}t” or “{and}”. Other italics are shown conventionally with +_lines_. To reduce visual clutter, italics in folio numbers (“1 _b_”) +are unmarked. The change in labeling from “21, 21b” to “22a, 22b” +appears to be accidental. + +Large initial letters in the primary texts are marked with leading +double ++ as “++Messire”, “++Maist{er}”. The random variation between +capital and lower-case letters after an initial is as in the original. +Superscripts are shown with ^ alone. Unless otherwise noted, the +superscripting continues to the end of the word. + +In the Glossary, ȝ (yogh) is alphabetized as z. + +In the printed book, some line numbers were moved or omitted for reasons +of space; they have been silently regularized. Sidenotes giving folio +numbers are shown as printed. Other sidenotes have been moved to the +nearest convenient sentence break or major punctuation. Where practical, +footnotes are grouped together, preferably before headnotes, stanza +breaks (random) or decorative capitals. Headnotes have been moved to +agree with the text, and will generally not coincide with printed page +breaks. + +Except for footnotes and similar, all brackets [] are in the original. +Conversely, except for the indented stanzas at ll. 699-719, all blank +lines within the poem were added by the transcriber.] + + + + + The Romans + of + Lancelot of the Laik. + + + + + Dublin: William Mcgee, 18, Nassau Street. + Edinburgh: T. G. Stevenson, 22, South Frederick Street. + Glasgow: Ogle & Co., 1, Royal Exchange Square. + Berlin: Asher & Co., Unter Den Linden, 11. + Boston, U.S.: Dutton & Co. + New York: C. Scribner & Co.; Leypoldt & Holt. + Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott & Co. + + + + + LANCELOT OF THE LAIK: + + A Scottish Metrical Romance, + (About 1490-1500 A.D.) + + re-edited + From a Manuscript in the Cambridge University Library, + + with an + Introduction, Notes, and Glossarial Index, + + by + THE REV. W. W. SKEAT, M.A., + + Late Fellow of Christ’s College, Cambridge; + and Translator of the Songs and Ballads of Uhland. + + + [Second and Revised Edition, 1870.] + + + LONDON: + Published for the Early English Text Society, + By N. Trübner & Co., 60, Paternoster Row. + MDCCCLXV. + + + + + 6 + John Childs and Son, Printers. + + + + +PREFACE. + + +I.--DESCRIPTION OF THE MS., ETC. + +A former edition of the present poem was printed for the Maitland Club, +in 1839, and edited by Joseph Stevenson, Esq. It has saved me all +trouble of transcription, but by no means, I am sorry to say, that of +correction. Those who possess the older edition will readily perceive +that it differs from the present one very frequently indeed, and that +the variations are often such as considerably to affect the sense. Many +of the errors in it (such as _casualtyee_ for _casualytee_, _grone_, for +_gone_, _reprent_ for _repent_) are clearly typographical, but there are +others which would incline me to believe that the transcription was too +hastily executed; several passages being quite meaningless. Near the +conclusion of Mr Stevenson’s preface we read: “The pieces which have +been selected for the present volume[P1] are printed with such errors of +transcription as have crept into them by the carelessness of the +scribe;” a statement which certainly implies that there was no intention +on his part of departing from the original. Yet that he sometimes +unconsciously did so to such an extent as considerably to alter (or +destroy) the sense, the reader may readily judge from a few examples:-- + + [Footnote P1: The volume contains other poems besides “Sir + Lancelot.”] + + LINE. EDITION OF 1839. TRUE READING OF THE MS. + + 26. fatil (_fatal_), fatit (_fated_). + 285. unarmyt (_unarmed_), enarmyt (_fully armed_). + 682. can here, cam nere. + 700. rendit (_rent_), vondit (_wounded_). + 764. refuse (_refusal?_), reprefe (_defeat_). + 861. felith (_feeleth_), ſetith (_setteth_). + 1054. vyt, ry{ch}t. + 1084. speiris, spuris. + 1455. cumyng (_coming_), cunyng (_skill_). + 1621. he war, be war (_beware_). + 1641. promyß, punyß (_punish_). + 2010. ane desyne, medysyne. + 2092. born, lorn (_lost_). + 2114. havin, harm. + 2142. Hymene (!), hyme (_him_). + 2219. such, furth (_forth_). + 2245. al so y-vroght, al foly vroght. + 2279. chichingis (!), thithingis (_tidings_). + 2446. love, lore (_teaching_). Etc. + +Several omissions also occur, as, _e.g._, of the word “off” in l. 7, of +the word “tressore” in l. 1715, and of four whole lines at a time in two +instances; viz., lines 1191-4, and 2877-80. It will be found, in fact, +that the former text can seldom be safely quoted for the purposes of +philology; and I cannot but think Mr Stevenson’s claim of being accurate +to be especially unfortunate; and the more so, because the genuine text +is much simpler and more intelligible than the one which he has given. + +The original MS. is to be found in the Cambridge University Library, +marked Kk. 1. 5. It formerly formed part of a thick volume, labelled +“Tracts;” but these are now being separated, for greater convenience, +into several volumes. The MS. of “Lancelot” has little to do with any of +the rest as regards its subject, but several other pieces are in the +same hand-writing; and, at the end of one of them, an abstract of +Solomon’s proverbs, occur the words, “Expliciunt Dicta Salamonis, per +manum V. de F.”[P2] This hand-writing, though close, is very regular, +and my own impression certainly is that the scribe has almost always +succeeded in preserving the sense of the poem, though there is much +confusion in the dialectal forms, as will be shewn presently. + + [Footnote P2: See Mr Lumby’s editions of “Early Scottish Verse” + and “Ratis Raving,” both edited for the E.E.T.S. from this MS. + Only the latter of these is in the hand-writing of V. de F.] + +The present text is as close a fac-simile of the MS. as can be +represented by printed letters, every peculiarity being preserved as far +as practicable, even including the use of _y_ for _þ_ (or _th_); so that +the reader must remember that _yow_ in l. 94 stands for _thow_, and +_yis_ in l. 160 for _this_, and so on; but this ought not to cause much +difficulty. The sole points of difference are the following: + +1. In the MS. the headings “Prologue,” “Book I.” etc., do not occur. + +2. The lines do not always begin (in the MS.) with a capital letter. + +3. The letters _italicized_ are (in the MS.) represented by signs of +contraction. One source of difficulty is the flourish over a word, used +_sometimes_ as a contraction for _m_ or _n_. I have expanded this +flourish as an _m_ or _n_ wherever such letter is manifestly required; +but it also occurs where it is best to attach to it no value. In such +instances, the flourish occurs most frequently over the last word in a +line, and (except very rarely) only over words which have an _m_ or _n_ +in them. It would thus seem that their presence is due to the fact of +the scribe wanting employment for his pen after the line had been +written, and that the flourish therefore appears over certain words, not +so much because the _n_ is _wanting_ in them, as because it is _there +already_. Such words have a special attraction for the wandering pen. +Still, in order that the reader may know wherever such flourishes occur, +they have all been noted down; thus, in l. 46, the stroke over the _n_ +in “greñ” means that a long flourish occurs drawn over the whole word, +and the reader who wishes to expand this word into “gren{e}” or +“gren{n}” may easily do it for himself, though he should observe that +the most usual form of the word is simply “gren,” as in lines 1000, +1305. + +In a few nouns ending in _-l_, the plural is indicated by a stroke drawn +through the doubled letter; as in _perillis_, _sadillis_, etc.; and even +the word _ellis_ (else) is thus abbreviated. + +4. I am responsible for all hyphens, and letters and words between +square brackets; thus, “with-outen” is in the MS. “with outen;” and +“knych[t]ly” is written “knychly.” Whenever a line begins with a capital +letter included between two brackets, the original has a blank space +left, evidently intended for an illuminated letter. Wherever illuminated +letters actually occur in the MS., they are denoted in this edition by +large capitals. + +5. We find, in the MS., both the long and the twisted _s_ (ſ and s). +These have been noted down as they occur, though I do not observe any +law for their use. The letter “ß” has been adopted as closely resembling +a symbol in the MS., which apparently has the force of double _s_, and +is not unlike the “_sz_” used in modern German hand-writing. It may be +conveniently denoted by _ss_ when the type “ß” is not to be had, and is +sometimes so represented in the “Notes.” + +6. The MS. is, of course, not punctuated. The punctuation in the present +edition is mostly new; and many passages, which in the former edition +were meaningless, have thus been rendered easily intelligible. I am also +responsible for the headings of the pages, the abstract at the sides of +them, the numbering of the folios in the margin, the notes, and the +glossary; which I hope may be found useful. The greatest care has been +taken to make the text accurate, the proof-sheets having been compared +with the MS. _three times_ throughout.[P3] + + [Footnote P3: This refers to the edition printed in 1865. In + executing the present reprint, the proof-sheets have been once + more compared with the MS., and a very few insignificant errors + have been thus detected and rectified.] + + +II.--DESCRIPTION OF THE POEM. + +The poem itself is a loose paraphrase of not quite fourteen folios of +the first of the three volumes of the French Romance of Lancelot du Lac, +if we refer to it as reprinted at Paris in 1513, in three volumes, thin +folio, double-columned.[P4] The English poet has set aside the French +Prologue, and written a new one of his own, and has afterwards +translated and amplified that portion of the Romance which narrates the +invasion of Arthur’s territory by “le roy de oultre les marches, nomme +galehault” (in the English _Galiot_), and the defeat of the said king by +Arthur and his allies. + + [Footnote P4: “As to the Romance of Sir Lancelot, our author + [Gower], among others on the subject, refers to a volume of which + he was the hero; perhaps that of Robert de Borron, altered soon + afterwards by Godefroy de Leigny, under the title of _Le Roman de + la Charrette_, and printed, with additions, at Paris by Antony + Verard, in the year 1494. + + For if thou wilt the bokes rede + Of Launcelot and other mo, + Then might thou seen how it was tho + Of armes,” etc. (GOWER: _Confessio Amantis_, Book iv.) + +_Quoted from_ Warton’s English Poetry, vol. ii., p. 234, _ed._ 1840. +I quote this as bearing somewhat on the subject, though it should be +observed that _Le Roman de la Charrette_ is not the same with _Lancelot +du Lac_, but only a romance of the same class. Chaucer also refers to +Lancelot in his Nonnes Prestes Tale, l. 392; and it is mentioned in the +famous lines of Dante (_Inf._ v. 127)-- + + “Noi leggevamo un giorno per diletto + Di Lancilotto, come amor lo strinse,” &c.] + +The Prologue (lines 1-334) tells how the author undertook to write a +romance to please his lady-love; and how, after deciding to take as his +subject the story of Lancelot as told in the French Romance, yet finding +himself unequal to a close translation of the whole of it, he determined +to give a paraphrase of a portion of it only. After giving us a brief +summary of the earlier part by the simple process of telling us what he +will _not_ relate, he proposes to begin the story at the point where +Lancelot has been made prisoner by the lady of Melyhalt, and to take as +his subject the wars between Arthur and Galiot, and the distinction +which Lancelot won in them; and afterwards to tell how Lancelot made +peace between these two kings, and was consequently rewarded by Venus, +who + + “makith hyme his ladice grace to have” (l. 311). + +The latter part of the poem, it may be observed, has not come down to +us. The author then concludes his Prologue by beseeching to have the +support of a very celebrated poet, whose name he will not mention, but +will only say that + + “Ye fresch enditing of his laiting toung + Out throuch yis world so wid is yroung,” etc.[P5] (l. 328.) + + [Footnote P5: He does not necessarily imply that the poet invoked + was still alive; and we might almost suppose Petrarch to be meant, + who was more proud of his Latin poem called “Africa” than of his + odes and sonnets. See Hallam’s Literary History (4 vols.), vol. + i., p. 85. But this is pure conjecture.] + +The first Book introduces us to King Arthur at Carlisle.[P6] The king is +visited by dreams, which he imagines to forebode misfortune; he +therefore convokes all his clerks, and inquires of them the meaning of +the dreams, proposing to hang them in the event of their refusal. Thus +strongly urged, they tell him that those on whom he most relies will +fail him at his need; and when he further inquires if this evil fate can +be averted, they answer him very obscurely that it can only be remedied +by help of the water-lion, the leech, and the flower; a reply which the +king evidently regards as unsatisfactory. Soon after an aged knight, +fully armed, enters the palace, with a message from King Galiot, +requiring him to give “tribute and rent.” Arthur at once refuses, +somewhat to the astonishment of the knight, who is amazed at his +hardihood. Next arrives a message from the lady of Melyhalt, informing +Arthur of the actual presence of Galiot’s army. We are then momentarily +introduced to Lancelot, who is pining miserably in the lady’s custody. +Next follows a description of Galiot’s army, at sight of the approach of +which King Arthur and his “niece,” Sir Gawain, confer as to the best +means of resistance. In the ensuing battle Sir Gawain greatly +distinguishes himself, but is at last severely wounded. Sir Lancelot, +coming to hear of Sir Gawain’s deeds, craves leave of the lady to be +allowed to take part in the next conflict, who grants him his boon on +condition that he promise to return to his prison. She then provides for +him a red courser, and a complete suit of red armour, in which guise he +appears at the second battle, and is the “head and comfort of the +field;” the queen and Sir Gawain beholding his exploits from a tower. +The result of the battle convinces Galiot that Arthur is not strong +enough at present to resist him sufficiently, and that he thus runs the +risk of a too easy, and therefore dishonourable, conquest; for which +excellent reason he grants Arthur a twelvemonth’s truce, with a promise +to return again in increased force at the expiration of that period. Sir +Lancelot returns to Melyhalt according to promise, and the lady is well +pleased at hearing the reports of his famous deeds, and visits him when +asleep, out of curiosity to observe his appearance after the fight. + + [Footnote P6: But the French has “Cardueil.” See l. 2153.] + +In the Second Book the story makes but little progress, nearly the whole +of it being occupied by a long lecture or sermon delivered to Arthur by +a “master,” named Amytans, on the duties of a king; the chief one being +that a king should give presents to everybody--a duty which is insisted +on with laborious tediousness. Lines 1320-2130 are almost entirely +occupied with this subject, and will be found to be the driest part of +the whole narrative. In the course of his lecture, Amytans explains at +great length the obscure prophecy mentioned above, shewing that by the +water-lion is meant God the Father, by the leech God the Son, and by the +flower the Virgin Mary. Though the outline of a similar lecture exists +in the old French text, there would seem to be a special reason for the +length to which it is here expanded. Some lines certainly seem to hint +at events passing in Scotland at the time when the poem was composed. +Thus, “kings may be excused when of tender age” (l. 1658); but when they +come to years of discretion should punish those that have wrested the +law. Again we find (l. 1920) strong warnings against flatterers, +concluding (l. 1940) with the expression, + + “Wo to the realme that havith sich o chans!” + +Such hints may remind us of the long minorities of James II. and James +III.; and, whilst speaking on this subject, I may note a somewhat +remarkable coincidence. When King Arthur, as related in Book I., asks +the meaning of his dream, he is told that it signifies that “they in +whom he most trusts will fail him” (l. 499); and he afterwards laments +(l. 1151) how his “men fail him at need.” Now when we read that a story +is current of a prophetess having told James III. that he was destined +to “fall by the hands of his own kindred,”[P7] and that that monarch was +in the habit of consulting _astrologers_[P8] (compare l. 432) as to the +dangers that threatened him, it seems quite possible that the poem was +really composed about the year 1478; and this supposition is consistent +with the fact that the hand-writing of the present MS. copy belongs to +the very end of the fifteenth century. + + [Footnote P7: Tytler’s History of Scotland (Edinburgh, 1841), vol. + iv., p. 216.] + + [Footnote P8: The French text does not say anything about + “astronomy.” We may especially note the following lines, as _not_ + being in the French, viz., lines 1473-1496, 1523-1542, 1599-1644, + 1658-1680, and the long passage 1752-1998.] + +Towards the end of the Second Book, we learn that the twelvemonth’s +truce draws near its end, and that Sir Lancelot again obtains permission +from the lady to be present in the approaching combat, choosing this +time to be arrayed in “armys al of blak” (l. 2426). + +In the Third Book Galiot returns to the fight with a host thrice as +large as his former one. As before, Gawain distinguishes himself in the +first encounter, but is at length so “evil wounded” that he was “the +worse thereof evermore” (l. 2706). In the second combat, the black +knight utterly eclipses the red knight, and the last thousand (extant) +lines of the poem are almost wholly occupied with a description of his +wonderful prowess. At the point where the extant portion of the poem +ceases, the author would appear to be just warming with his subject, and +to be preparing for greater efforts. + +In continuance of the outline of the story, I may add that the French +text[P9] informs us how, after being several times remounted by Galiot, +and finding himself with every fresh horse quite as fresh as he was at +the beginning of the battle, the black knight attempted, as evening +fell, to make his way back to Melyhalt secretly. Galiot, however, having +determined not to lose sight of him, follows and confronts him, and +earnestly requests his company to supper, and that he will lodge in his +tent that night. After a little hesitation, Lancelot accepts the +invitation, and Galiot entertains him with the utmost respect and +flattery, providing for him a most excellent supper and a bed larger +than any of the rest. Lancelot, though naturally somewhat wearied, +passes a rather restless night, and talks a good deal in his sleep. Next +day Galiot prays him to stay longer, and he consents on condition that a +boon may be granted him, which is immediately acceded to without further +question. He then requests Galiot to submit himself to Arthur, and to +confess himself vanquished, a demand which so amazes that chieftain that +he at first refuses, yet succeeds in persuading Lancelot to remain with +him a little longer. The day after, preparations are made for another +battle, on which occasion Lancelot wears Galiot’s armour, and is at +first mistaken for him, till Sir Gawain’s acute vision detects that the +armour really encases the black knight. As Lancelot now fights on +Galiot’s side, it may easily be imagined how utter and complete is the +defeat of Arthur’s army, which was before victorious owing to his aid +only; and we are told that Arthur is ready to kill himself out of pure +grief and chagrin, whilst Sir Gawain swoons so repeatedly, for the same +reason, as to cause the most serious fears to be entertained for his +life. At this sorrowful juncture Lancelot again claims his boon of +Galiot, who, in the very moment of victory, determines at last to grant +it, and most humbly sues for mercy at the hands of Arthur, to that +king’s most intense astonishment. By this very unexpected turn of +affairs, the scene of dolour is changed to one of unalloyed joy, and +peace is immediately agreed upon, to the satisfaction of all but some +true-bred warriors, who preferred a battle to a peace under all +circumstances. Not long after, Galiot discovers Lancelot with eyes red +and swollen with much weeping, and endeavours to ascertain the reason of +his grief, but with small success. After endeavouring to comfort +Lancelot as much as possible, Galiot goes to visit King Arthur, and a +rather long conference takes place between them as they stand at Sir +Gawain’s bedside, the queen being also present. In the course of it, +Galiot asks Arthur what price he would pay to have the black knight’s +perpetual friendship; to which Arthur replies, he would gladly share +with him half of everything that he possessed, saving only Queen +Guinevere. The question is then put to Gawain, who replies that, if only +his health might be restored, he would wish to be the most beautiful +woman in the world, so as to be always beloved by the knight. Next it is +put to Guinevere, who remarks that Sir Gawain has anticipated all that a +lady could possibly wish, an answer which is received with much +laughter. Lastly, Arthur puts the question to Galiot himself, who +declares that he would willingly, for the black knight’s sake, suffer +that all his honour should be turned into shame, whereat Sir Gawain +allows himself to be outbidden. The queen then obtains a brief private +conference with Galiot, and prays him to obtain for her an interview +with the black knight, who promises to do what he can to that end. He +accordingly sounds the black knight upon the subject, and, finding him +entirely of the same mind, does all he can to promote their +acquaintance, and is at last only too successful; and at this point we +may suppose the Scottish Romance to have stopped, if indeed it was ever +completed. For some account of the Romance of Lancelot, I may refer the +reader to Professor Morley’s English Writers, vol. i., pp. 568-570, and +573; to “Les Romans de la Table Ronde,” par M. Paulin Paris; and to the +Prefaces to the “Seynt Graal,” edited by Mr Furnivall for the Roxburghe +Club, 1861, and “La Queste del Saint Graal,” also edited by the same for +the same club in 1864. In the last-named volume short specimens are +given from thirteen MSS. at Paris, ten of which contain the Romance of +Lancelot. There are also manuscript copies of it in the British Museum, +viz., MSS. Harl. 6341 and 6342, Lansdowne 757, and MS. Addit. 10293. + + [Footnote P9: See Appendix.] + + +III.--THE DIALECT OF THE POEM. + +In coming to discuss the dialect, we find everywhere traces of +considerable confusion; but it is not at all easy to assign a +satisfactory reason for this.[P10] Certain errors of transcription soon +shew that the scribe had before his eyes an older copy, which he +mis-read. Thus, in l. 433, we find “set,” where the older copy must have +had “fet,” and which he must have mis-read as “ſet;” and again, in lines +2865, 2883, he has, by a similar confusion between “f” and “ſ,” written +“firſt” instead of “fift.” It is most probable that the older copy was +written in the Lowland Scottish dialect (the whole tone of the poem +going to prove this), as shewn by the use of _ch_ for _gh_, as in +_bricht_ for _bright_, (unless this be wholly due to the scribe); by the +occurrence of plurals in _-is_, of verbal preterites and passive +participles in _-it_, and of words peculiarly Scottish, such as _syne_ +(afterwards), _anerly_ (only), _laif_ (remainder), _oft-syss_ +(oft-times), etc. Moreover, the Northern _r_ is clearly indicated by the +occurrence of such dissyllables as _gar-t_, 2777, _lar-g_, 2845, +_fir-st_, 2958, 3075; with which compare the significant spellings +_harrmful_, 1945, and _furrde_, 2583. But, on the other hand, it would +appear as if either the author or the copyist had no great regard for +pure dialect, and continually introduces Southern and Midland forms, +mixing them together in an indiscriminate and very unusual manner. We +find, for example, in line 1765, + + “Be{ith} larg and iff{is} frely of thi thing,” + +the Scottish form _iffis_ (give) and the Southern _beith_ in close +conjunction; and we find no less than six or seven forms of the plural +of the past tense of the verb “to be;” as, for example, _war_ (3136), +_veir_ (818), _ware_ (825), _waren_ (3301), _veryng_ (2971), _waryng_ +(443), etc. If we could suppose that the scribe was not himself a +Scotchman, we might in some measure account for such a result; but the +supposition is altogether untenable, as the peculiar character of the +handwriting (resembling that found, not in English, but in _French_ +MSS.) decides it to be certainly Scottish; as is also evident from the +occurrence, in the same hand-writing, of a Scotticised version of +Chaucer’s “Flee from the press.” + + [Footnote P10: For many valuable remarks upon the dialect of the + poem I am indebted to Mr R. Morris.] + +The best that can be done is to collect a few instances of +peculiarities. + +1. The broad Northumbrian forms _a_, _ane_, _baith_, _fra_, _ga_, +_haill_, _hame_, _knaw_, _law_, _sa_, _wat_, although occasionally +retained, are also at times changed into _o_, _one_, _boith_, _fro_, +_go_, _holl_, _hom_, _know_, _low_, _so_, and _wot_. Thus, at the end of +l. 3246, we find _haill_, which could not have been altered without +destroying the rime; but in l. 3078, we find it changed, in the middle +of the line, into _holl_. In l. 3406, we find _sa_, but only three lines +further on we find _so_ twice. + +So, too, we not only find _tane_ (taken), _gais_ (goes), but also the +forms _tone_ and _goß_. See lines 1071, 1073. + +2. The true plural form of the verb is shewn by lines 203, 204, + + “Of quhois fame and worschipful dedis + Clerkis into diuerß bukis _redis_,” + +where alteration would have ruined the rime utterly; and the same +termination (_-is_) is correctly used in the imperative mood, as, + + ----“ſo _giffis_ ws delay” (l. 463); + + “And of thi wordis _beis_ trew and stable” (l. 1671); + +but the termination _-ith_ is continually finding its way into the poem, +even as early as in the fourth line, + + “_Uprisith_ arly in his fyre chare;” + +and in the imperative mood also, as, + + “_Remembrith_ now it stondith one the poynt” (l. 797). + +The most singular point of all, however, is this--that, not content with +changing _-is_ into _-ith_ in the 3rd person singular, the scribe has +done the same even in the 2nd person, thus producing words which belong +to no pure example of any distinct dialect. Observe the following +lines:-- + + “O woful wrech, that _levis_ in to were! + To schew the thus the god of loue me sent, + That of thi seruice no thing is content, + For in his court yhoue [= thou] _lewith_ in disspar, + And vilfully _sustenis_ al thi care, + And _schapith_ no thinge of thine awn remede, + Bot _clepith_ ay and _cryith_ apone dede,” etc. (ll. 84-90). + +Here _levis_ is altered into _lewith_, not only unnecessarily, but quite +wrongly. For similar mistakes, see ll. 1019, 1369, 1384, 2203. For +examples of correct usage, see ll. 1024, 1337, 1796, 2200, 2201. + +3. But the terminations which are used in the most confused manner of +all are _-en_, _-yne_, and _-ing_ or _-yng_. Thus we find the +non-Scottish infinitives, _telen_ (494), _makine_ (191); the constant +substitution of _-ing_ for _-and_ in the present participle;[P11] +a confusion between the past participial ending _-ine_ (more correctly +_-yn_), and the present ending _-and_, thus producing such forms as +_thinkine_ (34), and _besichyne_ (418); and also a confusion between +_-ing_ and the past participial ending _-en_, as _fundyng_ for _funden_ +(465), _fallyng_ for _fallen_ (1217, 1322, 3267), _swellyng_ for +_swollen_ (1222), and _halding_ for _halden_ (2259). We even find _-ing_ +in the infinitive mood, as in _awysing_ (424), _viting_ (to know, 410), +_smyting_ (1326), _warnnyng_ (1035), _passing_ (2148), _ſchewing_ +(2736), etc.; and, lastly, it occurs in the plural of the indicative +present, instead of the Midland _-en_; as in _passing_ (1166), _biding_ +(2670), and _levyng_ (3304).[P12] + + [Footnote P11: We find the true forms occasionally, as _obeisand_ + (641), _plesand_ (1731), _thinkand_ (2173), _prekand_ (3089), and + _fechtand_ (3127). Compare the form _seruand_ (122).] + + [Footnote P12: “The Scottish pronunciation of _-ing_ was already, + as it still is, _-een_; and the writer, knowing that the correct + spelling of _dwellin_, for example, was _dwelling_, fancied also + that _fallen_, _halden_ (Sc. _fallyn_, _haldyn_) were _fallyng_, + _haldyng_. Lyndesay and Gawain Douglas often do the same. Compare + _gardinge_ (l. 50), _laiting_ (l. 327).” --J. A. H. Murray.] + +It may safely be concluded, however, that the frequent occurrence of +non-Scottish infinitives must not be attributed to the copyist, since +they are probably due rather to the author; for in such a line as + + “Of his desir to viting the sentens” (l. 410), + +the termination _-ing_ is required to complete the rhythm of the line. + +In the same way we must account for the presence of the prefix _i-_, as +in the line + + “Quharwith that al the gardinge was I-clede” (l. 50). + +This prefix never occurs in vernacular Scottish; but we may readily +suppose that this and other numerous Southern forms of words are due (as +in Gawain Douglas and Lyndesay) to the author’s familiarity with +Chaucer’s poems, as evinced by the similarity of the rhythm to +Chaucer’s, and by the close resemblance of several passages. Compare, +for instance, the first seventy lines of the Prologue with the opening +passages of “The Flower and the Leaf,” and “The Complaint of the Black +Knight;” and see notes to ll. 432, 1608. Indeed, this seems to be the +only satisfactory way of accounting for the various peculiarities with +which the poem abounds. + +Mr J. A. H. Murray, in his remarks printed in the preface to Mr Lumby’s +edition of “Early Scottish Verse,” comes to a similar conclusion, and I +here quote his words for the reader’s convenience and information. +“There is no reason, however, to suspect the scribe of _wilfully_ +altering his original; indeed, the reverse appears manifest, from the +fact that the ‘Craft of Deyng’ has not been assimilated in orthography +to ‘Ratis Raving,’ but distinctly retains its more archaic character; +while in ‘Sir Lancelot,’ edited by Mr Skeat for the Early English Text +Society, from the handwriting of the same scribe, we have a language in +its continual Anglicisms quite distinct from that of the pieces +contained in this volume, of which the Scotch is as pure and unmixed as +that of the contemporary Acts of Parliament. With regard to the +remarkable transformation which the dialect has undergone in Sir +Lancelot, there seems reason, therefore, to suppose that it was not due +to the copyist of the present MS., but to a previous writer, if not to +the author himself, who perhaps affected _southernism_, as was done a +century later by Lyndesay and Knox, and other adherents of the English +party in the Reformation movement. The Southern forms are certainly +often shown by the rhyme to be original, and such a form as _tone_ for +_tane_ = taken, is more likely to have been that of a Northerner trying +to write Southern, than of a Southern scribe, who knew that no such word +existed in his dialect. The same may be said of the _th_ in the second +person singular. A Scotch writer, who observed that Chaucer said _he +liveth_, where he himself said _he lyves_, might be excused for +supposing that he would also have said _thou liveth_ for the Northern +_thow lyves_; but we can hardly fancy a Southern copyist making the +blunder.” + +4. We find not only the Northumbrian forms _sall_ and _suld_, but also +_shall_, _shalt_, and _shuld_. + +5. As regards pronouns, we find the Scottish _scho_ (she) in l. 1169; +but the usual form is _sche_. We find, too, not only the broad forms +_thai_, _thair_, _thaim_, but also _thei_ (sometimes _the_), _ther_, and +_them_. As examples of forms of the relative pronoun, we may quote +_who_, _quho_, _whois_, _quhois_ (whose), _quhom_, _qwhome_ (whom), +_quhat_, _qwhat_ (what), and _whilk_, _quhilk_, _quhich_, _quich_, +_wich_ (which). _Wich_ is used instead of _who_ (l. 387), and we also +find _the wich_, or _the wich that_, similarly employed. The nominative +_who_ does not perhaps occur as a _simple_ relative, but has the force +of _whoso_, or _he who_, as _e.g._, in l. 1102; or else it is used +interrogatively, as in l. 1172. + +6. Many other peculiarities occur, which it were tedious to discuss +fully. It may suffice, perhaps, to note briefly these following. We find +both the soft sound _ch_, as in _wich_, _sich_, and the hard sound _k_, +as in _whilk_, _reke_ (reach), _streke_ (stretch), etc.; which are the +true Northern forms. + +_Mo_ is used as well as _more_. + +_Tho_ occurs for _then_ in l. 3184; and for _the_ in l. 247. + +_At_ occurs as well as _that_; _atte_ as well as _at the_, 627, 1055. + +The short forms _ma_ (make), _ta_ (take), _sent_ (sendeth), _stant_ +(standeth), are sometimes found; the two former being Northumbrian. + +_Has_ is used twice as a _plural_ verb (ll. 481, 496).[P13] + + [Footnote P13: “The plural in Scottish always ends in _-s_ after a + noun or when the verb is separated from its pronoun; we still say + _the men hes_, _the bairns sings_, _them ’at cums_, not _have_, + _sing_, _come_. Notice the frequent use of _th_ for _t_, as in + l. 497, _Presumyth_ = _presumit_, presumed, it being presumed.” + --J. A. H. Murray. [Or, _presumyth_ may be the pl. imperative, as + in _Remembrith_ (l. 797), already noticed. --ED.] ] + +_Ȝha_ (yes) occurs in l. 2843; but we also meet with _ȝhis_, or _yis_; +with reference to which Mr Morris writes:-- “The latter term was not +much in favour with the people of the North. Even now _yes_ sounds +offensive to a Lancashire man. ‘Hoo cou’d naw opp’n hur meawth t’ sey +_eigh_ (yea) or _now_ (no); boh simpurt on sed _iss_; th’ dickons iss +hur on him too. --_Tim Bobbin._’” In fact, the distinction between _ȝha_ +and _ȝhis_, which I have pointed out in _William of Palerne_ (Glossary, +s.v. _ȝis_), viz., that _ȝha_ merely assents, whilst _ȝhis_ shews +that the speaker has an opinion of his own, is in this poem observed. +Thus, in l. 2843, _ȝha_ = “yes, I admit that I do;” but in l. 514, _yis_ += “yes, but you had better do so;” in l. 1397, _ȝhis_ = “yes, indeed I +will;” and in l. 3406, _ȝis_ = “yes, but I cannot accept your +answer.”[P14] The true distinction between _thou_ and _ye_ (_William of +Palerne_, Pref. p. xli) is also generally observed. Thus the Green Bird, +in the Prologue, considers the poet to be a fool, and calls him _thou_; +but the clerks, in addressing Arthur (l. 498) politely say _ye_. And +again, Amytans, when rebuking Arthur, frequently calls him _thou_, +without any ceremony. Cf. ll. 659, 908, 921, 2839, &c. + + [Footnote P14: “This _ȝis_ is the common form in the Scottish + writers, though _ay_ is largely the modern vernacular.” --J. A. H. + Murray.] + +As regards the vocabulary, we find that some Northumbrian terms have +been employed, but others thrown aside. Thus, while we find the +Northumbrian words _thir_ (these), _traist_ (trust), _newis_ (neives, +fists), _radour_ (fear), etc., we do not, on the other hand, meet with +the usual Scottish word _mirk_, but observe it to be supplanted by +_dirk_ (l. 2471). So, again, _eke_ is used in the sense of _also_, +instead of being a verb, as more usual in Northern works. We may note, +too, the occurrence of _frome_ as well as _fra_, and the Scottish form +_thyne-furth_ (thenceforth) in l. 2196. + +The spelling is very various. We find even four forms of one word, as +_cusynace_, _cusynece_, _cusynes_, _cwsynes_; and, as examples of +eccentric spelling, may be quoted _qsquyaris_ (squires, l. 3204), whilst +in l. 3221 we find _sqwar_. + +Both in the marginal abstract and in the notes I have chiefly aimed at +removing minor difficulties by explaining sentences of which the +construction is peculiar, and words which are disguised by the spelling. +For the explanation of more uncommon words, recourse should be had to +the Glossarial Index. + + + + +[Transcriber’s Note: + +Most of the French text was printed as a single continuous block, except +where decorative initials mark new paragraphs. It has been broken up to +accommodate the sidenotes.] + + +APPENDIX. + +EXTRACTS FROM THE FRENCH ROMANCE OF “LANCELOT DU LAC.” + + +As it seems impossible to do justice to the story of Lancelot without +giving due attention to the famous French Romance, and since a portion +of the French text is really necessary to complete even that fragment of +it which the Scottish author proposed to write, the following extracts +have been made with the view of shewing (1) the general outline of the +earlier part of the story, (2) the method in which the Scottish author +has expanded or altered his original, and (3) the completion of the +story of the wars between Arthur and Galiot.[A1] + + [Footnote A1: The extracts are from the Paris edition of 1513, + 3 vols. folio, a copy of which is in the King’s Library in the + British Museum. There are also two other editions in the Museum, + one in the Grenville Library, 3 vols. Paris, 1494, folio; the + other in one folio volume, Paris, 1520.] + + +I. Headings of the chapters of the French Romance, from its commencement +to the end of the wars with Galiot. + +[The commas are inserted by the present editor, and the expansions +marked by italics.] + + ¶ Cy commence la table du premier volume de la table ro{n}de + lancelot du lac. + +[Sidenote: Claudas, king of Scotland, deprives king Ban and king Boort +of their lands.] + + ¶ Comment apres la mort de vterpandragon roy du royaulme de + logres, & apres la mort aramon, roy de la petite bretaigne, le roy + claudas de la terre Descosse mena guerre contre le roy ban de benoic + et le roy boort de gauues ta{n}t quil les desherita[A2] de leurs + terres. Fueillet. i. + + [Footnote A2: See ll. 1447-1449.] + +[Sidenote: Claudas besieges Ban in the Castle of Trible.] + + ¶ Comment le roy claudas assiegea le chasteau de trible + auquel estoit le roy ban de benoic, et comment ilz parlementerent + ensemble. f. i. + +[Sidenote: King Ban, his wife, and his son Lancelot repair to the court +of Arthur.] + + ¶ Comment le roy ban de benoic, accompaigne de sa femme et + de son filz lancelot, auecq{ue}s vng seul escuyer, se partirent du + chasteau de trible pour aller querir secours deuers le roy Artus a + la grant bretaigne. Fueillet ii. + +[Sidenote: The Castle of Trible is treacherously given up to Claudas.] + + ¶ Comment apres ce que le roy ban fut party de son chasteau + de trible, le seneschal a qui il auoit baille la garde trahit ledit + chasteau, et le liura es mains du roy claudas. Fueillet. ii. + +[Sidenote: King Ban dies of grief, and Lancelot is taken away by the +lady of the lake.] + + ¶ Comment le roy ban mourut de dueil quant il veit son + chasteau ardoir et brouyr. Et comment la dame du lac emporta son + filz lancelot.[A3] Fueillet. iiii. + + [Footnote A3: Lines 215, 220.] + + ¶ Comme{n}t la royne helaine, apres que le roy fut mort et + elle eut perdu son filz, se rendit nonnain en labbaye du monstier + royal. Fueillet. v. + +[Sidenote: The two sisters, widows of kings Ban and Boort, retreat to a +monastery.] + + ¶ Comment le roy de gauues mourut | & co{m}ment la Royne sa + femme, pour paour de claudas, sen partit de son chasteau pour aller + au monstier royal, ou sa seur estait rendue, et comment ses enfans + Lyonnel et Boort luy furent ostez. Fueillet vi. + + ¶ Comment la royne de Gauues, apres que son seigneur fut + mort et que elle eut perdu ses deux enfans, se vint rendre au + monastere ou estoit sa seur la royne de benoic. Fueillet vi. + +[Sidenote: Merlin’s love for the lady of the lake.] + + ¶ Comment merlin fut engendre du dyable: Et comment il fut + amoureux de la dame du lac. Fueillet vii. + +[Sidenote: Sir Farien secretly nourishes the two sons of king Boort, and +is made seneschal to king Claudas.] + + ¶ Comme{n}t le cheualier farien, qui auoit tollu a la royne + de Gauues ses deux enfans, les emporta en sa maison | et les feist + nourrir vne espace de temps. Et comment le roy claudas fut amoureux + de la femme du dict Farien | et pource le fist son seneschal. + Fueillet viii. + +[Sidenote: Claudas accuses Sir Farien of treason.] + + ¶ Comment le roy claudas fist appeller son cheualier farien + de trahison par ladmonnesteme{n}t de sa femme, disant quil gardoit + les deux enfans du roy boort de gauues. Fueillet. viii. + +[Sidenote: Claudas, in disguise, visits Arthur’s court.] + + ¶ comment le roy claudas en maniere de cheualier estrange, se partit + du royaulme de gauues pour aller en la grant bretaigne a la court du + roy artus pour veoir sa puissa{n}ce & son gouuernement. + Fueillet x. + +[Sidenote: The lady of the lake informs Lancelot that he is a king’s +son.] + + ¶ Comment la dame du lac bailla a lancelot vng maistre pour + linstruyre comme il appartenoit a filz de roy. Fueillet xii. + + ¶ Comme{n}t la royne helaine alloit faire chascun io{u}r son + dueil au lieu ou son seigneur mourut | et de la alloit au lac ou + elle perdit son filz. Fueillet xv. + + ¶ Comment le bon Religieux qui auoit dit nouuelles a la + royne helaine de son filz lancelot, print conge de elle, et sen vint + au roy artus en la grant bretaigne. Fueillet xvi. + +[Sidenote: The lady of the lake seeks to deliver the sons of king +Boort.] + + ¶ Comment la dame du lac enuoya sa damoyselle a la court du + roy claudas, pour delyurer les deux enfans au roy boort que claudas + tenoit en prison. Fueillet xvii. + + ¶ Comment farien, seneschal du roy claudas par le + comma{n}dement de son seigneur, alla querir en prison les deux filz + au roy de Gauues. Fueillet xviii. + +[Sidenote: Lyonnel and Boort wound king Claudas, and slay his son +Dorin.] + + ¶ Comment les deux enfans au roy de gauues blecerent le roy + claudas, & occire{n}t dorin son filz | et comment la damoyselle du + lac les emmena en semblance de deux leuriers. fueil. xix. + + ¶ De la grant ioye et du grant honneur que la dame du lac + fist aux deux enfans quant elle les veit en sa maison. + Fueillet xx. + +[Sidenote: Claudas bewails his son’s death.] + + ¶ Comment le roy claudas mena tres grant dueil pour la mort + de dorin son filz que boort auoit occis. Fueillet xx. + + ¶ Comment farien et le peuple de la cyte de gauues + sesmeure{n}t contre le roy claudas a cause que il vouloit faire + mourir les deux filz au roy boort de gauues. Fueillet. xxi. + +[Sidenote: Farien saves Claudas’ life.] + + ¶ Comment le roy claudas se partit de gauues | et comment + ceulx dudit lieu le vouloient occire, se neust este farien le bo{n} + cheualier. f. xxiii. + + ¶ Comment le roy claudas se deffendit vaillamment contre + ceulx de Gauues qui le vouloyent occire. Fueillet. xxv. + + ¶ Comment lyonnel et boort perdirent le boire et le manger + pource quilz ne scauoyent nouuelles de leur maistres | lesquelz + estoyent demourez auec le roy claudas | & comment la dame du lac + enuoya vne sie{n}ne damoyselle a gauues pour les amener. + Fueillet. xxvii. + +[Sidenote: Leonce and Lambegues go to seek Lyonnel and Boort.] + + ¶ Comment, par le conseil des baro{n}s de gauues: leonce & + lambegues sen allerent auecques la damoyselle pour veoir leurs + seigneurs lyonnel et boort. Fueillet xxviii. + + ¶ Comment la dame du lac sen retourna apres ce quelle eut + monstre a leonce et a lambegues les enfa{n}s du roy de gauues leurs + seign{eu}rs, et comment lesditz cheualiers sen retournere{n}t a + gauues. Fueillet xxx. + +[Sidenote: Claudas meditates revenge.] + + ¶ Comment le roy claudas retourna a gauues, po{u}r soy + venger de la honte quon luy auoit faicte, et pour la mort de son + filz. Fueil. xxxi. + + ¶ Comment lappointement fut fait entre le roy claudas et les + barons, par le moyen de farien et lambegues son nepueu. + fueillet. xxxiii. + +[Sidenote: Death of Farien.] + + ¶ Comme{n}t farien | sa femme, et son nepueu lambegues sen + partirent pour aller veoir lyonnel et boort, qui estoyent au lac | & + comment farien mourut. Fueillet xxxv. + +[Sidenote: The widow of king Boort sees her children and Lancelot in a +vision, and dies.] + + ¶ Comment les deux roynes menerent saincte vie au monstier + royal | et comment celle de gauues veit ces deux enfans & lancelot + en aduision | et comment elle trespassa de ce siecle. + Fueillet. xxxv. + +[Sidenote: Arthur holds a tournament, and Banin, son of king Ban, is the +victor.] + + ¶ Comment le roy artus assembla le iour de pasques tous ses + barons, & tint grant court a karahes, et comment banin le filleul au + Roy ban emporta le pris du behourdys celluy iour. + Fueillet. xxxvi. + +[Sidenote: The lady of the lake sends Lancelot to Arthur to be knighted, +and provides for him white armour.] + + ¶ Comment la dame du lac se pourpensa de mener lancelot au + roy artus pour le faire cheualier,[A4] et elle luy bailla armes + blanches, et partit du lac a tout quarante cheualliers pour le + conuoyer. Fueillet xxxvii. + + [Footnote A4: Line 223.] + +[Sidenote: Of the wounded knight who came to Arthur’s court.] + + ¶ Comment vng cheuallier naure, lequel auoit vne espee + fichee en la teste et deux tronco{n}s de lance parmy le corps,[A5] + vint a la court du roy artus | et comment la dame du lac le mena + deuant le roy artus, et luy prya quil le fist cheualier. + Fueillet xxxix. + + [Footnote A5: Lines 237-245.] + +[Sidenote: Lancelot is knighted.] + + ¶ Comment messire yuain, a qui le roy Artus auoit + recomma{n}de lancelot, alla faire sa requeste audit roy artus, que + le lendemain il fist ledit lancelot cheualier, et comment ledit + lancelot defferra le cheualier naure.[A6] Fueillet. xli. + + [Footnote A6: Lines 249-252.] + +[Sidenote: How the white knight defended the lady of Nohalt,] + + ¶ Comment la dame de noehault[A7] enuoya deuers le roy + artus, luy supplier q{u}il luy enuoyast secours contre le Roy de + norhombellande qui luy menoit guerre. Et comment Lancelot requist au + roy artus quil luy donnast congie dy aller | & il luy octroya. + Fueillet xlii. + + [Footnote A7: Line 255.] + +[Sidenote: and won the battle for her.] + + ¶ Co{m}ment le nouueau cheualier aux armes blanches vainquit + la bataille pour la dame de noehault. Fueillet xliii. + + ¶ Comment lancelot apres ce quil se fut party de la dame de + noehault, se co{m}batit auec vng cheualier qui lauoit mouille. + Fueillet xlv. + +[Sidenote: How Lancelot conquered the “Sorrowful Castle.”] + + ¶ Comment lancelot conquist vaillamme{n}t par sa force et + proesse le chasteau de la douloureuse garde q{ue} nul aultre ne + pouoit conquerre.[A8] Fueillet xlv. + + [Footnote A8: Lines 257-259.] + +[Sidenote: How Arthur hears of it, and sends Gawain to see if it is +true.] + + ¶ Comment les nouuelles vindrent au roy artus que la + douloureuse garde estoit conquise par la cheualier aux armes + blanches | Et le roy y enuoya messire gauuain pour en scauoir la + verite. Fueillet xlviii. + +[Sidenote: Gawain is imprisoned, and supposed to be dead.] + + ¶ Comment messire Gauuain fut mys en prison | et comment le + roy et la royne entrerent en la premiere porte de la | et la veirent + des tu{m}bes ou il y auoit escript que monseigneur gauuain estoit + mort, et plusieures aultres cheualiers. Fueillet. xlix. + +[Sidenote: Lancelot hears of Gawain’s imprisonment,] + + ¶ Comment vne damoyselle de lhostel de la dame du lac feist + assauoir au cheuallier blanc que monseigneur gauuain & ses + compaigno{n}s estoyent emprisonnez par celluy qui auoit este + seigneur de la douloureuse garde. Fueillet l. + +[Sidenote: and delivers him and his companions.] + + ¶ Comme{n}t le blanc cheualier se combatit encontre celluy + qui auoit este seigneur de la douloureuse garde, q{u}i tenoit en + prison messire gauuain et ses compaignons.[A9] Fueillet. l. + + [Footnote A9: Lines 263, -4.] + + ¶ Comment le cheuallier blanc emmena le cheualier conquis en + vng hermitaige. et comment ledit cheualier conquis luy rendit audit + hermitage gauuain & ses compaignons. f. lii. + +[Sidenote: Gawain returns to Arthur and his Queen at Douloureuse Garde.] + + ¶ Comment messire gauuain et ses compaignons sen vindre{n}t + par deuers le roy artus qui estoit a la douloureuse garde. Et + comment le roy et la royne furent ioyeulx quant ilz les virent. + Fueillet. liii. + +[Sidenote: Lancelot hears of the war to come between Arthur and Galiot.] + + ¶ Comment le cheuallier blanc retourna a labbaye ou il auoit + laisse ses escuyers | et comment il sceut lassemblee qui deuoit + estre entre le roy artus et le roy doultre les marches, & co{m}ment + il conquist le cheualier qui disoit mieulx aymer le cheualier qui + auoit naure que celluy qui lauoit este.[A10] Fueillet. liiii. + + [Footnote A10: See ll. 244, -5.] + +[Sidenote: Gawain goes to seek the white knight,] + + ¶ Comment messire gauuain se mist en queste pour trouuer le + blanc cheuallier.[A11] Et comment la meslee dentre les gens au roy + des cent cheualiers et les gens de la dame de noehault fut appaisee. + Fueillet lv. + + [Footnote A11: Line 267.] + +[Sidenote: who is wounded in the battle against Galiot by the +king-of-a-hundred-knights.] + + ¶ Comment le blanc cheualier vainquit lassemble dentre les + deux roys | et comme{n}t il fut naure du roy des cent cheualiers. + Fueillet. lvi. + +[Sidenote: Arthur and Queen Genure return home.] + + ¶ Comme{n}t apres que le cheualier qui auoit gangne le + tournoyement dentre le roy doultre les marches sen fut alle, le roy + artus & la royne genieure se partirent pour aller en leurs pays. + Fueillet lvii. + + ¶ Comment messire gauuain se combatit a brehain-sans-pitie, + et le rua par terre. et co{m}ment apres ilz sen allerent a la + douloureuse garde: & comment les deux pucelles que messire Gauuain + menoit luy furent tollues. Fueillet. lviii. + +[Sidenote: Lancelot ends the adventures of the “Sorrowful Castle.”] + + ¶ Comment lancelot print congie de son mire | et comment il + mist a fin les aduentures de la douloureuse garde. + Fueillet lx. + +[Sidenote: Lancelot is again victorious in the combat between Arthur and +Galiot.] + + ¶ Comment messire gauuain recouura les deux pucelles qui luy + auoyent este tollues, Et comment lancelot vainquit la seconde + assemblee dentre le roy artus & le roy doultre les marches. + Fueillet lxi. + +[Sidenote: Gawain returns to Arthur’s court.] + + ¶ Comment messire gauuain retourna a la court du roy artus + apres la seconde assemblee dentre le roy artus & le roy doultre les + marches, et comment lancelot vainquit le cheualier qui gardoit le + gue. Fueillet lxiii. + +[_Here begins the Scotch Translation._] + +[Sidenote: Arthur’s evil dreams.] + + ¶ Comment le roy Artus songea plusieurs songes | et apres + manda tous les saiges clercs de son royaulme pour en scauoir la + signifiance.[A12] Fueillet lxiiii. + + [Footnote A12: Lines 363-527.] + +[Sidenote: Galiot defies Arthur.] + + ¶ Comment le roy doultre les marches, nomme gallehault, + enuoya deffier le roy artus[A13] | et comment Lancelot occist deux + geans empres kamalot.[A14] Fueillet lxv. + + [Footnote A13: Lines 540-592.] + [Footnote A14: Line 280.] + +[Sidenote: Lancelot is assailed by forty knights, and imprisoned by the +lady of Melyhalt.] + + ¶ Comment lancelot occist vng cheualier q{u}i disoit moins + aymer le cheualier naure que celluy qui lauoit naure.[A15] | et + comment il fut assailly de .xl. cheualliers, et mys en prison de la + dame de mallehault.[A16] Fueillet lxviii. + + [Footnote A15: Lines 233-252.] + [Footnote A16: Lines 281-292.] + +[Sidenote: Lancelot, released from prison, is again victorious against +Galiot.] + + ¶ Comment gallehault assembla au roy artus vng iour durant + que lancelot estoit en prison[A17] | et comment le lendemain + lancelot fut deliure de prison[A18] | et vainquit lassemblee dentre + les deux roys.[A19] Fueillet lxvii. + + [Footnote A17: Lines 634-894.] + [Footnote A18: Lines 895-974.] + [Footnote A19: Lines 975-1138.] + +[Sidenote: Arthur is reproved by Amytans, and Galiot proposes a truce +for a year.] + + ¶ Comment le roy artus fut reprins de ses vices, et moult + bien conseille par vng cheualier qui suruint en son ost[A20] | Et + comment gallehault donna tresues au roy Artus iusques a vng an.[A21] + Fueillet lxix. + + [Footnote A20: Lines 1275-2130.] + [Footnote A21: Lines 1543-1584.] + +[Sidenote: Lancelot returns to the lady of Melyhalt.] + + ¶ Comment lancelot, apres ce quil eut vaincu lassemblee, + retourna en la prison de la dame de mallehault[A22] | et comment + elle le congneut, a son cheual et par les playes quil auoit, que + cestoit celluy q{u}i auoit vaincu lassemblee.[A23] + Fueillet lxxii. + + [Footnote A22: Lines 1139-1152.] + [Footnote A23: Lines 1181-1274.] + +[Sidenote: Gawain, with 39 comrades, departs to seek the red knight.] + + ¶ Comment messire gauuain, soy quarantiesme de compaignons, + se mist en queste pour trouuer le cheuallier qui auoit porte lescu + vermeil a lassemblee dentre le roy artus et Gallehault.[A24] + Fueillet lxxii. + + [Footnote A24: Lines 2161-2256.] + +[Sidenote: The lady of Melyhalt accepts Lancelot’s ransom.] + + ¶ Comment la dame de mallehault mist a rancon le cheuallier + quelle tenoit en prison, et le laissa aller quant elle veit quelle + ne peult scauoir son nom.[A25] fu. lxxiii. + + [Footnote A25: Lines 2347-2442.] + +[Sidenote: The truce ended, Galiot again attacks Arthur.] + + ¶ Co{m}ment messire gauuain et ses compaignons retournerent + de leur queste[A26] | et comme{n}t apres les treues faillies + galehault vint assembler co{n}tre le roy artus, & tous ses gens en + fure{n}t moult troublez.[A27] fu. lxxiiii. + + [Footnote A26: Lines 2504-2530.] + [Footnote A27: Lines 2531-3268.] + +[Sidenote: Galiot gains over the black knight.] + + ¶ Comment gallehault suyuit le cheuallier aux noires + armes,[A28] & fist tant par belles parolles quil lemmena en son ost, + dont le roy artus et tous ses gens en furent moult troublez. + Fueillet lxxviii. + + [Footnote A28: Lines 3343-3487.] + +[Sidenote: Lancelot induces Galiot to submit to Arthur.] + + ¶ Co{m}ment lancelot par sa prouesse conquist tout, et fist + tant que gallehault crya mercy au roy artus. fu. lxxix. + +[Sidenote: The Queen and Lancelot meet.] + + ¶ Co{m}ment gallehault fist tant que la royne vit lancelot | + & co{m}ment ilz se arraisonnerent ensemble. fu. lxxxi. + +[Sidenote: The Queen knows Lancelot from his adventures that he tells +her.] + + ¶ Co{m}ment la royne co{n}gneut lancelot apres ce q{u}il eut + longuement parle a elle, & quil luy eut co{m}pte de ses aduentures. + & co{m}ment la premiere acointance fut faicte entre la royne & + la{n}celot p{ar} le moyen de galehault. fu. lxxxii. + +[Sidenote: Galiot becomes acquainted with the lady of Melyhalt.] + + ¶ Co{m}ment la premiere acointance fut faicte de galehault & + de la dame de malehault par le moyen de la royne de logres, & + co{m}me[nt] lancelot & galehault sen alloyent esbatre & deuiser + auecques leurs dames. fu. lxxxiiii. + + +II. The Chapter of the French romance from which the translator has +taken the beginning of his First Book is here given, in order to shew in +what manner he has treated his original. It begins at Fol. lxiii. _a_, +col. 1. + +[Sidenote: Arthur’s evil dreams.] + + Comment le roy artus so{n}gea plusieurs songes, et apres manda tous + les sages clercz de son royaulme pour en scauoir la signifiance. + +[Sidenote: King Arthur being at Cardueil, his knights are annoyed at +meeting with no adventures.] + + ++OR dit le compte que le roy artus auoit longueme{n}t seiourne a + cardueil. Et pource ny auenoit mie gra{nde}ment de aduentures, il + ennuya mo{u}lt aux compaignons du Roy de ce q{u}ilz auoient si + longuement seiourne, & ne veoient riens de ce quilz souloyent veoir. + Principallement keu le seneschal en fut trop ennuye Et en parloit + moult souuent, et disoyt deua{n}t le roy que trop estoit ce seio{ur} + ennuyeulx, & trop auoit dure. + +[Sidenote: Sir Kay counsels that they should go to Camelot.] + + Le roy luy demande “Keu | q{ue} vouldriez vous que no{us} feissons?” + “Certes,” fait keu, “ie conseilleroye que nous allissions a kamalot + | car la cite est plus aduantureuse q{ue} vous ayez | et la nous + verrions souuent et orrions choses de merueilles que nous ne voyons + pas icy. Nous auons seiourne ia icy plus de deux moys, et oncques ne + y veismes gueres de choses aduenir.” + +[Sidenote: The king consents to go;] + + “Or alons donc,” fait le roy, “a Kamalot, puis que vous le + co{n}seillez.” + +[Sidenote: but the same night dreams that all his hair falls off, which +delays him.] + + Lendemain deust partir le roy | mais la nuyct luy aduint vne + merueilleuse aduenture. Il songa q{ue} tous les cheueulx de sa teste + cheoie{n}t, et to{us} les poilz de sa barbe, dont il fut moult + espouente. Et p{ar} ce demoura encores en la ville. + +[Sidenote: The third night after he dreams that all his fingers fall off +except his thumbs.] + + La tierce nuyt apres il songa q{ue} il luy estoit aduis q{ue} tous + les dois luy cheoie{n}t fors les poulces, & lors fut pl{us} esbahy + que deuant. + + +[Sidenote: Again, that all his toes fall off except his great toes.] + + ++A Lautre nuyct songea il q{ue} to{us} les ortelz des piedz luy + cheoient fors les poulces. de ce fut si trouble que plus ne peult. + +[Sidenote: The Queen and his chaplain disregard the dreams;] + + “Sire,” fait son chappelain a q{u}i il lauoit dit, “ne vous chaille + | car songes ne so{n}t pas a croire;” le roy le dit a la royne, et + elle respo{n}d tout ainsi q{ue} luy auoit fait so{n} chappelain. + +[Sidenote: but Arthur sends for his bishops, archbishops, and their +wisest clerks;] + + “En verite,” dist il, “ie ne laisseray pas la chose ainsi” | il fait + mander ses euesques et archeuesques q{u}ilz soie{n}t a luy au .ix + iour ensuyuant a kamalot, & q{u}ilz amainent auec eulx tous les plus + sages clercz quils po{u}rroient auoir et trouuer. + +[Sidenote: whom he imprisons till they shall tell him what the dreams +mean.] + + A tant se part de cardueil & sen va par les chasteaulx et par les + citez | tant q{ue} au neufniesme iour est venu a kamalot, et aussi + sont venus les clercz du pays. Il leur demande co{n}seil de son + songe, _et_ ilz elise{n}t dix des plus sages: le roy les fist bien + enserrer, et dist que iamais nen sortiroient de priso{n} deuant + quilz luy auroient dit la signifiance de son songe. + +[Sidenote: After trying for nine days, they fail.] + + Ilz esprouuerent la force de le{u}r scie{n}ce par neuf iours, et + puis vindre{n}t au roy, & dirent quilz nauoient riens trouue. + “Ai{n}si maist dieu,” dit le roy, “ia ainsi neschapperez.” + +[Sidenote: They twice obtain a delay of three days.] + + Et ils demande{n}t respit iusques au troisiesme iour ensuyuant, et + il leur donne. Les .iii iours passez, ilz reuiennent deuant le roy, + et dient que ilz ne peuent riens trouuer | et dema{n}dent encores + autre delay | et ilz ont. Et de rechief vindrent pour demander + aultres troys iours de dilacion, ainsi que le roy auoit so{n}ge de + tierce nuyt en tierce nuyt. “Or sachez,” fait le roy, “q{ue} iamais + plus nen aurez.” + +[Sidenote: The king threatens to slay them.] + + Quant vint au tiers iour ilz dirent quilz nauoient rien trouue; “ce + ne vault rien,” fait le roy, “ie vous feray tous destruire se vous + ne me dictes la verite;” et ils dirent. “Sire nous ne vous en + scairions que dire.” Lors se pense le roy quil leur fera paour de + mort. + +[Sidenote: Five are to be burnt, and five hung.] + + Il fait fair vng grant feu, & commanda en le{u}rs presences que les + .v. y fusse{n}t mis, et que les autres cinq soyent penduz | mais + priueeme{n}t deffent a ses baillifz quilz ne les menassent que + iusques a la paour de mourir. + +[Sidenote: The five who are to be hung, having the cords round their +necks, offer to speak out.] + + Quant les ci{n}q qui furent menez aux fourches euerent les cordes + entour leurs colz, ils eurent paour de mourir, et dirent, que se les + aultres cinq le vouloyent dire, ilz le diroyent. La nouuelle vint au + .v. que len menoit ardre | et ilz dire{n}t que, se les autres le + vouloyent dire, ils le diroyent | ils furent amenez ensemble + deua{n}t le roy, et les plus sages dirent + +[Sidenote: They stipulate not to be held as liars if their +interpretations fail.] + + | “sire, nous vous dirons ce q{ue} no{us} auons trouue | mais nous + ne vouldrions mie que vous nous tenissiez a menteurs se il ne + aduenoit | car nous vouldrions bien quil nen fust rien, et voulons, + comment quil en aduiengne, que vous nous asseurez q{ue} ia mal ne + no{us} en aduiendra;” et il leur promet. + +[Sidenote: The dreams mean that he will lose his land and his honour.] + + Lors dist lung de eulx qui pour tous parla. “Sire, sachez que ceste + terre et tout honneur vo{us} conuie{n}dra perdre et ceulx en qui + plus vous fiez vous fauldront; telle est la substa{n}ce et + signifiance de voz songes.” + +[Sidenote: Arthur asks if anything can avert such fate.] + + De ceste chose fut le roy moult effraye, “Or me dictes,” fait il, + “sil est chose qui me{n} peult garantir.” “Certes,” fait le maistre, + “nous auons veu une chose | Mais cest si grande merueille que on ne + le pourroyt penser, et ne la vo{us} oso{n}s dire.” “Dictes,” fait + il, “seurement | car pis ne me pouez vous dire que vous mauez dit.” + +[Sidenote: He is told, “nothing, except the savage lion and the leech +without medicine, by help of the counsel of the flower.”] + + “Sire, riens ne vous peult garder de perdre tout honneur terrien + fors le lyon sauluaige, et le mire sans medecine, par le co{n}seil + de la fleur, & se no{us} semble estre si grande folie que nous ne + losions dire | Car lyon sauluaige ne y peult estre, ne mire sans + medecine | ne fleur qui parlast |” le roy est moult entreprins de + ceste chose: mais plus en fait belle chiere que le cueur ne luy + apporte. + +[Sidenote: Arthur goes to the chase.] + + Ung iour alla le roy chasser au boys bien matin | et mena auec luy + messire gauuain, keu le seneschal, et ceulx qui lui pleust. Si + laisse icy le compte a parler de luy, et retourne a p{ar}ler du + cheualier dont messire Gauuain aporta le nom en court. + + +[Sidenote: Lancelot on his wanderings.] + + ++QVant[A29] le cheuallier qui lasse{m}blee auoyt vaincu se partast + de la ou il se combatist a son hoste, il erra toute io{u}r sa{n}s + autre aduanture trouuer. Il se logea la nuyt chiez une veufue dame a + lyssue dune forest a cinq lieues angleches pres de kamelot. + +[Sidenote: He meets an esquire, and asks him, “what news?”] + + Le cheualier se leua matin, et erra, luy et ses escuyers et sa + damoyselle, tant q{u}il encontra vng escuyer. “Varlet,” fait il, + “scez tu nulles nouuelles?” + +[Sidenote: “The queen,” he says, “is at Camelot.”] + + “Ouy,” fait il, “ma dame la royne est icy pres a kamalot.” “quelle + royne” fait il “Le fe{m}me au roy artus,” fait lescuyer. + +[Sidenote: Lancelot goes on till he sees a large house, a lady, and her +damsel.] + + Le cheuallier sen part, et cheuauche tant quil treuue vne maison + forte, et voit vne dame en son surcot, qui regardoit les prez et la + forest | & auoit auec elle vne damoiselle. + +[Sidenote: He regards her fixedly.] + + Le cheuallier se arreste, et regarde la dame moult longuement tant + quil oublie tout autre chose. Et maintenant passa vng cheuallier + arme de toutes armes, qui luy dist. + +[Sidenote: An armed knight, passing, asks him what he is regarding so +closely.] + + “Sire cheualier, que attendez vous?” et celluy ne respo{n}d mot | + car il ne la pas ouy. Et le cheualier le boutte, et luy demande quil + regarde. + +[Sidenote: He replies, that he looks at what pleases him.] + + “Je regarde,” fait il, “ce q{ue} me plaist: Et vous nestes mie + courtois, qui de mo{n} penser me auez iecte.” + +[Sidenote: The knight asks if he knows who the lady is, and he replies +that he knows it is the queen.] + + “Par la foy que vous deuez o dieu,” fait le cheuallier estrange, + “scauez vous bien qui la dame est que vous regardez?” “Je le cuyde + bien scauoir,” fait le bon cheualier. “Et q{u}i este elle,” fait + lautre. “Cest ma dame la royne.” “Si maist dieu, estrangement la + congnoissez, deables vous font bien regarder dames.” “Pourquoy,” + faict il. “Pource que vous ne me oseriez suyuir par deuant la Royne + la ou ie yroye.” “Certes,” faict le bon cheuallier, “se vous osiez + aller la ou ie vous oseray suyuir, vous aurez passez de couraige + tous les plus gra{n}s oseurs qui oncques furent.” A tant sen part le + cheualier. Et le bon cheualier va apres. + +[Sidenote: The stranger takes Lancelot home to lodge with him, and he is +well entertained.] + + Et quant ilz ont vne piece alle, lautre luy dist, “vous + he[r]bergerez ennuyt auec moy, et le matin ie vous meneray la ou ie + vous diz;” et le bon cheuallier luy demande sil conuient ainsi + faire. “Oy” | fait il. Et il dist que donc lottroyera il. + Il geut la nuyt chez le cheualier sur la riuiere de kamalot, et fut + moult bien herberge, et sa pucelle | et ses escuyers. + + [Footnote A29: There is no trace of the rest of this chapter in + the Scottish poem.] + + + III. Our last extract will shew exactly where the Scottish poem + suddenly ceases, and how the story was probably continued. For the + latter purpose, four chapters of the French Romance are added beyond + the point where the Scotch ends; and it is possible (judging from + lines 306-312 of the Prologue) that the author did not intend to go + very much further. The passage begins, in the French copy, at Fol. + lxxvii. _b_, col. 1; and, in the Scotch poem, at l. 3427. + + Lors descent de son cheual, et la baille au cheualier. + +[Sidenote: Galiot gives Lancelot his own horse, and gives orders to his +own men.] + + Et celluy si y monte sans arrest. Et gallehault monta sur vng autre, + et vient a son conroy | Si prent auec soy les dix mille, et dit + quilz voisent assembler deuant; “et vous,” fait il au roy vend, + “viendres apres, si ne assemblerez mie si tost comme ceulx cy seront + assemblez | mais quant les derrains de ceulx de dela seront venus, + vous assemblerez, & moy mesmes vous iray querir.” + +[Sidenote: He commands the trumpets to be sounded.] + + A tant amaine les dix mille pour assembler,[A30] Et qua{n}t il fut + entre en la bataille il fist sonner ses busines tant q{ue} tout en + retentissoit.[A31] Quant le noir cheuallier les ouyt venir, si luy + sembla que gra{n}t effort de gens eut la, si se retrait vng pou vers + les siens, et les appella entour luy, & leur dist. + +[Sidenote: Lancelot harangues his men.] + + “Seigne{u}rs, vous estes tous amys du roy. Or y perra co{m}me{n}t + vo{us} le ferez.”[A32] + +[Sidenote: Sir Yvain comforts Arthur’s soldiers.] + + Et messire yuain, qui les vit venir, dist a ses gens, “Or soyes tous + asseurs q{ue} no{us} ne perdro{n}s au iourdhuy p{ar} force de + gens.”[A33] Et ce disoit il pource quil cuidoit q{ue} les gens + gallehault fussent tous venus.[A34] + + [Footnote A30: Line 3432.] + [Footnote A31: Lines 3435-3440.] + [Footnote A32: Lines 3441-3476.] + [Footnote A33: Lines 3477-3480.] + [Footnote A34: Lines 3481-3484.] + + + ++QVant les .x.m. de gallehault sassemblerent, si fut gra{n}de la + noise, et moult en abbatent a le{u}r venir | mais qua{n}t messire + yuain vint, si reco{n}forta mo{u}lt les gens du roy artus | et + to{us} les fuyans retourne{n}t auec luy. + +[Sidenote: Galiot orders charge.] + + Et gallehault sen va arriere a son conroy, et commande q{ui}lz + cheuauchent fermement | et quilz se frappent es gens du roy + artus[A35] de telle maniere[A36] que nul dentreulz ne demeure a + cheual “Vous estes to{us} frays. Or y perra comment vous le ferez.” + A tant cheuauchent les conroys deuers le{u}rs ge{n}s, Car ilz + auoyent ia du pire. + +[Sidenote: Galiot’s reserve arriving, his men awhile prevail.] + + Et quant le conroy de Gallehault fut venu, si changa moult laffaire + | Car moult y auoyt grant effort de gens. Et fut a le{ur} venue le + cheualier noir mis a terre.[A37] Et aussi les six compaigno{n}s qui + toute iour auoyent este pres de luy.[A38] + +[Sidenote: Galiot again remounts Lancelot.] + + Lors vint gallehault, qui le remonta sur le cheual mesmes ou so{n} + corps seoit.[A39] Et si tost comme il fut mo{n}te, il sen reuint a + la meslee aussi frays comme il auoit le io{u}r este. Et qua{n}t il + vint aux coups donner, tous ceulx qui le veoyent sen + esmerueilloyent, Ainsi dura la bataille iusques a la nuyt. + +[Sidenote: Night arriving, the hosts retreat.] + + Et quant il vint au soir ilz se departirent | et toutesfoys les gens + du roy Artus en eurent du meilleur. + +[Sidenote: Lancelot tries to depart unobserved, but is followed by +Galiot, who prays him to lodge with him for that night.] + + Le bon cheualier se departit de lost le plus coyement quil + peut,[A40] et sen alla par vng chemin entre les prestz et vng + tertre, et cuyda que nul ne le veist | mais Gallehault sen print + tres bien garde, et picqua tant son cheual qui luy fut au deuant par + vne adresse, et le vint rencontrer au pied du tertre. Si le salue, + et dit ‘que dieu le co{n}duit.’ Et celuy le regarde en trauers, et + luy a a moult grant peine re{n}du son salut. “Bel amy,” fait + galehault, “qui estes vous?” “Sire,” fait il, “ie suis vng + cheualier, ce pouez vo{us} veoir.” “Certes,” fait galehault, + “cheualier estes vous meilleur qui soit | & vous estes lhomme du + monde que plus ie vouldroye honnourer,[A41] et si vous suis venu + prier que vous herbergez ceste nuyt auec moy.” Et il luy dist ainsi + co{m}me sil ne lauoit huy veu, “Qui estes vous, sire, q{u}i me auez + prie de me he[r]berger?” “Je suis gallehault, le sire de ces gens + icy, vers qui vous auez au iourdhuy gara{n}ty le royaulme de logres, + leq{ue}l ie eusse ia conquis se ne fust vostre corps.” “Comme{n}t” + (fait il) “vous estes ennemy de monseigneur le roy artus, et me + priez de herberger? | + +[Sidenote: Lancelot at first refuses, till Galiot agrees to do whatever +Lancelot may require of him, and promises to entertain him sumptuously;] + + Auec vo{us} ne herbergeray ie mie en ce point.” “Haa sire,” faict + gallehault, “plus feray ie pour vous, et si nay mye a commencer. Et + ie vous prie que vous y herbergiez par tel conuena{n}t que ie feray + tout ce que me scaurez requerre.” A tant se arresta le cheuallier, + et dist a gallehault; “Sire, vo{us} promettez assez | mais ie ne + scay co{m}ment il est du re{n}dre” | et gallehault luy dist. + “Sire, se vous he[r]bergez ennuyt auec moy, ie vous donneray tout ce + que vous oserez diuiser de bouche, et bien vo{us} en feray seur,” + +[Sidenote: whereupon they return together to Galiot’s camp.] + + Et lors luy fiance, & apres luy promet bailler bons plaiges; Ado{n}c + sen vo{n}t tous deux en lost. + + [Footnote A35: Lines 3485, 6.] + [Footnote A36: Line 3487 _and last_.] + [Footnote A37: Compare lines 3365-3368.] + [Footnote A38: Lines 3369, 70.] + [Footnote A39: Compare lines 3391-3426.] + [Footnote A40: Compare line 1140.] + [Footnote A41: Compare lines 2845-8.] + + + ¶ Comment gallehault suyuit le cheuallier aux noires armes, + et fist tant par belles parolles q{u}il le{m}mena en son ost, do{n}c + le roy artus & tous ses gens en furent moult troublez. + +[Sidenote: Gawain, seeing Lancelot with Galiot, tells the Queen that now +they are all lost;] + + ++MEssire gauuain auoyt veu aller le cheuallier au noir escu, & le + eust voulentiers suiuy sil eust peu mo{n}ter a cheual. Lors regarde + contre val la riuiere, et voit gallehault et le cheuallier noir qui + retournoyent pour venir a lost, et dist a la royne, “Haa dame, or + pouons nous bien dire que nous sommes gens perdus | regardez que + gallehault a conquis par scauoir,” Et elle regarde, & voyt q{ue} + cest le cheuallier noir q{ue} gallehault emmaine; si en est tant + iree quelle ne peut dire mot. + +[Sidenote: and swoons away more than three times.] + + Et messire gauuai{n} se pasme en pou dheure pl{us} de trois fois. Le + roi artus vint leans | et ouyt le cry q{ue} chascun disoit, “il est + mort, il est mort.” Si vint a luy, et lembrassa, et commenca a + plorer mo{u}lt tendrement. Et reuient monseigneur Gauuain de + pasmoison; + +[Sidenote: He tells Arthur that his time of misfortune is come;] + + Et quant il veit le roy artus, il commence a le blasmer, et dit. + “Ores est venu le terme que les clercz vous disrent. + +[Sidenote: for their protector is lost.] + + Regardez le tresor que vous auez huy perdu. celluy vous toldra terre + qui toute iour la vous a garantie par son corps, et se vo{us} + fussiez preudhomme vous leussiez retenu, ainsi comme a fait le plus + preudhomme qui viue, qui par cy deuant lemmaine.” + +[Sidenote: Arthur also sees Galiot, and is deeply grieved, but tries to +comfort his nephew.] + + Lors voit le roy gallehault, qui emmenoit le cheuallier, dont il a + tel dueil que a pou quil ne est cheut | mais de plorer ne se peut + tenir, et toutesfois faict il la plus belle chere q{u}il peut pour + son nepueu reconforter. Et si tost q{ue} il vit en la salle, il fist + gra{n}t dueil | aussi fist chascun preudhomme. + + +[Sidenote: Galiot and Lancelot arrive at Galiot’s camp, and Lancelot +asks to speak with the two men whom Galiot most trusts.] + + ++TAnt sont allez gallehault et le cheualier quilz sont venus empres + lost, Adonc luy dist le cheualier, “Sire, ains que ie entre dedans + vostre ost, faictes moi p{ar}ler aux deux pl{us} preudhommes que + vous ayez et esquelz vous fiez le plus.” Et gallehault lottroye. + Lors sen va en son tref, et prent deux des hommes du mo{n}de ou plus + il se fie, et leur dist, “Venez auec moy et vous verrez le plus + riche homme du monde.” “Comme{n}t,” font ilz, “nestes vous mie le + plus riche qui soit au monde?” + +[Sidenote: Galiot takes him to the “first-conquest” king and the king of +a hundred knights, and Lancelot repeats to them his compact with Galiot, +and takes their pledge that they will forsake Galiot if he breaks his +agreement, and will go with himself (Lancelot).] + + “Nenny,” dist il | “mais ie le seray ains que ie dorme.” Ces deux + estoyent le roy premier conquis | et le roi des cent cheualliers. + Qua{n}t ilz virent le cheuallier, si lui firent moult grant ioye | + Car ilz le congneurent bien par ses armes. Et le cheuallier leur + demanda qui ilz estoient | et ilz se nommerent sicomme vous auez ouy + | et il leur dist. “Seigneurs, vostre sire vous faict moult grant + honneur | Car il dit que vous estes les deux hommes du monde que + plus il ayme, et entre luy et moy a vne conuenance que ie vueil que + vous oyez | Car il ma fiance que pour en nuyt herberger auec luy me + donnera ce que ie luy vouldray demander.” Et gallehault dist | “vous + dictes verite.” “Sire,” faict le cheuallier, “ie vueil encores auoir + la seurte de ses hommes.” Et gallehault dist, “Dictes moy + co{m}me{n}t.” “Ilz me fianceront,” fait le cheuallier, “q{ue} se + vous me faillez de co{n}uenant, ilz vous guerpiront et sen viendront + auec moy la ou ie diray,” Et gallehault dit que ainsi le veult | et + il le fait fia{n}cer. Lors appella gallehault le roy premier + co{n}quis a vne part, et luy dist. “Allez auant & dictes a mes + barons quilz assemblent maintenant a monstre si honnorablement comme + ilz pourront, et gardez que en mon tref soient to{us} les deduys que + le{n} pourra trouuer en tout lost.” + +[Sidenote: Galiot orders all kinds of entertainments to be brought to +his tent.] + + Lors sen va celluy au ferir des esperons, & fist le commandement de + son seigneur. Et gallehault tient le cheualier aux parolles, luy & + son seneschal, tant que le commandeme{n}t fust fait. + +[Sidenote: Twenty-eight kings, beside dukes and counts, come to the +feast, and honour Lancelot as the flower of the knighthood of the +world.] + + Si ne demoura gueres que encontre eulx vindrent deux cens barons qui + tous estoient ho{m}mes de gallehault, .xxviii. roys, et les autres + estoient ducz et contes; la fut le cheuallier telleme{n}t honnoure + que oncques si grant feste ne fut pour vng homme mescongneu comme + le{n} fit pour luy a celle fois | et disoie{n}t grans & petis, “Bien + viengnez, la fleur de la cheualerie du monde” | et il en auoit grant + honte. Ainsi vindrent iusques au tref de gallehault, si ne + po{u}rroient estre comtez les deduys et les instrumens qui leans + estoient. + +[Sidenote: Lancelot is richly attired, and nobly served.] + + A telle ioye fut receu, et qua{n}t il fut desarme, gallehault luy + fit apporter vne robe mo{u}lt riche, et il la vestit. quant le + ma{n}ger fut prest, ilz se assirent a table, et furent noblement + seruis, et le cheualier fut mo{u}lt honnoure. + + +[Sidenote: After supper four beds are prepared, one larger than the +rest, for Lancelot.] + + ++APres manger co{m}manda gallehault a faire quatre litz desquelz + lung estoit plus grant que les aultres. Quant les litz furent si + richeme{n}t atournez, gallehault maine le cheuallier coucher. Et + dist. “Sire, vous gerrez icy;” “Et qui gerra de la?” fait le + cheualier. “Quattre sergens,” faict gallehault, “qui vous seruiront + | Et ie iray en vne chambre par dela, affin que vous soyez icy plus + en paix.” “Haa, Sire, pour dieu,” faict il, “ne me faictes gesir + plus ayse que ces aultres cheualiers | car tant ne me deuez a + vilennir.” “Nayez garde,” faict galehault, “Car ia pour chose que + vous faciez pour moi vo{us} ne serez tenu a villain.” + +[Sidenote: Galiot awhile departs, and Lancelot falls asleep.] + + A ta{n}t sen part gallehault. Et le cheuallier commence a penser au + grant honneur que gallehault luy faisoit. Si lenprise moult | puis + se coucha, et tantost il sendormit | car moult estoit las; + +[Sidenote: Galiot then returns, and lies near Lancelot, and hears how +his guest murmurs in his sleep.] + + Et qua{n}t gallehault sceut quil fut endormy, le plus coyement quil + peut se coucha en vng autre lit empres luy | et es deux aultres litz + se coucherent deux cheualiers, et nestoyent en la chambre que eulx + quatre, sans plus. La nuyt se plaint moult le cheualier en son + dormant, et gallehault loit bien, car il ne dormoit gueres. Ains + pensa toute la nuyt a le retenir. + +[Sidenote: Next day they go to hear mass, and Lancelot then demands his +arms, wishing to depart.] + + Lendemain le cheualier se leua et alla ouyr messe; et ia estoit + gallehault leue | car il ne voulut mie que le cheualier laperceust. + Quant ilz vindrent du monstier, le cheualier demanda ses armes, & + gallehault dema{n}de pourquoy. Et il dist quil sen vouloit aller. Et + gallehault luy dist. “Beau doulx amy, demourez | et ne cuydez mye + que ie vous vueille deceuoir. Car vous noserez ia riens dema{n}der + que vous nayez. Et sachez q{ue} vous pourriez bien auoir compagnie + de plus riche homme que ie suis | mais vous ne laurez iamais a homme + qui plus vous ayme.” “Sire,” faict le cheuallier, “ie demoureray + donc puis quil vous plaist. + +[Sidenote: Galiot induces him to stay, but again promises to do for him +whatever he asks.] + + Car meilleure compaignie que la vostre ne pourroye ie mye auoir | + Mais ie vous diray presenteme{n}t le don pourquoy ie demoureray auec + vous | et se ie ne lay, ie ny demoureray ia.” “Sire,” fait + gallehault, “dictes seurement et vous laurez, se cest chose que ie + puisse acomplir;” + +[Sidenote: Lancelot then demands that Galiot shall submit himself to +Arthur.] + + Et le cheuallier appella ses deux plaiges et dist deuant eulx, “Je + vous demande,” fait il, “q{ue} si tost que vous serez au dessus du + roy artus, que vous luy alliez crier mercy si tost comme ie vous en + semondray.” Quant gallehault lentent, si en est tout esbahy, et + co{m}mence a penser. Et les deux roys luy dirent. “A quoy pensez + vous icy endroit, de penser nauez mestier | car vous auez tant couru + que vous ne pouez retourner.” + +[Sidenote: Galiot is confounded, and ponders, but then grants Lancelot’s +request.] + + “Comment,” faict Gallehault, “cuydez vous que ie me vueille repentir + | se tout le mo{n}de estoit mien si luy oseroye ie bien do{n}ner. + mais ie pensoye a vng seul mot quil a dit | mais ia dieu ne maist,” + dist il, “se vous nauez le don | car ie ne pourroye riens faire + po{u}r vous ou ie peusse auoir honte. Mais ie vous prye que ne me + tollez vostre compagnie pour la donner a aultruy;” et le cheualier + luy creanca. Ainsi demoura | et ilz se asseirent au manger qui + estoit appreste. Si font moult grant ioye par tout lost du cheualier + qui est demoure. + +[Sidenote: Lancelot remains with him another night.] + + Ainsi passerent celle nuyt. Lendemain gallehault et son compaignon + allerent ouyr messe, et gallehault luy deist | “Sire, il est huy + iour dassembler; voullez vous armes porter?” “Ouy,” dist il. “donc + porterez vous les miennes,” fait gallehault, “pour le commencement.” + Et il dist quil les porteroit voulentiers | “mais vous ne porterez + armes,” feist il a gallehault, “si non comme mon sergent?” “Non,” + dist il. Lors firent apporter les armes, & armerent le cheuallier du + fort haulbert, & des chausses qui trop estoyent longues & lees; + +[Sidenote: Next day, the hosts are again armed for battle.] + + Lors se armerent les gens de gallehault. et pareillement les gens du + roy Artus, & passerent les lices de telz y eut. Touteffoys le roy + auoyt deffendu que nul ne les passast. Si y eut de bonnes ioustes en + pou dheure | si se assemblerent tous les ostz deuant la lice, & + commencerent a faire armes. Le roy artus estoit a son estandart, et + auoit commande que ilz menassent la royne a sauluete se la + descomfiture tournoit sur eulx | quant tous les ostz furent + assemblez et le bon cheualier fust arme, si cuida chascu{n} que ce + fust gallehault, & disoyent tous. + +[Sidenote: Lancelot is at first mistaken for Galiot; but is recognized +by Gawain.] + + “Voicy gallehault, voicy gallehault” | messire gauuain le + co{n}gneust bien & dist. “Ce nest mye gallehault | ains est le + cheualier aux armes noires, le meilleur cheualier du mo{n}de” | + +[Sidenote: Arthur’s men cannot stand against Lancelot.] + + & si tost comme ilz furent assemblez, oncques ne se tint le roy + Artus ne ses ge{n}s depuis que le cheualier y fut arriue | et trop + se desco{n}fortoyent du bon cheualier q{u}i contre eulx estoit, si + fure{n}t menez iusques a la lice. car trop estoient grans gens auec + gallehault. au partir des lices ce tindrent vne piece et souffrirent + lo{n}gueme{n}t | mais le souffrit ny peut riens valoir. Grant fut le + meschief des gens au roy artus. et dit le compte q{ue} le cheualier + neust mie moins de peine de tenir les gens de gallehault que ilz ne + passassent oultre la lice quil auoit de chasser les gens au roy + Artus. Et nompourtant moult les auoit supportez | & il les eut mis + oultre a force sil eust voulu | mais il demoura emmy le pas pour les + aultres detenir. + +[Sidenote: Lancelot calls upon Galiot to keep his compact.] + + Lors regarda tout entour de luy, et commenca a hucher | “gallehault, + gallehault.” et gallehault vient gra{n}t alleure, et dist. “bel amy, + que voulez vous?” “quoy,” faict il, “ie vueil que mon conuenant me + tenez;” “Par ma foy,” fait gallehault, “ie suis tout prest de + lacomplir puis quil vous plaist.” + +[Sidenote: Galiot rides forward, and finds Arthur ready to kill himself +for grief, the Queen being escorted away by a guard of forty knights, +and Gawain wishing to die.] + + Lors picque le cheual des esperons & vient iusques a lestandart ou + le roy artus estoit, q{u}i faisoit si tresgrant dueil que a peu quil + ne se occioit pource quil estoit desconfit. Si estoit ia la royne + mo{n}tee, et lemmenoyent quarante cheualliers. Et monseigneur + gauuain, que on vouloit emporter en lictiere | mais il dit q{u}il + aymeroit mieulx mourir en ce point que veoir toute cheualerie morte + et honnye: si se pasma tellement que len cuydoit bien que il mourust + incontinent. + + +[Sidenote: How Lancelot makes Galiot cry mercy to Arthur.] + + ¶ Comment lancelot par la prouesse conquis tout, et fist + tant que galehault cria mercy au roy artus. + + ++QVant le cheualier veit gallehault prest dacomplir son + co{n}uenant, il iura bien que oncques si loyal compaignon ne fut + trouue. Il en a telle pytie quil en souspire moult fort, & dit entre + ses dens. + +[Sidenote: Galiot demands to see King Arthur, and, at sight of him, +dismounts, kneels to him, and submits himself to him humbly.] + + “Haa dieu, q{u}i pourra ce desseruir?” & gallehault cheuauche + iusq{ue}s a lestandart et demande le roy artus. Il vient auant + mo{u}lt dolent & esmaye comme celluy q{u}i tout honneur et toute + ioye terrienne cuyde auoir perdue; Et quant gallehault le voit, si + luy dit. “sire, roy artus, venez auant, & nayez paour | car ie vueil + a vous parler.” et qua{n}t le roy louyt, il sesmerueille moult que + ce peult estre; Et de si loing comme galehault le voit venir, il + descend de son cheual et se agenouille, et dit. “Sire, ie vous viens + faire droit de ce que ie vous ay meffait; si men repens, et me metz + en vostre mercy.” + + +[Sidenote: Arthur, overjoyed, praises God.] + + ++QVant le roy lentend, il a merueilleusement gra{n}t ioye, et lieue + les mains vers le ciel, louant Dieu de ceste aduanture | et se le + roy fait bonne chere, encores la faict meilleure Gallehault. et il + se lieue de genoulx, & sentrebaisent, en font moult grande chere + lung a lautre. lors dist Gallehault | “sire, faictes vostre plaisir + de moy | car ie metz en vostre saisine mon corps pour en faire ce + que il vous plaira. + +[Sidenote: Galiot, first asking Arthur’s leave, dismisses his troops to +their tents.] + + Et sil vo{us} plaist, ie yray retraire mes gens arriere, & puis + reuiendray a vous incontinent.” “Allez doncq{ue}s,” fait le roy | + “car ie vueil parler a vous.” A tant sen part gallehault & reuient a + ses gens | & les en faict aller. Et le roy enuoya apres la royne, + qui sen alloit faisant grand dueil. et les messages cheuauchent tant + que ilz lattaingnent | et sont venus a elle, & luy comptent la ioye + que aduenue leur est. Et elle ne le peult croire tant q{ue}lle voy + les enseignes que le roy luy enuoye. ta{n}t coururent les nouuelles + que monseign{eu}r gauuain le sceut, lequel en eut grant ioye sur + tous les aultres, et dist au roy. + +[Sidenote: The Queen and Sir Gawain rejoice greatly.] + + “Sire, comment a ce este?” “Certes, ie ne scay,” fait il: “mais ie + croy que telle a este le plaisir de nostre seigneur.” moult est + grande la ioye, & moult se esmerueille chascun co{m}ment ce peult + estre aduenu. Gallehault dist a son compaignon. “que voulez vous que + ie face? iay fait vostre commandement; & le roy ma dit que ie + retourne | mais ie vous conuoyeray aua{n}t iusques a voz tentes.” + “Haa sire,” fait le cheualier, “aincoys vous irez au roy & luy + porterez le plus grant honneur que vous pourrez. + +[Sidenote: Lancelot prays Galiot not to reveal where he is, and they +return to their tents.] + + Et tant auez fait pour moy que ie ne le pourroye desseruir | mais + tant vous prye, pour dieu | et pour lamour que vous auez a moy, que + nul ne sache ou ie suis” | ainsi sen vont parlant iusq{ue}s a leurs + tentes. chascun scait que la paix est faicte | mais plusie{ur}s en + sont dolens | car mieulx aymassent la guerre que la paix. lors sont + descenduz les deux compaignons, et si tost quilz furent desarmez, + Gallehault print vne de ses meilleures robbes pour aller a la court. + et feist cryer par tout son ost q{ue} chascun sen allast, fors tant + seullement ceulx de son hostel. + +[Sidenote: Galiot commits his guest to the care of the two kings, and +departs to speak with Arthur.] + + Apres appella les deux roys, et leur baille son compaignon, & leur + commande quilz facent autant de luy comme de son corps mesmes. + A tant monte Gallehault, et sen va a la court du roy artus. Et le + roy luy vint alencontre, et la royne qui ia estoit retournee, & la + dame de malehault auec plusieurs dames & damoyselles. + +[Sidenote: Arthur and Galiot go together to the tower where Gawain lies +ill.] + + A tant vont en la bretesche ou monseigneur gauuain gisoit malade. et + quant il sceut que gallehault venoit, il sefforce de belle chere + faire, comme celluy qui oncques mes ne lauoit veu de si pres. + +[Sidenote: Gawain welcomes Galiot.] + + lors luy dist | “bien soyez vous venu comme de celluy dont ie + desiroye moult lacointance | car vous estes lhomme du monde qui plus + doibt estre prise & ayme a droit de toutes gens. Et ie cuyde que nul + ne scait si bien congnoistre preudho{m}me co{m}me vous & bien y a + paru.” Ainsi parle messire gauuain a gallehault, & il luy demande + comment il luy est | et Gauuain dist. “Jay este pres de mort. mais + la grant amour qui est entre vous & le roy ma guery.” + +[Sidenote: The Queen, the King, and Gawain rejoice at Galiot’s coming, +but he, soon after, departs to see Lancelot for a short time, promising +to return.] + + Moult font grant ioye le roy artus & la royne & monseigneur gauuain + de la venue de gallehault | et tout le iour ont parle de amour et + daccointance. Mais du noir cheualier ne tiennent ilz nulles parolles + | ains passent le iour a resiouyr lung lautre ta{n}t quil vint au + vespre. Lors demande gallehault congie de ses gens aller veoir. + Et le roy le luy do{n}ne | “mais vous reuiendrez,” fait il, + “inco{n}tinent;” et gallehault le luy octroye | si senreuient a son + compaignon & luy demande comment il a depuis fait | et il luy + respondit que bien; “Sire,” fait gallehault, “comment feray ie |: le + roy ma moult prie que ie retourne a luy, & il me feroit mal de vous + laisser en ce point.” + +[Sidenote: Lancelot tells Galiot to do whatever Arthur wishes.] + + “Haa, sire cheualier, po{u}r dieu mercy, vous ferez ce q{ue} + monseigneur le roy vouldra. car iamais a plus preudhomme que il est + ne eustes accointance. Mais ie vueil que vous me donnez vng don.” Et + gallehault luy dist. + +[Sidenote: He charges Galiot again not to ask his name, but to tell him +about Arthur.] + + “Demandez ce quil vous plaira | car ie ne vous escondiroye iamais;” + “Sire,” fait il, “ie vous remercye. Vous me auez donne que vous ne + me demanderez mon nom deuant q{ue} ie le vous diray.” “Et ie men + tiendray a tant puis q{ue} vous le voulez,” dit gallehault. “Et ne + doubtez pas que ce eust este la premiere chose que ie vous eusse + demande, si men tairay a tant.” Lors luy demanda de laccointance du + roy artus | mais il ne no{m}me mie la royne | et gallehault dit que + “le roy est moult preudhomme, & moult me poyse que ie ne lay congneu + pieca | Car moult en feusse amende | + +[Sidenote: Galiot praises the Queen, and Lancelot sheds tears.] + + mais ma dame la royne est sy vaillante que oncques plus honneste + dame ne vey.” et quant le cheualier ouyt parler de la royne, si se + embronche et commence a souspirer durement. et gallehault le regarde + et se esmerueille moult pource q{ue} les larmes luy cheoyent des + yeulx, si commence a parler daultre chose. + + +[Sidenote: Lancelot asks Galiot to return to Arthur, and to report to +him all the conversation.] + + ++QVant ilz ont longuement parle ense{m}ble, le cheualier noir luy + dist. “Allez, si ferez a monseigneur le roy compaignie, et si + escoutez sy vouz orrez de moy nulles parolles, & vous me compterez + demain ce que vous aurez ouy.” “Voulentiers, sire,” faict gallehault + | lors le accolle, et dit aux roys. “Je vous baille en garde cest + homme comme le cueur de mon ventre.” Ainsi sen va gallehault & le + cheuallier demeure en la garde de deux preu[d]hommes du pays de + Gallehault | mais il ne fault mye demander sil fust honnore | car + len faisoit assez plus pour luy quil neust voulu. + +[Sidenote: Lancelot sleeps with the two kings in Galiot’s tent;] + + celle nuyt geurent les deux roys au tref gallehault pour lamour du + cheualier & luy firent entenda{n}t quilz ny coucheroye{n}t mye | & + ilz le firent coucher ainsi que Gallehault auoit fait lautre nuyt. + +[Sidenote: but awakes at midnight, and makes a great moaning.] + + Au commencement dormit le cheualier mo{u}lt fort, et qua{n}t vint a + mynuit si comme{n}ca a soy tourner, et commenca a faire vng dueil si + gra{n}t que tous ceulz qui entour luy estoyent sen esueillerent. Et + en son refrain disoit souuent. “Haa chetif, que pourray ie faire?” + Et toute nuyt demena tel deuil. Au matin se leuerent les deux roys + le plus coyement quilz peurent | & moult se merueillent quil pouoit + auoir. + +[Sidenote: Galiot comes to see after Lancelot, finds him with his eyes +red and swoln, and conjures him to tell him what the matter is.] + + daultre part fut gallehault leue, & vint a son tref veoir son + compaignon. Il demande aux deux roys que son compaignon fait. Et ilz + luy dient quil auoit toute nuyt mene grant dueil. Lors entre en la + chambre ou il estoit, et si tost comme il le ouyt venir il essuye + ses yeulx; Ado{n}c gallehault, cuidant que il dormist, saillist + dehors de la cha{m}bre incontinent; apres le cheualier se leua. + Et gallehault vit que il auoit les yeulx rouges et enflez. Adonc le + prent par la main, et le tyre a part, et luy dist. “Beau doulx + compaignon, po{ur}quoy vous occiez vous ainsi? dont vous vient ce + dueil que vous auez toute nuyt demene, & le desplaisir que vous + auez? Je vous prye pour dieu que vous me diez la cause, et ie vous + ayderay se nul homme mortel y peult co{n}seil mettre;” + +[Sidenote: Lancelot cries bitterly, and says that it is his heart, which +has all the dread that it is possible for mortal heart to have.] + + & commence a plourer si durement comme sil veist mort la chose du + mo{n}de que mieulx aymast. Lors est gallehault moult a malayse et + luy dit, “Beau doulx compaignon, dictes moy vostre mescheance | car + il nest nul homme au monde, sil vous auoit riens forfait, que ie nen + pourchassasse vostre droit.” Et il dist que nul ne luy a riens + meffait. “beau doulx amy, pourquoy menez vous doncq{ue}s si gra{n}t + dueil? Vous poise il que ie vous ay fait mon maistre & mo{n} + compaignon?” “Haa,” fait il, “vous auez assez plus fait pour moy que + ie ne pourroye desseruir, ne riens du mo{n}de ne me met a malaise + que mon cueur, qui a toute paour que cueur mortel po{u}rrait auoir. + Si doubte moult que vostre grant debonnairete ne me occie.” De ceste + chose est gallehault moult a malayse, si reconforte son compaignon. + +[Sidenote: They go to Mass, and Lancelot declares his belief that the +Bread is the Body of Christ.] + + Apres allerent ouyr masse. Quant vint q{ue} le prestre eut fait + trois parties du corps de nostre seigneur, gallehault se trait + auant, et tient son compaignon par la main, & luy monstre le corps + de nostre seigneur que le prestre tenoit entre ses mains; Puis luy + dist. “doncques ne croyez vous pas bien que cest le corps de nostre + saulueur?” “Voirement le croy ie bien,” fait le cheualier. Et + gallehault luy dist. “beau doulx amy, or ne me mescreez mye que ces + trois parties de chair que ie vois en semblance de pain, ia ne feray + en ma vie chose q{ue} ie cuyde q{u}i vous ennuye: mais toutes les + choses que ie scauray qui vous plairont, pourchasseray a mon + pouoir.” “sire,” fait il, “grant mercys.” + +[Sidenote: After Mass, Lancelot bids Galiot go again to Arthur.] + + A tant se taisent iusques apres la messe | et lors demanda + gallehault a son compaignon quil fera; “Sire,” fait il, “vous ne + laisserez mie le roy en ce poi{n}t | ains yrez luy faire + compaignie.” “Sire,” faict il, “grant mercys;” A tant sen part de + luy, si le rebaille aux preudhommes de la court du roy artus. si + fo{n}t de luy grant signeurie sicomme ilz peuent. + + +[Sidenote: After dinner the King and Queen visit Gawain, and he asks +Galiot who made peace between him and Arthur.] + + ++ET quant vint apres disner, sy furent le roy & la royne & + gallehault appuyez au lict de messire gauuain, tant q{ue} messire + gauuain dist a gallehault. “Sire, or ne vous poise dune chose que ie + vous dema{n}deray.” “Certes,” fait galehault, “non fera il.” “sire, + celle paix qui fut entre vous & mon oncle, par qui fut elle, par la + chose au monde q{u}i plus vous aymez?” + +[Sidenote: “A knight,” says Galiot. “But what knight?” asks Gawain.] + + “Sire,” fait il, “vous me auez tant coniure que ie le vous diray. + Vng cheualier la fist.” “Et qui est le cheualier?” fait messire + gauuain. “Si maist dieu,” fait gallehault, “ie ne scay.” “Qui fut + celluy aux noires armes?” deist messire gauuain. “Ce fut,” fait il, + “vng cheualier;” “Tant,” fait il, “en pouez vo{us} bien dire | mais + acquitter vous conuient.” “Je me suis acquite de ce que me + coniurastes. Ne plus ne vous en diray ores | ne rien ne vous en + eusse ores dit, se vous ne me eussiez coniure.” + +[Sidenote: “The Black Knight,” answers the Queen; “show him to us.”] + + “Par dieu,” faict la royne, “ce fut le cheuallier noir | mais + faictes le nous monstrer.” “Qui | moy, dame?” faict gallehault, “ie + le vous puys bien monstrer sicomme celluy qui rie{n}s nen scait!” + “Taisez vous,” fait la royne, “il est demoure auec vo{us}, & hier + porta voz armes.” + +[Sidenote: “I cannot,” says Galiot; “he is not from my country;”] + + “Dame,” fait il | “il est vray | mais ie ne le vys oncques puis que + ie party du roy a la premiere fois.” “comment,” fait le roy, “ne le + cognoissiez vous mye | ie cuydoye que il fust de vostre terre.” “Si + maist dieu, non est,” fait gallehault. “certes,” fait le roy, “ne de + la myenne non est il mye.” | + +[Sidenote: and Galiot will not disclose the knight’s name, but asks +Arthur if he ever saw a better knight, and what he would give to know +him henceforth.] + + Moult tindrent longuement gallehault a parolle le roy et la royne + pour auoir le nom du cheualier | mais plus nen peurent traire. et + messire gauuain craint quil ne ennuye a gallehault, si dist au roy. + “Or en laissez a tant le parler. certes le cheualier est preudhomme, + & pleust a dieu que ie luy ressemblasse.” Moult loe messire gauuain + le cheualier. Si en ont la parolle laissee | et gallehault la + recommence et dit. “Sire, veistes vous oncques meilleur cheuallier + que celluy au noir escu?” “certes,” fait le roy, “ie ne vy oncques + cheualier de qui ie aymasse mieulx laccointance po{u}r cheualerie;” + “Non,” | fait gallehault. “Or me dictes,” faict gallehault, “par la + foy que vous deuez a ma dame q{u}i cy est, combien vous vouldriez + auoir donne pour auoir son accointance a tousioursmais?” + +[Sidenote: “Half of all I have, except my wife,” Says Arthur.] + + “Si maist dieu,” faict il, “ie luy partiroye la moytie de tout ce + que ie po{u}rroye auoir, fors seullement de ceste dame.” “Certes,” + fait gallehault, “assez y mettriez. + +[Sidenote: “And what would you give, Gawain?”] + + Et vous, messire gauuain, se dieu vous doint sante que tant desirez, + quel meschief en feriez vous pour auoir compaignie a si preudhomme?” + Et qua{n}t messire gauuain lot, si pense vng petit comme celluy qui + ne cuyde iamais auoir sante. + +[Sidenote: “I should like to turn woman if he would love me all his +life.”] + + “Se dieu me donnoit la sante que ie desire | ie vouldroye + ore{n}droit estre vne des plus belles dames du monde, par conuenant + quil me aymast to{us} les iours de sa vie.” “par ma foy,” fait + gallehault, “assez y auez mis.” “Et vous, madame, quel meschef + feriez vous par conuena{n}t que vng tel cheualier fust tousiours en + vostre seruice?” + +[Sidenote: “I can offer no more than Gawain,” says the Queen.] + + “par dieu,” fait elle, “messire gauuain y a mis toutes les offres + que dame y peult mettre.” Et mo{n}seigneur gauuain & tous aultres se + commencerent a rire. “Gallehault,” fait messire gauuain, “qui tous + nous auez adiurez par le serment que ie vous co{n}iuray, ores qui + vouldriez vous y auoir mys?” + +[Sidenote: “Well,” says Galiot, “I would turn all my honour into shame, +for his sake.”] + + “Si maist dieu,” faict gallehault, “ie y vouldroye auoir tourne mon + honneur a honte, par tel si q{ue} ieusse a tousioursmais vng si bon + cheualier en ma compaignie.” “Sy maist dieu,” faict messire gauuain, + “plus y auez mys que nous.” + +[Sidenote: So Gawain concludes that it was the Black Knight who brought +about the peace.] + + et lors se pensa messire gauuain que cestoit le noir cheualier qui + le paix auoit faicte | car pour luy auoit tourne son honneur a + honte, quant il veit quil estoyt au dessus. Et le dist gauuain a la + royne, & se fut la cause do{n}t gallehault fut plus prise; Moult + tindrent longuement parolles du cheualier. + +[Sidenote: The Queen walks away with Galiot, tells him she loves him +much, and prays him to let her see the Black Knight.] + + et la royne sadressa, et dist quelle sen voulloit aller vers la + bretesche pour veoir les prez, et gallehault la conuoye: si le print + la royne par la main & luy dist. “Gallehault, ie vous ayme moult, & + il est vray que vous auez le cheualier en vostre baillie, & par + aduenture il est tel que ie le congnois bien; si vous prie si cher + que vous auez mamour, que vous faciez tant que ie le voye.” “Dame,” + fait gallehault, “ie nen ay encores nulle saisine | & ne le vy puis + que la paix fut faicte de moy & du roy. + +[Sidenote: He promises to do all he can for her;] + + Et se il estoit or en mon tref, si y conuiendroit il aultre voulente + q{ue} le vostre & que la mienne. Et bien saichez que tant me auez + coniure q{ue} ie mettray tout le pouoir que ie pourray. co{m}ment + vous pourrez parler a luy?” + +[Sidenote: and the Queen says, “I shall be sure to see him if you try, +for he is in your custody. Send and get him.”] + + “se vous en faictes vostre pouoir,” fait elle, “ie le verray bien, & + ie men attens a vous, et faictes tant que ie soye vostre a + tousiours: car cest vng des hommes du monde que ie verroye plus + voulentiers.” “Dame,” fait il, “ie en feray mon pouoir.” “Grant + mercys,” fait elle. “Or gardez que ie le voye au plus tost que vous + pourrez | car il est en vostre baillie, ie le scay bien | et se il + est en vostre terre, enuoyez le querre.” Atant sen part gallehault & + sen vient au roy. + +[Sidenote: Arthur wishes Galiot’s people and his own to be brought +nearer to one another.] + + Et mo{n}seigneur gauuain & le roy lui dient. “gallehault, ie suis + deliure de mes gens, ores faictes approcher voz ge{n}s des nostres, + ou ie feray approcher les nostres des vostres | Car nous sommes a + priuee mesgnie.” “Sire,” faict gallehault, “ie feray approcher les + miens daultre part de cest riuiere si que mon tref sera endroit le + vostre, et sera vne nef appareillee en quoy nous passerons dicy la + et de la icy.” “Certes,” fait le roy, “moult auez bien dit.” + + +[Sidenote: Galiot returns to Lancelot, tells him what the King, Gawain, +and the Queen have said of him, and asks him what answer he shall give +the Queen.] + + ++LOrs sen va Gaillehault en sa tente, et trouue son compaignon + mo{u}lt pensif. Il luy demande co{m}ment il a puis fait; Et il dist, + “bien, se paour ne me mestriast.” et gallehault dist, “de quoy auez + vous telle paour?” “que ie ne soye co{n}gneu,” dist il. “or nen ayez + mie paour, car vous ny serez ia congneu, se vostre voulente ne y + est;” Lors luy compte les offres que le roy et messire gauuain ont + faict pour luy, et ce que la royne dit | et comment la royne la tenu + a grant parlement de le veoir | et comme il luy respondit. “et + saichez que elle na de nully si tres grant desir de veoir comme de + vous. Et mo{n}seigneur la Roy ma prye que ie face mes gens approcher + | car nous sommes trop loing lung de lautre. Or me dictes que vous + voulez que je face | car il est en vostre plaisir.” “Je loue que + vous facez ce que monseign{eu}r le roy vous prye;” “Et a ma dame que + respondray ie, beau doulx amy?” “Certes,” fait il, “ie ne scay.” + Lors commence a souspirer. + +[Sidenote: Lancelot sighs, and says, “Whatever you advise.”] + + Et gallehault luy deist. “Beau doulx amy, ne vous esmayez point | + mais dictes moy comment vous voulez quil soit | car bien saichez + quil sera ainsi comme vous vouldrez | et ie aymeroye mieulx estre + courrouce a la moytie du monde que a vous tout seul. ores me dictes + quil vous en plaist.” “Sire,” faict ledit cheualier, “ce que vous me + louerez | car ie suis en vostre garde desormais.” + +[Sidenote: “There will be no harm in seeing her,” answers Galiot.] + + “Certes,” fait gallehault, “il me semble que pour veoir ma dame la + royne il ne vous peult empyrer.” + +[Sidenote: Lancelot says the matter must be managed secretly; and they +agree that Galiot shall tell the Queen he has sent to seek for +Lancelot.] + + Lors apperceut galehault assez de son penser, & le tient si court + quil luy octroye ce quil demande | “mais il conuiendra,” faict il, + “que il soyt faict celeement, que nul ne le saiche | fors moy et + vous.” Et gallehault dit que il ne se soulcye point. “Or dictes,” + (fait le cheualier a gallehault,) “a ma dame que vous me auez enuoye + querre.” “Sur moy en laissez le surplus,” dit Gallehault. Lors sen + part a tant, et commanda ses trefz a tendre la ou il auoit en + conuenant au roy | et son seneschal fist son commandement. + + +[Sidenote: How Guinevere and Lancelot meet and talk.] + + ¶ Comment gallehault fist tant que la royne veit Lancelot, + Et comment ilz se araisonnerent ensemble, et parlerent de plusieurs + choses. + +[Sidenote: The Queen asks Galiot what he has done for her.] + + ++A Tant sen partit gallehault & sen vient au tref du roy, & si tost + comme la royne le voit, si luy courut a lencontre, & luy dema{n}de + comment il auoit exploycte la besongne. “dame,” faict il, “ie en ay + fait tant que ie craing que lamour de vostre pryere ne me tolle la + chose du monde que ie ayme plus.” “Sy maist dieu,” faict elle, “vous + ne perderez riens par moy que ie ne vous rende ou double | mais que + y pouez vo{us},” fait elle, “perdre?” “Celluy mesmes que vous + demandez,” fait gallehault | “Car ie doubte quil ne se courrouce, et + que ie ne le perde a tousiours.” “Certes,” faict elle, “ce ne + pourray ie pas rendre | mais ia par moy ne le perderez, se dieu + plaist. Et touteffoys dictes moy quant il viendra” | + +[Sidenote: “Sent to seek for your knight,” says he.] + + “dame,” fait il, “quant il pourra | car ie lay enuoye querre, et + croy que il ne demourra mye longuement.” De leur conseil entendit + ung peu la dame de mallehault qui sen prenoit garde et nen faisoit + mye semblant. + +[Sidenote: Galiot returns to his men, and tells his Seneschal to bring +Lancelot when he sends for him.] + + Lors sen partit gallehault et vient a ses gens qui estoyent logez la + ou il auoit commande. + + + ++QVant il fut descendu, il parla a son Seneschal et luy deist | + “quant ie vous enuoyeray querir, venez a moy, vous & mon compaignon + en ce lieu la.” Et le roy des cent cheualiers, qui son seneschal + estoit, dist que mo{u}lt voulentiers feroit son commandement & son + plaisir. + +[Sidenote: Galiot then goes back to the Queen, says he thinks she will +see her knight that evening, and appoints to meet her in an Orchard +below.] + + Lors salua Gallehault son compaignon, et sen retourna a la court. Et + quant la royne veit gallehault qui estoit venu, elle luy dist que il + gardast bien et loyaulment ce quil luy auoit promis. Et il luy dist + | “dame, ie cuyde que vous verrez ennuyt ce que vous auez tant + desire.” Quant elle ouyt ce, si en fut moult ioyeuse, et moult luy + ennuya ce iour pour sa voulente acomplir du desir q{ue} elle auoit + de parler a celuy ou toutes ses pensees estoyent. Lors luy deist + Gallehault, “nous yrons apres soupper en ce vergier la aual” | et + elle luy octroye. + +[Sidenote: After supper the Queen goes to the Orchard, and Galiot sends +for his Seneschal and the Knight, who come.] + + Quant ce vint apres souper, si appelle la royne | la dame de + mallehault | et dame Lore de cardueil, une sienne pucelle, et sen + vont tout droit la ou gallehault auoyt dit | et gallehault prent ung + escuyer et luy dist. “Va et dy a mon seneschal que il viengne la ou + ie luy commanday.” Et celuy y va. Apres ne demoura guaires que le + seneschal y vint, luy et le cheualier. Ilz estoye{n}t tous deux de + grant beaulte; Quant ilz approchere{n}t, si congneut la dame de + mallehault le cheualier comme celluy que elle auoyt eu maint iour en + sa baillie. Et pource quelle ne vouloit mye que il la congneut, se + embroncha, et ilz passent oultre. le seneschal les salue. Et + gallehault dit a la royne. “Dame, lequel vous semble il que se + soit?” | et elle dit. + +[Sidenote: The Queen at first cannot think that either is the black +knight, but one is so bashful that she fixes on him, seats him by her, +smiles on him, says she has so longed to see him, and now he must tell +her who he is. “I don’t know,” he answers.] + + “Certes, ilz sont tous deux beaulx cheualliers | mais ie ne voy + corps ou il puisse auoir tant de prouesse que le noir cheualier + auoit.” “or saichez, dame, que cest lung de ces deux” | a tant sont + venuz auant, et le cheuallier tremble si que a peine peult saluer la + royne, & la royne sen esmerueille. lors se agenouillent eulx deux, + et le cheualier la salue | mais cest moult pourement | car moult + estoit honteux. Lors se pense la royne que cest il. Et gallehault + dit au seneschal. “allez, si faictes a ces dames compaignie.” Et + celluy fait ce que son sire luy comma{n}de. A doncq{ue}s la royne + prent le cheualier par la main & le assiet iouxte elle. Sy luy fait + moult beau semblant & dit en riant. “Sire, moult vo{us} auons + desire, tant que, dieu mercy et gallehault, vous voyons. et + nonpourtant encores ne croy ie mye que ce soit celluy que ie demande + | & gallehault ma dit que cestes vous | & encores vouldroye scauoir + qui vous estes par vostre bouche mesmes, se vostre plaisir y + estoit.” Et celuy dit que il ne scait | et oncques ne la regarda au + visaige. Et la royne ce esmerueille que il peult auoir, tant quelle + souspeconne une partie de ce quil a. + +[Sidenote: Galiot leaves the two to themselves, and the Queen asks the +knight, “Are not you he who wore the black armour, and overcame +everyone?”] + + Et gallehault, qui le voigt si honteux, pense quil veult dire a la + royne son penser seul a seul. lors sen vient messire gauuain celle + part, et fait rasseoir les damoyselles pour ce que leuees sestoient + encontre luy. Puis commence{n}t a parler de maintes choses. Et la + Royne dit au cheuallier, “Beau sire, pourquoy vous celez vous de + moy? Certes il ne y a cause pourquoy; nestes vo{us} mie celluy qui + porta les noires armes, et qui vainquist lassemblee?” “Dame, nenny” + | “et nestes vous pas celluy qui porta lendemain les armes a + gallehault?” “Dame, ouy;” “Do{n}c estes vous celluy qui vainquistes + lassemblee qui fut faicte le premier iour par deuer{s} nous et + par[A42] deuers Gallehault?” + +[Sidenote: “No, I am not,” saith he, refusing to praise himself.] + + “Dame, non suis.” Quant la royne ot ainsi parler le cheualier, a + donc appercoit elle bien quil ne veult mie congnoistre quil eust + vaincue lassemblee, si len prise mieulx la royne | car quant vng + homme se loe luy mesmes, il tourne son honneur a honte | et quant + aultruy le loe, adonc il est mieulx prise. + +[Sidenote: “Then who made you a knight, and when?”] + + “Or me dictes,” fait la royne a lancelot | “q{ui} vous fist + cheuallier?” “Dame,” fait il, “vous;” “Moy?” fait elle, “Et quant?” + +[Sidenote: “You, at Kamalot, when the pieces of a spear were drawn out +of the wounded knight, and you girded on my sword, thus knighting me, +and I went away to help the Lady of Noehault, and sent you two damsels.] + + “Dame,” fait il, “vous remembrez vous point quant vng cheuallier + vint a Kamalot, lequel estoyt naure de deux troncons de lance au + corps, et dune espee parmy la teste, et que vng varlet vi{n}t a + co{ur}t en vng vendredy, et fut cheualier le dymenche, et deffera le + cheuallier?” “De ce,” fait elle, “me souient il bien | et se dieu + vous aist, feustes vous ce q{ue} la dame du lac amena en court vestu + dune robe blanche?” “Dame, ouy.” “Et pourquoy dictes vous donc que + ie vous fis cheuallier?” “Dame,” fait il, “ie dys vray | Car la + coustume est telle que nul ne peut estre cheuallier sans ceindre + espee. Et celluy de qui il tient lespee, le faict cheuallier; de + vous la tiens ie. Car le roy ne la me donna onques. Pour ce dis ie + que vous me feistes cheualier.” De ce est la royne mo{u}lt ioyeuse | + “ou vous en allastes vous au partir de co{ur}t?” “Dame, ie men allay + pour secourir la dame de noehault;” “Et durant ce temps me mandastes + vous riens?” “Dame, ouy | ie vo{us} enuoyay peux pucelles.” “Il est + vray,” dist la royne. “Et quant vous partistes de noehault, + trouuastes vous nul cheuallier qui se reclamast de moy?” + +[Sidenote: Then I met a man, who said he was your knight, and I fought +him (for which I crave your pardon).] + + “Dame, ouy; vng qui gardoit vng gue, et me dist que descendisse de + dessus mon cheual et le vouloit auoir, et ie luy demanday a qui il + estoit | et il dist a vous. Puis luy demanday apres, qui le + commandoyt. Et il me dist quil nauoyt nul commandement que le + sie{n}. Et adoncques remys le pied en lestrief et remontay | + Car ie estoye ia descendu | et luy dis que il ne lauoyt point, et me + combatis a luy. Et ie scay bien que ie vous fis oultraige, si vous + en crie mercy” | “Certes a moy ne en feistes vous point | Car il + nestoyt mye a moy | et luy sceuz mauluais gre de ce quil ce reclama + de moy. Mais or me dictes on vous en allastes la?” + +[Sidenote: After that I took the Sorrowful Castle, and there I saw you +thrice, last when you thought you had lost Gawain and his companions, +and I helped to deliver him from prison.”] + + “Dame, ie men allay a la douloureuse garde” | “& qui la conquist?” + “Dame, ie y entray” | “et ne vous y viz ie oncques.” “Ouy, plus de + troys foys.” “Et en quel temps?” fist elle. “Dame,” fist il, “vng + iour que ie vous demanday se vous vouliez leans entrer; Et vous + deistes ouy | et estiez moult esbahye par semblant.” “Et quel escu + portiez vo{us}?” “Dame, ie portay a la premiere foys vng escu blanc + a vne bande de belif vermeille. Et lautre foys vng ou il y auoyt + deux bendes” | “Et vous vys ie plus?” “Ouy, la nuyt que vous cuidiez + auoir perdu messire Gauuain et ses co{m}paignons, et que les gens + cryoyent que le{n} me prenist; Je vins hors a tout mon escu a troys + bendes.” “Certes,” faict elle, “ce poise moy | car se on vous eust + detenu, tous les enchantements feussent demourez | Mais or me + dictes, fustes vous ce qui iettastes messire Gauain de prison?” + “Dame, ie y ayday a mon pouoir.” “Certes,” faict elle, “en toutes + les choses q{ue} vous me dictes ie nay trouue si non verite. + +[Sidenote: The Queen asks the knight who was in the turret above his +room there.] + + Mais or me dictes qui estoit en vne tournelle dessus la chambre + monseigneur.” + +[Sidenote: “A damsel whom I never dishonoured, but I asked her not to +leave till she saw my messenger or me, which I then forgot, and kept her +there a very long time.”] + + “Dame, cestoyt vne pucelle que ie ne villennay oncques | Car ma dame + du lac la me auoyt enuoyee | si me trouua en ceste tournelle | il + fut assez qui la honnora pour moy. Quant ie ouy nouuelles de + monseigneur Gauuain, si en fut mo{u}lt angoisseux, et men party de + la Damoyselle qui auecques moy debuoit venir, et luy priay que elle + ne se remuast tant que elle eust mon messaige ou moy. Si fus si + surprins de tresgrant affaire que ie loubliay | et elle fut plus + loyalle uers moy que ie ne fus courtois vers elle | car oncques ne + se remua iusques a ce q{ue}lle eut mes enseignes, et ce fut grant + piece apres.” + + [Footnote A42: The original has _pat_.] + + +[Sidenote: How the Queen knew Lancelot.] + + Comment la royne congneut Lancelot apres q{u}il eut lo{n}guement + parle a elle, et q{u}il luy eut compte de ses adue{n}tures. Et + comment la premiere acointance fut faicte entre lancelot et la royne + genieure par le moyen de gallehault. + +[Sidenote: When she heard of this damsel the Queen knew it must be +Lancelot, and asks him if he was the knight whom Daguenet took.] + + ++QVant la royne eut parle de la damoiselle, si scait bien q{ue} + cest La{n}celot. Si luy enquist de toutes les choses q{ue}lle auoit + ouy de luy, et de toutes le trouua vray disa{n}t; “Or me dictes,” + fait elle, “vous vy ie puis?” + +[Sidenote: He answers “Yes;” and that two rascals killed his horse, and +Ywain gave him another.] + + “Ouy, dame, telle heure que vo{us} me eustes bie{n} mestier | car + ieusse este noye a kamalot se ne eussiez vous este.” “Comment! + feustes vous celluy que daguenet le fol print?” “Dame, prins fus ie + sans faulte.” “Et ou alliez vous?” “Dame, ie alloye apres vng + cheuallier.” “Et vous combatistes vous a luy” | “dame, ouy.” “Et + dillec ou allastes vous?” “Dame, ie trouuay deux grans villains que + me occirent mo{n} cheual | mais messire yuain, qui bonne aduenture + ayt, men donna vng.” + +[Sidenote: “Ah, then your name is Lancelot,” says she, “and for what +lady or damsel did you do such feats of arms the day before yesterday?”] + + “Ha, ha,” fait elle, “ie scay bien qui vous estes; Vous auez nom + lancelot du lac.” Il se taist. “Par dieu,” faict elle, “pourneant le + celez | long temps a que messire Gauuain apporta nouuelles de vostre + nom a co{ur}t;” Lors luy compta comment messire yuain auoit compte + que la damoyselle auoit dit | cest la tierce. “Et anten quelles + armes portastes vous?” “Vnes vermeilles.” “Par mo{n} chef cest + verite. Et auant hier pourquoy feistes vo{u}s tant darmes comme vous + feistes?” Et il commenca a souspirer. “Dictes moy seurement | Car ie + scay bien que pour aulcune dame ou damoyselle le feistes vous, et me + dictes qui elle est, par la foy que vous me deuez.” + +[Sidenote: “For you, Lady; and for you I broke the three lances that +your maiden brought me for you had made me your _friend_, and said I was +your knight in all lands, and bid me adieu as your own sweet friend.] + + “Haa, dame, ie voy bien quil le me conuient dire, cestes vo{us}.” + “Moy?” faict elle. “Voire, dame.” “Pour moy ne ro{m}pistes vous pas + les troys lances que ma pucelle vous porta?” “Car ie me mis bien + hors du mandement, dame; ie fis pour elle ce q{ue} ie deuz, et pour + vous ce que ie peux.” “Et combien a il que vous me aymez tant?” “Des + le iour que ie fus tenu pour cheuallier, et ie ne lestoye mye” | + “Par la foy que vous me deuez, dont vindrent ces amours que vous + auez en moy mises?” “dame,” fait il, “vous le me feistes faire qui + de moy feistes vostre amy, se vostre bouche ne me a me{n}ty.” “Mon + amy!” faict elle, “comment?” “Dame,” fait il, “ie vins deuant vous + quant ie eu prins congie monseigneur le roy | si vous commanday a + dieu, et dis que ie estoye vostre cheuallier en tous lieux. Et vous + me dictes que vostre amy et vostre cheuallier voulliez vous que ie + feusse. Et ie dys, “a dieu! dame.” Et vous distes “a dieu! mon beau + doulx amy!” + +[Sidenote: That word has never left me, but always been my strength and +wealth.”] + + Ce fut le mot qui preudhomme me fera, se ie le suis, ne oncques puis + ne fus a si grant meschef que il ne men remembrast. Ce mot ma + conforte en to{us} mes ennuys. Cest mot ma de tous maulx guary. Cest + mot ma fait riche en mes pouretez;” “Par ma foy,” fait la royne, “ce + mot fut en bo{n}ne heure dict | et dieu en soyt aoure | ne ie ne le + prenoye pas acertes comme vous feistes, et a maint preudhomme ay ie + ce dict ou ie ne pensay oncques riens que le dire. + +[Sidenote: “Oh, but that was only an ordinary compliment,” says +Guinevere, to tease him.] + + Mais la coustume est telle des cheualliers que font a mainte dame + semblant de telles choses dont a gueres ne leur est au cueur.” Et ce + disoit elle po{ur} veoir de combien elle le pourroit mettre en + malaise; + +[Sidenote: This grieves Lancelot so that he nearly faints, at which +Galiot is greatly grieved, tells the Queen that Lancelot is the +gallantest and truest of men, and prays her to have mercy on him.] + + Car elle veoit bien quil ne pretendoit a autre amour que a la sienne + | mais elle se delectoyt a sa malaisete veoir, et il eut si grant + angoisse que par vng pou q{u}il ne se pasma | & la royne eut paour + quil ne cheist, si appella gallehault, et il y vint acourant. Quant + il voyt q{ue} son compaigno{n} est si courrouce, si en a si gra{n}t + angoisse q{ue} plus ne peut. “Haa, dame,” fait gallehault, “vous le + nous pourrez bien tollir, et ce seroit trop grand do{m}maige.” + “Certes, sire, se seroit mo{n};” “Et ne scauez vous pour qui il a + tant fait darmes?” faict gallehault. “Certes, nenny,” faict elle | + “mais, se il est veoir ce qui ma este dict, cest pour moy;” “Dame, + se maist dieu, bien len pouez croire | car aussi comme il est le + plus preudho{m}me de tous les hommes | aussi est son cueur plus vray + que tous aultres.” “Voireme{n}t,” fait elle, “diriez vous quil + seroit preudhomme se vous scauiez quil a fait darmes puis quil fut + cheuallier.” Lors luy compte tout ainsi co{m}ment vous auez ouy | + “et saichez quil a ce faict seullement pour moy,” fait elle. Lors + luy prie gallehault, & dist. “Pour dieu, dame, ayez de luy mercy, et + faictes pour moy ainsi comme ie fis pour vous quant vous men + priastes.” + +[Sidenote: “What mercy?” says she;] + + “Quelle mercy voulez vous que ien aye?” “Dame, vous scauez que ie + vous ayme sur toutes, et il a fait po{u}r vous plus que oncques + cheualier ne fist po{u}r dame, et sachez que la paix de moy et de + monseign{eu}r neust ia este faicte se neust il este.” + +[Sidenote: “there is nothing he can ask of me that I will not do; but he +will not ask.”] + + “Certes,” faict elle, “il a plus faict pour moy que ne pourroye + desseruir, ne il ne me pourroyt chose requerre dont ie le peuisse + esconduyre | mais il ne me requiert de riens | ains est tant + melencolieux que merueilles.” “Dame,” fait gallehault, “auez en + mercy; il est celluy qui vo{us} ayme plus que soy mesmes. Si maist + dieu, ie ne scauoye riens de sa voulente quant il vint, fors quil + doubtoit de estre congneu, ne oncques plus ne men descouurit.” “Je + en auray,” fait elle, “telle mercy comme vous vouldrez.” “Dame, vous + auez fait ce que ie vous ay requis; aussi doy ie bien faire ce q{ue} + vous me requerez.” Se dit la royne, “il ne me requiert de riens.” + +[Sidenote: “He does not dare,” answers Galiot, “but I will ask for +him.”] + + “Certes, dame,” fait gallehault, “il ne ose | car le{n} ne aymera ia + riens par amo{ur}s que len ne craigne | mais ie vous en prie pour + luy, & se ie ne vous en priasse, si le deussiez vo{us} pourchasser. + Car plus riche tresor ne pourriez vous conquester.” + +[Sidenote: “Then I will grant it,” says Queen Guinevere. Galiot prays +her to give Lancelot her love, and become his loyal lady all her life.] + + “Certes,” fait elle, “ie le scay bien et ie en feray tout ce que + vous commanderez.” “Dame,” fait Gallehault, “grant mercy. Je vous + prie que vous luy donnez vostre amour, et le retenez pour vostre + cheuallier a tousiours, et deuenez sa loyalle dame toute vostre vie + | et vous le aurez fait plus riche que se vo{us} luy auiez donne + tout le monde.” + +[Sidenote: She promises to be Lancelot’s, and that she will do +everything she is told.] + + “Certes,” faict elle, “ie luy ottroye que il soyt mien | et moy + toute sienne, et que par vous soyent amendez tous les meffaitz.” + “Dame,” faict Gallehault, “grant mercy. Or conuient il commencement + de seruice;” “Vous ne deuiserez riens,” fait la royne, “que ie ne + face.” + +[Sidenote: “Then kiss Lancelot before me,” says Galiot.] + + “Dame,” faict il, “grant mercy | donc baisez le deuant moy pour + commencement de vrayes amours.” + +[Sidenote: This Guinevere agrees to do, if Lancelot wishes it.] + + “Du baiser,” faict elle, “ie ne voy ne lieu ne temps | et ne doubtez + pas,” faict elle, “que ie ne le voulsisse faire aussi voullentiers + quil feroit | mais ces dames sont cy qui mo{u}lt se merueillent + q{ue} no{us} auons tant fait, si ne po{ur}royt estre que ilz ne le + vissent. Nompourtant, se il veult, ie le baiseray voullentiers.” Et + il en est si ioyeulx que il ne peult respondre si non tant quil + dict. + +[Sidenote: Galiot says there is no doubt about Lancelot’s wish;] + + “Dame,” faict il, “grant mercy” | “dame,” faict Gallehault, “de son + vouloir nen doubtez ia | Car il est tout vostre, bien le saichez, ne + ia nul ne sen apperceuera; Nous troys serons ensemble ainsi comme se + nous conseillions” | “Dequoy me feroye ie pryer” | faict elle | + “plus le vueil ie que vous.” Lors se trayent a part, et font + semblant de conseiller. + +[Sidenote: and as he is bashful, the Queen takes him by the chin, and +kisses him before Galiot. (The Lady of Mallehault sees her.)] + + La Royne voyt que le cheuallier nen ose plus faire, si le prent par + le menton, et baise deuant Gallehault assez longuement. Et la dame + de Mallehauli (_sic_) sceut de vray que elle le baisoyt. Lors parla + la Royne qui moult estoyt sage & vaillant dame. + +[Sidenote: Guinevere tells Lancelot that she is his, but charges him to +keep the matter secret, and Galiot too.] + + “Beau doulx amy,” faict elle, “tant auez faict que ie suys vostre; + Et moult en ay grant ioye. Or gardez que la chose soyt celee. Car + mestier en est. Je suys une des Dames du monde dont len a greigneur + bien dict, Et se ma renommee empiroyt par vous, il y auroyt layde + amour et villaine | et vous, Gallehault, ie vous prye que mon + honneur gardez | Car vous estes le plus saige | Et se mal men + venoyt, ce ne seroyt si non par vous; Et se ien ay bien et ioye, + vous me lauez donnee.” + +[Sidenote: Galiot promises this, and asks Guinevere to make Lancelot his +companion for ever.] + + “Dame,” faict Gallehault, “il ne pourroyt vers vous mesprendre, et + ien ay bien faict ce que vous me commandastes. Or vous prye que + faciez ma voulente ainsi comme iay fait la vostre;” “Dictes,” fait + elle, “tout ce quil vo{us} plaira hardyment | car vous ne me + scauriez chose comma{n}der que ie ne face.” “Dame,” faict il, “donc + mauez vous ottroye que ie seray son compaignon a tousiours.” + “Certes,” fait elle, “se de ce vo{us} failloit, vous auriez mal + employe la peine que vous auez prinse pour luy et pour moy.” + +[Sidenote: She takes Lancelot’s hand, gives him to Galiot, and says she +has given him Lancelot of the Lake, son of King Ban.] + + Lors prent le cheuallier par la main, et dict. “Gallehault, ie vous + donne ce cheualier a tousiours sans ce que iay auant eu, et vous le + me creancez ainsi” | et aussi le cheualier luy creance | “scauez + vous,” fait elle, “Gallehault, que ie vous ay donne lancelot du lac, + le filz au roy ban de benoic;” Ainsi luy a fait le cheualier + congnoistre, qui moult en a grant honte. + +[Sidenote: This gives Galiot more joy than ever he had before, as he had +often heard how Lancelot was the gallantest knight in the world.] + + Lors a gallehault greigneure ioye quil neust oncq{ue}s | car il + auoit maintesfois ouy dire, comme parolles vont, que cestoyt le + meilleur cheualier et le plus preux du monde, et bien scauoit que le + roy ban auoit este moult gentil ho{m}me, et moult puissant de amys + et de terre. + + + ++AInsi fut faicte la premiere acointance de la royne et de lancelot + par gallehault | et Gallehault ne lauoit oncques congneu que de + veue, et pource luy fait creancer q{u}il ne luy demanderoit son nom + tant quil luy dist, ou autre po{ur} luy. Lors se leuerent tous + troys, et il anuytoit durement. + +[Sidenote: By the bright moonlight they recross the meads towards +Lancelot’s tent, and Galiot sends Lancelot there, while he conducts the +Queen to Arthur’s tent, and tells him they have only been looking at the +fields by themselves.] + + Mais la lune estoyt leuee, si faisoit cler | Si que elle luysoyt par + toute la praerie | Lors sen retournerent a vne part contrement les + prez droit vers le tref le cheualier, & le seneschal et gallehault + vint apres luy & les dames ta{n}t q{u}ilz vindre{n}t endroit les + te{n}tes de gallehault. Lors enuoya Gallehault son compaignon a son + tref, et prent co{n}ge de la royne, et gallehault la conuoye iusques + au tref du Roy. Et qua{n}t le roy les veyt, si demanda dont ilz + venoyent. “Sire,” fait Gallehault, “nous uenons de veoir ces pres a + si peu de compaignie comment vo{us} veez.” Lors se assient, et + parlent de plusieurs choses; si sont la Royne et Gallehault moult + ayses. + + + ++AV chef de piece se leua la royne, et sen alla en la bretesche; + gallehault la conuoya iusq{ue}s la. + +[Sidenote: Galiot sees the Queen to her tower, and then takes leave of +Arthur and of Gawain, and goes to Lancelot’s bed.] + + Puis la comma{n}de a dieu, et dist quil sen yroit gesir auec son + compaignon. “Bien auez fait,” dit la royne, “il en sera plus ayse” | + A tant sen part gallehault, et vient au roy prendre congie, et dist + quil ne luy desplaise, et que il yra gesir auec les gens pource quil + ny auoyt geu de grant piece, et dist. “Sire, ie me doibz pener de + faire leur voulente | car ilz me ayment moult.” “Sire,” fait messire + gauuain, “vo{us} dictes bien, et len doit bien honnorer telz + preudhommes q{u}i les a.” Lors sen part gallehault et vient a son + compaignon; Ilz se coucherent to{us} deux en vng lict, et deviserent + la une piece. Si nous laisserons ores a parler de gallehault & de + son compaignon, et dirons de la royne qui est venu en la bretesche. + + +[Sidenote: Queen Guinevere goes to the window to think, and the Lady of +Mallehault asks her why four are bad company.] + + ++QVa{n}t gallehault fut party, la royne sen alla en vne fenestre, + et comme{n}ce a penser a ce que plus luy plaisoyt. La dame de + mallehault saprocha delle quant elle la vit seulle, et luy dist le + plus priueement que elle peut. “Haa, dame! pourquoy ne est bonne la + compaignie de quatre?” + +[Sidenote: At first Guinevere will not hear this, but the Lady repeats +it; the Queen asks why she says it, and the Lady asks pardon, as perhaps +she has said too much.] + + La royne le ouyst bien, si ne dit mot, et fait semblant q{ue} riens + nen ouyt. Et ne demoura gueres q{ue} la dame dist celle parolle + mesmes; la royne lapella et dist. “Dame, pourquoy auez ce dit?” + “Dame,” fait elle, “pardonnez moi, ie nen diray ores plus | car par + aduenture en ay plus dit que a moy napartient | & le{n} ne se doit + mi faire plus priuee de sa dame que len est | car tost en acquiert + on hayne.” + +[Sidenote: “No,” says Guinevere, “speak boldly out; I wish it.”] + + “Si maist dieu,” fait la royne, “vous ne me po{ur}riez rie{n}s dire + do{n}t vous eussiez ma haine | ie vous tiens tant a saige et a + courtoyse, que vous ne diriez riens qui fust encontre ma voulente | + Mais dictes hardyment | Car ie le vueil, et si vous en prie.” + +[Sidenote: “Then I must say that I think four very good company. I saw +the new acquaintance you made to-day, and know he is the man who loves +you most in the world.] + + “Dame,” fait elle, “donc le vous diray ie | Je dy que moult est + bonne la compaignie de quatre; Jay huy veu nouueau accointement + q{ue} vous auez faict au cheuallier qui parla a vous la bas en ce + vergier. Et scay bien que cest la personne du mo{n}de qui plus vous + ayme, et vous ne auez pas tort se vous laymez | car vous ne pourriez + vostre amour mieulx employer;” “Comment,” fait la royne, “le + congnoissez vous?” + +[Sidenote: I kept him a year and a half in prison, and gave him both the +red and the black arms in which he won the tourneys;] + + “Dame,” fait elle, “telle heure a este ouen que ie vous en eusse + bien peu faire refus comme vous en pouez ores faire a moy | car ie + lay tenu vng an et demy en prison. Cest celluy qui vaincquit + lassemblee aux armes vermeilles | & celle de deuant hier aux armes + noires, les vnes & les autres luy baillay ie; Et quant il fut auant + hier sur la riuiere pensif, et ie luy voulu mander q{ue} il fist + vaillamment armes, ie ne le faisoye sinon pour ce que ie esperoye + quil vous aymast; si cuydoye telle heure fust que il me aymast | + +[Sidenote: and I thought then that he loved me, but he soon undeceived +me.”] + + Mais il me mist tost hors de cuyder, tant me descouurit de son + penser.” Lors luy compta co{m}ment elle lauoyt tenu en prison an et + demy | et pourquoy elle lauoit prins. + +[Sidenote: The Queen answers, “But tell me why four are better company +than three.”] + + “Or me dictes,” fait la royne, “quelle compaignie vault mieulx de + quatre que de troys | car mieulx est vne chose celee par trois que + par quatre.” “Certes non est cy endroit, et si vo{us} diray. + +[Sidenote: “Because, though your knight loves you, he loves Galiot too, +and they will not stay here long, but you will; and if you have no one +else to tell your thought to, you will be forced to keep your faith to +yourself; but if you will let me be a fourth, we can comfort one +another.”] + + Vray est que le cheualier vous ayme, et aussi fait il gallehault, et + desormais se confortero{n}t lung lautre en quelque terre quilz + soient. Car icy ne sero{n}t ilz pas longuement: et vous demourerez + cy toute seule, et ne le scaura nul fors vous | ne si ne aurez a qui + descouurir vostre pensee, si porterez ainsi vostre faix toute seulle + | mais sil vo{us} pleust que ie fusse la quarte en la compaignie + entre nous deux dames, nous solacierons ainsi co{m}me entre eulx + deux cheualiers feront, si en seriez plus aise.” “Scauez vous,” fait + la royne, “qui est le cheuallier?” “Se maist dieu,” fait la dame, + “nen{n}y.” “Vous auez bien ouy co{m}ment il se couurit vers moy.” + +[Sidenote: Queen Guinevere agrees to this with great joy, and tells the +Lady that the knight is Lancelot of the Lake.] + + “Certes,” faict la royne, “moult estes apparceuante, et moult + conuiendroit estre sage qui vous vouldroit rien embler, & puis que + ainsi est que vous lauez aperceu, et que vous me requerez la + compagnie, vous laurez | mais ie vueil que vous portez vostre faix + ainsi co{m}me ie feray le mie{n}.” “Dame,” faict elle, “ie feray ce + que il vous plaira, pour ci haulte compaignie auoir.” “En verite,” + faict la royne, “vous laurez | car meilleure compaignie que vous ne + pourroye ie mye auoir,” “Dame,” fait elle, “nous serons ensemble + toutes les heures quil vous plaira.” “Jen suys ioyeuse,” faict la + Royne. “Et no{us} affermerons demain la compaignie de nous quattre.” + Lors luy compte de Lancelot, comment il auoyt ploure quant il + regarda deuers elle, “et ie scay que il vous congneut, et saichez + que cest lancelot du lac, le meilleur cheuallier qui viue.” Ainsi + parlerent longuement entre elles deux | et font moult grant ioye de + le{ur} accointement nouueau. + +[Sidenote: At night the ladies sleep together, and talk of their new +loves, the Lady of Mallehault saying that she never loved but one, and +then only in thought (and that was Lancelot).] + + Icelle nuyct ne souffrit oncques la Royne de logres que la dame de + mallehault geust sinon auec elle | mais elle y geut a force. Car + elle doubtoyt moult de gesir auec si riche dame; Quant elles furent + couchees si commencerent a parler de leurs nouuelles amours; La + royne demanda a la dame de mallehault selle a[y]me nulluy par + amours, et elle luy dict que nenny. “Saichez, dame, que ie naymay + oncques que vne foys, ne de celle amour ne fis ie que penser;” et ce + dit elle de lancelot, quelle auoit tant ayme co{m}me femme pourroit + aymer homme mortel | Mais elle nen auoit oncques aultre ioye eue, + non pourtant ne dit pas que ce eust il este. + +[Sidenote: The Queen thinks she will make the Lady and Galiot fall in +love with one another.] + + La royne pensa quelle feroyt ses amours de elle et de gallehault, + mais elle nen veult parler iusques a ta{n}t quelle scaura de + gallehault sil la veult aymer ou non | car autrement ne len + requerroit elle pas. + +[Sidenote: Next morning they go to Arthur’s tent and wake him, and then +return over the meadows where the meeting with Lancelot took place, and +the Queen tells the Lady of Mallehault all about it, and then praises +Galiot as the wisest and best man in the world.] + + Lendemain se leuerent matin elles deux, & allerent au tref du roy, + qui gisoit la pour faire a monseigneur gauuain et aux aultres + cheualiers compaignie. La royne sesueilla, & dist, “que moult estoyt + mauluais qui a ceste heure dormoyt.” Lors se tournerent contreual + les prez, et dames et damoyselles auec elles. Et ils allerent la ou + laccointement damours auoyt este faict, et dict la Royne a la dame + de mallehault toute laccointance de lancelot | et comme il estoit + esbahy deuant elle, et riens ne luy laissa a dire. Puis commenca a + louer gallehault, et dit que cestoit le plus saige homme et le plus + vertueulx du monde; “Certes,” fait elle, “ie luy compteray + lacointance de nous deux quant il viendra, et sachez que il en aura + gra{n}t ioye. Or allo{n}s | car il ne demourra gueres quil ne + viengne.” + + +The rubric of the next chapter is as follows: + +[Sidenote: How Galiot became acquainted with the Lady of Melyhalt.] + + ¶ Co{m}me{n}t la premiere acointa{n}ce fut faicte de gallehault et + de la dame de malehault p{ar} le moye{n} de la royne de logres. Et + comme{n}t lancelot & gallehault sen alloie{n}t esbatre et deuiser + auec leurs dames. + +It relates how Queen Guinevere requires Galiot to let her dispose of his +love as he had disposed of hers. To this he consents, and she commends +him to the Lady of Mallehault. Next, they arrange for the promised +_parlement de eulx quatre_; and the queen points out to Lancelot the +lady who had so many a day kept him in prison, i.e., the Lady of +Mallehault. At recognizing his old acquaintance, Lancelot feels somewhat +distressed, but is reassured by observing the new love-making between +her and Galiot. Seated in a wood, the four “demourerent grant piece, ne +oncq{ue}s ne tindrent parolles, fors tant seullement de accoller & de +baiser comme ceulx qui voulentiers le faisoyent.” + +We next hear of Gawain’s recovery, and of the separation of the party of +four above spoken of. Galiot takes Lancelot home with him to his own +country, whilst the Lady of Mallehault remains for a time with the queen +and Arthur. When Lancelot is next spoken of, he is in Galiot’s country, +where we will now leave him. + + + + +NOTES TO THE APPENDIX. + + + P. xxiii. _Descosse_ = _d’Écosse_, of Scotland. In Old French, words + are frequently run together; thus we have _labbaye_ for _l’abbaye_, + _sesmeurent_ for _s’émeurent_, etc. Also the letter _s_ is often + replaced in modern French by an acute or circumflex accent; so that + _Escosse_ = _Êcosse_; _chasteau_ = _château_, etc. + The word _si_ often occurs below with a great variety of meanings, + _viz._ I, he; and, also; so, thus; etc. + + P. xxiv. _baille_, given, entrusted. + _brouyr_ (_brûler_), being burnt. + _monstier_, monastery. + _gauues_, so in the original throughout; _gaunes_ is used in other + romances. + + P. xxv. _auecques_ = _avec_, with. + + P. xxvi. _aduision_, vision. + _behourdys_, tournament. + _naure_, wounded. + _deffera_ = _desferra_, un-ironed; it means that Lancelot drew the + weapons out of the knight’s wounds. + _deuers_, “Préposition relative au temps et au lieu dont on parle; + près, vers, contre, proche; de _versus_.” Roquefort. + _octroya_, permitted (authorized). + _mouille_, _lit._ wetted; insulted. + + P. xxvii. _veirent_, saw. + _escript_ (_écrit_), written. + _lassemblee_, the gathering; _i.e._ the war, strife. + _rua_, overthrew. + + P. xxviii. _mire_, physician. + _gue_, ford, pass. + _tresues_, a truce; spelt _treues_ on p. xxix. + + P. xxix. _esbatre_, to divert oneself. In modern French, _s’ébattre_. + + P. xxx. _orrions_, shall hear. + _deust_ = _dût_. + _cheoient_, from _cheoir_, to fall. Compare _chûte_. + _poilz_, hairs. + _esbahy_, amazed. + _ortelz_, toes. + _chaille_; from _chaloir_, to be anxious about. + _dilacion_, delay. + + P. xxxi. _paour_, fear. + _mire_, physician. + _veufue_, old. + + P. xxxii. _cheuauche_, rides. + _boutte_, buts, pushes. + _iecte_ (_jeté_), cast. + _cuyde_, I believe. + _Si maist dieu_, so God aid me. Here _maist_ is put for _m’aist_. + _oncques_, ever. + _ennuyt_, this night, to-night. + _lottroyera_, will grant him his request. + _conroy_, troops. + + P. xxxiii. _derrains_ (_derniers_), last. + _busines_, trumpets. + _Or y perra_, now it will appear. + _cuidoit_, believed; from the old verb _quider_. + _cheuauchent_, ride. + _ia_, already. + _tertre_, a small hill. + + P. xxxiv. _adresse_, a cross-path. + _huy_, just before; _lit._ this day. Lat. _hodiè_. + _se pasme_, swoons. + _leans_, thither. + + P. xxxv. _ores_, now. + _huy_, to-day. + _preudhomme_, a wise and prudent man. + _lottroye_, permits him. + _tref_, tent. + _nenny_, no! + _ains_, before. + _guerpiront_, will leave. + _deduys_, amusements, diversions. + + P. xxxvi. _leans_, there. + _gerrez_, will lie. + _las_, tired. + _Ains_, but. + + P. xxxvii. _semondray_, shall ask. + _esbahy_, amazed. + _tollez_, take away. + _creanca_, promised. + _lees_, wide, full. + _lices_, lists. + + P. xxxviii. _emmy le pas_, in the midst of the passage. + _hucher_, to cry aloud. + + P. xxxix. _lieue_, lifts. + _saisine_, disposal. + _enseignes_, tokens. + _aincoys_, first of all. + + P. xl. _oncques mes_, never. + _a resiouyr_ (_réjouir_), in amusing. + _escondiroye_, will refuse. + _me poyse_, it troubles me. + _pieca_, long ago. + _se embronche_, covers his face. + + P. xli. _sen esueillerent_, awoke thereat. + _Adonc_, then. + _riens forfait_, anyway injured. + + P. xlii. _ne me mescreez mye que_, do not doubt me more than. + + P. xliii. _doint_, gives, were to give. + + P. xliv. _mesgnie_, properly the _suite_ or household of a prince; see + Roquefort s.v. _magnie_ and _maignee_. + _nef_, a boat. + _loue_, advise. + + P. xlv. _vous esmayez_, afflict yourself. + _courrouce_, wroth, displeased. + + P. xlvi. _vergier_, orchard. + _aual_, below. + _se embroncha_, she veiled herself, or, hid herself. + _iouxte_, beside. + + P. xlvii. _maintes_, many. + _ot_, heard. + _len prise mieulx_, esteemed it better. + _loe_, praises. + _deffera_, dis-ironed, drew the weapons out of. + _lestrief_, the stirrup. + + P. xlviii. _leans_ (_la dédans_), there. + _belif_. We find in Cotgrave’s French Dictionary, “_Belic_, a kind + of red or geueles, in Blazon.” + _enseignes_, tokens, message. + + P. xlix. _mestier_, serviceable. + _dillec_, thence. + _pourneant_, for nothing, in vain. + _voire_, truly. + _commanday a dieu_, commended to God, bade farewell. + + P. li. _mestier en est_, there is need of it. + _greigneur bien_, exceedingly well, very highly. + + P. lii. _greigneure_, greater. + _anuytoit_, became night. + _ie me doibz pener_, I ought to take pains. + + P. liii. _ouen_, this year. + + + + + The Romans + of + Lancelot of the Laik. + + +[PROLOGUE.] + + [Sidenote: In April, when the fresh luminary upriseth,] + ++THe ſoft morow ande The luſtee Aperill, [Fol. 1.] + The wynt{er} set, the stormys in exill, + Quhen that the bry{ch}t {and} freſch illumynare + Upriſith arly in his fyre chare 4 + His hot courß in to the orient, + [Sidenote: and sendeth from his sphere his golden streams,] + And frome h{is} ſpere his goldine ſtremis sent + Wpone the grond, in man{er} off meſag, + One eu{er}y thing to valkyne thar curage, 8 + That natur haith set wnd{er} hire mycht, + Boith gyrß, and flour, {and} eu{er}y luſty vicht: + And namly thame that felith the aſſay + Of lufe, to ſchew the kalendis of may, 12 + Throw birdis ſonge w{i}t{h} opine wox one hy, + That ſeſſit not one lufar{is} for to cry, + Leſt thai forȝhet, throw ſlewth of Ignorans, + The old wſage of lowis obſ{er}uans. 16 + +[Headnote: THE POET BEWAILS HIS LOT.] + + [Sidenote: and when I espy his bright face,] + And from̅e I can the bricht face aſſpy, + It deuit me no langare fore to ly, + Nore that loue schuld ſleuth In to me finde, + [Sidenote: I walk forth, bewailing my sad life.] + Bot walkine furth, bewalinge in my mynde 20 + the dredful lyve endurit al to longe, + Sufferans in loue of ſorouful harmys ſtronge, + The ſcharpe dais and the hewy ȝerys, + Quhill phebus thris haith paſſith al h{is} ſperis, 24 + Vithoutine hope ore traiſtinge of comfort; + So be such meine fatit was my sort. + Thus in my ſaull Rolinge al my wo, + [Sidenote: The sword of love carves my heart.] + My carful hart carwing cañ In two 28 + The derdful ſuerd of lowis hot diſſire; + So be the morow set I was a-fyre + In felinge of the acceß hot {and} colde, + That haith my hart in ſich a fevir holde, 32 + Only to me thare was noñe vthir eß + Bot thinkine qhow I ſchulde my lady pleß. + The ſcharp aſſay and ek the Inwart peine + Of dowblit wo me neulyng{is} cañ conſtrein, 36 + Quhen that I have remembrit one my tho{ch}t + [Sidenote: My lady knoweth not how I am wobegone.] + How sche, quhois bewte al my harm̅ haith wrocht, + Ne knouith not how I ame wo begoñe, [Fol. 1b.] + Nor how that I ame of hire ſ{er}uand{is} oñe; 40 + And in my ſelf I cañ nocht fynde the meyne + In to quhat wyß I ſal my wo compleine. + [Sidenote: I walked thus in the field, and came to a well-beseen + garden.] + Thus in the feild I walkith to {and} froo, + As tho{ch}tful wicht that felt of no{ch}t bot woo, 44 + Syne to o gardinge, that weß weil beſeñ, + Of quiche the feild was al depaynt w{i}t{h} greñ. + The tendyre and the luſty flour{is} new + Up thrōue the greñ vpone thar ſtalk{is} grew 48 + Aȝhane the ſone, and thare levis ſpred, + Quharw{i}t{h} that al the gardinge was I-clede; + That pryapus, in to his tyme before, + In o luſtear walkith nevir more; 52 + [Sidenote: It was closely environed with leaves.] + And al about enweronyt and Icloſit + One ſich o wyß, that none w{i}t{h}in ſuppoſit + Fore to be ſeñ w{i}t{h} ony vicht thare owt; + So dide the levis cloſ it[T1] all about. 56 + Thar was the flour, thar was the queñ alpheſt,[T2] + Ry{ch}t wering being of the ny{ch}t{is} reſt, + Wncloſi{n}g gañe the crownel for the day; + [Sidenote: The sun illumined the sprays;] + The bry{ch}t ſone illumynit haith the ſpray, 60 + The ny{ch}t{is} ſobir ande the moſt ſchowr{is}, + As criſtoll terys w{i}t{h}hong vpone the flour{is}, + Haith vpwarpith In the luſty aire, + The morow makith soft, ameyne, and faire; 64 + [Sidenote: the birds sang till the woods resounded;] + And the byrd{is} thar my{ch}ty voce out-throng, + Quhill al the wood reſonite of thar ſonge, + That gret confort till ony vicht It wer + That pleſſith thame of luſtenes to here. 68 + Bot gladneß til the tho{ch}tful, eu{er} mo + The more he ſeith, the more he haith of wo. + [Sidenote: the garden was adorned with flowers.] + + [Footnote T1: MS. “cloſit.”] + [Footnote T2: May we read “alcest”?] + +[Headnote: HE SEES A VISION OF A GREEN BIRD.] + + Thar was the garding w{i}t{h} the flour{is} ourfret, + Quich is in poſy fore my lady set, 72 + That hire Repreſent to me oft befor, + {And} thane alſo; thus al day gan be ſor[T3] + Of tho{ch}t my goſt w{i}t{h} torment occupy, 75 + That I becam̅e In to one exaſy, [Fol. 2.] + Ore ſlep, or how I wot; bot ſo befell + My wo haith done my livis goſt expell, + And in ſich wiß weil long I can endwr, + So me betid o wondir aventur. 80 + [Sidenote: I fell there into an ecstasy or sleep, + and saw in my dream a green bird, who said:] + As I thus lay, Ry{ch}t to my ſpreit vas ſeñ + A birde, yat was as ony lawrare greñ, + A-licht, and ſayth in to hir bird{is} chere; + + [Footnote T3: MS. “beſor.”] + +[Headnote: THE BIRD’S MESSAGE.] + + “O woful wrech, that levis in to were! 84 + To ſchew the thus the god of loue me ſent, + That of thi ſ{er}uice no thing is content, + [Sidenote: “The God of Love is discontent with thee.] + For in his court yhoue lewith i{n} diſſpar, + And vilfully suſtenis al thi care, 88 + And ſchapith no thinge of thine awn remede, + Bot clepith ay and cryith apone dede. + Yhow callith the bird{is} be morow fro thar bour{is}, + Yhoue devith boith the erbis and the flour{is}, 92 + And clepit hyme vnfaithful king of lowe, + Yow dewith hyme in to h{is} rigne abufe, + Yhow tempith hyme, yhoue doith thi ſelf no gud, + Yhoue are o moñ of wit al deſtitude. 96 + [Sidenote: You are destitute of wit.] + Wot yhoue no{ch}t that al liwis creatwre + Haith of thi wo i{n} to h{is} hand the cwre? + [Sidenote: Though you call on trees, your lady hears not.] + And ſet yhoue clep one erbis and one treis, + Sche her{is} not thi wo, nore ȝhit ſche ſeis; 100 + For none may know the dirkneß of thi tho{ch}t, + Ne blamyth h{er} thi wo ſche knowith no{ch}t. + And It is weil accordinge It be so + He ſuffir harme, that to redreß h{is} wo 104 + Previdith not; for long ore he be ſonde, + Holl of his leich, that ſchewith not h{is} vound. + [Sidenote: Ovid says it is better to shew, than to conceal love.] + And of owid ye autor ſchall yhow knaw + Of lufe that ſeith, for to conſel or ſchow, 108 + The laſt he clepith althir-beſt of two; + And that is ſuth, and ſal be eu{er} mo. + And loue alſo haith chargit me to ſay, 111 + Set yhoue preſume, ore beleif, ye aſſay [Fol. 2b.] + Of his ſ{er}uice, as It wil ryne ore go, + Preſwme It not, fore It wil not be so; + Al magre thine a ſ{er}uand ſchal yow bee. + [Sidenote: As touching thine adversity, seek the remedy.”] + And as tueching thine adu{er}ſytee, 116 + Complen and sek of the ramed, the cwre, + Ore, gif yhow likith, furth thi wo endure.” + And, as me tho{ch}t, I anſuerde aȝaiñe + [Sidenote: Then answered I:] + Thus to the byrde, in word{is} ſchort and plane: 120 + “It ganyth not, as I have harde Recorde, + The ſ{er}uand for to diſput w{i}t{h} ye lord; + [Sidenote: “Love knows the reason of my wo.”] + Bot well he knowith of al my vo the quhy, + And in quhat wyß he hath me ſet, quhar I 124 + Nore may I not, nore can I not attane, + Nore to hir hienes dare I not complane.” + [Sidenote: “Fool,” said the bird, “despair not;] + “Ful!” q{uo}d the bird, “lat be thi nyß diſpare, + For in this erith no lady is ſo fare, 128 + So hie eſtat, nore of ſo gret empriß, + That in hire ſelf haith viſdome ore gentrice, + Yf that o wicht, that worthy is to be + Of lovis court, ſchew til hir that he 132 + Seruith hire in lovis hartly wyß, + That ſchall thar for hyme hating or diſpiß. + +[Headnote: SHE BIDS HIM WRITE A POEM.] + + [Sidenote: the God of Love charges thee to speak out your love, or + else to write thy plaint;] + The god of love thus chargit the, at ſchort, + That to thi lady yhoue thi wo Report; 136 + Yf yhoue may not, thi plant ſchall yhov vrit. + Se, as yhoue cane, be man{er} oft endit + In metir, quhich that no ma{n} haith ſuſſpek, + Set oft tyme thai contenyng gret effecc; 140 + Thus one ſume wyß yhow ſchal thi wo dwclar. + And, for thir ſedulis and thir billis are + So gen{er}all, and ek ſo ſchort at lyte, + And ſwme of thai{m} is loſt the appetit, 144 + [Sidenote: write, then, some treatise for her to read;] + Sum trety ſchall yhoue for yi lady ſak, + That wnkouth is, als tak one hand and mak, + Of love, ore armys, or of ſu{m} othir thing, + That may hir one to thi Reme{m}bry{n}g brynge; 148 + Qwich ſoundith Not one to no hewynes, [Fol. 3.] + Bot one to gladneß and to luſteneß, + [Sidenote: one that may please her and get her thanks.] + That yhoue belevis may thi lady pleß, + To have hir thonk and be one to hir eß; 152 + That ſche may wit in ſ{er}uice yhow art one. + [Sidenote: Farewell, and be merry.”] + Faire weil,” q{uo}d ſche, “thus ſchal yhow the diſpone, + And mak thi ſelf als mery as yhoue may, + It helpith not thus fore to wex al way.” 156 + W{i}t{h} that, the bird ſche haith hir leif tak, + [Sidenote: Thereon I awoke, and wondered what it might mean.] + For fere of quich I can onone to wak; + Sche was ago, and to my ſelf tho{ch}t I + Quhat may yis meyne? quhat may this ſig{n}ify? 160 + Is It of troucht, or of Illuſioune? + +[Headnote: HE RESOLVES TO DO SO.] + + Bot finaly, as in concluſioune, + Be as be may, I ſchal me not discharge, + Sen It apperith be of lovis charg; 164 + And ek myne hart noñe othir biſſynes + Haith bot my ladice ſ{er}uice, as I geß; + [Sidenote: I determined to take in hand this occupation.] + Among al vther{is} I ſchal one honde tak + This litil occupatioune for hire ſak. 168 + Bot hyme I pray, the my{ch}ty gode of loue, + That ſitith hie in to his ſpir abuf, + (At {com}mand of o wyß quhois viſioune + My goſt haith takin this opvnioune,) 172 + That my lawboure may to my lady pleß + And do wnto hir ladeſchip ſu{m} eß, + So that my t{ra}uell be no{ch}t tynt, and I + Quhat vther{is} ſay ſetith nothing by. 176 + [Sidenote: I know it will but hurt my name, when men hear my feeble + negligence.] + For wel I know that, be this world{is} fam̅e. + It ſchal not be bot hurting to my nam̅e, + Quhen that thai here my febil negligens, + That empit is, and bare of eloquens, 180 + Of diſcreſſiou{n}e, and ek of Retoryk; + The metire and the cu{n}ing both elyk + So fere diſcording frome p{er}fecciou{n}e; + [Sidenote: I submit my poem to the correction of the wise;] + Q{uhil}k I ſubmyt to the correcciou{n}e 184 + Of yai{m} the quhich that is diſcret {and} wyß, + And ent{er}it is of loue in the ſ{er}uice; + Quhich knouyth that no lovare dare w{i}t{h}ſtonde, [Fol. 3b.] + Quhat loue hyme chargit he mot tak one honde, 188 + Deith, or defam̅, or ony man{er} wo; + And at this tyme w{i}t{h} me It ſtant ry{ch}t ſo, + [Sidenote: for I dare not oppose Love’s command.] + As I that dar makine no demande + To quhat I wot It lykith loue co{m}mande. 192 + Tueching his charg{is}, as w{i}t{h} al deſtitut, + W{i}t{h}in my mynd ſchortly I conclud + For to fulfyll, for ned I mot do ſo. + +[Headnote: HE THINKS OF THE STORY OF LANCELOT.] + + [Sidenote: At last I thought of the story of “Lancelot of the + Lake,”] + + Thane in my tho{ch}t rolling to and fro 196 + Quhare that I my{hc}t ſu{m} wnkouth mat{er} fynde, + Quhill at ye laſt it fell in to my mynd + Of o ſtory, that I befor had ſene, + That boith of loue and armys can conteñ, 200 + Was of o kny{ch}t clepit lancelot of ye laik, + The ſone of bane was, king of albanak; + Of quhois fame {and} worſchipful dedis + Clerk{is} in to diu{er}ß buk{is} red{is}, 204 + [Sidenote: of whom I here think to write something.] + Of quhome I thynk her ſu{m} thing for to writ + At louis charge, and as I cane, endit; + Set me{n} tharin ſal by exp{er}iens + Know my conſait, and al my negligens. 208 + [Sidenote: But because my ignorance cannot comprehend the French + romance,] + Bot for that ſtory is ſo paſing larg, + One to my wit It war ſo gret o charg + For to tranſlait the romans of that kny{ch}t; + It paſſith fare my cu{n}yng and my mycht, 212 + Myne Ignorans may It not comp{re}hende; + +[Headnote: HE BRIEFLY ENUMERATES / LANCELOT’S EARLY DEEDS.] + + [Sidenote: I shall not tell how he was born;] + Quharfor thare one I wil me not depend + How he was borne, nor how his fad{er} deid + And ek his mod{er}, nore how he was denyed 216 + Eft{er} thare deth, p{re}ſumyng he was ded, + [Sidenote: nor how he was nourished by the Lady of the Lake;] + Of al ye lond, nore how he fra that ſtede + In sacret wyß wnwyſt away was tak, + And nwriſt w{i}t{h} ye lady of ye lak. 220 + [Sidenote: nor how he was brought to Arthur’s court,] + Nor, in his ȝouth, think I not to tell + The aue{n}tour{is}, quhich to hyme befell; + Nor how the lady of the laik hyme had + One to the court, quhare that he kny{ch}t was mad; 224 + None wiſt his nome, nore how that he was tak [Fol. 4.] + By loue, and was Iwondit to the ſtak, + [Sidenote: and pierced to the heart by the beauty of Wanore + (Guinevere),] + And throuch {and} throuch perſit to ye hart, + That al his tyme he cout{h} It not aſtart; 228 + For thare of loue he ent{er}it in ſ{er}uice, + Of wanore throuch the beute and franchis, + [Sidenote: for whose service he wrought many wonders;] + Throuch quhois ſ{er}uice in armys he has vro{ch}t + Mony wond{er}is, and p{er}ell{is} he has socht. 232 + Nor how he thor, in to his ȝoung curage, + [Sidenote: nor how he made a vow to revenge a wounded knight,] + Hath maid awoue, and in to louis rage, + In the rewenging of o wondit kny{ch}t + That cu{m}yne was in to the court that ny{ch}t; 236 + [Sidenote: who had a broken sword in his head, and a truncheon of + a broken spear in his body;] + In to his hed a brokin[T4] ſuerd had he, + And in his body alſo my{ch}t me{n} see + The tronſione of o brokine ſper that was, + Quhich no ma{n} out dedenyt to aras; 240 + Nor how he haith the wapnis out tak, + And his awow apone this wis can mak, + That he ſchuld hyme Reweng at h{is} poware + One eu{er}y kny{ch}t that louith the hurtare 244 + Bett{er} thane hyme, the quhich that vas Iwond. + Throw quich awoue in armys hath ben founde + [Sidenote: a vow which caused the death of many a wight warrior;] + The deth of mo{n}y wereoure ful wicht;[T5] + + [Footnote T4: MS. “abrokin.”] + [Footnote T5: The MS. wrongly transposes ll. 247 and 248.] + + For, fro tho wow was knowing of the kny{ch}t, 248 + Thare was ful mony o paſage in the londe + By me{n} of armys kepit to withſtond + This kny{ch}t, of quhome thai ben al set afyre + Thai{m} to reweng in armys of deſir. 252 + [Sidenote: or how he and Sir Kay were sent to defend the lady of + Nohalt;] + Nor how that thane in{con}tyne{n}t was ſend + He and ſ{ir} kay togidd{er} to defend + The lady of nohalt, nor how that hee + Gou{er}nit hyme thare, nore in quhat degre. 256 + Nor how the gret paſing vaſſolag + He eſcheuit, thrōue the outragouß curag, + [Sidenote: or how he conquered the Sorrowful Castle;] + In conquiryng of the sorowful caſtell. + Nor how he paſſith dou{n}e in the cauis fell, 260 + And furth ye keys of Inchantme{n}t bro{ch}t, + That al diſtroyt quhich that thare vas vro{ch}t. + [Sidenote: or how he rescued Sir Gawane and his nine fellows;] + Nore howe that he reſkewit ſ{ir} gawane, [Fol. 4b.] + W{i}t{h} h{is} ix falouß in to preſone tane; 264 + Nore mony vthere diu{er}ß aduenture, + Quhich to report I tak not in my cwre, + [Sidenote: nor of the many “assemblies” Gawane held to find out + his name;] + Nor mony aſſemblay that gawane gart be maid + To wit h{is} name; nor how that he hyme hade 268 + Wnwiſt, and hath the worſchip {and} empriß; + Nor of the kny{ch}t{is} in to mony[T6] diu{er}ß wyß + Throuch his awoue that hath thare dethis found; + + [Footnote T6: We should perhaps omit “mony.”] + + [Sidenote: nor of his suffering caused by love’s wound;] + Nor of the ſufferans that by louis wounde 272 + He in his trawel ſufferith au{er} more; + Nor in the quenis p{rese}ns how tharfor + [Sidenote: nor how he was nearly drowned at Camelot;] + By camelot, in to that gret Revare, + He was ner dround. I wil It not declare 276 + How that he was in louis hewy tho{ch}t + [Sidenote: nor how he was brought to court by Dagenet;] + By dagenet in to the court I-bro{ch}t; + Nor how the kny{ch}t that tyme he cane p{er}ſew, + [Sidenote: nor of the giants he slew at Camelot;] + Nor of the gyant{is} by camelot he ſlew; 280 + Nor wil I not her tell the man{er} how + He ſlew o kny{ch}t, by nat{ur} of his wow, + [Sidenote: nor how he slew a knight of Melyholt;] + Off melyholt; nore how in to that toune + Thar came one hyme o gret confuſione 284 + Of pupil {and} [of] kny{ch}t{is}, al enarmyt, + [Sidenote: and there defended himself against a crowd;] + Nor how he thar haith kepit hyme wnharmyt; + Nor of his worſchip, nor of h{is} gret prowes, + Nor his defens of armys in the pres. 288 + [Sidenote: whereupon the lady of Melyhalt prayed him to yield his + sword to her; and kept him in her power.] + Nor how the lady of melyhalt y{a}t ſche + Came to the feild, and pray[i]th hyme that he + As to o lady to hir[T7] his ſuerd hath ȝold, + Nor how he was in to hir keping hold; 292 + + [Footnote T7: MS. “his.”] + + And mony vthir nobil deid alſo + I wil report quharfor I lat ourgo. + [Sidenote: Whoever likes, might make of these things a long story.] + For quho thai{m} lykith for to ſpecyfy, + Of one of thai{m} my{ch}t mak o gret ſtory; 296 + Nor thing I not of his hye renōwn + My febil wit to makin menſioune; + [Sidenote: But I think to tell of the wars between Arthur and + Galiot;] + Bot of the wer{is} that was ſcharp {and} ſtrong, + Richt p{er}ellouß, and hath enduryt long, 300 + Of Arthur In defending of his lond [Fol. 5.] + Frome galiot, ſone of the fair gyonde, + That bro{ch}t of kny{ch}t{is} o paſing confluens; + [Sidenote: wherein Lancelot won renown by his defence of Arthur;] + And how lancelot of arthur{is} hol defens 304 + And of the ver{is} berith the renowñ; + And how he be the wais of fortou{n}e + [Sidenote: and at last made peace between the two princes.] + Tuex the two princ{is} makith the accorde, + Of al there mortall wer{is} to concorde; 308 + [Sidenote: I shall also tell how Venus rewarded him.] + And how that venus, ſiting hie abuf, + Reuardith hyme of trauell in to loue, + And makith hyme his ladice grace to have, + And thankfully his ſ{er}uice cane reſave; 312 + This is the mat{er} quhich I think to tell. + Bot ſtil he mot ry{ch}t w{i}t{h} the lady duell, + Quhill tyme cu{m} eft that we ſchal of hy{m} ſpek. + [Sidenote: My summary must end for the present.] + This p{ro}ceß [now] mot cloſine beñ and ſtek; 316 + And furth I wil one to my mat{er} go. + +[Headnote: THE DEDICATION.] + + [Sidenote: But I pray for the support of a very great poet,] + Bot first I pray, and I beſek also, + One to the moſt conpilour to ſupport, + Flour of poyet{is}, quhois nome I wil report 320 + To me nor to noñ vthir It accordit, + [Sidenote: whose name I may not mention;] + In to our rymyng his nam̅ to be recordit; + For ſum ſuld deme It of preſumpſioune, + [Sidenote: for our riming is but derision, when his excellence is + remembered.] + And ek our rymyng is al bot deryſioune, 324 + Quhen that reme{m}brit is his excellens, + So hie abuf that ſtant in reu{er}ans. + Ye freſch enditing of h{is} laiting toung + [Sidenote: The world knows his eloquence in inditing Latin;] + Out throuch yis world ſo wid is yroung, 328 + Of eloquens, and ek of retoryk; + Nor is, nor was, nore neu{er} beith hyme lyk, + [Sidenote: and none can ever gladden the world like him:] + This world gladith of h{is} ſuet poetry. + His ſaul I blyß conſeruyt be for-thy; 332 + [Sidenote: to him be the thanks for my success.] + And yf that ony lusty terme I wryt + He haith the thonk y{er}of, {and} this endit. + +EXPLICIT P{RO}LOG{US}, ET INCIPIT P{RI}M{US} LIBER. + + +[Headnote: ARTHUR AT CARLISLE.] + +[BOOK I.] + + [Sidenote: When Titan, being in Aries, had apparelled the fields,] + ++Quhen [that] tytan, withe his lusty heit, [Fol. 5b.] + Twenty dais In to the aryeit 336 + Haith maid his courß, and all with diu{er}ß hewis + Aparalit haith the feldis and the bewis; + [Sidenote: and birds began to make their bowers;] + The bird{is} amyd the erbis {and} the flour{is}, + And one the branchis, makyne gone thar bour{is}, 340 + And be the morow ſinging in ther chere + Welcum to the luſty ſeſſone of the ȝere. + In to this tyme the worthi conqueroure + [Sidenote: king Arthur was at Carlisle.] + Arthure, wich had of al this worlde the floure 344 + Of cheuelry auerding to his crown, + So paſing war his kny{ch}t{is} in renoune, + Was at carlill; and hapy{n}nit ſo that hee + Soiornyt well long in that faire cuntree. 348 + [Sidenote: His knights, hearing of no adventure, were annoyed.] + In to whilk tyme In to the court thai heire + None awenture, for wich the knyght{is} weire + Anoit all at the abiding thare. + For-why, beholding one the ſobir ayre 352 + And of the tyme the paſing luſtynes, + Can ſo thir knyghtly hart{is} to encreß, + [Sidenote: They therefore sent Sir Kay to pray the king to go to + Camelot.] + That thei ſhir kay one to the king haith ſende, + Beſeiching hyme he wold wichſaif to wende 356 + To camelot the Cetee, whare that thei + Ware wont to heryng of armys day be day. + The king forſuth, heryng thare entent, + To thare deſir, be ſchort awyſment, 360 + [Sidenote: The king proposed to do so on the morrow.] + Ygrantid haith; and ſo the king p{ro}ponit + And for to pas hyme one[T8] the morne diſponit. + + [Footnote T8: MS. “to pas one hyme one,” with first “one” + lightly crossed out.] + +[Headnote: ARTHUR’S TWO DREAMS.] + + Bot ſo befell hyme [on] that nycht to meit + An aperans, the wich one to his ſpreit 364 + [Sidenote: That night he dreamt that his hair all fell off;] + It ſemyth that of al his hed ye hore + Of fallith and maid deſolat; wharfore + The king therof was pensyve in his mynd, + That al the day he couth no reſting fynde, 368 + [Sidenote: which made him delay his journey.] + Wich makith hyme his Iorneye to delaye. + And ſo befell apone the thrid day, + The bricht ſone, paſing in the weſt, + Haith maid his courß, and al thing goith to Reſt; 372 + [Sidenote: Again he dreamt, that his bowels fell out, and lay beside + him.] + The king, ſo as the ſtory can dewyß, + He thoght aȝeine, apone the ſamyne wyß, + His vombe out fallith vith his hoil syde [Fol. 6.] + Apone the ground, {and} liging hyme beſid; 376 + Throw wich anon out of his ſlep he ſtert, + Abaſit and adred in to his hart. + [Sidenote: He told the queen, who answered, “No man should respect + vain dreams.”] + The wich be morow one to the qwen he told, + And ſhe aȝeine to hyme haith anſuer ȝolde; 380 + “To dremys, ſ{ir}, ſhuld no man have Reſpek, + For thei ben thing{is} weyn, of non affek.” + “Well,” q{uo}d the king, “god grant It ſo befall!” + +[Headnote: HE SENDS FOR HIS CLERKS.] + + [Sidenote: The king next shewed his dream to a clerk,] + Arly he roß, and gert one to hyme call 384 + O clerk, to whome that al his hewynes + Tweching his drem ſhewith he expreß, + [Sidenote: who said, “Sir, such things testify nothing.”] + Wich anſuer yaf and ſeith one to the kinge; + “Shir, no Record lyith to ſuch thing; 388 + Wharfor now, ſhir, I praye yow tak no kep, + Nore traiſt in to the vanyteis of slep; + For thei are thing{is} that aſkith no credens, + But cauſith of ſum maner influe{n}s, 392 + Empriß of thoght, ore ſup{er}fleuytee, + Or than ſum othir caſualytee.” + [Sidenote: “Yet,” replied he, “I shall not leave it so.”] + “Ȝit,” q{uo}d the king, “I ſal no{ch}t leif It so;” + And furth he chargit meſinger{is} to go 396 + Throgh al his Realm, w{i}t{h}outen more demande, + [Sidenote: He bade all the bishops and clergy come to Camelot + within twenty days.] + And bad them ſtratly at thei ſhulde comande + All the biſhopes, and makyng no delay + The ſhuld appere be the tuenty day 400 + At camelot, with al thar hol clergy + That moſt expert war, for to certefye + A mat{er} tueching to his goſt be nyght; + The meſag goith furth with the l{ett}res Right. 404 + + ++The king eft ſone, w{i}t{h}in a litill ſpace, + His Iornay makith haith frome place to place, + [Sidenote: He goes to Camelot, and finds the clerks assembled.] + Whill that he cam to camelot; and there + The clerk{is} all, as that the chargit were, 408 + Aſſemblit war, and came to his preſens, + Of his deſir to viting the ſentens. + To them that war to hyme moſt ſpeciall + Furth his entent ſhauyth he al hall; 412 + [Sidenote: He discloses all to the ten that are most expert,] + By whois conſeil, of the worthieſt + He cheſith ten, yclepit for the beſt, + And moſt expert and wiſeſt was ſuppoſit, 415 + To qwhome his drem all hail he haith diſcloſſit; [Fol. 6b.] + The houre, the nyght, and al the c{er}cumſtans; + [Sidenote: and beseeches them to explain the dreams.] + Beſichyne them that the ſignifycans + Thei wald hyme ſhaw, that he my{ch}t reſting fynde + Of It, the wich that occupeid his mynde. 420 + [Sidenote: One of them asks for nine days to advise upon the + matter.] + And one of them with[T9] al ther holl aſſent + Saith, “ſhire, fore to declare our entent + Vpone this matere, ye wil ws delay + Fore to awyſing one to the ix day.” 424 + The king ther-to grantith haith, bot hee + [Sidenote: The king complies, but shuts them up in a strong place.] + In to o place, that ſtrong was and hye, + He cloſith them, whare thei may no whare get, + Vn to the day, the wich he to them set. 428 + Than goith the clerk{is} ſadly to awyß + Of this mat{er}, to ſeing in what wyß + The king{is} drem thei ſhal beſt ſpecefy. + [Sidenote: The masters of astronomy fetch their books,] + And than the maiſtris of aſtronomy 432 + The book{is} longyne to ther artis set;[T10] + Not was the buk{is} of arachell forget, + Of nembrot, of danȝhelome, thei two, + Of moyſes, {and} of herynes all soo; 436 + [Sidenote: and calculate the disposition of the planets.] + And ſeking be ther calcolaciou{n}e + To fynd the planet{is} diſpoſiciou{n}e, + The wich thei fond ware wond{er} ewill yſet + The ſamyne nyght the king his ſweuen met. 440 + + [Footnote T9: MS. “saith with” (with a very slight scratch + through “saith”).] + [Footnote T10: So in MS. Read “fet.”] + +[Headnote: THEY REFUSE TO EXPLAIN THEM.] + + So ner the point ſocht thei have the thing, + [Sidenote: They found the matter heavy for the king, and doubted if + they should tell him so.] + Thei fond It wond{er} hewy to the king, + Of wich thing thei waryng in to were + To ſhew the king, for dreid of his danger. 444 + Of ane accorde thei planly haue p{ro}ponit + No worde to ſhow, and ſo thei them diſponit. + [Sidenote: Being sent for,] + The day is cu{m}yng, and he haith fore them ſent, + Beſichyne them to ſhewing ther entent. 448 + [Sidenote: they all spake, “Sir, we can find no evidence.”] + Than ſpak they all, and that of an accorde; + “Shir, of this thing we can no thing Recorde, + For we can noght fynd in til our ſciens + Tweching this mater ony ewydens.” 452 + [Sidenote: “Ere we part,” quoth the king, “ye shall witness + something.”] + “Now,” q{uo}d the king, “and be the glorius lorde, + Or we depart ye ſhall ſum thing recorde; + So pas yhe not, nor ſo It ſall not bee.” + “Than,” q{uo}d the clerk{is}, “grant ws dais three.” 456 + [Sidenote: He grants them three days more.] + The wich he grantid them, and but delay, [Fol. 7.] + The term paſſith, no thing wold the ſay, + Wharof the king ſtondith heuy cherith, + And to the clerk{is} his viſag ſo apperith, 460 + That all thei dred them of the king{is} myght. + [Sidenote: They pray for a further delay of three days.] + Than ſaith o clerk, “s{ir}, as the thrid nyght + Ye dremyt, ſo [now] giffis ws delay + The thrid tyme, and to the thrid day.” 464 + By whilk tyme thei fundyng haith the ende + Of this mater, als far as ſhal depend + To ther ſciens; yit can thei not awyß + To ſchewing to the king be ony wyß. 468 + [Sidenote: They still refuse to declare their thought.] + The day is cum, the king haith them beſocht, + But one no wyß thei wald declar ther thoght; + Than was he wroth in to his ſelf and noyt, + [Sidenote: The king vows to destroy them;] + And maid his wow that thei ſhal[T11] ben diſtroyt. 472 + His baronis he co{m}mandit to gar tak + Fyve of them one to the fir-ſtak, + And vther fyue be to the gibbot tone; + And the furth w{i}t{h} the king{is} charg ar gone. 476 + [Sidenote: but secretly charges his knights not to harm them.] + He bad them in to ſecret wyß that thei + Shud do no harm, but only them aßey. + The clark{is}, dredful of the king{is} Ire, + And ſaw the p{er}ell of deth and of the fyre, 480 + Fyve, as thei can, has grantit to record; + That vther herde and ben of ther accorde; + And al thei ben yled one to the king, + [Sidenote: They yield at last, and say,] + And ſhew hyme thus as tueching of this thing. 484 + + [Footnote T11: MS. “ſhat.”] + +[Headnote: INTERPRETATION OF THE DREAMS.] + + “Shir, ſen that we conſtrenyt ar by myght + To ſhaw that wich[T12] we knaw no thing aricht; + For thing to cum preſeruith It allan + To hyme the wich is euery thing c{er}tañ, 488 + Excep the thing that til our knawleg hee + Hath ordynat of certan for to bee; + Therfor, ſhir king, we your magnificens + Beſeich It turne till ws to non offens, 492 + [Sidenote: “Hold us not as liars, though it happen not as we say.] + Nor hald was no{ch}t as lear{is}, thoght It fall + Not in this mat{er}, as that we telen ſhall.” + And that the king haith grantit them, {and} thei + Has chargit one, that one this wiß ſall ſeye. 496 + “Preſumyth, ſhir, that we have fundyne so; + [Sidenote: You must forego all earthly honour;] + All erdly honore ye nedis[T13] moſt for-go, + [Sidenote: and those on whom you most rely, will fail you.”] + And them the wich ye moſt affy in-tyll [Fol. 7b.] + Shal failye ȝow, magre of ther will; 500 + And thus we haue in to this matere founde.” + The king, quhois hart was al wyth dred ybownd, + And aſkit at the clerk{is}, if thei fynde + By there clergy, that ſtant i{n} ony kynde 504 + [Sidenote: The king asks if his destiny can be altered.] + Of poſſibilitee, fore to reforme + His deſteny, that ſtud in ſuch a forme; + If in the hewyne Is preordynat + On ſuch o wiß his honor to tranſlat. 508 + The clerk{is} ſaith, “forſuth, and we haue ſene + [Sidenote: They reply, that the matter is dark.] + O thing whar-of, if we the trouth ſhal meñ, + Is ſo obſcure and dyrk til our clergye, + That we wat not what It ſhal ſignefye, 512 + Wich cauſith ws we can It not furth ſay.” + “Yis,” q{uo}d the king, “as lykith yow ye may, + For wers than this can nat be ſaid for me.” + + [Footnote T12: MS. “wich that.”] + [Footnote T13: MS. “nediſt;” but see l. 518.] + +[Headnote: THE CLERKS GIVE MYSTERIOUS ADVICE.] + + [Sidenote: A master says, there is no help but in the true watery + lion, and in the leech, and in the flower.] + Thane ſaith o maiſtir, “than ſuthly th{us} finde we; 516 + Thar is no thing ſal ſucour nor reſkew, + Your worldly honore nedis moſt adew, + But throuch the watrye lyone {and} ek fyne, + On throuch the liche {and} ek the wattir ſyne, 520 + [Sidenote: God knows what this should mean.] + And throuch the conſeill of the flour; god wot + What this ſhude meñ, for mor ther-of we not.” + No word the king anſuerid ayane, + For al this reſone thinkith bot i{n} weyne. 524 + [Sidenote: The king shews no outward grief,] + He ſhawith outwart his contenans + As he therof takith no greuans; + [Sidenote: but is not rid of anxiety all night.] + But al the nyght it paſſid nat his thoght. + The dais courß w{i}t{h} ful deſir he ſocht, 528 + And furth he goith to bring his mynd i{n} reſt + [Sidenote: Next day he goes to the forest.] + W{i}t{h} mony O knyght vn to the gret foreſt; + The rachis gon wn-copelit for the deire, + That in the wodis makith nois {and} cheir: 532 + The knycht{is}, w{i}t{h} the grewhund{is} in aweit, + Secith boith the planis and the ſtreit. + [Sidenote: The chase.] + Doune goith the hart, doune goith the hynd alſo; + [In to the feld can ruſching to and fro][T14] 536 + The ſwift grewhund, hardy of aſſay; + Befor ther hedis no thing goith away. + The king of hunting takith haith his ſport, + [Sidenote: The king returns.] + And to his palace home he can Reſort, 540 + Ayan the noon; and as that he was set + [Sidenote: As they sit at meat, an aged knight enters, fully armed.] + Vith all his noble knyght{is} at the met, [Fol. 8.] + So cam ther in an agit knyght, {and} hee + Of gret eſſtat ſemyt for to bee; 544 + Anarmyt all, as tho It was the gyß, + And thus the king he ſaluſt, one this wiß, + + [Footnote T14: A line must here be lost, but there is nothing + to shew this in the MS. The inserted line is imitated from + l. 3293.] + +[Headnote: GALIOT’S MESSAGE.] + + [Sidenote: The knight’s message is that king Galiot bids Arthur to + yield to him his kingdom.] + ++“Shir king, one to yow am y ſende + Frome the worthieſt that i{n} world is kend, 548 + That leuyth now of his tyme and age, + Of manhed, wiſdome, {and} of hie curag, + Galiot, ſone of the fare gyande; + And thus, at ſhort, he bid{is} yow your londe 552 + Ye yald hyme our, w{i}t{h}out Impedyment; + Or of hyme holde, and if tribut and rent. + This is my charge at ſhort, whilk if youe leſt + For to fulfill, of al he haith conqueſt 556 + He ſais that he moſt tendir ſhal youe hald.” + +[Headnote: ARTHUR DEFIES GALIOT.] + + [Sidenote: The king refuses.] + By ſhort awys the king his anſuer yald; + “Shir kny{ch}t, your lorde wondir hie pretendis, + When he to me ſic ſalutatioune send{is}; 560 + For I as yit, in tymys that ar gone, + Held neu{er} lond excep of god alone, + Nore neu{er} thinkith til erthly lord to yef + Trybut nor rent, als long as I may lef.” 564 + [Sidenote: The knight replies, that his lord bids him defiance, and + will invade his land in a month;] + “Well,” q{uo}d the kny{ch}t, “ful ſor repentith me; + Non may reciſt the thing the wich mone bee. + To yow, ſ{ir} king, than frome my lord am I + With diffyans ſent, and be this reſone why; 568 + His purpos Is, or this day moneth day, + With all his oſt, planly to aſſay + Your lond, w{i}t{h} mony ma{n}ly man of were, + [Sidenote: not to return till he has conquered;] + And helmyt kny{ch}t{is}, boith with ſheld {and} ſpere; 572 + And neu{er} thinkith to retwrn home whill + That he this lond haith conqueſt at his will; + [Sidenote: and he intends to possess queen Vanour.] + And ek vanour the quen, of whome that hee + Herith report of al this world that ſhee 576 + In fairhed and in wertew doith excede, + He bad me ſay he think{is} to poſſede.” + [Sidenote: Arthur returns his defiance.] + “Schir,” q{uod} the king, “your meſag me behuf{is} + Of reſone and of curtaſy excuſß; 580 + But tueching to your lord {and} to his oſt, + His powar [and] his meſag and his boſt, + That pretendith my lond for to diſtroy, + Thar-of as ȝit tak I non anoye; 584 + And ſay your lord one my behalf, when hee [Fol. 8b.] + Haith tone my lond, that al the world ſhal see + That It ſhal be magre myne entent.” + [Sidenote: The knight departs, lamenting Arthur’s adventurous + spirit.] + With that the kny{ch}t, w{i}t{h}outen leif, is went, 588 + And richt as he was paſing to the dure, + He ſaith, “a gode![T15] what wykyt aduenture + Apperith!” w{i}t{h} that his hors he nome, + Two knicht{is} kepit, waiting h{is} outcome. 592 + + [Footnote T15: MS. “agod^e.”] + + The kni{ch}t is gon, the king he gan Inquere + At gawan, and at other kny{ch}t{is} sere, + [Sidenote: Arthur asks Gawane who Galiot is.] + If that thei knew or eu{er} hard recorde + Of galiot, and wharof he wes lorde; 596 + And ther was non among his kny{ch}t{is} all + Which anſuerd o word in to the hall. + Than galygantynis of walys raſe, + [Sidenote: Galygantynis of Wales replies,] + That trauelit in diu{er}ß lond{is} has, 600 + In mony kny{ch}tly aue{n}tur haith ben; + And to the king he ſaith, “ſ{ir}, I haue sen + Galiot, which is the fareſt kny{ch}t, + [Sidenote: that Galiot is the tallest knight by half a foot of all + he ever saw; that he is wise, liberal, humble,] + And hieſt be half a fut one hycht, 604 + That eu{er} I saw, and ek his me{n} accordith; + Hyme lakid no{ch}t that to a lord recordith. + For viſare of his ag is non than hee, + And ful of larges and humylytee; 608 + [Sidenote: courageous, and under xxiv years of age.] + An hart he haith of paſing hie curag, + And is not xxiiij ȝer of age, + And of his tyme mekil haith conquerit; + [Sidenote: Ten kings obey him.] + Ten king{is} at his {com}mand ar ſterit. 612 + He v{i}t{h} his me{n} ſo louit is, y geß, + That hyme to pleß is al ther beſynes. + Not ſay I this, ſ{ir}, in to ye entent + That he, nor none wnd{er} the firmame{n}t, 616 + Shal pouere haue ayane your maieſtee; + And or thei ſhuld, this y ſey for mee, + Rather I ſhall kny{ch}tly in to feild + Reſaue my deith anarmyt wnd{er} ſheld. 620 + This ſpek y leſt;”--the king, ayan the morn, + [Sidenote: The king goes again to the chase.] + Haith varnit huntar{is} baith with hund {and} horne, + And arly gan one to the foreſt ryd, + With mony manly knyght{is} by h{is} ſid, 624 + Hyme for to ſport and comfort w{i}t{h} the dere, + Set contrare was the ſeſone of y^e yere. + [Sidenote: He likes boar-hunting best.] + His moſt huntyng was atte wyld bore; + God wot a luſtye cuntree was It thoore, 628 [Fol. 9.] + In the ilk tyme! weil long this noble king + In to this lond haith maid his ſuiornyng; + +[Headnote: THE LADY OF MELYHALT’S MESSAGE.] + + [Sidenote: A messenger comes from the lady of Melyhalt,] + Frome the lady was send o meſinger + Of melyhalt, wich ſaith one this maner, 632 + As that the ſtory ſhewith by recorde: + + ++“TO yow, ſ{ir} king, as to hir ſou{er}an lorde, + My lady hath me chargit for to ſay + How that your lond ſtondith i{n} affray; 636 + [Sidenote: to say that Galiot has entered Arthur’s land,] + For galiot, ſone of the fare gyande, + Enterit Is by armys in your land, + And ſo the lond and cuntre he anoyth, + That quhar he goith planly he diſtroyth, 640 + And makith al obeiſand to his honde, + [Sidenote: and has conquered all but two castles belonging to his + mistress.] + That nocht is left wnconqueſt i{n} that lond, + Excep two caſtell{is} longing to hir cwre, + Wich to defend ſhe may no{ch}t long endure. 644 + Wharfor, ſ{ir}, in word{is} plan {and} ſhort, + Ye mon diſpone your folk for to ſupport.” + +[Headnote: ARTHUR’S READINESS FOR WAR.] + + [Sidenote: The king promises not to delay, and inquires the number + of the foe.] + “Wel,” q{uod} the king, “one to thi lady ſay + The neid is myne, I fall It not delay; 648 + But what folk ar thei ne{m}myt for to bee, + That in my lond is cu{m}yne in ſich degree?” + [Sidenote: “A hundred thousand,” is the reply.] + “An hundreth thouſand boith vith ſheld {and} ſpere + On hors ar armyt, al redy for the were.” 652 + “Wel,” q{uo}d the king, “and but delay this ny{ch}t, + Or than to morn as that the day is lycht, + [Sidenote: The king says he will set off that very night.] + I ſhal remuf; ther ſhal no thing me mak + Impedyme{n}t, my Iorney for to tak.” 656 + Than ſeith his kny{ch}t{is} al w{i}t{h} one aſſent, + [Sidenote: His knights advise him to wait till he has raised an + army.] + “Shir, that is al contrare our entent; + For to your folk this mater is wnwiſt, + And ye ar here our few for to reciſt 660 + Ȝone power, and youre cuntre to defende; + Tharfor abid, and for your folk ye send, + That lyk a king and lyk a weriour + Ye may ſuſten in armys your honoure.” 664 + “Now,” q{uod} the king, “no langer that I ȝeme + My crowne, my ſepture, nor my dyademe, + Frome that I here, ore frome I wnd{er}ſtand, + That ther by fors be entrit in my land 668 + Men of armys, by ſtrenth of vyolens, + [Sidenote: He refuses to wait longer than till the morrow.] + If that I mak abid or reſydens + In to o place langar than o ny{ch}t, + For to defend my cuntre {and} my ry{ch}t.” 672 + The king that day his meſage haith furth sent [Fol. 9b.] + Throuch al his realme, and ſyne to reſt is went. + + ++Up goith the morow, wp goith the bry{ch}t day, + Wp goith the sone in to his freſh aray; 676 + Richt as he ſpred his bemys frome northeſt, + [Sidenote: The king arises next morning without delay,] + The king wpraß w{i}t{h}outen more areſt, + And by his awn conſeil and entent + His Iornaye tuk at ſhort awyſment. 680 + And but dulay he goith frome place to place + Whill that he cam nere whare[T16] the lady was, + [Sidenote: and reaches a plain by the river side,] + And in one plane, apone o reuer ſyde, + He lichtit doune, and ther he can abide; 684 + And yit w{i}t{h} hyme to batell fore to go + [Sidenote: having only seven thousand with him.] + Vij thousand fechter{is} war thei, {and} no mo. + + [Footnote T16: MS. “whare that,” with slight scratch through + “that.”] + + [Sidenote: Lancelot, having been imprisoned by the lady of + Melyhalt,] + ++This was the lady, of qwhome befor I tolde, + That lancilot haith in to hir kepinge holde; 688 + But for to tell his paſing hewyneſſe, + His peyne, his ſorow, and his gret diſtreſſe + Of preſone and of loues gret ſuppris, + It war to long to me for to dewys. 692 + When he reme{m}brith one his hewy charge + Of loue, wharof he can hyme not diſcharge, + He wepith and he ſorowith in his chere, + And euery nyght ſemyth hyme o yere. 696 + Gret peite was the ſorow that he maad, + [Sidenote: laments his fate.] + And to hyme-ſelf apone this wiß he ſaade: + +[Headnote: LANCELOT’S LAMENT.] + + [Sidenote: Lancelot’s lament; his pleasure is gone;] + ++“Qwhat haue y gilt, allace! or qwhat deſ{er}uit? + That thus myne hart ſhal vondit ben {and} carwit 700 + One by the ſuord of double peine and wo? + My comfort and my pleſans is ago, + To me is nat that ſhuld me glaid reſeruit. + + [Sidenote: he curses his natal day;] + I curß the tyme of myne Natiuitee, 704 + Whar in the heuen It ordinyd was for me, + In all my lyue neu{er} til haue eeß; + But for to be example of diſeß, + And that apperith that eu{er}y vicht may see. 708 + + [Sidenote: he has never spent a single day free from anxiety,] + Sen thelke tyme that I had ſufficians + Of age, and chargit thoght{is} ſufferans, + Nor neu{er} I {con}tinewite haith o day + With-out the payne of thoght{is} hard aſſay; 712 + Thus goith my youth in tempeſt {and} penans. + + [Sidenote: and is now in prison; and invokes Death.] + And now my body is In preſone broght; + But of my wo, that in Regard is noght, [Fol. 10.] + The wich myne hart felith euer more. 716 + O deth, allace! whi hath yow me forbore + That of remed haith the ſo long beſoght!” + + [Sidenote: Thus the smart of love’s sorrow pricketh him. + He is kept by her from the exercise of knighthood; + and there we let him dwell.] + Thus neu{er}emore he ſeſith to compleine, + This woful knyght that felith not bot peine; 720 + So prekith hyme the ſmert of loues ſore, + And eu{er}y day encreſſith more and more. + And with this lady takine is alſo, + And kepit whar he may no whare go 724 + To haunt knychthed, the wich he moſt deſirit; + And, thus his hart w{i}t{h} dowbil wo yfirite, + We lat hyme duel here with the lady ſtill, + Whar he haith laiſere for to compleine his fyll. 728 + +[Headnote: GALIOT BESIEGES A CASTLE.] + + [Sidenote: Meanwhile, Galiot besieged a castle.] + ++And galiot in this meyne tyme he laie + By ſtrong myght o caſtell to aſſay, + With many engyne and diu{er}ß wais ſere, + For of fute folk he had a gret powere 732 + That bowis bur, and vther Inſtrument{is}, + [Sidenote: His army had pavilions, tents, and iron-wheeled + chariots.] + And with them lede ther palȝonis {and} ther te{n}t{is}, + With mony o ſtrong chariot and cher + With yrne qwhelis and barris long {and} ſqwar; 736 + Well ſtuffit with al maner apparell + That longith to o ſege or to batell; + Whar-with his oſt was cloſit al about, + That of no ſtrenth nedith hyme to dout. 740 + [Sidenote: When he heard of Arthur’s coming,] + And when he hard the cu{m}yne of the king, + And of his oſt, and of his gaderyng, + The wich he reput but of febil myght + Ayanis hyme for to ſuſten the ficht, 744 + His conſell holl aſſemblit he, but were, + [Sidenote: he assembled his council,] + Ten knight{is} with other lord{is} ſere, + And told theme of the cu{m}ing of the king, + And aſkit them there conſell of that thing. 748 + [Sidenote: who thought it would degrade him, to fight in proper + person against so few.] + Hyme thoght that it his worſchip wold degrade, + If he hyme ſelf in p{ro}pir p{er}ſone raide + Enarmyt ayane ſo few menye + As It was told arthur[{is}] fore to bee; 752 + And thane the kyng-An-hund{er}eth-kny{ch}t{is} cold, + (And ſo he hot, for neu{er}more he wolde + Ryd of his lond, but In his cu{m}pany + O hundyre knyght{is} ful of chiuellry). 756 + +[Headnote: PREPARATION FOR THE BATTLE.] + + [Sidenote: The king of a hundred knights (Maleginis) undertakes + the exploit;] + He ſaith, “shir, ande I one hond [may] tak, [Fol. 10b.] + If It you pleß, this Iorney ſhal I mak.” + Quod galiot, “I grant It yow, but ye + Shal firſt go ryd, yone kny{ch}t{is} oſt {and} see.” 760 + With-outen more he ridith our the plan, + And ſaw the oſt and is returnyd ayañ; + And callit them mo than he hade ſen, for why + He dred the reprefe of his cumpany. 764 + [Sidenote: who reconnoitres Arthur’s host, and says it is 10,000 + strong: whereon Galiot charges him to take the same number.] + And to his lord apone this wys ſaith hee, + “Shir, ten thouſand y ges them for to bee.” + And galiot haith chargit hyme to tak + Als fell folk, and for the feld hyme mak. 768 + And ſo he doith and haith them wel Arayt; + Apone the morne his banaris war diſplayt. + + ++Up goth the trumpet{is} with the clariou{ni}s, + Ayaine the feld blawen furth ther ſownis, 772 + [Sidenote: Galiot’s host set out.] + Furth goth this king w{i}t{h} al his oſt anon. + Be this the word wes to king arthur gone, + That knew no thing, nor wiſt of ther entent, + [Sidenote: Arthur’s host don their armour.] + But ſone his folk ar one to armys went; 776 + But arthur by Report hard saye + [Sidenote: Arthur, hearing that Galiot is unarmed, will not arm + himself;] + How galiot non armys bur that day, + Wharfor he thoght of armys nor of ſheld + None wald he tak, nor mak hyme for the feld. 780 + [Sidenote: but calls Gawane, and tells him how to order his + battalions.] + But gawane haith he clepit, was hyme by, + In qwhome Rignith the flour of cheuelry; + And told one what man{er}, and one what wyß + He ſhuld his batelles ordand and dewys; 784 + Beſeching hyme, [hyme] wiſly to for-see + Aȝaine thei folk, wich was far mo than hee. + He knew the charg and paſſith one his way + Furth to his horß, and makith no dulay; 788 + The clariou{n}is blew and furth goth al onoñ, + [Sidenote: Gawane and his men cross over the water at the ford.] + And our ye watt{er} and the furd ar goñe. + +[Headnote: GAWANE HARANGUES HIS MEN.] + + Within o playne vpone that other ſyd + Ther gawan gon his batellis to dewide, 792 + As he wel couth, and set them i{n} aray, + Syne with o manly contynans can ſay, + [Sidenote: He harangues his men.] + “Ye falowis wich of the round table beñ, + Through al this erth whois fam is hard {and} ſen, 796 + Reme{m}brith now It ſtondith one the poynt, + For why It lyith one your ſperis poynt,[T17] + The well-fare of the king and of our londe; [Fol. 11.] + And ſen the ſucour lyith in your honde, 800 + And hardement is thing ſhall moſt awaill + Frome deth ther men of armys in bataill, + Lat now your ma{n}hed and your hie curage + The pryd of al thir multitude aſſuage; 804 + Deth or defence, non other thing we wot.” + [Sidenote: Maleginis and all his host come over the plain, and + Gawane sends a company against them.] + This freſch king, that maleginis was hot, + With al his oſt he cu{m}myne our the plañ, + And gawan ſend o batell hyme agañ; 808 + In myde the borde,[T18] and feſtinit in the ſtell + The ſperithis poynt, that bitith ſcharp {and} well; + [Sidenote: But they were all too few; wherefore Gawane sends + a second company;] + Bot al to few thei war, and my{ch}t no{ch}t leſt + This gret Rout that cu{m}myth one ſo faſt. 812 + Than haith ſ{ir} gawan ſend, them to ſupport, + One othir batell with one kny{ch}tly sorte; + [Sidenote: then a third; then a fourth; and then sets out himself, + to resist the 10,000.] + And ſyne the thrid, and ſyne the ferde alſo; + And ſyne hyme-ſelf one to the feld can go, 816 + When that he ſauch thar latt{er} batell ſteir, + And the ten thouſand cu{m}myne al thei veir; + Qwhar that of armes prewit he so well, + His e{n}nemys gane his mortall [ſtrokis] fell. 820 + + [Footnote T17: At the bottom of this page appears for the + first time a catchword, which is-- “The wel fare.”] + [Footnote T18: Or “berde.”] + +[Headnote: GAWANE DEFEATS MALEGINIS.] + + [Sidenote: He goes among them in his courage,] + He goith ymong them in his hie curage, + As he that had of knyghthed the wſage, + And couth hyme weill {con}ten i{n} to on hour; + Aȝaine his ſtrok reſiſtit non armour; 824 + [Sidenote: and many other of Arthur’s knights perform wonders.] + And mony kny{ch}t, that worth ware and bolde, + War thore with hyme of arthur{is} houſhold, + And knyghtly gan one to the feld them bere, + And mekil wroght of armys In to were; 828 + S{ir} gawan than vpone ſuch wyß hyme bure, + [Sidenote: Maleginis goeth to discomfiture, and 7,000 of his men + flee.] + This othere goith al to diſcu{m}fitoure; + Sewyne thouſand fled, {and} of the feld thei go, + Whar-of this king in to his hart was wo, 832 + For of hyme ſelf he was of hie curage. + To galiot than ſend he in meſag, + That he ſhuld help his folk for to defende; + [Sidenote: Galiot sends him 30,000 more.] + And he to hyme hath xxx^te thousand sende; 836 + Whar-of this king gladith in his hart, + And thinkith to Reweng all the ſmart + That he to-for haith ſuffirit and the payne. [Fol. 11b.] + [Sidenote: His folk return across the field as thick as hail.] + And al his folk returnyt Is ayayne 840 + Atour the feld, and cu{m}myne thilk as haill;[T19] + The ſwyft horß goith firſt to the aſſall. + This noble knyght that ſeith the g{r}ete forß + Of armyt men, that cu{m}myne vpone horß, 844 + To-giddir ſemblit al his falowſchip, + And thoght them at the ſharp poynt to kep, + So that thar harm̅ ſhal be ful deir yboght. + This vthere folk with ſtraucht courß hath ſocht 848 + Out of aray atour the larg felld; + Thar was the ſtrok{is} feſtnit i{n} the ſhelde, + Thei war Reſauit at the ſper{is} end. + [Sidenote: Arthur’s folk receive them manfully.] + So arthur{is} folk can manfully defend; 852 + The formeſt can thar lyues end conclude, + Whar ſone aſſemblit al the multitude. + Thar was defens, ther was gret aſſaill, + Richt wond{er}full and ſtrong was y^e bataill, 856 + [Sidenote: but sustain much pain,] + Whar arthur{is} folk ſuſtenit mekil payn, + And kny{ch}tly them defendit haith aȝaine. + + [Footnote T19: MS. “thilk as (Rayne) haill,” as if it were at + first intended to find a rime to “ayayne.”] + +[Headnote: GAWANE’S VALIANT DEEDS.] + + [Sidenote: and cannot endure against so many.] + Bot endur thei my{ch}t, apone no wyß, + The multitude and ek the gret ſupp{ri}ß; 860 + But gawan, wich that ſetith al h{is} payn + Vpone knyghthed, defendid ſo aȝaine, + That only in the manhede of this knyght + His folk reIoſit them of his gret myght, 864 + And ek abaſit hath his ennemys; + For throw the feld he goith in ſuch wyß, + And in the preß ſo ma{n}fully them ſ{er}uith, + [Sidenote: Gawane carves helmets in two, and smites heads off + shoulders;] + His ſuerd atwo the helmys al to-kerwith, 868 + The hed{is} of he be the ſhoud{er}is ſmat; + The horß goith, of the maiſt{er} deſolat. + But what awaleth al his beſynes, + So ſtrong and ſo inſufferable vas the preß? 872 + [Sidenote: but his men recross the ford to go to their lodges.] + His folk are paſſit atour the furdis ilkon, + Towart ther bretis and to ther luges gon; + Whar he and many worthy knyght alſo + Of arthur{is} houß endurit mekill wo, 876 + That neu{er} men mar in to armys vroght + Of manhed, ȝit was It al for noght. + Thar was the ſtrenth, ther was the paſing myght [Fol. 12.] + [Sidenote: Gawane fights alone till night,] + Of gawan, wich that whill the dirk nyght 880 + Befor the luges faucht al hyme aloñ, + When that his falowis entrit ware ilkoñ, + On arthur{is} half war mony tan and ſlan; + [Sidenote: when Galiot’s folk return home.] + And galot{is} folk Is hame ret{u}rnyd aȝaine, 884 + For it was lait; away the oſtis ridith, + And gawan ȝit apone his horß abidith, + W{i}t{h} ſuerd in hond, when thei away var gon, + And so for-wrocht hys ly{m}mys ver ilkon, 888 + And wondit ek his body vp and doune, + [Sidenote: Gawane swoons upon his horse.] + Vpone his horß Right thore he fel in ſwoune; + And thei hyme tuk {and} to his lugyne bare, + [Sidenote: The king and queen fear he has brought himself to + confusion.] + Boith king and qwen of hyme vare i{n} diſpare; 892 + For thei ſuppoſit, throw marwellis that he vroght, + He had hyme-ſelf to his confuſiou{n}e broght. + +[Headnote: LANCELOT PRAYS TO BE RELEASED.] + + [T]his[T20] was nere by of melyhalt, the hyll, + Whar lanſcelot ȝit was w{i}t{h} the lady ſtill. 896 + The kny{ch}t{is} of the court [can] paſing hom̅e; + This ladiis kny{ch}t{is} to hir palice com, + And told to hir, how that the feld was vent, + [Sidenote: The lady of Melyhalt hears of Gawane’s deeds;] + And of gawan, and of his hardyme{n}t, 900 + That merwell was his manhed to behold; + [Sidenote: and Lancelot also,] + And ſone thir tithing{is} to the kny{ch}t vas told, + That was with wo and hewyneſs oppreſt; + So noyith hyme his ſuiorne and his reſt, 904 + [Sidenote: who sends for a knight to take a message to the lady;] + And but dulay one for o kny{ch}t he send, + That was moſt ſpeciall with the lady kend. + He comyne, and the kny{ch}t vn to hyme ſaid, + “Diſpleß yow not, ſ{ir}, be ȝhe not ill paid, 908 + So homly thus I yow exort to go, + To gare my lady ſpek o word or two + With me, that am a carful p{re}ſonere.”[T21] + “S{ir}, your co{m}mande y ſhall, w{i}t{h}outen were, 912 + Fulfill;” and to his lady paſſit hee + In lawly wyß beſiching hir, that ſhe + Wald grant hyme to pas at his requeſt, + Vnto hir kny{ch}t, ſtood wnd{er} hir areſt; 916 + And ſhe, that knew al gentilleß aright, + [Sidenote: who comes to his chamber.] + Furth to his chamber paſſit wight[T22] the licht. + + [Footnote T20: See note to this line.] + [Footnote T21: MS. “preson{er}ere.”] + [Footnote T22: Read “with” (?).] + + ++And he aroß and ſaluſt Curtaſly [Fol. 12b.] + [Sidenote: Lancelot beseeches her to appoint his ransom,] + The lady, and ſaid, “madem, her I, 920 + Your preſoner, beſekith yow that ȝhe + Wold merſy and compaſſione have of me, + And mak the ranſone wich that I may yeif; + I waiſt my tyme in presou{n}e thus to leife. 924 + For why I her on be report be told, + That arthur, with the flour of his houſholde, + Is cu{m}myne here, and in this cuntre lyis, + And ſtant In danger of his ennemyis, 928 + And haith aſſemblit; and eft this ſhalt bee + Within ſhort tyme one new aſſemblee. + Thar-for, my lady, y youe g{ra}ce beſech, + That I mycht pas, my Ranſon for to fech; 932 + [Sidenote: presuming that some of Arthur’s knights will pay it.] + Fore I p{re}ſume thar longith to that ſort + That louid me, and ſhal my nede ſupport.” + +[Headnote: THE LADY AT FIRST REFUSES;] + + ++“Shire kny{ch}t, It ſtant no{ch}t in ſich dugree; + [Sidenote: She replies that she does not want a ransom, but has + imprisoned him for his guilt.] + It is no ranſone wich that cauſith me 936 + To holden yow, or don yow ſich offens; + It is your gilt, It is your wiolens, + Whar-of that I deſir no thing but law, + W{i}t{h}out report your awñ treſpas to knaw.” 940 + “Madem, your pleſance may ye wel fulfill + Of me, that am in p{re}ſone at your will. + [Sidenote: He prays for pardon,] + Bot of that gilt, I was for til excuß, + For that I did of werrey nede behwß, 944 + It tuechit to my honore and my fame; + I mycht no{ch}t lefe It but hurting of my nam, + And ek the knycht was mor to blam than I. + But ye, my lady, of your curteſſy, 948 + Wold ȝe deden my Ransou{n}e to reſaue, + [Sidenote: and begs for liberty:] + Of preſone ſo I my libertee myght haue, + Y ware ȝolde eu{er}more [to be] your knyght, + Whill that I leif, w{i}t{h} al my holl myght. 952 + And if ſo be ye lykith not to ma + [Sidenote: or at least to be allowed to go to the next battle,] + My ra{n}ſone, [madem,] if me leif to ga + To the aſſemble, wich ſal be of new; + [Sidenote: under a promise to return at night.] + And as that I am feithful kny{ch}t {and} trew, 956 + At ny{ch}t to yow I ent{er} ſhall aȝaine, + But if that deth or other lat c{er}tañ, + Throw wich I [may] have ſuch Impediment, + That I be hold,[T23] magre myne entent.” 960 [Fol. 13.] + + [Footnote T23: MS. “behold.”] + +[Headnote: BUT AT LAST GRANTS HIS BOON.] + + [Sidenote: She consents, if he will specify to her his name.] + “S{ir} kny{ch}t,” q{uo}d ſhe, “I grant yow leif, w{i}t{h}thy + Your name to me that ȝe wil ſpecify.” + “Madem, as ȝit, ſutly I ne may + Duclar my name, one be no man{er} way; 964 + [Sidenote: He refuses for the present.] + But I p{ro}myt, als faſt as I haue tyme + Conuenient, or may vith-outen cryme, + I ſhall;” and than the lady ſaith hyme tyll, + “And I, ſchir kny{ch}t, one this condiſcione will 968 + [Sidenote: She grants him leave, under the proposed condition.] + Grant yow leve, ſo that ye obliſt bee + For to Return, as ye haue ſaid to me.” + Thus thei accord, the lady goith to reſt, + The ſone diſcending cloſit in the veſt; 972 + The ferd day was dewyſit for to bee + Betuex the oſt{is} of the aſſemblee. + + ++And galiot Richt arly by the day, + Ayane the feld he can h{is} folk aray; 976 + [Sidenote: Galiot assembles 40,000 fresh men.] + And fourty thouſand armyt me{n} haith he, + That war not at the othir aſſemble, + Co{m}mandit to the batell for to gon; + “And I my-ſelf,” q{uod} he, “ſhal me diſpone 980 + On to the feild aȝaine the thrid day; + Whar of this were we ſhal the end aſſay.” + + [Sidenote: Arthur also provides his men for the field.] + ++ANd arthur{is} folk that come one eu{er}y ſyd, + He for the feld can them for to p{ro}uide, 984 + Wich ware to few aȝaine the gret affere + Of galiot ȝit to ſuſten the were. + [Sidenote: The knights of Melyhalt join him.] + The kny{ch}t{is} al out of the cete roß + Of melyholt, and to the ſemble gois. 988 + [Sidenote: The lady secretly provides Lancelot with a red courser, + and a shield and spear, both red also.] + And the lady haith, in to ſacret wyß, + Gart for hir kny{ch}t and preſon{er} dewyß + In red al thing, that ganith for the were; + His curſeir red, ſo was boith ſcheld {and} ſpere. 992 + +[Headnote: LANCELOT ENCOURAGES HIMSELF.] + + {And} he, to qwham the preſone hath ben ſmart, + With glaid deſir apone his curſour ſtart; + [Sidenote: He rides towards the field, and halts in a plain by the + river-side.] + Towart the feld anon he gan to ryd, + And in o plan houit one reu{er} syde. 996 + This kny{ch}t, the wich that long haith ben i{n} cag, + [Sidenote: Lancelot is encouraged, seeing the blithe morn, the mead, + the river, the green woods, and the knights and banners.] + He grew in to o freſch {and} new curage, + Seing the morow bly{th}full and amen, + The med, the Reuer, and the vodis gren, 1000 + The kny{ch}t{is} in [ther] armys them arayinge, + The baner{is} ayaine the feld diſplayng, [Fol. 13b.] + His ȝouth in ſtrenth and in p{ro}ſperytee, + And ſyne of luſt the gret aduerſytee.[T24] 1004 + Thus in his tho{ch}t reme{m}bryng at the laſt, + [Sidenote: Casting his eyes aside, he sees the queen looking over + a parapet.] + Eft{er}ward one ſyd he gan his Ey to caſt, + Whar our a bertes[T25] lying haith he sen + Out to the feld luking was the qwen; 1008 + Sudandly with that his goſt aſtart + [Sidenote: Love catches him by the heart.] + Of loue anone haith caucht hyme by the hart; + Than ſaith he, “How long ſhall It be so, + Loue, at yow ſhall wirk me al this wo? 1012 + Apone this wyß to be Infortunat, + Hir for to ſ{er}ue the wich thei no thing wate + What ſufferance I in hir wo endure, + Nor of my wo, nor of myne aduenture? 1016 + And I wnworthy ame for to attane + To hir p{rese}ns, nor dare I noght complane. + [Sidenote: He counsels his heart to help itself at need,] + Bot, hart, ſen at yow knawith ſhe is here, + That of thi lyue and of thi deith is ſtere, 1020 + Now is thi tyme, now help thi-ſelf at neid, + And the dewod of eu{er}y point of dred, + [Sidenote: to forego cowardice,] + That cowardy be none In to the señ, + Fore and yow do, yow knowis thi peyne, I weyn; 1024 + Yow art wnable eu{er} to attane + To hir mercy, or cum be ony mayne. + [Sidenote: and to deserve her thanks or die.] + Tharfor y red hir thonk at yow diſſerue, + Or in hir p{rese}ns lyk o kny{ch}t to ſterf.” 1028 + + [Footnote T24: May we read “diuerſytee”?] + [Footnote T25: MS. “abertes.”] + +[Headnote: THE RED KNIGHT’S TRANCE.] + + [Sidenote: Confused with a heavy thought,] + With that confuſit w{i}t{h} an hewy tho{ch}t, + Wich ner his deith ful oft tyme haith hyme ſo{ch}t, + Deuoydit was his sprit{is} and his goſt, + He wiſt not of hyme-ſelf nor of his oſt; 1032 + [Sidenote: he [sits] on his horse as still as stone.] + Bot one his horß, als ſtill as ony ſton. + When that the kny{ch}t{is} armyt war ilkon, + [Sidenote: The bugles are blown, and the knights are ready on + horseback, 20,000 in number.] + To warnnyng them vp goith the bludy ſown, + And eu{er}y knyght vpone his horß is bown; 1036 + Twenty thouſand armyt men of were. + The king that day he wold non armys bere; + His batell{is} ware devyſit eu{er}ilkon, + [Sidenote: They are forbidden to cross the fords, but cannot + be restrained.] + And them forbad out our the furd{is} to gon. 1040 + Bot frome that thei ther ennemys haith sen, + In to ſuch wys thei cout{h} them noght ſuſteñ; + Bot ovr thei went vithouten more delay, [Fol. 14.] + And can them one that oy{er} sid aſſay. 1044 + [Sidenote: The red knight still halting by the ford, a herald + seizes his bridle, and bids him awake.] + The red kny{ch}t ſtill in to his hewy thoght + Was hufyng ȝit apone the furd, {and} noght + Wiſt of hime ſelf; with that a harrold com, + And ſone the kny{ch}t he be the brydill nom, 1048 + Saying, “awalk! It is no tyme to ſlep; + Your worſchip more expedient vare to kep.” + No word he ſpak, ſo prikith hyme the ſmart + Of hevynes, that ſtood vnto his hart. 1052 + [Sidenote: Two shrews next approach; one takes his shield off his + neck,] + Two ſcrewis cam with that, of quhich [that] oñ + The kny{ch}t{is} ſheld ry{ch}t frome his hals haith toñ; + [Sidenote: the other casts water at his ventayle, which causes him + to wink, and arouse himself.] + That vthir watt{er} takith atte laſt, + And in the kny{ch}t{is} wentail haith It caſt; 1056 + When that he felt the vatt{er} that vas cold, + He wonk, and gan about hyme to behold, + And thinkith how he ſum-quhat haith myſgoñ. + With that his ſpere In to his hand haith ton, 1060 + [Sidenote: He goes to the field, and sees the first-conquest king.] + Goith to the feild w{i}t{h}outen vordis more; + So was he vare whare that there cam before, + O manly man he was in to al thing, + And clepit was the ferſt-conquest king. 1064 + The Red kny{ch}t w{i}t{h} [the] ſpur{is} ſmat the ſted, + The tother cam, that of hyme hath no drede; + [Sidenote: They meet.] + With ferß curag ben the kny{ch}t{is} met, + The king his ſpere apone the kny{ch}t hath set, 1068 + That al in peciß flaw in to the felde; + +[Headnote: THE RED KNIGHT FIGHTS LIKE A LION.] + + [Sidenote: The red knight, though shieldless, overthrows his foe.] + His hawbrek helpit, ſuppos he had no ſcheld. + And he the king in to the ſcheld haith ton, + That horß and man boith to the erd ar gon. 1072 + [Sidenote: The shrew restores his shield.] + Than to the kny{ch}t he cu{m}myth, that haith tan + His ſheld, to hyme deliu{er}ith It ayane, + Beſiching hyme that of his Ignorance, + That knew hyme nat, as takith no grewance. 1076 + The kny{ch}t h{is} ſche[l]d but mor delay haith tak, + And let hyme go, and no thing to hyme ſpak. + Than thei the[T26] wich that ſo at erth haith ſen + [Sidenote: The men of the first-conquest king come to the rescue.] + Ther lord, the ferſt-conqueſt king, y meñ, 1080 + In haiſt thei cam, as that thei var agrevit, + And manfully thei haith ther king Releuit. + + [Footnote T26: MS. “thei,” altered to “thee,” which is still + wrong.] + + [A]nd Arthuris folk, that lykith not to byde, + In goith the spur{is} in the ſted{is} syde; 1084 + To-giddir thar aſſemblit al the oſt: [Fol. 14b.] + At whois meting many o kny{ch}t was loſt. + [Sidenote: The battle was right cruel to behold.] + The batell was richt crewell to behold, + Of kny{ch}t{is} wich that haith there lyvis ȝolde. 1088 + One to the hart the ſpere goith throw the ſcheld, + The kny{ch}t{is} gaping lyith in the feld. + The red kny{ch}t, byrnyng in loues fyre, + Goith to o kny{ch}t, als ſwift as ony vyre, 1092 + The wich he perſit throuch {and} throuch the hart; + [Sidenote: The red knight loses his spear, but draws his sword, + and roams the field like a lion.] + The ſpere is went; w{i}t{h} that anon he ſtart, + And out o ſuerd in to his hond he tais; + Lyk to o lyone in to the feld he gais, 1096 + In to his Rag ſmyting to and fro + Fro ſum the arm, fro ſum the nek in two, + Sum in the feild lying is in ſwou{n}, + [Sidenote: Some he cleaves to the belt.] + And sum his ſuerd goith to the belt al douñe. 1100 + For qwhen that he beholdith to the qwen, + Who had ben thore his manhed to haue sen, + His doing in to armys and his myght, + Shwld ſay in world war not ſuch o wight. 1104 + [Sidenote: His fellows take comfort from his deeds,] + His falouſchip siche comfort of his dede + Haith ton, that thei ther ennemys ne dreid; + But can them-self ay manfoly conten + In to the ſtour, that hard was to ſuſten; 1108 + [Sidenote: though Galiot’s host was a surpassing multitude.] + For galyot was O paſing multitude + Of prewit men in armys that war gude, + The wich can w{i}t{h} o freſch curag aſſaill + Ther ennemys that day In to batell; 1112 + [Sidenote: Had it not been for the manhood of the red knight, + Arthur’s folk had been in peril.] + That ne ware not the vorſchip {and} manhede + Of the red kny{ch}t, in p{er}ell and in dreid + Arthur{is} folk had ben, vith-outen vere; + Set thei var good, thei var of ſmal powere. 1116 + +[Headnote: GAWANE BEHOLDS THE RED KNIGHT.] + + [Sidenote: Gawane is led to the parapet,] + And gawan, wich gart bryng hyme-ſelf befor + To the bertes, set he was vondit sore, + Whar the qwen vas, and whar that he my{ch}t see + The manere of the oſt and aſſemble; 1120 + And when that he the gret manhed haith sen + [Sidenote: and saith to the queen, that none ever did better than + yon red knight.] + Of the red kny{ch}t, he ſaith one to the qwen, + “Madem, ȝone knyght in to the armys Rede, + Nor neu{er} I hard nore ſaw in to no ſted 1124 + O kny{ch}t, the wich that in to ſchortar ſpace + In armys haith mor forton nore mor grace; + Nore bettir doith boith with ſper and ſcheild, + He is the hed and comfort of our feild.” 1128 [Fol. 15.] + [Sidenote: The queen prays for Lancelot.] + “Now, ſ{ir}, I traiſt that neu{er} more vas ſen + No man in feild more knyghtly hyme {con}ten; + I pray to hyme that eu{er}y thing hath cure, + Saif hyme fro deth or wykit aduenture.” 1132 + [Sidenote: The field was perilous on both sides,] + The feild It was ry{ch}t p{er}ellus and ſtrong + On boith the ſydis, and continewit long, + [Sidenote: from early morn till the sun had gone down.] + Ay from the ſone the varld{is} face gan licht + Whill he was gone {and} cu{m}yne vas the nycht; 1136 + And than o forß thei my{ch}t It not aſſtart, + On eu{er}y ſyd behouit them depart. + [Sidenote: Every knight then returns home, and the red knight + privily goes back to the city.] + The feild is don and ham goith eu{er}y kny{ch}t, + And prevaly, unwiſt of any wicht, 1140 + The way the red kny{ch}t to the cete taiis, + As he had hecht, {and} in h{is} chambre gais. + When arthure hard how the kny{ch}t Is gon, + He blamyt ſore his lordis eu{er}ilk-one; 1144 + And oft he haith remembrit in his thoght, + [Sidenote: Arthur, seeing the multitude of Galiot’s men, recalls + his dream, saying,] + What multitud that galiot had broght; + Seing his folk that ware so ewil arayt, + In to his mynd he ſtondith al affrayt, 1148 + And ſaith, “I traiſt ful ſuth It ſal be founde + My drem Richt as the clerk{is} gan expounde; + [Sidenote: “My men now fail me at need.”] + For why my men failȝeis now at neid, + My-ſelf, my londe, in p{er}ell and in dreide.” 1152 + +[Headnote: GALIOT PROPOSES A TRUCE.] + + [Sidenote: Galiot tells his council] + And galiot vpone hie worſchip set, + And his conſell anon he gart be fet, + To them he ſaith, “with arthur weil ȝe see + How that It ſtant, and to qwhat degre, 1156 + Aȝanis ws that he is no poware; + [Sidenote: that there is no honour in conquering Arthur,] + Wharfor, me think, no worſchip to ws ware + In conqueryng of hyme, nor of his londe, + He haith no ſtrenth, he may ws not vithſtonde. 1160 + Wharfor, me think It beſt is to delay, + [Sidenote: and proposes a twelvemonth’s truce.] + And reſput hyme for a tuelmoñeth day, + Whill that he may aſſemble al his myght; + Than is mor worſchip aȝanis hyme to ficht;” 1164 + And thus concludit thoght hyme for the beſt. + The very kny{ch}t{is} paſſing to there Reſt; + Of melyholt the ladeis kny{ch}t{is} ilkone + Went home, and to hir p{rese}ns ar thei gon; 1168 + [Sidenote: The lady of Melyholt asks her knights who hath won + most honour.] + At qwhome ful ſone than gan ſcho to Inquere, + And al the maner of the oſt{is} till spere; + How that It went, and in what man{er} wyß, + Who haith moſt worſchip, {and} who is moſt to pryß? 1172 + “Madem,” q{uod} thei, “O kny{ch}t was In the feild, [Fol. 15b.] + [Sidenote: They reply, that a red knight had exceeded all others.] + Of Red was al his armour and his ſheld, + Whois manhed can al otheris to exced, + May nan report in armys half his deid; 1176 + Ne wor his worſchip, ſhortly to conclud, + Our folk of help had ben al deſtitud. + He haith the thonk, the vorſchip in hyme lyis, + That we the feld defendit in ſich wyß.” 1180 + [Sidenote: The lady wonders if her prisoner is meant.] + The lady thane one to hir-ſelf haith tho{ch}t, + “Whether Is ȝone my p{re}ſonar, ore noght? + The ſuthfaſtneß that ſhal y wit onon.” + When euery wight vn to ther Reſt war gon, 1184 + +[Headnote: THE LADY VISITS LANCELOT.] + + [Sidenote: She calls her cousin,] + She clepith one hir cwſynes ful nere + Wich was to hir moſt ſpeciall and dere, + And ſaith to hir, “qwheyar if yone bee + Our preſoner, my consell Is we see.” 1188 + [Sidenote: who takes a torch, and they go to the stable,] + With that the maden In hir hand hath ton + O torche, and to the ſtabille ar thei gon; + [Sidenote: and find his steed wounded.] + And fond his ſted lying at the ground, + Wich wery was, ywet w{i}t{h} mony wounde. 1192 + The maden ſaith, “vpone this horß is ſen, + He in the place quhar strok{is} was hath beñ; + And ȝhit the horß It is no{ch}t wich that hee + Furt{h} w{i}t{h} hyme hade;”--the lady ſaid, “p{er} dee, 1196 + He vſyt haith mo horß than one or two; + [Sidenote: Next they view his armour,] + I red one to his armys at we go.” + Tharwith one to his armys ar thei went; + [Sidenote: and find his hauberk rent, and his shield frushed all + to naught.] + Thei fond his helm, thei fond his hawbrek rent, 1200 + Thei fond his ſcheld was fruſchit al to no{ch}t; + At ſchort, his armour In sich wyß vas vro{ch}t + In eu{er}y place, that no thing was left haill, + Nore neu{er} eft accordith to bataill. 1204 + [Sidenote: They think he has well used his armour.] + Than ſaith the lady to hir cuſyneß, + “What ſal we ſay, what of this mat{er} geß?” + “Madem, I ſay, thei have no{ch}t ben abwsyt; + He that them bur ſchortly he has them vſyt.” 1208 + “That may ȝe ſay, ſuppos the beſt that lewis, + Or moſt of worſchip in til armys prewis, + Or ȝhit haith ben in ony tyme beforñ, + Had them in feld in his maſt curag borñ.” 1212 + [Sidenote: They next visit the knight himself,] + “Now,” q{uo}d the lady, “will we paß, and see + The kny{ch}t hyme-self, and ther the ſut{h} may we + Knaw of this thing.” Incontynent them[T27] boith [Fol. 16.] + Thir ladeis vn to his chambre goith. 1216 + [Sidenote: who was now asleep.] + The kny{ch}t al wery fallyng was on ſlep; + This maden paſſith In, {and} takith kep. + [Sidenote: The lady’s cousin observes his breast and shoulders + bloody, his face hurt, and his fists swollen.] + Sche ſauch his breſt w{i}t{h} al his ſchowd{er}is bare, + That bludy war and woundit her and thare; 1220 + His face was al to-hurt and al to-ſchent, + His newis ſwellyng war and al to-Rent. + Sche ſmylyt a lyt, and to hir lady ſaid, + “It ſemyth weill this kny{ch}t hath ben aſſaid.” 1224 + + [Footnote T27: “then” (?).] + +[Headnote: THE LADY IS LOVE-SMITTEN.] + + [Sidenote: The lady next observes him,] + The lady ſauch, and rewit in hir thoght + The kny{ch}t{is} worſchip wich that he haith vroght. + [Sidenote: and is smitten to the heart by the dart of love,] + In hire Reme{m}brance loues fyre dart + W{i}t{h} hot deſyre hir ſmat one to the hart; 1228 + And then a quhill, w{i}t{h}-outen word{is} mo, + In to hir mynd thinking to and fro, + She ſtudeit ſo, and at the laſt abraid + [Sidenote: and prays her cousin to draw aside, while she kisses + the knight.] + Out of hir tho{ch}t, and ſudandly thus ſaid, 1232 + “W{i}t{h}-draw,” q{uod} ſhe, “one ſyd a lyt[T28] the lyght, + Or that I paß that I may kyß the knyght.” + + [Footnote T28: MS. “alyt.”] + +[Headnote: HER COUSIN REPROVES HER.] + + [Sidenote: Her cousin reproves her,] + “Madem,” q{uod} ſche, “what is It at ȝe meñ? + Of hie worſchip our mekill have ȝe señ 1236 + So sone to be ſupp{ri}ſit w{i}t{h} o thoght. + [Sidenote: lest the knight should awake.] + What is It at ȝhe think? p{re}ſwm ȝe noght + That if yon kny{ch}t wil walkin, and p{er}ſaif, + He ſhal yarof no thing bot ewill conſaif; 1240 + In his entent Ruput yow therby + The ablare to al ly{ch}tneß and foly? + And blam the more al vther{is} in h{is} mynd, + If your gret wit in ſich deſire he fynde?” 1244 + [Sidenote: The lady replies.] + “Nay,” q{uod} the lady, “no thing may I do + For ſich o kny{ch}t may be defam me to.” + [Sidenote: Her cousin next argues the point;] + “Madem, I wot that for to loue yone kny{ch}t, + Conſidir his fame, his worſchip, and h{is} my{ch}t; 1248 + And to begyne as worſchip wil dewyß, + Syne he ayaine my{ch}t lowe yow one ſuch wyß, + And hold yow for his lady and his loue, + It war to yow no maner of Reprwe. 1252 + [Sidenote: “What if he loves another?”] + But quhat if he appelit be and thret + His hart to lowe, and ellis whar y-ſet? + And wel y wot, madem, if It be so, + His hart hyme sal not ſuffir to loue two, 1256 + For noble hart wil have no dowbilneß; [Fol. 16b.] + If It be ſo, ȝhe tyne yowr low, I geß; + Than is your-ſelf, than is your loue Refuſit, + Your fam is hurt, your gladneß is concluſit. 1260 + My conſell is, therfore, you to abſten + Whill that to yow the werray Ry{ch}t be ſeñ + Of his entent, the wich ful ſon ȝhe may + Have knawlag, If yow lykith to aſſay.” 1264 + [Sidenote: She persuades the lady to return to her chamber, + without further delay.] + So mokil to hir lady haith ſhe vroght + That at that tyme ſhe haith Ret{ur}nyt h{ir} tho{ch}t, + And to hir chambre went, w{i}t{h}outen more, + Whar loue of new aſſaith hir ful sore. 1268 + So well long thei ſpeking of the kny{ch}t, + [Sidenote: Her cousin labours to expel her love for Lancelot from + her thoughts, but her labour is in vain.] + Hir cuſynace hath don al at ſhe my{ch}t + For to expel that thing out of hir tho{ch}t; + It wil not be, hir labour Is for no{ch}t. 1272 + Now leif we hir In to hir neweſt pan, + And to arthur we wil retwrn agañ. + +EXPLICIT P{RI}M{US} LIBER, INCIPIT SECUND{US}. + + +[Headnote: ARTHUR’S GREAT ANXIETY.] + +[BOOK II.] + + [Sidenote: Night.] + ++The clowdy nyght, wndir whois obſcure + The reſt and quiet of euery criatur 1276 + Lyith ſauf, quhare the goſt w{i}t{h} beſyneß + Is occupiit, w{i}t{h} thoghtfull hewynes; + And, for that tho{ch}t furth ſchewing vil h{is} my{ch}t, + Go fare-wel reſt and quiet of the ny{ch}t. 1280 + [Sidenote: Arthur cannot rest.] + Artur, I meyne, to whome that reſt is no{ch}t, + But al the ny{ch}t ſuppriſit is with tho{ch}t; + In to his bed he turnyth to and fro, + Remembryng the apperans of his wo, 1284 + That is to ſay, his deith, his confuſioune, + And of his realme the opin diſtruccioune. + That in his wit he can no thing p{ro}wide, + Bot tak his forton thar for to abyd. 1288 + [Sidenote: The sun goeth up.] + Vp goith the ſon, vp goith the hot morow; + The thoghtful king al the ny{ch}t to ſorow, + That ſauch the day, vpone his feit he ſtart, [Fol. 17.] + [Sidenote: Arthur goeth forth.] + And furth he goith, diſtrublit in his hart. 1292 + A quhill he walkith in his penſyf goſt, + [Sidenote: He hears that a clerk has arrived,] + So was he ware thar cu{m}myne to the oſt + O clerk, with whome he was aqwynt befor, + In to his tyme non bett{er} was y-bore; 1296 + Of qwhois com he gretly vas Reioſit, + For in to hyme ſum comfort he ſuppoſit; + [Sidenote: between whom and himself there was a hearty affection.] + Betuex them was one hartly affeccioune. + Non ord{er}is had he of Relegioune, 1300 + Fam{us} he was, and of gret excellence, + [Sidenote: He was expert in the seven sciences,] + And ry{ch}t exp{er}t in al the vij. ſcience; + Contemplatif and chaſt in gou{er}nance, + [Sidenote: and was named Amytans.] + And clepit was the maiſt{er} amytans. 1304 + The king befor his palȝou{n}e one the gren, + That knew hyme well, {and} haith his cu{m}myn ſeñ, + [Sidenote: Arthur welcomes him.] + Velcu{m}myt hyme, and maid hyme ry{ch}t gud chere, + And he agan, agrewit as he were, 1308 + [Sidenote: He recks nothing of Arthur’s salutation.] + Saith, “nothir of thi ſaloſing, nor the, + Ne rak I no{ch}t, ne charg I no{ch}t,” q{uo}d hee. + [Sidenote: The king inquires what trespass he has committed.] + Than q{uod} the king, “maiſt{er}, {and} for what why + Ar ȝe agrewit? or quhat treſſpas have I 1312 + Co{m}mytit, ſo that I ſhal yow diſples?” + +[Headnote: AMYTANS REPROVES ARTHUR.] + + [Sidenote: He replies, “It is not against me, but against thyself.] + Quod he, “no thing It is ayane myn eß, + But only {con}trare of thi-ſelf alway; + So fare the courß yow paſſith of the way. 1316 + [Sidenote: Thy ship is almost drowned in the whirlpool.] + Thi ſchip, that goth apone the ſtormy vall, + Ney of thi careldis in the ſwelf it fall, + Whar ſhe almoſt is in the p{er}ell drent; + That is to ſay, yow art ſo far myſwent 1320 + Of wykitneß vpone the vrechit dans, + That yow art fallyng in the storng[T29] vengans + [Sidenote: That is, God’s wrath shall soon devour thee.] + Of goddis wreth, that ſhal the ſon deuour; + For of his ſtrok approchit now the hour 1324 + That boith thi Ringe, thi ceptre, {and} thi crovñ, + Frome hie eſtat he ſmyting ſhal adoune. + And that accordith well, for in thi tho{ch}t + [Sidenote: Because thou knowest Him not, who set thee up in this + high estate,] + Yow knawith not hyme, the wich that haith the wro{ch}t, 1328 + And ſet the vp in to this hie eſtat + From powert; for, as the-ſelwyne wat, + It cu{m}myth al bot only of his myght, + And not of the, nor of thi eld{er}is Richt 1332 + To the diſcending, as in heritage, + [Sidenote: though not begotten in spousage.] + For yow was not byget in to spouſag. + Wharfor yow aucht his biding to obſerf, [Fol. 17b.] + And at thy my{ch}t yow ſhuld hyme pleß {and} ſerf; 1336 + That dois yow nat, for yow art ſo confuſſit + With this fals warld, that thow haith hyme Refuſit, + And brokine haith his reul and ordynans, + The wich to the he gave in gou{er}nans. 1340 + + [Footnote T29: So in MS. Is it necessary to alter it to + “strong”?] + +[Headnote: THE TYRANNY OF KINGS.] + + [Sidenote: He made thee king,] + He maid the king, he maid the gou{er}nour, + He maid the ſo, and ſet in hie honour + Of Realmys and of [diuerß] peplis ſere; + Eft{er} his loue thow ſhuld them Reul {and} ſtere, 1344 + And wnoppreſſit kep in to Iuſtice, + The wykit men and pwnyce for ther wice. + Yow dois no thing, bot al in the {con}trare, + [Sidenote: and thou sufferest thy people to fare ill.] + And ſuffrith al thi puple to forfare; 1348 + Yow haith non Ey but one thyne awn delyt, + Or quhat that pleſing ſhall thyne appetyt. + In the defalt of law and of Iuſtice, + Wndir thi hond is ſufferyt gret ſuppriß 1352 + Of fadirleß, and modirleß alſo, + And wedwis ek ſuſtenit mekill wo. + [Sidenote: The poor are oppressed.] + With gret myſchef oppreſſit ar the pure; + And thow art cauß of al this hol Iniure, 1356 + Whar-of that god a raknyng ſal craf + At the, and a ſore Raknyng ſal hafe; + For thyne eſtat is gewyne to Redreß + Thar ned, and kep them to ry{ch}twyneß; 1360 + And thar is non that ther complant{is} her{is}; + The my{ch}ty folk, and ek the flattereris + Ar cheif with the, and doith this oppreſſiou{n}; + [Sidenote: If they complain, it is their confusion.] + If thai complen, It is ther confuſſiou{n}e. 1364 + And daniell ſaith that who doith to the pure, + Or fad{er}leß, or modirleß, EnIure, + Or to the puple, that ilke to god doth hee; + And al this harme ſuſtenit Is throw the. 1368 + Yow ſufferith them, oppreſſith {and} anoyith; + So yow art cauß, throw the thei ar diſtroyth; + Than, at thi my{ch}t, god ſo diſtroys yow. + [Sidenote: What wilt thou do, when God destroys sinners off the + visage of the earth?] + What ſhal he do aȝane? quhat ſhal yow, 1372 + When he diſtroys by vengance of his ſuerd + The ſynar{is} fra the vysag{is} of the Erde? + Than vtraly yow ſhall diſtroyt bee; + And that Richt weill apper{is} now of thee, 1376 + For yow allon byleft art ſolitere; + [Sidenote: Solomon saith, ‘Wo to him who is left alone! He hath + no help.’] + And the wyß salamon can duclar, + ‘Wo be to hyme that is byleft alone, + He haith no help;’ so Is thi forton goñe; 1380 [Fol. 18.] + For he is callit, w{i}t{h} quhom that god is no{ch}t, + Allone; and ſo thi wykitneß haith wro{ch}t + That god hyme-ſelf he is bycu{m}myn thi fo, + [Sidenote: Thou hast lost thy people’s hearts,] + Thi pupleis hart{is} haith thow tynt alſo; 1384 + Thi wykitneß thus haith the maid alon, + That of this erth thi fortone Is y-goñ. + Yow mone thi lyf, yow mone thi vorſchip tyne, + [Sidenote: and shalt come to death that hath no end.”] + And eft to deth that neu{er} ſhal haf fyne.” 1388 + +[Headnote: ARTHUR ASKS ADVICE.] + + ++“Maist{er},” q{uo}d he, “of yowre beneuolens, + Y yow beſech that tueching my{n} offens, + Ȝhe wald wichſaif your conſell to me If + [Sidenote: Arthur asks how he shall amend,] + How I ſal mend, and ek her-eftir leif.” 1392 + “Now,” q{uo}d the maiſter, “and I have m{er}well qwhy + Yow aſkith conſail, and wil in non affy, + Nor wyrk thar-by; and ȝhit yow may In tym, + If yow lykith to amend the cryme.” 1396 + “Ȝhis,” ſaith the king, “and ſuthfaſtly I will + [Sidenote: and promises to fulfil his bidding.] + Ȝour ordynans in eu{er}y thing fulfyll.” + “And if the liſt at conſail to abide, + [Sidenote: The master replies, “Thou must first dread the Lord.] + The remed of thi harme to p{ro}uyde-- 1400 + Firſt, the begyning is of ſapiens, + To dreid the lord and his mag{ni}ficens; + And what thow haith in contrar hyme ofendit, + Whill yow haith my{ch}t, of fre deſir amend it;[T30] 1404 + [Sidenote: Repent thy guilt.] + Repent thi gilt, repent thi gret treſpaß, + And remembir one goddis richwyſneß; + How for to hyme that wykitneß anoyt, + And how the way of ſynaris he diſtroit; 1408 + And if ye lyk to ryng wnd{er} his peß, + Ye wengans of his my{ch}ty hond yow ſeß, + This ſchalt yow do, if yow wil be p{er}fit. + Firſt, mone yow be penitent and contrit 1412 + Of euery thing that tuechith thi conſiens, + Done of fre will, or ȝhit of neglygens. + [Sidenote: Thy need requireth full contrition.] + Thi neid requirith ful contretioune, + Princepaly with-out concluſioune; 1416 + With humble hart and goſtly byſyneß, + Syne ſhalt yow go deuotly the confeß + [Sidenote: Confess to some holy confessor.] + Ther-of vnto ſum haly confeſſour, + That the wil conſail tueching thin arour; 1420 + And to fulfill his will and ordynans, + [Sidenote: Do penance, and amend all wrong.”] + In ſatiſfaccione and doing of penans, + And to amend al wrang and al Iniure, + By the ydone til euery Creature; 1424 + If yow can In to thi hart fynde, [Fol. 18b.] + Contretioune well degeſt In to thi mynd. + Now go thi weie, for if it leful were, + Confeſſioune to me, I ſhuld It here.” 1428 + + [Footnote T30: MS. “amendit.”] + +[Headnote: ARTHUR CONFESSES HIS SINS,] + + [Sidenote: Arthur tries to remember every sin done since his years + of innocence,] + ++Than arthur, Richt obedient {and} mek, + In to his wit memoratyvecan ſeik + Of euery gilt wich that he can pens, + Done frome he paſſith the ȝer{is} of Innocens; 1432 + And as his maiſter hyme commandit hade, + [Sidenote: and made his confession with lamentable cheer.] + He goith and his confeſſione haith he maad + Richt deuotly with lementable chere; + The man{er} wich quho lykith for to here 1436 + He may It fynd In to the holl romans, + Of confeſſione o paſing c{er}cumſtans. + I can It not, I am no confeſſour, + My wyt haith ewill conſat of that labour, 1440 + Quharof I wot I aucht repent me ſore. + The king wich was confeſſit, what is more, + Goith and til his maiſt{er} tellith hee, + How euery ſyne In to his awn degree 1444 + He shew, that mycht occuryng to his mynde. + [Sidenote: “Leftest thou aught behind,” quoth the master, “about + Ban, king of Albanak, and his disinherited wife?”] + “Now,” q{uo}d the maiſtere, “left thow aght behynde + Of albenak the vorſchipful king ban, + The wich that vas in to my ſ{er}uice ſlan, 1448 + And of his wif diſheriſt eft alſo? + Bot of ther ſone, the wich was them fro, + Ne ſpek[T31] y not;”--the king in his entent + Abaſyt was, and furt{h}w{i}t{h} is he went 1452 + [Sidenote: The king again confesses, and returns,] + Aȝane, and to his confeſſour declarith; + + [Footnote T31: MS. apparently has “srpek;” but a comparison + with line 1543 shews that the apparent _r_ is due to the meeting + of two slight flourishes belonging to the _s_ and _p_.] + +[Headnote: AND AGAIN ASKS FOR ADVICE.] + + Syne to his maiſt{er} he ayane Reparith, + To quhome he ſaith, “I aftir my cu{n}yng + Your ordinans fulfillit in al thing; 1456 + And now right hartly y beſeich and prey, + Ȝhe wald w{i}t{h}ſchaif ſum thing to me ſay, + [Sidenote: prays for comfort,] + That may me comfort in my gret dreid, + And how my men ar falȝet in my Neid, 1460 + [Sidenote: and inquires about his dream.] + And of my dreme, the wich that is ſo dirk.” + [Sidenote: The master saith, “If thou art bound to work by my + counsel,] + This maiſt{er} ſaith, “and thow art bound to virk + [T32] ++AT my conſail, and if yow has maad + Thi confeſſione, as yow before hath ſaid, 1464 + And in thi conciens thinkith p{er}ſeuere, + As I p{re}ſume that thow onon ſhalt here + That god hyme-ſelf ſhal ſo for y^e p{ro}uide, + [Sidenote: thou shalt abide in thy kingdom.] + Thow ſhal Remayne and In thi Ring abyd. 1468 + And why thi men ar falȝet At this nede, [Fol. 19.] + At ſhort this is the cauß, ſhalt yow no{ch}t dred, + Fore thow to gode was frawart and p{er}wert; + Thi ryngne and the he tho{ch}t for to ſubwart; 1472 + And yow ſal knaw na power may reciſt, + In contrar quhat god lykith to aſſi[ſ]t. + + [Footnote T32: This line (though it should not) begins with an + illuminated letter.] + +[Headnote: KINGS DERIVE THEIR POWER FROM GOD.] + + [Sidenote: Strength of victory cometh from God only.] + The vertw nore the ſtrenth of victory + It cu{m}myth not of man, bot an{er}ly 1476 + Of hyme, the wich haith eu{er}y ſtrinth; {and} than, + If that the waiis pleſſit hyme of man, + He ſhal have forß aȝane his e{n}nemys. + A-ryght agan apone the ſamyne vyß, 1480 + [Sidenote: Whoso displeases Him shall be subject to his enemies, + as we read in the Bible concerning the Jews.] + If he diſpleß vn to the lord, he ſhall + Be to his fais a ſubiet or a thrall, + As that we may In to the bible red, + Tueching the folk he tuk hyme-ſelf to led 1484 + In to the lond, the wich he them byhicht. + Ay when thei ȝhed in to his ways Richt, + Ther fois gon befor there ſuerd to no{ch}t; + [Sidenote: When they wrought against Him, they were so full of + fear that the sound of a falling leaf made a thousand flee.] + And when that thei ayanis hyme hath vro{ch}t, 1488 + Thei war ſo full of radur and diſſpare, + That of o leif fleing in the air, + The ſound of It haith gart o thouſand tak + At onys apone them-ſelf the bak, 1492 + And al ther manhed vterly foryhet; + Sich dreid the lord apone ther hart{is} set. + So ſhalt yow know no powar may w{i}t{h}ſtond, + Ther god hyme-ſelf hath ton the cauß on hond. 1496 + [Sidenote: Thine own offence is the reason why thy people fail + thee.] + And ye quhy ſtant in thyne awn offens, + That al thi puple falȝhet off defens. + And ſum ar falȝeing magre ther entent; + Thei ar to quhom thow yewyne hath thi rent, 1500 + Thi gret Reuard, thi richeß and thi gold, + And cheriſſith and held in thi houſhold. + Bot the moſt p{ar}t ar falȝheit the at wyll, + [Sidenote: Thou hast shewn some of them unkindness,] + To quhome yow haith wnkyndneß ſchawin till; 1504 + Wrong and i{n}Iure, and ek defalt of law, + And pwnyſing of qwhich that thei ſtand aw; + And makith ſ{er}uice but reward or fee, + Syne haith no thonk bot fre{m}mytneß of the. 1508 + Such folk to the cu{m}myth bot for dred, + Not of fre hart the for to help at nede. + And what awalith owthir ſheld or ſper, + Or horß or armoure according for ye were, 1512 + Vith-outen man them for to ſtere and led? [Fol. 19b.] + [Sidenote: and a man that wanteth heart is dead.] + And man, yow wot, that vantith hart is ded, + That in to armys ſ{er}uith he of noght; + A cowart oft ful mekil harm haith vroght. 1516 + In multitude nore ȝhit in confluens + Of ſich, is nowther manhed nore defens. + [Sidenote: Thou hast so conducted thyself as to lose all thy + people’s hearts.] + And ſo thow hath the rewlyt, that almoſt + Of al thi puple the hart{is} ben ylost; 1520 + And tynt richt throw thyne awn myſgou{er}nans + Of auerice and of thyne errogans. + [Sidenote: What is a prince without honour?] + What is o prince? quhat is o gou{er}noure + W{i}t{h}outen fame of worſchip and honour? 1524 + What is his my{ch}t, ſuppos he be A lorde, + If that his folk ſal no{ch}t to hyme accorde? + [Sidenote: Can he by himself sustain his kingdom, by serving his + own appetite?] + May he his Rigne, may he his holl Empire + Suſten al only of his owne deſyre, 1528 + In ſerwyng of his wrechit appetit + Of awerice and of his awn delyt, + And hald his men, wncheriſt, in thraldome? + [Sidenote: His oppression of his people consumes his high estate, + and makes other kings war on them.] + Nay! that ſhal ſone his hie eſtat conſome. 1532 + +[Headnote: UNJUST KINGS ARE PUNISHED.] + + For many o kny{ch}t[T33] therby is broght ydoune, + All vt{r}aly to ther confuſioune; + For oft it makith vther king{is} by + To wer on them In traſt of victory; 1536 + And oft als throw his peple is diſtroyth, + That fyndith them agrewit or anoyth; + [Sidenote: God also punishes their vices.”] + And god alſo oft w{i}t{h} his awn ſwerd, + Punyſith ther wyſis one this erd. 1540 + Thus falith not o king but gou{er}nans, + Boith realme and he goith one to myſchans.” + + [Footnote T33: “king” (?).] + +[Headnote: A MESSAGE FROM GALIOT.] + + [Sidenote: Meanwhile, the king of a hundred knights and the + first-conquest king come from Galiot,] + ++AS thai war thus ſpeking of this thinge, + Frome galiot cam two kny{ch}t{is} to the king; 1544 + That one the king of hund{er}eth kny{ch}t{is} was; + That other to nome the fyrst-co{n}queſt king[T34] has, + At firſt that galyot conquerit of one. + The n{er}eſt way one to the king thei gon, 1548 + And vp he roß, as he that wel cout{h} do + Honor, to quhome that It afferith to; + And ȝhit he wiſt not at thei king{is} were; + So them[T35] thei boith and vyt{h} ry{ch}t knyghtly cher 1552 + Reu{er}endly thei ſaluſt hyme, and thane + [Sidenote: and the former delivers his message, to the effect that] + The king of hund{er} knyght{is} he began + And ſaid hyme, “ſ{ir}, to ȝow my lord ws ſende, + Galiot, whilk bad ws ſay he wende, 1556 [Fol. 20.] + That of this world the vorthieſt king wor ȝhe, + Greteſt of men and of awtoritee. + + [Footnote T34: MS. “kinghe,” a spelling due to confusion with + “knight.” See l. 1533.] + +[Headnote: A TRUCE PROPOSED AND ACCEPTED.] + + [Sidenote: Galiot wonders at the feebleness of Arthur’s folk,] + Wharof he has gret wond{er} that ȝhe ar + So feble cu{m}myne In to his contrare, 1560 + For to defend your cuntre {and} your londe, + And knowith well ȝhe may hyme no{ch}t w{i}t{h}ſtonde. + Wharfor he thinkith no worſchip to conquere, + Nore in the wer{is} more to p{er}ſyuere; 1564 + Conſiddir yowr wakneß and yowr Indegens, + Aȝanis hyme as now to mak defens. + [Sidenote: and is willing to grant a year’s truce,] + Wharfore, my lord haith grantit by vs here + Trewis to yhow and reſput for o ȝhere, 1568 + [Sidenote: if Arthur will return to fight against him in a year’s + time;] + If that yhow lykith by the ȝher{is} ſpace + For to retwrn ayane In to this place, + Her to manteine yhour cuntre and w{i}t{h}ſtond + Hyme w{i}t{h} the holl power of yhour lond. 1572 + And for the tyme the trewis ſhal endure, + Yhour cuntre and yhour lond he will aſſurre; + And wit ȝhe ȝhit his powar is no{ch}t here. + And als he bad ws ſay yhow by the yhere, 1576 + [Sidenote: and desires to have the red knight in his household.] + The gud kny{ch}t wich that the Red armys bure + And in the feild maid the diſcumfiture, + The whilk the flour of kny{ch}thed may be cold, + He thinkith hyme to haue of his houſhold.” 1580 + “Well,” q{uo}d the king, “I have hard quhat yhe ſay, + But if god will, and ek if that I may, + In to ſich wyß I think for to withſtond, + Yhour lord ſhall have no powar of my londe.” 1584 + [Sidenote: Arthur rejoices at the truce,] + Of this meſag the king Reioſing haß, + And of the trewis wich that grantit was, + Bot anoyt ȝhit of the kny{ch}t was he, + Wich thei awant to have in ſuch dogre. 1588 + Ther leif thei tuk; and when at thei war gon, + [Sidenote: which the master attributes to God’s providence, and + exhorts him, saying,] + [T36] ++This maiſt{er} ſaith, “how lykith god diſpone! + + [Footnote T35: “then” (?).] + [Footnote T36: The initial T is illuminated.] + + Now may yhow ſe {and} ſuth is my recorde; + For by hyme now is makith this accord; 1592 + And by non vthir worldly p{ro}videns, + Sauf only grant of his bynewolans, + To ſe if that the lykith to amend, + And to p{ro}uid thi cuntre to defend. 1596 + Wharfor yow ſhalt in to thi lond home fair, + And gowerne the as that I ſhall declaire. + [Sidenote: “First, serve God with humble heart, and let the wand + of law pass through the land.] + Firſt, thi god with humble hart yow ſerfe, [Fol. 20b.] + And his comand at al thi my{ch}t obſerf; 1600 + And ſyne, lat paß the ilk bleſſit wonde + Of lowe w{i}t{h} m{er}cy Iuſtly throw thi londe; + And y beſeich--to quhome yow ſal direke + The rewle vpone, the wrang{is} to correk-- 1604 + That yow be no{ch}t in thi electioune blynde; + For writin It Is and yow ſal trew It fynde. + That, be thei for to thonk or ell{is} blame, + And towart god thi p{ar}t ſhal be the ſam̅; 1608 + Of Ignorans ſhalt yow no{ch}t be excuſit, + Bot in ther werk{is} ſorly be accuſit, + For thow ſhuld eu{er} cheß apone ſich wyß + [Sidenote: Thus shalt thou choose the ministers of justice.] + The mi{ni}ſteris[T37] that rewll haith of Iustice:-- 1612 + +[Headnote: HOW TO CHOOSE JUDGES.] + + Firſt, that he be deſcret til wnd{er}ſtond + And lowe and ek the mat{er} of the londe; + And be of my{ch}t and ek Autoritee, + (For puple ay {con}tempnith low degre,) 1616 + And that of trouth he folow furth the way; + That is als mych as he louyth trewth alway, + And haitith al them the wich ſal pas therfro. + Syne, that he god dreid and lowe al-so. 1620 + [Sidenote: Avoid avaricious and wrathful men.] + Of auerice be-war with the deſyre, + And of hyme full of haſtynes {and} fyre; + Be-war thar-for of malice and deſire, + And hyme alſo that lowith no medyre; 1624 + For al this abhomi{n}able was hold, + When Iuſtice was in to the tymis olde. + For qwho that is of an of thir by-know, + The leſt of them ſubu{er}tith all the low, 1628 + And makith It w[n]Iustly[T38] to p{ro}cede; + + [Footnote T37: MS. “mīſteris.”] + [Footnote T38: MS. “w Iustly.”] + +[Headnote: KINGS MUST BE JUST AND TRUE.] + + [Sidenote: Eschew unfit men, for this shall be thy meed in the day + of judgment.] + Eſchew tharfor, for this ſal be thi meid + Apone the day when al thing goith aright, + Whar none excuß hidyng ſchal ye lyght; 1632 + But he the Iug, that no man may ſuſſpek, + Eu{er}y thing ful Iuſtly ſal correk. + Be-war thar-w{i}t{h}, as before have I told, + And cheß them wyſly that thi low ſhal hold. 1636 + And als I will that it well oft be sen, + Richt to thi-self how thei thi low {con}ten; + [Sidenote: Be diligent to inquire how judgment is given.] + And how the Right, and how the dom is went, + For to Inquer that yow be delygent. 1640 + And punyß for, for o thing ſhal yow know, [Fol. 21.] + The most treſpas is to ſubuert the low, + So that yow be not in thar gilt accuſit, + And frome the froit of bliſſit folk refuſit. 1644 + [Sidenote: Visit every chief town throughout the bounds of thy + kingdom.] + And pas yow ſhalt to euery chef toune, + Throw-out the boundis of thi Regioune + Whar yow ſall be, that Iuſtice be Elyk + With-out diuiſione baith to pur {and} ryk. 1648 + And that thi puple have [ane] awdiens + W{i}t{h} thar complant{is}, and alſo thi p{rese}ns; + For qwho his eris frome the puple ſtekith, + And not his hond in ther ſupport furth rekith, 1652 + His dom ſall be ful grewous & ful hard, + When he ſal cry and he ſal no{ch}t be hard. + [Sidenote: Give thine ears to the poor.] + Wharfor thyne eris ifith to the pwre, + Bot in redreß of ned, & not of i{n}Iure; 1656 + Thus ſall thei don of Reſſone & knawlag. + + [Sidenote: Kings, while minors, may be excused; but, when + of age, they must punish those that have wrested justice.] + ++But king{is} when thei ben of tend{er} ag, + Y wil not ſay I traſt thei ben excuſit, + Bot ſchortly thei ſall be ſar accuſit, 1660 + When ſo thei cum to yheris of Reſone, + If thei tak not full contriſioune, + And pwnyß them that hath ther low myſgyit. + That this is trouth it may not be denyit; 1664 + For vther ways thei ſal them not diſcharg, + [Excep thei pwnyß them that have the charg][T39] + One eſtatis of ther realm, that ſhold + W{i}t{h}-in his ȝouth ſe that his low be hold.[T40] 1668 + [Sidenote: Temper justice with mercy.] + And thus thow the, w{i}t{h} mercy, kep alway + Of Iuſtice furt{h} the ilk bleſſit way. + + [Footnote T39: A blank space here occurs, just sufficient to + contain one line.] + [Footnote T40: MS. “behold.”] + + [Sidenote: Be true and stable in thy words.] + ++And of thi wordis beis trew and ſtable, + Spek not to mych, nore be not vareable. 1672 + O king{is} word ſhuld be o king{is} bonde, + And ſaid It is, a king{is} word ſhuld ſtond; + O king{is} word, among our fad{er}is old, + Al-out more p{re}cious & more ſur was hold 1676 + Than was the oth or ſeel of any wight; + [Sidenote: A king should be the very light of truth.] + O king of trouth ſuld be the werray lyght, + So treuth and Iuſtice to o king accordyth. + And als, as thir clerk{is} old recordith, 1680 + [T41] ++In tyme is larges and humilitee + Right well according vnto hie dugre, + And pleſſith boith to god and man al-so; + Wharfor I wil, in{con}tine{n}t thow go, 1684 [Fol. 21b.] + And of thi lond in euery p{ar}t abide, + Whar yow gar fet and clep one eu{er}y ſid + Out of thi cuntreis, and ek out of thi tovnis, + [Sidenote: Invite thy dukes, earls, great barons, thy poor knights, + and thy bachelors, and welcome them severally.] + Thi duk{is}, erlis, and thi gret baronis, 1688 + Thi pur kny{ch}t{is}, and thi bach[e]ler{is}, + And them reſauf als hartly as afferis, + And be them-ſelf yow welcum them ilkon: + Syne, them to glaid and cheris, thee diſpone 1692 + With feſting and with humyll {con}tynans. + + [Footnote T41: The initial I is illuminated; rather because + there is here a change of subject than because it begins a new + sentence.] + +[Headnote: KINGS SHOULD CHERISH ALL MEN.] + + Be not penſyve, nore proud in arrogans, + [Sidenote: Keep company not with the rich man only, but with the + poor worthy man also.] + Bot w{i}t{h} them hold in gladnes cumpany; + Not with the Rich nor myghty an{er}ly, 1696 + Bot with the pure worthi man alſo, + W{i}t{h} them thow ſit, w{i}t{h} them yow ryd and go. + I ſay not to be our fameliar, + For, as the moſt philoſephur can duclar, 1700 + [Sidenote: Yet remember that familiarity breeds contempt.] + To mych to oyß familiaritee + Contempnyng bryngith one to hie dugre; + Bot cherice them w{i}t{h} wordis fair depay{n}t, + So with thi pupelle ſal yow the aquay{n}t. 1704 + [Sidenote: Choose out of each district an aged knight to be thy + counsellor.] + Than of ilk cuntre wyſly yow enquere + An agit kny{ch}t to be thi conſulere, + That haith ben hold in armys Richt fam{us}, + Wyß and diſcret, & no thing Inwy{us}; 1708 + For there is non that knowith ſo wel, I-wyß, + O worthy man as he that worthi Is. + +[Headnote: KINGS MUST BE LIBERAL.] + + [Sidenote: When thou hast sojourned long in a place, then provide + thee with plenty of horses, armour, gold, silver, and clothing;] + When well long haith yow ſwiornyt i{n} a place, + And well acqueynt the v{i}t{h} thi puple has, 1712 + Than ſhalt thow ordand & p{ro}wid the + Of horß and ek of armour gret plente; + Of gold, and ſilu{er}, tressore, and cleithing, + And euery Riches that lo{n}gith to o king; 1716 + [Sidenote: and, before leaving, distribute gifts liberally.] + And when the lykith for to tak thi leif, + By largeß thus yow thi reward geif, + First to the pure worthy honorable, + That is til armys and til ma{n}hed able; 1720 + (Set he be pur, ȝhit worſchip in hyme bidith); + [Sidenote: Give to the poor worthy man the horse thou thyself + ridest.] + If hyme the horß one wich thi-ſelwyne Ridith, + And bid hyme that he Rid hyme for yhour ſak; + Syne til hyme gold and ſilu{er} yow betak; 1724 + The horß to hyme for worſchip and prowes, + The treſor for his fredome and larges. + If moſt of Riches and of Cheriſing; [Fol. 22a.] + Eftir this gud kny{ch}t berith vitneſing. 1728 + [Sidenote: Give to thy tenants and vavasours easy hackneys, + palfries, and coursers.] + Syne to thi te{n}nand{is} & to thi wawaſouris + If eſſy haknays, palfrais, and curſouris, + And robis ſich as pleſand ben and fair; + Syne to thi lord{is}, wich at my{ch}ty aire, 1732 + [Sidenote: Give to thy lords things strange and uncouth.] + As duk{is}, erlis, princ{is}, and ek king{is}, + Yow if them ſtrang, yow if them vncout{h} thing{is}, + As diu{er}ß iowell{is}, and ek p{re}ciouß ſtonis, + Or halk{is}, hundis, ordinit for the nonis, 1736 + Or wantone horß that can no{ch}t ſtand in ſtāble; + Thar gift{is} mot be fair and delitable. + Thus, firſt vn to the vorthi pur yow if + Giftis, that may ther pouerte Releif; 1740 + And to the rich ift{is} of pleſans, + That thei be fair, ſet no{ch}t of gret ſubſtans; + For riches aſkith no thing bot delyt, + And powert haith ay ane appetyt 1744 + For to support ther ned and Indigens: + Thus ſhall yow if and makith thi diſpens. + [Sidenote: So, too, shall the queen give to maidens and ladies,] + And ek the quen, my lady, ſhalt alſo + To madenis and to ladeis, quhar ȝhe go, 1748 + If, and cheriß one the ſamyne wyß; + [Sidenote: for all thy welfare lies in liberality.] + For in to largeß al thi welfar lyis. + And if thy gift{is} with ſich {con}tinans + That thei be ſen ay gifyne v{i}t{h} pleſans; 1752 + The wyß man ſais, and ſuth it is app{ro}uit, + Thar is no thonk, thar is no ift alowit, + Bot It be ifyne In to ſich manere, + [Sidenote: Remember that the giver should be as glad in his cheer + as the receiver.] + (That is to ſay, als glaid i{n} to his chere), 1756 + As he the wich the ift of hyme Reſauith; + And do he not, the gifar is diſſauith. + +[Headnote: LIBERAL KINGS ARE LOVED IN LIFE,] + + For who that iff{is}, as he not if wald, + Mor p{ro}fit war his ift for to w{i}t{h}-hald; 1760 + His thonk he tynith, and his ift alſo. + Bot that thow ifith, if w{i}t{h} boith two, + [Sidenote: Give with both hand and heart at once;] + That is to ſay, vith hart and hand atonis; + And ſo the wyſman ay ye ift diſponis. 1764 + Beith larg and iff{is} frely of thi thing; + [Sidenote: for liberality is the treasure of a king.] + For largeß is the treſour of o king, + And not this other Iowell{is} nor this gold + That is in to thi treſory with-holde. 1768 + Who gladly iffith, be vertew of larges [Fol. 22b.] + [Sidenote: Whoso gives liberally, his treasury increases.] + His treſory encreſis of Richeſß, + And ſal aȝañe the mor al-out reſawe. + [Sidenote: For the receiver shall place his goods at the king’s + disposal,] + For he to quhome he ȝewith ſall hawe, 1772 + Firſt his body, ſyne his hart with two, + His gudis al for to diſpone also + [Sidenote: who shall gain, moreover, both worship and praise.] + In his ſ{er}uice; and mor atour he ſhall + Have O thing, and that is beſt of all; 1776 + That is to ſay, the worſchip and the loß + That vpone larges in this world furth goß. + And yow ſhal knaw the lawbour & the preß + In to this erth about the gret Richeß. 1780 + [Sidenote: Is there any labour except for meat and clothing? + All the remnant is for fame.] + Is ony, bot[T42] apone the cauß we see + Of met, of cloth, & of p{ro}ſperitee? + All the remanant ſtant apone the name + Of purches, furth apone this world{is} fame. 1784 + And well yow wot, in thyne allegians + Ful many Is, the wich haith ſufficians + Of euery thing that longith to ther ned; 1787 + What haith yow more, qwich [haith] them al to lede, + For al thi Realmys and thi gret Riches, + If that yow lak of worſchip the encreß? + Well leß, al-out; for eft{er} thar eſtate + Thei have vorſchip, and kepith It al-gat; 1792 + And yow degradith al thyne hie dugree, + That ſo ſchuld ſhyne In to nobelitee, + Throuch wys and throw the wrechitneß of hart. + + [Footnote T42: MS. “Is ony bout bot;” “bout” being defaced.] + +[Headnote: AND COMMENDED AFTER DEATH.] + + [Sidenote: Knowest thou not what shall be thy part, when thou + passest away from this world?] + And knowis yow not what ſall be[T43] thi part, 1796 + Out of this world when yow ſal paß the courß? + Fair well, I-wyß! yow neu{er} ſhall Recourß + Whar no prince more ſhall the subiet[T44] have, + But be als dep in to the erd y-grave, 1800 + [Sidenote: Virtue and honour will alone remain.] + Sauf vertew only and worſchip wich abidith; + W{i}t{h} them the world apone the laif dewidith; + [Sidenote: And if thy successor be liberal, he will be commended + of the world;] + And if he, wich ſhal eftir the ſucced, + By larges ſpend, of quhich that yhow had dreid, 1804 + He of the world comendit is and priſit, + And yow ſtant furth of euery thing diſpiſit; + The puple ſaith and demyth thus of thee, + “Now is he gone, a werray vrech was hee, 1808 + And he the wich that is our king and lord + Boith wertew haith & larges in accorde; + Welcum be he!” and ſo the puple ſoundith. + Thus through thi viß his wertew mor aboundith, 1812 [Fol. 23a.] + [Sidenote: and his virtue will abound through thy vice.] + And his vertew the more thi wice furth ſchawith. + Wharfor ȝhe, wich that princes ben y-knawith, + Lat not yhour vrechit hart so yhow dant, + That he that cu{m}myth next yhow may awant 1816 + To be mor larg, nore more to be co{m}mendit; + + [Footnote T43: MS. has “by.”] + [Footnote T44: MS. has “subei^et.”] [[superscript e only]] + +[Headnote: LIBERAL KINGS WIN SUBJECTS,] + + [Sidenote: Riches well spent are the best kept.] + Best kepit Is the Riches well diſpendit. + O ȝhe, the wich that king{is} ben, fore ſham + Remembrith yhow, this world hath bot o naam̅ 1820 + Of good or ewill, eft{er} ȝhe ar gone! + And wyſly tharfor cheſſith yhow the toñ + Wich moſt accordith to nobilitee, + And knytith larges to yhour hie degre. 1824 + For qwhar that fredome In O p{ri}nce Ri{n}gnis, + It bryngith In the victory of king{is}, + And makith realmys and puple boith to dout, + And ſubect{is}[T45] of the cuntre al about. 1828 + [Sidenote: Whoso will be a conqueror, let him not reck to give + largely.] + And qwho that thinkith ben o co{n}querour, + Suppos his largeß ſumquhat pas myſour, + Ne rak he nat, bot frely iffith ay; + And as he wynyth, beis var al-way 1832 + To mych nor ȝhit to gredy that he hold, + Wich ſal the hart{is} of the puple colde. + [Sidenote: Both love and fear spring from liberality.] + And low and radour cu{m}myth boith two + Of larges; Reid and ȝhe ſal fynd It ſo. 1836 + Alex{ander} this lord the warld that wan, + Firſt w{i}t{h} the ſuerd of larges he began, + [Sidenote: Alexander gave so liberally,] + And as he wynith ifith largely, + He rakith No thing bot of cheuelry; 1840 + Wharfor of hyme ſo paſſith the Renown, + [Sidenote: that many cities desired to have such a lord,] + That many o cetee, and many o ſtrang towñ + Of his worſchip that herith the Recorde, + Diſſirith ſo to haveing ſich o lorde; 1844 + [Sidenote: and offered themselves peaceably to him, though they + were manly men of war.] + And offerith them w{i}t{h}-outen ſtrok of ſpere, + Suppos that thei war manly men of were, + But only for his gentilleß that thei + Have hard; and ſo he louit was al-way 1848 + For his larges, humilitee, and manhed, + W{i}t{h} his awn folk, that neu{er}more, we Reid, + For al his weris nor his gret trawell, [Fol. 23b.] + In al his tym that thei hyme onys faill; 1852 + Bot in his worſchip al thar beſynes + Thei ſet, and lewith in to no diſtres; + Whar-throw the ſuerd of victory he berith. + + [Footnote T45: Or “subett{is}.”] + +[Headnote: BUT UNJUST ONES DESPOIL THEM.] + + [Sidenote: Many princes bear the palm of victory, through + liberality;] + And many prince full oft the palm werith, 1856 + As has ben hard, by largeß, of before, + In conqueringe of Rignis & of glore. + [Sidenote: while miserliness hath made realms desolate.] + And wrechitnes Richt ſo, in the contrar, + Haith Realmys maid ful deſolat & bare, 1860 + And king{is} broght doun from ful hie eſtat; + And who that Red ther old buk{is}, wat + The vicis lef, the wertew have in mynde, + And takith larges In his awn kynd; 1864 + [Sidenote: Choose the mean between prodigality and avarice.] + A-myd ſtanding of the vicis two, + Prodegalitee and awerice alſo. + Wharfor her-of It nedith not to more, + So mych ther-of haith clerk{is} vrit to-fore. 1868 + [Sidenote: Whoso chooses to be liberal,] + Bot who the wertw of larges & the law + Sal cheß, mot ned conſidir well & knaw + [Sidenote: must understand three things: the _amount he has_, + to _whom_ he giveth, and the _fit time_ for giving.] + In to hyme-ſelf, and thir thre wnd{er}ſtande, + The ſubſtans firſt, the powar of his land, 1872 + Whome to he iffith, and the cauß wharfore, + The nedful tyme awatith eu{er}more. + Kepith thir thre; for qwho that ſal exced + His rent, he fallith ſodandly in nede. 1876 + [Sidenote: (1) The king that becomes _indigent_ overthrows his + subjects.] + And ſo the king, that on to myſt{er} drowis, + His subiett{is} and his puple he our-thrawis, + And them diſpolȝeith boith of lond and Rent; + So is the king, ſo is the puple ſchent. 1880 + [Sidenote: For the voice of the oppressed shrieketh up ceaselessly + to heaven;] + For-quhi the woice It ſcrik[i]th vp ful ewyne + W{i}t{h}-out abaid, and paſſith to the hewyne, + Whar god hyme-ſelf reſauith ther the crye + Of the oppreſioune and the teranny, 1884 + [Sidenote: and God smiteth down with the sword of vengeance.] + And vith the ſuerd of wengans dou{n} y-ſmytith, + The wich that caruith al to ſor, and bitith, + And hyme diſtroyth, as has ben hard or this + Of euery king that wirkith ſich o mys. 1888 + For ther is few eſchapith them, It ſall + [Sidenote: For God hath given the king the wand of justice:] + Boith vpone hyme & his ſucceſſione fall; + For he forſuth haith ifyne hyme the wond + To Iuſtefy and Reull in pece his lond, 1892 [Fol. 24a.] + The puple all ſubmytit to his cure; + And he aȝan one to no creatur + Save only ſhall vn to his gode obey. + +[Headnote: BEWARE OF INJUSTICE AND FLATTERY.] + + And if he paſſith ſo far out of the wey, 1896 + [Sidenote: and if he oppresses them whom he should rule,] + Them to oppreß, that he ſhuld reul & gid, + Ther heritag, there gwdis to dewide, + Ye, wnd{er} whome that he moſt nedis ſtond, + [Sidenote: God shall stretch His mighty hand for correction.] + At correccioune ſal ſtrek his my{ch}ty hond, 1900 + Not euery day, bot ſhal at onys fall + On hyme, mayhap, and his ſucceſcione all. + [Sidenote: Herein, alas! is the blindness of kings.] + In this, allace! the blynd{is} of the king{is}, + And Is the fall of princ{is} and of Rygnis. 1904 + The moſt wertew, the gret Intellegens, + [Sidenote: The blessed token of a king’s wisdom is for him to + restrain his hand from his people’s riches.] + The bleſſit tokyne of wyſdom and prudens + Iſß, in o king, for to reſtren his honde + Frome his pupleis Riches & ther lond. 1908 + Mot euery king have this wice i{n} mynd + In tyme, and not when that he ned fynde! + And in thi larges beith war, I pray, + [Sidenote: (2) Choose a _fitting time_.] + Of nedful tyme, for than is beſt alway. 1912 + [Sidenote: (3) Take care _to whom_ you give.] + Awyß the ek quhome to that thow ſalt if, + Of there fam, and ek how that thei leif; + [Sidenote: Let not the virtuous and the vicious stand in the same + degree.] + And of the wertws and wicious folk alſo, + I the beſeich dewidith well thir two, 1916 + So that thei ſtond no{ch}t in[to] o degree; + Diſcreccioune ſall mak the diu{er}ſitee, + Wich clepith the mod{er} of al vertewis. + +[Headnote: FLATTERERS SUCCEED WHEN KINGS ARE FOOLISH.] + + [Sidenote: Beware of flattery.] + And beith war, I the beſeich of this, 1920 + That is to ſay of flatry, wich that longith + To court, and al the king{is} larges fongith. + The vertuouß man no thing thar-of reſauith, + The flatterer{is} now ſo the king diſſauith 1924 + And blyndith them that wot no thing, I-wyß, + When thei do well, or quhen thei do o myß; + And latith king{is} oft til wnd{er}ſtonde + Thar vicis, and ek ye falt{is} of ther lond. 1928 + In to the realme about o king Is holde + [Sidenote: A flatterer is worse than a storm or a pestilence.] + O flatterere were than is the ſtormys cold, + Or peſtelens, and mor the realme anoyith; + For he the law and puple boith diſtroyith. 1932 + [Sidenote: Three things make flatterers in favour.] + And in to principall ben ther three thing{is}, [Fol. 24b.] + That cauſſith flattereris ſtonding w{i}t{h} the king{is}; + [Sidenote: First, the blind ignorance of kings.] + And on, It is the blyndit Ignorans + Of king{is}, wich that hath no gou{er}nans 1936 + To wnd{er}ſtond who doith ſich o myß; + But who that fareſt ſchewith hym, I-wyß, + Moſt ſuffiſith and beſt to his pleſans. + Wo to the realme that havith ſich o chans! 1940 + [Sidenote: Secondly, where a king is vicious himself.] + And ſecundly, quhar that o king Is + Weciuß hyme-ſelf, he cheriſſith, ywys, + Al them the wich that one to vicis ſoundith, + Whar-throw that vicis and flattery ek aboundith. 1944 + [Sidenote: Thirdly, where the king is so foolish, that he knows + their flattery, yet withdraws from reproving them.] + The thrid, is the ilk ſchrewit harrmful wice, + Wich makith o king w{i}t{h}in hyme-ſelf ſo nyce, + That al thar flattry and ther gilt he knowith + In to his wit, and ȝhit he hyme w{i}t{h}-drowith 1948 + Them to repref, and of ther vicis he wot; + And this It is wich that diſſemblyng hot, + That in no way accordith for o king. + Is he not ſet abuf apone his Ri{n}gne, 1952 + As ſou{er}ane his puple for to lede? + [Sidenote: Why should a king spare to say the truth?] + Whi ſchuld he ſpare, or quhom of ſchuld he dred + To ſay the treuth, as he of Right is hold? + And if ſo ware that al the king{is} wold, 1956 + When that his leg{is} comytit ony wyce, + As beith not to ſchamful, nore to nyce, + That thei preſume that he is negligent, + [Sidenote: He should reprove without dissembling, as it is fitting.] + But als far as he thinkith that thei myß-went, 1960 + But diſſemblyng reprewith as afferis; + And pwnice them quhar pwnyſing Requeris, + Sauf only m{er}cy in the tyme of ned. + And ſo o king he ſchuld his puple led, 1964 + That no treſpaß, that cu{m}myth in his way, + Shuld paß his hond wne-pwniſt away; + Nore no good deid in to the ſamyn degree, + Nore no wertew, ſuld wn-Reuardid bee. 1968 + [Sidenote: Then flattery, that now is high, should be low.] + Than flattry ſhuld, that now is he, be low, + And wice from the king{is} court w{i}t{h}-drow; + His miniſt{er}is that ſhuld the Iuſtice reull, + Shuld kep well furt{h} of quiet & reull, 1972 + That now, god wat, as It conſerwit Is, + The ſtere is loſt, and al is gon amys; + And vertew ſhuld hame to the court hyme dreß, [Fol. 25a.] + That exillith goith in to the wild{er}nes. 1976 + +[Headnote: WISE KINGS MAKE A WISE PEOPLE.] + + [Sidenote: If a king thus stood like his own degree, his people + would be virtuous and wise.] + Thus if o king ſtud lyk his awn degree, + Wertwis and wyß than ſhuld his puple bee, + Only ſet by vertew hyme to pleß, + And ſore adred his wiſdom to diſpleß. 1980 + And if that he towart the vicis draw, + His folk ſall go on to that ilk law; + What ſhal hyme pleß that wil no{ch}t ell{is} fynd, + Bot ther-apon ſetith al ther mynde. 1984 + [Sidenote: Thus the rule of his people and kingdom standeth only + in the king’s virtue.] + Thus only in the wertew of o king + The reull ſtant of his puple & his ringne, + If he be wyß and, but diſſemblyng, ſchewis, + As I have ſaid, the vicis one to ſchrewis. 1988 + And ſo thus, ſ{ir}, It ſtant apone thi will + For to omend thi puple, or to ſpill; + Or have thi court of vertewis folk, or fullis; + [Sidenote: Since thou art wholly master of the schools, teach them, + and they shall gladly learn.”] + Sen yow art holl maiſt{er} of the ſcoullis 1992 + Teichith them, and thei ſal gladly leir, + That is to ſay, that thei may no thing heir[T46] + Sauf only wertew towart thyn eſtat; + And cheriß them that wertews ben algait. 1996 + And thinkith what that wertew is to thee; + It pleſſith god, vphaldith thi degree.” + [Sidenote: Arthur considers his counsel profitable.] + “Maiſt{er},” q{uo}d he, “me think ry{ch}t profitable + Yowr conſeell Is, and wond{er} honorable 2000 + For me, and good; ry{ch}t well I have {con}ſauit, + And in myne hart{is} Inwartneß reſauit. + I ſhal fulfill and do yowr ordynans + Als far of wit as I have ſuffiſans; 2004 + Bot y beſeich yow, in til hartly wyß, + [Sidenote: He beseeches him to expound his dream,] + That of my drem ȝhe ſo to me dewyß, + The wich ſo long haith occupeid my mynd, + [Sidenote: how he shall only find help through the water-lion, + the leech, and the flower.] + How that I ſhal no man{er} ſucour fynd 2008 + Bot only throw the wattir lyon, & ſyne + The leich that is w{i}t{h}outen medyſyne; + And of the conſell of the flour; wich ayre + Wond{er}is lyk that no man can duclar.” 2012 + + [Footnote T46: Or, “leir.” MS. apparently has “leir,” corrected + to “heir.”] + +[Headnote: THE WATER-LION MEANS GOD.] + + ++“Now, ſ{ir},” q{uod} he, “and I of them al thre, + What thei betakyne ſhal I ſchaw to the, + [Sidenote: The master’s explanation.] + Such as the clerk{is} at them ſpecifiit; + Thei vſit no thing what thei ſignefiit. 2016 [Fol. 25b.] + [Sidenote: The water-lion is the very God.] + The wattir lyone Is the god werray, + God to the lyone is lyknyt many way; + But thei have hyme In to the wattir ſeñ, + Confuſit were ther wittis al, y weñ; 2020 + [Sidenote: The water is men’s fragility;] + The wattir was ther awn fragelitee, + And thar treſpas, and thar Inequitee + In to this world, the wich thei ſtond y-cloſit; + That was the wattir wich thei have ſuppoſit, 2024 + That haith there knowlag maad ſo Inp{er}fyt; + Thar ſyne & ek ther worldis gret delyt, + As clowdy wattir, was eu{er}more betweñ, + [Sidenote: whereby they see not the lion perfectly.] + That thei the lyone p{er}fitly hath no{ch}t ſeñ; 2028 + Bot as the wattir, wich was y{er} awn ſyn{n}e, + That eu{er}mor thei ſtond confuſit In. + [Sidenote: Had men been always religious, they had seen the lion + not in water, but clearly.] + If thei haith ſtond in to religioñ clen, + Thei had the lyone Not in watt{er} ſen, 2032 + Bot clerly vp in to the hewyne abuf, + Et{er}naly whar he ſhal not remufe. + And eu{er}more in vatt{er} of ſyne vas hee, + For-quhi It is Impoſſeble for to bee;[T47] 2036 + [Sidenote: The world is enclosed in the darkness of their sin.] + And thus the world, wich that thei ar In, + Y-cloſit Is in dyrknes of ther ſyne; + And ek the thikneß of the air betwen + The lyone mad in vattir to be ſen. 2040 + For It was no{ch}t bot ſtrenth of ther clergy + Wich thei have here, and It is bot erthly, + That makith them there reſou{n}s dewyß, + And ſe the lyone thus in erthly wyß. 2044 + [Sidenote: The lion is God’s son, Jesu Christ.] + This is the lyone, god, and goddis sone, + Ih{es}u criſt, wich ay in hewyne ſal won{n}e. + For as the lyone of euery beſt is king, + So is he lord and maiſt{er} of al thing, 2048 + That of the bleſſit vyrgyne vas y-bore. + Ful many a natur the lyone haith, quhar-fore + That he to god reſemblyt is, bot I + Lyk not mo at this tyme ſpecify. 2052 + This is the lyone, thar-of have yow no dred, + That ſhal the help and comfort In thi ned. + + [Footnote T47: “see”(?).] + +[Headnote: THE LEECH WITHOUT MEDICINE IS CHRIST.] + + ++The ſentens here now woll I the defyne + [Sidenote: The leech without medicine is also God.] + Of hyme, the lech w{i}t{h}outen medyſyne, 2056 + Wich is the god that euery thing hath vroght. + For yow may know that vther Is It noght, [Fol. 26a.] + [Sidenote: Not as surgeons,] + As ſurgynis and feſicianis, wich that delith + W{i}t{h} mortell thing{is}, and mortell thing{is} helyth, 2060 + [Sidenote: whose art is in medicine,] + And al thar art is in to medyſyne, + As it is ordanit be the my{ch}t dewyne, + [Sidenote: and in plaisters, drinks, and various anointments; who + know the quality of the year, and the disposition of the planets.] + As plaſt{er}is, drink{is}, and anouy{n}tme{n}t{is}[T48] ſeir, + And of the qualyte watyng of the yher; 2064 + And of the planet{is} diſpoſiciou{n}e, + And of the naturis of compleccyoune, + And in the diu{er}ß changing of hwmowr{is}. + Thus wnd{er} reull lyith al there cwris; 2068 + And yhit thei far as blynd man In the way, + Oft quhen that deith thar craft liſt to aſſay. + Bot god, the wich that is the ſou{er}an lech, + Nedith no man{er} medyſyne to ſech; 2072 + For ther is no Infyrmyte, nore wound, + Bot as hyme lykith al is holl and ſound. + [Sidenote: But God can heal infirmity of thought,] + So can he heill Infyrmytee of thoght, + Wich that one erdly medeſyne can noght; 2076 + [Sidenote: and also the soul that goeth to confusion.] + And als the ſaul that to confuſioune goith, + And haith with hyme and vther p{ar}teis boith, + His dedly wound god helyth frome the ground; + On to his cure no medyſyne is found. 2080 + This Is his my{ch}t that neu{er} more ſhall fyne, + This is the leich w{i}t{h}outen medyſyne; + And If that yhow at confeſſioune hath ben + And makith the of al thi ſyn{n}is clen, 2084 + [Sidenote: He shall be thy leech in all necessity.] + Yow art than holl, and this ilk ſamyn is he + Schall be thi leich In al neceſſitee. + + [Footnote T48: MS. “anoñytmēt{is},” or “anoūytmēt{is}.”] + +[Headnote: THE FLOWER IS THE VIRGIN MARY.] + + ++Now of the flour y woll to the diſcerñ: + This is the flour that haith[T49] the froyt eterñ, 2088 + This is the flour, this fadith for no ſchour, + This is the flour of euery flouris floure; + + [Footnote T49: The word, though indistinct, is almost certainly + “haith.” Stevenson has “high;” but this gives no sense.] + + [Sidenote: The flower is she of whom the eternal fruit was born,] + This is the flour, of quhom the froyt vas borñ, + This ws redemyt eft{er} that we war lorñ; 2092 + This Is the flour that eu{er} ſpryngith new, + This is the flour that changith neu{er} hew; + [Sidenote: the virgin that bore the Saviour,] + This is the vyrgyne, this is the bleſſit flour + That Ih{es}u bur is our salweour, 2096 + This flour wnwe{m}myt of hir wirginitee; + This is the flour of our felicitee, + This is the flour to quhom ve ſhuld exort, + [Sidenote: that ceaseth not to support us caitiffs,] + This is the flour not ſeſſith to ſupport 2100 + In prayere, conſell, and in byſſynes, + Vs catifis ay In to our wrechitnes [Fol. 26b.] + On to hir sone, the quich hir conſell herith; + This is the flour that al our gladneß ſterith, 2104 + [Sidenote: through whose prayer are many saved.] + Throuch whois prayer mony one is ſawit, + That to the deth et{er}naly war reſawit, + Ne war hir hartly ſuplicatioune. + This is the flour of our ſaluatioune, 2108 + Next hir sone, the froyt of euery flour; + This is the ſam that ſhal be thi ſuccour, + If that the lykith hartly Reu{er}ans + And ſ{er}uice ȝeld one to hir excellens, 2112 + Syne worſchip hir w{i}t{h} al thi byſſyneß; + Sche ſal thi harm, ſche ſall thi ned redreß. + [Sidenote: She shall so counsel the lion and the leech, that thou + need not despair.] + Sche ſall ſice conſell if one to the two, + The lyone and the ſou{er}ane lech alſo, 2116 + Yow ſall not Ned yi drem̅ for to diſpar, + Nor ȝhit no thing that is in thi contrare. + Now--q{uo}d the maiſt{er}--yow may well wnd{er}ſtand + Tueching thi drem as I have born on hande; 2120 + And planly haith the mat{er} al declarith, + That yhow may know of wich yow was diſparith. + The lech, the lyone, and the flour alſo, + Yow worſchip them, yow ſerve them eu{er}mo; 2124 + And ples the world as I have ſaid before; + In gou{er}nans thus ſtondith al thi glore. + [Sidenote: Do now as thou list, for all is in thy hand.] + Do as yow liſt, for al is in thi honde, + To tyne thi-ſelf, thi honore, and thi londe, 2128 + Or lyk o prince, o {con}querour, or king, + In honore and in worſchip for to Ringe.” + +[Headnote: ARTHUR IS COMFORTED.] + + [Sidenote: The king replies,] + “Now,” q{uod} the king, “I fell that the ſupport + Of yhour conſell haith don me ſich comfort, 2132 + [Sidenote: that his heart is eased from fear;] + Of euery raddour my hart is In to eß, + To ȝhour {com}mand, god will, y ſal obeß. + Bot o thing is yneuch wn to me, + [Sidenote: but inquires if Galiot will win over the red knight, + and what is his name.] + How galiot makith his awant that he 2136 + Shall have the kny{ch}t, that only by his honde + And manhed, was defendour of my londe; + If that ſhall fall y pray yhow tellith me, + And quhat he hecht, and of quhat lond is hee?” 2140 + “What that he hecht yow ſhall no fory{er} know, + [Sidenote: The master evades reply.] + His dedis ſall her-eft{er}wart hyme ſchaw; + Bot {con}trar the he ſhall be found no way. + No more thar-of as now y will the ſay.”[T50] 2144 + With that the king haith at his maiſtir tone [Fol. 27a.] + [Sidenote: The king and the host return home.] + His leve, one to to his cuntre for to goñe; + And al the oſt makith none abyde, + To paſſing home anone thei can p{ro}wid; 2148 + And to ſ{ir} gawane thei haith o lytt{er} maad, + Ful ſore ywound, and hyme on w{i}t{h} them haade. + + [Footnote T50: At the bottom of the page is the catch-word, + “With that the king.”] + + [T]he king, as that the ſtory can declar, + [Sidenote: The king sojourns twenty-four days at Cardole, in Wales.] + Paſſith to o Cete that was Right fair, 2152 + And clepit cardole, In to walis, was, + For that tyme than It was the n{er}eſt place, + And thar he ſoiornyt xxiiijti days + In ryall feſting, as the auttore ſays. 2156 + So diſcretly his puple he haith cherit, + That he thar hartis holy haith {con}querit. + [Sidenote: Sir Gawan is healed in fifteen days.] + And ſ{ir} gawan, helyt holl and ſound + Be xv dais he was of euery wounde; 2160 + Right blyt{h} therof in to the court war thei. + +[Headnote: ARTHUR AGAIN BECOMES MOURNFUL.] + + And ſo befell, the xxiiij[T51] day, + [Sidenote: The king becomes mournful, as he sits at the mess.] + The king to fall in to o hewynes, + Right ate his table ſiting at the meß; 2164 + [Sidenote: Gawan rebukes him.] + And ſ{ir} gawan cu{m}myth hyme before, + And ſaid hyme, “ſ{ir}, yhour thoght is al to ſore, + Conſid{er}ing the diu{er}ß kny{ch}t{is} ſere + Ar of wncouth and ſtrang land{is} here.” 2168 + [Sidenote: The king answers in “matalent,”] + The king anſuert, as in to matalent, + “S{ir}, of my tho{ch}t, or ȝhit of myne entent, + Yhe have the wrang me to repref, for-quhy + Thar lewith none that ſhuld me blam, for I 2172 + [Sidenote: that he was thinking of the worthiest knight living;] + Was thinkand one the worthieſt that lewyt, + That al the worſchip In to armys prewyt; + And how the thonk of my defens he had, + And of the wow that galiot haith mad. 2176 + But I have ſen, when that of my houſhold + Thar was, and of my falowſchip, that wold, + If that thei wiſt, quhat thing ſhuld me pleß, + Thei wald no{ch}t leif for trawell nor for eß. 2180 + And ſum tyme It p{re}ſwmyt was & ſaid, + [Sidenote: that he once had the flower of knighthood in his + household, but now this flower is away.] + That in my houſhold of al this world I had + The flour of kny{ch}thed and of chevalry; + Bot now thar-of y ſe the contrarye, 2184 + Sen that the flour of kny{ch}thed is away.” + “Schir,” q{uod} he, “of Reſone ſuth yhe ſay; + And if god will, In al this warld ſo Round [Fol. 27b.] + He ſal be ſoght, if that he may he found.” 2188 + + [Footnote T51: MS. “xxviij,” altered to “xxiiij.”] + +[Headnote: GAWANE’S EXPEDITION.] + + [Sidenote: Gawan departs to seek Lancelot.] + Than gawan goith w{i}t{h} o kny{ch}tly chere, + At the hal dure he ſaith In this maner: + “In this paſag who lykith for to wend? + It is o Iorne moſt for to comend 2192 + That In my tyme In to the court fallith, + To knyght{is} wich that chewellry lowith + Or trawell In to armys for to hant; + And lat no kny{ch}t fra thyne-furt{h} hyme awant 2196 + [Sidenote: All the knights rise to go with him.] + That it denyith;”--w{i}t{h} that onon thei roß, + Al the kny{ch}t{is}, and frome the burdis goß. + The king that ſauch In to his hart was wo, + [Sidenote: Arthur reproves him.] + And ſaid, “ſ{ir} gawan, nece, why dois yow ſo? 2200 + Knowis yow no{ch}t I myne houſhold ſuld encreß, + In kny{ch}thed, and in honore, and largeß? + And now yow thinkith mak me diſſolat + Of kny{ch}t{is}, and my houß tranſulat, 2204 + To ſek o kny{ch}t, and It was neu{er} more + Hard ſich o ſemble makith o before.” + [Sidenote: Gawan explains.] + “S{ir},” q{uod} he, “als few as may yhow pleſß; + For what I said was no thing for myne eß, 2208 + Nor for deſir of falouſchip, for-why + To paß alone, but cumpany, think I; + And ilk kny{ch}t to paß o ſundry way; + The mo thei paß the fewar eſchef thay, 2212 + Bot thus ſhal pas no mo bot as yhow leſt.” + [Sidenote: Arthur assigns him forty companions.] + “Takith,” q{uod} he, “of quhom ȝhe lykith beſt, + Fourty in this paſag for to go;” + At this {com}mand and gawan cheſit ſo 2216 + Fourty, quhich that he louit, & that was + Richt glaid in to his falowſchip to pas. + +[Headnote: GAWANE AND HIS FELLOWS DEPART.] + + [Sidenote: These knights arm themselves,] + [A]nd furth thei go, and al anarmyt thei + Come to the king, w{i}t{h}outen more delay, 2220 + [Sidenote: and bring the relics, whereon to swear to shew the + truth.] + The relyk{is} bro{ch}t, as was the man{er} tho, + When any knyght{is} frome the court ſuld go. + Or when the paſſit, or quhen thei com, thei ſwor + The trouth to ſchaw of euery aduentur. 2224 + S{ir} gawan knelyng to his falowis ſais, + “Yhe lord{is}, wich that in this ſeking gais, + So many noble and worthi kny{ch}t{is} ar ȝhe, + Me think in wayne yhour t{ra}uel ſhuld no{ch}t be, 2228 + For aduentur is non so gret to pref, [Fol. 28a.] + As I ſuppone, nor ȝhe ſal It eſſchef, + And if ȝhe lyk as I that ſhal dewyß, + Yhour oth to ſwer In to the ſamyne wyß 2232 + Myne oith to kep;”--and that thei vnd{er}tak, + How eu{er} ſo that he his oith mak + It to conſerf, and that thei have all ſworñ. + Than gawan, wich that was the king beforn, 2236 + [Sidenote: Gawane swears not to return till he has found Lancelot, + or evidence of him.] + On kneis ſwore, “I ſal the ſuth duclar + Of euery thing when I agan Repar, + Nor neu{er} more aȝhane ſal I returñ, + Nore in o place long for to ſuiorñ 2240 + Whill that the kny{ch}t or verray evydens + I have, that ſhal be toknis of credens.” + His falouſchip abaſit of that thing, + And als therof anoyt was the king, 2244 + [Sidenote: Arthur reproves him for forgetting the coming day of + battle.] + Sayng, “Nece, yow haith al foly vroght + And wilfulneß, that haith no{ch}t in thi thoght + The day of batell of galot and me.” + [Sidenote: Gawane says it must be so.] + Q{uod} gawan, “Now non other ways ma be.” 2248 + [Sidenote: Gawane and his fellow lace their helms, and take their + leave.] + Thar-w{i}t{h} he and his falowſchip alſo + Thar halmys laſit, on to ther horß thei go, + Syne tuk ther lef, and frome the court the fare, + Thar names ware to long for to declar. 2252 + Now ſal we leif hyme and h{is} cumpany, + That in thar ſeking paſſith biſſely; + [Sidenote: The story returns to the lady of Melyhalt.] + And of the lady of melyhalt we tell, + W{i}t{h} whome the kny{ch}t mot ned alway duell. 2256 + + [T52] [O] day ſhe mayd hyme on to h{ir} p{re}ſens fet, + And on o ſege be-ſid hir haith hyme ſet, + “S{ir}, in keping I have yow halding long,” + And thus ſche ſaid, “for gret treſpas & wrong, 2260 + Magre my ſtewart, in worſchip, and for-thi + Ȝhe ſuld me thonk;”--“madem,” q{uod} he, “and I + Thonk yhow ſo that eu{er}, at my mycht, + Whar-ſo I paß that I ſal be yhour kny{ch}t.” 2264 + + [Footnote T52: Room is here left in the MS. for an illuminated + letter, and a small “o” inserted as a note.] + +[Headnote: THE LADY ASKS LANCELOT HIS NAME.] + + [Sidenote: She inquires Lancelot’s name.] + “Grant mercy, ſ{ir}, bot o thing I ȝow pray, + What that ȝhe ar ȝhe wold w{i}c{h}sauf to ſay.” + [Sidenote: He refuses to tell.] + “Madem,” q{uod} he, “yhour mercy aſk I, quhy + That for to ſay apone no wyß may I.” 2268 + “No! wil ȝhe not? non oy{er} ways as now + [Sidenote: She vows to keep him in thrall till the day of combat;] + Ȝhe ſal repent, and ek I mak awow + One to the thing the wich that I beſt love, 2271 + Out frome my keping ſal ȝhe not Remuf [Fol. 28b.] + Befor the day of the aſſemblee, + Wich that, o ȝher, is n{er}eſt for to bee; + And if that ȝow haith pleſſit for to ſay, + Ȝhe had fore me deliu{er}it ben this day; 2276 + [Sidenote: and to go to the court to try and learn it.] + And I ſal knaw, quhey{er} ȝhe wil or no, + For I furt{h}-w{i}t{h} one to the court ſal go, + Whar that al thithing{is} goith & cu{m}yth ſoñ.” + “Madem,” q{uod} he, “yhour pleſance mot be doñe.” 2280 + [Sidenote: The knight retires.] + W{i}t{h} that the kny{ch}t one to his chalm{er} goith, + And the lady hir makith to be wroith + Aȝanis hyme, but ſuthly vas ſche not, + For he al-out was mor in to hir thoght. 2284 + Than ſchapith ſhe aȝane the ferd day, + And richly ſche gan hir-ſelf aray; + Syne clepit haith apone her cuſynes, + [Sidenote: Before going to the court,] + And ſaith, “y will one to the court me dreß; 2288 + And malice I have ſchawin on to ȝhon kny{ch}t, + For-quhy he wold no{ch}t ſchew me quhat he hicht, + Bot ſo, I-wyß, It is no{ch}t in my tho{ch}t, + For worthyar non In to this erth is wro{ch}t. 2292 + [Sidenote: she prays her cousin to take care of him.] + Tharfor I pray, and hartly I requer + Ȝhe mak hyme al the cu{m}pany and chere, + And do hyme al the worſchip and the eß, + Excep his honore, wich that may hym pleß; 2296 + And quhen I cum deliu{er}ith hyme als fre + As he is now;”--“ne have no dred,” q{uod} ſche. + +[Headnote: SHE GOES TO SEE ARTHUR.] + + [T]he lady p{ar}tit, and hir lef hath ton, + And by hir Iorne to the court Is gon. 2300 + [Sidenote: The lady meets Arthur at Logris;] + The king hapnit at logris for to bee, + Wich of his realme was than the chef cete; + And haith hir met, and In til hartly wyß + Reſauit her, and welcu{m}myt oft-ſyß; 2304 + [Sidenote: who brings her home to his palace;] + And haith hir home one to his palice bro{ch}t, + Whar that no dante nedith to be ſocht, + And maid hir cher w{i}t{h} al his ful entent. + Eft fupir one to o chalm{er} ar thei went, 2308 + The king and ſche, and ek the quen al thre; + Of hir tithand{is} at hir than aſkit hee, + [Sidenote: and inquires what has brought her.] + And what that hir one to the court had bro{ch}t? + “S{ir},” q{uod} ſche, “I come[T53] not al for no{ch}t; 2312 + [Sidenote: She says she has a friend who has made a challenge,] + I have o frend haith o dereyne ydoo, + And I can fynd none able kny{ch}t tharto; [Fol. 29a.] + For he the wich that in the {con}trar Is + Is hardy, ſtrong, and of gret kyne, I-wyß; 2316 + Bot, It is ſaid, If I my{ch}t have w{i}t{h} me + Ȝour kny{ch}t, quich in the last aſſemble + [Sidenote: which the red knight could best maintain.] + Was in the feld, and the red armys bur, + In his manhed y my{ch}t my cauß aſſur; 2320 + And yhow, ſ{ir}, richt hartly I exort + In to this ned my myſt{er} to ſupport.” + “Madem, by faith one to the quen I aw + + [Footnote T53: MS. “conne.”] + +[Headnote: ARTHUR CAN TELL HER NOTHING.] + + [Sidenote: Arthur replies that Gawane is gone to seek him.] + That I beſt loue, the kny{ch}t I neu{er} ſaw 2324 + In nerneß by which that I hyme knew; + And ek gawane Is gan hyme for to ſew + W{i}t{h} other fourty kny{ch}t{is} In to cumpany.” + The lady ſmylit at ther fanteſſy; 2328 + The quen thar-w{i}t{h} p{re}ſumyt wel that ſche + [Sidenote: The queen asks the lady if she knows where he is.] + Knew quhat he was, and ſaid, “madem, If ȝhe + Knowith of hyme what that he is, or quhar, + We ȝhow beſech til ws for to declar.” 2332 + [Sidenote: She replies no, and proposes to return.] + “Madem,” q{uod} ſche, “now be the faith that I + Aw to the king and yhow, as for no why + To court I cam, but of hyme to Inquere; + And ſen of hyme I can no tithing{is} here, 2336 + Nedlyng{is} to-morn homwart mon I fair.” + [Sidenote: Arthur prays her to stay.] + “Na,” q{uod} the king, “madem, our ſon It waire; + Ȝhe ſal remayne her for the qwenys ſak; + Syne ſhal ȝhe of our beſt kny{ch}t{is} tak.” 2340 + “S{ir},” q{uod} ſche, “I pray ȝow me excuß, + For-quhy to paß nedis me behuß; + Nor, ſen I want the kny{ch}t which I have ſo{ch}t, + Wtheris w{i}t{h} me to have deſir I no{ch}t, 2344 + For I of otheris have that may ſuffice.” + Bot ȝhit the king hir prayt on ſich wyß, + [Sidenote: She remains till the third day.] + That ſche remanit whill the thrid day; + Syne tuk hir leif to paſing hom hir way. 2348 + [Sidenote: She is sumptuously entertained,] + It nedis not the feſting to declar + Maid one to hir, nor company nor fare; + Sche had no kny{ch}t, ſche had no damyſeill, + Nor thei richly rewardit war and well. 2352 + [Sidenote: and returns home.] + Now goith the lady homwart, and ſche + In her entent deſyrus Is to ſee + The flour of kny{ch}thed and of chevelry; + So was he pryſit and hold to euery wy. 2356 + +[Headnote: THE LADY AGAIN SENDS FOR LANCELOT.] + + ++The lady, which one to hir palace come, [Fol. 29b.] + [Sidenote: Soon after, she sends for Lancelot,] + Bot of ſchort time remanith haith at home + When ſche gart bryng, w{i}t{h}outen Recidens, + W{i}t{h} grete effere this kny{ch}t to hir p{rese}ns, 2360 + And ſaid hyme; “ſ{ir}, ſo mekil have I ſo{ch}t + And knowith that be-for I knew no{ch}t, + [Sidenote: and proposes to ransom him,] + That If yhow lyk I wil yhour Ransone mak.” + “Madem, gladly, wil ȝhe wichſauf to tak 2364 + Eft{er} that as my powar may atteñ, + Or that I may p{ro}wid be ony meñ.” + “Now, ſ{ir},” ſho ſaid, “forſut{h} It ſal be so, + [Sidenote: on one of three conditions.] + Yhe ſal have thre, and cheß yhow on of tho; 2368 + And if yhow lykith them for to refuß, + I can no mor, but ȝhe ſal me excuß, + Yhe ned{is} mot ſuſten yhour aduentur + Contynualy In ward for til endur.” 2372 + “Madem,” q{uod} he, “and I yhow hartly pray, + What that thei ſay[T54] ȝhe wald w{i}c{h}ſauf to ſay?” + + [Footnote T54: So MS. We should probably read “bee.”] + + [Sidenote: Either he must tell whom he loves,] + “[T]he firſt,” q{uod} ſche, “who hath in to the cheñ + Of low yhour hart, and if ȝhe may dereñ? 2376 + [Sidenote: or declare his name,] + The next, yhour nam, the which ȝe ſal not lye? + [Sidenote: or say if he expects again to equal his former exploits.] + The thrid, if eu{er} ȝhe think of cheualry + So mekil worſchip to atten in feild + Apone o day in armys wnd{er} ſcheld, 2380 + As yat ȝhe dyd the ſamyne day, when ȝhe + In red armys was at the aſſemblee?” + “Madem,” q{uod} he, “is thar non vther way + Me to redem, but only thus to ſay 2384 + Of thing{is}, which that Rynyth me to blam, + Me to awant my lady or hir name? + But If that I moſt ſchawin furth that one, + What su{er}te ſchal I have for to gone 2388 + At libertee out of this dang{er} free?” + “Schir, ſor to dred no myſt{er} is,” q{uod} ſhee; + “As I am trew and fa{i}t{h}full woman hold, + Ȝhe ſal go fre quhen one of thir is told.” 2392 + “Madem, yhour will non vther ways I may, + [Sidenote: He refuses to tell his lady’s name,] + I mone obey; and to the firſt y ſay, + [T55] [I]s, to declar the lady of myne hart, + My goſt ſal rather of my breſt aſtart”-- 2396 + Whar-by the lady fayndit al for no{ch}t + The lowe quhich long hath ben In to h{is} tho{ch}t-- + [Sidenote: or his own;] + “And of my nam, ſchortly for to ſay, + It ſtondith ſo that one no wyß I may. 2400 + Bot of the thrid, madem, I se that I [Fol. 30a.] + Mon ſay the thing that tuechith velany; + [Sidenote: but declares that he trusts to do more than ever before; + and requires his liberty.] + For ſut{h} it is I traſt, and god before, + In feld that I ſal do of armys more 2404 + Than eu{er} I did, if I {com}mandit bee. + + [Footnote T55: A space is here left for an illuminated letter.] + +[Headnote: LANCELOT CLAIMS HIS LIBERTY;] + + And now, madem, I have my libertee, + For I have ſaid I neu{er} tho{ch}t to ſay.” + “Now, ſ{ir},” q{uod} ſche, “when-eu{er} ȝhe wil ye may; 2408 + [Sidenote: She begs of him a boon;] + Bot o thing Is, I yhow hartly raquer, + Sen I have hold yhow apone ſuch maner + Not as my fo, that ȝhe vald grant me till.” + “Madem,” q{uod} he, “It ſal be as ȝhe will.” 2412 + “Now, ſ{ir},” q{uod} ſche, “it is no thing bot ȝhe + [Sidenote: that he will remain with her till the day of battle;] + Remañ w{i}t{h} ws wn to the aſſemble, + And euery thyng that In yhour myſt{er} lyis + I ſall gar ordan at yhour awn dewyß; 2416 + And of the day I ſhall yow c{er}tefy + Of the aſſemble ȝhe ſal not pas therby.” + “Madem,” q{uod} he, “It ſal be as yhow liſt.” + “Now, ſ{ir},” q{uod} ſche, “and than I hald It beſt, 2420 + That ȝhe remañ lyk to the ſamyne dogre + As that ȝhe war, yat non ſal wit that ȝhe + Deliu{er}it war; and in to ſacret wyß + Thus may ȝhe be; and now yhe ſal dewyß 2424 + [Sidenote: and inquires what arms he would like to have made + for him. He chooses black armour,] + What armys that yhow lykyth I gar mak.” + +[Headnote: AND ASKS FOR BLACK ARMOUR.] + + “Madem,” q{uod} he, “armys al of blak.” + W{i}t{h} this, this kny{ch}t is to his chalm{er} goñ; + The lady gan ful prewaly diſſpone 2428 + For al that longith to the kny{ch}t, in feild; + Al blak his horß, his armour, and his ſcheld, + [Sidenote: which is provided.] + That nedful is, al thing ſche well p{re}widith; + And in hir keping thus w{i}t{h} hir he bidith. 2432 + Suppos of love ſche takyne hath the charg, + [Sidenote: She keeps her love close,] + Sche bur It clos, ther-of ſche vas not larg, + Bot wyſly ſche abſtenit hir diſſir, + For ell{is} quhat, ſche knew, he was afyre; 2436 + Thar-for hir wit hir worſchip haith defendit, + [Sidenote: being commended for discretion.] + For in this world thar was nan mor co{m}mendit, + Boith of diſcreccioune and of womanhed, + Of gou{er}nans, of nurtur, and of farhed. 2440 + This kny{ch}t w{i}t{h} hir thus al this whil mon duell, + [Sidenote: The story returns to Arthur--] + And furt{h} of arthur ſumthing wil we tell-- + + [T]hat walkyng vas furt{h} in to his Regiou{n}is, + And ſoiornyt in his ceteis and his townis, 2444 + As he that had of viſdome ſufficyans. [Fol. 30b.] + [Sidenote: who obeys the counsel of Amytans,] + He kepit the lore of maiſt{er} amytans + In ryghtwyſnes, In feſting and larges, + In cheriſing cu{m}pany and hamlynes; 2448 + For he was biſſy and was deligent, + [Sidenote: and gives away largely;] + And largly he iffith, and diſpent + Rewardis, boith one to the pur & riche, + And holdith feſt throw al the ȝher eliche. 2452 + +[Headnote: ARTHUR’S LIBERALITY.] + + In al the warld paſſing gan his name, + He chargit not bot of encreß and fam̅e, + And how his puples hart{is} to empleß; + Thar gladnes ay was to his hart moſt eß. 2456 + He rakith not of riches nor treſſour, + Bot to diſpend one worſchip & honour; + He ifith riches, he ifith lond and rent, + He cherißyth them w{i}t{h} word{is} eloquent, 2460 + [Sidenote: and thus gains his people’s love.] + So that thei can them vtraly p{ro}pone + In his ſ{er}uice thar lyves to diſpone: + So gladith them̅e his homely {con}tynans, + His cheriſyng, his wordis of pleſans, 2464 + His cumpany, and ek his mery chere, + His gret rewardis, and his ift{is} ſere. + Thus hath the king non vthir beſynes + Bot cheriſing of kny{ch}t{is} and largeß, 2468 + To mak hyme-ſelf of honour be {com}mend; + And thus the ȝher he drywith to the ende. + +EXPLICIT SECUNDA P{AR}S, INCIPIT T{ER}CIA P{AR}S. + + +[Headnote: THE TRUCE DRAWS TO A CLOSE.] + +[BOOK III.] + + [Sidenote: The sun ascends in his altitude.] + ++The long dirk paſag[T56] of the vint{er}, & the ly{ch}t + Of phebus {com}prochit w{i}t{h} his my{ch}t; 2472 + The which, aſcending In his altitud, + Awodith saturñ w{i}t{h} his ſtormys Rude; + [Sidenote: The soft dew falls down from heaven.] + The ſoft dew one fra the hewyne doune valis[T57] + Apone the erth, one hill{is} and on valis, 2476 + And throw the ſobir & the mwſt hwmour{is} + Vp nuriſit ar the erbis, and in the flouris + [Sidenote: Nature decks the earth with various hues.] + Natur the erth of many diu{er}ß hew + Our-fret, and cled w{i}t{h} the tendir new. 2480 + The birdis may them hiding in the grawis [Fol. 31a.] + [Sidenote: The birds may hide them from the hawk in the groves, + and Scilla may ascend in the air.] + Wel frome the halk, that oft ther lyf berevis; + And scilla hie aſcending in the ayre, + That euery vight may heryng hir declar 2484 + Of the ſeſſone the paſſing luſtynes. + This was the tyme that phebus gan hy{m} dreß + In to the rame, and haith his courß bygown, + Or that the trewis and the ȝher vas Rown, 2488 + [Sidenote: The time of combat between Galiot and the king drew + near.] + Which was y-ſet of galiot and the king + Of thar aſſemble, and of thar meting. + Arthur haith a xv dais before + Aſſemblit al his barnag and more 2492 + That weryng wnd{er} his ſubieccioune, + Or louith hyme, or longith to his crown; + And haith his Iornay tone, w{i}t{h}outen let, + [Sidenote: Arthur goes to the appointed place.] + On to the place the wich that was y-ſet, 2496 + Whar he hath found befor hyme mony o kny{ch}t + That cu{m}myng war w{i}t{h} al thar holl my{ch}t, + Al enarmyt both w{i}t{h} ſpere & ſcheld, + And ful of lug{is} plantith haith the feld, 2500 + Hyme In the wer for to ſupport and ſerf + At al ther my{ch}t, his thonk for to diſſerf. + + [Footnote T56: So MS. Should we read “pasith”?] + [Footnote T57: So MS. It should be “falis.”] + +[Headnote: GAWANE REJOINS ARTHUR.] + + And gawan, which was in the ſeking ȝhit + Of the gud kny{ch}t, of hyme haith got no wit, 2504 + [Sidenote: Gawane remembers the day,] + Remembrith hyme apone the king{is} day, + And to his falowis one this wys can ſay: + “To ȝhow is knowin the mat{er}, in what wyß + How that the king hath w{i}t{h} his e{n}nemys 2508 + A c{er}tan day, that now comprochit nere, + And one to ws war hewynes to here + That he var in to p{er}ell or in to dreid, + And we away and he of ws haith neid; 2512 + For we but hyme no thing may eſchef, + And he but ws in honore well may lef; + For, be he loſt, we may no thing w{i}t{h}ſtond, + Our-ſelf, our honore we tyne, & ek o{ur} lond. 2516 + [Sidenote: and proposes to his fellows to go to help the king.] + Tharfor, I red we pas on to the king, + Suppos our oth It hurt in to ſum thing, + And in the feld w{i}t{h} hyme for til endur, + Of lyf or deth and tak our aduentur.” 2520 + Thar-to thei ar conſentit eu{er}ilkon, + And but dulay the have thar Iorney toñe. + When that the king them ſaw, in h{is} entent [Fol. 31b.] + [Sidenote: Arthur is well content at their coming,] + Was of thar com Right wond{er} well {con}tent; 2524 + For he p{re}ſwmyt no thing that thei wold + [Sidenote: not expecting them.] + Have cu{m}myne, but one furt{h} to y{er} ſeking hold. + And thus the kinghis oſt aſſemblit has + Aȝane the tyme, aȝaine the day that vas 2528 + Y-ſtatut and ordanit for to bee, + And euery thing hath ſet in the dogre. + +[Headnote: THE TRUCE ENDS.] + + [A]nd galiot, that haith no thing forȝhet + The termys quhich that he befor had set, 2532 + [Sidenote: Galiot also assembles his folk,] + Aſſemblit has, apone his best maner, + His folk, and al his other thing{is} ſere, + That to o weryour longith to p{ro}uid, + And is y-come apone the tothir ſyde. 2536 + [Sidenote: doubling his army and artillery;] + Whar he befor was one than vas he two, + And al his vthir artilȝery also + He dowblith hath, that m{er}well was to ſeñ; + [Sidenote: and pitches on the green by the river.] + And by the rewere ly{ch}tit one the greñ, 2540 + And ſtronghar thane ony wallit toune + His oſt y-bout ycloſit in Randoune. + Thus war thei cu{m}myne apone ather ſyd + [Sidenote: Before the truce is ended,] + Be-for the tyme, them-ſelf for to p{ro}wid. 2544 + Or that the trewis was complet & rwn, + Men my{ch}t have ſen one euery ſid begwn + [Sidenote: many combats are seen between lusty men;] + Many a fair and knychtly Iup{er}ty + Of luſty me{n}, and of ȝong chevalry, 2548 + Diſyrus In to armys for to pruf; + Sum for wynyng, ſu{m} cauſith vas for luf, + Sum In to worſchip to be exaltate, + Sum cauſit was of wordis he & hate, 2552 + That lykit not ydill for to ben; + [Sidenote: a hundred pair at once.] + A hund{er}eth pair at onis one the gren. + Thir luſty folk thus can thar tyme diſpend, + Whill that the trewis goith to the ende. 2556 + [Sidenote: The truce past,] + The trewis paſt, the day is cu{m}myne onoñe, + One euery ſyd the can them to diſpone; + And thai that war moſt ſacret & moſt dere + [Sidenote: Galiot’s friends inquire who shall fight on his side + on the morrow.] + To galiot, at hyme the can enquere, 2560 + “Who ſal aſſemble one yhour ſyd to-morñe? + To-ny{ch}t the trewis to the end is worne.” + He anſuerit, “As yhit one to this were + I ame awyſit I wil none armys bere, 2564 + Bot If It ſtond of more Neceſſitee; [Fol. 32a.] + Nor to the feld will pas, bot for to ſee + Yhone kny{ch}t, the which that berith ſich o fame.” + [Sidenote: He commands the first-conquest king to take 30,000 men.] + Than clepit he the {con}quest king be name, 2568 + And hyme {com}mandit xxx thouſand tak + Aȝaine the morne, and for the feld hyme mak. + And gawane haith, apone the toy{er} syde, + Conſulit his Eme he ſchuld for them p{ro}wid, 2572 + And that he ſchuld none armys to hyme tak + Whill[T58] galiot will for the feld hyme mak. + “I grant,” q{uo}d [he [T59]], “wharfor ȝhe mone diſpone + [Sidenote: Gawane leads Arthur’s forces.] + Yhow to the feld w{i}t{h} al my folk to-morne, 2576 + And thinkith in yhour manhed and curage + For to reciſt ȝhone folk{is} gret owtrag.” + + [Footnote T58: MS. “Wihill.”] + [Footnote T59: Omitted in MS.] + + [Sidenote: The day comes.] + [T]he ny{ch}t is gone, vp goith the morow gray, + The bry{ch}t ſone ſo cherith al the day: 2580 + The kny{ch}t{is} gone to armys than, in haſt; + One goith the ſcheild{is} and the helmys laſt; + [Sidenote: Arthur’s men cross the ford.] + Arthuris oſt out our the furrde thai ryd. + And thai agane, apone the toy{er} syd, 2584 + [Sidenote: Galiot’s men assemble in a vale.] + Aſſemblit ar apone o luſty greyne, + In to o waill, whar ſone thar my{ch}t be ſeyne + Of kny{ch}t{is} to-gedder many o pair + In to the feld aſſemblyng her & thair, 2588 + And ſted{is} which that haith thar maſt{er} lorne;[T60] + The kny{ch}t{is} war done to the erth doune borne. + + [Footnote T60: MS. has “borne.” We should read “lorne,” as in + line 2092.] + +[Headnote: DEEDS OF SIR ESQUYRIS.] + + [Sidenote: Sir Esquyris, a manly knight,] + S{ir} eſquyris, which was o manly kny{ch}t + In to hyme-ſelf, and hardy vas & wy{ch}t; 2592 + And in till armys gretly for to pryß, + Ȝhit he was pure, he prewit wel oft-ſyß; + [Sidenote: at that time of Galiot’s company,] + And that tyme was he of the cu{m}panee + Of galiot, bot eft{er}wart was hee 2596 + W{i}t{h} arthur; and that day In to the feild + He come, al armyt boith w{i}t{h} ſpere and ſcheld, + W{i}t{h} ferß deſir, as he that had na dout, + [Sidenote: attacks a band,] + And is aſſemblit ewyne apone a rowt; 2600 + His ſpere is gone, the kny{ch}t goith to the erd, + And out onon he pullith haith o ſwerd; + [Sidenote: and proves his manhood.] + That day In armys p{re}wit he ry{ch}t well + His ſtrenth, his manhed; arthuris folk thai fell. 2604 + +[Headnote: DEEDS OF SIR GWYANS.] + + [Sidenote: Then Galys Gwynans, brother of Ywan,] + Than galys gwynans, w{i}t{h} o manly hart, + Which broy{er} was of ywane the baſtart, + He cu{m}myne Is onone one to the ſtour + For {con}quering In armys of honour, 2608 [Fol. 32b.] + [Sidenote: encounters him, and horse and man go all four to earth.] + And cownt{er}it w{i}t{h} eſquyris hath so + That[T61] horß and man, al four, to erth thai go; + And ſtill o quhill lying at the ground. + W{i}t{h} that o p{ar}t of arthur{is} folk thei found 2612 + [Sidenote: Arthur’s folk rescue Gwyans;] + Till gwyans, and haith hyme ſone reſkewit. + Aȝanis them til eſquyris thei ſewyt + [Sidenote: thirty knights of Galiot’s arrive, and rescue Esquyris.] + Of galiot{is} well xxx^ti kny{ch}t{is} & mo; + Gwyans goith done, and vthir vij alſo, 2616 + The wich war tone & eſqwyris relewit. + [Sidenote: Next Ywan comes to the _mêlée_.] + Than ywane the anterus, aggrewit, + W{i}t{h} kyn{n}iſme{n} one to the melle ſo{ch}t. + The hardy kny{ch}t{is}, that one thar worſchip tho{ch}t, 2620 + Cownt{er}it them In myddis of the ſcheld, + Whar many o kny{ch}t was born doñ i{n} the feld; + [Sidenote: Galiot’s men give way.] + Bot thei wich ware on galiot{is} p{ar}t, + So wnd{er}takand nor of ſo hardy hart 2624 + Ne ware thei not as was i{n} ye {con}trare. + [Sidenote: Gwyans is again rescued.] + S{ir} galys gwyans was reſqwyt thare + W{i}t{h} his falowis, and eſqwyris don bore. + Thar al the batell{is} cam, w{i}t{h}outen more, 2628 + On ather p{ar}t, and is aſſemblit ſo + [Sidenote: 50,000 men are assembled.] + Whar fyfty thouſand war thei, & no mo. + [Sidenote: 30,000 on Galiot’s side approach the river,] + In o plane beſyd the gret Riwere + Xxx thouſand one galiot{is} half thei vare; 2632 + [Sidenote: and 10,000 on Arthur’s.] + Of arthuris x thouſand and no mo + Thei ware, and ȝhit thai {con}tenit them ſo + And in the feld ſo manly haith borñ, + That of thar fois haith the feld forſworñ. 2636 + + [Footnote T61: MS. has “than.”] + +[Headnote: SIR GAWANE’S INTREPIDITY.] + + The {con}queſt king, wich the p{er}ell knowith, + [Sidenote: Gawane puts the conquest-king to flight.] + Ful manly one to the feld he drowith; + The lord ſ{ir} gawan, cou{er}it w{i}t{h} h{is} ſcheld, + He ruſchit in myddis of the feld, 2640 + And haith them ſo in to his com aſſayt, + That of his manhed ware thei al affrait; + No lang{er} my{ch}t thei {con}trar hyme endur, + Bot fled, and goith one to diſcu{m}fiture. 2644 + [Sidenote: Galiot, full of anger and grief, sends out a new band.] + And galiot, wich haith the diſc{um}fit ſen, + Fulfillit ful of ang{er} and of ten, + In{con}tine{n}t he ſend o new poware, + Whar-w{i}t{h} the feld{is} al our-cou{er}it ware 2648 + Of armyt ſted{is} bot{h} in plait and maill, [Fol. 33a.] + W{i}t{h} kny{ch}t{is} wich war reddy to aſſaill. + [Sidenote: Gawane draws his men together, and shews them + comfortable words.] + S{ir} gawan, ſeing al the gret ſuppris + Of fois cu{m}myng In to ſich o wys, 2652 + Togiddir al his cumpany he drew, + And confortable word{is} to them ſchew; + So at the cu{m}myng of thar ennemys + [Sidenote: They receive the foe in manly wise.] + Thei them reſauf, in ſo manly wyß, 2656 + That many one felith deithis wound, + And wnd{er} horß lyith ſobing one the ground. + This vther cu{m}myth in to gret deſir, + Fulfillit ful of matelent and Ire, 2660 + So freſchly, w{i}t{h} ſo gret o confluens, + Thar ſtrong aſſay hath don ſich vyolens, + And at thar come arthuris folk ſo led, + That thai war ay abayſit and adred. 2664 + Bot gawan, wich that, by this vorld{is} fame, + Of ma{n}hed and of kny{ch}thed bur the name, + Haith p{re}wit [hym] well be exp{er}iens; + For only In til armys his defens 2668 + [Sidenote: Gawane encourages his fellows,] + Haith maid his falowis tak ſich hardyme{n}t, + That manfully thei biding one the bent. + Of his manhed war m{er}well to raherß; + The kny{ch}tis throw the ſcheld{is} can he perß, 2672 + That many one thar dethis haith reſauit; + None armour frome his my{ch}ty hond them ſauit, + [Sidenote: though their foes are three to one;] + Ȝhit ay for one ther ennemys wor thre. + Long my{ch}t thei no{ch}t endur in ſuch dugree; 2676 + The preß it wos ſo creuell & ſo ſtrong, + In gret anoy and haith {con}tinewit longe, + [Sidenote: yet his men are forced to retreat to their tents.] + That, magre them, thei ned{is} moſt abak + The way one to thar lug{is} for to tak. 2680 + S{ir} gawan thar ſufferith gret myſchef, + And wond{er}is in his kny{ch}thed can he pref; + His falouſchip haith m{er}well that hym ſaw, + So haith his fois that of his ſuerd ſtud aw. 2684 + [Sidenote: Arthur beholds the peril of the field, and sends Sir + Ywan to help them,] + King arthur, that al this whill beheld + The dang{er} and the p{er}ell of the feld, + S{ir} ywan w{i}t{h} o falowſchip he ſende, + Them In that ned to help & to defend, 2688 + Qwich fond them In to danger and in were, [Fol. 33b.] + And ent{er}it nere In to thar tentis were. + [Sidenote: who finds Sir Gawane fighting on foot with only his + sword.] + S{ir} gawan fechtand was one fut At erde, + And no defend, but only in his ſwerde, 2692 + Aȝanis them bot{h} w{i}t{h} ſpere and ſcheld. + Of galowa the kny{ch}t goith to the erde.[T62] + + [Footnote T62: Read “felde”?] + +[Headnote: SIR YWAN RESCUES GAWANE.] + + [Sidenote: The battle was furious and wood.] + Thar was the batell furyous and woud[T63] + Of armyt kny{ch}t{is}; to the grownde thai ȝhud. 2696 + S{ir} ywane, that was a noble knyght, + He ſchew his ſtrenth, he ſchew thar h{is} g{r}et my{ch}t, + In al his tyme that neu{er} of before + Off armys, nore of kny{ch}thed, did he more: 2700 + [Sidenote: Sir Ywan rescues Sir Gawane,] + S{ir} gawan thar reſkewit he of fors, + Magre his fois, and haith hyme ſet one horß + That frome the firſt {con}queſt king he wañ; + [Sidenote: who was so evilly wounded, that he was the worse thereof + evermore.] + Bot ſ{ir} gawan ſo ewill was wondit than, 2704 + And in the feld ſupp{ri}ſit was ſo ſore, + That he the werß thar-of was eu{er}more. + Thar ſchew the lord ſ{ir} ywan h{is} curage, + His manhed, & h{is} noble waſſolage; 2708 + And gawan, in his doing, wald no{ch}t irk; + + [Footnote T63: MS. “woid,” but the “_i_” is undotted, and is + therefore perhaps meant for the first stroke of a “_u_.”] + +[Headnote: END OF THE FIRST DAY’S BATTLE.] + + [Sidenote: Darkness parts the combatants.] + So al the day enduring to the dyrk + Sal them, magre of thar deſyre, {con}ſt{r}en + On ayar half fore [to] dep{ar}t in twen. 2712 + And when that gawan of his horß vas toñ, + The blud out of his noiß & mouth is goñ, + And largly ſo paſſith euery wounde, + [Sidenote: Sir Gawane swoons,] + In ſwonyng thore he fell one to the ground: 2716 + Than of the puple petee was to here + The lemytable clamour, and the chere; + [Sidenote: so that the king despairs of his “niece’s” life, and + laments over him.] + And of the king the ſorow and the care, + That of his nec{is} lyf was in diſſpare. 2720 + “Far well,” he ſais, “my gladnes, & my delyt, + Apone kny{ch}thed far well myne appetit, + Fare well of manhed al the g{r}et curage, + Yow flour of armys and of vaſſolage, 2724 + Gif yow be loſt!”--thus til his tent hyme bro{ch}t + [Sidenote: The surgeons are sought,] + W{i}t{h} wofull hart, and al the ſurryȝenis ſocht, + Wich for to cum was reddy at his neid; + Thai fond the lord was of his lyf i{n} dreid, 2728 + For wondit was he, and ek wondit ſo, + [Sidenote: who found he had two broken ribs, but no mortal wound.] + And in his ſyd ware brokyne Ribys two. + Bot no{ch}t for-thi the king thai maid beleif + That at that tyme he ſhuld the deith eſchef. 2732 [Fol. 34a.] + + [O]ff melyhalt the ladyis kny{ch}t{is} were + In to the feld, and can thir tithing{is} here, + [Sidenote: The lady of Melyhalt’s knights tell her how the battle + went,] + And home to thar lady ar thai went, + Til hir to ſchewing eft{er} thar entent, 2736 + In euery poynt, how that the batell ſtud + Of galiot, and of his multitud; + [Sidenote: and how Gawane bare him in the field, and of his wounds.] + And how gawan hyme in the feld hath borñ, + Throw quhoys ſwerd ſo many o kny{ch}t vas lorñ, 2740 + And of the kny{ch}tly wond{er}is that he wro{ch}t, + Syne how that he one to his tent vas bro{ch}t. + The lady hard, that lowit gawan so, + [Sidenote: She weeps for him.] + She gan to wep, in to[T64] hir hart vas wo. 2744 + + [Footnote T64: MS. “in in”; but “in to” is clearly meant.] + +[Headnote: LANCELOT’S LAMENT FOR GAWANE.] + + [Sidenote: Lancelot requests to see the lady;] + Thir tythyng{is} one to lancelot ar goñ, + Whar-of that he was wond{er} wo-bygone, + And for the lady haſtely he sent, + And ſche til hyme, at his co{m}mand, Is went: 2748 + [Sidenote: and inquires if Gawane is really likely to die.] + He ſaluſt hir, and ſaid, “madem, Is trew + Thir tithing{is} I her report of new + Of the aſſemble, and meting of the oſt, + And of ſ{ir} gawan, wich that ſhuld be loſt? 2752 + If that be ſwth, adew the flour of armys, + [Sidenote: He laments over him,] + Now neu{er}more recou{er}yt be the harmys! + In hyme was manhed, curteſſy, and trouth, + Beſy trawell In kny{ch}thed, ay but ſleuth, 2756 + Humilyte, [and] gentrice, and cwrag; + In hyme thar was no man{er} of outrage. + [Sidenote: first apostrophizing himself,] + Allace! kny{ch}t, allace! what ſhal yow ſay? + Yow may complen, yow may bewail the day 2760 + As of his deith, and gladſchip aucht to ſes, + Baith menſtraſy and feſting at the des; + For of this lond he was the holl comfort, + In tyme of ned al kny{ch}thed to ſupport! 2764 + [Sidenote: and next blaming the lady for not having allowed him + to be present in the battle.] + Allace! madem, and I durſt ſay at ȝhe + Al yhour beheſt not kepit haith to me, + Whar-of that I was in to full belef + Aȝañe this day that I ſchuld have my lef, 2768 + And no{ch}t as cowart thus ſchamfully to ly + Excludit in to cage frome chewalry, + Whar othir kny{ch}t{is} anarmyt on thar ſtedis + Hawnt{is} ther ȝhouthhed in to kny{ch}tly dedis.” 2772 + “S{ir},” q{uo}d ſche, “I red yhow not diſpleß, + Ȝhe may In tyme her-eft{er} cum at es; [Fol. 34b.] + [Sidenote: She promises he shall go to the next battle,] + For the thrid day Is ordanit, & ſhal be + Of the oſt{is} a new aſſemble, 2776 + And I have gart ordan al the gere + That longith to ȝour body for to were, + [Sidenote: saying that his sable armour is ready.] + Boith horß and armour In the ſamyne wyß + Of ſable, ewyne aftir ȝhour awn dewyß; 2780 + And yhe ſal her remayne one to the day; + Syne may ȝhe paß, fore well ȝhe knaw the way.” + “I will obey, madem, to yhour entent.” + W{i}t{h} that ſche goith, and to hir reſt is went: 2784 + [Sidenote: In the morn she takes her leave, to go to the court.] + One the morn arly vp ſche roß + W{i}t{h}out delay, and to the kny{ch}t ſche gois, + And twk hir lef, and ſaid that ſcho vald fare + On to the court, w{i}t{h}-outen any mare. 2788 + [Sidenote: He kneels, and thanks her often.] + Than knelit he, and thankit hir oft-ſys, + That ſche ſo mych hath done hyme of ge{n}triß, + And hir byhecht eu{er}, at his myght, + To be hir awn trew & ſtedfaſt kny{ch}t. 2792 + [Sidenote: She goes unto the king,] + Sche thonkith hyme, and ſyne ſche goith h{er} way + On to the king, w{i}t{h}-owten more delay, + Whar that i{n}[T65] honour w{i}t{h} king & qwen ſche ſall + Ry{ch}t thonkfully reſauit be w{i}t{h}-all. 2796 + Eft to ſ{ir} gawan thai hir led, & ſche + Ryght gladly hyme deſyrit for to ſee, + [Sidenote: and finds Sir Gawane quite different from what had been + told her.] + And ſche hyme fond, and ſche was glad tharfore, + All vthir ways than was hir told before. 2800 + The kny{ch}t, the wich in to hir keping vas, + [Sidenote: The lady’s cousin cherishes Lancelot in her best manner.] + Sche had {com}mandit to hir cuſſynece, + Wich cheriſt hyme apone hir beſt manere, + And comfort hyme, and maid hy{m} ry{ch}t gud chere. 2804 + + [Footnote T65: MS. “w{i}t{h};” which is crossed out, and “i{n}” + inserted above, rather minutely written.] + +[Headnote: LANCELOT PREPARES FOR BATTLE.] + + [T]he days goith, ſo paſſith als the ny{ch}t, + [Sidenote: The third day, the maiden goes to his chamber, and + fastens on his armour.] + The thrid morow, as that the ſone vas ly{ch}t, + The kny{ch}t onon out of his bed aroß, + The maden ſone one to his chalm{er} goß, 2808 + And ſacretly his armour one hyme ſpent. + He tuk his lef, and ſyne his way he went + [Sidenote: He goes to the same green, beside the river, as before.] + Ful prewaly, ry{ch}t to the ſamyne greñ + One the rewere, whar he befor had ben, 2812 + Ewyne as the day [he] the first courß hath maad. + Alone ry{ch}t thar he howit, and abaade, + Behalding to the bertes, whar the qweñ [Fol. 35a.] + [Sidenote: He abides there alone, looking towards the parapet + where he saw the queen.] + Befor at the aſſemble he had señ 2816 + Ry{ch}t ſo the ſone ſchewith furt{h} his ly{ch}t, + And to his armour went is euery wy{ch}t; + [Sidenote: The jousting begins.] + One athir half the Iusting is bygon, + And many o fair and knych[t]ly courß is rown. 2820 + [Sidenote: The black knight still halts on his steed.] + The blak kny{ch}t ȝhit howyns on his ſted, + Of al thar doing takith he no hed, + Bot ay, apone the beſynes of tho{ch}t, + In beholding his ey dep{ar}tit no{ch}t. 2824 + +[Headnote: THE QUEEN BEHOLDS THE BLACK KNIGHT.] + + [Sidenote: The lady beholds him and knows him; but yet inquires + who he is,] + To quhom the lady of melyhalt beheld, + And knew hyme by h{is} armour & h{is} ſcheld, + Qwhat that he was; and thus ſche ſaid one hy{ch}t: + “Who is he ȝone? who may he be, ȝhone kny{ch}t, 2828 + So ſtill that hovith and ſterith not his Ren, + And ſeith the kny{ch}t{is} rynyng one the greñ?” + [Sidenote: thus calling the attention of Gawane,] + Than al beholdith, and in princypale + S{ir} gawan beholdith moſt of all; 2832 + Of melyha[l]t the lady to hyme maid + In{con}tine{n}t, his couche and gart be had + Be-fore o wyndew thore, as he my{ch}t se + The kny{ch}t, the oſt, and al the aſſemble. 2836 + He lukith furt{h}, and ſone the kny{ch}t hath ſen, + [Sidenote: who saith to the queen:] + And, but delay, he ſaith one to the qwen, + [Sidenote: “Madam, remember that the red knight halted where yon + knight halts.”] + “Madem, if ȝhe remembir, ſo it was + The red kny{ch}t in to the ſamyne place 2840 + That wencuſt al [at] the first aſſemble; + Whar that ȝone kny{ch}t howis, howit hee.” + [Sidenote: “Why do you inquire?” she replies.] + “Ȝha,” q{uod} the qwen, “ry{ch}t well remembir I; + Qwhat is the cauß at ȝhe inquere, & quhy?” 2844 + “Madem, of [al] this larg warld is he + [Sidenote: “He is the knight, madam, whom I most desire to see.”] + The kny{ch}t the wich I most deſir to ſee + His ſtrenth, his ma{n}hed, his curag, and h{is} my{ch}t, + Or do in armys that longith to o kny{ch}t.” 2848 + +[Headnote: THE ORDER OF BATTLE.] + + [B]y thus, arthur, w{i}t{h} conſell well awyſit, + [Sidenote: Arthur arranges his lines of battle.] + Haith ordanit his batell{is}, and devyſit: + [Sidenote: King Ydrus leads the first;] + The firſt of them led ydrus king, & he + O worthy man vas ne{m}myt for to bee. 2852 + [Sidenote: Harwy the Reweyll, an aged knight, the second.] + The ſecund led harwy the Reweyll, + That in this world was kny{ch}t that had moſt feill + For to p{ro}wid that longith to the were, + One agit kny{ch}t, and well couth armys bere. 2856 + + [T]he thrid feld [he] deliu{er}it in the hond [Fol. 35b.] + [Sidenote: King Angus, a cousin of Arthur, leads the third.] + Of ang{us}, king of ylys of ſcotlande, + Wich cuſing was one to king arthur nere, + One hardy kny{ch}t he was, w{i}t{h}outen were. 2860 + [Sidenote: King Ywons the fourth.] + The ferd batell led ywons the king, + O manly kny{ch}t he was In to al thing. + And thus dewyſit ware his batell{is} ſere, + [Sidenote: In every company are 15,000.] + In euery feld xv thouſand were. 2864 + + [T]he fift[T66] batell the lord ſ{ir} ywan lede, + [Sidenote: The lord Sir Ywan leads the rearguard.] + Whois ma{n}hed was i{n} euery cu{n}tre dred, + Sone he was one to wryne the kyng, + Forwart, ſtout, hardy, wyß, and ȝhing; 2868 + Xx thouſand in his oſt thai paſt, + Wich ordanit was for to aſſemble laſt. + [Sidenote: Galiot’s armies.] + [A]nd galiot, apone the tothir ſyde, + Ry{ch}t wyſly gan h{is} batell{is} to dewid. 2872 + [Sidenote: Malenginys leads the first line;] + The firſt of them led malenginys the king, + None hardyar In to this erth lewyng; + He neu{er} more out of his cuntre Raid, + Nor he w{i}t{h} hyme one hund{er}eth kny{ch}t{is} hade. 2876 + + [Footnote T66: MS. “firſt.” See l. 2870.] + + [Sidenote: the first-conquest king the second; Walydeyne the third;] + [T]he ſecund the first-conqueſt king led, + That for no p{er}ell of armys vas adred; + The thrid, o king clepit walydeyne, + He led, and was o manly kny{ch}t, but weyne. 2880 + + [Sidenote: Clamedeus the fourth;] + [T]he ferd, king clamede{us} has, + Wich that lord of far ylys was. + [Sidenote: and King Brandymagus the fifth.] + The fift[T67] batell, whar xl thouſand were, + King brandymag{us} had to led and ſtere, 2884 + O manly kny{ch}t, and prewit well oft-ſyß, + And in his conſell wond{er} ſcharp & wyß. + [Sidenote: Galiot bore no arms;] + Galiot non armys bur that day, + Nor as o kny{ch}t he wald hyme-ſelf aray, 2888 + [Sidenote: but was arrayed as a servant in a habergeon with + a “prekyne” hat, and a truncheon in his hand.] + But as o ſ{er}uand in o habariowne, + O prekyne hat, and ek o gret trownſciowñ + In til his hond, and one o curſour ſet, + The beſt that was in ony lond to get. 2892 + Endlong the rewar men my{ch}t behold & ſee, + Of kny{ch}t{is} weryne mony one aſſemble; + [Sidenote: The black knight still remains looking towards the + parapet.] + And the blak kny{ch}t ſtill he couth abyde, + W{i}t{h}out remowyng, one the Riwer ſyde, 2896 + Bot to the bartes to behold and ſee + Thar as his hart deſyrit moſt to bee: + + [Footnote T67: MS. “firſt.”] + +[Headnote: THE FIRST MESSAGE TO THE BLACK KNIGHT.] + + [Sidenote: The lady says to the queen--] + And quhen the lady of melyhalt haith ſeñ + The kny{ch}t ſo ſtond, ſche ſaid one to the qweñ, [Fol. 36a.] + [Sidenote: “Madam, pray commend yourself to yon knight.”] + “Madem, It is my conſell at ȝhe send 2901 + One to ȝone kny{ch}t, ȝour-ſelf for to {com}mend, + Beſeiching hyme that he wald wnd{er}tak + This day to do of armys, for ȝour ſak.” 2904 + [Sidenote: The queen replies] + The quen anſuerit as that hir lykit no{ch}t, + For othir thing was more In to hir tho{ch}t, + “For well ȝhe ſe the p{er}ell how disio[i]nt, + The adwentur now ſtondith one the point 2908 + Boith of my lord his honore, and h{is} lond, + And of his men, i{n}[T68] dang{er} how thai ſtond: + + [Footnote T68: Stevenson reads “the”; but “the” is crossed out, + and “i{n}” written over it.] + + [Sidenote: that the lady and the rest may send a message, but that + she will not herself take part in it.] + Bot ȝhe, and ek thir vthere ladice may, + If that yhow lykith, to the kny{ch}t gar ſay 2912 + The meſag; is none that wil yhow let, + For I tharof ſal no{ch}t me ent{er}met.” + On to the quen ſcho ſaith, “her I, + If ſo it pleß thir vthir ladice by, 2916 + Am for to ſend one to the kny{ch}t {con}tent;” + And al the ladice can thar-to aſſent, + Beſeching hir the meſag to dewyß, + As ſche that was moſt prudent & moſt wyß. 2920 + [Sidenote: The lady sends a discreet maiden,] + Sche grantit, and o madeñ haith thai tone, + Diſcret, apone this meſag for till gone; + [Sidenote: and Sir Gawane a squire, with two spears,] + And ſ{ir} gawan a ſqwyar bad alſo, + W{i}t{h} two ſperis one to the kny{ch}t to go. 2924 + The lady than, w{i}t{h}outen more dulay, + Haith chargit hir apone this wyß to ſay: + [Sidenote: to say that all the ladies, the queen alone excepted, + commend them to the black knight,] + “Schaw to the kny{ch}t, the ladice eu{er}-ilkone + Ben In the court, excep the quen allon, 2928 + Til hyme them haith reco{m}mandit oft-ſyß, + Beſeching hyme of kny{ch}thed and gentriß, + (Or if It hapyne eu{er}more that he ſhall + Cum, quhar thai may, owther an or all, 2932 + In ony thing awail hyme or ſupport, + Or do hyme ony pleſans or comfort,) + [Sidenote: and pray him to essay some deed of arms.] + He wold wichſaif for loue of them this day + In armys ſum manhed to aſſay; 2936 + And ſay, ſ{ir} gawan hyme the ſper{is} ſent; + Now go, this is the fek of our entent.” + [Sidenote: The damsel and squire] + The damyſell ſche hath hir palfray tone, + The sqwyar w{i}t{h} the ſperis w{i}t{h} hir goñ; 2940 + The n{er}eſt way thai paß one to ye kny{ch}t, [Fol. 36b.] + [Sidenote: repeat the message.] + Whar ſche repete hir meſag haith ful ry{ch}t: + +[Headnote: SIR LANCELOT IS NOT CONTENT.] + + [Sidenote: Sir Lancelot, finding the queen not in the message,] + And quhen he hard, and planly wnd{er}ſtude, + How that the quen not in the meſag ȝude, 2944 + [Sidenote: was not content,] + He ſpak no word, bot he was not {con}tent; + Bot, of ſ{ir} gawan, glaid in his entent, + He aſkit quhar he was, and of h{is} fair? + And thai to hyme the man{er} can duclair; 2948 + [Sidenote: but asks the squire to hold the two spears ready for + him.] + Than the ſqwyar he prayth that he wold + Paß to the feld, the ſperis for to hold. + He ſaw the kny{ch}t{is} ſemblyng her and thare, + The ſtedis Rynyng w{i}t{h} the ſadill{is} bare; 2952 + His ſpuris goith in to the ſtedis syde, + That was ful ſwyft, and lykit not to byd; + +[Headnote: HE USES UP SIR GAWANE’S TWO SPEARS.] + + And he that was hardy, ferß, and ſtout, + [Sidenote: He attacks a company of a hundred knights, slays the + nearest,] + Furth by o ſyd aſſemblyng on a rout 2956 + Whar that one hund{er}eth kny{ch}t{is} was, & mo; + And w{i}t{h} the firſt has Recount{er}it so, + That frome the deth not helpith hy{m} h{is} ſcheld, + Boith horß and man is lying in the feld; 2960 + The ſpere is gone, and al in pecis brak, + [Sidenote: and with the stump of his spear bereaves two or three + of their saddles.] + And he the trunſcyoune in h{is} hand hath tak + That two or thre he haith the ſadill{is} reft, + Whill in his hond ſchortly no thing is left. 2964 + Syne, to the ſquyar, of the feld is goñ, + [Sidenote: He takes a new spear from the squire, and overthrows + three knights.] + Fro hyme o ſpere In to his hond haith ton, + And to the feld returnyt he aȝayne: + The firſt he met, he goith one the plan, 2968 + And ek the next, and ſyne the thrid alſo; + Nor in his hond, nore in his ſtrak was ho. + His e{n}nemys that veryng In affray + Befor his ſtrok, and makith rovm alway; 2972 + And in ſich wyß ay in the feld he vro{ch}t, + Whill that his ſperis gon var al to no{cht}; + Whar-of ſ{ir} gawan berith vitneſing + Throw al this world that thar vas non levyng, 2976 + In ſo ſchort tyme ſo mych of armys wro{ch}t. + +[Headnote: HE USES UP SIR GAWANE’S TWO SPEARS.] + + [Sidenote: His spears gone, he returns to his first position.] + His ſperis gone, out of the feld he ſo{ch}t, + And paſſit is one to the Rewere syde, + Ry{ch}t thore as he was wont for to abyde; 2980 + And ſo beholdyne In the ſamyne plañ, [Fol. 37a.] + As to the feld hyme lykit no{ch}t aȝañ. + [Sidenote: Sir Gawane says to the queen:] + Sir gawan ſaw, and ſaith on to the quen, + [Sidenote: “Madam, yon knight thinks himself despised, because you + so specially excepted yourself in the message;] + “Madem, yhone knycht diſponit [not],[T69] I weyñ, 2984 + To help ws more, fore he ſo is awyſit; + + [Footnote T69: “not” seems required.] + + As I p{re}ſume, he thinkith hyme diſpiſit + Of the meſag that we gart to hyme mak; + Yhowre-ſelf yhe have ſo ſpecialy out-tak, 2988 + He thinkith ewill contempnit for to bee, + Conſid{er}ing how that the neceſſitee + Moſt prinſpally to yhowr ſupporting lyis. + Tharfor my conſell is, yhow to dewyß, 2992 + And ek ȝhowre-ſelf i{n} yhowr t{r}eſpas accuß, + [Sidenote: ask him mercy, therefore, and excuse your guilt.] + And aſk hyme mercy, and yhour gilt excuß. + For well it oucht o prince or o king + Til honore and til cheriß in al thing 2996 + O worthi man, that is in kny{ch}thed p{re}wit. + For throw the body of o man eſchevit + Mony o wondir, mony one aduenture, + That m{er}well war til any creature. 3000 + And als oft-tyme is boith hard & ſen, + [Sidenote: For often, by one knight’s prowess, have 40,000 been + worsted by 5,000.] + Quhar xl thouſand haith diſcu{m}fit ben + Vith v thouſand, and only be o kny{ch}t; + For throw his ſtrenth, his vorſchip, & h{is} my{ch}t, 3004 + His falowſchip ſich comfort of hym tais + That thai ne dreid the dang{er} of thar fays. + And thus, madem, I wot, w{i}t{h}outen were, + [Sidenote: If yon knight will continue to help the king,] + If that ȝhone kny{ch}t this day will p{er}ſywere 3008 + W{i}t{h} his manhed for helping of the king, + We ſal have cauß to dred in to no thing. + Our folk of hyme thai ſal ſich comfort tak, + And ſo adred thar ennemys ſal mak, 3012 + That ſur I am, onys or the ny{ch}t, + [Sidenote: yon folk shall perforce take to flight.”] + Of forß ȝhone folk ſal tak one them the fly{ch}t: + Wharffor, madem, that ȝhe have gilt to mend, + My conſell is one to ȝhon kny{ch}t ȝe ſend.” 3016 + +[Headnote: THE SECOND MESSAGE TO THE BLACK KNIGHT.] + + [Sidenote: She consents to send a message.] + “S{ir},” q{uod} ſche, “quhat pleſſith yhow to do + Ȝhe may dewyß, and I conſent thar-to.” + Than was the lady of melyhalt {con}tent, + And to ſ{ir} gawan in-to-{con}tynent 3020 + Sche clepit the maid, wich that paſſit ar; [Fol. 37b.] + [Sidenote: A maiden is therefore sent to say,] + And he hir bad the meſag thus duclar. + “Say [to][T70] the kny{ch}t, the quen hir reco{m}mendith, + And ſal correk in quhat that ſche offendith 3024 + At his awn will, how ſo hyme liſt dewyß; + [Sidenote: that the queen humbly exhorts him] + And hyme exortith, in moſt humyll wyß, + As eu{er} he will, whar that ſche can or may, + Or powar haith hir charg, be ony way, 3028 + And for his worſchip and his hie ma{n}hede, + [Sidenote: to help in that need to preserve the king’s honour, + and to deserve her thanks.] + And for hir luf, to helpen i{n} that ned + The king{is} honore, his land fore to preſerf, + That he hir thonk for eu{er} may deſerf.” 3032 + + [Footnote T70: “to” seems required.] + +[Headnote: SIR GAWANE SENDS HIM TEN SPEARS MORE.] + + And four ſquyaris chargit he alſo + [Sidenote: Sir Gawane also sends four squires with three horses + and ten spears.] + W{i}t{h} thre horß and ſperis x to go + Furt{h} to the knycht, hyme prayng for his ſak, + At his raqueſt thame in his ned to tak. 3036 + + [T]he maden furt{h} w{i}t{h} the ſqwyar{is} is went + One to the kny{ch}t, and ſchawith y{ar} entent. + [Sidenote: The message heard, he inquires about the queen,] + Tho meſag hard, and ek ye preſent ſeñ, + He anſwerit, and aſkith of the qwen; 3040 + [Sidenote: and is told that from yon parapet she can witness his + deeds.] + “S{ir},” q{uod} ſche, [“sche][T71] in to ȝhone bartiis lyis, + Whar that this day yhour dedis ſal dewyß, + Yhowr manhed, yhour worſchip, and affere, + How ȝhe {con}teñ, and how yhe armys bere; 3044 + The quen hir-ſelf, and many o lady to, + Sal Iug{is} be, and vitnes how yhe do.” + Than he, whois hart ſtant in o new aray, + [Sidenote: He returns a message that he is the queen’s knight.] + Saith, “damyceyll, on to my lady ſay, 3048 + How eu{er} that hir lykith that it bee, + Als far as wit or powar is in me, + I am hir kny{ch}t, I ſal at hir {com}mand + Do at I may, w{i}t{h}outen more demand. 3052 + And to ſ{ir} gawan, for his gret gentriß, + Me reco{m}mend and thonk a thouſand ſyß.” + W{i}t{h} that o ſper he takith in his hond, + [Sidenote: He stands in his stirrups; and seems to increase a foot + in height.] + And ſo in to his ſterapis can he ſtond 3056 + That to ſ{ir} gawan ſemyth that the kny{ch}t + Encreſyng gon o larg fut one hycht; + And to the ladice ſaith he, and the qwen, + “Ȝhon is the kny{ch}t that eu{er} I have ſen 3060 + In al my tyme moſt kny{ch}tly of affere, + And in hyme-ſelf gon fareſt armys bere.” + + [Footnote T71: A second “sche” is here required.] + +[Headnote: THE BLACK KNIGHT’S CHARGE.] + + [Sidenote: Greatly encouraged,] + [T]he kny{ch}t that haith Reme{m}brit in his tho{ch}t [Fol. 38a.] + The qwenys charg{is}, & how ſche hy{m} beſo{ch}t, 3064 + Curag can encreſing to his hart; + His curſer lap, and gan onon to ſtart; + And he the ſqwaris haith reqwyrit ſo, + That thai w{i}t{h} hyme one to the feld wald go. 3068 + [Sidenote: without delay he crosses over the river to the field;] + Than goith he one, w{i}t{h}outen mor abaid, + And our the reuar to the feld he raid; + Don goith his ſpere onone In to the Reſt, + [Sidenote: and goes in wherever he sees most peril.] + And in he goith, w{i}t{h}outen mor areſt, 3072 + Thar as he ſaw moſt p{er}ell and moſt dred + In al the feld, and moſt of help[T72] had ned, + Whar ſemblyt was the firſt-{con}queſt king + W{i}t{h} mony o kny{ch}t that was in his leding. 3076 + [Sidenote: He overthrows two knights.] + The firſt he met, doune goith boith horß & man; + The ſper was holl, and to the next he Rañ + That helpit hyme his hawbrek nor h{is} ſcheld, + Bot throuch and throuch haith perſit i{n} the feld. 3080 + + [Footnote T72: MS. “held.”] + +[Headnote: SIX KNIGHTS FOLLOW HIM.] + + [Sidenote: Sir Kay, Sir Sygramors, Sir Gresown, Sir Ywan, Sir + Brandellis, and Gahers, all six in a race spur across the field + with stretched spears,] + S{ir} kay, the wich haith this encontyr ſen, + His horß he ſtrekith our the larg gren, + And ſ{ir} ſygramors ek the deſyrand, + W{i}t{h} ſ{ir} greſown cu{m}myth at y{ar} honde, 3084 + Son of the duk, and alſua ſ{ir} ywan + The baſtart, and ſ{ir} brandellis onan, + And gaherß, wich that broyir was + To gawan; thir ſex in a Raß 3088 + Deliu{er}ly com prekand our the feld{is} + W{i}t{h} ſperis ſtraucht, and cou{er}it w{i}t{h} thar ſcheldis; + Sum for love, ſum honor to purcheß, + [Sidenote: and 100 knights after them.] + And aftir them one hund{er}eth kny{ch}t{is} was, 3092 + In ſamyne will, thar manhed to aſſay. + On his v falowis clepit than ſ{ir} kay, + [Sidenote: Sir Kay exhorts them] + And ſaith them, “ſ{ir}is, thar has ȝhond{er} ben + A courß that neu{er}-more farar was ſen 3096 + Maid be o kny{ch}t, and we ar cu{m}myn ilkon + Only ws one [his] worſchip to diſpone; + And neu{er} we in al our dais my{ch}t + Have bet axampil than iffith ws ȝone kny{ch}t 3100 + [Sidenote: to keep near the black knight, and follow his guidance + all day.] + Of well doing; and her I hecht for me + Ner hyme al day, if that I may, to bee, + And folow hyme at al [my] my{ch}t I ſall, + Bot deth or vthir adwentur me fall. 3104 + W{i}t{h} that thir ſex, al in one aſſent, + W{i}t{h} freſch curag In to the feld Is went. + The blak kny{ch}t{is} ſpere in pec{is} goñe, [Fol. 38b.] + [Sidenote: With a second spear, the black knight seeks the field, + closely followed by the six.] + Frome o ſqwyar oñe vthir haith he toñe, 3108 + And to the feld onone he goith ful ry{ch}t; + Thir ſex w{i}t{h} hyme ay holdith at y{ar} my{ch}t. + And than bygan his wond{er}is in the feld; + Thar was no helme, no hawbryk, nore no ſcheld, 3112 + [Sidenote: No knight nor armour can withstand him.] + Nor yhit no kny{ch}t ſo hardy, ferß, nore ſtout, + No ȝhit no man{er} armour my{ch}t hald owt + His ſtrenth, nore was of powar to w{i}t{h}ſtond; + So mych of armys dyde he w{i}t{h} his honde, 3116 + [Sidenote: Every wight wonders at his deeds.] + That euery wight ferleit of h{is} deid, + And al his fois ſtondith ful of dreid. + So beſely he can his tyme diſpend, + That of the ſperis wich ſ{ir} gawan ſend, 3120 + [Sidenote: He uses up all Gawane’s spears.] + Holl of them all thar was not lewit oñe; + Throw wich but m{er}cy to the deyth is gon + Ful many o kny{ch}t, and many o weriour, + That cout{h} ſuſten ful hardely o ſtour. 3124 + [Sidenote: Two horses of his are killed, and he fights on foot.] + And of his horß ſupp{ri}ſit ded ar two, + One of his awn, of gawanis one alſo, + And he one fut was fechtand one the gren, + When that ſ{ir} kay haith w{i}t{h} his falowis ſeñ; 3128 + [Sidenote: The squire brings him a fresh horse;] + The ſqwyar w{i}t{h} his horß than to hy{m} bro{ch}t; + Magre his fois he to his courſeir ſo{ch}t + Deliu{er}ly, as of o my{ch}ty hart, + [Sidenote: he leaps into the saddle without stirrups.] + W{i}t{h}out ſteropis in to his ſadill ſtart, 3132 + That euery wycht beholding m{er}vell has + Of his ſtrenth and deliu{er} beſynes. + +[Headnote: SIR KAY ASKS WHO THE BLACK KNIGHT IS.] + + [Sidenote: Sir Kay asks who he is,] + S{ir} kay, ſeing his horß, and how that thai + War cled in to ſ{ir} gawanis aray, 3136 + Aſkith at the ſquyar if he knewith + What that he was, this kny{ch}t? & he hym ſchewith + [Sidenote: but the squire cannot tell.] + He wiſt no thing quhat that he was, nore hee + Befor that day hyme neu{er} ſaw w{i}t{h} Ee. 3140 + Than aſkith he, how and one quhat wyß + On gawanis horß makith hyme ſich ſ{er}uice? + The ſqw[y]ar ſaith, “forſuth y wot no more; + My lord ws bad, I not the cauß quharfore.” 3144 + [Sidenote: The black knight returns to the field.] + The blak kny{ch}t, horſit, to the feld can ſew + Als freſch as he was in the morow new; + [Sidenote: The six comrades follow him.] + The ſex falowis folowit hyme ilkone, + And al in front on to the feld ar goñ; 3148 + Ry{ch}t freſchly one thar ennemys thai ſoght, [Fol. 39a.] + And many o fair poynt of armys vroght. + + [Sidenote: Malangin’s host is discomfited by king Ydras; and + retreats to join the second line, commanded by the Conquest-king;] + [T]han hapnyt to king malangins oſt + By ydras king diſcu{m}fit was, & loſt, 3152 + And fled, and to the {con}queſt-king ar goñe, + Thar boith the batell{is} aſſemblit In to one; + King malengynis in to his hart was wo, + For of hyme-ſelf no bett{er} kny{ch}t my{ch}t go; 3156 + [Sidenote: so that 40,000 are now opposed to 15,000 of Arthur’s.] + Thar xl thouſand war thai for xv. + Than my{ch}t the feld ry{ch}t p{er}ellus be ſen + Of armyt kny{ch}t{is} gaping one the ground; + Sum deith, and ſum w{i}t{h} mony a grewous wond; 3160 + For arthuris kny{ch}t{is}, that manly war and gud, + Suppos that vthir was o multitude, + Reſauit tham well at the ſperis end; + But one ſuch wyß thai may not lang defend. 3164 + +[Headnote: THE BLACK KNIGHT’S PROWESS.] + + [Sidenote: The black knight, knowing who is beholding him,] + The blak kny{ch}t ſaw the dang{er} of the feld, + And al his doing{is} knowith quho beheld, + And ek reme{m}brith in to his entent + Of the meſag that ſche haith to hyme ſent: 3168 + Than curag, ſtrenth encreſing w{i}t{h} ma{n}hed, + Ful lyk o kny{ch}t one to the feld he raid, + [Sidenote: thinks to have his lady’s love, or die before her.] + Thinking to do his ladice love to have, + Or than his deth befor hir to reſave. 3172 + Thar he begynyth in his ferß curag + Of armys, as o lyoune in his rag; + Than m{er}well was his doing to behold; + Thar was no kny{ch}t ſo ſtrong, nor yhit ſo bold, 3176 + That in the feld befor his ſuerd he met, + Nor he ſo hard his ſtrok apone hyme ſet, + That ded or wondit to the erth he ſo{ch}t; + [Sidenote: He works nothing but wonders;] + For thar was not bot wond{er}is that he wro{ch}t. 3180 + And magre of his fois eu{er}ilkone, + [Sidenote: and often passes alone through the field.] + In to the feld oft tymys hyme aloñ + Throuch and throuch he paſſith to & fro; + For in the ward[T73] it was the man{er} tho 3184 + That non o kny{ch}t ſhuld be the brydill tak + Hyme to oreſt, nore cum behynd h{is} bak, + Nor mo than on at onys one o kny{ch}t + Shuld ſtrik, for that tyme worſchip ſtud ſo ry{ch}t. 3188 + Ȝhit was the feld ry{ch}t p{er}ellus and ſtrong + Till arthuris folk, ſet thai {con}tenyt longe; + Bot in ſich wyß this blak kny{ch}t can {con}ten, [Fol. 39b.] + [Sidenote: He fights in such wise as to encourage all who see his + deeds.] + That thai, the wich that hath his manhed ſeñ, 3192 + Sich hardyment haith takyne In his ded, + Them tho{ch}t thai had no man{er} cauß of dred, + Als long as he my{ch}t owthir ryd or go, + At euery ned he them recomfort ſo. 3196 + [Sidenote: Sir Kay and his fellows follow him all day.] + S{ir} kay haith w{i}t{h} his falowis al the day + Folowit hyme al that he can or may, + And wondir well thai have in armys p{re}wit, + And w{i}t{h} thar manhed oft thar folk relewit; 3200 + Bot well thai faucht in diu{er}ß placis ſere, + [Sidenote: But at last they are nearly all overpowered by numbers.] + W{i}t{h} multitud y{ar} folk confuſit were, + That long in ſich wyß my{ch}t thai no{ch}t {con}teñ. + + [Footnote T73: Another spelling of _warld_, i.e. world, which + occurs in the fuller form in l. 3212.] + +[Headnote: SIR KAY’S MESSAGE TO SIR HARWY.] + + [Sidenote: Sir Kay sends Gawane’s squire with a message to Sir + Harwy that he ought not to suffer the best knight that ever bore + arms to be surprised,] + S{ir} kay, that hath ſ{ir} gawans qſquyar{is} ſen, 3204 + He clepit hyme, and haith hyme prayt ſo, + That to ſ{ir} harwy the rewell wil he go, + And ſay to hyme, “ws think hyme ewil awyſit; + For her throuch hyme he ſufferit be ſuppriſit 3208 + The beſt kny{ch}t that eu{er} armys bur; + And if it ſo befell of adwentur, + In his defalt, that he be ded or lamyt, + This warld ſal have hyme vtraly defamyt. 3212 + [Sidenote: nor six knights of the Round Table to be discomfited.] + And her ar of the round table alſo + A falouſchip, that ſall in well and wo + Abid w{i}t{h} hyme, and furt{h} for to endur + Of lyf or deth, this day, thar adwentur; 3216 + And if ſo fal diſcumfyt at thai bee, + The king may ſay that wond{er} ewill haith he + Contenit hyme, and kepit his honore, + Thus for to tyne of chevalry the flour!” 3220 + [Sidenote: The squire takes the message.] + The ſqw[y]ar hard, and furt{h} his way Raid, + In termys ſchort he al his meſag ſaid. + S{ir} harwy ſaith, “y wytneß god, that I + Neu{er} in my days comytit tratory, 3224 + And if I now begyne In to myne eld, + In ewill tyme fyrſt com I to this feld; + [Sidenote: Sir Harwy says that Sir Kay shall have no cause to + reprove him.] + Bot, if god will, I ſal me ſon diſcharg. + Say to ſ{ir} kay, I ſal not ber the charg, 3228 + He ſal no mat{er} have me to rapref, + I ſal amend this mys if that I lef.” + The ſqwyar went and tellit to ſ{ir} kay; + + [Sidenote: Sir Harwy comes to support them;] + ++And ſ{ir} harwy, in al the haſt he may, 3232 + Aſſemblyt hath his oſt{is}, & onoñ + In gret deſyre on the feld is gon [Fol. 40a.] + Before his folk, and haldith furt{h} his way; + Don goith his ſper, and ewyne before ſ{ir} kay 3236 + So hard o kny{ch}t he ſtrykith in his ten + That horß and he lay boith apone the gren. + S{ir} gawan ſaw the count{er} that he maad, + And leuch for al the ſarues that he had: 3240 + [Sidenote: and proves himself a better warrior than might have + been expected of one so old.] + That day ſ{ir} harwy prewyt in the feld + Of armys more than longith to his eld, + For he was more than fyfty yher of ag, + Set he was ferß and ȝong in his curag; 3244 + And fro that he aſſemblyt his bataill + [Sidenote: Galiot’s folk are beaten.] + Doune goith the folk of galot{is} al haill; + For to w{i}t{h}ſtond thai war of no poware, + And yhit of folk x thouſand mo thei vare. 3248 + + [Sidenote: King Valydone comes to support them.] + ++Kyng valydone, that ſauch on ſuch o wyß + His falowis dang{er}it w{i}t{h} thar ennemys, + W{i}t{h} al his folk, being freß and new, + Goith to the feld onon, them to reſſkew; 3252 + Thar was the feld ry{ch}t p{er}ellus aȝañe, + Of arthuris folk ful many on var ſlan. + + [Sidenote: Angus comes to aid Arthur’s men.] + ++Bot angus, quhich that lykith not to bid, + And ſaw the p{er}ell one the tother ſid, 3256 + His ſted he ſtrok, and w{i}t{h} his oſt is gon + Whar was moſt ned, and thar the feld has ton. + + [Sidenote: Clamedyus comes to aid Galiot’s men.] + ++Kyng clamedyus makith non abaid, + Bot w{i}t{h} his oſt one to the ſid he raid. 3260 + +[Headnote: GALIOT’S FOLK ARE WORSTED.] + + [Sidenote: Ywons encounters Clamedyus.] + ++And ywons king, that haith his cu{m}myn ſen, + Encount{er}it hyme in myddis of the greñ. + The aucht batell{is} aſſemblyt one this wiß; + [Sidenote: Great clamour and lamentable cries on either side.] + On ather half the clamore and the cryiß 3264 + Was lametable and petws for til her, + Of kny{ch}t{is} wich in diu{er}ß placis ſere + Wondit war, and fallyng to and fro, + Ȝhit galyot{is} folk war xx thouſand mo. 3268 + + [Sidenote: The black knight bids himself remember love’s power + over him;] + ++The blak kny{ch}t than on to hyme-ſelf he ſaid: + “Remembir the, how yhow haith ben araid, + Ay ſen ye hour that yow was makid kny{ch}t, + W{i}t{h} love, aȝane quhois powar & whois my{ch}t 3272 + Yow haith no ſtrenth, yow may It not endur, + Nor ȝhit non vthir erthly creatur; + [Sidenote: and that only his lady’s mercy or his life’s end can + amend him.] + And bot two thing{is} ar the to amend, + Thi ladice mercy, or thi lyvys end. 3276 + And well yhow wot that on to hir p{re}ſens, + Til hir eſtat, nor til hir excellens, [Fol. 40b.] + Thi febilneß neu{er}more is able + For to attan, ſche is ſo honorable. 3280 + And ſen no way yow may ſo hie extend, + +[Headnote: THE BLACK KNIGHT’S DARING RESOLUTION.] + + [Sidenote: He counsels himself to strive for her thanks,] + My verray conſell is, that yow pretend + This day, (ſen yow becu{m}myne art hir kny{ch}t + Of hir comand, and fechtit in hir ſy{ch}t), 3284 + And well yow ſchaw, ſen yow may do no mor, + That of reſone ſche ſal the thank tharfore; + [Sidenote: and to be ashamed of every point of cowardice.] + Of euery poynt of cowardy yow ſcham, + And in til armys purcheß the ſum nam.” 3288 + W{i}t{h} that of love in to o new deſir + [Sidenote: Swift as a crossbow-bolt he seeks the field.] + His ſpere he ſtraucht, and ſwift as any wyre + W{i}t{h} al his forß the n{er}eſt feld he ſoght; + His ful ſtrenth in armys thar he vroght, 3292 + In to the feld ruſching to and fro, + Doune goith the man, doune goith the horß also; + Sum throw the ſcheld is perſit to the hart, + Sum throw the hed, he may It not aſtart. 3296 + [Sidenote: His sword carves the head from some, and cuts the arms + of others in twain.] + His bludy ſuerd he dreuch, that carwit ſo + Fro ſum the hed, and ſum the arm in two; + Sum in the feld fellit is in ſwoñ, + Throw ſum his ſuerd goith to the ſadill doune. 3300 + His fois waren abaſit of his dedis, + His mortell ſtrok ſo gretly for to dred Is; + [Sidenote: When his foes see him, they leave the place for dread + of death.] + Whar thai hyme ſaw, w{i}t{h}in a lytall ſpace, + For dreid of ded, thai levyng hyme the place, 3304 + That many o ſtrok ful oft he haith forlorñ; + The ſpedy horß away the kny{ch}t hath borñ. + In to his wyrking neu{er}more he ſeſt, + Nor non abaid he makith, nor areſt. 3308 + [Sidenote: His knightly deeds assure his fellows.] + His falowis, ſo in his kny{ch}thed aſſuryd, + Thai ar reco{m}fort, thar manhed is recou{er}yt, + And one thar fois ful ferſly thai ſoght, + Thar goith the lyf of many o kny{ch}t to no{ch}t. 3312 + So was the batell wond{er}ful to tell, + Of kny{ch}t{is} to ſe the multitud that fell, + [Sidenote: It was pitiful to see the knights gaping upon the green.] + That pety was til ony kny{ch}t to ſeñ + The kny{ch}t{is} lying gaping on the gren. 3316 + The blak kny{ch}t ay {con}tinewit ſo faſt, + Whill[T74] many one, diſcumfit at the laſt, + Are fled, and planly of the feld thei pas: [Fol. 41a.] + + [Footnote T74: MS. “Whilk.”] + +[Headnote: GALIOT WONDERS WHY HIS MEN FLEE.] + + [Sidenote: Galiot asks his men why they flee.] + And galyot haith wondyr, for he was 3320 + Of mor powar, and aſkit at them qwhy + As cowart{is} thai fled ſa ſchamfully? + [Sidenote: A knight replies, that whoever likes may go and see + marvels.] + Than ſaith o kny{ch}t, ſor wondit in the brayne, + “Who lykith, he may Retwrn aȝayne 3324 + Frome qwhens we come, m{er}walis for to ſee, + That in his tyme neu{er} ſich ſauch hee.” + [Sidenote: Galiot asks, what marvels; and the knight tells him + there is a knight who vanquishes all;] + “Marwell,” q{uod} he, “that dar I boldly ſay + Thay may be callit, and quhat thai ar, I pray?” 3328 + “Schir, in the feld forſuth thar is o kny{ch}t, + That only throw his body and his my{ch}t + Wencuſſith all, that thar may non ſuſten + His ſtrokis, thai ar ſo fureows and ken. 3332 + [Sidenote: who fares as a lion or a bear;] + He farith as o lyone or o beyre, + Wod in his rag, for ſich is his affere. + [Sidenote: to whom the red knight hears no comparison.] + Nor he the kny{ch}t in to the armys Red, + Wich at the first aſſemble in this ſted 3336 + Wencuſſith all, and had the holl renown, + He may to this be no comp{ar}yſou{n}e, + Fore neu{er} he ſeſith ſen the day vas goñ, + Bot eu{er}more {con}tinewit in to one.” 3340 + [Sidenote: Galiot says he will go and see.] + Quod galiot, “in nome of god and we + Al, be tyme, the ſuthfaſtneß ſal see.” + +[Headnote: GALIOT RALLIES HIS MEN.] + + [Sidenote: Galiot is armed, rallies the flyers, and encourages + his men.] + [T]han he in armys that he had is gon, + And to the feld w{i}t{h} hyme aȝane hath ton 3344 + Al the flear{is}, and foundyne [in][T75] ſich aray + His folk, that ner diſcumfyt al war thay; + Bot quhen thai ſaw cu{m}myne our the plan + Thar lord, thai tuk ſich hardeme{n}t aȝañ, 3348 + [Sidenote: They shout their war-cries.] + That thar eſſenȝeis lowd thai gon to cry. + He chargit tham to go, that ware hyme by, + Straucht to the feld, w{i}t{h} al thar holl forß; + And thai, the wich that ſparit not the horß, 3352 + All redy war to fillyng his {com}mand, + And freſchly went, w{i}t{h}owten more demand: + Throw qwich thar folk recou{er}yt haith thar place, + [Sidenote: All think a new host is coming.] + For al the feld p{re}ſwmyt that thar was 3356 + O new oſt, one ſuch o wyß thai ſoght; + [Sidenote: Arthur’s folk determine rather to die than fly.] + Whar arthuris folk had paſſith al to no{ch}t, + Ne war that thai the bett{er} war ilkoñe, + And at thai can them vtraly diſpoñe 3360 + Rathar to dee than flee, in thar entent, [Fol. 41b.] + And of the blak kny{ch}t haith ſich hardyment; + For at al p{er}ell, al harmys, and myſchef, + In tyme of ned he can tham al ralef. 3364 + + [Footnote T75: The sense, but not the metre, requires “in.”] + + [T]har was the batell danger{us} & ſtrong, + Gret was the pres, bat{h} perell{us} & throng; + [Sidenote: The black knight is borne to the ground.] + The blak kny{ch}t is born on to the ground, + His horß hyme falyth, that fellith dethis wound. 3368 + [Sidenote: The six comrades go to the earth.] + The vi falowis, that falowit hyme al day, + Sich was the preß, that to the erth go thay; + And thar in myd among his ennemys + He was about encloſit one ſich wyß 3372 + [Sidenote: None know where he is.] + That quhare he was non of [his] falowis knew, + Nor my{ch}t no{ch}t cum to help hyme, nore reſkew. + And thus among his ennemys allon + [Sidenote: He defends himself with his sword.] + His nakid ſuerd out of his hond haith ton; 3376 + And thar he p{re}wit his wertew & h{is} ſtrenth; + For thar was none w{i}t{h}in the ſuerdis lenth + That came, bot he goith to confuſioune. + [Sidenote: No helm nor habergeon may resist his sword.] + Thar was no helme, thar was no habirioune, 3380 + That may reſiſt his ſuerd, he ſmytith so; + One euery ſyd he helpith to and fro, + That al about the compas thai my{ch}t ken; + The ded horß lyith virſlyng w{i}t{h} the men. 3384 + Thai hyme aſſalȝeing bot{h} w{i}t{h} ſcheld & ſpere, + [Sidenote: He fares like a bear at the stake, that snubs the + hardy hounds.] + And he aȝane; as at the ſtok the bere + Snybbith the hardy hound{is} that ar ken, + So farith he; for neu{er} my{ch}t be ſen 3388 + His ſuerd to reſt, that in the gret rout + He rowmyth all the compas hyme about. + +[Headnote: GALIOT WONDERS AT LANCELOT’S PROWESS.] + + [A]nd galiot, beholding his manhed, + [Sidenote: Galiot wonders at his deeds;] + W{i}t{h}in his-ſelf wond{er}ith of his ded, 3392 + How that the body only of o kny{ch}t + Haith ſich o ſtrenth, haith ſich affere & my{ch}t; + Than ſaid he thus, “I wald not that throw me, + [Sidenote: and says that such a knight shall not die on his + account.] + Or for my cauß, that ſuch o kny{ch}t ſuld dee, 3396 + To conquer all this world that is ſo larg.” + His horß than can he w{i}t{h} his ſpuris charg, + A gret trunſioune In to his hond hath ton, + And in the thikeſt of the preß is goñ, 3400 + [Sidenote: He charges all his folk to cease;] + And al his folk chargit he to ſeß. + At his {com}mand thai levyng al the preß; + And quhen he had departit all the rout, [Fol. 42a.] + He ſaid, “ſ{ir} kny{ch}t, havith now no dout.” 3404 + Wich anſwerit, “I have no cauß to dred.” + [Sidenote: and assures the black knight that he will himself + warrant him from all harm.] + “Ȝis,” q{uod} he, “ſa eu{er} god me ſped, + Bot apone fut quhill ȝe ar fechtand here, + And yhow defendith apone ſich manere, 3408 + So hardely, and ek ſo lyk o kny{ch}t, + I ſal my-ſelf w{i}t{h} al my holl my{ch}t + Be yhour defens, and varand fra al harmys; + Bot had yhe left of worſchip In til armys, 3412 + What I have don I wold apone no wyß; + Bot ſen yhe ar of kny{ch}thed ſo to prys, + Ȝhe ſal[T76] no man{er} cauß have for to dred: + + [Footnote T76: MS. “ſalt.”] + +[Headnote: GALIOT GIVES LANCELOT HIS OWN HORSE.] + + [Sidenote: He offers him as many horses as he needs; and proposes + that they shall never again part.] + And ſet yhour horß be falit at this ned, 3416 + Diſpleß yhow not, for-quhy ȝe ſal not want + Als many as yhow lykith for to hawnt; + And I my-ſelf, I ſal yhowr ſqwyar bee, + And, if god will, neu{er} more ſal wee 3420 + [Sidenote: He ’lights from his horse, and gives him to Lancelot, + who thanks him.] + Dep{ar}t;” w{i}t{h} that, anon he can to lycht + Doune frome his horß, and gaf hyme to y^e kny{ch}t. + The lord he thonkit, and the horß hath ton, + And als ſo freſch one to the feld is gon, 3424 + As at no ſtrok{is} he that day had ben. + His falowis glad, one horß that hath hy{m} ſen, + To galiot one vthir horß thai broght; + And he goith one, and frome the feld he ſo{ch}t, 3428 + [Sidenote: Galiot returns to his host, and chooses a band of + 10,000 men.] + And to the plan quhar that his oſt{is} were; + And brandymagus chargit he to ſtere + Eft{er} hyme, w{i}t{h}in a lytill ſpace, + And x thouſand he takyne w{i}t{h} hy{m} haß. 3432 + Towart the feld onon he can to Rid, + And chargit them befor ye oſt to byd. + [Sidenote: The trumpets, clarions, horns, and bugles are sounded.] + Wp goith the trumpet{is}, and the claryownis, + Hornys, bugill{is} blawing furt{h} thar ſownis, 3436 + That al the cuntre reſownit hath about; + [Sidenote: Arthur’s folk despair.] + Than arthuris folk var in diſpar & dout, + That hard the noys, and ſaw the m{u}ltitud + Of freſch folk; thai cam as thai war wod. 3440 + +[Headnote: LANCELOT HARANGUES ARTHUR’S HOST.] + + [Sidenote: The sable knight, still fearless,] + [B]ot he that was w{i}t{h}owten any dred, + In ſabill cled, and ſaw the gret ned, + Aſſemblyt al his falowis, and arayd; + [Sidenote: harangues his men, saying,] + And thus to them in manly t{er}mes ſaid: 3444 + “What that ȝe ar I knaw not yhour eſtat, [Fol. 42b.] + [Sidenote: “I know not who ye are, but I know that ye ought to + be commended.] + Bot of ma{n}hed and worſchip, well I wat, + Out throuch this warld yhe aw to be {com}me{n}dit, + This day ȝe have ſo kny{ch}tly yhow defendit. 3448 + [Sidenote: Ye see how your enemies, as night approaches, are + striving to give you an outrage or a fright.] + And now yhe ſee how that, aȝanis the ny{ch}t, + Yhour ennemys p{re}tendit w{i}t{h} thar myght + Of multitud, and w{i}t{h} thar new oſt, + And w{i}t{h} thar buglis and thar wynd{is} boſt 3452 + Freſchly cu{m}myng In to ſich aray, + To ifyne yhow one owtrag[T77] or affray. + And now almoſt cu{m}myne Is the ny{ch}t, + [Sidenote: Employ then your courage, so that the honour ye have + won be not again lost.] + Quharfor yhour ſtrenth, yhour curag, & yhovr my{ch}t 3456 + Yhe occupye in to ſo manly wyß, + That the worſchip of kny{ch}thed & empryß + That yhe have wonyng, and ye g{re}t renown + Be not yloſt, be not ylaid doune. 3460 + For one hour the ſufferyng of diſtreß, + Gret harm It war yhe tyne the hie encreß + Of vorſchip, ſ{er}uit al this day before. + And to yhow al my conſell is, tharfore, 3464 + [Sidenote: Resolve then to meet them sharply, without fear, so + that they may feel the cold spear in their hearts.] + W{i}t{h} manly curag, but radour, yhe p{re}tend + To met tham ſcharply at the ſperis end, + So that thei feil the cold ſperis poynt + Out-throw thar ſcheld{is}, in thar hart{is} poynt. 3468 + So ſal thai fynd we ar no-thing affrayt; + Whar-throuch we ſall the well leß be aſſayt. + [Sidenote: Perhaps then the foremost will make the rest afraid.”] + If that we met them ſcharply in the berd, + The formeſt ſal mak al the laif afferd.” 3472 + And w{i}t{h} o woyß thai cry al, “ſ{ir} kny{ch}t, + Apone yhour manhed, and yhour gret my{ch}t, + [Sidenote: They promise to stand firm.] + We ſal abid, for no man ſhall eſchef + Frome yhow this day, his ma{n}hed for to pref.” 3476 + [Sidenote: Sir Yvan also bids his men be comforted; for that they + see all the strength of their enemies.] + And to his oſt the lord ſ{ir} yvane ſaid, + “Yhe comfort yow, yhe be no-thing affrayd, + Ws ned no more to dreding of ſuppriß; + We ſe the ſtrenth of al our ennemys.” 3480 + Thus he ſaid, for he wend thai var no mo, + [Sidenote: Sir Gawane, however, knew better.] + Bot ſ{ir} gawan knew well It vas not ſo; + For al the oſt{is} my{ch}t he ſe al day, + And the gret hoſt he ſaw quhar y{a}t it lay. 3484 + + [Footnote T77: MS. “owtray.” See Glossary.] + +[Headnote: THE POEM ABRUPTLY ENDS.] + + [Sidenote: Galiot also exhorts his men.] + [A]nd galiot he can his folk exort, + Beſeching them to be of good comfort, + And ſich encont{er} + +[_The rest is wanting._] + + + + +NOTES. + + +[It may be observed, once for all, that the expression _in to_ +repeatedly occurs where we should simply use _in_; and _one to_ is in +like manner put for _unto_. The ending _-ith_ (for _-ed_) is frequent in +the past tense, and _-it_ (also for _-ed_) in the past participle, +though this distinction is not always observed. A still more noticeable +ending is _-ing_ (for _-en_) in the infinitive. Observe further that the +letters _v_, _u_, and _w_ are perfectly convertible, and used quite +indiscriminately; so that _wpone_ means _upon_; _vthir_ means _uthir_, +i.e., _other_: _our_ is put for _over_; _vounde_ signifies _wound_, +etc.] + +Page 1, line 1. _The soft morow._ This nominative case has no verb. +A similar construction occurs in the first lines of Books II. and III. + +4. _Uprisith--his hot courss_, Upriseth in his hot course; _chare_, +chariot. + +6. _sent_, sendeth; so also _stant_, standeth, l. 326. + +8. _valkyne_, waken. + +10. _gyrss_, grass. + +11. _assay_, assault. + +13. _wox_, voice. + +17. _frome I can_, from the time that I did. + +18. _It deuit me_, it availed me. Jamieson gives “_Dow_, 1. to be able; +A.S. _dugan_ (_valere_), to be able. 2. to avail; Teut. _doogen_.” + +P. 2, l. 23. _hewy ȝerys_, heavy years. + +24. “Until that Phœbus had thrice gone through his full circuits” (lit. +spheres). See the peculiar use of “pas” in other places. + +26. “So, by such a manner, was my lot fated;” see l. 41. + +28. _carving can_, did cut. + +30. _be the morow_, by the morn. + +36. _neulyngis_, newly, anew. + +43. _walkith_, walked. + +50. _I-clede_, y-clad, clad. Ch. has _clede_. + +54. “No one within thought he could be seen by any wight outside.” + +P. 3, l. 56. _clos it_, enclose it; the MS. has _closit_. + +57. _alphest._ This reading of the MS. is an error for _alcest_. See +Chaucer, Prologue to Legend of good women, l. 511: + + “The gret{e} goodnesse of the quene Alceste, + That turned was into a dayesye,” + +Alceste being the contracted form of Alcestis. + +59. _Wnclosing gane_, did unclose. + +60. “The bright sun had illumined the spray, and had updrawn (upwarped) +into the lusty air the night’s soft (sober) and moist showers; and had +made the morning soft, pleasant, and fair.” With this difficult passage +we should compare l. 2477. + +66. _Quhill_, until. + +67. _till ony vicht_, to any wight. + +69. _Bot gladness til the thochtful, euer mo_, etc., “But, as for +gladness to the melancholy man, evermore the more he seeth of it, the +more wo he hath.” + +73. _represent_, represented (accented on the second syllable). + +74. _Al day gan be sor_, etc., “All the day, my spirit began to dwell in +torment, through sorrow of thought;” _be sor_, by sorrow (A.S. sorh). + +77. _Ore slep, or how I wot_, “Or sleep, ere I knew how.” + +83. _A-licht_, alighted. + +84. _levis in to were_, livest in doubt. + +P. 4, l. 91. _be morow_, by morrow; at early morn. + +99. _set_, although. + +103. _weil accordinge_, very fitting. + +105. _long ore he be sonde_, (It is) long ere he be sound. + +108. _seith, for to consel_, saith, that as for concealing or shewing, +etc. + +109. _althir-best_, lit. best of all; see Chaucer’s use of _alderfirst, +alderlast_. + +P. 5, l. 127. _lat be thi nyss dispare_, let be thy nice (foolish) +despair. + +128. _erith_, earth. + +134. _schall hyme hating_, shall hate him. The termination _-ing_ is +here the sign of the infinitive mood after the verb _shall_. + +140. _Set_, although. + +146. _tak one hand and mak_, undertake and compose; _trety_, treatise; +_vnkouth_, unknown, new. + +151. _belevis_, believe will please thy lady. + +160. _yis_, this. + +P. 6, l. 161. _troucht_, truth. + +163. _discharge_, release. + +170. _spir_, sphere. + +171. “At command of a wise (god from) whose vision,” etc. We sometimes +find in old English the adjective “a wise” used absolutely for “a wise +man.” See “Le Morte Arthur,” ed. F. J. Furnivall, l. 3318. + +175. _tynt_, lost. + +177. _be this worldis fame_. Here again, as in many other passages, “be” +expresses with relation to, as regards. + +185. _yaim_, them. + +191. _demande_, demur. + +P. 7, l. 198. _Quhill_, until. + +200. _conten_, treat; lit. contain. + +202. Lancelot is here called the son of Ban, king of Albanak; so again +in l. 1447. + +204. _redis_, read. + +214. “I will not waste my efforts thereupon.” + +219. _wnwyst_, unwist, unknown. + +225. _nome_, name. + +226. _Iwondit to the stak_, very deeply wounded; but there is no doubt +about the origin of the phrase. See Glossary. + +228. _astart_, get rid of it, escape it. + +P. 8, l. 240. _dedenyt to aras_, deigned to pluck out. + +244. _hurtare_, hurter. + +245. _Iwond_, wounded. + +248. _ful wicht_, full nimble. + +251. _of quhome_, by whom. + +253. _send_, sent. + +257. _pasing vassolag_, surpassing prowess. + +260. “Passed down into the fell caves.” + +264. _tane_, taken. + +266. _cwre_, care. + +P. 9, l. 267. _gart be maid_, caused to be made. + +271. _awoue_, vow. + +275. _in to that gret Revare_, in that great river. + +284. _o gret confusione of pupil and knychtis_, al enarmyt, a great +medley of people and knights, all fully armed. Stevenson actually reads +_unarmyt!_ + +294. _I wil report_; both here and in l. 320 we should almost expect to +find “_I nil report_;” i.e. I will not tell. It must mean, “I will tell +you why I omit to mention these things.” Compare lines 266, 320. + +297. _thing_, think. + +P. 10, l. 305. _veris_, wars. + +306. _be the wais_, by the ways. + +307. _Tuex_, betwixt; _accorde_, agreement. + +314. _mot_, must. + +316. _stek_, concluded. + +319. _most conpilour_, very great composer. + +320. “As to whose name I will only say, that it is unfit,” etc. + +326. _stant_, standeth. + +328. _yroung_, rung. + +330. _beith_, shall be; observe the _future_ sense of _beith_ in this +place. + +331. _suet_, sweet. + +332. “His soul in bliss preserved be on that account.” + +334. _and this endit._ Whether _endit_ here refers to _inditing_ or +_ending_ is perhaps doubtful. + + +NOTES TO BOOK I. + +P. 11, l. 336. If by _aryeit_ is here meant the _sign_, not the +_constellation_ of Aries, the day referred to is April 1 or 2, according +to Chaucer’s “Astrolabie.” + +338. _bewis_, boughs. + +340. _makyne gone_, did make. + +341. _in ther chere_, after their fashion. (For _chere_, see Glossary.) + +345. _auerding to_, belonging to. + +351. _Anoit_, annoyed. + +352. _For why_, wherefore; so also _for-thi_, therefore. + +354. _can_, began. + +355. _sende_, sent. + +358. _heryng_, hear (infin. mood). In the next line it occurs as a +present participle. + +362. _to pas hyme_, to go, depart. + +364. _meit_, to dream of; _aperans_, an appearance, apparition. + +P. 12, l. 365. _hore_, hair. + +375. _vombe_, womb; hence bowels. + +377. _stert_, started. + +384. _gert_, caused. + +390. _traist_, trust. + +397. _demande_, demur, delay. + +398. _at_, that. + +P. 13, l. 407. _whill_, until. + +408. _the_, they. + +410. _to viting_, to know. + +412. _shauyth al hall_, sheweth all whole. + +414. _chesith_, chooseth. + +422. _shire_, sir. + +424. _fore to awysing_, in order to take counsel. + +432. All this about _astronomy_ (i.e. astrology) should be compared with +Gower; Conf. Amantis, lib. vii; ed. Pauli, vol. 3, pp. 133, 134. +Arachell, Nembrote, Moises, Hermes are there mentioned as astrologers. + +433. The MS. has “set” (_not_ with a long _s_). Mr Stevenson has “fet,” +which would seem right. + +P. 14, l. 435. _nembrot_, Nimrod; see _Genesis and Exodus_ (E.E.T.S.), +l. 659. + +436. _herynes_, miswritten for _herymes_, i.e. Hermes. + +439. “The which they found were wondrously evil set.” + +440. _his sweuen met_, dreamed his dream. + +443. _waryng in to were_, were in doubt. + +444. _danger_, power to punish; compare Shakspere’s use of the word. + +457. _but delay_, without delay. + +459. _stondith heuy cherith_, stood heavy-cheered, was sad in his +demeanour. + +465. _fundyng_, found. + +466. _depend to_, depend upon. + +P. 15, l. 475. _tone_, taken. + +478. _assey_, test. + +481. _record_, to tell out, speak. + +487. _preseruith It allan_, is preserved alone. + +499. _affy in-tyll_, rely upon. + +500. _failye_, fail. + +504. _there clergy_, their science. + +P. 16, l. 519. “Through the watery lion, who is also faithful, and +through the leech and eke the water also, and through the counsel of the +flower.” It is very possible this passage is partly corrupt; l. 520 +should certainly be (as may be seen from lines 2010, 2056), + + “And throuch the leich withouten medysyne.” + +The meanings of lion, leech, and flower are fully explained, however, in +lines 2013-2120. + +524. _weyne_, vain. + +527. _passid nat his thoght_, left not his thoughts. + +531. _rachis_, braches, dogs. + +533. _grewhundis_, grayhounds. + +536. This purely conjectural line is merely inserted to carry on the +sense. It is imitated from line 3293. In the next line we should read +“grewhundis,” rather than “grewhund.” + +538. _Befor ther hedis_, before their heads. + +P. 17, l. 545. “All armed, as was then the fashion.” + +546. _salust_, saluted. + +548. _kend_, known. + +549. _leuyth_, liveth. + +552. The rime requires “land,” as in l. 638. + +553. _yald hyme our_, yield him over. + +554. _if tribut_, give tribute. + +566. _recist_, resist; _mone bee_, must be. + +568. _be_, by. + +569. _day moneth day_, ere this day month; comp. l. 1162. + +P. 18, l. 577. _fairhed_, fair-hood, beauty. + +587. _magre myne entent_, in spite of my intention. + +591. _nome_, took. + +593. _Inquere at_, inquire of. + +596. _wes_, was. + +599. _rase_, rose. + +605. _accordith_, agree thereto. + +606. _recordith_, belongith. + +607. _visare_, wiser. + +P. 19, l. 621. _This spek I lest_, this I list to speak. + +622. _varnit_, warned. + +626. “Though the season of the year was contrary.” + +627. _atte_, at the. + +629. _the ilk_, that (Scotch _thilk_). + +632. _Melyhalt_, the name both of a hill, and of the town built upon it. + +636. _affray_, terror. + +642. _wnconquest_, unconquered. + +643. _cwre_, care. + +P. 20, l. 649. _nemmyt_, named. + +652. _were_, war. + +654. _or than to morn_, earlier than to-morrow. + +660. _our few_, over few. + +677. _northest_, north-east. + +P. 21, l. 686. _fechteris_, fighters. + +688. _holde_, held. + +691. _presone_, prison. + +697. _peite_, pity. + +699. The metre of Lancelot’s lament is that of Chaucer’s “Cuckoo and +Nightingale,” and was very possibly copied from it. _Qwhat haue y gilt_, +what crime have I committed. + +702. _ago_, gone. + +703. _nat_, naught; _me glaid_, gladden me. + +706. _til haue_, to have. + +709. _Sen thelke tyme_, since that time. + +P. 22, l. 718. _of remed_, for a remedy. + +719. _sesith_, ceaseth. + +723. _with this lady_, by this lady. + +728. _laisere_, leisure. + +731. _diuerss wais sere_, divers several ways. + +733. _bur_, bore. + +735. _cher_, car. + +740. _dout_, to fear. + +745. _but were_, without doubt. This expression often occurs. + +P. 23, l. 751. _few menye_, small company; an oddly sounding expression +to modern ears. + +753. _cold_, called. + +754. _hot_, hight, was named. + +755. _but in his cumpany_, unless he had with him. + +757. _He saith_; the speaker is the captain of the hundred knights, +called in l. 806 _Maleginis_. + +768. _als fell_, just as many. + +777. _hard_, heard. + +781. _clepit_, called. + +P. 24, l. 793, _as he wel couth_, as he well knew how. + +796. _sen_, seen. + +800. _sen_, since. + +806. _was hot_, was hight, was named. + +809. _In myde the borde and festinit in the stell_, In the midst they +encounter, and fastened in the steel. See l. 850. + +812. _Rout_, company. + +815. _ferde_, fourth. + +817. _sauch thar latter batell steir_, saw their last division stir. + +P. 25, l. 820. _gane his mortall fell._ A word seems here omitted; if +after _mortall_ we insert _strokis_, the sense will be, “His enemies +began his mortall strokes to feel.” + +825. _worth_, worthy. It would improve the metre to read _worthy_ +(l. 875). + +828. _In to were_, in war, in the strife. + +829. _hyme bure_, bore himself. + +839. _to-for_, heretofore. + +841. _Atour_, i.e. _at over_, across. + +842. _assall_, assault. The rime shews we should read _assaill_, as in +l. 855. + +849. _socht atour_, made their way across. The use of _seke_ in Early +English is curious. + +P. 26, l. 861. _setith his payn vpone_, devotes his endeavours to. + +868. _al to-kerwith_, wholly cutteth in pieces. + +880. _dirk_, dark. + +883. _tan and slan_, taken and slain. + +P. 27, l. 895. It frequently occurs in the MS. that a space is left at +the beginning of a line, and the first letter of the line is omitted. It +is evident that the intention was that the first letter should be +illuminated, and that this, after all, was not done. Here, for instance, +the T is omitted, as indicated by the square brackets. So also in +l. 1083, etc. + +897. _pasing home_, go home. + +899. _was vent_, had gone. + +905. _dulay_, delay. So also _duclar_ for _declare_. + +907. _comyne_, came. + +908. _ill paid_, displeased. + +909. _homly_, humbly. Stevenson reads _hourly_, but this is wrong; see +l. 914. + +911. _carful_, full of care, unhappy. + +912. _withouten were_, without doubt. + +914. _lawly_, lowly. + +918. _wight_, with (unusual, and perhaps wrong). + +P. 28, l. 924. _leife_, live. + +929. _eft_, after. + +933. _thar longith_, there belongeth. + +943. _I was for til excuss_, I had some excuse. + +944. “Because I did behove (to do it), out of very need.” + +946. _lefe it but_, leave it without. + +953. _ma_, make. + +954. _ga_, go. + +955. _of new_, anew. + +958. _But if that deth or other lat certan_, “Except it be owing to +death or other sure hindrance.” + +P. 29, l. 960. _be hold_, be held. MS. _behold_. Stevenson suggested the +alteration, which is certainly correct. + +961. _withthy_, on the condition that. + +965. _promyt_, promise; _als fast as_, as soon as. + +973. _ferd_, fourth. + +982. “Where we shall decide the end of this war.” + +P. 30, l. 997. _cag_, cage, prison. + +999. _amen_, pleasant. + +1000. _vodis_, woods. + +1004. _lust_, pleasure (Ch.). But the line is obscure; unless we read +“_diuersitee_.” + +1009. “His spirit started (owing to the) love (which) anon hath caught +him,” etc. + +1012. _at_, that. + +1014. “(As to) whom they know not at all.” + +1019. _sen at_, since that. + +1022. _the dewod_, devoid thee. + +1024. _and_, if. + +1026. _be ony mayne_, by any mean. + +P. 31, l. 1027. _y red_, I advise. + +1035. _To warnnyng_, to warn. + +1040. _our the furdis_, over the fords. + +1044. _oyer._ So in MS.; the _y_ representing the old _th_ (_þ_); other. + +1046. _hufyng_, halting. + +1050. _worschip_, honour. “It were more expedient to maintain your +honour.” + +1058. _wonk_, winked. + +1062. _vare_, aware. + +P. 32, l. 1064. The meaning of “ferst-conquest” is “first-conquered” +(_conquest_ being Old Fr. for conquered). It is explained in l. 1547 as +having been a title given to the king whom Galiot first subdued. + +1067. _ferss_, fierce. + +1070. _suppos_, although. + +1073. _he_; viz. the shrew. + +1077. The MS. has “ſched.” + +1080. _ymen_, I mean. + +1095. _tais_, takes. + +P. 33, l. 1109. _Galyot_ put for _Galiotes_, the genitive case-ending +being often omitted, after a proper name especially. + +1110. _prewit_, proved, tried. + +1129. _traist_, trust. + +1131. _that euery thing hath cure_, that (of) everything hath care. + +P. 34, l. 1135. “Aye from the time that the sun began to light the +world’s face, until he was gone.” + +1137. _o forss_, perforce. + +1141. _taiis_, takes. + +1142. _hecht_, promised. + +1151. _failȝeis_, fail. + +1154. _fet_, fetched. + +1156. _stant_, standeth. + +1162. _resput_, respite. + +1166. _very knychtis passing_, weary knights go. + +P. 35, l. 1170. _till spere_, to inquire. + +1177. _ne wor his worschip_, had it not been for his valour. + +1187. _qwheyar_, whether. 1191-4. “And fond,” etc. These four lines are +now for the first time printed. They were omitted by Stevenson, +evidently by accident. + +1196. _Per dee._ Fr. _par Dieu_: an oath common in old ballads, +generally in the form _pardy_. + +1197. _vsyt_, used. + +1198. “I advise that we go unto his arms” (armour). + +1203. _haill_, whole. + +P. 36, l. 1207. _abwsyt_, abused, i.e. made an ill use of. + +1208. _vsyt_, used. + +1209. _suppos the best that lewis_, even though (it were) the best that +lives. + +1217. _on slep_, asleep. The prefix _a-_ in English is due to the Saxon +_on_. + +1221. _al to-hurt_, etc. See note in Glossary on the word _To-kerwith_. + +1225. _sauch_, saw; _rewit_, rued, pitied. + +1233. _one syd a lyt_, a little on one side. + +1236. _our mekill_, over much. + +P. 37, l. 1240. _yarof_, thereof. + +1241. _ruput_, repute, think. + +1242. _ablare_, abler, readier. + +1253. Insert a comma after _thret_, and destroy that after _lowe_. The +meaning perhaps is, “But what if he be appealed to and threatened, and +(meanwhile) his heart be elsewhere set to love.” Observe that _and_ is +often the third or fourth word in the sentence it should begin. See +l. 2833. + +1258. _ȝhe tyne yowr low_, you lose your love. + +1260. _conclusit_, ended. + +1265. _mokil_, much. + +1268. _of new_, anew, again. + +1273. _pan_, pain. + + +NOTES TO BOOK II. + +P. 38, l. 1279. _thocht_, anxiety. + +1284. _apperans_, i.e. vision, as in l. 364. + +1295. _aqwynt_, acquainted; Burns uses _acquent_. + +1297. _com_, coming. + +P. 39, l. 1316. “So far out of the way you go in your course.” Compare +l. 1797. + +1317. “Thy ship, that goeth upon the stormy surge, nigh of thy revels +(i.e. because of thy revels) in the gulf it falls, where it is almost +drowned in the peril.” + +1321. “In the wretched dance of wickedness.” See the curious uses of the +word “daunce” in Chaucer. + +1323. _the son_, thee soon. + +1330. _powert_, poverty; _as the-selwyne wat_, as thyself knows. + +1334. _in to spousag_, in wedlock. + +P. 40, l. 1343. The word _diuerss_ is required to complete the line; cf. +l. 731. + +1352. _suppriss_, oppression. + +1354. _wedwis_, widows. + +1367. _that ilke_, that same. + +1369. _sufferith_, makest to suffer. + +P. 41, l. 1379. Eccles. iv. 9, 10. + +1387. _yow mone_, thou must. + +1392. _her-efter leif_, hereafter live. + +1401. A comma is scarcely needed after “_sapiens_.” It means “The fear +of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Prov. ix. 10. + +P. 42, l. 1409. _to ryng wnder his pess_, to reign under His peace, by +His permission. Roquefort gives _pais_, licence, permission. + +1420. _arour_, error. + +1427. _leful_, lawful. + +P. 43, l. 1447. Ban, king of Albanak, was Lancelot’s father. See l. 202, +1450. + +1474. The MS. has “aſſit.” + +P. 44, l. 1491. _tak the bak apone themself_, turn their backs. + +1500. _yewyne_, given. + +1504. _till_, to; redundant. + +1506. _stand aw_, stand in awe. So also in l. 2684. The same expression +occurs in _The Bruce_, iii. 62, ed. Pinkerton, p. 42, ed. Jamieson; and +also in _Havelok_, l. 277, where the word _in_, supplied from +conjecture, should be struck out. + +P. 45, l. 1537. _throw his peple_, by his people. + +1541. _Thus falith not_, etc., “Except wise conduct falleth to a king.” + +1546. It may be right to retain the spelling of the MS.--“kinghe;” for, +though strange and unusual, it occurs again in l. 2527. + +P. 46, l. 1556. _wende_, weened. + +1560. _in to his contrare_, against him. + +1568. _trewis_, truce. + +1575. _his powar_, his chief army. + +1576. _by the yhere_, by the ear, privately. + +1579. _cold_, called; as in l. 753. + +P. 47, l. 1597. _home fair_, go home. + +1608. _And_; redundant in modern English. For many of the precepts given +by Amytans the author must have been indebted to Gower, or, at any rate, +to the author of the _Secreta Secretorum_. See Gower; Conf. Amantis; ed. +Pauli, lib. vii; vol. 3, pp. 152-159. And cf. Tyrwhitt’s note to the +Canterbury Tales, l. 16915; and Warton’s Hist. Eng. Poetry. + +P. 48, l. 1628. _lest_, least; _low_, law. It requires care to +distinguish the two meanings of _low_, viz. _love_ and _law_. + +1633. _Iug_, judge. + +P. 49, l. 1660. _sar_, sorely. + +1666. A line omitted. The inserted line is purely conjectural. + +P. 50, l. 1704. _pupelle_, people. + +1708. _Inwyus_, envious. + +1716. _longith_, belongeth. + +1717. _the lykith_, it likes thee, thou art pleased. + +P. 51, l. 1724. _betak til hyme_, confer upon him. + +1730. _essy_, easy. + +1736. _for the nonis_, for the occasion. See White’s Ormulum. + +1739. _vn to the vorthi pur yow if_, unto the worthy poor thou give. + +1742. _set nocht of gret substans_, though not of great value. + +1754. _alowit_, approved of. + +P. 52, l. 1761. _tynith_, loseth. + +1763. _atonis_, at once. + +1771. _resawe_, receive. + +1773. _with two_, also. + +P. 53, l. 1791. _well less, al-out_, much less, altogether. The +punctuation hereabouts in Stevenson’s edition is very wild. + +1795. _wys_, vice; _the wrechitness_, thy miserliness. + +1797. _pass the courss_, go thy way. + +1808. _vrech_, wretch; but here used instead of _miser_. + +1812. _viss_, vice. + +1814. _ben y-knawith_, are known (to be) (?). + +1815. _dant_, daunt. + +1822. _the ton_, the one. + +P. 54, l. 1832. _beis var_, beware. + +1834. _colde_, cool. + +1852. _onys_, once. + +1855. _whar-throw_, through which, whereby. + +P. 55, l. 1864, _awn_, own. The metre requires the more usual form +_awin_. + +1879. _dispolȝeith_, despoileth. + +1881. _For-quhi_, wherefore. In this line the MS. has “scrikth.” + +P. 56, l. 1899. _most nedis_, must needs. _Ye_ = _the_; i.e. The one, +He. + +1909. _Mot_, might. + +1917. _in_ should be _into_, as elsewhere. + +P. 57, l. 1940. _havith_, hath. + +1950. _hot_, hight, is called. + +P. 58, l. 1966. _wnepwnist_, unpunished. + +1990. _omend_, amend; _spill_, destroy. + +P. 59, l. 2011. _ayre_, are. + +2012. _duclar_, declare; so also _dulay_ for delay. + +2017. _the god werray_, the Very God. + +P. 60, l. 2036. _For-quhi_, wherefore. + +2040. _mad_, made. + +2041. _clergy_, science. + +2062. _be the mycht dewyne_, by the might divine. + +P. 61, l. 2069. _far_, fare. + +2079. _helyth frome the ground_, heals from the bottom; i.e. +effectually. + +2100. _not sessith_, who ceaseth not. + +P. 62, l. 2107. _Ne war_, were it not for; _hartly_, hearty; it occurs +again four lines below. + +2135. _yneuch_, enough. He means he will ask but one question more. + +P. 63, l. 2148. _To passing home_, to go home. + +2162. _the _xxiiij_ day_. The first _i_ in the MS. is like a “v” smudged +over; we should read “xxiiij,” as in l. 2155. The contraction is to be +read _four and twentieth_, not _twenty-fourth_; so also in l. 610. + +P. 64, l. 2190. _hal dure_, hall door. + +2192. _o iorne most for to comend_, a journey most to be commended. + +2194. _lowith_, love. + +P. 65, l. 2212. _the fewar eschef thay_, the less they achieve. + +2229. “For no adventure will prove so great, that ye shall not achieve +it.” + +2241. _whill_, until. + +P. 66, l. 2247. _galot_; so in MS. + +2265. _grant mercy_, great thanks; Fr. _grand merci_. + +2267. _quhy_, because. + +P. 67, l. 2279. _thithingis_, tidings; probably an error of the scribe +for _tithingis_. Stevenson has _chichingis_! + +2284. _al-out_, altogether. + +2304. _oft syss_, oft-times. See Glossary (_Syss_). + +2306. _dante_, dainty. + +2310. _tithandis_, tidings; compare l. 2279. + +P. 68, l. 2323. _aw_, owe. + +2328. _fantessy_, fancy, notion. + +2334. _for no why_, for no reason. + +2337. _mon I fair_, must I go. + +2338. _our son It waire_, over soon it were. + +2342. _For-quhy_, because. + +P. 69, l. 2352. _nor_ has the force of _but_. + +2366. _be ony men_, by any means. + +2368. _on of tho_, one of them. + +2375. _chen of low_, chain of love. + +2376. _and if ȝhe may deren_, an if you may declare. + +P. 70, l. 2409. _hartly raquer_, heartily require. + +2416. _gar ordan_, cause to be provided. + +P. 71, l. 2428. _prewaly disspone_, privily dispose. + +2436. _ellis-quhat_; I suppose this means, “he was on fire _elsewhere_.” + +2448. _hamlynes_, homeliness. + +2452. _fest throw al the ȝher eliche_, feast through all the year alike. + +P. 72, l. 2469. _commend_, commended. + +2470. _he drywith_, he driveth, pursueth. The reading is not _drawith_, +as in Stevenson. + + +NOTES TO BOOK III. + +P. 73, l. 2471. This line is too long, and the sense imperfect; but +there is no doubt about the reading of the MS. + +2474. _Awodith_, expels. + +2475. _doune valis_, falls down; for it is evident that _valis_ is an +error for _falis_, the mistake having arisen from confusion with the +succeeding line. + +2480. _cled_, clad. + +2487. _bygown_, begun. In the next line Stevenson has _sown_; but the +true reading is _Rown_, run; as in l. 2820. + +2492. _barnag_, baronage, nobility. + +P. 74, l. 2522. _but dulay_, without delay; _the_, they. + +2524. _thar com_, their coming. + +2530. _in the dogre_, in its (due) degree. + +P. 75, l. 2545. _Or that_, ere that. + +2552. _he and hate_, high and hot. + +2558. _the can_, they began. + +P. 76, l. 2574. _hyme mak_, prepare himself; or perhaps simply, make +(for the field), go. + +2582. _helmys last_; _last_ clearly means _laced_; see l. 2250. + +2594. _Ȝhit_, although. + +2599. _dout_, fear. + +2600. _is assemblit_, made an attack. The peculiar use of _assemble_ +must always be borne in mind. + +2601. _erd_, earth. + +P. 77, l. 2612. _found till gwyans_, go to Gwyans. + +2614. _til esquyris thei sewyt_, after Esquyris they followed. + +2619. _one to the melle socht_, made their way to the mêlée. + +2627. _don bore_, borne down. + +2630. Fifty thousand. It would appear that Galiot had 40,000, of whom +10,000 were held _in reserve_; so that in l. 2632 only 30,000 are +mentioned. See l. 2569, 2647. + +P. 78, l. 2646. _ten_, sorrow, vexation. + +2656. _resauf_, receive. + +2663. _at thar come_, at their coming; _led_, put down. + +2670. _biding one the bent_, abide on the grassy plain. + +P. 79, l. 2679. “That, despite their efforts, they must needs retire.” + +2684. _stud aw_, stood in awe; see note to l. 1506. 2693, 4. These lines +do not rime. But we should certainly read _felde_, _erde_ having slipped +in from confusion with l. 2691. The knight of Galloway goes _to the +field_, i.e. joins battle. + +P. 80, l. 2712. _On ayar half_, on either side. The MS. omits _to_. + +2713. _of_, off. + +2714. _noiss_, nose. + +2731. _Bot nocht forthi_, But not on that account. + +P. 81, l. 2754. _harmys_, loss. + +2761. _aucht to ses_, ought to cease. + +2765. _at_, that. + +2768. _my lef_, my leave, permission. + +2770. _in to cage_, in prison. + +P. 82, l. 2802. _commandit_, commended. + +P. 83, l. 2819. _one athir half_, on either side. + +2820. _rown_, run. + +2821. _howyns_; an ungrammatical form; perhaps _howyng_ is meant. + +2827. _one hycht_, on height; i.e. aloud. + +2829. _sterith_, stirreth. + +2833. “The lady of Melyhalt made (her way) to him, and immediately +caused his couch to be placed before a window.” Mr Stevenson reads, + + “Of Melyhalt the lady to hyme maid + Incontinent his couche, and gart he[N1] had,” etc. + +i.e. “The lady immediately made his bed for him,” etc. + +2841. _wencust_, vanquished. After this word we should perhaps insert +“at,” as in l. 3336. + + [Footnote N1: But the MS. has “be;” also “melyhat” instead of + “Melyhalt.”] + +P. 84, ll. 2877-2880. These lines were printed by me for the first time, +four lines having been here again omitted by Mr Stevenson. + +2880. _but weyne_, without doubt. + +2884. _to led and stere_, to lead and direct. + +P. 85, l. 2893. _Endlong_, along. + +2894. _weryne_, were. + +2913. _let_, hinder. + +P. 86, l. 2925. _dulay_, delay; as in several other places. + +2938. _fek_, effect. + +2944. _ȝude_, went. + +2947. _fair_, welfare. + +P. 87, l. 2964. _Whill_, until. + +2970. _ho_, stop, pause. + +2971. _veryng In affray_, were in terror. + +2972. _rovm_, room. + +2978. _socht_, made his way. + +2984. _disponit_, intends; but we must insert “not,” to complete the +sense and the metre. + +P. 88, l. 2998. _eschevit_ (used passively), is achieved. + +3003. _o knycht_, a single knight. + +3005. _tais_, takes. + +3006. _fays_, foes. + +3013. _onys or the nycht_, once ere the night. + +3015. _that ȝhe have gilt to mend_, to amend that in which ye have +trespassed. + +P. 89, l. 3052. _Do at I may_, Do that which I can. + +P. 90, l. 3065. This line is printed by Mr Stevenson, + + “Curag can [ ] encresing in[N2] his hart”; + +but it is not clear that a word is wanting, for the metre is as complete +as in many other lines; whilst, as regards the sense, “the knycht” is +probably a nominative without a verb, and l. 3065 means, “Courage did +increase in his heart.” Or the reader may, if he pleases, insert “fele.” +Compare l. 3058. + +3066. _lap_, leaped. + +3079. Observe the omission of the word “neither” in this line. + +3080. _persit_, pierced. + +3086. _onan_, anon. A.S. _on-án_. + + [Footnote N2: MS. has “to.”] + +P. 91, l. 3093. _In samyne will_, with like intent. + +3100. _bet axampil_, better example. + +3104. _bot_, unless; _me fall_, befall me. + +3108. _one vthir_, another. + +3120. _send_, sent. + +3121. _lewit one_, left one. + +3122. _but mercy_, without mercy. + +P. 92, l. 3134. _deliuer besynes_, clever readiness. + +3136. _aray_, livery. + +3140. _Ee_, eye. + +3146. _the morow new_, the early morning. + +3160. _deith_, dead. + +3162. _Suppos_, although. + +P. 93, l. 3178. _Nor_; we now use _but_. + +3184. _ward_; see Glossary. _tho_, then. + +P. 94, l. 3200. _relewit_, relieved. + +3201. _diuerss placis sere_; as _sere_ = _diuerss_, one of these words +is redundant. So in l. 3266. + +3207. _ewil awysit_, ill advised. + +3217. “And if it so happen, that they be discomfited.” + +P. 95, l. 3240. _leuch_, laughed; _sarues_, service. + +3246. _al haill_, all whole. + +3248. _x thousand mo_, ten thousand, and more. + +3259. _abaid_, delay. + +3263. _aucht_, eight. + +3265. _petws for til her_, piteous to hear. + +P. 96, l. 3297. _dreuch_, drew. + +3299. _fellit_, fallen. + +3304. _levyng_, leave. + +P. 97, l. 3307. _sest_, ceased. + +3321. _askit at_, asked of. + +3331. _Wencussith_, vanquisheth. + +3340. _in to one_, continually; which is sometimes the sense of A.S. +_on-án_. + +P. 98, l. 3353. _to fillyng_, to fulfil. + +3357. _soght_, came on; see Glossary. + +3359. _Ne war_, etc., “Had it not been that they were, individually, the +better men.” + +3364. _ralef_, relieve. + +3368. _fellith_, feeleth. + +P. 99, l. 3384. _virslyng_, wrestling, _i.e._ entangled with; a strong +expression! + +3385. _assalȝeing_, assail. + +3390. _rowmyth_, roometh, emptieth. + +3403. _departit_, parted. + +3404. _dout_, fear. + +P. 100, l. 3412. _left_, failed. + +3423. _The lord_, i.e. Galiot, as I suppose; Mr Stevenson has, “The +Lord.” + +3430. _stere_, to stir, move, come. + +P. 101, l. 3450. _pretendit_, endeavour. + +3457. _occupye_, employ. + +3461. _For one hour_, etc., “On account of suffering distress for one +hour.” + +3470. _the well less_, much less; see l. 1791. + +3471. _berd_, beard. + +3473. _o woyss_, one voice. + +3475. _eschef frome yhow_, not, _win_ from you; but, _withdraw_ himself +from you. See Glossary. + +P. 102, l. 3481. _wend thai var no mo_, thought they were no more. + +3487. _And sich enconter_, and such encounter. These three words are +written at the bottom of the page as a catchword. The rest of the MS. is +wanting. + + + + +GLOSSARIAL INDEX. + + +[As many of the words occurring in “Lancelot” are well explained either +in Jamieson’s Scottish Dictionary or in Roquefort’s “Glossaire de la +langue Romane,” I have frequently referred to these works by means of +the letters J. and R. Other abbreviations, as O.N. for Old Norse; Goth. +for Mœso-Gothic; Su.-G. for Suio-Gothic, etc., will be readily +understood. Ch. has also been used as an abbreviation for Chaucer. The +various French, Danish, German, and other words referred to in the +Glossary are merely added by way of illustration, to indicate in what +direction a word may be most easily traced up. To ensure accuracy as far +as possible, I have verified every foreign word by the aid of +dictionaries, referring for Gothic words to my own Glossary, edited for +the Philological Society; for Suio-Gothic words, to Ihre’s Glossarium; +for Icelandic words, to Egilsson; and for Old French words, to Roquefort +and Burguy. Whatever errors occur below may thus, I hope, be readily +traced.] + + + { Abaid, Abyde, } delay, tarrying, 1882, 2147, 3069, 3308. + A.S. _abídan_, J. + { Abasit, Abasyt, Abaysit, } abashed, humbled, dispirited, + cast down, 378, 1452, 2664. + Abasit of, dispirited by, 3301. + R. _abaiser_. + Abasit of (used passively), were dispirited by, 2243. + Abraid, awoke, 1231; + (Ch.) A.S. _on-bredan_. + Abwsyt (abused), made an ill use of, 1207. + Access, a fever; or better, a fit of the ague; Lat. _accessus + febris_, (Wright’s Glossary), 31. + Accorde, to agree with, 1526. + Fr. _s’accorder_. + Accordith, is suitable for, becomes, 1679, 1951; + agree therewith, 605; + is useful for, is fit for, 1204. + According for, suitable for, 1512. + R. _accordant_. + Adred, terrified, 378, 2664. + A.S. _on-drǽdan_, to dread. + Affek, effect, 382. + Cf. _Fek_. + Afferd, afraid, 3472. + A.S. _afered_, _afǽran_. + Affere, warlike preparation, 985; + aspect, bearing, 3043, 3334, 3394. + See J., who makes it of Teutonic origin; but it may be no more than + the O.Fr. _afeire, afaire_ = state, condition; as explained by + Burguy. + Afferith, belongs to, suits, 1550. + Afferis, is suitable, 1690, 1961. + R. _aferer_. + Affrait, terrified, from the verb _Affray_ (Ch.), 2462, 3469. + R. _effraer_. + Affray, terror, fright, 636, 3454. + Fr. _effroi_. + Affy in till, trust to, rely upon, 499, 1394. + R. _affier_. + Afyre, on fire, 30, 251; + hence, used allegorically, in love, 2436. + { Agrewit, Aggrewit, } aggrieved, vexed, 1308, 1538; + angry, enraged, 2618. + R. _agrever_. + Ago, gone, 159. + A.S. _of-gán_. + Aire, are, 1732. + Algait, Algat, always, 1996, 1792. + Gothic _gatwô_, a street, way. + Al magre thine, in spite of thee, 115. + An expression compounded of A.S. _al_, wholly; _maugre_ (Fr. _mal + grè_), ill-will, and _thine_ (A.S. _thín_, the gen. case of _thú_, + thou). + Al-out, altogether, 1676, 1791, etc. + Alowit, approved, 1754. + Fr. _allouer_. + Als, (1) as; (2) also. + { Amen, Ameyne, } pleasant, 64, 999. + Lat. _amœnus_. + Anarmyt, fully armed, 545, 620, 2219, 2771. + See _Enarmyt_. + And, if, 1024, 1591; + and if (= an if), if, 2376. + Anerly, only, 1476, 1696. + A.S. _ǽn-líc_. + { Anoit, Anoyt, } annoyed, vexed, 351, 2244. + Anoyt, annoyeth, 1407. + Anterous, (for Aunterous, the shortened form of Aventurous), + adventurous, 2618. + Fr. _aventure_. + Aparalit, apparelled, 338. + Aperans, an appearance, a vision, 364. + _So also_ Apperans, 1284. + Apone, upon, 765, etc. + Appetit, desire, 2722. + Ch. has _appetite_ as a verb, to desire. + Aqwynt, acquainted, 1295. + Burns uses _acquent_. + Aras, to pluck out, 240. + Fr. _arracher_. + Araid, disordered, afflicted, 3270. + See _Araye_ in Halliwell. The examples there given shew that to + _araye_ sometimes actually signifies to _disorder_. + Arest, stop, delay, 678, 3072, 3308. + Fr. _arrêt_. + Arly, early, 4, 384, 975. + A.S. _árlíce_. + Artilȝery, implements of warfare, 2538. + See R. _artillerie_. Compare 1 Samuel, xx. 40. + Assay, (1) assault, trial, 11, 35, 112, 712; + attack, 537, 2662. + As a verb, to assault, attack, assail, 570, 1044. + Fr. _assaillir_. + (2) to essay, attempt, 2936; + to test, 478, 982. + Fr. _essaier_. + { Assaid, Assayt, } assaulted, 1224, 2641. + Assall, assault, attack, 842. + We should perhaps read “assaill,” as in l. 855. + Assalȝeing, assail (_3 pers. plural_), 3385. + Assemblay, an assembling of knights for a combat, a tournament, 267. + Assemble, a hostile meeting, combat, battle, 978, 3336. + See J. + Assemblyng, encountering, 2588. + Assemblyng on, attacking, 2956. + Assey, to test, 478. + _See_ Assay. + Astart, to start away from; hence to escape from, avoid, 228, 3296. + Ch. has _asterte_. + At, that, 1019, etc. + Compare Dan. _at_; O.N. _at_. + Atour, at over, i.e. across, 841, 849, 873; + in excess, in addition, besides, 1775. + Ather, either, 2629, 2819, 3264. + A.S. _ǽgther_. + Atte, at the, 627, 1055. + Aucht, eight, 3263. + Compare Ger. _acht_. + Auentur, adventure, 601. + Auer, ever, 273, etc. + Auerding to, belonging to (?), 345. + The sense seems to point to the A.S. _and-weardian_, to be present, + Goth. _and-wairths_, present. + Aventur, Auentoure, adventure, 80, 222. + Aw, owe, deserve; the present tense of the verb of which _ought_ + is the past tense; 3447. + A.S. _áh_, _áhte_. + Awalk, awake, 1049. + Goth. _wakan_. The form _awalk_ occurs in Dunbar, + “_Awalk_, luvaris, out of your slomering.” + (The Thistle and the Rose.) + Awant, boast, 2136. + As a verb, 1588; + and as a reflective verb, 2196, 2386. + Fr. _se vanter_. Ch. has _avante_. + Awin, own, 89. + A.S. _ágen_. + Awodith, maketh to depart, 2474. + See _Avoid_ in Nares’ Glossary, edited by Halliwell and Wright. + { Awow, Awoue, } vow, 234, 242, 246. + Ch. has _avowe_. + Awys, consideration, advisement, 558. + Awyß the, advise thee, consider, 1913. + { Awyß, Awyſing, } to consider, 424, 429. + Fr. _s’aviser_. + Awysment, advisement, consideration, 360, 680. + Ay, ever, continually, 1135, 1486. + A.S. _á_. + Ayar (_written instead of_ Athar), either, 2712. + Ayre, are, 2011. + { Ayanis, 744, Aȝanis, 1164, 2283, } against. + A.S. _ongean_. + Aȝane, Aȝeine, again, 3253, 380. + + Bachleris, bachelors; a name given to novices in arms or arts, 1689. + See _bacheler_ in R. + Banaris, banners, 770. + { Bartes, 2897. Bartiis, 3041. } _See_ Bertes. + Barnag, baronage, nobility, 2492. + See _barniez_ in R. + Batell, a battalion, division of an army, 784, 808, etc. + Be, by. + A.S. _be_. + Behest, promise, 2766. + A.S. _behæs_. + Behufis, behoves, 579. + A.S. _behófan_, often used impersonally. + { Behuß, Behwß, } it behoves, it is necessary (to do), 944, 2342; + apparently contracted from _behufis_. + Beleif, _in phr._ ore belief = beyond belief, 112. + Bent, a grassy plain (properly a coarse grass; in German, _binse_), + 2670. J. + Bertes, a parapet, a tower, 1007, 1118, 2815. + R. _bretesche_, from Low Latin _brestachia_. + Betak til, to confer upon, 1724. + A.S. _be-tǽcan_, in the sense, to assign. + Betakyne, betoken, 2014. + A.S. _be-tǽcan_, in the sense, to shew. + Bewis, boughs, 338. + A.S. _boh_. + Billis, letters, 142. + Fr. _billet_. + Blindis, blindness (?), 1903. + Borde, to meet in a hostile manner, encounter, 809. + We find in R. _border_, to joust, fight with lances. + Compare Fr. _aborder_, and Spenser’s use of _bord_. See _horde_ + in Burguy. + Bot, (1) but; (2) without. In general, _without_ is expressed by + _but_, and the conjunction by _bot_; but this distinction is + occasionally violated. + Bown, ready, prepared, 1036. + O.N. _búinn_, past part. of _búa_, to prepare. Su.-G. _boa_, + to prepare. J. + Bretis, fortifications, forts, 874; “properly wooden towers or + castles: _Bretachiæ_, castella lignea, quibus castra et oppida + muniebantur, Gallis _Bretesque_. Du Cange.” Jamieson. + See _Bertes_. + Bukis, books, 434, 1862. + Burdis, boards, i.e. tables, 2198. + A.S. _bórd_, which means--1. a plank; 2. a table, etc. + Bur, bore, 733, 778. + But, without; common in the phrase _but were_, without doubt. + But if, unless, except, 958. + { Byhecht, Byhicht, } promised, 1485, 2791. + A.S. _be-hǽtan_. + Byknow, notorious for, known to be guilty of, 1627. + Compare “I _know_ nothing _by_ myself” (1 Cor. iv. 4). Compare + also Dan. _bekiende_, to make known. + By, near at hand, 1535, 2916. + + { Cag, Cage, } cage, prison, 997, 2770. + Can, an auxiliary verb, used nearly as we now use _did_. + Careldis, plural of Careld, a merry-making, revel (?), 1318. + “_Caraude_, réjouissance;” and “_Caroler_, danser, se divertir, + mener une vie joyeuse.” Roquefort. + Catifis, wretches, 2102. + R. _caitif, captif_. Compare Ital. _cattivo_. + Chalmer, chamber, 2281, 2308, 2427, 2808. J. + { Chare, Cher, } chariot, 4, 735. + R. _cher_. + Charge, load, 693. + Fr. _charge_; see _discharge_ in the line following (694), + meaning to shake off a load. + Chargit, gave attention to, 710, 2454. + Fr. _se charger de_. + Chen, chain, 2375. + Cher, car, chariot, 735. See _Chare_. + Chere, cheer, demeanour, 83, 341, 695; + sad demeanour, outward grief, 2718. + Fr. _chère_; compare Ital. _ciera_, the face, look. + “_Wepinge_ was hyr mosté _chere_.” + (Le Morte Arthur, l. 726.) + Cheß, choose, 1611, 1636, 2368. + A.S. _ceósan_; Ger. _kiesen_; Dutch _kiezen_. + Clariouns, clarions, 771, 789. + Clepe, to call, 90, 99. + A.S. _clepan_. + Clepit, callest, 93; + called, 781. + Clepith, is called, 1919. + Clergy, science, knowledge, 504, 511, 2041. + R. _clergie_. + Closine, closed, concluded, 316. + Closith, enclosed, shut up, 427. + Cold, called, 753, 1579. + Commandit, commended, 2802. + Comprochit, approached, 2472, 2509. + Conpilour, compiler, poet, 319. + Conquest, conquered, 574; + Fyrst-conquest, first conquered, 1545, etc. + Conseruyt, preserved, 332. + Conten (used as a reflective verb), to demean oneself valorously, + to maintain one’s ground, 823, 1107, 1130. + See R. “_contenement_, contenance, conduite, maintien, posture.” + Contenit hyme, behaved himself, 3219; + Contenit them, 2634. + Contenyt, endured, 3190. + Contretioun, contrition, 1415, 1426. + Contynans, demeanour, 1693, 1747. + Counter, encounter, attack, charge, 3239. + Couth, could, 793. + A.S. _cunnan_; past tense, _ic cúðe_. + Cowardy, cowardice, 1023, 3287. + Cownterit, encountered, 2609, 2621. J. + Crownel, coronal, corolla of a flower, 59. J. + { Cummyne, Comyne, } came, 807, 907. + { Cumyne, 650, 1136, Cumyng, 447, Cummyng, 2498, } come (past part.). + Cunyng, knowledge, 1455. + { Cusynace, 1270, Cusynece, 2802, Cusynes, 2287, Cwsynes, 1185, } + kinswoman. + Cwre, care, 98, 266, 643. + Lat. _cura_. (N.B. Though _Cwre_ = _cura_, yet _cura_ should be + distinguished from A.S. _cearu_.) + + Danger, power to punish; “the power of a feudal lord over his + vassals,” (Wright), 444. + Also, power to injure, 3006. + See R. _dangier_. + Dans, (dance), in the phrase “wrechit dans,” evil mode of life, 1321. + See Chaucer’s use of _daunce_; and compare-- + “I sai ȝow lely how thai lye + Dongen doun alle in a _daunce_.” + Lawrence Minot; quoted in Specimens of Early English, by + R. Morris; p. 194. + { Dede, 90, Ded, 3304, } death. + Dan. _död_. A.S. _deáð_. O.N. _dauði_. + Deden, deign, 949. J. + Dedenyt, deigned, 240. + Deid, died, 215. + Deith, dead (past part.), 3160. + Delitable, delightful, 1738. + R. _delitable_. + Deliuer, nimble, clever, 3134. + Deliuerly, (cleverly), nimbly, lightly, 3089, 3131. + R. _delivre_. + Demande, demur, 191, 397, 3052, 3354. + See R. “_demander_, contremander, changer, revoquer l’ordre donné.” + Depart, to part, 3421. + R. _departir_. + Departit, parted, 3403. + Depaynt, painted, 46, 1703. + Fr. _dépeint_. Ch. _depeint_. + Depend me, waste or consume (my powers), 214; + possibly miswritten for _despend_. + Cf. _Dispendit_. + Depend to, to concern, appertain to, 466. + Deren, to speak out, tell, 2376. + R. _derainier_. + Dereyne, a plea, 2313; + “haith o dereyne ydoo,” hath appealed to trial by combat. + R. _derainier_. + Des, daïs, high table, 2762. + R. _deis_; Lat. _discus_. + Deuit, availed, 18. See note. + { Devith, Dewith, } deafen, 92, 94. + “Su.-G. _deofwa_; Icel. _deyfa_,” J. + Compare Dan. _döve_. Burns has _deave_. + Dewod the, devoid thyself, 1022. + Deuoydit was = departed, 1031. + Compare _Awodith_. + Dewyß, to tell, narrate, 373. + Discharg, to put aside one’s liability, 163, 1665. + Diseß, lack of ease, misery, 707. + Disiont (Disioint?), disjointed, out of joint; hence uncertain, + hazardous, 2907. + “Disjoint, A difficult situation.” Halliwell. + Dispendit, spent, 1808. + R. _despendre_. + Dispens, expenditure, 1746. + Fr. _dépense_. + Dispolȝeith, despoileth, 1879. + Dispone, to dispose, provide; or, as a reflective verb, to be + disposed to do, to intend, 54, 446, 980, 1590, 2428, 2462. + Disponit, declines (?); but much more probably, intends; and we + must read “disponit not,” 2984. + Dout, fear, 2599, 3404, 3438; + (as a verb), to fear, 740, 1827. + Ch. _doute_. R. _doubtance_. + Drent, drowned, 1319. + A.S. _drencan_. + Dreß (as a reflective verb), to direct oneself, proceed, go, 1975, + 2288, 2486. + Lat. _dirigere_. + Drywith, drives; “he drywith to the end,” i.e. concludes, 2470. + Duclar, declare, 3022. + Dulay, delay, 681, 788, 2925. + + Effere, shew, pomp, 2360. + Compare _Affere_. + Efter, after, 217. + A.S. _efter_. + Eld, old age, 3225, 3242. + A.S. _yldo_. Gothic _alds_. + Elyk, Eliche, alike, 182, 2452. + Eme, uncle, 2572. + A.S. _eám_. + Empit, emptied, empty, 180. + A.S. _æmtian_. + Empleß, to please, 2455. J. + Empriß, worth, honour, 129, 269, 3458; + _cf._ Romans of Partenay, l. 2013. + Anxiety, oppression, 393. + R. _emprindre_. + Enarmyt, fully armed, 285, 751, 2499. J. + Endit, indited, 138; + indite, 206; + inditing, poem (?), 334. + If the meaning were, “this ends,” the form “endis” would be + required; besides which, the rime shews that the _i_ is long; + cf. ll. 138, 206. + Endlong, along, 2893. + A.S. _andlang_; Ger. _entlang_. + Entent, intention, will, meaning, thoughts, 448, 1451, 1499, 2938. + R. _entente_. Used by Chaucer. + Entermet, to intermeddle with, to have do with, 2914. + R. _entremetre_. + Enweronyt, environed, 53. + Erde, earth, 1072, 1540, 2601. + Compare Ger. _erde_. + Erdly, earthly, 498. + Erith, earth, 128. + A.S. _eorð_. + Eschef (1. eschew), to shun, withdraw himself, 3475. + R. _eschever_; + (2. achieve), to accomplish, 2212, 2513. + R. _eschavir_. + Eschef deith, to die, 2732. + Escheuit, achieved, 258. + Eschevit, is achieved, 2998. + { Eß, 174, Eeß, 706, } ease. + Essenȝeis (ensigns), warcries, 3349, J. + See also R. _enseigne_. + Euerilkon, every one, 1039, etc. + Exasy, extasy, 76. (Possibly miswritten.) + Exortith, beseecheth, 3026. + Extend, attain, 3281. + + Failȝeis, fail, (3 pers. plu. indicative), 1151. + Fairhed (fairhood), beauty, 577. + In A.S. _fægernes_, but in Dan. _förhed_. + Fall, to happen, befall, 493, 2139. + A.S. _feallan_; Dan. _falde_. + Fallyng, fallen, 1217, 1322. + Falowschip, used as we now use company, 1105, 2687, etc. + Falȝeing, failing, 1499. + Falȝet, Falȝheit, failed, 1460, 1469, 1498, 1503. + Farhed, beauty, 2440. + See _Fairhed_. + Fayndit (feigned), dissembled, 2397. + Fays, foes, 3006. + A.S. _fáh_. + Fechtand, fighting, 2691, 3127, 3407. + Ger. _fechten_. + Fechteris, fighters, 686. + Feill, knowledge, skill, 2854. J. + A.S. _félian_. + Fek (effect), sum, amount, result, drift, 2938. + Fr. _effet_. + Fell, to feel, 820, 2131. + Fellith, feeleth, 3368. + Fell, many; als fell, as many, 768. + A.S. _féala_; Gothic _filu_. + Fell, horrible, 260. + A.S. _fell_, cruel, fierce. + Ferde, fourth, 815, 973, 2285. + Compare Dan. _fierde_. + Ferleit, wondered, 3117. + A.S. _fǽr-líc_, sudden, fearful. Burns has _ferlie_. + Fet, fetched, 433, 1154. + A.S. _feccan_, past tense, _ic feahte_. + Fongith, catcheth, seizeth, 1922. + A.S. _fangan_; Goth. _fahan_. + Forfare, to fare amiss, to perish, 1348. + A.S. _for-faran_. + Forlorn, lost, 3305. + A.S. _forloren_; cf. Goth. _fra-liusan_. + For-quhy; see _For-why_. + { For-thi, For-thy, } (there-fore), on that account, 332, 2261, 2731. + A.S. _forthý_; where _thý_ (Gothic _thê_) is the instrumental case + of _se_, that. + For-wrocht (for-wrought), over-worked, wearied out, 888. + A.S. _forwyrcan_. + { For-why, 798, 925, 2209, For-quhy, 2171, 2342, 2290, } for the + reason that, because that. + Found, to advance, go, 2612. J. + A.S. _fundian_, to try to find, go forward. + Franchis, generosity, 230. + R. _franchise_. + Fremmytneß, strangeness, alienation, 1508. + A.S. _fremdnes_. + Froit, enjoyment, 1644; + fruit, 2088, 2109. + R. _fruit_. + Frome, from the time that, 17, 1432. + Goth. _frums_, a beginning. + Fruschit, broken, dashed in pieces, 1201. + R. _frois_, broken; from the verb _froier_. + { Fundyne, 497, Fundyng, 465, } found (past part.). + Fyne, faithful, true, 519. + See R. “_fine_, fidéle;” and “_fine_, foi.” + Fyne, end, 1388, 2081. + Fr. _fin_. + + Ganith, is suitable for, 991. + Icel. _gegna_. J. Compare Dan. _gavne_. + Ganyth, it; it profits; _used impersonally_, 121. + R. _gaagner_. + Gare, to cause, 910, 2416. + Dan. _giöre_; Icel. _göra_. + Gart, caused, 267, 2777. + Gentilleß, 917, 1847. + See _Gentrice_. + { Gentrice, 130, 2757, Gentriß, 2790. } courtesy, nobleness. + R. _gentilesse_. + Gere, gear, equipment, armour, 2777. + A.S. _gearwa_. + Gert, 384. + See _Gart_. + Giffis, give thou, (lit. give _ye_, the plural being used in + addressing the king), 463. + A.S. _gifan_. + Gifyne, given, 1752. + Gilt, offended, done wrong, 699, 3015. + A.S. _gyltan_. + Grewhundis, greyhounds, 533, 537. + “O.N. _grey_, _grey-hundr_, a bitch.” Wedgwood. + Gowerne the, conduct thyself, 1598. + Grawis, groves, 2481. + Ch. _greves_. + Gyrß, grass, 10. + A.S. _gærs_. + Gyß, guise, fashion, custom, 545. + Ch. _gise_. + + Haade, had, 2150. + Habariowne, habergeon, 2889. + From _haubergeon_, the French form of Ger. _halsberge_. + See _Hawbrek_. + Habirioune, habergeon, 3380. + Haill, whole, 3246. + A.S. _hæl_. + Haknay, an ambling horse for a lady, 1730. + R. _hacquenée_. + Half; _in the phrase_ on arthuris _half_, i.e. on Arthur’s _side_, + 883. + Compare use of Germ. _halb_. + Halk, a hawk, 1736, 2482. + A.S. _hafoc_. + { Hall, Hoil, Holl, Hail, } various spellings of Haill, whole. + Hals, neck, 1054. + A.S. _hals_. Goth. _hals_. + Hant, to exercise, practise, 2191. + Fr. _hanter_, lit. to frequent. + { Hardement, 801, 2669, Hardyment, 900, 3362, } hardihood, boldness. + R. _hardement_. + Harrold, herald, 1047. + Hate, hot, 2552. + Havith, hath, 1940; + have, 3404. + { Hawbrek, 1070, 1200, Hawbryk, 3112, } hauberk, neck-defence; + Ger. _hals-berge_, armour for the neck. + Hawnt, to use, 3418. + See _Hant_. + Hawntis, exercise, 2772. + He, high, 1969, 2552. + A.S. _háh_. + Hecht, hight, is called, 2140; + was called, 2290. + Hecht, to promise, 3101; + promised (_past part._), 1142. + A.S. _hátan_. + Hedis, heads, 538, 869. + { Hewy, 442, Heuy, 459, } heavy. + A.S. _hefig_. + { Hie, 550, Hye, 297, } high. + See _He_. + Hienes, highness, 126. + Ho, pause, stop, cessation, 2970. + According to J. radically the same with the verb _Houe_, or + _How_ (see _Houit_). The Dutch, however, use _hou_, hold! from + _houden_, to hold. + Holl, whole, 106, 745. + Hore, hair, 365. + “Holȝe were his yȝen and vnder campe hores.” + (Early English Alliterative Poems; _ed._ Morris. See Poem B. + l. 1695.) The meaning of the line quoted is, “Hollow were his + eyes, and under bent hairs.” + Hot, hight, was called, 754, 806; + is called, 1950. + A.S. _hátan_ (neuter). + Houit, delayed, tarried, halted, 996. + “W. _hofian, hofio_, to fluctuate, hover, suspend,” Morris. + Hovith, stays, halts, 2829. + Howit, halted, 2814, 2842. + Howyns, halts, tarries, 2821. + Probably miswritten for “howyng.” + Hufyng, halting, delaying, 1046. + Hundyre, a hundred, 756, 1554. + + I, in, 332. + Dan. _i_; Icel. _í_. + Iclosit, y-closed; i.e. enclosed, shut in, 53. + If, to give, 554. + In lines 1718-1910 the word occurs repeatedly in several forms; + as _iffis_, _iffith_, giveth; _iffis_, give ye (put for give + thou); _ifyne_, given, etc. + Ifyne, to give, 3454. + Iftis, gifts, 1741. + In the line preceding we have _giftis_. + Ilk; the ilk (= thilk) that, 629, 1601. + Literally, the ilk = the same. + A.S. _ylc_. See 1367. + Ilk, each, 2211, etc. + A.S. _ælc_. + Illumynare, luminary, 3. + { Incontinent, Incontynent, } immediately, 253, 1215, 2647, 2834. + Still used in French. + In-to-contynent (= Incontinent), 3020. + In to, used for “in;” _passim_. + Iornaye, journey, 680. + Irk, to become slothful, grow weary, tire, 2709. + A.S. _eargian_. + Iuperty, combat, 2547. + Fr. _jeu parti_, a thing left undecided; + hence the meanings, 1. strife, conflict; 2. jeopardy, as in Ch. + See J.; and Tyrwhitt’s note to C. T. 16211. + { Iwond, 245, Iwondit, 226, } wounded. + We find in A.S. both _wúnd_ and _wúnded_. + I-wyß, certainly, of a surety, 1709, 1925, 1938. + A.S. _gewís_; Ger. _gewiss_. Often _wrongly_ interpreted to mean, + _I know_. + See _Wit_. + + Kend, known, 548, 906. + + Laif, the remainder (lit. what is _left_), 1802, 3472. + A.S. _láf_. Burns has “the _lave_.” + Lametable, lamentable, 3265. + The omission of the _n_ occurs again in l. 2718, where we have + _lemytable_. + Larges, liberality, 608, 1681, 1750. + Fr. _largesse_. + Larg, prodigal, profuse, 2434. + Lat, impediment, 958. + A.S. _lǽtan_, means (1) to suffer, (2) to hinder. + Lat, to let, permit (used as an auxiliary verb), 803. + Latith, preventeth, 1927. + Lawrare, a laurel, 82. + Ch. _laurer_. + Learis, liars, 493. + Led, put down, beat down, depressed, overpowered, 2663. + It is the past tense of A.S. _lecgan_, to lay, to cause to submit, + to kill. + Lef, to live, 564, 3230. + Leful, lawful, 1427. + Legis, lieges, subjects, 1957. + R. _lige_; Lat. _ligatus_. + Leich, leech, physician, 106. + A.S. _lǽce_; Dan. _læge_. + See 520, 2056. + Leif, to live, 952, 1392. + A.S. _lybban_; Goth. _liban_. + Leir, to learn, 1993. + Comp. D. _leeren_. + Lest, to list, to please, 555, 621. + A.S. _lystan_. + Lest, to last out against, sustain, 811. + A.S. _lǽstan_. + Lest, least, 1628. + Let, hindrance, 2495. + Leuch, laughed, 3240. + A.S. _hlihan_, past tense _ic hloh_. + Lewis, liveth, 1209. + Lewith, left, deserted, 1854. + Liging, 376. + The sense requires _lay_, i.e. the _3rd p. s. pt. t. indic._, + but properly the word is the present participle, _lying_. + Longith, belongeth, 738, 1921, 2429, 2778. + Compare Dan. _lange_, to reach. + Longith, belonged, 3242. + Longyne, belonging, 433. + Lorn, lost, 2092; + destroyed, 2740. + See _For-lorn_. + Loß, praise, 1777. + Lat. _laus_. Ch. has _losed_, praised. + { Low, Lowe, } (1) law, 1602, 1628, 1636, etc. + (2) love, 29, 1620. + It is sometimes hard to say which is meant. + Compare Dan. _lov_, law; A.S. _luf_, love. + Luges, tents, 874, 881, 2500, 2680. + Fr. _loge_, _logis_; Ger. _laube_, a bower, from _laub_, foliage; + Gothic _laúf_, a leaf. + Lugyne, a lodging, tent, 891. + Lyt, a little, 1233. + At lyte, in little, used as an expletive, 143. + + Ma, short form of Make, 953. + Maad, made, 697. + Magre of, in spite of, 500, 960, 2679, 2702, 2711. + Sometimes “magre” is found without “of.” + Fr. _mal gré_. + { Matalent, Matelent, } displeasure, anger, 2169, 2660. + In both cases Mr Stevenson wrongly has _maltalent_. R. _maltalent, + mautalent_. + Mayne, 1026. + See _Men_. + Medyre, mediator (?), 1624. + I am not at all sure of this word, but we find in R. many strange + forms of “mediator,” such as _méener, méeisneres_, etc. In the + Supplement to the “Dictionnaire de l’Academie” we find + _mediaire_, qui occupe le milieu, from Low Lat. _mediarius_. + N.B. In the MS. the “d” is indistinct. + See _mediare_ in Ducange. + Meit, to dream, 363. + A.S. _mætan_. + Mekill, much, 876, 1236. + Mokil, 1265. + Melle, contest, battle, 2619. + Fr. _melée_, J. + Memoratyve, mindful, bearing in remembrance, 1430. + Fr. _mémoratif_. + Men, mean, way; “be ony men” = by any means, 2366; + so, too, “be ony mayne,” 1026. + Fr. _moyen_. + Men, to tell, declare, 510. + A.S. _mænan_. + Menye, a company, multitude (without special reference to number); + whence “a few menye,” a small company, 751. + Apparently from A.S. _menigu_; Ger. _menge_; but it may have + nothing to do with the modern word _many_, and is more probably + from the O.F. _maisnée_, a household. + Met, dreamt, 440. + See _Meit_. + Meyne, 41. + See _Men_. + Misgyit, misguided, 1663. + R. _guier_. + Mo, more, 3187, etc. + A.S. _má_. + Mon, man, 96. + Moneth, month, 569. + A.S. _mónáð_; Goth. _menoth_. + Morow, morning, 1, 30, 64, 341. + Goth. _maúrgins_. + Mot, must, 195. + A.S. _ic mót_. + Mys, a fault, 1888, 1937, 3230. + A.S. _mis_. Do o myß, to commit a fault, 1926. + Mysour, measure, 1830. + Myster, need, 1877, 2322. + Ch. _mistere_; R. _mester_; Lat. _ministerium_. Cf. Ital. + _mestiere_. + + Nat, naught, 703. + Shortened from A.S. _ná wuht_, i.e. _no whit_. + Nece, nephew, 2200, 2245, 2720. + R. _niez_. + Nedlyngis, of necessity, 2337, J. + A.S. _neádinga_. + Nemmyt, considered, estimated, 649, 2852. + A.S. _nemnan_, to name, call. + Ner, near, 441. + Neulyngis, newly, again, 36, J. + A.S. _níwe-líce_ (?). + Newis, for Nevis, nieves, fists, 1222. + Icel. _hnefi_. Dan. _næve_. Burns has _nieve_; Shakspeare _neif_. + Noght, not, 1182. + Noiß, nose, 2714. + R. _néis_. + Nome, name, 226, 320, 1546, 3341. + Fr. _nomme_. + Nome, took, 591, 1048. + A.S. _niman_, past tense, _ic nám_. + Northest, north-east, 677. + Not (shortened from Ne wot), know not, 522, 3144. + A.S. _nát_, from _nitan_ = _ne witan_. + Not, naught, 720. + See _Nat_. + Noyith, annoyeth, 904. + Fr. _nuire_. Lat. _nocere_. + Noyt, annoyed, offended, 471. + { Nys, Nyce, } (nice), foolish, 127, 1946. + Fr. _niais_. + + O, a, an, _passim_; one, a single, 2998, 3003, 3393, etc. + Obeisand, obedient, 641. + Obeß, obey, 2134. + Oblist, obliged, 969. + Occupye, to use, employ, 3457; + to dwell, 75. + Lat. _occupare_. + Of, with, 66. + Oft-syß, oft-times, 2304, 2594, 2789, 2885, 2929. + See _Syß_. + On, and, 519. + Possibly a mistake. + One, on, often used for In; One to = unto. + { Onan, Onone, Onon, } anon, 158, 1466, 2602, etc. + The form “onan,” l. 3086, suggests the derivation of _anon_; viz. + from A.S. _on-án_, in one; hence, forthwith, immediately. + Onys, once, at some time or other, 3013; + at onys, at once, 3187. + { Opin, 1286, Opine, 13, } open. + Or, ere, before, 77, 1887, 2545. + A.S. _ǽr_. + Ordand, to set in array, 784; + to prepare, procure, 1713. + R. _ordener_; Lat. _ordinare_. + Ordan, to provide, 2416, 2777. + Ordynat, ordained, 490. + See l. 507. + Orest (= Arest), to arrest, stop, 3186. + Orient, east, 5. + Oucht, it; it is the duty of (= Lat. _debet_), 2995. + Strictly, we should here have had “it owes” (_debet_), not “it + ought” (_debuit_). + See _Aw_. + Ourfret, over-adorned, decked out, 71, 2480. + A.S. _frætwian_, to trim, adorn. + Out-throng (= Lat. _expressit_), expressed, uttered, 65. + A.S. _út_, out, and _þringan_, to press. + Owtrag, outrage, 3454. + R. _outrage_; Ital. _oltraggio_, from Lat. _ultra_. + The MS. has _outray_, probably owing to confusion with _affray_ + in the same line. + We find “owtrag” in l. 2578. + Oyß, to use, 1701, J. + + Paid, pleased; ill paid, displeased, 908. + Low Lat. _pagare_, to pay, satisfy. + Palȝonis, pavilions, tents, 734; + _plural of_ + Palȝoune, a pavilion, a tent, 1305. + R. gives _pavillon_, a tent; cf. Low Lat. _papilio_, a tent. + Pan, pain, 1273. + Pas hyme, to pace, go, 362. + Paß, to go, 1213. + Pasing, pacing, departing, 371; + surpassing, 303, 346, 689, etc. + Pens, to think of, 1431. + Fr. _penser_. + Planly, at once, 3319. + J. gives “Playn, out of hand, like Fr. _de plain_.” In the same + line “of” = off. + Plant, plaint, complaint, 137. + Fr. _plainte_. + Plesance, Plesans, pleasure, 941, 1939. + Plessith, pleases, 68. + Possede, to possess, 578. + Fr. _posseder_. + Poware, a power, a strong band of men, 2647. We now say _force_. + Powert, poverty, 1330, 1744. + Pref, to prove, 2229, 3476. + Prekand, pricking, spurring, 3089. + See the very first l. of Spenser’s _Faerie Queene_. + Prekyne, 2890, showy(?), gaudy(?). + J. gives “Preek, to be spruce; to crest; as ‘A bit _preekin_ + bodie,’ one attached to dress; _to prick_, to dress oneself.” + Compare D. _prijcken_. + Pretend, to attempt, aspire to, 3282, 3465. + Fr. _prétendre_. So, too, in lines 559, 583. + Pretendit, endeavour, attempt, 3442. + Process, narration, 316. + Wright gives “Proces, a story or relation, a process.” The writer + is referring to his prologue or introduction. + Promyt, to promise, 965. + Proponit, proposed, 361, 445. + Pupil, people, 285. + Puple, people, 1367, 1498, 1520. + { Pur, 1648, Pure, 1697, Pwre, 1655, } poor. + + + Quh-. Words beginning thus begin in modern English with Wh. Thus, + Quhen = when, etc. + Quhilk (whilk), which, 184. + A.S. _hwylc_ = Lat. _qualis_ rather than _qui_. + Quhill, while, _used as a noun_, 1229, 1293. + A.S. _hwíl_, a period of time. + Quhill, until, 24, 198. + See _Whill_. + Quhy; the quhy = the why, the reason, 123, 1497. + Qwhelis, wheels, 736. + A.S. _hweol_. + Qwheyar, whether, 1187. + { Quhois, Qwhois, } whose, 171, 1297. + + Rachis, hounds, 531. + Su-G. _racka_, a bitch, which from the v. _racka_, to race, + course. Perhaps connected with _brach_. + Radur, fear, 1489, J. + From Su-G. _rædd_, fearful; Dan. _ræd_. + { Raddour, 2133, Radour, 1835, 3465, } fear. + Raid, rode, 3070, 3260, etc. + Ralef, relieve, 3364. + Ramed, remedy, 117. + See _Remed_. + Randoune, in, 2542. + The corresponding line (l. 739) suggests that _in Randoune_ = + _al about_, i.e. in a circuit. But if we translate it by “in + haste,” or “in great force,” we keep nearer to the true + etymology. In Ogilvie’s Imperial Dictionary, _s.v._ Random, + we find the Nor. Fr. _randonnée_ explained to mean the “sweeping + circuit made by a wounded and frightened animal;” but the true + meaning of _randonnée_ is certainly _force, impetuosity_; see + R., Cotgrave, etc. In Danish, _rand_ is a surrounding edge or + margin; while in Dutch we find _rondom_ round about. + Raquer, require, 2409. + Raß, race, swift course, 3088. + A.S. _rǽs_. Compare Eng. _mill-race_, and D. _ras_. + Recidens, delay, 2359. + R. _residier_, to defer. + Recist, resist, 566, 660, 2578. + Recounterit, met (in a hostile manner), encountered, 2958. + Fr. _rencontrer_. + Record, witness, testimony; hence value, 388. + R. _record_. + Recorde, to speak of, mention; + hard recorde, heard say, 121, 595. + Recorde, speak out, 454, 481. + See R. _recorder_. + Recordith, is suitable, belongs, 606. + Recourse, to return, 1798. + Lat. _recurrere_. + Red, to advise, 1027, 1198. + A.S. _rǽdan_; Goth. _rêdan_. + Relewit (relieved), lifted up again, rescued, 2617. + Fr. _relever_. J. + { Remede, 89, Remed, 718, } remedy. + Remuf, remove, 655. + Report, to narrate, 266; + to explain, 294; + to state, 320. + Reprefe, reproof, defeat, 764. + Reput, he reputed, i.e. thought, considered, 743. + Resauit, received, 2796. + Resawit, received, kept, 2106. + We should have expected to find “reseruit.” + Resonite, resounded, 66. + Resydens, delay, 670. + See _Recidens_. + { Revare, 275, Rewar, 2893, Rewere, 2812, } river. + Reweyll, proud, haughty, 2853. + R. _revelé_, fier, hautain, orgueilleux. Compare Lat. _rebellare_. + Richwysneß, righteousness, 1406. + A.S. _rihtwísnes_. + { Rigne, 94, 1527, Ring, 1468, Ringe, 1325, } a kingdom. + Fr. _régne_. Ch. _regne_. + Rignis, kingdoms, 1858. + Rignis, Rignith, reigneth, 1825, 782. + Ringne, a kingdom, 1952. + Rout, a company, a band, 812, 2956, 3403. + Rowt, 2600. + Rowmyth, roometh, i.e. makes void, empties, 3390. + A.S. _rúmian_. + Rown, run; _past part._ 2488, 2820. + Rwn, run, 2545. + Rygnis, kingdoms, 1904. + Ryne, to run, 113. See 2952. + Ryng, to reign, 1409, 2130. + + Sa, so, 3322, 3406. + Dan. _saa_. + Saade, said, 698. + Salust, saluted, 546, 919, 1553, 2749. + Ch. _salewe_. + Salosing, salutation, 1309. + Sar, sorely, 1660. + Sauch, saw, 817, 1219, 1225. + A.S. _ic seáh_, from _seón_. + Schawin, shewn, 2387. + Schent, disgraced, ruined, 1880. + A.S. _scendan_; Dan. _skiænde_. + Schrewit, accursed, 1945. + Scilla, the name of a bird, also called Ciris, 2483. + ----“plumis in avem mutata vocatur + Ciris, et a tonso est hoc nomen adepta capillo.” + --(Ovid, Met. viii. 150.) + Screwis, shrews, ill-natured persons, 1053. + More often used of males than females in old authors. + Sedulis, letters, 142. + R. _cedule_. + Sege, a seat, 2258. + Fr. _siége_. + Semble, a warlike assembly, hostile gathering, 988, 2206. + Semblit, assembled, 845. + G. _sammeln_; from Goth. _sama_, _samana_. + Semblyng, encountering, 2951. + See _Assemble_. + Sen, since, 709, 800, etc. + Sen at, since that. In Piers Plowman we find _syn_. + Septure, sceptre, 666. + Sere, several, various, 594, 731, 746. + “Su-G. _sær_, adv. denoting separation.” J. Cf. Lat. _se-_. + Sess, to cease, 14, etc. + Fr. _cesser_. + Set, although. + Sew, to follow up, seek, 2326. + R. _suir_; Fr. _suivre_. + Sew, to follow up, go, proceed, 3145. + Sewyt, 2614. + Shauyth, shewith, 412. + Sice, such, 2115. + Scotch, _sic_. + Snybbyth, snubs, checks, 3387. + Comp. D. _sneb_, a beak; _snebbig_, snappish. + Sobing, sobbing, moaning, 2658. + { Socht, Soght, } sought to go; and hence, made his (or their) way, + proceeded, went, 2619, 3179, 3357, 3428. + Sought one, advanced upon, attacked, 3149, 3311. + Sought to, made his way to, 3130. + A.S. _sécan_, past tense _ic sóhte_, to seek, approach, go towards. + Sor, sorrow, anxiety, 74. + A.S. _sorh_; Goth. _saúrga_. + Sort, lot, fate, 26. + Fr. _sort_. + Sound, to be consonant with, 149. + See Gloss. to Tyrwhitt’s Chaucer. + Lat. _sonare_. + Soundith, 1811. “So the puple soundith,” so the opinion of the + people tends. + “As fer as _souneth_ into honestee.” + (Chaucer: _Monkes Prologue_.) + Soundith, tend, 1943; + tends, 149. + Sown, sound, 1035. + Fr. _son_. + Sownis, sounds, 772, 3436. + Spent, fastened, clasped, 2809. + A.S. _spannan_, to clasp, join. Comp. Dan. _spænde_, to stretch, + span, buckle together. + { Spere, Spir, } sphere, 6, 170; + speris, spheres, circuits, 24. + Spere, to inquire, 1170. + A.S. _spirian_, to track. Cf. G. _spur_. + Sperithis, spear’s, 810. + Spill, to destroy, ruin, 1990. + A.S. _spillan_. + Spreit, spirit, 81, 364. + Stak, 226. J. gives “to the steeks, _completely_;” and this is the + sense here. + See Jamieson: s.v. “Steik.” Halliwell gives _stake_, to block up; + also _steck_, a stopping place (cf. Shakespeare’s + _sticking-place_, Macb. i. vii. l. 60). In the N. of France it + is said of one killed or severely wounded, _il a eu son + estoque_, he has had his belly-ful; from _estoquer_, to cram, + satiate, “stodge.” + Compare Ital. _stucco_, cloyed. It has also been suggested that + _to the stak_ may mean to the _stock_, i.e. up to the hilt, + very deeply. + Start, started up, leapt, 994, 1094. + Stede, stead, place, 218, 1124. + A.S. _stede_. + Steir, to stir, 817. + A.S. _stirian_. + Stekith, shuts, 1651. + Ger. _stecken_. Burns has _steek_. + Stek, shut, concluded, 316. + Stell, steel, 809. + Stell commonly means a stall, or fixed place; but the form + _stell_ for _steel_ occurs; e.g. “Brounstelle was heuy and + also kene.” _Arthur_, l. 97. + { Sterapis, 3056, Steropis, 3132, } stirrups. + A.S. _stí-rap_ or _stíge-ráp_, from _stígan_, to mount, and + _ráp_, rope. + Stere, ruler, arbiter, 1020; + control, guidance, 1974. + Stere, to rule, control, 1344, 2884, + A.S. _stýran_. + Stere, to stir, move, go, 3430. + See _Steir_. + Sterith, stirreth, 2829. + Sterf, to die, 1028. + A.S. _steorfan_. + Sterit, governed, 612. + A.S. _stýran_. + Stert, started, 377. + Stok, the stake to which a baited bear is chained, 3386. + Stour, conflict, 1108, 2607, 3124. + R. _estour_. + Straucht, stretched out, 3090. + A.S. _streccan_, past part. _gestreht_. + Strekith, stretcheth, i.e. exciteth to his full stride, 3082. + { Subiet, 1799, Subeitis, 1828, Subiettis, 1878, } subject; + subjects. + Sudandly, Sodandly, suddenly, 1009, 1876. + Suet, sweet, 331. + Suppris, (surprise), overwhelming power, 691, 860, 2651; + oppression, 1352. + Fr. _surprendre_, to catch unawares. + Supprisit, overwhelmed, 1237, 1282; + overpowered, 2705, 3208. + Supprisit ded, suddenly killed, 3125. + Surryȝenis, surgeons, 2726. + Suth, sooth, true, 110. + A.S. _sóð_. + Suthfastnes, truth, 1183. + A.S. _sóðfæstnes_. + Sutly, soothly, truly, 963. + Swelf, a gulf such as is in the centre of a whirlpool, a vortex, + 1318, J. + A.S. _swelgan_, to swallow up. + Sweuen, a dream, 440. + A.S. _swefn_. + Swth, sooth, true, 2753. + See _Suth_. + { Syne, 2026, Synne, 2029, } sin. + Syne, afterwards, next. J. 45, 794, etc. + Syß, times, 3054. + A.S. _sið_. + + { Tais, 1095, 3005, Taiis, 1141. } takes. Abbreviated, as “ma” is + from “make.” + See _Ma_. + Tane, taken, 264. + Ten, grief, vexation, 2646, 3237. + A.S. _teonan_, to vex. + Tennandis, tennants, vassals holding fiefs, 1729. + R. _tenancier_. + Than, then, 3111. + The, (1) they, (2) thee, (3) thy. + Thelke, that, 709. + See l. 629, where _the ilk_ occurs; and see _Ilk_. + Thir, these, those, 2734, 2745, 2911, 3110, etc. + Thithingis, tidings, 2279. + A.S. _tidan_, to happen. + Tho, then, 545, 2221; + them, 2368. + Thoore, there, 628. Thore, 1102. + Thrid, third, 370, 2347, 2401. + A.S. _þridda_. + Throng, closely pressed, crowded, 3366. + A.S. _þringan_. + Til, to; til have, to have, 706. + Tint, lost, 1384. + See _Tyne_. + Tithandis, tidings, 2310. + Tithingis, tidings, 902, 2336. + To, too, besides, 3045. + Togidder, together, 254. + To-kerwith, carves or cuts to pieces; al to-kerwith, cuts all to + pieces, 868. + A.S. _to-ceorfian_. The prefix _to-_ is intensive, and forms a + part of the verb. See Judges ix. 53: “All to-brake his skull;” + i.e. utterly brake; sometimes misprinted “all to break” (!). + Ton, taken, 1054, 1071. + Ton, one; the ton, the one, 1822. + The tone = A.S. _þæt áne_. + To-schent, disfigured, 1221. + The intensive form of the A.S. verb _scendan_, to shame, destroy. + In the same line we have _to-hurt_, and in the next line + _to-rent_, words modelled on the same form. We find, e.g., + in Spenser, the forms _all to-rent_, _all to-brus’d_. (See the + note on the prefix _To-_ in the Glossary to William of Palerne.) + Tothir, the other, 2536. + The tothir = A.S. _þæt oþere_, where _þæt_ is the neuter gender + of the definite article. Burns has _the tither_. + Toyer (= tother), the other; + _y_ being written for the A.S. _þ_ (_th_), 2571, 2584. + Traist, to trust, to be confident, 390, 1129, 1149, J. + Trast, 1659. + Traisting of (trusting), reliance upon, or expectation of, 25, J. + { Translat, 508, Transulat, 2204, } to transfer, remove. + Tratory, treachery, 3224. + See R. _traïtor_. + Trety, treatise, 145. + Fr. _traité_. + Trewis, truce, 1568, 2488, 2545. + { Tronsione, 239, Trunscyoune, 2962, Trownsciown, 2890, } + a truncheon, a stump of a spear. + Fr. _tronçon_; from Lat. _truncus_. + In the last passage it means a sceptre, _bâton_. + “One hytte hym vpon the oldé wounde + Wyth A tronchon of an ore;” (oar.) + (Le Morte Arthur, l. 3071.) + Troucht, truth, 161. + { Tueching, 403, Tweching, 386, } touching. + Tyne, to lose, 1258, 1387. + Icel. _týna_. + Tynith, loseth, 1761. + Tynt, lost, 175, 1384, 1521. + + Unwist, unknown, 1140. + + Valis, falls; we should read “falis,” 2475. + Valkyne, to waken, 8. + See _Awalk_. + Vall, billow, wave, 1317. + Ger. _welle_, a wave; _quelle_, a spring; Icel. _vella_, to _well_ + up, boil. Cf. also A.S. _wæl_; Du. _wiel_; Lancashire _weele_, + an eddy, whirlpool. So, too, in Burns:-- + “Whyles owre a linn the burnie plays, + As thro’ the glen it wimpl’t; + Whyles round a rocky scaur it stays, + Whyles in a _wiel_ it dimpl’t.” + Varand, to warrant, protect, 3411. + R. _warandir_. + Varnit, warned, 622. + Vassolag, a deed of prowess. + Pasing vassolag, surpassing valour, 257. + R. has _vasselage_, courage, valour, valourous deeds, as + indicative of the fulfilment of the duties of a _vassal_. + We now speak of rendering _good service_. + Vassolage, valour, 2724. + Veir, were, 818. + Veris, wars, 305. + See _Were_. + Veryng, were, 2971. + A.S. _wǽron_. + Vicht, a wight, a person, 10, 55, 67. + A.S. _wiht_. + Virslyng, wrestling, struggling, 3384. + J. gives the forms _warsell, wersill_. + Visare, wiser, 607. + Viting, to know, 410. + A.S. _witan_. + Vncouth, lit. _unknown_; hence little known, rare, valuable, 1734. + A.S. _uncúð_. + Vodis, woods, 1000. + Vombe, womb, bowels, 375. + Goth. _wamba_. + Vondit, wounded, 700. + Vpwarpith, warped up, i.e. drawn up, 63. + See Note to this line. It occurs in Gawain Douglas’s prologue to + his translation of the 12th Book of the Æneid. + Du. _opwerpen_, from Goth. _waírpan_, to cast. + Vsyt, used, 1197, 1208. + Vyre, a cross-bow bolt, 1092. + R. _vire_; cf. Lat. _vertere_. + + Wald, would, 419, 470, etc. + Walkin, to waken, wake, 1239. + See _Awalk_. + Wapnis, weapons, 241. + A.S. _wǽpen_, or _wǽpn_. + Ward, world, 3184. + Grose’s Provincial Dictionary gives _Ward_ = world; and the + omission of the _l_ is not uncommon; see _Genesis and Exodus_ + (E.E.T.S.), ll. 32, 1315. + Wassolage, valour, 2708. + See _Vassolag_. + Wat, know, 512. + Wawasouris, vavasours, 1729. + A _Vavasour_ was a sub-vassal, holding a small fief dependent on + a larger fief; a sort of esquire. + R. _vavaseur_. + Weil, very. Weil long, a very long time, 79. + Comp. Ger. _viel_, J. + Wencussith, vanquisheth, 3331; + vanquished, 3337. + Wencust, vanquished, 2841. + Wend, (1) to go, 2191; + (2) weened, thought, 3481. + Wentail, ventaile, a part of the helmet which opened to admit air, + 1056. + R. _ventaile_; from Lat. _ventus_. + Were, (1) war. Fr. _guerre_. R. _werre_, 308, etc. + (2) doubt, 84, etc. “But were,” without doubt. A.S. _wǽr_, + cautious, _wary_. + (3) worse, 1930. Burns has _waur_. + Wering, weary, 58. + A.S. _wérig_. + Werray, very, true, 1262, 2017. + Werroure, warrior, 248. + Weriour, warrior, 663. + Wers, worse, 515. + Weryng, were, 2493. + Wex, to be grieved, be vexed, 156. + Weyn, vain, 382, 524. + Weyne, _in phr._ but weyne, without doubt, 2880. + A.S. _wénan_, to ween, to suppose. + Whill, until, 1136, J. Formed from A.S. _hwíl_, a period of time. + Wice, advice, counsel, 1909. + Shortened from Awys. + Wichsaif, vouchsafe, 355, 1391. + Wichsauf, _id._ 2364. + Wicht, wight, person, 131. + Wicht, strong, nimble, 248. + “Su-G. _wig_” J. Sw. _vig_. + Wight, with, 918. Possibly miswritten. + Wist, knew, 225, 1047. + See _Wit_. + Wit, to know, 268. + A.S. _witan_; pres. _ic wát_, past tense, _ic wiste_. + Wit, knowledge, 2504. + With, by, 723. + Withschaif, vouchsafe, 1458. + With-thy, on this condition, 961. + See _For-thy_. + Wnkouth, little known, 146. + See _Vncouth_. + Wnwemmyt, undefiled, 2097. + A.S. _wam, wem_, a spot. + Wnwyst, unknown, secretly, 219, 269. + Wod (wood), mad, 3334, 3440. + A.S. _wód_. Goth. _wôds_. + Woid, mad, 2695. Perhaps we should read _woud_. + Wonde, wand, rod, or sceptre of justice, 1601, 1891. J. + Wonk, winked, 1058. + Wonne, to dwell, 2046. + A.S. _wunian_. + Worschip, honour, 1158, 1164. + A.S. _weorð-scipe_. + Wot, know, 192, etc. + See _Wit_. + Wox, voice, 13. + Lat. _vox_. + Woyß, voice, 3473. + Wrechitnes, misery, 2102; + miserliness, niggardliness, 1795, 1859. + Wy, reason; “to euery wy,” for every reason, on all accounts, 2356. + Compare _Quhy_. + Wycht, strong, nimble, 2592. + See _Wicht_. + Wynyth, getteth, acquireth, 1832. + Wyre, a cross-bow bolt, 3290. + See _Vyre_. + Wys, vice, 1795. + Wysis, 1540. + + Y, written for “th.” Thus we find “oyer” for “other,” etc. The + error arose with scribes who did not understand either the + true form or force of the old symbol þ. + Yaf, gave, 387. + Yald, yield, 553; + yielded, 558. + A.S. _gildan_. + Yclepit, called, 414. + Yef, give, 563. + Yeif, give, 923. + Yer, year, 610. + Used instead of the plural “yeris,” as in l. 3243. + Yewyne, given, 1500. + Ygrave, buried, 1800. + Comp. Ger. _begraben_. + Yhere, ear, 1576. + Yher, year, 2064. + Used instead of “yheris,” 3243. + Yhis, yes, 1397. + Yis, yes, 514; + this, 160. + Ylys, isles, 2858, 2882. + Ymong, among, 821. + Yneuch, enough, 2135. + A.S. _genog_. + Yolde, yielded (to be), 951, 1088. + Ystatut, appointed, 2529. + Fr. _statuer_. + Ywyß, certainly, 1798, 1942. + See _Iwyß_. + + Ȝeme, to take of, regard, have respect to, 665. + A.S. _géman_. + Ȝere, year, 342. + Ȝerys, years, 23, 1432. + Ȝewith, giveth, 1772. + Ȝha, yes, 2843. + Ger. _ja_. + Ȝhe, ye, 921. + Observe that, as in this line, _ye_ (A.S. _ge_) is the _nominative_, + and _you_ (A.S. _eów_) the _objective_ case. + Ȝhed, went, 1486. + Ch. has _yede_. + A.S. _ic eóde_, past tense of _gán_, to go. + Goth. _ik ïddja_, past tense of _gaggan_, to go. + Ȝher, year, 2064, 2274. + Ȝhing, young, 2868. + Ȝhis, yes, 1397. + Ȝhouth-hed, youth-hood, youth, 2772. + Ȝhud, went, 2696. + See _Ȝhed_. + Ȝis, yes, 3406. + Ȝolde, yielded, 291, 380, 951. + A.S. _ic geald_, past tense of _gyldan_, to pay, to yield. + Ȝude, went, 2944. + See _Ȝhed_. + + + + +INDEX OF NAMES, ETC. + + + Albanak, 202, 1447. + Alexander, 1837. + Alphest, 57. + Amytans, 1304, 2446. + Angus, 2858. + April, 1. + Arachell, 434. + Aries, 336. + Arthur (_passim_). + + Ban, 202, 1447. + Bible, the, 1483. + Brandellis, 3086. + Brandymagus, 2884, 3430. + + Camelot, 275, 280, 357, 407. + Cardole, 2153. + Carlisle, 347. + Christ, 2046. + Clamedeus, 2881, 3259. + + Dagenet, 278. + Daniel, 1365. + Danȝelome, 435. + + Esquyris, 2591, 2609, etc. + + First-conquest king, 1064, etc.; 2568, etc. + + Gahers, 3087. + Galiot (_passim_). + Galys Gwyans, 2605, 2613, etc. + Galygantynis, 599. + Galloway, 2690. + Gawane (_passim_). + Gwynans or Gwyans. See _Galys_. + Gyonde or Gyande, 302, 551, 637. + + Harwy, 2853, 3206, etc. + Herynes (_i.e._ Hermes), 436. + Hundred knights, king of, 1545, 1554. + + Jhesu, 2046, 2096. + + Kay, 254, 355, 3081, etc. + + Lady of the Lake, 220, 223. + Lancelot (_passim_); + appears as the _red_ knight, 991, etc.; + as the _black_ knight, 2430, etc. + Logris, 2301. + + Maleginis, 806. + See _Malenginys_. + Malenginys, 2873, 3151, 3155. + See also _Hundred knights, king of_. + May, 12. + Melyhalt, 283, 895. + Melyhalt, lady of (_passim_). + Moses, 436. + + Nembrot (_i.e._ Nimrod), 435. + Nohalt, 255. + + Phœbus, 24, 2472, 2486. + Priapus, 51. + + Round Table, 795, 3213. + + Saturn, 2474. + Scilla, 2483. + Solomon, 1378. + Sygramors, 3083. + + Titan, 335. + + Valydone, 3249. + See _Walydeyne_. + Vanore, 575. + See _Wanore_. + Virgin (Mary), 2049, 2087, etc. + Venus, 309. + + Wales, 599, 2153. + Walydeyne, 2879. + Wanore, 230. + Wryne, 2867. + + Ydrus, 2851, 3152. + Ywan, 2606, 2618, etc. + Ywons, 2861. + + +JOHN CHILDS AND SON, PRINTERS. + + * * * * * + * * * * + * * * * * + +Errors and Inconsistencies (noted by transcriber): + +_The word “invisible” means that there is an appropriately sized blank +space, but the character itself is missing. In the two primary texts +(French and Scottish), errors in editorial punctuation have been +corrected, while other apparent errors are noted but not changed. For +the French text, it was assumed that Skeat’s word “commas” includes +“inverted commas” or quotation marks._ + +_The form “reflective” (for “reflexive”) is used consistently._ + +_In the primary text, the following unexpected forms are not +individually noted:_ + + capital I at mid-sentence or mid-word + non-final round s; final long s + non-initial v; initial u + word-final ſß (apparent “sss”) + + +_Preface_ + + fancy a Southern copyist making the blunder.” [blunder.’] + between _thou_ and _ye_ (_William of Palerne_, Pref. p. xli) + [_printed “William of Palerne” in roman (plain) type_] + + +_“Appendix”_ (French romance) + + [Footnote A16: Lines 281-292.] [_missing ._] + “Sire nous ne vous en scairions que dire.” [_final . invisible_] + “Certes,” fait le maistre, “nous auons veu une chose + [_missing open quote before “nous”_] + | ne fleur qui parlast |” + [_printed as shown, with close quote after pipe_] + “quelle royne” fait il “Le fe{m}me au roy artus,” fait lescuyer. + [_missing . after “fait il”_] + “scauez vous bien qui la dame est que vous regardez?” + [_missing open quote_] + que nul dentreulz ne demeure a cheual [_final . missing_] + “ne de la myenne non est il mye.” [_final . invisible_] + “Non,” | fait gallehault. [_comma after “Non” invisible_] + “Dame, ouy | ie vo{us} enuoyay peux pucelles.” + [_printed as shown: error for “deux”_] + fustes vous ce qui iettastes messire Gauain de prison?” + [_text unchanged: elsewhere “Gauuain”_] + [Sidenote: ... two rascals killed his horse, and Ywain gave him + another.] + [_text unchanged: elsewhere “Yvain”_] + “Et vous combatistes vous a luy” [_no question mark_] + Dame, vous scauez que ie vous ayme sur toutes + [_printed as shown: error for “il vous ayme”?_] + Et ie dys, “a dieu! dame.” Et vous distes “a dieu! mon beau + doulx amy!” + [_printed as shown: inner and outer quotes both use double + quotation marks_] + + +_Notes to “Appendix”_ + + P. xxiv. ... _brouyr_ (_brûler_), being burnt. + [_printed “brûler” in roman (plain) type_] + + +_Lancelot_ + + 197 Quhare that I my{hc}t ſu{m} wnkouth mat{er} fynde, + [_text unchanged: error for “my{ch}t”?_] + 297 Nor thing I not of his hye renōwn + [_text unchanged: error for “think”?_] + 648 The neid is myne, I fall It not delay; + [_text unchanged: error for “sall” (i.e. shall)?_] + 1360 Thar ned, and kep them to ry{ch}twyneß; + [_text unchanged: error for “ry{ch}twyſneß”?_] + 1433 And as his maiſter hyme commandit hade, + [_final “e” conjectural_] + 1641 And punyß for, for o thing ſhal yow know + [_text unchanged: error for “ſor, for”?_] + 2016 [Fol. 25b.] [_final . invisible_] + 2146-47 His leve, one to to his cuntre for to goñe; + And al the oſt makith none abyde, + [_text unchanged: error for “one to his”? (As printed, does not + fit metre; another edition has “one to his”.) + Missing syllable in second line?_] + 2308 Eft fupir one to o chalm{er} ar thei went, + [_text unchanged: error for “ſupir”?_] + [Footnote T60: ... “lorne,” as in line 2092.] [_final . missing_] + [Sidenote: Then Galys Gwynans, brother of Ywan,] + 2605 Than galys gwynans, w{i}t{h} o manly hart, + [_sidenote text has “Than” as in body text; both have “Gwynans” + instead of the usual “Gwyans”_] + 3104 Bot deth or vthir adwentur me fall.” + [_close quote missing_] + [3380] [Sidenote: ... resist his sword.] [_final . missing_] + +_Notes_ + + [Introductory paragraph] + _vthir_ means _uthir_, i.e., _other_ [i.e,] + P. 25, l. 820. ... “His enemies began his mortall strokes to feel.” + [_spelling unchanged_] + P. 33, l. 1109. _Galyot_ put for _Galiotes_ + [_illegible “t” in “Galyot” restored from body text_] + P. 71 ... 2436. _ellis-quhat_ + [_text unchanged; body text has two words “ellis quhat”_]; + P. 84 ... 2884. _to led and stere_, to lead and direct. + [_comma missing or invisible_] + P. 90, l. 3065. ... “encresing in[N2] his hart”; + [_original footnote tag has 1 for 2_] + +_Glossary_ + + Borde ... See _horde_ in Burguy. + Bretis ... Gallis _Bretesque_. Du Cange + [_printed as shown, but cited text has “Bretesques”_] + Dispolȝeith, despoileth, 1879. [_final . missing_] + Haill, whole, 3246. + [_text reads “Heill”, but correctly alphabetized as “Haill”_] + Ma, short form of Make, 953. [Ma;] + Resydens, delay, 670. [delay 670.] + { Subiet, 1799, Subeitis, 1828, Subiettis, 1878, } subject; + subjects. + [_printed as shown, but l. 1828 has “subectis” or (footnote) + “subett{is}”_] + Valkyne, to waken, 8. / See _Awalk_. [_final . missing_] + Ȝhed, went, 1486. ... Goth. _ik ïddja_ [_text unchanged_] + + +_Index of Names_ + + Aries, 336. 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